Tag: IT security

Tips For Effective Patch Management

On October 13, 2016

13 October, 2016

Patch management is a complex process that involves maintaining and applying upgrades to various software applications installed on an organization’s computer systems. These patches may either be released to fix a security issue or to improve the functionality of a software. Even a single unpatched computer can make the entire corporate network vulnerable to online security threats. Therefore, implementing a patch management policy is important to handle this process efficiently.

Given below are some tips for effective patch management in an organization:

Know Your Network

The ultimate objective of patch management is to secure every computer and mobile device accessing the organizations’ network. However, analyzing the software installed on all computers can be tedious and time consuming. Poorly managed assets can easily turn into the network’s weakest links and lead to hacking attacks. Therefore, you should consider automating the analysis and deployment of patches. With this, you can manage the application of patches to all the computers through a single system.

Plan Your Approach

Even if you have automated the patch management process, you must devise a plan to keep everything in streamlined order. Group the computer systems according to different departments or users. Following a systematic approach will ensure timely and effective patch upgradation on all computer systems. Begin by installing updates on computer systems that are more sensitive to the problem addressed by the patch. IT team or the tech savvy employees should use the patches first so that they can identify and report if any problem is detected.

Conduct Regular Scans

Patch management is not a one-time process. It is an ongoing activity that requires continuous scanning and assessment of resources by the IT managers. This is essential to identify systems that do not support automated patch management and need to be manually updated. The patches should also be tested before deployment as they may lead to problems if not properly applied.

Rely On A Single Source For Patches

Another way to simplify your patch management is to rely on a single solution for all the software and applications. This will help to lower the complications involved in the process as you do not have to maintain and learn the procedures as well as techniques of multiple solutions. It will also reduce overall operating costs and facilitate end-user communications.

We, at Centex Technologies, provide efficient IT security solutions to the organizations in Central Texas. For more information, you can call us at (855) 375 – 9654.

How To Improve IT Security In Your Organization

By centexitguy

On September 24, 2015

In Security

September 24, 2015

IT security is one of the biggest challenges faced by every organization. Considering the different malware and networking threats discovered frequently, the impact of a feeble security policy can be disastrous. Hence, data security should be your company’s top priority, specifically if your business activities involve storing sensitive customer details.

Here are some practical tips that can help to improve IT security in your organization:

Establish A Definite Plan: Chalk out a well-defined plan stating the actions that should be taken to evade a data breach. This should include terms and policies regarding which data can or cannot be accessed by the employees. The rules mentioned in the plan should be strictly followed by each and every individual who is a part of the organization. Also, the security policies must be reviewed and updated from time to time.
Educate Your Employees: Let your employees know about the potential security risks and the best practices to mitigate them. They should be educated about creating strong passwords, handling spam emails, maintaining data backup etc. Also, there should be a dedicated IT staff that they can turn to in case of any doubts or concerns.
Set A Data Storage Policy: You should also implement a data storage policy in the organization. It should have a clear mention of the data that should be stored or deleted from their devices. Keeping files with certain extensions can also increase the risk for a security breach.
Ensure Encryption: If you need to store any sensitive customer data such as names, passwords, credit card details, email addresses, bank account numbers etc., make sure they are properly encrypted. Only a limited number of employees should have access to the computers containing this information. You can also consider using two-factor authentication for added protection.
Avoid BYOD Culture: With a rise in the work from home culture, the data security risks have also increased manifold. The personal devices used by the employees may not be compliant with your company’s security plan. This provides hackers an easy pathway to gain access to your organization’s confidential data. To prevent this, do not allow employees to use their own devices as long as they are made to comply with the company’s policies. Connecting portable networking devices with the office computers should also be restricted to prevent a malware breach.

We, at Centex Technologies, provide complete IT security solutions to businesses across Central Texas. For more information, you can call us at (855) 375 – 9654.

Facebook Security Tips

By centexitguy

On October 10, 2014

In Security

October 10, 2014

Besides being the most admired place for social networking, Facebook is a website where people share most of their personal information such as photos, likes, habits, places they visited and even the place they are at the present moment. Therefore, it is extremely important to keep your Facebook account secure in order to prevent any misuse/ account hacking.

Here are some tips to keep your Facebook account secure:

Create a strong password: Although it is the most basic advice to be given, but most people do not always follow it. Not just for Facebook, it is advised to keep a strong password for all the websites you use. Avoid using simple password like names, date of births, and successive alphabets or numbers. Instead, use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols to make it bit complex. To change your existing password, click on Account Settings> General> Password

Customize your privacy settings: You would not want everyone to view your personal stuff that you or your friends post on Facebook. In order to restrict people, you should choose appropriate privacy settings for your account. For that, you need to click on the padlock icon on the extreme right in the top toolbar, click on ‘Who can see my stuff’ and choose your preference from the drop down menu. It is recommended to you limit your privacy to ‘friends’ or ‘friends of friends.’

Confirm Mobile Number: This will help you to reactivate your Facebook account in case you forget your password. To enter your mobile number, go to Account Settings> Mobile> Add a Phone. After this, you will receive a confirmation code on your mobile which you have to enter in the given column. Now, you have your mobile phone registered with Facebook.

Setup login notifications: You can set up notification alert if anyone tries to access your account from an unknown device. This is an easy way to prevent unauthorized use of your Facebook account. To do this, go to Account Settings > Security > Login Notifications. From here, you can choose either to receive an email or a text message notification for any unapproved login.

Always log out: Whether it is a public computer or a personal device, make it a habit to log out of your account after every session.

By putting these simple tips into practice, you can be assured of your Facebook account being safe and secure.

Understanding The Need For Advanced Security Systems for Corporates

By centexitguy

On April 27, 2010

In Security

April 26, 2010

The internet has become an indispensable part of business operations. It helps in ensuring better control and management through convenient communication and smooth functioning. However, it also brings a risk of virus attacks and data theft with its use. When your network is infiltrated, your corporate activities are sure to be affected.

Such issues make it essential for corporate entities to invest in strong IT security systems. Not only does it protect your business information but also prevents many financial losses. Unfortunately, many business organizations do not understand the need for full fledged security systems. For them, installing antivirus software is enough to deal with all sorts of virtual threats. This kind of negligence often leads to hacking of business security systems and disruption of important operations.

Gradually, the government is also realizing the importance of having robust security measures for corporate systems. Several laws and regulations have been put up for businesses in the private as well as government sector. Still, it is vital to think about the capability of your corporate’s IT security system and ensure that it can safeguard your database against all potential attacks.

If you are starting afresh or find scope for improvement in your business security, the first step is to fix quantifiable security measures. Also, you need to match them with your corporate goals in order to avoid conflict. It is also important that the security system makes your business identity and market presence stronger.

For many companies, it is a nightmare to lose all their data, be it business emails or invoices. Such a disaster can be avoided by implementing foolproof security systems with the help of latest Information Technology tools and techniques. In the ever changing world of Internet, your data needs to be protected from outsider as well as insider misuse.

A good way of dealing with security problems is to hire a security expert. Companies that cannot afford to do this can take appropriate measures for securing their data. This includes making weekly backups, replacing obsolete computer hardware and software and of course, updating your security software regularly.

We at Centex Technologies, located in Killeen, Central Texas, provides complete security solutions to our clients. Please feel free to contact us for further equerries.

Internet Marketing Guy – IT Support Central Texas