The 5 Biggest IT Security Mistakes

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02
Aug 2022

Almost all cyber-attacks are due a common denominator: a mistake. We aren’t perfect, of course, but we can limit number of IT security mistakes we make.

Working on a PC is far from straightforward and, as a result, the sheer number of complex routines you must work through leaves plenty of room for mistakes. At the same time, all a hacker needs to take control of your system is a few milliseconds. Accordingly, even the smallest security mistake can leave your PC at the mercy of a hacker. However, by understanding what the most common, and usually simplest, IT security mistakes are, you can strengthen your IT defenses almost immediately.

Start Eliminating These Mistakes Today

If you want to make sure your IT infrastructure is safe from hackers, then you need to avoid these five IT security mistakes:

  1. Not locking your screen: you may trust your work colleagues, but the fact remains that numerous people will enter your organization’s premises throughout the day. Some may be familiar, some may not. And that’s why it’s crucial you lock your screen. All you have to do is hit the Windows button and the L key; your screen will be locked with a password and the contents of your PC immediately protected.
  • Underestimating your value as a target: threat actors are malicious and, although they are certainly interested in big targets, they’re equally likely to target smaller organizations too. Additionally, many cyber-attacks are automated and don’t discriminate against who they attack. Therefore, never assume that your small business is of no concern to hackers. Remain vigilant and practice good IT security.
  • Passwords on Post-it notes: we all know that remembering passwords is difficult, but the biggest mistake you can make is by writing your password on a Post-it note. And then sticking it to your monitor. Sure, it’s convenient for you, but it’s also highly convenient for anyone looking to compromise your PC. Instead, create passwords you can easily remember, but are difficult for anyone else to crack.
  • Assuming email attachments are safe: ever since email became a mainstay of modern communications, it has carried a huge risk of delivering malware through email attachments. Most concerning of all, these infected attachments may be sent by email contacts you consider safe, it could even be your colleague sitting next to you. Threat actors can easily take control of a victim’s email address book and email malware under the guise of the victim’s email address. And that’s why you should evaluate every email you receive.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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5 Quick Ways to Secure Your PC

Cyber Security, Data Security, email security, modem security, Online Security, Ophtek, PC Security, Security, , , , , , ,
09
Nov 2021

IT security can be a complex series of procedures and this can be intimidating to many people. Luckily, there are some easy ways to secure your PC.

Installing and configuring a firewall isn’t something that your average PC user will feel comfortable with. After all, how do you know exactly which services you should be allowing/denying access to? Security tasks such as this should be left to the professionals. But there are lots of quick and easy tips you can put in to place to protect your PC. All you need to do is know how to get started securing your PC. And today we’re going to share 5 quick ways to secure your PC.

How to Secure Your PC

If you want to secure your PC with the minimum amount of fuss, then make sure you:

  • Verify All Downloads: It’s very easy to fall victim to a malicious email or website. These threats appear to be genuine methods of communication in order to encourage you clicking on their malicious payload. These payloads can take the form of malicious downloads disguised as links or ‘helpful’ apps. A quick way to avoid falling victim in these scenarios is to verify the true destination of links by hovering your mouse cursor over them. You can also perform a Google search to verify the legitimacy of any website.
  • Do Not Write Your Passwords Down: The single biggest mistake that a PC user can make is to write their passwords down. Sure, it’s difficult to remember every single password, but there are options to overcome this such as using Google’s Password Checkup. These password managers are far superior to writing your password credentials on a Post-It note and keeping it on your desk. Revealing your login credentials publicly should be avoided at all costs.
  • Only Use USB Devices That You Own: It’s not worth the risk of damaging your PC, so avoid connecting USB devices you aren’t familiar with. In fact, in a workplace, it’s recommended to disable USB access to individual workstations. If USB access is required then this should only be granted to IT professionals.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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The Dangers of SIM Hijacking

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23
Aug 2021

A recent security breach of the T-Mobile network has resulted in two issues: the loss of confidential data and the risk of SIM hijacking.

