Cybersecurity: A Small Business Guide
There is a war going on in Europe and as sad as it is, there is very little we can do about it. However, part of that war does affect small business in the form of cyberwarfare and there is something we can do about that. We will detail cybersecurity best practices targeted at protecting small businesses against data breaches. You already know that small businesses are particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks, but what can you do about it? How familiar are you with the common security pitfalls for small businesses, and do you know how to avoid them? Cyberattacks and Your Small BusinessCyberattacks can disrupt your business.
Each second, more than 77 terabytes of internet traffic takes place online. As such, the internet has become a digital Silk Road that facilitates nearly every facet of modern life. And just as ancient merchants were sometimes beset by bandits on the actual Silk Road, today’s entrepreneurs can easily find themselves under attack from cyber malcontents working to derail companies through theft and disruption. In recent years, headlines have spotlighted crippling cyberattacks against major corporations. While each corporate cyberattack resulted in millions of dollars in damages, most stories fail to mention the many data breaches that affect much softer targets: small businesses. According to Verizon’s Data Breach Investigations Report, 43% of breaches impacted SMBs. You may not know when the next attack could occur, but taking proper precautions can hamper or completely stymie a hacker’s attempt at gaining access to your network. To help you avoid the mistakes of Target and, most recently, more than 20 government agencies, we’ve compiled info on why your SMB could be at risk and how to avoid a similar fate. Why cyberhackers go after small businessesWhen it comes to starting a small business, new owners have many decisions to make and often leave cybersecurity measures by the wayside. Unless they focus on shoring up their defenses, they may inadvertently end up leaving points of entry wide open for hackers. That can be a major problem. A report by the U.S. National Cyber Security Alliance estimated that 60% of all SMBs fail within six months of a cyberattack. According to Towergate Insurance, SMBs often underestimate their risk level, with 82% of SMB owners saying they’re not targets for attacks. They believe that, researchers said, because they feel they “don’t have anything worth stealing.” Couple that with the costs associated with implementing proper defenses, and you have a situation that’s primed for intrusions. Since data breaches can be devastating to a SMB, owners are more likely to pay a ransom to get their data back. SMBs can merely be a steppingstone for attackers to gain access to larger businesses. Cybersecurity attacks to look out forRegardless of their target, hackers generally aim to gain access to a company’s sensitive data, such as consumers’ credit card information. With enough identifying information, attackers can then exploit an individual’s identity any number of damaging ways. One of the best ways to prepare for an attack is to understand the different methods hackers generally use to gain access to that information. While this is by no means an exhaustive list of potential threats, since cybercrime is a constantly evolving phenomenon, business owners should at least be aware of the following types of cyberattacks.
How to secure your networksFor small businesses looking to ensure that their networks have at least a fighting chance against many attacks, that generally means installing any number of basic types of security software available on the market, each with varying levels of efficacy. Antivirus software is the most common and will defend against most types of malware. SpartanTec in Florence SC can help you install the best antivirus software for your business. A hardware- or software-based firewall can provide an added layer of protection by preventing an unauthorized user from accessing a computer or network. Most modern operating systems, including Windows 10, come with a firewall program installed for free. Along with those more surface-level tools, We suggest that businesses invest in three additional security measures.
As you begin considering your options, it’s generally a good idea to run a risk assessment, either by yourself or with the help of SpartanTec, Inc.. Cybersecurity best practicesIn addition to implementing some sort of software-based solution, small businesses should adopt certain technological best practices and policies to shore up vulnerabilities.
All of this may seem impossible to implement for small business owners. SpartanTec is here to help. We can perform an assessment of your business and put together a plan of attack.SpartanTec, Inc. Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston via Blogger https://ift.tt/gOPv3n8 March 17, 2022 at 10:53PM
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What are Keyloggers?
A keyloggers are a form of malware or hardware that keeps track of and records your keystrokes as you type. It takes the information and sends it to a hacker using a command-and-control (C&C) server. The hacker then analyzes the keystrokes to locate usernames and passwords and uses them to hack into otherwise secure systems. Types of Keyloggers
A software keylogger is a form of malware that infects your device and, if programmed to do so, can spread to other devices the computer comes in contact with. While a hardware keylogger cannot spread from one device to another, like a software keylogger, it transmits information to the hacker or hacking organization, which they will then use to compromise your computer, network, or anything else that requires authentication to access.
Software Keyloggers
Software keyloggers consist of applications that have to be installed on a computer to steal keystroke data. They are the most common method hackers use to access a user’s keystrokes. A software keylogger is put on a computer when the user downloads an infected application. Once installed, the keylogger monitors the keystrokes on the operating system you are using, checking the paths each keystroke goes through. In this way, a software keylogger can keep track of your keystrokes and record each one. After the keystrokes have been recorded, they are then automatically transferred to the hacker that set up the keylogger. This is done using a remote server that both the keylogger software and the hacker are connected to. The hacker retrieves the data gathered by the keylogger and then uses it to figure out the unsuspecting user’s passwords. The passwords stolen using the key logger may include email accounts, bank or investment accounts, or those that the target uses to access websites where their personal information can be seen. Therefore, the hacker’s end goal may not be to get into the account for which the password is used. Rather, gaining access to one or more accounts may pave the way for the theft of other data.
