5 Cybersecurity Threats to Look Out For in 2023

Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, IOT, Ophtek, Ransomware, social engineering, , , , ,
03
Jan 2023

With the end of 2022 fast approaching, it’s time to start looking ahead to the potential security threats that hackers are planning for 2023. 2022 has been another year packed full of ransomware, deceptive malware and unbelievable software vulnerabilities, so it should come as no surprise that more of the same lies ahead. However, threat actors are constantly evolving their techniques and strategies to stay one step ahead of your defenses. Accordingly, you need to make sure you’re keeping pace with their advances and, where possible, putting solutions in place ahead of any attacks being launched.

Preparing for cybersecurity threats in 2023 is vital if you want to keep your IT infrastructure safe for the next 12 months, so let’s look at what we’re likely to be fighting against.

What’s in Store for 2023?

There will be many threats during 2023 to look out for, but the 5 biggest cybersecurity threats you need to be aware of are:

Ransomware will push onwards and upwards: one of the biggest threats to cybersecurity over the last 10 years has been ransomware, and it’s a trend which will continue in 2023. In particular, it’s believed ransomware will move its focus towards cloud providers rather than single organizations, a move which will allow threat actors to target multiple organizations based within one platform. Additionally, due to the speed with which it can be completed, it’s likely ransomware will concentrate on file corruption as opposed to full encryption.

Artificial intelligence will become more important: whilst the potential for AI to help organizations is immense, it also has the capability to fuel cyberattacks. Polymorphic code, for example, uses AI to rapidly change its code, a skill which makes it perfect for malware to avoid being detected. AI learning is also likely to be used to help threat actors to sniff out software vulnerabilities, an opportunity which will allow hackers to focus their real-time activities elsewhere.

Internet of Things attacks to increase: the Internet of Things (IoT) is only going to get bigger during 2023 and, given the historical security issues with IoT devices, this is going to create a small-scale nightmare for your network. As a result, more emphasis is going to be needed when working with IoT devices due to the increased surface area for hackers to target e.g. regular updates and inventory checks. Supply chains to be targeted more and more: supply chain attacks are very dangerous, and 2023 is likely to see a further increase in the number of attacks launched. Much like IoT attacks, supply chain attacks open a large surface area to threat actors, a point underlined by the SolarWinds attack which exposed hundreds of organizations to a single attack. Therefore, it will be crucial that software and hardware being released is thoroughly checked by its manufacturers to avoid any security disasters.

Social engineering to start working with deepfakes: the danger of deepfakes has been well documented in the last five years, but it’s possible these are now going to be integrated into social engineering scams. Deepfakes are all about deception and, at their best, they are highly convincing. Consequently, they are perfect for adding legitimacy to emails and videos which, for example, may be pushing for you to take a call-to-action which is a smokescreen for downloading malware.

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

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Five Internet of Things Security Tips You Need to Know

Internet of things, IOT, IoT Attacks, Ophtek, Security, , ,
20
Apr 2021

The Internet of Things (IoT) has redefined our concept of connectivity and what IT can achieve. But with these advances comes the need for unique security.

Thanks to the IoT it is now possible for organizations to simplify their connectivity solutions. Traditionally, multiple devices in a business meant one thing: cables, cables and more cables. But the beauty of the IoT is that it is completely cable free. As long as there is an internet connection, you can connect a multitude of devices that communicate in real-time.. However, we all know the potential dangers of transmitting data over the internet. So, what do you do?

Protecting Yourself and the IoT

As the IoT is a relatively new phenomenon, it is important that you know the best ways in which to protect your connections and data. And here are five of the best IoT security tips you need to know:

