Author: centexitguy Page 79 of 140

March 28, 2016

With the exponential growth of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, the security risks associated with them have also increased manifold. Each device, including TVs, refrigerators, home automation systems, air conditioning units etc., which is connected to the internet has an in-built operating system, making it vulnerable to the prevalent online threats. This, ultimately, puts the end-users’ privacy and security at stake.

Here are some factors that must be considered to mitigate security risks in IoT devices:

Keep devices updated

Keep all the IoT devices and routers updated to the current versions of the software applications. This will provide protection against any minor security flaws in the software which may make the device vulnerable to a hacking attack.

Change default login credentials

You must create unique and difficult usernames as well as passwords for all your IoT devices. If you do not change the default login credentials, hackers can easily gain access to your personal internet network by breaching your IoT accounts. Make sure the password you create is complex enough to be cracked.

Limit the data you provide to the IoT service or device

Provide only a limited amount of information that is absolutely required for the IoT device to function efficiently. Avoid giving in sensitive personal information and if possible, enter a nickname instead of your full name. This will protect you against a potential identity theft.

Be careful when selling or purchasing used IoT devices

When you buy a used IoT device, it is quite possible that it has a malware or backdoor that can provide hackers an access to your internet connection. With this, they can infect your network, track your online activity and steal other important information. If you need to sell off your IoT device, make sure you restore it back to the factory settings to delete all the personal identifiable information (PII) stored in it.

Set up a different network for IoT devices

Some internet routers allow the users to create a separate network for different devices. You can make all your IoT and wireless devices operate on a network other than your home’s internet connection. Therefore, even if any of your devices are compromised, the hackers will not be able to access your entire network.

We, at Centex Technologies, can help to safeguard your IoT devices against common cyber security threats. For more information, you can call us at (855) 375 – 9654.

Top Cloud Security Issues For 2016

By centexitguy

On March 18, 2016

In Security

March 18, 2016

Security has always been a major concern for the organizations that use cloud computing. Though it offers a myriad of benefits, such as scalable storage of important business data, improved collaboration of employees from multiple locations and the saved costs on hiring a specialized IT staff, failure to implement proper safety measures can lead to drastic consequences. Therefore, entrepreneurs need to be familiar with the common security issues that may impact their cloud security efforts in 2016. Some of these have been discussed below:

Account Hijacking: Phishing, software exploits and malware attacks may be launched by the hackers to break into business accounts. They may monitor the victim’s online activities, steal or manipulate confidential files and modify financial transactions. The hackers may also use the cloud application to infect other computer systems connected to the server. Therefore, all the cloud accounts, specifically those that comprise sensitive information, should be closely monitored.
Improper Authentication and Compromised Credentials: As cloud resources can be accessed from remote locations, proper authentication measures are important to determine the identity of the users. Make sure you use two-factor authentication, such as a one-time password or phone verification, before providing account access to any user. Also, the usernames and passwords should be complex to make it difficult for the cybercriminals to crack them. Data breach and other hacking attacks are often a result of compromised log-in credentials as well as weak authentication systems.
Excessive Data Exposure: Files stored in the cloud should have well-defined permissions to limit who can access any specific information. For instance, your company’s accounts department should be able to access all the financial data whereas the human resources division requires the employees’ personal identifiable information. All the files stored on the cloud should be encrypted so that they can be read by only those who have the password to decrypt.
Cloud Malware: The computers systems connected in a cloud network should be protected with firewall, antivirus, spyware, content filter and spam blocker software. This will help to identify and block any unauthorized traffic trying to access information in the cloud. Also, your service provider should follow standard and regularly updated security practices.

The cybersecurity services provided by Centex Technologies are aimed at helping business firms stay protected against common cloud computing threats. For more information, you can call at (855) 375 – 9654.

Email Security Tips

By centexitguy

On March 11, 2016

In Security

March 11, 2016

Emails are by far the most common means through which hacking and phishing attacks are carried out. It is important to properly configure their security settings so as to keep yourself protected and prevent data breaches. Besides, there are certain simple ways by which you can keep your email account secure. Some of these are:

Use Multiple Accounts

Ideally, you should use different email accounts for all your online activities. This will not only increase security but also help to organize your emails. You can create separate accounts for work, social media websites, and personal communication. Thus, even if one of your accounts is hacked, rest of the information will remain safe.

Change Passwords Regularly

In addition to having separate accounts, you should create different and unique passwords for each of them. Also, make sure you regularly reset the passwords to keep your information protected. Passwords for the accounts that you use for bill payments, online shopping, work and other sensitive tasks should be more often changed. Create passwords that are unique, lengthy and hard to crack.

Beware Of Phishing Scams

You should be careful to avoid being a victim of a phishing scam. It involves the use of fake emails from unknown senders or websites disguised as legitimate ones in order to trap users to reveal their confidential information. Make sure you do not click on any link provided in such emails as they may direct you to a malicious website or infect your computer with a malware.