Hardware Keyloggers
A hardware keylogger works much like its software counterpart. The biggest difference is hardware keyloggers have to be physically connected to the target computer to record the user’s keystrokes. For this reason, it is important for an organization to carefully monitor who has access to the network and the devices connected to it. If an unauthorized individual is allowed to use a device on the network, they could install a hardware keylogger that may run undetected until it has already collected sensitive information. After hardware keystroke loggers have finished keylogging, they store the data, which the hacker has to download from the device. The downloading has to be performed only after the keylogger has finished logging keystrokes. This is because it is not possible for the hacker to get the data while the key logger is working. In some cases, the hacker may make the keylogging device accessible via Wi-Fi. This way, they do not have to physically walk up to the hacked computer to get the device and retrieve the data. How are Keyloggers Constructed?The primary concept behind keyloggers is they must be placed between when a key gets depressed on a keyboard and when the information regarding that keystroke appears on the monitor. There are several ways to accomplish this. Some hackers use video surveillance to see the connection between the pressed keys and what appears on the monitor. A video camera with a view of the keyboard and the screen can be set up. Once it records a video of the keystrokes and the login or authentication screens the strokes have to get past, the hacker can play the video back, slow it down, and see which keys were pressed. A hacker can also put a hardware bug inside the keyboard itself. This would record each stroke made and send the information to be stored, either on a server or nearby physical device. It is possible for a keylogger to be placed within the wiring or inside the computer—as long as it is between the keyboard and the monitor. Additionally, keylogger software can be designed to intercept all input that comes from the keyboard. This can be done using a few different methods:
The software, which is recognized as a form of spyware, is built using a few different methods. Here are the most common:
As a sort of defense mechanism, some keyloggers, referred to as rootkits, have the ability to disguise themselves to slip manual or antivirus detection. They either mask in user mode or kernel mode. How to Detect a Keylogger?The simplest way to detect a keylogger is to check your task manager. Here, you can see which processes are running. It can be tough to know which ones are legitimate and which could be caused by keyloggers, but you can differentiate the safe processes from the threats by looking at each process up on the internet. In some cases, you may find a warning written by another user regarding a process, or several processes, that indicate keylogger activity. To access the task manager in Windows, right-click on the taskbar, and then choose “Task Manager” from the menu. In this window, each program under the Apps section are the ones in use by your computer, which will appear in windows on your screen. You will not see a keylogger in this section. However, you may be able to find one by looking through the Background processes section. Another good place to look for keyloggers is under the Startup tab. Keyloggers get set up to run all the time on a computer, and to do that, they need to be started up with the operating system. As you peruse the Startup list, look for anything you cannot remember installing yourself. If something seems out of place, click on its line and then click on the Disable button on the lower-right side of the window. You can also check for keyloggers by examining your computer’s internet usage report. To access this in Windows, press the Windows button and “I” at the same time. This will bring you to the settings screen. Here, you should choose “Network & Internet,” then “Data usage.” A list of the programs that your computer is using to access the internet will appear. If anything seems suspicious or you simply do not recognize it, do a search to investigate what it is. It may be a keylogger. You can do the same form of investigation with browser extensions. If there are extensions you do not recall installing, disable them because they could be keyloggers. Here is how to access your extensions in some of the most common browsers:
How Keyloggers Attack Your Device?To gain access to your device, a keylogger has to be installed inside it or, in the case of a hardware keylogger, physically connected to your computer. There are a few different ways keyloggers attack your device. Spear Phishing Spear phishing is one of the most prominent methods of initiating a malware infection. In most cases, a phishing email or link is used to target a consumer. The link looks legitimate—it may even appear to come from a relative or a friend. However, after you open the email or click on a link, a keylogger is installed on your device. Spear-fishing attacks may also be used to launch a sextortion attack. Drive-by Download Drive-by downloading refers to when a keylogger is installed on your computer without you knowing. This is often accomplished using a malicious website. When you visit the site, malware gets installed on your computer. It then works in the background, undetected, logging your keystrokes, then sending them to the attacker. Trojan Horse It is common for Trojan horses to have keyloggers bundled inside. A Trojan horse, similar to the one used in the Greek myth, appears to be benevolent. When the user opens it, malware containing a keylogger gets installed on their device. The malware, once installed, keeps track of the user’s keystrokes and then reports them to a device accessed by the hacker. Problems Caused by Keyloggers In addition to compromising the security of your device, keyloggers can cause auxiliary issues on the device itself. The effects are somewhat different based on the type of device that has been infected. Desktops and Laptops Unknown Processes Consuming Computing Power Like all types of software, keyloggers need to initiate a process in order to work. Each process your computer has to execute requires processing power. A keylogger’s process, once initiated, can be a drain on your computing power. This may result in other applications not running the way they normally would or should. You