Windows Defender Needs Defending

Cyber Security, Data Security, Defender, Ophtek, PC Security, Security, Windows Defender, , ,
26
Jan 2021

You would like to think that your security software keeps you secure and, on the whole, it will. But there is the chance it could be turned against you.

One of the most trusted anti-malware tools is Microsoft’s Windows Defender app. Originally launched in 2005 – as Microsoft AntiSpyware – Windows Defender is a free tool which offers real-time protection against infected files and websites. It’s a highly effective piece of software and one that all Windows users should ensure is running. But, in an ironic twist, Windows Defender has fallen victim to a vulnerability. And, as you would expect, hackers have been keen to capitalize on it.

The Windows Defender Vulnerability

The basic process of Windows Defender is that it scans files and activity on a PC for any malicious potential. If these files are considered suspicious then they will be quarantined by Windows Defender; the user then has the option to either restore or delete the file. However, a problem has been discovered in Windows Defender in the form of CVE-2021-1647. This code, allocated by Microsoft, indicates that it’s a vulnerability in Windows Defender which allows remote access to the app.

By allowing remote access to Windows Defender, this vulnerability grants hackers the chance to turn the app against its user. Instead of scanning malicious files and quarantining them, remote users will program Windows Defender to execute these files. Therefore, a hacker could send infected files to a user safe in the knowledge that Windows Defender will do the hard work for them. It’s a serious threat and one which could cause major problems for your network in a matter of seconds. The exploit has been recorded as active in the digital wild, so this demonstrates that hackers have been aware of it for some time.

Defending Windows Defender

It may sound a tall order to defend a piece of software there to defend you, but this is the world we live in. Thankfully, putting safety measures in place is relatively simple. The vulnerability in question has been fixed thanks to a patch swiftly released by Microsoft. This will be installed automatically and requires no work on the user’s part. Naturally, this does not mean that Windows Defender is 100% secure, the threat of further exploits being discovered remains a possibility. But, by ensuring that automatic updates are in place, your system will be safer than before.

Final Thoughts

Vulnerabilities in PCs are all too common and even Microsoft are not immune from these flaws in their products. The Windows Defender vulnerability – and others such as Zerologon – underline the importance of installing updates. The simplest way to secure your PC is by making sure it has the best chance to defend itself. Accordingly, updates need to be installed as soon as possible. When it comes to Microsoft updates, these can be set to install automatically. This gives you the best chance of staying ahead of exploits and any hackers using them.

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

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Zerologon is the Latest Microsoft Vulnerability

Ophtek, patches, PC Security, Windows vulnerability, Zerologon, , , ,
13
Oct 2020

Microsoft may be one of the leading names in PC technology, but hackers have recently exposed their Zerologon vulnerability.

A vulnerability is a flaw within a PC which can be exploited and used to gain access to the PC in question. These vulnerabilities can be found in both software and hardware, so pretty much everything on your PC is at risk. Thankfully, the majority of your PC’s apps and components will be secure. But PCs are complex pieces of machinery. The sheer amount of coding involved means that it’s inevitable that mistakes will be made and gaps not plugged. And this is what hackers spend half their lives looking for.

Protecting your PCs is a crucial part of any organization’s security, so we’re going to take a closer look at the Zerologon vulnerability.

What is Zerologon?

Zerologon is not an app or piece of hardware that you will find in your PC, it’s simply the name that has been assigned to this new vulnerability. To understand what the Zerologon flaw is would require degree-level knowledge of how PC software works. But we can describe it in layman’s terms. If a PC is logging on to a specific type of server – one that uses NT LAN Manager – then it performs a specific logon process. But where part of the code behind this logon should contain a random number it actually contains four zeros. And it’s these four zeros that give the vulnerability its name.

How is Zerologon Exploited?

Hackers can exploit the Zerologon flaw within seconds as the number of encryption keys needed to decipher the four zero text is relatively small. With access to a PC account secured, the hacker is then able to begin changing passwords within the network. It’s a strategy which, as well as being quick, also grants full control of the PC. This means that a hacker with unauthorized access has the potential to start injecting malware – such as ransomware – onto the network. And this is where your problems will really begin.

Can You Patch Zerologon?

The good news is that Microsoft has quickly released a patch to address the Zerologon vulnerability. Installing this patch should be labeled a priority to protect your organization’s network. The average time taken on install a patch is between 60 – 150 days which is far too slow. All it takes to install the Zerologon patch is a few seconds, so there are few excuses for delaying it. The best rule of thumb, when it comes to patches, is to install them immediately to nullify any threats.

Final Thoughts

As long as software and hardware is being designed then there will be flaws in their build. Designers are only human and mistakes will happen. Vulnerabilities may be inevitable, but your networks don’t need to fall foul of them. While a PC user will be the last party to know about the emergence of a threat such as Zerologon, they can help their case by installing any patches as soon as possible.

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

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Don’t Make these Password Mistakes

Ophtek, Password Security, PC Security, Security, , ,
03
Sep 2019

Your PC network’s first line of defense is usually a password. But if you’re working with bad passwords then you run the risk of compromising this security.

Almost every computer application requires a password to access it. And, in business, these passwords can provide access to numerous terminals and networks. A lot of data is available on these computer systems and this is why security should always be a priority. However, your security can only be as strong as your first line of defense. And if your passwords are weak then your organization’s security is going to be equally weak.

There are certain mistakes associated with weak passwords that need to be eliminated from your business to keep it safe and secure. Let’s take a look at some of the most common password mistakes:

  • Writing it Down: All over the country there are thousands of Post-It notes containing secure login details that are attached to PCs. This is a major security risk. Passwords need protection of their own. If they’re on display for the entire world to see then, that’s right, the entire world can take advantage of them. Instead, memorize the password or invest in a password manager. 
  • Sharing Passwords: Although not quite as severe as writing your password down, sharing passwords with colleagues is still a guaranteed method of weakening your password. It may feel as though sharing your password – if, for example, you’re away from the office and a colleague needs to access a document on your PC – is a safe move, but there is no guarantee that your PC will remain secure. If you do have to share your password then make sure you change it as soon as possible. 
  • Using the Same Password: You should never use the same password across multiple applications. If you do favor recycling your passwords in this manner then you can easily fall victim to password bots. These automated pieces of code are loaded up with login details – usually purchased on the dark web – and then instructed to try and gain access to other websites with them. So, if your LinkedIn login details have been hacked, it’s possible for a hacker to use a bot to try these details in Gmail, Twitter and Instagram. And, if the details are the same, you’re going to get hacked. 
  • Based on Personal Details: An easy method for formulating a password that you can remember is by basing it on some personal details. So, for example, you may use your date of birth or your mother’s maiden name. It’s unlikely you’ll forget these, so you won’t have to write them down and compromise their security. The only problem is that personal details can easily be accessed by others. And this is never truer than in the digital age where our personal details are splashed all over our social media accounts. 
  • Too Simple: A password needs to be complex, so working with passwords such as ‘123456’ and ‘Password’ is a poor strategy. However, due to the ease with which these can be remembered, many people use them as passwords. And hackers are aware of this. What you really want is a password which is unusually complex e.g. one that doesn’t contain recognizable words or number sequences.

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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