Category: Security Page 38 of 75

Guide To VPN Routers

On October 27, 2018

A VPN router is a routing device that helps in enabling network communications within a VPN environment. It connects & communicates between multiple VPN end devices that are located at separate locations.

These routers are specifically designed to protect your system from a cyber-attack. This is made possible because all the devices connected with a VPN router are protected by a Virtual Private Network
.

Methods Of VPN Router Setup

There are 3 main methods and one can go with any one of these:
Buying a pre-configured VPN router
Using a VPN enabled router that supports OpenVPN
Flashing a non VPN compatible router with new firmware to support VPN.

Benefits Of Using VPN Routers

Easy To Install – They are very similar to regular routers apart from the fact that in this case internet connection is routed through the servers of a private network. Setting up a VPN router completely negates the need of installing VPN on multiple devices separately. It can be done all at once because as soon as the VPN router is installed, you can easily connect your devices with it.
Less Expensive – It is always beneficial to set up a VPN router due to the twin benefit it has. Firstly, buying a VPN router is a better deal than taking separate internet subscriptions for each device. So it can help you save costs and also ensures complete security at the same time.
Device Friendly – You can connect multiple devices with the VPN router i.e. your smart TV, smartphone, laptop, etc. So configure the device which you have and connect it to the VPN router for added security. In other words, it requires a one-time effort in setting it all up and then you are ready to go.
Ensures Security – Installing a VPN router secures all the devices on the network. It adds an additional layer of privacy and maintains anonymity of all your online activities. This way it is hard for cyber criminals to break through a network secured by a VPN router.

Things To Consider When Setting Up A VPN Router

Cost – You’ll need to buy a decent router and VPN subscription. However, the cost of a VPN router may vary depending upon the option you choose.
Speed – It is one very important factor that needs to be considered to ensure that there are no server overloads, network disruptions or snags etc.
Features – The way you plan to use your VPN router determines which firmware & VPN service you need to go with. Although it is very important to make sure that it is up to date, fast, reliable, secure and enforces policy based routing.

For more information about VPN routers, call Centex Technologies at (254) 213-4740.

All About Cryptocurrency

By centexitguy

On October 22, 2018

In Security

PDF Version : All-About-Cryptocurrency-Scams

What Is Fileless Malware Attack?

By centexitguy

On October 15, 2018

In Security

Gone are the days when the only way to inject a malware was through malicious files sent in emails. Nowadays, fileless attacks are taking over the toll and are becoming more common. According to The State of Endpoint Security Risk Report by Ponemon Institute, 77% of the total compromised attacks in 2017 were fileless.

Fileless malware attack as the name suggests do not need installation of a malicious software to infect the victim’s machine. It is also known as zero-footprint, non-malware, macro attack etc. as unlike traditional malware it takes advantage of the vulnerabilities existing on the user’s device. It usually exists in the computer’s RAM and uses common system tools such as Windows Management Instrumentation, PowerShell etc. to inject the malware.

Since they are not injected through a file, it is often very difficult to prevent, detect & remove the malware. However, the loss can be minimized to a great extent if you reboot your device as RAM can be exploited only if the device is on.

Features Of Fileless Malware

It is difficult for antivirus software’s to detect the malware as it is not based on an identifiable code or signature.
It is a memory based malware.
It can be paired with other types of malwares as well.
Fileless attacks evade whitelisting (the practice by which only approved applications are allowed to be installed on a system).
Processes that are native to the operating system are generally used in order to initiate an attack.
It generally takes advantage of approved applications that are there on your system.

How Does It Work?
Such an attack maybe launched through a variety of ways. You might mistakenly click on a banner ad that shall redirect you to a legitimate looking malicious site which may load Flash on your system. Flash in turn will compromise the Windows PowerShell. This in turn might download a malicious code from a botnet and send the data to hackers.

How To Detect?

It is usually difficult to detect a fileless malware attack since it is not launched through files. However, there are certain warning signs that one needs to take a note of.

Unusual network patterns
Compromised memory
Unusual snags

Ways To Protect Yourself From Fileless Malware Attack

Updating your current software on a regular basis.
Keeping a tab on your network traffic.
Disabling PDF readers from activating JavaScript
Uninstalling or disabling features that you do not use.
By enhancing your end point security.
Adopting safe practices to use PowerShell.
Disabling Flash
Employing password vaults & strengthening user authentication.
Cognizing employees about the attack in order to combat the threat.

For more information about IT Security, call Centex Technologies at (254) 213-4740.

What Are SQL Injection Attacks & Its Types

By centexitguy

On September 26, 2018

In Security

PDF Version : What-Are-SQL-Injection-Attacks-&-Its-Types

What Is Packet Sniffing?

By centexitguy

On September 24, 2018

In Security

Information is often broken into smaller units when it is transmitted over the computer network. These small units known as data packets are fragmented at the sender’s node and are reassembled in their original format at the receiver’s node.

Every data packet has to cross a number of traffic control devices such as routers & switches. However, the data packet is susceptible to the risk of being captured each time it crosses these control devices. This act of collecting data packets illegally by hackers is known as packet sniffing. Hackers often use specialized devices
known as packet sniffers to do so.

How Does A Packet Sniffer Work?
A packet sniffer can exist in the form of software or hardware specifically designed to collect the data being transmitted over the network. They intercept & log network traffic with the help of wired or wireless network interface it has an access to. Hackers might use it to capture:

User names
Passwords
Downloaded files
Emails
Audio & video activity
Other sensitive information

An illegal packet sniffer is installed somewhere on the network without the knowledge of an IT administrator to gain unauthorized access to confidential information. Hackers also use sniffers to eavesdrop on unencrypted data to spy and checkout information being exchanged between the two parties and use it for their benefit.

Types Of Packet Sniffing

There are 3 types of packet sniffing, let us understand how they work:

IP Sniffing – It uses the network card to sniff all information packets that correspond with the IP address filter. These information packets are all used for analysis and examination.
MAC Sniffing – It also works through a network card and sniffs away the information packets that correspond to MAC address filter.
ARP Sniffing – In this type of sniffing, information packets are sent to the administrator through the ARP cache of both network hosts. The traffic is forwarded to the administrator directly instead of sending it to the hosts.

How To Protect Yourself From Packet Sniffing?

Use VPN – VPN (Virtual Private Network) connections provide complete privacy and secure your computer’s internet connection. It makes sure that all the data you are sending and receiving is encrypted & secured.
Always Check the HTTPS – Make sure that the websites that you visit have an HTTPS in its URL. Having it in the URL ensures that the website is safe to use.
Be Cautious – The risk of packet sniffing rises when a device is connected to a public Wi-Fi network. So be highly cautious of the websites you visit when you are on that network. Avoid doing financial transactions, entering sensitive information etc.

Other Ways

Scan your network
Use the Antisniff tool
Log out when you are done

For more information about IT Security, call Centex Technologies at (254) 213-4740.