What are the Dangers of Rootkits?

Hackers, Ophtek, Rootkit, Security, , ,
27
Aug 2019

What’s worse than one piece of malware? Multiple strains of malware. And, when you encounter a rootkit, this is exactly what you’re faced with.

Rootkits are a very serious form of malware. They’re not a new method of hacking, they have been present for close to 30 years now, but they’re still notoriously difficult to treat. There are many dangers associated with rootkits with the primary concerns being that they remain hidden on PCs and grant remote access to hackers.

Understanding what a rootkit is can be complex, but we’re going to break it down into the basics for you. And, with this on your side, your organization should become that little bit securer.

What is a Rootkit?

Rootkits are a collection of tools that allow hackers to gain unauthorized access to a PC. They’re stealthy pieces of kit that can evade security software, so detecting that a rootkit has infected your system is a task all of its own. The major threat, however, comes from the payload within a rootkit. The contents of a rootkit can include the following:

  • Keystroke loggers
  • Ransomware
  • Trojans
  • Bot software for initiating DDoS attacks

And, once it has been activated, a rootkit will commonly set up a backdoor exploit. This allows the hacker to gain access, without detection, to an infected PC as and when they want. Not only will this allow the hacker to take control of the PC, but it also grants them the opportunity to download further malware to the workstation.

How are Rootkits Spread?

Rootkits are clearly a formidable foe to encounter, but how do they spread? Rootkits, as with most forms of malware, favor the standard distribution methods:

  • Email: Rootkits are most commonly found on emails as attachments, but email also has the potential to contain links to malicious websites. 
  • USB Drives: The relatively small size of a rootkit makes them perfect for loading on to USB devices such as flash drives. These can then be uploaded seamlessly to a PC once plugged in. 
  • Vulnerabilities: Hackers are often able to gain access to a PC due to vulnerabilities in the OS or a particular piece of software on that system. These vulnerabilities will often allow unauthorized access and the chance to install rootkits without detection.

How Do You Protect Against Rootkits?

The last thing that your organization wants is to fall victim to a rootkit. Their stealthy nature makes them difficult to detect and thoroughly removing every trace of their multiple payload is time consuming.

Therefore, you need to set up a system of best practices that look to minimize the risk of unleashing a rootkit on your network. Make sure that the following is in place:

  • Carry out IT Inductions: It’s crucial that all employees are put through an IT induction when they join your organization.
  • Install all Updates: Rootkits often take hold of system through the exploitation of vulnerabilities. If you make sure that system updates are installed as soon as possible then you minimize the risk of these exploits.
  • Work with Anti-Malware Software: You can’t identify every type of rootkit with anti-malware software, but you can identify a large number of them before they take hold. And this software is also capable of identifying malicious websites before they are accessed.

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

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What are Malicious Websites?

Adobe Flash, anti malware, Company Updates, Hackers, malicious code, malware, Ophtek, PC Security, Security, , , ,
06
Aug 2019

 

We visit websites on a daily basis, but how do we know how safe they are? No matter how genuine they look there’s every risk they’re a malicious website.

It’s estimated that up to 18.5 million websites are infected with malicious content. That’s around 1% of the total number of websites online. It may not sound a huge percentage, but it’s a percentage that could cause your business significant trouble.  And it’s a problem that most organizations aren’t entirely clear on. Malicious emails, for example, are well known due to the scare stories that flood our newsfeeds. But we’re less informed about malicious websites. And that’s what makes them dangerous.

However, if you’re able to understand the basics of a malicious website then you’re going to be in a much better position to avoid falling victim. So, what are malicious websites?

What is a Malicious Website?

A malicious website is like any other website on the internet: you connect to it with a browser. But if you dig a little deeper you’ll soon realize why it’s unlikely to become one of your favorite websites. The main objective of a malicious website is to install malware on to your PC. And, in most cases, it won’t even ask permission. The moment that you land on a malicious website is the moment that the malware starts downloading.

But why is a malicious website so misleading? Well, hackers are incredibly clever and they’re even more deceptive. That’s why they design malicious websites to look as genuine as possible. We, as humans, make quick decisions based on first impressions and, in this busy digital age, this is never truer than when online. Malicious websites take full advantage of this. And the false layer of trust that this engenders can soon lead to us clicking on links that we really shouldn’t.

