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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Fake Legal Complaints Packed with Malware

DDoS Attack, Legal Complaints, malware, Ophtek, Security, , , ,
07
Sep 2021

The threat of legal proceedings always produces a sense of instant anxiety. But this is soon multiplied when it turns out to be a malware attack.

A recent threat to your IT security has been launched by cybercriminals intent on playing on your anxieties. Using a combination of legal threats and malicious links, the hackers aim is to get the BazaLoader malware downloaded to your IT network. The hacker’s strategy, as we’ll see, is one that has been encountered before and demonstrates the everchanging approaches employed by hackers. But what exactly is this new threat? And, more importantly, how do you protect yourself from it?

The Threat of Legal Action

With a generous helping of audacity, this latest attack is launched by the hackers contacting organizations to inform them that their website is involved in a DDoS attack. Rather than being sent from one email address to another, however, the hackers send their communications via the contact forms on websites.

The messages inform the website owners that it appears their website has been hacked and that files on its server are now being used to direct DDoS attacks. The sender of the message, of course, claims that their website is the victim of this DDoS attack. A link is included in the communications which directs the recipients to a Google Drive URL where, it is claimed, instructions to rectify the DDoS attack are housed. But clicking on this link will only set up an automatic download of BazaLoader.

The BazaLoader malware is, as the name suggests, a ‘loader’ form of malware. It’s typically used to download and activate additional malware such as ransomware. This compromises your system even further and, in the case of ransomware, imposes financial demands on your organization. The entire attack is remarkably similar to recent messages sent regarding fake DMCA claims surrounding copyright infringement.

How to Protect Yourself

Naturally, with the information provided above, you should know to tread carefully around any such communications. But, as you can see, the hackers are likely to change their strategy in the future. Therefore, you need to remain on your guard and practice the following:

  • Educate Your Staff on Social Engineering: Attacks such as the BazaLoader one rely on social engineering. This has become a popular strategy for hackers and it’s important that your staff can identify the tell-tale signs. Make a point of regularly refreshing their knowledge to ensure they remain vigilant.

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

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Google Workspace Business and How it Helps Businesses

automation, cloud computing, collaboration, Google, google workspace business, Security, , , ,
29
Jun 2021

Any tool that can help businesses improve processes and enhance productivity is invaluable. And one such tool is Google Workspace Business.

An intriguing and powerful collection of business IT tools, Google Workspace Business has the potential to revolutionize the way your organization works. It’s a platform which embraces the benefits of cloud computing and allows you to take collaboration to a new level. The basic (and free) version of Google Workspace is certainly useful, but the enterprise Business version is packed full of additional features. And, in the current landscape of remote working, it’s an essential tool for businesses.

But what exactly can Google Workspace Business offer your business?

The Lowdown on Google Workspace Business

Introducing a new collaborative tool into any business needs to be managed carefully. But, with Google Workspace Business, you can be rest assured that the following benefits are worth it:

  • Use Business Branded Email: One of the major benefits of Google Workspace Business is that it allows you to use an in-built email system – similar in design to Gmail – with your company domain name attached. Organizations, therefore, can harness the power of enterprise-level email services, but free themselves from the duties of maintaining an email server.
  • Unlimited Storage in Google Drive: Each employee who has an account registered with Google Workspace business will also be allocated a Google Drive account. And, in Google Workspace Business, an unlimited amount of space in Google Drive is on offer. Individuals can securely store all the files they ever need in the cloud and separate Teams accounts can also be set up.
  • Compatibility Across Devices: Whether you are using a laptop, mobile device or desktop, Google Workspace Business will work seamlessly across these different devices. A mobile device user can, for example, share and edit a spreadsheet with a remote colleague working on a desktop PC. The environment this creates is consistent for all users and ensures that productivity is optimized for all employees.

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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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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