Risks Associated With Cryptocurrencies

PDF Version: Risks-Associated-With-Cryptocurrencies

, , , , ,

The Risks Of Cloud-Hosted Data

With the increasing need of improving efficiency and reducing latency, most organizations are opting for cloud-based services. However, there are some risks associated with using third party cloud hosting services. These risks may have an impact on various aspects of business which could have financial, legal and technical implications.

Some of the common risks associated with cloud-hosted data are:

  • Consumer Visibility & Control: As the operations of an organization are transitioned to the cloud, it results in shifting of some responsibilities to CSP (Content Security Policy), which may lead to organization losing visibility or control over certain operations and assets. For example, network based monitoring and logging, limits an organization from accessing the details about its own application or data which should otherwise be easily accessible to the IT department. Thus, it is important to thoroughly ask the cloud service provider about various cloud hosting models and the level of control available before transitioning the operations.
  • Unauthorized Use: In order to inculcate user-friendly approach, some cloud hosting service providers may allow self-service to the users. This gives end users the authority to add more services without seeking necessary permission from the IT department of the organization. The lack of extra security increases the chances of addition of malicious links or code in the application and use of unsupported software, which can lead to enormous security breaches. This makes it important to understand access levels and service specifications provided by cloud hosting company.
  • Cloud Data May Be Compromised: Most of the business applications use APIs (Application Programming Interface) to manage and interact with the cloud services. If there are any vulnerabilities in API security, hackers may access and attack cloud resources and data of an organization. Compromised organization assets can be further used to perpetrate attack against other linked customers.
  • Exploitation Of Software Vulnerabilities: A shared cloud hosting service is simultaneously used by different organizations. Thus, it is important for the service provider to maintain clear separation between the resources of different cloud hosting users. If the infrastructure fails to maintain this separation, it leads to the risk of cloud data leakage. This loophole provides the hackers a chance to access the cloud resources and assets of an organization to launch a successful data breach.
  • Stolen Credentials: If organization’s credentials are compromised, hackers can easily take over the entire application which could result in Identity Theft attacks, deleted information, defamation of application interface, etc.

The risks associated with cloud-hosted data may lead to financial losses. Also, the cyber-attacks resulting from these risks mark a blow to the reputation of an organization. Thus, it is important to choose a cloud-hosting model and service provider after thorough diligence.

For more information on managing the risks of cloud-hosted data, call Centex Technologies at (254) 213 – 4740.

, , , ,

Simple Steps To Ensure Business Website Security


Website security refers to the applications or actions taken to make sure that website data is not exposed to unauthorized access or other forms of exploitation. It is important to pay attention to website security in order to protect your business website from DDoS attacks, malware, blacklisting, vulnerability exploitation and defacement. Website security is also important to protect your website users from personal data theft, phishing schemes, session hijacking, malicious redirects, etc.

Since the need for website security is imperative, here are some necessary steps to help you protect your business website:

  • SSL Certificate: SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) Certificates are small data files that digitally bind a cryptographic key to an organization’s details. An SSL Certificate binds together a domain name and server/host name with an organization’s identity and location. When you install an SSL Certificate on a webserver, it activates the padlock and https protocol to ensure secure connection between the server and a web browser. It helps businesses in encrypting credit card transactions and securing data transfers or process logins.
  • Install Security Plugins: Depending upon the fact that whether you are running a Content Management System (CMS)-managed website or HTML pages, you can choose plugins to enhance website security. Consult your website developers to choose suitable plugins for maximum benefit. Plugins help in addressing the security vulnerabilities that may be inherent in the website building platform.
  • Use Parametrized Queries: A hacker can launch an SQL injection attack by using a web form field or URL parameter to gain access to or manipulate your database. If you use standard transact SQL, it is possible to insert rogue codes in the query that may be easily used by hackers to modify tables, access information or delete data. Thus, it is advisable to explicitly parametrize your queries in order to prevent the modification of queries by the hackers.
  • Content Security Policy (CSP): XSS (Cross-Site Scripting attacks are another common type of cyber-attacks against business websites. Hackers inject malicious JavaScript in your webpages. When a user visits the website, this JavaScript runs in his browser. It is capable of changing the page content or stealing information from user’s device. This information is sent back to the attacker. In order to protect your business website from this type of attack, CSP acts as a powerful tool. CSP is a header that can be returned by the server to inform the browser about how and what JavaScript should be executed in the page. For example, it may have configuration commands to disable scripts that are not hosted on your domain.

Website security has many other aspects such as diligently choosing error messages to prevent users from viewing sensitive information, locking file permissions, etc. Thus, it is advisable to seek services from professional website security providers.

For more information on steps to ensure website security, call Centex Technologies at (254) 213 – 4740.

