PDF Version: Key-Lessons-On-Digital-Transformations
Tag: IT
Ultra-modern business systems based on latest technologies like Augmented Reality, AI, IoT and Blockchain are changing the way enterprises used to function. Among these, blockchain is a relatively new revolutionary technology that is impacting various industries miraculously.
Understanding Blockchain:
Blockchain is a global online database where data or information is stored in a chain of blocks. It is managed by a cluster of computers but not owned by any single entity. Each of these blocks of data is secured and bound to each other using cryptographic principles. Through this technology, you can securely exchange any kind of transactions. It has brought a new perspective to security, resiliency and efficiency of systems.
Innovations in blockchain have enabled more agile value chains, faster product innovations, quicker integration and much more.
- Lightning Networks: To match the current payment processors without sacrificing decentralization, lightning networks have been designed to facilitate majority of bitcoin transactions. This type of network does not need block confirmations while making payments as they are instant and atomic. It also allows financially viable micro transactions where transfer of value occurs off-chain. Only the balance of the channels is broadcasted, dramatically reducing the load of chain.
- Sharding In IOST: Internet of Services Token (IOST) is an enterprise-level blockchain system. Many blockchains are constrained by their scalability capabilities; so, IOST is implementing its unique form of ‘Sharding’ to overcome this limitation. Sharding is a method of data partitioning that splits a database into smaller and easily manageable segments called ‘shards’. The customized sharding method introduced by IOST is called ‘Efficiently Distributed Sharding’. It reduces transaction processing workload on individual node and increases the total transaction throughput of the network which is proportional to increase in number of nodes. This ensures that IOST blockchain is infinitely scalable.
- Secret Contracts: Privacy is pivotal for usage of blockchain among mass number of users. The privacy issues are now solved by some blockchain developers such as ‘Enigma’ by implementing an innovative technology called ‘Secret Contracts’. Data that runs through Enigma’s secret smart contracts can be processed by nodes without actually seeing any of the data they are operating on.
- Interoperability: Importance of interoperability in blockchain is vital so that users won’t have to switch from one blockchain to another blockchain for every separate application they are using. The leaders in blockchain industry, such as ‘Ark’, are working on harmonizing the blockchain space by facilitating inter chain communication. This can be facilitated by incorporating a technology that allows different blockchains to connect and communicate with each other.
For more information on innovations in blockchain technology, call Centex Technologies at (254) 213 – 4740.
Endpoint security is a methodology to protect the business network when being accessed by remote devices like smartphones, laptops, tablets & other wireless devices. It includes monitoring their status, software as well as activities.
Nowadays, employees are granted network access through the internet on their mobile devices which increases the need to focus on endpoint security. Enterprises have to work on securing the data available on their employee’s mobile device such that if the device falls into wrong hands, the data still stays protected. Security software such as antivirus, antispyware, firewall, etc. are installed on all endpoint devices as well as network servers.
Why Is It Called Endpoint Security?
Devices connected to the network are called endpoints as they are placed on edge of the network and are used by individuals to perform various tasks. Individuals connect to the central network using these endpoint devices. However, these devices may pose a security threat to the network and the strategy that is employed to secure these endpoints is thus known as endpoint security.
Why Is It Important To Ensure Endpoint Security?
- There has been a significant increase in BYOD culture
- There is a rise in number of employees who work from home
- Increase in security threats via mobile devices
Ways To Implement Endpoint Security
- User Management: Businesses should control the user access to the network. It can be done by setting up password protocols, restricting administrative privileges, usage policies, mobile device management, etc. It should be implemented in such a way that if a user loses his device then the IT team can remotely lock the device to protect the data from being compromised.
- Encryption: Another way to keep the data safe is to implement encryption on endpoints. It is simple yet effective way to prevent the data stored on corporate devices from any risk.
- Antivirus & Malware: In the wake of rising phishing & ransomware attacks, it is mandatory to install antivirus & malware protection software on your mobile devices. This helps in increasing endpoint security.
- Updating & Patching: It is important to keep the devices updated. This is because devices without latest updates & patches are most vulnerable to security breaches.
Often there is a confusion between endpoint security & antivirus, although they differ from each other. The former is much wider than the latter. Antivirus protects the PCs, single or many, depending upon the type of antivirus being deployed. However, in case of endpoint security the whole network is made secure. It provides provisions for application whitelisting, endpoint detection & response, network access control, etc. unlike an antivirus software.
By implementing endpoint security solutions, businesses can exercise greater control on number & types of access points on the network.
For more information about IT security, call Centex Technologies at (254) 213-4740.