can figure out which processes are running by pulling up the task manager, as described above in “How to Detect a Keylogger.” Delays During Typing Because a keylogger positions itself between the keyboard and the monitor, one sign of a keylogger may be a delay when you type. If you typically see letters, numbers, or symbols appear on your screen immediately after you hit each key but then you notice a slight delay, that could be a sign that a keylogger is interrupting the process. In some cases, the delayed typing may be due to circumstances like not enough random access memory (RAM), but if you notice this symptom, it may be a good idea to check for keyloggers. Applications Freeze Randomly As a keylogger does its work, it may interrupt normal application processing. This can cause the application to freeze without warning. If your applications are freezing more than usual, a keylogger could be the culprit. Androids and iPhones While there may not be any hardware keyloggers designed to attack mobile devices, Androids and iPhones can still be compromised by software keyloggers. These work by capturing where on the screen the user presses or taps, which allows the keylogger to see the virtual buttons pressed while the owner types. The data is then recorded and reported to a hacker. The threat may be even worse with these forms of keyloggers because they do more than merely monitor and record keystrokes. They can also record screenshots, things picked up by the camera, the activity of connected printers, what goes into the microphone, and network traffic. A keylogger even has the ability to prevent you from going to certain websites. To get a keylogger onto a mobile device, a hacker only needs to access it for a short period of time. You can also unintentionally install a keylogger on your device by clicking on a link or attachment. How to Protect My Devices from Keylogging? The best way to protect your devices from keylogging is to use a high-quality antivirus or firewall. You can also take other precautions to make an infection less likely. You may use a password manager to generate highly complex passwords—in addition to enabling you to see and manage your passwords. In many cases, these programs are able to auto-fill your passwords, which allows you to bypass using the keyboard altogether. If you are not typing, a keylogger cannot record any strokes, and since password characters are usually replaced by asterisks, even a video surveillance system would not be able to figure out what was entered. In addition, use multi-factor authentication (MFA) when you have the option. A keylogger may deduce your password, but the second phase of the authentication process may deter them. A virtual keyboard can also help prevent keyloggers from accessing your keystrokes. Even a hypervisor-based keylogger, which uses a separate operating system running underneath your main one, cannot access keystrokes performed on a virtual keyboard. On a Windows computer, you can press the Windows key and “R” at the same time to access its virtual keyboard. It is also a good idea to periodically check the hardware connections on your computer. While hardware keyloggers are not as common, the back of a PC’s tower may be an inviting attack surface for a keylogging hacker. This is also true when working on a public computer. The attacker may have installed a hardware keylogger days or weeks before you log in to your bank, brokerage, or email accounts. Even though keylogging attacks are prevalent on the internet, SpartanTec’s cybersecurity tools can help safeguard your computer and network. One of the primary ways keyloggers infect your computer is through malware. Our Antivirus security service can stop malware in its tracks.SpartanTec, Inc. Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston via Blogger https://ift.tt/m9fz4F7 March 11, 2022 at 09:27PM
4 Key Elements of Network Security
Network security and threats are a primary concern during the current instability in Europe. It is becoming increasingly sophisticated and complicated. Cyberthreats and intrusions are not uncommon in corporate networks as well as homes. Cybercriminals today use complex and innovative strategies to launch attacks and exploit network vulnerabilities in order to steal business data and classified information. Unauthorized network access can lead to data leakage, which is a serious risk. Data breaches can be detrimental to a company’s financial and business reputation. Facebook‘s recent data breach exposed personal data and data from over 500 million people in 106 countries. Organizations are increasing their cybersecurity strategies in order to protect their digital assets against malicious network intrusions. This article will provide information on network security functions and components as well as common network security attacks. What is Network Security?Security refers to directives and guidelines that protect network data integrity. This includes various technologies and devices. These rules allow for secure access to network data, and ensure confidentiality and usability of networks and systems. This is done to prevent intrusions, mitigate security threats lurking, and limit lateral movement. Implementing network security tools and technology is essential to strengthen your organization’s security position. To protect their systems against potential threats, organizations must be able to anticipate and plan for network security threats. To develop new strategies and protect network security vulnerabilities, it is necessary to understand the network’s fundamentals and attack types. SpartanTec in Florence SC is here to assist you and your staff prepare a network security plan. We listed to your goals and will assess your network security. From this information we will develop a proactive security plan. Common Types Of Network Security AttacksThe threat landscape has expanded as more people and businesses depend on the internet for convenience and ease of use. Network attacks and threats are increasing due to the recent Russian invasion. These vulnerabilities can be easily exploited by hackers to advance their evil agendas. Data theft and data breaches are on the rise. This highlights how important network security is and what illegal network breaches can do to businesses’ reputations and financial health. There are a few common threats to our computer networks and computer systems: Distributed Denial-of-Service attacks (DDoS).