  • Know What’s Connected: It is crucial that you list everything that is authorized to connect to your IoT network. This allows you to monitor each device for any unauthorized activity and any potential maintenance issues. Once you have established your list of authorized devices, it is recommended that you detail the areas of your network they have access to. It may be that you need to restrict access to non-essential areas of your network to minimize the impact of any breaches.
  • Change Default Passwords: The IoT has received negative press thanks to the number of default passwords that come built into IoT devices. This scenario allows hackers quick and easy access into your devices and networks. Therefore, any new IoT device which is installed within your organization needs to have any default passwords changed immediately. With unique passwords protecting your IoT devices, you can rest assured your network is much safer.
  • Check Device Settings: It is important that you always check each IoT’s device settings before letting them go live on your network. In particular, you need to focus on the privacy settings. Many devices will be set up to automatically record data that you may not want logging e.g. voice recordings.  Accordingly, it pays to evaluate each device to establish what it can and can’t have access to.
  • Two-Factor Authentication: Where possible, always take advantage of two-factor authentication. Many IoT devices are adopting this security measure in order to make their hardware more attractive to consumers. And security sells in the 21st century. Two-factor authentication is, essentially, an extra line of defense. It is an additional login procedure which requires unique credentials sent to a secure device such as a cellphone.

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

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Don’t Make these Common IoT Mistakes

Internet of things, IOT, IoT Attacks, Ophtek, Uncategorized, , ,
04
Feb 2020

The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized device connectivity. But it’s an aspect of IT which is still in its infancy. And mistakes are common.

Eliminating these mistakes is an important factor in maximizing your productivity. After all, we live in a digital age. And it’s crucial that your IT systems are working to their full potential. Any drop off in productivity can harm the overall performance of your business. You need to retain an edge over your competitors, so mastering the IoT is crucial.

You may not be aware that you’re making mistakes with the IoT or you may not know how to rectify them. Either way you need a helping hand. And that’s why we’re going make sure you don’t make these common IoT mistakes.

Avoiding the Most Common IoT Mistakes

The IoT harnesses some complex technology, so it should come as no surprise that mistakes are common. However, these mistakes are relatively easy to fix:

  • Failing to Plan for Maintenance: IoT devices are like any other piece of machinery: they are prone to failure. And all it takes is for one device to fail to cause a massive drop in productivity. Scenarios such as this are why regular maintenance of your IoT needs to be built into your IT maintenance schedule. 
  • Ignoring Updates: The number of devices operating as part of the IoT is estimate to be just over 30 billion devices. That’s a lot of devices. And this has made them a target for hackers. But one of the simplest ways to protect your IoT devices is by installing any updates associated with them. Naturally, the number of devices means it can be difficult to monitor when updates are due. But, by running regular audits on your IoT devices, you can monitor for firmware and patches to maximize your security. 
  • Not Understanding the Importance of Data: IoT devices are fantastic for monitoring data, so it’s important that you take advantage of this. Vehicle tracking, for example, provides a wealth of information about the way in which your drivers are operating. And this data can be used to enhance their efficiency e.g. minimizing the risk of speeding offences and driving more economically. So you need to make sure that all IoT data is regularly analyzed.

By eliminating these common IoT mistakes you can make a significant difference to your organization’s productivity. IoT devices are only going to become more common in the workplace, so it’s important that you master this technology early on.

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

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Keeping the IoT Secure with Shodan

IOT, IoT Attacks, IT Best Practices, Ophtek, ,
29
Jan 2020

The Internet of Things (IoT) is getting bigger and bigger. But this popularity is making it a target for hackers. Thankfully, Shodan is here to secure it.

It’s difficult to imagine life without the IoT; the sheer range of possibilities it opens up is astonishing. But it has also attracted a number of headlines due to its shortcomings in security. Naturally, the opportunity to strengthen security around IoT devices is one of great interest. And now there’s a website which promises to maximize your IoT security. Its name is Shodan and it could just revolutionize your device security.

Let’s take a look at what it is and how Shodan can keep the IoT secure.

What is Shodan?

Shodan is, in its simplest terms, a search engine for IoT devices. It’s similar to Google, but rather than searching for news on your favorite TV shows, you can use it find IoT devices. As long as a device is connected to the internet, Shodan should be able to find and identify it. And this applies to any IoT device be it a printer, security camera or refrigerator.

How Does Shodan Work?

