Tag: Network Security

What Is Botnet And Rootkit Security Threat?

On February 23, 2015

February 23, 2015

Cybercriminals are constantly developing new ways to access computer systems for unlawful purposes. Two of such threats to network security are Botnets and Rootkits, which can infect your computer before you even realize that you are a victim of cybercrime.

Botnet

Botnet simply means a group of bot infected computers. In a botnet attack, the owners of computers do not know that a bot has infected their system and the bots remains dormant till the time they receive a command to perform particular action by their controller or botmaster. The bots are commonly transferred to computers through unprotected internet ports or other malicious downloads.

The number of computers in the botnet can range from just a few to thousands or even more. Botnets are often used in Denial of Service (DoS) attacks, spreading virus and spam, and stealing sensitive data such as bank account or credit card details.

Rootkit

A rootkit is referred to as software that can be installed on a computer system without the user being aware of it. It can either come as a part of a larger software package or installed by an attacker by convincing you to inadvertently download the bug. This allows the hacker to take control of your computer system or network.

It is not always necessary that rootkits are malicious, however, they may hide such activities. The cybercriminals can alter your system programming, access important data, and carry out many other tasks on your computer while being hidden. Rootkits are also used for some genuine purposes such as observing illegitimate activity and preventing misuse of an organization’s network by the employees.

How to protect your PC for Rootkit and Botnet?

Make sure you create strong passwords that are difficult to be cracked by the hackers. It should include a combination of uppercase, lowercase letters, special characters and numbers. Do not allow your internet browser to remember passwords.
Installing an anti-virus software can also help to avoid attacks by obstructing the malicious users from accessing your network.
The anti-malware programs should always be authentic and reliable. They should be constantly updated to search for any viruses or bugs in your system.
Always be cautious while using emails and internet. Hackers usually deliver malware in the form of images, videos, links or pop-ups on your computer screen.

Following good cybersecurity practices can help you protect your network and stop the hackers from taking control of your computer system.

What Is Browser Hijacking And How To Prevent It

By centexitguy

On February 16, 2015

In Security

February 16, 2015

Browser hijacking is a term used to describe modification of user’s internet browser’s settings without his consent. This can either happen while downloading and installing new software, or if some malicious hacker forcibly redirects you to a spam website. Once your browser has been hijacked, it can crash your browser, change your default search engine, redirect you to third party websites, add new toolbars or bookmarks, and enable popups or ads on your screen.

Just like other malware and internet scams, hijacked browsers can make a good amount of money for the hackers. It can change your default home page to their website where the search results are directed to the links that the hackers want you to see. Any click on these links is a source of money for the cybercriminals. They can also sell information about your browsing habits to third parties to be used for marketing purposes.

Tips To Prevent Browser Hijacking:

Given here are some of the important tips that can help you prevent your browser from getting hijacked:

Frequently Update Your OS And Browser Version: Make sure that you have updated your browser with the latest version available. Also make sure that all the security patches are properly functioning to avoid any cyber-attacks targeted at unshielded vulnerabilities. Companies providing web browsers are responsive to the hijacking issue and keep on adding security features to prevent it. Thus, it is essential that you update your browser regularly.

Enable Real-Time Protection in Your Anti-Virus Software: Most antivirus software offer a feature known as ‘Real-Time Protection’ that keeps an eye on attempts made to alter your browser’s configuration files. It alerts you if anything you are downloading is trying to make changes in the browser’s settings. For this, you should make sure that your antivirus software is always up to date.

Be Careful Before Downloading Any Software: Browser hijacking software may be downloaded automatically along with a number of authentic software. Therefore, you should always be careful while reading the disclaimer details about installing any particular software. Some companies allow you to refuse to install the bundled applications that are not essential for the downloaded software to operate.

Removing Browser Hijacking Malware: Some hijacking software permit removing the faulty applications after installation. However, most of them do not allow you to undo the changes made to your browser’s settings. Even after you have removed the software from your system, your browser will remain hijacked until you manually reset its settings to default.

Browser hijacking is one of the most common cyber security threats. It is important to protect yourself by selecting appropriate settings and anti-viruses for your computer. For more information on network/ cyber security, please call us at – (855) 375-9654.

Improving Your Company’s Network Security

By centexitguy

On February 10, 2015

In Security

February 10, 2015

As the technology and systems behind cyber-attacks are persistently evolving, it’s nearly impossible for any company to stay absolutely secure. However, there are a few important steps that must be taken to minimize the threats to your company’s network security. Here we have jotted down list of steps that a company should implement to strengthen security of its computer network.

