View PDF: How-to-Train-Employees-on-Cyber-Security
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A software patch or update is a program that a developer provides to either add functionality to the application or to correct any malfunctions, or potentially exploitable vulnerabilities discovered in the application. However, software updates are only effective if platform users participate in the upgrades. Users may still be at risk from potentially exploitable vulnerabilities if they have not upgraded their systems.
Why do people often either forget or ignore updating software?
The majority of people avoid updating their software for a variety of reasons, the most common being believing that their system does not require it since it is functioning well. Such users simply disregard update alerts or postpone them. However, by doing so, users fail to realize that they are significantly increasing the security risks for their devices. Users run a larger risk of experiencing a breach or attack the longer they wait to upgrade a system, app, software, platform, or device. Professionals have advised that software upgrades are important to protect the users’ devices from cyberattacks. Hence, users must update and upgrade when possible.
Why software updates are important?
- To avoid ransomware attacks and system compromises – Cybersecurity experts advise keeping all the endpoint devices always updated. An outdated application or a program on any device might be a lucrative way for a cybercriminal to access a user’s work files, emails, contacts, and sensitive financial information. This information can wind up being sold on the dark web, making it possible for other fraudsters to target the user in the future. Additionally, users can experience a ransomware attack that locks or encrypts all the data and demands money in return for decrypting the data. In many circumstances, users might never be able to retrieve their data from this catastrophe.
- To ensure the critical data, systems, and networks are secure – Attackers can target a system’s vulnerability to get access to other devices on a network. This usually occurs if a user uses the same login information across several other platforms. Malware is known to spread swiftly to other computers on the network once it has entered a device in the network. This makes it possible for a single unpatched device or a negligent user to destroy a whole network of systems.
- To install the latest version of the software – Software developers anticipate exploiting resolution mechanisms as they must always be on the lookout for vulnerabilities. When updates fail to get installed, there is an imminent danger that malware might infiltrate the system and steal data or take control of the system. Files might be encrypted, and the attacker could demand payment to decode the information. Although there are several reasons for software updates, the most important one is to patch existing security loopholes.
- To install add-ons and plugins that are compatible with the latest build of software – Software upgrades often install new functionality in the existing installed version while facilitating fixing the errors existing in the current version of the same software. Users fail to utilize these advancements when they decide not to install the most recent updates. Also, the productivity of the user might get impacted by using old software versions that might not support other applications that provide new functionalities.
Along with a host of other advantages, updating all of the deployed hardware, software, and other systems also guarantees that the security posture is working as expected. Updates can fix security flaws, get rid of glitches, and take away obsolete functionality. Software updates greatly reduce the chances of a cybercriminal infiltrating the network and stealing the data. Additionally, users are advised to update the software solutions to ensure the associated hardware is operating as effectively as possible.
Contact Centex Technologies to know how to safeguard your business’s computer network. You may reach Centex Technologies at Killeen (254) 213 – 4740, Dallas (972) 375 – 9654, Atlanta (404) 994 – 5074, and Austin (512) 956 – 5454.
Web application threats are constantly on the rise. The sophistication and speed of web application cyberattacks can cause significant damage to businesses. In most cases, they result in further security breaches, which may have financial and legal consequences.
The most common reasons for web application attacks are incorrectly configured web servers, bad application architecture, and failure to check or sanitize form inputs. It is important to have a basic understanding of how these attacks work.
Here is a list of the most significant web application security issues:
Unwanted exposure of sensitive data
Sensitive information can be easily hacked if security measures like encryption at rest or in transit are not used during communication with the browser. Criminals can steal or manipulate information and commit cybercrimes like credit card fraud, identity theft, etc.
CSS or XSS (Cross Site Scripting)
CSS or XSS (Cross Site Scripting) security flaws aid attackers in running scripts in a user’s browser to damage websites, hijack user sessions or redirect users to other domains.
Software and integrity failures due to insecure deserialization
Deserialization issues frequently lead to remote code execution and provide hackers the ability to carry out a wide range of attacks.
XML external entities misconfiguration
Insecure XML processors expose users to the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of existing data, and execution of malicious code. This vulnerability also allows Remote Code Execution, Denial of Service, and Server Side Request Forgery by cyber criminals.
Parameters and URL injections
An injection vulnerability, such as a SQL, OS or LDAP injection vulnerability, arises when an interpreter receives a command or query containing suspicious input. An attacker’s hostile data could lead the interpreter to access data without authorization or execute undesired commands. This could lead to the deletion of tables, unauthorized viewing of lists, and unauthorized access to the administration system.
Broken or insecure authentication
This occurs when application functionalities responsible for session management and authentication are incorrectly implemented. It lets attackers take over the identities of other users temporarily or permanently. It’s also easy for them to steal session tokens, passwords, or keys.
Use of software libraries and packages with security loopholes
A server takeover and significant data loss can result from an assault on weak software components. For example, an application may be using a weak or compromised version of the software framework or the libraries in application development, which may be exploited by attackers.
