Tag: Cyber Security Page 44 of 48

November 9, 2015

The term – Internet of Things (IoT) essentially refers to a uniquely identifiable network of physical objects, such as wearable gadgets, smart phones, TVs, electronic appliances, cars etc., that are rooted with software, sensors and internet connectivity. These devices are able to connect and share information without requiring a machine-to-machine or human-to-machine interaction. While they can be a game changer in terms of the way we live our daily lives, being in nascent stage, IoT devices are still quite vulnerable to hacking attacks.

Here are some of the security risks associated with Internet of Things:

Data Breach: With the lack timely updation of security software, IoT devices can be at risk for exposing sensitive information to cybercriminals that can be used for malicious purposes. Hackers can stalk the different devices in an IoT network and steal the data shared between them. Data breaches can be a serious threat to the virtual security of individuals and organizations that use such devices.

Botnets: These are a group of remote computers, smart appliances and network connected electronic gadgets working together to achieve an illegal goal. The bots are usually transferred to these devices through insecure internet ports or spam downloads. A malicious code is used to infect the IoT devices and exploit the software on which they operate.

Cross-Device Access: IoT devices generally connect to a computer system, Wi-Fi network or smartphone to operate. This provides an additional route hackers can take to gain access to the information stored on all systems connected with the IoT device. By installing a malicious program or code on an IoT device, the attacker can get hold of entire network and system files. It also makes users vulnerable to a man-in-the-middle attack where hackers can intercept or modify information shared between two IoT devices.

Dos Attacks: A Denial of Service (DoS) attack involves using the bandwidth, network resource, CPU time etc. of a malware infected computer. The hacker attempts to flood the infected computer network with a huge amount of traffic that causes its functioning to cease. With Internet of Things, the hackers are easily able to access a number of interconnected devices through a single path.

Ransomware: This is malware based attack that limits or restricts the user’s access to an infected device unless he pays a certain sum of ransom to the hacker. With the increasing use of interconnected IoT devices, the risk for ransomware attacks has also escalated manifold.

We, at Centex Technologies, provide complete cybersecurity solutions to the business firms in Central Texas. For more information, you can call at (972) 375 – 9654.

Steps To Optimize Your Firewall Configuration

By centexitguy

On October 28, 2015

In Security

October 28, 2015

Firewall is an essential part of your organization’s network security. It works by monitoring all the incoming and outgoing traffic on your network to restrict any unauthorized access. It can also limit exposure by camouflaging internal network information from the public internet. Though its importance is well-known, many people do not optimize their firewall settings efficiently. Majority of the cyber-attacks occur mainly because of flaws in a network’s firewall configuration.

Here are some steps that you need to follow to optimize your firewall configuration:

Filter Outbound Traffic: You must constantly monitor your server to detect and remove any unwanted or unauthorized traffic. Denied or dropped outbound requests hitting the firewall should also be tracked. Subsequently, the network administrators should reconfigure the firewall to prevent such unauthorized servers, thereby eliminating load from the firewall.

Minimize Privileges: You should set specific configuration polices to filter traffic on your organization’s network. Each user should be given the least level of privileges that are absolutely required for him to work efficiently. This will reduce the chances of a potential data breach. You should also review your firewall policies frequently to determine any new applications and the connectivity they need

Run Only Required Services: Many organizations face security issues due to outdated or unrequired services running on their firewall. The best way to overcome this is to strengthen device security and ensuring that the firewall configurations are compliant before they can be used on the organization network. By modifying your device’s settings according to their functioning and usage, you can improve its security and minimize the chances of running a malicious service on your firewall.

Standardize Authentication Mechanisms: You should enforce the same authentication mechanisms across all your organization’s branches, even in remote locations. If not, the employees will be able to access online accounts with weak passwords without any limit on login failures on entering incorrect details. In such situations, hackers find an easy way to access the organization network through remote locations. Having a standardized authentication policy will minimize this risk and improve security.

It is important that you continuously monitor your organization’s firewall settings. However, by following these steps, you can improve overall network security and significantly lower the chances of a hacking attack.

We, at Centex Technologies, can help to optimize your organization’s IT security. For more information, you can call us at (972) 375 – 9654.

Tips To Stay Safe When Sharing Files Online

By centexitguy

On October 16, 2015

In Security

October 16, 2015

Online file sharing is a feature that allows the users to send or receive documents in a quick and convenient manner. However, every new technology comes with its own set of challenges. With the increasing cyber threats and data breach incidences, internet safety has become an important concern than ever. Staying alert and following the required safety practices can help to minimize the occurrence of a data breach.

Here are some of the tips that can help you stay safe when sharing files over the internet:

Choose Strong Passwords: Although it is a much known security practice, unsecure or weak passwords are still the cause in most cases of hacking attacks. Ideally, you must create a separate password for each online account that you manage. Make sure your password is at least 12 characters long with a combination of lower and upper case alphabets, numbers as well as symbols. Names, date of births or common legible words are easy to interpret and hence, should not be used as passwords.

Use Two Factor Authentication: Safeguarding your files with a two-step authentication provides an added layer of security. Besides the user name and password, an additional verification element is required to gain access to the files. These may include a one-time password sent on the individual’s phone, verification links sent through emails, answering a security question or performing a biometric scan of an authorized user.

