In this era of extreme automation, whether for development, programming deployment or even security management are we getting closer to security maturity or are we better off without the automation? In the next posts, I hope to uncover some of the tool…
How to Build Virtual Python Environment
In the DevOps world, getting a consistent development environment is crucial. In this post, I’ll show you how to set up a virtual Python environment and install the correct libraries to achieve a consistent development environment.
5 Ways To Keep Your Warehouse Secure
Your warehouse is the hub of your business operations. But with the typical massive size and intricate layout, it can be hard to maintain the efficiency, productivity and security of your warehouse or distribution centre. Addressing any vulnerabilities can help to reduce the incidence of internal threats such as embezzlement, as well external threats such … Continue reading 5 Ways To Keep Your Warehouse Secure
The post 5 Ways To Keep Your Warehouse Secure appeared first on Calgary Alarm Inc..
Hacker General 2017-06-15 06:58:00
HOW TO STOP HACKERS FROM INVADING
YOUR NETWORK.
Unethical hackers are always looking for weaker points in a network system to hack the security system of your company and get a hold of confidential and new information.
Some “black-hat hac…
Should You Encrypt Data Before it Goes to the Cloud?
American cloud service providers such as
Microsoft are opening local data centers in foreign countries at the request of the respective foreign governments and customers located in those countries. The thinking behind this strat…
Moving Into A New Home? Follow These Security Tips
Moving into a new home is an exciting but daunting process. There are so many things that need to be done, including ensuring the safety of your family and possessions once they arrive in your new home. You have a chance to begin your life afresh in the new neighbourhood. Here are some security tips … Continue reading Moving Into A New Home? Follow These Security Tips
The post Moving Into A New Home? Follow These Security Tips appeared first on Calgary Alarm Inc..
Zero-Day Attacks- How Safe Are You?
This is a guest post by Meenakshi Nagri.
In the past couple of years, there has been a rise in cyber-attacks which has eventually pushed for more reliable and better security capabilities such as protection, code security, encryption, authorization, so on and so forth. Moreover, it is imperative to protect global business and critical infrastructure from such cyber-attacks.
An average user or even a web-savvy user has a little knowledge about which application has better security standards. It is imperative to evaluate the safety of applications. There are some security protocols which should be maintained without deviating from the end goal.
Both organisations and individuals should strive to meet all the necessary security protocols and most importantly evaluate and meet all the security requirements and be assured that they meet the baseline for data security.
Vulnerability Timeline
A study reveals that about 20% of the global organisations rank cyber espionage as the most pressing concern, therefore, making it a significant threat to their business. The number of zero days is continually rising and with each attack being more severe. The primary targets under the radar have been government institutions, organisations from various sectors, individuals and so on.
The basic fundamental of cyber espionage is to expose the private information of the concerned person or company. Cyber espionage tops the list of security concerns as it repercussions can be felt even after eliminating the threat as it damages trade and creates a dent in the global economy.
Ransomware, malware attack, phishing, etc. are some common cyber-attacks. In particular, as recent has been the case with WannaCry ransomware attack. It was reported that it had infected more than 230,000 computers worldwide. Many organisations were hit in over 150 countries. The common tactic is to take advantage of the gaps left in the networks that have businesses partnerships and government agencies. Simply put, through these networks, these entities share valuable information that hackers can penetrate into thus easily getting access to useful information.
The question that arises next is why these entities get affected by cyber-attacks? The reason being, the lack of proper security implementation of protocols. Organizations, enterprises, individuals need to be informed of cyber-attack activities, so they better recognize the risk of exposure before it is unsolicited exposed.
Threats are Constantly Evolving
While recently catching up with news, you may have heard terms like ‘zero day’ and ‘cyber conflict’ over and over again. The technology has bestowed us with new exciting security protocols. This implies that with each advancement, we are better at adding an extra layer of security; however, as these approaches become obsolete, they can be bypassed quickly thus leaving a void for the cyber-attacks.
A zero-day vulnerability refers to such voids left in software which is unknown to the developers. This flaw is then exploited by the attackers with malicious intent even before the developers become aware of it. To counter the vulnerabilities, a software patch is released to fix the issue. Once such example is of Microsoft’s Patch Tuesday i.e. Microsoft releases security patches on every second or fourth Tuesday of each month for its products.
One of the reasons of the cyber espionage is the lack of applying these tactics i.e. to update their system with recently security updates. Systems running under unsupported operating systems or older versions were substantially exposed.
Simply put, developers create software that contains some voids and attackers spot the vulnerability before developers can act and exploits it. Once the patches are released, the exploits are no longer a threat.
The Role of Security Standard
As attackers look for advanced ways to exploit the vulnerabilities, new procedures and techniques are being adopted by them. They use hacking methods such as watering hole attacks, spear phishing attack, Whaling, Port scanning, to name a few.