Understanding Eye Tracking Technology

Eye tracking defines the process of identifying where we look, in technical terms, it is referred as tracking the “point of gaze”. It also involves recording what do we ignore, when do we blink and how does our pupil react to different stimuli. The technology is being widely used in different sectors including healthcare, business marketing, website usability research, etc.

Concept Of Eye Tracking Technology

An “Eye Tracker” is used to collect the data related to movement of the eyes. It consists of two basic components; namely a light source and a camera. The light source is used to direct infrared light towards the eyes. This causes detectable reflections in the pupil and cornea of the eye. The reflection vector is tracked by the camera to record the eye movement.

Infrared light is used as it offers better accuracy as compared to visible light. Light falling in visible spectrum range tends to generate uncontrolled specular reflection. On the contrary, infrared light enters the pupil directly, while it bounces off the iris. This generates clear demarcation of the pupil adding to the accuracy of reflections. Also, the infrared light is not visible to the human eye and thus, it doesn’t generate any distraction to the user while his eye movement is being tracked.

Types Of Eye Trackers:

  • Screen-Based Eye Trackers: They are mounted either below or close to the screen. They allow the respondent to be seated comfortably in front of the monitor and record eye movement from a distance. Although the devices record eye movement within certain limits known as head box; they still allow freedom of movement to the respondent. The devices are used when observing results for a screen-based stimulus such as magazines, books, pictures, videos, websites, etc.
  • Head-Mounted Eye Trackers: These include mobile device trackers which are fitted near the eyes (commonly mounted in eyeglass frames). Thus, they allow greater degree of freedom of movement to the respondent. However, high degree of movement may result in shifting of the glasses while recording the eye movement. This type of eye tracker devices are used when observation has to be made for objects or tasks in real life or virtual environments such as usability studies, product testing, etc.

Business Applications Of Eye Tracking Technology:

  • Market Research: Eye tracking helps in measuring attention to brand or products. Thus, business owners use the technology to evaluate their products, designs or buying behavior to optimize overall customer experience.
  • Usability Research: The technology is being extensively used to measure user experience offered by a website. It helps the developers and business website owners in recognizing the areas that attract user attention or areas that need to be improved.
  • Packaging Research: Before a product is launched, thorough research is done to design a package that can get enough visual attention on store shelves. Eye tracking technology is usually used for designing the packages and understanding customers’ preferences.
  • Advertizing: Eye tracking is being used by business marketing professionals to measure the effectiveness of design concepts & placement of advertizement posts (print media and online).

For more information on latest trends in business technology, call Centex Technologies at (254) 213 – 4740.

 

, , , , ,

Advancements In Biometrics

Biometrics and secure digital solutions are evolving continuously with the increasing need for surveillance and security. Availability of greater computer processing power and sophisticated software algorithms have contributed towards the improvement of existing methods. These advancements have transformed the conventional ways of user identification and verification. The paradigms of next-generation biometrics have evolved in every aspect, from fingerprint scanning to voice recognition.

Major vendors are investing significantly in bringing advancements in biometric solutions. Technologies that are transforming our conventions are:

  • Phone ID and Voice ID: Combining phone ID and voice ID will not require the customers to enter personal ID or security numbers for completion of authentication. The unique enrollment process involves repetition of a short phrase to create a unique voice print. This proceeds with the need for customers to call from their registered phone numbers. This advanced technology comes with the ability to detect if user’s voice is being played on a recorder. The technology is a unique combination that offers the highest standards of security and also prevent fraud.
  • Facial Recognition For Airport Security: Advanced facial recognition play a vital part in ensuring safety and security. Thus, it has found an important application in airport security. There is an upcoming facial recognition technology at the airports that will ensure security in its highest standards. The security scanners, through which the passengers pass, will be equipped with an advanced biometric security system. With implementation of this technology, the passengers will not be required to print their boarding pass. This will facilitate paperless and self-boarding process.
  • Fingerprint Biometrics For Voter Verification Systems: Fingerprint biometric technologies are being implied to voter verification systems. These are developed to conduct elections in a peaceful and fair manner. This technology assists the authorities to verify and identify voters through fingerprints. It will reduce the chances of fraud, streamline the verification process and offer convenience to the citizens by reducing waiting times. This system will avoid the chances of multiple votes with different identities. Also, this will help in maintaining quality and confidentiality of data.
  • Cybersecurity With Biometrics: Improved biometric technologies provide new kind of digital identity data, ways to collect it and opportunities for its use. It greatly reduces the risk of unknown individuals attacking confidential data in different fields. Hence, biometrics will become an increasingly valuable tool for verifying identities in a deeply interconnected national security environment.

For more information on advancements in biometric industry, call Centex Technologies at (254) 213 – 4740.

, , ,