How Do You Protect Yourself from Malicious Websites?

No one wants to fall victim to a malicious website. But, without a prior knowledge of how to protect yourself, this is difficult. Thankfully we’re here to make things easier. That’s why we’ve put together this amazing set of safety tips:

  • Always keep your software updated and install the latest patches as soon as possible. Malicious websites are often used to distribute malware that targets software vulnerabilities. With this updated protection in place you can minimize one of the main threats of malicious websites.
  • It’s vital that you never install any software you’re unfamiliar with. Malicious websites are sometimes courteous enough to ask permission before installing their malicious content. And it’s easy to click the Yes button just to clear the screen of yet another pop-up window. But it can spell disaster for your PC. Therefore, always read pop-up windows carefully and, if you don’t trust it, leave that website immediately.
  • If you’re sent a link to a website that’s unfamiliar then you shouldn’t click it. But you should do some research first. The best way to verify a mystery link is to type that link into the search box of a search engine. The results should soon highlight whether that web address is trustworthy or dangerous.
  • Install internet security software that can identify malicious websites before they’re loaded up. Knowledge of malicious websites can spread quickly and this has led to massive databases being created to help alert users to those that contain a threat.

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

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6 Reasons Why You Should Invest in Cyber Security

Cyber Attack, Cyber Security, Hackers, Hacking, malware, Ophtek, Password Security, PC Security, Secure Website, Security, Security Threats, , , ,
23
Jul 2019

Cyber-attacks are on the rise, so protecting your business has never been more important. But what exactly are the benefits of cyber security?

We all know about the need for firewalls and anti-virus software. They provide us with a layer of defense from the legions of hackers itching to access our data. Those who are new to the world of IT, however, are unlikely to know why they need cyber security. What can it deliver? Well, let’s run through six reasons why you should invest in cyber security:

  1. Protects Your Data: Businesses work with huge amounts of data in the 21st And, whether its employee or customer data, it’s going to be sensitive. This needs to be protected to prevent identity theft or financial damage. A professional approach to cyber security will reduce this threat and protect the integrity of you data. 
  1. Maintains Productivity: While the headlines regarding cyber-attacks always focus on data and costs, they fail to look at the impact on productivity. If, for example, a ransomware attack hits your network then critical files are going to be out of action. This means that your employees will be unable to work. And the impact that this can have on your organization’s productivity can be devastating. 
  1. Financial Damage: Cyber-attacks can hit a company where it hurts: the bank balance. Ransomware demands are, naturally, the most obvious cause of financial distress, but there are others. A drop in productivity can soon lead to a drop in sales which can significantly impact your revenue streams. And there’s also the chance that irreparable damage could be caused to your hardware resulting in the need for new purchases. 
  1. Protects Your Website: One of the cornerstones of a successful marketing strategy in the 21st century is a website. Whether it’s being used to promote your services or sell them it needs to be running 24/7. It’s a crucial communication channel, but it’s also one that’s regularly targeted by hackers. With the correct level of investment in cyber security you can limit the risk of it being compromised. This keeps your website running and ensures that your marketing strategies can run smoothly. 

  1. Keeps Malware Out: Malicious software, better known as malware, is the bane of all security professionals. Capable of causing massive damage to IT infrastructures, malware is a form of hacking which embraces subterfuge and results in untold problems for the victims. It can steal data, it can slow down systems and even set up attacks on other businesses. But if you invest in cyber security then then the chances of malware activating its payload is reduced. 
  1. Provides Customer Confidence: Consumers are wary of data security more than ever in the digital age. Therefore, inspiring trust in your IT systems is essential. If you can demonstrate that you’re working with professionals to protect your customers’ data then you can inspire this trust. Not only will you be able to protect your customer’s data, but you will enhance their loyalty to your brand.

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

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What is Hacking?

Hackers, Hacking, Hijacks, Ophtek, Security, Viruses, , , , , ,
02
Jul 2019

We all know that hacking goes on. And it certainly goes on in business. But how much do we know about it? The truth is we don’t know as much as we should.

