Things To Know About Browser Security Headers

Browser security headers are HTTP response headers that define whether a set of security measures should be activated or deactivated on the web browser. They govern the way the browser behaves when communicating with the site. So, these security headers can be used to outline communication and improve web security.

Here are five security headers that need to be understood for securing a website:

  • HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS): A common practice of securing a website is to use a SSL/TLS certificate and migrate the website from HTTP to HTTPS. However, most website administrators forget that their website may still be available over HTTP connection. This issue can be overcome by employing HSTS. If HSTS is used for a website equipped with HTTPS, the server forces the browser to communicate over secure HTTPS only; thus, eliminating the possibility of the HTTP connection.
  • Content Security Policy (CSP): CSP can be used to protect the website against Cross Site Scripting and other code injection attacks. It does not rule out the chances of these attacks entirely but helps in minimizing the damage. It equips the website admin with the authority to restrict the resources that a user is allowed to load when using the site. Thus, the admin can white list the website’s content resources as per the security requirements.
  • Cross Site Scripting Protection (X-XSS): This header can be used to protect against Cross Site Scripting attacks. It prevents the page from loading if any cross site scripting is detected. XSS filter is enabled in browsers such as Chrome, IE, and Safari by default.
  • X-Frame-Options: This type of browser security header can be used for protection against ‘Clickjacking’ attacks. In case of such attacks, the user is made to click on a page under the pretension that he is on an official site. However, a hidden code is being run in the background. This may lead to loss of confidential user information. X-Frame-Options disable the iFrames present on the site preventing others from embedding any code in your content.
  • X-Content-Type-Options: MIME Sniffing is a common feature that is used to discover an asset’s file format. However, it can also be used to execute cross site scripting attacks. X-Content-Type-Options acts as a precaution against MIME Sniffing as it instructs the browser to follow the MIME type instructed in the header.

For more information on browser security headers and how to secure your portal, contact Centex Technologies at (254) 213 – 4740.

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Why Organizations Need Intent-Based Networking?

Intent-based networking or IBN applies deep intelligence and intended state insights to networking. These insights replace the need to manually configure the network. In general terms, the administrators can send a request with desired outcomes or intent to the network instead of coding individual tasks manually. The network’s software understands the intent and decides on the steps that need to be taken based on AI and Machine Learning.

IBN has some advantages over traditional and software-based networking which makes it an ideal choice for organizations. Following are some reasons why organizations need IBN:

Reduction In Manual Tasks: In the case of traditional networking, the administrator has to manually reconfigure every task with changing business needs. However, in the case of IBN, the administrator feeds the business needs to the network and the network analyzes these needs, verifies if a change in configuration will solve the need, suggests configuration options, and makes the required changes.

Faster Troubleshooting And Resolution: An intent-based networking system keeps on monitoring itself regularly. This helps in identifying any issues as soon as they arise. Also, IBN has the capability to repair itself without any human intervention using Machine Learning to find suitable solutions.

Reduced Risk Of Non-Compliance: Since the intent-based network is constantly monitoring and repairing itself, it ensures that the system is always in compliance with any policies set by the administrator.

Better Security: Looking for security threats is a part of regular monitoring conducted by an intent-based network. It monitors encrypted traffic as well to be aware of any possible threat. This results in immediate identification and containment of any security breaches to ensure data and network security of the organization.

Optimized Analytics: Understanding network performance is essential for making efficient decisions and predicting network outcomes for minimal risk. IBN regularly collects data about itself which can be used to deduce important information about network performance.

Rapid Implementation Of Business Goals Into Network Configurations: The main advantage of using intent-based networking is that it readily modifies the network configuration as per high-level business goals. The administrator can easily choose from vetted configuration options suggested by IBN saving the time needed for manual planning, testing, and configuration. Faster implementation of business goals into network configuration results in higher ROI.

For more information on Intent-Based Networking and why organizations need IBN, contact Centex Technologies at (254) 213 – 4740.

