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Emerging Cyber Security Threats

2020 has witnessed a great change in the work environment of organizations with an increase in number of remote and work from home employees. This change in dynamics has paved way for new cyber security threats along with re-emergence of some old threats.

Here is a list of emerging cyber security threats that organizations should be aware of in order to stay protected:

Work-From-Home Attacks: Cyber security attacks on work-from-home or remote employees are not new but the frequency and extent of such attacks has increased many folds with the new work culture. Cyber criminals are targeting multiple and insecure home networks at same time to launch wide spread breach of critical systems and services. AN effective way to solve this problem is to effectively use Identity & Access Management Tools that are capable of analyzing user activity, resource requests, and corporate connectivity behavior.
Brute Force Attacks: Brute force attacks have resurfaced as cyber criminals are recognizing the potential of DDOS attacks. Hackers are making use of simple services delivery protocol (SSDP) and simple network management protocol (SNMP) to launch large number of Distributed Denial Of Service attacks. Use of botnet swarms has enable hackers to amplify IP requests to overwhelm organizational networks leading to slower response time. SNMP attacks can cause more damage as the protocol connects and manages common corporate devices, such as modems, printers, routers and servers. Compromised SNMP help attackers in bypassing firewalls which exposes all corporate services to risk.
Fileless Frameworks: Fileless malware and ransomware attacks are designed to bypass common detection controls and infiltrating key systems by using legitimate platforms or software tools that already exist within corporate networks. This allows hackers to get past common detection methods that scan for malicious files. Use of existing system tools does away with the need for cyber criminals to design an attack framework which decreases the time required for malware development.
Front Line Phishing: One of the biggest news of 2021 is COVID-19 vaccine. People are extensively searching online to know more information about the vaccine such as current state of the disease, when will the vaccine be given out, who has been approved to get the vaccine, etc. Thus, organizations and individuals should be prepared for phishing attacks fabricated around this topic. Cyber criminals are using COVID-19 vaccine information links as phishing baits in their emails or messages to lure users.

For more information on cyber security threats, contact Centex Technologies at (254) 213 – 4740.

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Malware: Types, Detection & Prevention

The word ‘Malware’ is derived from the amalgamation of words malicious and software. It is a type of software that is particularly designed with the sole purpose of harming a target computer system by stealing data or causing disruption. In order to stay protected against malware, companies need to use specific anti-malware programs. But before choosing the correct anti-malware system, it is imperative to know about different types of malware.

Following are some common malware types:

Virus: A computer virus is malicious code that has the ability to copy itself and spread to other files and folders. The code attaches itself to legitimate executable programs resent in the target system and launch when the program is executed. Some of the harmful functions performed by viruses are modifying or corrupting files, copying data, disrupting software functions, etc. As the virus is self-replicating, it is difficult to completely remove the virus completely.
Worms: Worms are self-replicating and infect computers through vulnerabilities in the operating systems. Most worms are designed to consume lot of bandwidth and overload the servers. However, small number of worms can modify the existing files. Worms are used by the hackers to deliver payloads in target systems which are then launched to steal data, corrupt files, etc.
Bot: An internet bot is an application designed to perform automatic functions. Hackers can engineer bots to infect computers and perform large scale DDOS attacks. The bots are programmed to infect multiple computer systems and form a botnet to over-flood the server with a large number of requests. Bots are also used to cause inconveniences like spamming and repetitively showing certain advertisements.
Ransomware: Ransomware is a malicious software that completely locks the infected system until the user pays a ransom. Ransomware spreads like a worm across a network and has the ability to infect the network of an organization within hours. Some ransomware software do not lock the entire system, but encrypt critical data files. The users are asked to pay a ransom in exchange of decryption key.
Spyware: It is a software that lies undetected in the target system. It’s purpose is to collect information on user activity and send it to the hacker’s server. This is done by monitoring usage, logging keystrokes, stealing user passwords, etc.
Trojans: A Trojan is a malicious software that is designed to appear as a common, harmless attachment or downloadable file that may not be detected as harmful by the antivirus system. However, once downloaded, the software executes itself and causes damage such as stealing data, erasing or modifying files, altering system configuration, etc.

Detection Of Malware:

Some common signs that indicate presence of malware are:

Slowing down of systems
Reduced browsing speed
Recurrent freezing of systems
Modification of files
Altered system settings
Missing files
Random appearance of new files or applications

Prevention Of Malware:

Use reliable & authentic anti-virus
Conduct regular scans
Do not use pirated software
Don’t open attachments from unknown sources

For more information on types, detection and prevention of malware, contact Centex Technologies at (254) 213 – 4740.

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Cyber Security Technologies For Business Organizations

Cyber-crime environment is constantly evolving and cyber criminals are always trying to come with new types of attacks for outsmarting existing cyber security protocols. This emphasizes on the need to recognize and deploy advanced cyber security measures to combat cyber threats effectively.

Here are some reasons that strengthen the need for organizations to invest in advanced cyber security technologies:

Cyber-attacks are no longer targeted at merely extracting confidential details or earning quick money. They have moved on to more sinister motives, commonly known as cyber warfare. With increasing connectivity among critical utility infrastructure, cyber warfare has a tendency to grow.
Cyber criminals are getting more advanced and the number of sophisticated cyber-attack tools is growing in the deep and dark web.
Most organizations keep business-critical data recorded in digital format and are thus greatly dependent on their systems and network. Failure to secure these systems from cyber criminals can endanger credibility, sales, and profit.

Owing to the heating up cyber warfare, organizations need to identify and adopt emerging cyber security technologies constantly. Following is a list of top advanced cyber security technologies that businesses organizations should adopt:

Artificial Intelligence & Deep Learning: Application of artificial intelligence in cyber security is similar to two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication confirms user’s identity based on two different parameters. Artificial intelligence adds additional layers of information and authentication to identity confirmation. Deep learning is used to analyze data such as logs, transactions and real-time communications to detect threats trying to penetrate the system or network.
Behavioral Analytics: Behavioral analytics uses data mining techniques to determine patterns of activity across a system and network. This helps in detecting unusual activity such as abnormal increase in data transmission from a device connected to the network. Such deviations from normal pattern can be used to detect potential and real-time cyber threats.
Embedded Hardware Authentication: A PIN and password are no longer sufficient to protect hardware, so embedded authentication chips are being used to secure hardware. These powerful chips such as Sixth-generation vPro chips by Intel are embedded in the hardware. The chips employ multiple levels and methods of authentication that work in tandem to ensure authentication security.
Blockchain Cyber Security: Blockchain cyber security works on the basis of blockchain’s peer-to-peer network fundamentals. Every member in the blockchain is responsible for verifying the authenticity of data added. It creates a near-impenetrable network to secure organizational data.

For more information on cyber technologies for business organizations, contact Centex Technologies at (254) 213 – 4740.

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