Inadequate security logging and monitoring
Inadequate recording, monitoring, and integration of event response can aid attackers in launching more attacks on systems. This allows attackers to further escalate their attacks.
Flawed access control restrictions
Access control lets you control which parts of a website and which application data different visitors can visit. If these restrictions are not correctly imposed, attackers can easily exploit these vulnerabilities to access restricted data.
Misconfigured security settings and features
It provides an easy entry point for attackers into the website and is one of the most severe web application security vulnerabilities. Attackers can use inadequate or ad hoc configurations, exposed cloud storage, verbose error messages containing sensitive data, and improper HTTP headers.
Organizations should follow secure coding standards to create robust and secure web applications. To create secure website applications contact Centex Technologies at Killeen (254) 213 – 4740, Dallas (972) 375 – 9654, Atlanta (404) 994 – 5074, and Austin (512) 956 – 5454.
The word ‘Botnet’ is derived from combination of two words – ‘Robot’ & ‘Network’. It can be defined as a number of computers that have been infected by malware such that they can be remotely controlled by the hackers to form a network which is then used to launch attacks on other users. The hackers exploit the resources of infected machines to launch different attacks such as DDoS, data breaches, etc.
How do Botnet Attacks Work?
A botnet attack is launched in three steps:
- Finding vulnerable devices
- Spreading malware in these devices
- Gaining control over devices
Cybercriminals or hackers use three different ways to infect and gain control of devices to form their Botnet or ‘Zombie Army’.
- Installation of a malicious software
- Launching a direct hacking attack
- Using an automated program to monitor the internet & locate vulnerable devices
If an infected device is connected to a system, hackers can spread the malware laterally and gain control of other devices linked to the same network. Once the devices have been infected, they are either controlled using either remote software or Control-And-Command software. These controlled devices are then used to act according to the hacker. Some common actions performed using botnets include sending spam emails, launching multiple server requests, creating internet traffic towards a website, and increasing the number of downloads for a software or application.
In order to prevent a botnet attack, it is first important to understand different types of botnet attacks.
Types of Attacks Performed Using a Botnet:
As a large number of devices are a part of a botnet, the hackers have access to a large bank of resources such as computation capacity, storage, etc. It equips the hackers to launch different types of attacks such as:
- Phishing Attack
- Distributed Denial-of-Service Attacks
- Bruce Force Attacks
- Cryptocurrency Mining
- Browser Add-on Installation
- Personal Information Theft
- Device Bricking
Tips to Prevent Botnet Attacks:
Before understanding ways to prevent a botnet attack, let us first look at why it is challenging to prevent or protect yourself against a botnet attack.
- As a large number of devices are connected to a botnet, it makes it difficult for cyber security tools to screen out potentially lethal access requests sent to a website or API.
- IoT devices with IP addresses are more vulnerable than computers and can be easily manipulated by hackers to become a part of botnet. These devices are used to launch slow attacks and are more difficult to detect.
- Botnets are continuously modified to exploit new vulnerabilities making it difficult to understand the behavioral pattern.
Here are some tips to prevent botnet attacks:
- Up-To-Date Devices: Botnets are designed and modified to exploit existing vulnerabilities in software or app. So, make sure that every device connected to your network installs a software update or security patch. Software updates are launched to fix vulnerabilities in previous versions. This helps in preventing a botnet attack by closing the backdoor or software vulnerability.
- Network Monitoring: Use advanced analytics to regularly monitor incoming and outgoing traffic & compare it with normal network behavior. This helps in detecting unusual activity or anomalous behavior which can be a sign of a botnet attack. Early detection helps in implementing effective measures to combat the attack.
- Monitor Access or Login Attempts: Botnets are commonly used to launch ‘Bruce Force Attacks’ by testing multiple usernames and password combinations to gain unauthorized control of user accounts. Monitor the failed login attempts to detect & prevent a botnet attack at the nascent stage.
- Manage Admin Access: Exercise thorough consideration when granting admin access. Understand the role of an employee and analyze if he needs admin access to perform his duties. Limiting admin access helps in reducing the risk of both internal as well as external attacks.
- Cybersecurity Hygiene: Establish strong cybersecurity hygiene across your organization. This can be achieved by educating employees about cybersecurity best practices such as the use of strong password, multifactor authentication, avoiding link clicks or downloads from unknown sources, etc.
- Be Cautious: Look out for early signs of a botnet attack. Some of these signs include slow speed of device, change in homepage of browser, random pop-ups, etc. If any of these signs are spotted, run a thorough scan of the system and install a good antivirus software to remove any malicious software already installed or running on your device.
To know more about botnet attacks and ways to prevent a botnet attack, contact Centex Technologies at Killeen (254) 213 – 4740, Dallas (972) 375 – 9654, Atlanta (404) 994 – 5074, and Austin (512) 956 – 5454.