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Ways In Which Data Is Keeping Us Safer Amid The Coronavirus Crisis

PDF Version: Ways-In-Which-Data-Is-Keeping-Us-Safer-Amid-The-Coronavirus-Crisis

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Ways To Verify Data Breaches

A data breach is an incident where a hacker gains access to a database that contains the user’s personal details such as login information, financial details, Social Security Number, address, PHI, etc. In the case of an organization, a data breach can result in revealing of trade secrets and other critical business information. Once stolen, this information is then sold on the dark web to cyber criminals who use it for their profit.

The damage caused by a data breach can be minimized if it is detected in time. Here are some ways to verify a data breach:

  • Online Tools: A number of online tools are available to help users in verifying if their email account has been breached. Another way of verifying a data breach is via a data breach database. A data breach database such as HIBP (created by Troy Hunt, a Microsoft regional director, and MVP) contains a list of compromised email accounts and passwords. Users can search these databases for their email to see if their email and password are among the compromised lists.
  • Updated Browsers: Using an updated browser that has special features can help users in knowing if their password has been compromised. Browsers such as Chrome 79 include ‘Password Checkup Feature’. When a user enters a password, the feature warns the user if the password has been compromised without the need of saving the password.
  • Unauthorized Activity: Regularly check your accounts for any unauthorized activity in your account. Keep an eye on your sent emails. If you notice any emails sent to anonymous accounts, this indicates that your email account has been hacked. In case of any social media account, make a note of any unusual posts, messages, etc. Any unauthorized activity indicates a data breach including username and password.

Whilst these methods may be helpful, there is no bulletproof method of verifying a data breach. An ideal way of approach is to employ stringent data protection strategies. Some of the most efficient personal data protection strategies include access controls on the network, use of automated backup system, equip the data storage center with a protective suit, robust monitoring & reporting, and use of a secure password.

For more information on ways to verify data breaches, contact Centex Technologies at (254) 213 – 4740.

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Role Of AI To Improve IT Service Management

COVID-19 has increased the workload for IT Service Management (ITSM) teams. The sudden increase in incident queues is partly because of first-time work-from-home employees trying to securely log in and partly contributed by the overcrowding of IT systems as they were not designed to handle high volumes. Organizations are in dire need to improve ITSM in order to resolve the incidents timely and ensure uninterrupted operations.

AI can help businesses in effectively improving ITSM by streamlining the incident resolution process.

Incident Deflection: A major part of incident queues is occupied by connectivity and security login issues. AI can be used to analyze an incoming issue and offer related help files and step-by-step videos. The users can get assistance from these resources to handle common issues themselves, thus reducing the number of tickets. It will also improve customer satisfaction by equipping users with relevant knowledge to tackle such issues in the future.

Efficient Allotment: If an issue cannot be handled by incident deflection, AI can help in efficient allotment of the incident ticket. AI algorithms can be trained to interpret the nature of an IT request and an accurate category of data included in the ticket. Further, it can match the information with the strengths and capabilities of available agents. This will facilitate in reducing the resolution time of incoming requests. This approach will also help in reducing errors in resolving tickets as the requests are handled by agents equipped with the relevant skill set.

Accuracy: In order to ensure efficient resolution of an IT ticket, it is imperative to acquire complete and accurate data. The users are required to provide thorough information. However, many users may not be aware of the information they need to provide, where they can find it or what is the meaning of a technical term referred by an agent. AI can be used to point the users in the right direction by suggesting a service catalog form that collects all the necessary information for submitting a complete ticket. This will help in avoiding the back and forth juggling of the ticket between the agent and the user, leading to the early resolution of the issue.

Being Proactive: AI can recognize any patterns within incidents. It can identify/prevent SLA breaches and equip decision-makers with the information required for making necessary changes to ITSM strategies. This will allow the ITSM teams to be proactive and handle incident queues aptly.

For more information on role of AI in improving IT service management, contact Centex Technologies at (254) 213 – 4740.

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