Cybercriminals use malicious techniques to target networks and systems that have security holes, such as wireless networks that are not protected, sites that are poorly coded, or accounts that have weak password security. Network security issues can become major cyber attacks if they are not addressed. A secure network can reduce the likelihood of data theft and unauthorized intrusions. Network Security: ElementsNeglecting to address potential vulnerabilities in your network could have a devastating effect on your business. A weak link in network security can cause reputational damage, as well as financial loss. These are the essential elements of network security that you should be aware of: 1. Network Access Control (NAC). NAC gives administrators visibility into network access and who is allowed to use it. NAC solutions allow administrators to monitor network traffic and detect suspicious activity. Intrusion risks are high as electronic devices such as mobiles and apps accessing networks of organizations are becoming more common to comply with compliance regulations and change in work-from-home norms. NAC solutions are a great way for admins to better understand network traffic visibility and manage access to their networks. 2. Firewall Security Firewall security is a critical component of network security. Firewall is a network security tool that monitors both outgoing and inbound traffic. It is designed to prevent suspicious traffic activity and unauthorized intrusions by threat actors. It serves as a shield between untrusted and non-threatening networks, devices or devices, corporate or home-based. A firewall adds an additional layer of security to your network security. MarketsandMarkets predicts the global market for network security firewalls will grow from $3.8 billion in 2022, to $10.5 billion by 2025. In the face of data breaches, increasing vulnerability and remote work norms, organizations recognize the importance of firewall network security. 3. Intrusion Prevention System, IPS IPS is a network security application that detects suspicious activity and blocks it. It analyzes traffic to identify suspicious or unknown malware activities. IPS also analyzes and gathers malicious activities before reporting them to system administrators and other users. 4. Security Information and Event Management (SIEM). SIEM is an essential tool for protecting your company’s data and digital assets. It allows you to monitor traffic and security systems real-time, and collects data from different traffic sources and databases to detect suspicious activity. It raises an alarm and takes necessary steps to prevent or mitigate any suspicious activity. SIEM is a combination of SIM (Security Information Management), and SEM (Security Event Management) technology. It works together to improve an organization’s security posture. It is important to ensure that your staff are proficient in network security and defense to keep you informed about data breaches and network intrusions. Continual employee training on cybersecurity is essential. Without a network defender, like SpartanTec, In. in Florence SC, who can examine your network and design effective security solutions, your business could take a huge hit.SpartanTec, Inc. Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston via Blogger https://ift.tt/thcWyX0 March 05, 2022 at 09:02AM
Zero Trust: What Is It And Why Is It Worth It?
A long-time contact informed me that he had a serious cybersecurity problem at the end of last fiscal year. After installing three layers of security, the company just finished an audit. The audit revealed that five security incidents had occurred since the company had completed their installation. All of them were within their security perimeter and bypassed most of their protection. They wanted to know what they had done wrong and how they could fix it. This company was not the first to experience the problems they faced. The source of the problem and the path to resolving it are difficult. Why Network Security?Network Security is often seen as something we can accomplish with a few tools. This is not necessarily true. Security is the state that you reach by addressing all possible threats. Each threat must be dealt with in its own way. Hackers can gain access to applications or databases by stealing credentials or exploiting weak authentication. They can also be caused by exploits. This is where a program’s faults (applications, middleware or operating systems) can be used as a trigger for malicious behavior. They can also be caused by malware that has been introduced. Combinations of these three security problems are becoming more common. As this business owner pointed out, enterprises have been more focused on perimeter security to protect themselves against the first two security issues. They haven’t considered, or perhaps they should have, the second two. These other problems can be fixed without abandoning perimeter security. It means that all possible problem sources must be addressed. Rules for sharpening security focus.Rule 1 is that a wall can’t be built if the gate is open. Many companies are too lax about protecting employee devices. In fact, a majority of security incidents are caused by infected laptops. Does your work-from home policy low company VPN access to devices that are not only not secured but also not inspected. Work devices should not be used for private reasons, and vice versa. Rule 2 “Who will monitor the guards?” Management, monitoring, and security tools all have access to resources and apps. In the past six months, we’ve experienced two major security issues related to contamination of one of these tools, the SolarWinds breach, and Log4j. These problems show that the things we need for our networks, applications and data centers can come back to bite us. We have to be vigilant about keeping them up-to-date and looking out for unusual behavior. Software updates are essential to comply with these rules. Unfortunately, this is often a problem in enterprises. It can be difficult to update desktop software, especially WFH software. However, a combination of central software management and regular review of software versions on personal systems can help. Don’t let your operations tools get neglected by open-source tools. They seem to be happening a lot. You should include a review of critical operation software in your software management program. It is a smart idea to look closely at new versions at least once every six months. Even with all this, it is unrealistic to expect an enterprise will be able to anticipate all possible