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Tag: Cyber Security Page 19 of 41

Cyber Security Technologies For Business Organizations

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On March 24, 2021

In Security

Cyber-crime environment is constantly evolving and cyber criminals are always trying to come with new types of attacks for outsmarting existing cyber security protocols. This emphasizes on the need to recognize and deploy advanced cyber security measures to combat cyber threats effectively.

Here are some reasons that strengthen the need for organizations to invest in advanced cyber security technologies:

  • Cyber-attacks are no longer targeted at merely extracting confidential details or earning quick money. They have moved on to more sinister motives, commonly known as cyber warfare. With increasing connectivity among critical utility infrastructure, cyber warfare has a tendency to grow.
  • Cyber criminals are getting more advanced and the number of sophisticated cyber-attack tools is growing in the deep and dark web.
  • Most organizations keep business-critical data recorded in digital format and are thus greatly dependent on their systems and network. Failure to secure these systems from cyber criminals can endanger credibility, sales, and profit.

Owing to the heating up cyber warfare, organizations need to identify and adopt emerging cyber security technologies constantly. Following is a list of top advanced cyber security technologies that businesses organizations should adopt:

  • Artificial Intelligence & Deep Learning: Application of artificial intelligence in cyber security is similar to two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication confirms user’s identity based on two different parameters. Artificial intelligence adds additional layers of information and authentication to identity confirmation. Deep learning is used to analyze data such as logs, transactions and real-time communications to detect threats trying to penetrate the system or network.
  • Behavioral Analytics: Behavioral analytics uses data mining techniques to determine patterns of activity across a system and network. This helps in detecting unusual activity such as abnormal increase in data transmission from a device connected to the network. Such deviations from normal pattern can be used to detect potential and real-time cyber threats.
  • Embedded Hardware Authentication: A PIN and password are no longer sufficient to protect hardware, so embedded authentication chips are being used to secure hardware. These powerful chips such as Sixth-generation vPro chips by Intel are embedded in the hardware. The chips employ multiple levels and methods of authentication that work in tandem to ensure authentication security.
  • Blockchain Cyber Security: Blockchain cyber security works on the basis of blockchain’s peer-to-peer network fundamentals. Every member in the blockchain is responsible for verifying the authenticity of data added. It creates a near-impenetrable network to secure organizational data.

For more information on cyber technologies for business organizations, contact Centex Technologies at (254) 213 – 4740.

Best Practices For Cloud Security

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On March 19, 2021

In Security

PDF Version: Best-Practices-For-Cloud-Security

IT Security Recommendations For 2021

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On February 17, 2021

In Security

Rapid growth of technology is changing the way businesses operate. Technologies such as cloud computing, Artificial, Intelligence, automation, and IoT have created numerous growth opportunities for businesses. However, cyber hackers also use these technologies to launch an array of cyber security threats and attacks such as data breach, identity theft, etc.

The rise in number and frequency of cyber threats has created a need for businesses to focus on their IT security strategies. Here are some IT security recommendations for 2021:

  • Cloud Threats: The Coronavirus pandemic has intensified the remote work and collaboration between different teams resulting in increased use of cloud services for data storage, data sharing, app sharing, etc. However, increased migration to cloud has led to higher number of cloud threats. Some common cloud-based security threats are mis-configured cloud storage, reduced visibility and control, incomplete data deletion, and vulnerable cloud-apps.
  • AI Integration: As the cyber security threats keep growing in terms of intensity, AI is emerging as a helping hand to under-resourced IT security teams. Including artificial intelligence in IT security strategy can help in ensuring timely detection of threats and implementing rapid reaction. AI provides threat intelligence by analyzing massive quantities of risk data from structured and unstructured resources.
  • Extended Detection & Response (XDR): In order to ensure data security, it has become essential for IT teams to gain visibility and deep insight into enterprise and customer data across emails, endpoints, networks, servers, cloud workloads, and applications. It is recommended to include XDR in the IT security strategy as it helps in automatically collecting data from multiple sources and correlate it to ensure faster threat detection and incident response.
  • Security Process Automation: High frequency of IT security threats has resulted in a shortage of trained IT staff. Thus, organizations are required to extensively rely on security process automation. These tools eliminate repetitive security operations using pre-established rules and procedures. This also helps in reducing the errors in routine security checks.
  • SASE: Changing organizational environment has transformed the organization’s network security from LAN-based appliance models to cloud-native security service models such as Secure Access Service Edge (SASE). Using this model, organizations can robustly secure remote workforce and cloud applications by routing network traffic through cloud-based security check.

For more information on IT security recommendations for 2021, contact Centex Technologies at (254) 213 – 4740.

What Is Whaling Attack?

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On January 22, 2021

In Security

PDF Version: What-Is-Whaling-Attack

Understanding Everything About GoBrut

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On December 31, 2020

In Security

GoBrut is a computer virus written in Go programming language. The compilation of GoLang programs generates binaries that have all required dependencies embedded in them. It avoids the need of installed runtimes within the machine and simplifies the multi-platform support of Go applications.

Mode Of Infection

GoBrut virus infects Windows and Linux machines using ‘Brute Force’ method.

What Is Brute Force Infection?

A brute force attack is also known as brute force cracking. It involves a computer machine that tries different combinations of usernames and passwords until it finds the correct combination to unlock the victim machine or network.

There are different types of brute force attacks that can be used by GoBrut virus. Some common types are:

  • Dictionary Attack: The attacker uses a dictionary of possible passwords to guess the right password.
  • Exhaustive Key Search: The computer tries every possible combination of characters to find the correct password. The new computers can brute force crack an 8 character alphanumeric password (including capitals, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters) in about two hours.
  • Credential Recycling: In this type of attack, the attackers use the leaked usernames and passwords from other data breaches.

The virus is mainly used to target servers running Content Management Systems (CMS) and technologies such as SSH and MySQL. Here is a list of commonly targeted platforms:

Content Management Systems

  • Bitrix
  • Drupal
  • Joomla
  • Magento
  • WordPress
  • OpenCart

Databases

  • MySQL
  • Postgres

Administration Tools

  • SSH
  • FTP
  • cPanel
  • PhpMyAdmin
  • Webhostmanagement

After-Infection Process:

  • After successful infection, the infected system becomes a part of the GoBrut botnet. It now requests work from Command and Control server of the botnet.
  • Once the work is received, the infected host will now bruteforce other systems on the network (mentioned in the work request sent by botnet owner).
  • This allows lateral spread of GoBrut virus in the network.
  • After gaining access to a machine’s credentials, the attackers may steal confidential information, photos or other private data.

As the virus uses brute force techniques to steal password, the machines using low-security passwords are at higher risk of infection. Thus, simple ways to protect a system or network from GoBrut virus are:

  • Use of strong and reliable passwords.
  • Regular update of passwords after short intervals.
  • Avoid use of common passwords for different systems.
  • Apply access control for remote logins across all services.
  • Update all services and plugins regularly to combat vulnerabilities.

For more information on the GoBrut virus, contact Centex Technologies at (254) 213 – 4740.

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