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Tag: Cyber Security Page 18 of 41

Differentiating Between IT Security & Cybersecurity

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On May 26, 2021

In Security

IT security and cybersecurity are often mistaken to be the same. However, in reality both these terms define different concepts. Both these segments have many overlapping areas but there are certain differences that need to be understood.

IT security or Information Technology security includes protocols, processes and tools to implement certain measures in order to secure and protect information/ organization’s data by using different technologies. The information to be protected includes both digital and physical (paper form) data.

Cybersecurity may be considered as a subset of Information security. It includes systems and processes used as precautionary measures to safeguard an organization against crime involving Internet; for example, protection against unauthorized access to computer systems and data connected to Internet. Cybersecurity is typically focused on protecting electronic data.

Let us take a look at some basic points that can be used to differentiate between IT security and Cybersecurity:

  • Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting an organization’s data, services and applications from individuals or entities outside the resource on the Internet, whereas IT security is about protecting critical information from unauthorized user access and data modification or removal in order to ensure uninterrupted services.
  • Cybersecurity is focused on building the ability to protect an organization’s cyber space from attacks. On the contrary, IT security deals with protection from any form of threat, irrespective of the environment.
  • Cybersecurity tools work against cybercrimes and cyber frauds like phishing attacks, data breach, cyber bullying, etc. IT security helps an organization strive against unauthorized access, disclosure and disruption which may be cyber or physical.
  • Cybersecurity professionals deal with advanced persistent threats. The process involves protection of company logins, profiles, server resources, applications, databases etc. Information or IT security is the basis of data security. IT security professionals prioritize resources before dealing with the threats.

Centex Technologies provides cybersecurity and IT security solutions to enterprises. For more information, contact Centex Technologies at (254) 213 – 4740.

Pillars Of Cybersecurity

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On May 25, 2021

In Security

Cybersecurity is an important aspect for every organization. The core of Cybersecurity is to protect information systems that store, process and transmit organizational data to different nodes of a network or server.

Every Cybersecurity strategy is based on five key tenets:

  • Confidentiality: It is a data oriented attribute. Confidentiality can be defined as protection of the information from disclosure to unauthorized individuals, systems or entities. An example of confidentiality breach includes the theft of user data such as credit card details from retail outlets. This data is supposed to be confidential but once stolen by the cyber criminals, the card details are sold on dark web and is made public.
  • Integrity: Integrity is also data oriented attribute of Cybersecurity. It means protecting the information, systems, and services of an organization from unauthorized modification or destruction. The integrity of an organization’s system is violated in cyber-attacks which may include instances where cyber criminals hack the system and make changes to business servers and applications.
  • Availability: This tenet is service oriented. Availability defines timely and reliable access to data, information and services by authorized users. A simple example of threat to “availability” is a Denial of Service (DoS) attack. The cyber criminals send multiple requests to organization’s server causing it to slow down or altogether shut down. This prevents users from gaining access to information or services.
  • Non-Repudiation: Non-repudiation is entity oriented pillar of Cybersecurity. It refers to the ability to correlate a recorded action with originating entity with high certainty and efficiency. Example of non-repudiation violations includes unauthorized manipulation of financial transaction logs making it impossible to track if a financial purchase or stock trade was actually performed by the company.
  • Authentication: Authentication is also entity oriented attribute. It defines the ability of a Cybersecurity system to verify the identity of an individual or entity trying to access data, information or systems in a network. An example of authentication violation is where the authentication policies fail to differentiate between authorized and non-authorized users and cyber criminals may gain access to organization’s systems.

Centex Technologies offers Cybersecurity solutions that are unique to an organization’s infrastructure. To know more, contact Centex Technologies at (254) 213 – 4740.

Comprehensive Guide To MITM Attack

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On April 26, 2021

In Security

PDF Version: Comprehensive-Guide-To-MITM-Attack

Cybersecurity Strategy & Implementation Plan

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On April 21, 2021

In Uncategorized

With advanced methods of cybersecurity attacks and breaches coming into play, business organizations need to be more vigilant in planning their course of action to ensure their safety. This is where the need for cybersecurity strategy & implementation plan arises.

What Is Cybersecurity Strategy & Implementation Plan (CSIP)?

CSIP is a plan that states the steps to be taken for formulation, implementation, testing, and refining an efficient strategy to secure an organization against cybersecurity attacks. The intent of CSIP is to identify & address critical cybersecurity gaps and emerging priorities.

What Are The Objectives Of Cybersecurity Strategy & Implementation Plan?

There are five main objectives of CSIP, namely:

  • Prioritized Identification & Protection: This involves analysis of organizational resources to form separate categories of data, information, and resources. These categories are then prioritized based on their value. This helps in identification of high value information & assets that need to be secured immediately. After identification, it is important to understand types of risks against the identified assets such as outsider risks (network breach, phishing, hacking, etc.) or insider threats (rogue employees, unaware employees, compromised flash drives, etc.). The detection of risks makes it easier to define the strategic steps to protect the assets. Test your strategy & refine it. Once top priority information is secured, repeat the process for category of assets at next priority level.
  • Timely Detection & Rapid Response: Cyber criminals keep evolving their attacks to disrupt stringent cybersecurity strategies. If not detected timely, these attacks can disrupt the layers of security to reach core network, data center and systems of an organization. So, conduct regular checks and analysis to detect a cybersecurity disruption at its nascent stage and stage a rapid response against it. Also, train the employees to make them capable of spotting a cybersecurity breach.
  • Rapid Recovery: Some security breaches may cause damage; however, a rapid recovery can help in containing the widespread of damage. It is important to formulate rapid recovery plan. The plan should include steps to be taken, role of teams & individual employees in recovery, and security checkups to ensure the threat has been nullified.
  • Skill Building: Recruit qualified cybersecurity workforce to stay protected. An alternative approach is to seek services of a cybersecurity firm and invest in SaaS applications. Conduct regular trainings to enhance cybersecurity knowledge and skills of all employees. This will help them in staying protected against individual targeting attacks such as phishing.
  • Technology: Focus on efficient & effective acquisition and deployment of existing & emerging technology. Make sure all systems and devices are updated with latest software & security patches.

For more information on cybersecurity strategy & implementation plan, contact Centex Technologies at (254) 213 – 4740.

Malware: Types, Detection & Prevention

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On March 26, 2021

In Security

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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