threats from all possible bad actors. It is better to prevent disease than to treat it when symptoms occur. One of the most overlooked security principles is that understanding good behavior is key to preventing bad behavior. No matter what the cause of a security problem may be, it almost always indicates that someone is doing something it shouldn’t. How do we find out? You can do this by looking for patterns in behavior. Zero Trust, another widely misunderstood security term, is all about this. It’s sometimes true, and other times it’s not. What Zero Trust actually meansIt’s easy to put a label on a product, or service. You’ll be surprised at how zero-trust solutions work. We don’t even agree on what the concept means. How can you trust a term that is meaningless or has multiple meanings? Zero Trust should be about behavior control and monitoring. What about the number of applications that a typical worker can access? The company was unable to give me the answer. Then, how could the company determine if the worker or another worker was stealing data? They were not able to spot what was illegal, as they didn’t know what was allowed. Zero Trust is the solution. Zero-trust systems should assume there is no implied right to any connection. Connection rights are not permissive but explicit and this property is critical for Zero Trust security. No one can deny the difficulty of defining the permitted connectivity for workers and the requirements for middleware and management software. These problems are the reason enterprises fail to accept Zero Trust security, and vendors may claim but not deliver the required capabilities. Zero Trust is more work but you cannot avoid it and still be secure. The pain doesn’t stop at defining permissible connectivity. Unauthorized connections must be detected and recorded by Zero Trust. It’s this feature that makes Zero Trust so valuable. Nearly all inside-the-perimeter attacks will seek out connectivity and resources in search of something. A good Zero Trust system will detect these explorations and record them, alerting the managed services that something is amiss. The company can save the day by acting quickly. It is best to examine how to apply a Zero Trust system that a vendor proposes to validate it. Because all accountants, as well as all accounting software, will likely have the same connection permissions, it is a good idea to support a hierarchical framework to assign connection rights. Does this seem like a lot of work? Products that require little of your time are more likely to give you little in return. Security is essential. Don’t compromise connection permissions or exception journals just to save time. It is difficult to secure the internet, but it is much more difficult to recover from security problems. What is the best solution? Contact SparTan, INC. in Florence SC for a comprehensive audit of your network and security protocols. You will sleep better tonight knowing your company’s data is secure.SpartanTec, Inc. Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston via Blogger https://ift.tt/zxdNUof February 11, 2022 at 05:50PM
Can Your Business Afford A Cybersecurity Breach
Each day, more of our activities are digitalized and bring with them large amounts of personal data that can be easily exploited for profit or influence by those who have the desire and the inclination to go against ethical norms. Cybersecurity refers to the protection of personal data stored digitally. Your business might not need to worry about data security. What are the chances that your site will be targeted? Your website is unlikely to be among the most important companies in the world so anonymity is not an option. Even though the likelihood of your company being the target of a data breach is low, there is still the possibility. And the potential consequences can be very dire. Can you afford to take the chance? Cyber security should be at the top of your priority list.Customer Data is Very Sensitive A website that tracks and collects data on regular customers will give the business an unprecedented view of the person’s daily life. This includes their eating habits, allergies, viewing habits, engagement, divorce, vulnerability, etc. This data is often used to increase sales in the ecommerce industry. Promoting diapers for new parents and expensive gifts for couples celebrating their anniversaries is a good idea. Although it may seem intrusive and creepy, it is easy to ignore. Persuasion is not the worst thing in this world. However, customer data that is exposed via a security flaw can be made even more dangerous. Blackmailers could threaten to release the data to the public if the business doesn’t pay them extortion money or use it directly to extract payments from the customers affected. The fact that the data was leaked will do great damage to the company’s reputation. It is unlikely that anyone will continue to buy goods and services from businesses that have requested their data only for them to not keep it safe. The affected company will lose the trust of their clients. Regulators are getting more strict The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which was implemented in the European Union (EU) on May 25, 2018, sets a high standard for EU businesses. Although there isn’t any such broad legislation in the USA, there are still a few reasons to be cautious. First, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which is empowered under Section 5(a), Federal Trade Commission Act, has the power to ban “unfair or deceptive acts and practices in or affecting Commerce”. Their resources allow them to be the de facto protector for customer data. Second, computer security issues will not be going away, no matter what is in the pipeline. The law will catch up eventually, even though it may seem slow at first. It’s impossible to predict when it will happen, and what retroactively might apply because that possibility cannot be eliminated. Therefore, it is important to act immediately. Cybersecurity Attacks Encouraged by Exposed VulnerabilityThere are two basic types of security vulnerability. The first is the architectural type. This involves the software and protocols used. It includes compliance with the PCI standard for credit card transactions and use of SSL certificates (Secure Sockets Layer). These certificates verify website authenticity. Two-factor authentication protects user accounts. You can work with a cybersecurity company to increase security. This option can be used to reduce the risk of architectural or outdated software. There’s also the procedural type, which