The part of the internet that the IoT connects to is usually considered invisible, but all it takes is the right algorithm to analyze it. And this is what Shodan does. The overall mechanics of Shodan’s algorithm is complex, but here’s a breakdown of how it works:

  • Creates random IPv4 addresses which are used to identity network interfaces on a machine
  • Scans the internet for a real time list of connected IoT devices
  • Scans each device by checking a selection of available ports
  • Analyzes each port for a unique IPv4 address
  • Grabs a selection of metadata from the device which includes: usernames, passwords, geographical location and IP addresses

And all of this information can be displayed in the search results on Shodan.

Is Shodan a help or a Hindrance?

The amount of sensitive data that Shodan can expose is worrying. The last thing you want is for your usernames and passwords to be compromised. This could lead to grave consequences for your security. But is Shodan as scary as it sounds? Well, the truth is that it can actually enhance your IoT security.

Shodan is now a popular tool for security professionals to evaluate their IoT devices. And it’s most commonly used in the following ways:

  • Detecting Vulnerabilities: Shodan has a range of filters available that you can use to identify potential vulnerabilities in your IoT devices. This could include the use of default login credentials (these are the only login details that Shodan exposes) or which ports are currently open. By identifying these vulnerabilities with Shodan you can rectify them.
  • Track Exploits: Hackers are industrious characters and relish the challenge of identifying exploits. And the result is that IoT devices are constantly in their targets. Thankfully, Shodan is on hand to help. It does this by collecting together all known exploits for IoT devices and making them available. All a user has to do is use the Shodan search engine to search for specific terms and uncover any known exploits.

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

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A Quick Guide to the Internet of Things

Internet of things, IOT, Office IT, Office Network, Ophtek, user friendly, , , , ,
30
Apr 2019

You have may have heard the Internet of Things (IoT) mentioned several times in the media and by colleagues, but what exactly is it?

Thankfully, the good news is that the IoT is a relatively simple concept and, more importantly, it can make a huge difference to your organization’s IT operations. It’s likely that you’re rapidly becoming interested in the IoT the more you hear about it, so wouldn’t it be amazing if you had a quick guide to the ins and outs of the IoT? Well, you’re in luck as that’s exactly what we’ve put together for you.

What is the Internet of Things?

Any business, no matter the size of its operations, needs to use a wide variety of IT devices on a daily basis. Traditionally, the majority of these devices have been connected by cables and controlled directly by the end user or through an onsite IT team with access to the network. The IoT, however, brings a whole new level of accessibility with its revolutionary use of internet connections.

Put simply, the IoT allows users to connect devices to other devices and networks that can accept an internet connection. Sure, it may sound as though this is merely using wireless capabilities and nothing new, but the IoT is significantly different. Connecting to central servers through an internet connection means that your organization’s networks and smart devices can be remotely controlled from any location in the world.

What Can You Do with the Internet of Things?

The accessibility on offer from the IoT is clearly an interesting proposition, but what exactly can your organization use it for? To be honest, it’s a more a case of what you can’t use it for. Let’s take a look at some of the IoT most popular uses:

  • Remote Working: As long as your employees have an internet connection, they can connect to your organization’s networks and access email, databases and files just as easily as if they were sat in the office at their workstation. This is highly beneficial for employees who are working away on business, but it also opens up a whole new world of remote working which, with studies showing it’s highly beneficial for staff, could seriously increase productivity. 
  • Collecting and Sharing Data: The amount of data in use by businesses is getting bigger and bigger, but monitoring this is becoming more difficult with traditional IT setups. However, IoT devices are so varied and widespread that it’s now possible to collect data on almost any element of business you want. Tracking vehicle data, for example, through the use of IoT trackers can allow you to make use of your vehicles more efficiently. 
  • Enhance the Customer’s Experience: The lifeblood of any organization is the customer base and thanks to the IoT you can understand their needs better than ever before. IoT sensors installed in products such as, for example, refrigeration units can remotely monitory temperature fluctuations and, if necessary, send alerts when temperature thresholds are breached. 

The IoT Is Here to Stay.

With over 26 billion IoT devices due to be in use by the end of 2019, the IoT is clearly making a massive impact on the IT landscape. With a number of benefits that can make a significant difference to the way your organization works, it’s time to start embracing the power of the IoT.

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

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