Use Two Factor Authentication: Customary authentication methods involving a username and password are no longer effective from security point of view. Instead, you should prefer using a two factor validation combining the above two elements with some other confidential physical devices such as a smartphone, USB token, smart card etc. It can also incorporate biometric data like retina scan, fingerprint and voice recognition etc.
Have A Specified Security Policy: Whether you have a large or small company, there must be a comprehensive security policy explicitly stated to all the employees. This includes making sure that the software on their systems is up to date with a fully functional security cover. Latest anti-malware and antivirus software should be properly installed and inspected. Also, the staff should know whom to call if any system software needs configuring. Employees should also be educated about type of external devices that are prohibited on office computers.
Use Biometric Encryption And Passwords: If a company’s computer or laptop is stolen, there is a high possibility that someone can gain access to the confidential data, infect the network or access other computers. To prevent this, you can implement additional security features in the system such as encrypting the hard drive, facilitating a biometric password on start-up. You can also install BitLocker on your Windows computer to automatically encode the data saved on the hard drive or removable media.
Secure Access From External Servers: If any employee is accessing your server from a personal device, make sure that he has to pass through applicable verification measures. Introduce one time passwords (OTPs) or smart cards for the users to connect through the company’s VPN. If your company follows bring your own device (BYOD) policy, you must set up appropriate policies to ensure that it does not affect your network’s security.
Perform Regular Checks: It is very important that you review your security policy on a regular basis. Frequent system audits can help you measure the effectiveness of your company’s security operations against potential threats and attacks.

By devoting more attention to your company’s security practices, you will be in a better position to not just shield, but also correct the inconsistencies in your private network.

We at Centex Technologies provide complete cyber security solutions to corporates. For more information call us at (855) 375-9654.

How To Protect Your Computer From Viruses Or Other Security Issues While Traveling

By centexitguy

On October 29, 2013

In IT Support

October 29, 2013

A vast majority of virus attacks on personal computers happen while traveling, which emphasizes the need to adopt security measures while using your computer on the go. Thankfully, it just takes a few simple steps to significantly increase your computer’s protection, and keep it safeguarded from viruses and other internet bots. Here’s a look at some of the best ways to keep your computer safe from viruses and other security issues while traveling:

Do not update software on public Wi-Fi systems: Before setting out on your trip, make sure that you have updated the operating system and software on your computer. Do not carry out any updates while accessing the internet through a public Wi-Fi hotspot, such as that in a hotel room. This could lead to cyber criminals installing malware that grants them access to all the data on your computer. Some of these programs can even enable the hacker to turn on the webcam on your computer and monitor all your activities.

Make sure you have an antivirus system intact: As obvious as it might seem, a large number of people tend to overlook the need for installing antivirus software on the computers. While this is important for your computer’s security in general as well, it is especially important for the increased protection you need while traveling.

Have a data backup: It is always a good idea to ensure that you have a backup for all the important data you need, before travelling with your computer. This data can be stored on the cloud or in a hard drive, and can be easily retrieved in case your computer gets stolen or gets infected with a virus.

Only use WPA2-encrypted networks: Before using a hotel network, make sure that it is encrypted with WPA2. You can easily tell whether a network is WPA2-encrypted or not, while adding the password for the network in your wireless settings. WEP and WPA networks are best avoided, and should be used only if you have no other option and desperately need to access the internet.

Use VPN to access your company’s network: If you need to access your company’s network while travelling, it is a good idea to do so through the VPN, or Virtual Public Network. Since VPNs only allow authenticated remote access, this will keep your private information protected.

For planning your office network and to know more about how to keep your computer secure, call us at – (855) 375-9654

Why Do You Need To Pay Attention To Network Security?

By centexitguy

On May 7, 2011

In Networking

May 7, 2011

With intrusion strategies becoming more sophisticated day by day, Network Security has turned into a hot topic of discussion. Long gone are the days when businesses managed to operate with an unprotected network.

Exploitation of computer networks is getting more common and it is completely critical for businesses to be able to protect themselves from serious threats that would aim to steal their information.

Network Security comprises of two basic types of securities. The first relates to the security of data information i.e. to protect the information from unauthorized access. And the second is the computer security i.e. to protect data on the computer and to thwart the hackers.

On World Wide Web or any network of a corporation, large amount of important information is exchanged on a daily basis. This information can be misused by the attackers. We need to pay attention to Internet Security for the following reasons:

To protect the private information from the outside users on the net.
To protect the information from undesirable editing, accidently or deliberately by the unauthorized users.
To protect the information from being lost and allow it to be sent to its desired destination appropriately.
To protect the message from undesirable delay in the transmission lines route so as to render it to the required destination in time, in case of emergency.

Another component of network security comprises of the computer security. Computer security intends to protect your computer system from undesirable harms stimulated due to the network. One of the major reasons for such damages is the computer viruses and spywares that can wipe off all the data from your hard disk or sometimes they could be destructive enough to cause hardware problems too. Beyond any doubt, the network must be protected from such sort of damaging softwares. The people who deliberately put such software on the network are referred to as Hackers. Below you will find the reasons regarding why we need computer security:

We need computer security as it helps in keeping off from various viruses.
Computer security programs help to fight against worms.
There is a need of protection from Trojan Horses as they are enough dangerous for your computer.

We at Centex Technologies provide consultation and advanced tools to help you prevent any misuse of your personal and financial information. Contact us today at (254) 213-4740.

Web Design Austin – Austin Search Engine Marketing