involves the steps taken by the business to ensure security on a daily and ongoing basis. This includes the use secure passwords, vetting employees, physical protection of data storage solutions and protection against bots, malware and other network intrusions. A security-compliant web hosting solution is a good choice for businesses. Top platforms are known to invest in security. To combat open-source vulnerabilities, WordPress users should invest in a strong security system. Plugins are particularly susceptible to attacks. However, a strong platform will not make it less likely that weak passwords can be cracked. Sharks can smell blood in the water and will move in for the easy catches. Although the business world is not as violent, the same principle applies. If people see that your security was breached they will quite sensibly ask if it can again be done. Operation are becoming more cloud-based The internet opened up new opportunities for businesses and created hybrid operational modes. Physical premises were linked to digital ones. A typical business would have offices or multiple offices and a website to encourage people to visit. This helped to minimize the impact of cyberattacks. An online attack cannot compromise the security of physical stores with on-site locks or guards. This has all changed in recent years, both at the legal and operational levels, largely due to the enormous growth of e-commerce. It’s possible to operate a business without a physical presence. Everything can be compromised by the internet, even entire businesses that exist (for all practical purposes) in the cloud. An entire company’s infrastructure could be destroyed by a malicious attack in seconds and then disappear forever. Although your business may be still office-based, it is important to know how things are moving. It’s not rational to make your business vulnerable online for the reasons we have discussed. No matter how small or unknown your business may be, the risks are greater than the cost of creating safeguards. Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you’re looking for an IT company that can help protect your business against online threats.SpartanTec, Inc. Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston via Blogger https://ift.tt/35gpJQ1 January 25, 2022 at 10:07PM
The Many Faces of Malware: Real-World Samples
There’s a good chance that you haven’t seen malware in person. Even if your antivirus software detected malware on a site you visited or clicked on a link that could be dangerous, it will have stopped the infection. You might be wondering what malware looks like. What would I recognize as a malware program? What You Need To Know About MalwareMany malicious programs, to be honest, don’t even look like they are. For example, a virus may try to hide while infecting other files or computers. A bot is silently sitting on your computer, waiting for orders from the command center to send spam or take part in a DDoS attack against a major website. Trojans on the other hand, look legitimate and useful programs. They hide behind a pretentious facade to steal your personal information. Ransomware is a nasty threat that tries to get your attention. All of these variants have been encountered as I am gathering and analysing new samples for my hands on malware protection tests. I begin with thousands of malware-hosting URLs. Then, I download their malicious payloads and run them through their paces. I am a fool in the testing process, opening unknown files, clicking through to allow them to install, and giving them permissions if they ask. Here are some of the strange things I encountered while searching for the best samples. Another thing: You might not expect malware-like features from some of the items below. They have all been verified by the VirusTotal website. Each sample was submitted with its unique fingerprint to the VirusTotal Database. It listed the 70 antivirus engines that had identified the file as malware in return. At least 40 antivirus engines flagged all of the programs in this list. Ransomware: The Horror of Ransomware You won’t notice a ransomware attack on your computer until it is too late. Ransomware quietly encrypts your files, hidden from your view. The ransom note of the malware demands your attention after the ransomware has done its dirty work. The ransom note promises that you will get your files back if you pay the ransom, usually in Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency. However, if they run away with your money, there is no recourse. Ransomware is something you don’t want to come across. Maze, a ransomware that demands you pay a ransom to see its ransom note. It takes control of your entire desktop to grab your attention. To prove that it is possible, this ransomware offers to decrypt one file for you, in order to get you to pay. Screen locker malware does not encrypt your files. It simply covers up the desktop and all program, so that you can’t use it. These attacks often claim come from law enforcement and demand that you pay a penalty in untraceable money. Sometimes, it is possible to call the ransomware’s bluff using basic recovery methods. This example is more difficult and much more ugly. Even though I used Yandex Translate to translate the image, there wasn’t a demand for ransom. It’s not easy to escape its clutches. It’s not worth the pain of having your computer access blocked. Maybe it’s more pleasant to have it done well. Although the screen locker is just as ineffective as the ugly, it does give you flowers and an anime girl. This one was easy for me, as the perpetrators might have expected. The filename is ForNowLock.exe and not ForeverLock.exe. Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you’re interested in getting managed IT services to protect your systems against malware and other types of threats.SpartanTec, Inc. Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston via Blogger https://ift.tt/3tdLiLd January 11, 2022 at 12:15AM
Cybersecurity Professionals In Today’s Modern Day Society