Data breaches are commonplace in the world of hacking, but SIM hijacking is less familiar outside of the telecoms industry. SIM cards, of course, are used in mobile phones to identify users to networks and allow them to make calls. These SIM cards are highly secure given the amount of data they contain and the finances associated with them e.g. contracts. And mobile phones are now a crucial part of any modern business for communications to run smoothly. Accordingly, protecting SIM cards for organizations should be a major concern.

But what is SIM hijacking? And what can you do to protect your SIM cards?

The T-Mobile Breach

In what is the fourth such attack in 18 months, around 48 million customers – many of them former customers – have been affected by the latest T-Mobile breach. Quickly Check If You’re Email Was BreachedThe cause of this breach has not, as of yet, been identified, but the data in question has. Stolen data includes:

  • Names
  • Social security numbers
  • Birthdates
  • Driver’s license details

Around 850,000 customers who hold pre-paid accounts have also had their names, phone numbers and account PINs stolen. All of this data is currently being sold online and represents a major security threat to those involved. And, for those whose number has been exposed, there is also the very real risk of falling victim to SIM hijacking.

What is SIM Hijacking?

SIM hijacking is a process where a hacker attempts to obtain control over a mobile phone account by moving the associated number to a new device. This is achieved by contacting a service provider – such as T-Mobile – and adopting a false identity. You may wonder why people want to steal a mobile number. After all, having access to a set of phone numbers isn’t overly exciting for a hacker. But we live in a world where mobile phones are regularly used for two-factor authorization. Therefore, having access to a phone number can open all manner of opportunities to a hacker.

How Do You Prevent SIM Hijacking?

Once a hacker has your phone number there is little you can do to stop them attempting to hijack your SIM. Naturally, the simplest option is to limit the number of times you give out your mobile number. But this is difficult when we live in an age when so many companies request your number for contact purposes. Nonetheless, it is possible to limit the damage by carrying out the following:

  • Certain service providers such as T-Mobile and Verizon offer security features which block SIM swaps by either requesting a security PIN or using the existing device to authorize the swap

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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What Do You Need in Good Antivirus Software?

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27
Jul 2021

Antivirus software is a sure-fire way to keep your PC protected against malware. But you need to make sure it has the right features for your organization.

No two pieces of antivirus software are the same. And there are a lot of different antivirus tools available. In fact, if you google the term “antivirus software” you will be faced with 175 million search results. Not surprisingly, the sheer range of options available can make choosing one a daunting task. But it doesn’t need to be this difficult. All you need to do is understand what the most important features are in antivirus software.

The Essential Antivirus Software Features

As I advised earlier, there are many different antivirus tools trying to get your attention. And they all contain a collection of different features. The most essential ones that you should be looking for are:

  • Firewall Availability: Many antivirus software packages will include a firewall and this feature can prove invaluable. It’s a tool which is employed to monitor all incoming and outgoing connections to your network. Essentially a barrier between your organization and the internet, a firewall allows you to restrict access to any unidentified connections while recognized and permitted connections can operate freely.
  • Email Scans: One of the best ways for a hacker to gain access to your organization’s network is via email. It’s a venture which typically succeeds when an infected email attachment or malicious link is activated by the recipient. And these infections can be very powerful. Ransomware is easily spread through malicious emails and phishing scams, of course, are particularly prevalent. Thankfully, many pieces of antivirus software can scan all incoming emails to evaluate the danger contained within.
  • Download Protection: Most files that you download from the internet will be fine e.g. software installation packages or even plain old spreadsheets. But there’s always a chance that you may download some malicious software. And, in many cases, it’s easy to find yourself fooled by authentic looking websites. A good antivirus suite, however, should be able to scan all downloaded files in real time to verify if they are safe. Often, if the file is hosted on a malicious website, antivirus software will not even allow you access to the site in the first place.

Final Thoughts

Basic antivirus software is available for free and, despite some limitations in its functionality, can provide you with powerful protection. However, when you start paying for antivirus software you can expect to gain even more features and some much-needed technical support. Regardless of which option you go for, though, antivirus software should be an essential part of any organization’s fight against cyber-crime.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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