Cyber security is a bigger challenge as one needs to implement advanced protocols and meet safety standards when required. Even though organizations may fulfill all the criteria or the developers checklist everything on the standards of security, there’s always room for enhancing the basic security capabilities. The fast evolving tactics and unpredictable threats used by cyber criminals have pushed for advanced evaluation and monitoring of services.
As the attackers adopt the latest technology, the security community is pushing for other defensive stances as well. They have started putting steps in place to guard against cyber- attack. Struggling to keep up with the security standards means to put the critical information and infrastructure at risk.
Adopting techniques to protect the cyber environment is the need of the hour. The primary objective is to mitigate and prevent any potential for cyber-attacks and for that, more and more companies are implementing various security safeguards, risk management approaches, guidelines, policies, technologies, investing in data recovery services, so on and so forth.
A Helping Hand
Zero-day, cyber conflict and cyber espionage all are a broader picture of cyber-attack, and nonetheless, make up for most of the cyber security challenge. The users need not be security experts to protect themselves against the attacks.
- Use a top antivirus that will ensure that you are protected against both known & unknown vulnerability.
- Time again IT experts ask users to update their software’s, the Update may include protection from a recently discovered bug.
- Upgrade the browsers, push out an automatic update of the browsers regularly.
Stellar Data Recovery is one such name which is capable of countering such cyber-attacks; thereby, it presents itself as a reliable partner when it comes to data security.
The Final Word
We will always be wooed by the latest technological advancement which also means that the old ones will become obsolete; thereby, adopting new security approaches is equally essential. Cyber-attacks expose valuable assets gaining unauthorized access; therefore, businesses need to defend themselves against it and incorporate security protocols to mitigate the risk.
iSmartSafe Receives 2017 Houston Burglar Alarms Award
HOUSTON June 2, 2017 — iSmartSafe has been selected for the 2017 Houston Award in the Burglar Alarms category by the Houston Award Program.
The post iSmartSafe Receives 2017 Houston Burglar Alarms Award appeared first on iSmartSafe.
Can Two-Factor Authentication Keep Your Company’s Data Safe?
A lack situational awareness is hurting the ability of companies and the public sector to adequately protect sensitive information. Intellectual property, sensitive business data, personally identifiable information and infrastructure access, …
How To Protect / Secure Your Wi-Fi Network?
Hello All, I am back to blogging again after 3-4 years motivated and ready than ever before. For 5 years now, I am working online on Upwork and some other freelancing sites as security expert helping clients fixing their hacked sites/servers so could not manage much time for writing but will try to regularly update with new hacking tutorials and tricks from now onwards. I have recently changed the look/design of site as well so I hope you would like it 🙂
Using man-in-the-middle attack, someone can eavesdrop on your network traffic and can easily get all administrator details and have un-authorized access to your Wi-Fi network.
So today I am going to provide some basic approaches to secure your home or office Wi-Fi network from hackers.
Logging to Router and Change Default Password
You have to look at back of your router and get login details like IP Address, Username and Password. Usually details are written at back and if not you may call your ISP (Internet Service Provider) if they gave you the router otherwise find the model number and look up information on Google.
Visit IP Address in browser and enter login details when asked. This page is only accessible when you are using the router’s Wi-Fi network.
After logging in, first thing you have to do is to change default password setup by router. Settings may vary depending on which company router you using (mentioned image is for D-Link routers), some routers provide options to change default admin username as well.
Why should you change the default network password? With default password, someone can easily login to router setting (by default gateway IP which is not hard to find) and have un-authorized access to change router settings. So changing password would not allow anyone to access router settings except you.
SSID, Password and WPA2 Encryption
Pick a SSID (network name) which is not relevant to your identity or draw attention from hackers.
Use a strong password and once you do that please make sure to update passwords on all connected devices.
For encryption, make sure you choose WPA2 and not WEP/WPA. WPA2, short for Wi-Fi Protected Access 2, the follow on security method to WPA for wireless networks that provides stronger data protection and network access control. It provides enterprise and consumer Wi-Fi users with a high level of assurance that only authorized users can access their wireless networks
Firmware Update
Please consider updating firmware of your router which you can find under admin settings. Using the latest firmware version ensures you have all available security patches.
Disable WPS
WPS, short for Wi-Fi Protected setup is insecure so you should disable it. This is a button on your router.
Guest Networks
Some routers provide this option using which you can add guest network which creates a separate network for guests. It is a totally different network with a different password from the network. This means devices connected to the Guest network will NOT be able to share files and printers connected to the main network.
Parental Controls
With it, you can block inappropriate sites and limit the time your kids spend online.
Additional Settings
You may consider enable MAC Filtering (However they can easily spoofed and just give false sense of security) or Hide SSID.
There are wide ranges of settings under your router which you can change and set accordingly but please be cautious when doing so.
Any question? Please let me know in comment section.
Thank you.