The general consensus is that most people know what a hacker is and how they go about their business. This is why there are so many anti-hacking products available. However, using these products on their own isn’t enough to guarantee safety. In fact there is no guarantee. But you can enhance your protection significantly with an understanding of the basics of hacking. It’s important to know what a hacker is attempting to do. With this in mind you have a much better chance of preventing or resolving the hack.

What is Hacking?

Hacking causes chaos. Lots of chaos. And that’s not an understatement. But what exactly is it? It can be many things, but the basic core of hacking is to compromise devices. These can include PCs, networks and smart devices. Regardless of the device a hacker wants to gain unauthorized access to it. Sometimes this access can be used to steal data and sometimes it can be to cause sabotage. There are a wide range of techniques involved and we’ll take a look at them later.

Who are the Hackers?

The traditional image of a hacker that most people have in their minds isn’t entirely accurate. The pimply nosed, teenage hacker of cartoons may well exist in one form or another, but they’re not the only hacker out there. Due to the financial gain on offer from hacking, a number of criminal gangs are now developing sophisticated hacking methods to earn a nice income. And then there are the political gains that can be provided by hacking. There are a wide range of hackers out there, but identifying them is very difficult as they’re notoriously good at covering their tracks.

What Type of Hacks Are There?

The complexities of IT software and hardware mean that there is the potential for a variety of hacking techniques. Some of the most common methods are:

  • Ransomware: This is every organization’s worst nightmare. A relatively new form of malware, ransomware is spread through malicious emails that encourage recipients to click a link. If these links are clicked then a series of processes are executed that leave the victim’s hard drive encrypted. And the only way to decrypt the files is by paying a cryptocurrency ransom. 

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

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5 Warning Signs that Your Network Has Been Hacked

Cyber Security, Hackers, Hacking, Network, Ophtek, Security Threats, , , ,
11
Jun 2019

A hacked network spells trouble for any organization, so it’s crucial that you understand the warning signs which indicate your network has been hacked.

When it comes to reducing the damage caused by a hacked network then speed is of the essence. Hackers work quickly and even if you only shave a few minutes off the time taken to recognize an attack it can make a huge difference. However, the warning signs that accompany a network breach aren’t necessarily obvious due to the technology at play and the stealth tactics adopted by hackers. Thankfully, these indicators can easily be learned and it doesn’t have to be by going down the tough road of experience.

That’s why we’re going to help you get prepared a for damage limitation strategy by discussing five warning signs that your network has been hacked.

The 5 Signs of a Hacked Network

Vigilance is an essential part of keeping your network secure, but due to the complexities of IT it’s difficult to keep an eye on everything at all times. However, by understanding the following warning signs you’re putting yourself in a much better position to protect your network:

  1. Mouse Cursors Moving On Their Own: With a breached network comes the possibility that remote hackers will take control of your PC. Therefore, it’s possible for them to assume control of a desktop and being interacting with it. The most obvious sign of this is a mouse cursor moving around on its own and clicking on files/folders.
  1. Encrypted Files: Ransomware is a major problem for businesses due to the obstacles it throws up by encrypting files. And that’s why if you’re suddenly unable to open files or they’re displaying an unusual filename extension it’s quite possible you’ve been hacked. Naturally, due to the infectious nature of ransomware, you’ll want to identify this network hack before it spreads further into your organization and locks up even more files.
  1. Reports of Unusual Emails Being Sent: One of the most popular methods for spreading malware is through email. Taking advantage of contact lists in email clients, malware can soon spread itself around the world with relative ease. So, if you receive reports from contacts that your organization has been sending suspicious emails from genuine addresses then it’s time to investigate. 
  1. Increased Network Traffic: The amount of traffic that your network experiences will tend to ebb and flow depending on the time of day, but it should average itself out most days. However, when you’ve been hacked then there’s a good chance that your network traffic will skyrocket as your resources are used to power other hacks such as DDoS attacks. Therefore, keeping a close eye on your network traffic and identifying any unusual activity should be an integral part of your network security. 
  1. Security Software Disabled: Hackers like to make their attacks as easy as possible, so one of their first moves upon gaining access to a network is to disable any security software in place. This allows them to operate freely and reduce the chance of getting caught. If you notice that your anti-malware software, or indeed any application has become disabled, then it needs reporting immediately to identify who has done this and why.

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

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