The cybersecurity industry has been around for more than three decades. There has been a lot of changes during these years in terms of the industry dynamics as well as the technological innovations. These days, there’s an exponential growth happening in the cybersecurity industry. The latter continues to define itself with the development and evolution of new and diverse online threats. Even though there’s a tendency to put the charge on technology, online threats have become extremely diversified. In order to deal with such online threats, companies need cybersecurity professionals who also possess diversified skill sets. Cybersecurity Experts In TransitionAccording to the incident’s nature, cybersecurity professionals, which almost always include network security experts and computer engineers, also include investigators with varying expertise, lawyers, communicators, and writers. In case the attack comes with a political agenda, human rights activists, business activists, as well as journalists may also be involved. In case a critical and confidential business email is believed to have been compromised, an internal employee communication specialist may be involved. These days, a bug in a specific application software may include up to 100 IT experts working to deal with that bug. Each one of them contributes to lower the risk and to guarantee immunity from future threat. This goes to show the extent of the diversity of the cybersecurity industry. Hiring Reliable Cybersecurity ExpertsThere are to primary aspects in finding the best candidate. The first one is the skill set, which includes legal analysis and coding. The second aspect includes strategic and instinctive sensibilities that come naturally to people. Additionally, expanding the needed pool of expertise while hiring is going to cover a bigger area in identifying and fighting cyber threats. Whatever your hiring strategy is, it’s crucial to make sure that you have a diversified team of cybersecurity experts or may also consider IT outsourcing. The Skills Gap There’s a shortage of IT support expert today. They’re difficult to find and demand a higher salary. On the other hand, there’s a growing number of cybercriminals and their attacks are becoming more complicated by the minute. Most companies these days have a cybersecurity department that is understaffed, which makes the job easier for cybercriminals. Most enterprises, particularly SMEs, can only do little or even nothing to detect, prevent, and respond to cyberattacks. If the gap continues to widen, there will come a time when companies will suffer massive information compromise and data breach that will be costly and time consuming to recover from. Call SpartanTec, Inc. now and let our team of IT experts take care of all your company’s cybersecurity needs.SpartanTec, Inc. Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston via Blogger https://ift.tt/3dCJ7rp December 11, 2021 at 12:34AM
Cloud Computing: The Basics
Cloud computing refers to an on-demand delivery of computing services. This includes storage, software, database, networking and intelligence. It is also known as “the cloud”, or more commonly the internet. The cloud offers flexible resources, faster innovation and economies of scale. Cloud computing generally means that you only pay for what you use. This results in lower operational costs. You can scale your infrastructure and operate it efficiently, while your business needs change. Cloud Computing TypesThere are many types of clouds, and not one type that is right for everyone. There are many types of cloud models and services that can be used to find the best solution for your needs. There are three main types of cloud deployment: public, private, and hybrid. You must first determine the type of cloud deployment, or the cloud computing architecture on which your cloud services will run. Three different methods can be used to deploy your cloud service. These can be performed on a public, private, or hybrid cloud. Public Cloud Public clouds are owned and operated by third-party cloud service providers. They offer their computing resources, such as storage, and services over the Internet. Microsoft Azure is a good example of a cloud that is public. This option allows the cloud provider to own and manage the software, hardware and support infrastructure. If you want to access these services or manage your account, all you have to do is to use a web browser. Private Cloud A private cloud is a computing resource that is only used by one business or organization. It can be located at a company’s onsite data center. Private networks are used to manage the services and infrastructure of private clouds. A few companies also hire third-party groups to host their private clouds. Hybrid Cloud Hybrid clouds are a mix of public and private cloud. These two clouds can be connected by technology, so applications and data can be shared among them. A hybrid cloud allows these two clouds to move between private and public clouds. This offers many benefits for businesses. These benefits include flexibility, security, compliance, and flexibility. Hybrid clouds could offer additional deployment options and optimize your existing infrastructure. Are you interested in learning more about cloud services? SpartanTec Inc. in Florence SC is here to assist small businesses with cloud migration. Give us a call today to discuss your specific needs. SpartanTec, Inc. via Blogger https://ift.tt/3Cszt4A November 18, 2021 at 06:52PM
How To Prevent and Detect Ransomware
Ransomware has become a lucrative business. All businesses are at risk of suffering from ransomware. If your system come under attack, you will be in a situation that is challenging and frightening to manage. You have to be proactive in preventing ransomware attacks if you don’t want to find yourself in this awful predicament.
How Does Ransomware Work?
All kinds of ransomware have a goal to lock their target’s hard drive or encrypt their files and force them to pay a certain amount if they want to regain access to their data. A ransomware is just one of the many kinds of malicious software or malware that encrypts data for ransom.
This kind of malware targets both technical and human weaknesses by trying to deny a company the availability and access to its systems and confidential data. Such attacks on cybersecurity may involve locking systems and even full encryption of resources and files until the victim pays a ransom.
A cybercriminal uses a phishing attack or a different hacking method to gain access into a computer system. One of the most common methods for a ransomware to get into a system is by downloading an infected email attachment. If it is infected with a ransomware, your files will be encrypted and you will not be able to access it. The hacker will inform you that they stole your data and you can only access it if you pay a ransom. The ransom is usually paid in the form of Bitcoins. If the victim decides to pay up, the cybercriminals might unlock the data or send out a key to decrypt the files. But it’s also possible that even after paying the ransom, the cybercriminals won’t unlock anything.
