Category: Security Page 10 of 77

Cyber Security Challenges For Businesses

On October 29, 2022

Combating cyber security challenges is all about staying ahead by taking preventive actions before any threats exploit the system. It is important as a cyber security threat can not only result in a reputational or monetary loss but also cause a complete financial bust after the business pays the penalty. In order to adopt proper preventive actions, it is important to understand the cyber security challenges that businesses face.

Here is a list of the biggest cybersecurity challenges for businesses:

Artificial Intelligence: Artificial intelligence plays a parallel role in cyber-attacks & their prevention. Research and modeling can be used to make AI systems learn to detect anomalies in the behavior pattern of events. AI systems can be used to create defensive tools such as biometric login. However, in a parallel scenario, the same characteristics of AI systems are exploited by hackers to execute a cyber attack.
Technical Skills Gap: There is a huge gap between the available cybersecurity professionals and the number of vacancies. This emphasizes on the marked inability to employ cybersecurity professionals at a speed that matches the rise of new vulnerabilities. As cyber-attack techniques have become more sophisticated, it has become imperative for organizations to hire employees with the right skill set. A simpler solution is to train existing staff according to the organization’s requirements to prevent cyber attacks and combat vulnerabilities. Additionally, companies heavily invest in making the system and network robust by implementing new advanced technologies, but effective implementation and use of these technologies require a skilled and trained workforce.
Cloud Risks: It has become a common practice for companies to move their sensitive data to cloud services. However, the effective movement of data to the cloud needs proper configuration & security measures. Organizations need to ensure the security of the platform along with the security of the organization’s data from theft & accidental deletion over the cloud. If not taken care of, cloud services can pose a major cyber security risk. In order to avoid these risks, organizations need to implement solutions such as firewalls, multi-factor authentication, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), etc.
Ransomware Threats: It is the most common type of cyber threat that is growing at a fast pace. Ransomware encrypts files or blocks access to the victim’s system or network. Once the access is blocked, the hackers demand ransom for re-allowing access. This can result in the loss of critical data, financial loss, and productivity loss.

For more information about cybersecurity solutions, contact Centex Technologies. You can call the following office locations – Killeen (254) 213 – 4740, Dallas (972) 375 – 9654, Atlanta (404) 994 – 5074, and Austin (512) 956 – 5454.

What Is Harly Trojan & How it Affects Android Users?

By centexitguy

On October 28, 2022

In Security

After Joker, there is a new addition in the line of Batman villain-themed malware, named “Harly”. Named after the fictional girlfriend (Harley Quinn) of “Joker” in the Batman series, this trojan can be defined as an auto-subscriber that works under the pretext of legitimate android apps.

To begin with, let us understand the basic difference between Joker & Harly Trojan.

Apps developed under the Joker series did not possess any malicious code. Instead, they worked by offering legitimate services to lure the target users into downloading the app from Google Play Store. Once the app was downloaded, it would download the malicious code on the victim’s phone. This code could send expensive SMS messages to premium rate numbers from the victim’s phone.
On the contrary, Harly is a step ahead. The apps contain the malicious code required to function and thus do not depend on remote CCS (control & Command Server). This makes Harly trojan difficult to detect.

The reach of Harly trojan can be estimated from the fact that over 190 apps in Google Play Store are infected by this trojan, and infected apps have been downloaded more than 4.8 million times.

How does Harly Trojan Work?

The functioning of Harly trojan can be understood as a step-wise process.

The trojan is distributed using android apps in Google Play Store.
Cybercriminals download legitimate apps available in the play store.
Malicious code is injected into the app code while retaining the original functioning of the app.
The altered app is uploaded to the play store under a different name.
When user downloads this app, the app decrypts the malicious code & launches it.

The purpose of the code is to gather information related to the target device, such as device configuration & network. Based on these details, the malicious code fetches a subscription list for the victim & signs him up for paid subscriptions.

Can Harly Sign Up The Victim For Subscriptions Bypassing SMS Or Call Verification?

A standard safety measure deployed while activating paid subscriptions is to send a verification code via SMS or over a phone call. But, Harly trojan is capable of bypassing this security measure.

To begin with, it disconnects the Wi-Fi on the mobile device & connects it to the internet using the mobile service provider’s network. Following this, it opens hidden windows to fetch user details for subscription. The trojan then gains access to the messages and intercepts the code sent for verification.

How to Stay Protected Against Harly Trojan?

A few preventive measures & diligences can help in avoiding falling prey to Harly trojan.

Thoroughly review the testimonials before downloading any app & avoid apps with negative feedback.
Avoid installing unnecessary apps on your mobile device.
Use open code apps as it allow users to inspect the code. Malware code hidden in the source code can be found easily.
Place a spending limit on your mobile phone & keep an eye on your subscriptions.

For more information about cybersecurity solutions, contact Centex Technologies. You can call at the following office locations – Killeen (254) 213 – 4740, Dallas (972) 375 – 9654, Atlanta (404) 994 – 5074, and Austin (512) 956 – 5454.

How to Train Employees on Cyber Security?

By centexitguy

On October 18, 2022

In Security

View PDF: How-to-Train-Employees-on-Cyber-Security

Understanding Web Application Attacks

By centexitguy

On September 28, 2022

In Security

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.

How To Secure Smart Homes?

By centexitguy

On September 27, 2022

In Security

PDF Version: how-to-secure-smart-homes?