Do Not Open Unsolicited Attachments

Avoid downloading any attachment as long as you do not know the sender or the contents of the file/folder. You may end up downloading a virus, Trojan or worm simply by clicking on a malicious email attachment. Install and regularly update security software on your device to scan all the downloaded files for any potential threats.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi

Avoid using your email account on a public internet connection. Information sent and received on such networks are usually unencrypted and can be manipulated by the hackers for malicious purposes. When you use Wi-Fi to log in to your email account, your username, password and other sensitive information is at risk to be retrieved by the cybercriminals.

Centex Technologies provides complete cybersecurity solutions to the business firms in Central Texas. For more information, feel free to call at (855) 375 – 9654.

Importance Of Browser Sandboxing

By centexitguy

On February 26, 2016

In Security

February 26, 2016

With increase in online threats through various mediums, it is crucial to configure web browsers to have a safe and secure internet browsing environment. Web browsers, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari and Internet Explorer, are the most frequently used ones and it is important to have their settings right so as to prevent viruses, malware, phishing and other cyber-attacks. One of the methods to safeguard your PC from cyber threats is to use “Browser Sandboxing”. It refers to adding an additional security layer between the operating system and online programs by providing an isolated virtual environment for the applications to run without affecting the functioning of the computer.

How Does Browser Sandboxing Work?

A sandbox is a form of software that controls the execution of the online applications and programs that may present a security risk. Apps running within the sandbox have limited access to your computer and the files stored in it, therefore, they cannot make any permanent changes or install malicious programs in the system. Though the exact working of browser sandboxing varies with different programs, it mainly serves the following purposes:

Execute unknown and potentially dangerous programs in a controlled setting, either automatically or manually.
Prevent damage from browsing malicious websites while browsing the internet or downloading applications.
Stop the existing malware on the computer from gaining access to your confidential information, such as log in credentials, online banking details, credit card numbers etc.

Why Should You Use Sandboxing?

Much of the malware that infects your computer comes from internet browsing. Malicious websites are designed in a way that simply passing over the mouse over an advertizement or image can activate and download the malware. In addition, man-in-the-middle and denial-of-service attacks put your online identity at risk. Sandboxing helps to keep you and your computer protected throughout the browsing session. You just need to activate the sandbox before beginning to use the internet and exit afterwards to discard all the changes that may have been made to the computer.

Another benefit of browser sandboxing becomes evident when a computer has multiple users. Each of them may download programs, games, apps or adjust the browser’s settings according to their preferences. This may lead to accidental downloading of viruses, spyware, bots and other forms of malware. By placing the computer in a sandboxed mode, you can easily undo these changes to restore the computer to its original settings. You can also uninstall the apps along with the hidden viruses without leaving behind any residue files.

We, at Centex Technologies, offer efficient cyber security solutions to business firms across Central Texas. For more information, feel free to call us at (855) 375 – 9654.

How To Detect And Prevent Keylogger Attacks

By centexitguy

On February 22, 2016

In Security

February 22, 2016

Keylogger, or keystroke logger, is one of the most feared computer security threats in the present times. It is a type of software program that attempts to intercept a user’s personal information by tracking the input from the keyboard. The data stolen can either be stored locally on the user’s computer or sent out the hacker’s system through a remote server. Most keyloggers have rootkit functionality, i.e. they are able to remain undetected in the computer system, working in the same way as Trojan programs. They can be used for various purposes, such as to steal confidential financial details and passwords or simply to monitor the online activity of the employees.

How Does Keyloggers Infect A Computer System?

Keylogger software can be installed on a computer through a number of ways. It can either come as a part of an application downloaded from a malicious source or website scripts that exploit browser vulnerabilities. Attachments in emails, text messages, IMs, social networking websites or peer-to-peer networks can also infect your system. Hardware based keyloggers can be installed by a hacker who has physical access to the target computer.

Keylogger Prevention Tips

Be Cautious While Opening Attachments: Files received through emails, IMs or social network should be opened cautiously. More importantly, you should not view or download any attachment received from an unknown sender. These may be embedded with malicious software comprising a keylogger.
Install Antivirus Software: Make sure you install and constantly update anti-virus software on your computer system. These applications identify most of the keyloggers as a threat and ensure complete protection against them.
Use A Firewall Always: In order to steal information, a keylogger needs to transmit information from the computer to the hacker. The bandwidth used in this process is usually undetectable in the network usage. Installing a firewall is a great line of defense against most keyloggers as it closely monitors your computer’s activity. If any program attempts to send out information, it will either display an alert or ask for your permission to do the same.
Use Virtual Keyboard: As far as possible, you should use a virtual keyboard for all the sensitive information you need to enter, such as credit card numbers, bank account details, passwords etc.
Change Passwords Frequently: Changing your passwords at frequent intervals will help to minimize the occurrence of a keylogger attack. With this, the information stolen will no longer be useful to the hacker.

For more tips on preventing keylogger attacks, feel free to contact Centex Technologies at (855) 375 – 9654.

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Author: centexitguy Page 79 of 140

Considerations For Mitigating Risk In IoT Devices

Email Security Tips

Importance Of Browser Sandboxing

How To Detect And Prevent Keylogger Attacks