Preventing and Avoiding Ransomware
Ransomware is insidious. Although it’s known to invade your system through email, it can also take advantage of your system’s vulnerabilities. Listed below are some tips to help you avoid and prevent ransomware attacks.
You should always back up your system both offsite and locally. Make sure that all your data is backed up in a place that cannot be accessed by hackers easily. If you don’t backup your system, a ransomware attack may lead to irreparable damage.
Network segmentation security will help limit the information that a hacker will have access to. You can make sure that your whole network security isn’t compromised in a single attack if you have set in place dynamic control access. You should segregate your entire network into zones, with each zone requiring different unique credentials.
Install a ransomware protection software that can identify possible threats. Most of these programs come with gateway antivirus software. You should also use a firewall and another program that can filter web content from sites that could introduce malware. It’s also suggested to use best practices for email security as well as spam filtering so that unwanted attachments are kept away from your inbox.
It’s never good to assume that you’ve got the most recent antivirus program to protect your network against ransomware. IT professionals suggest a security software that contains anti-ransomware, anti-malware, and anti-virus protection. You should also update them regularly.
A security software will be rendered useless if you are not running scans on your mobile devices or computers on a regular basis. These scans are capable of detecting potential threats, which your real time checker may have not identified.
If you are using windows, head to the control panel and search for System restore. Once you’ve found that specific function, you can turn it on and create restore points regularly.
In most cases, a ransomware Florence SC attack can be attributed to poor cybersecurity practices by the staff. Lack of education and training are some of the reasons why companies fall prey to ransomware attacks. Hackers prey on the inattentiveness of the user and that’s why they bet on their ransomware software to get the job done. Human vigilance is one of those things that can protect your against cyberattacks.
Use a password management approach that involves the utilization of enterprise password manager as well as password security best practices. Avoid using the same password for different sites and don’t use weak passwords.
In case you get an email with attachments .scr, .vbs., or .exe from a “trusted” source, don’t open it. These attachments are most likely not from a legitimate site which they pretend to be. These executables may probably be a virus or a ransomware.
Malware will take advantage of bugs and security loopholes within a software or operating system. That is why it is important to install the latest patches and updates on your mobile devices and computers.
Call SpartanTec, Inc now and our IT professionals will help you develop the most suitable and effective cybersecurity practices to protect your business and network from ransomware and other online threats.SpartanTec, Inc. Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence via Blogger https://ift.tt/3n7oyb5 October 19, 2021 at 11:52PM
Firewall Management and Its Challenges
Sometimes referred to as network security devices, firewalls are the central component of a company’s cybersecurity strategy. A robust set of perimeter as well as internal firewalls on a certain network could assist in keeping malicious traffic out and decrease the breakout speed of cyberattacks that are coming from within the network. However, in order to get only the best results, effective firewall management is required.
However, there are certain challenges faced by effective firewall management, which they need to overcome in order to truly have strong network security.
Challenges of Firewall Management
Selecting the appropriate firewall for your needs
It may come as a surprise to you that there different kinds of firewall architectures that you can choose from. Most of these architectures come about after adding on existing firewalls in order to boost the security they offer. Here’s the basic progression of firewalls Florence SC based on security and complexity.
So, why choose only one kind of firewall? A lot of companies use different kinds of firewalls and varying management procedures for different areas of their network in order to develop a strong network security and segmentation. Additionally, your decision will also depend on your company’s specific goals. It’s better to consult with an IT expert before making a choice.
Creating Strong Network Segmentation
One important strategy for create defense-in-depth against cybercriminals is network segmentation. The advantages of using robust network segmentation are the following:
It’s because of these benefits that a company needs to configure firewall deployment so that a robust network segmentation is created. If attackers take longer to break out from one network to another, your IT professionals will have more time to check and contain the cybersecurity breach. It will also reduce the assets and data that are accessed at once, which limits the damage.
Blocking Hostile Traffic Without Affecting Legitimate Requests
Although firewalls have to block possible hostile traffic, they also have to avoid impeding traffic requests that are legitimate. If not, the user experience of the network will surely suffer, which will reduce productivity and create inconveniences.
In order to deal with this, it’s important to develop customized configurations for the firewall settings so that specific traffic types are allowed while others are blocked. With a managed firewall service can help in providing the expertise required to modify the firewall for minimum interference and maximum cybersecurity.
Managing Firewall Program Updates
Several firewall solutions are known to be software based and will, therefore, require periodic updates in order to close possible vulnerabilities as well as update what is considered as hostile traffic. Making sure that the firewall is updated is among the most basic management procedures that companies need to focus on but such updates are can still be easily missed especially when the IT departments are overworked and they have other priorities to deal with.
Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you want to know more about firewall management. Our team of IT experts are always ready to assist you and help improve your company’s cybersecurity.
SpartanTec, Inc. Florence, SC 29501 843-396-8762 http://manageditservicesflorence.com Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence via Blogger https://ift.tt/3CoVwte September 20, 2021 at 11:40PM |
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