Encrypt Files: Sharing files without proper encryption puts them at risk for a breach. Encryption will make sure that even if a hacker has gained access to your files, he would not be able to open and read it. Only the authorized individuals will have the key to decode the file so as to make it comprehensible.

Avoid Downloading Unknown Files: Apart from the files that you send, you also need to be cautious with the ones you receive online. It is important that you download only those files that are sent from trusted sources. Additionally, you must be more careful while downloading email attachments with .exe, .com, .bat, .zip and .vbs extensions. These may contain malicious codes, viruses or programs aimed at stealing information from your computer.

Install And Run Security Software: You must install and constantly update your anti-virus and firewall software to defend against viruses that you may get from shared files. Even when you download files from a trusted source, make sure you run an anti-virus scan to prevent breach of your important documents stored on the computer.

For more online file sharing tips, you can contact Centex Technologies at (855) 375 – 9654.

Reasons Why Trojan Virus Is Dangerous

By centexitguy

On October 9, 2015

In Security

October 10, 2015

Trojan is a malicious software program designed to carry out unauthorized actions on a computer. These may include deleting system files, modifying, blocking or copying data and disrupting the computer’s performance on various networks. Although Trojans do not have the ability to replicate themselves like a virus, they can allow installation of viruses in the infected computer.

How Trojan Infects A Computer?

Trojan viruses can infect a computer through any of the following ways:

Email Attachments: Trojans can be sent in a disguised form through email attachments. The hacker may send emails claiming to be from credible organizations that compel the users to download attachments.
Game Downloads: The virus can infect a system through free game downloads, specifically from unauthorized sources.
Web Browser Exploits: Trojan viruses can also enter a user’s computer through security vulnerabilities in the web browser.
Messaging Clients: The hacker may send a spam link or malicious code through instant messaging platforms which, when downloaded, infect the device with a Trojan.

Consequences Of Trojan Virus

Here are some of the reasons why Trojan virus can be dangerous:

Steal Identity: Certain form of Trojans jot down whichever key you strike on your keyboard. Thus, they are able to steal your username and password for different websites, known as an identity theft. When the hacker breaches your account, he can get access to your contacts and send them malicious URLs to infect their system as well.
Manipulate Requests: Trojans can also be used to execute a man-in-the-browser attack. When an individual performs any financial operation, the virus may manipulate the amount and account details once the transaction has been confirmed.
Difficult To Detect: Unlike other viruses and worms, Trojans are much difficult to detect and remove from the computer. This is because they are not active unless you are doing something important on your computer, such as logging into an account or transferring funds from your bank account.
Subjugate The Computer: Trojan allows the cybercriminal to take complete control over the infected computer. Hence, they are able to turn on their web cam, disable the mouse or keyboard and even boot up the system.
Launch Another Attack: DDoS attacks can also be carried out through some types of Trojan viruses. The hacker may install other malicious software, damage the system or steal important information stored in the computer.

It is important that you keep your anti-virus software updated to detect any Trojan infection and prevent the hackers from accessing your computer.

Zero-Day Attacks And How To Prevent Them

By centexitguy

On August 6, 2015

In Security

August 6, 2015

A zero-day attack can be defined as an attempt to exploit unpatched software vulnerabilities before it becomes known to the vendor or user. Cybercriminals can initiate this attack with an aim of downloading malware, phishing software or any other code and use it for malicious purposes. As a zero-day attack involves exploiting an unknown flaw in the software, it often creates a ‘vulnerability window’, which refers to the time elapsed between the identification of the exploit and the installation of patch to fix it.

Types Of Zero-Day Attacks

Cyber criminals may launch a zero-day attack in any of the following ways:

Websites: If you have installed flawed software in your system and you visit a malware infected website, the hackers get an easy opportunity to manipulate the vulnerability. The security fault can be present either in your browser files or computer.
Inferior Software: Zero-day attacks can also misuse poorly designed software. These types of applications usually consist of different vulnerabilities that can be easily manipulated for malicious use. Through zero-day attacks, hackers may exploit the common file types in order to steal confidential data or damage the system altogether.
Emails: The attack can also be initiated when a user clicks on a malware infected email attachment. Once the file is downloaded, the bug can exploit any security flaws either in the email software or the computer system.

Tips To Prevent Zero-Day Attacks

Internet browsers and operating systems are most significant trajectories of zero-day attacks. You should frequently update your browser and implement the maximum security settings possible. You can either set your browser to download and install updates automatically or do so manually as soon as they are officially released.
Always stay alert for any updates or security patches announced for the software installed on your system.
If you use an open Wi-Fi network, you are at a higher risk for zero-day attacks. As the information shared over these connections is not properly encrypted, your device may be exposed to various security threats. Make sure you do not download any files or share sensitive information over such networks.
Do perform a regular scan of your system for viruses, malware and other faulty software. You should also clear your browsers cache and cookies from time to time. Changing passwords for all your online accounts, such as email ids, net banking, social media, etc., can also help to prevent against zero-day attacks.

We, at Centex Technologies, provide complete cybersecurity solutions in Central Texas. For more information, you can call us at (855) 375 – 9654.

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Tag: Cyber Security Page 44 of 48

Internet Of Things: Security Risks And Challenges

Steps To Optimize Your Firewall Configuration

Reasons Why Trojan Virus Is Dangerous

Zero-Day Attacks And How To Prevent Them