network Archives

Capacity Planning: Balancing IT Resources for Efficiency

capacity planning, Data Storage, IT Efficiency, IT optimization, Network, Ophtek, Servers, system upgradesCapacity Planning, efficiency, network, Ophtek, optimization, servers, storage, upgradesOphtek, LLC

Jan 2024

The everchanging world of IT and business means that optimizing your resources has never been more important. But how do you do this effectively?

Resource management is vital for maintaining IT operations, one small mistake and you could find your IT systems completely derailed. This means a drop in productivity, one which your competitors will be able to seize upon. But this doesn’t have to happen. Instead, you can prepare for all your potential needs and scenarios. This will ensure your organization can balance its resources and maintain a productive IT infrastructure.

What is Capacity Planning?

Naturally, you want your IT systems to be able to handle your existing workload, but it’s crucial they’re also optimized to deal with future demand. Accordingly, you need to be able to evaluate your current IT resources and confirm they’re suitable for your existing needs. After this, you need to forecast what your future needs are likely to be, and this can be achieved by identifying market trends or preparing for changes in demand e.g. winning new contracts. And this is exactly what capacity planning is.

Which Resources Should You Be Looking At?

The number of different IT resources in use at any one business are wide and varied. Nonetheless, when you’re working on a capacity planning strategy, it makes sense to concentrate on these areas first:

Servers: new product launches are almost certainly going to lead to an upswell in web traffic. Likewise, launching new online servers will create a similar increase. And your existing servers may not be suitable to cope with this sudden demand. Therefore, ahead of these types of launches, to look at scaling up your server resources to ensure continuity for your website.

Storage: we live in the age of big data, where customer data is an important marketing tool but suitable storage is vital. So, what happens if your data storage isn’t capable of dealing with an influx of new customers? The answer is that it will put significant stress on your IT infrastructure. This is why pre-empting data storage needs is an important element of capacity planning.

System upgrades: upgrades to your IT infrastructure, such as company-wide software installations, require careful planning. After all, most workstations will need to be restarted at least once to implement new software installations. And this can have a major impact on your organization’s productivity if it all happens at once. Instead, you should plan to optimize your PC resources by phasing any company-wide installations over time.

Networks: with remote working becoming more popular, it’s important for your IT networks to be able to deal with multiple remote connections. After the lessons learned during the pandemic, where the technical demands of remote working were suddenly laid bare, organizations need to be ready. As a result, upgrading network infrastructures to deliver seamless connectivity to remote workers is paramount.

Final Thoughts

As the business landscape moves further into the 2020s, mastering capacity planning with IT resources should represent an essential target for all businesses. If you want your organization to achieve optimal performance and navigate the challenges of IT successfully, your capacity planning needs to start today.

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

HiatusRAT Malware Returns with a Vengeance

HiatusRAT, malware, network, Ophtek, Security, Updateseducate, HiatusRAT, malware, network, Ophtek, security, updatesOphtek, LLC

Oct 2023

The HiatusRAT malware has re-emerged from its slumber to prove how resilient it is by targeting multiple organizations in Taiwan and the US.

As with most malware which is deemed successful in terms of its longevity, the threat actors launching HiatusRAT have ensured that it’s more powerful than ever. And, to strengthen its attack, they have redesigned it to escape detection. So far, the majority of the organizations targeted by this latest version of HiatusRAT have been based in Taiwan, but at least one US-based military system has also been attacked. And, with HiatusRAT seemingly operating at full throttle, it’s likely to spread even further.

Due to the potential danger contained within HiatusRAT, we’re going to take you through how it operates and how you can protect your organization.

The Lowdown on the Latest HiatusRAT Campaign

HiatusRAT was first detected back in March 2023, when it was discovered infecting the routers of various organizations in Europe and North and South America. This attack involved stealing data by hijacking email channels as well as installing a remote-access Trojan (RAT) on infected routers. It was an attack which led to significant data loss, but the malware’s activity soon dropped off. However, during this downtime, HiatusRAT has been refined and reconfigured.

Again, HiatusRAT appears to be targeting routers and similar networking devices. By redesigning HiatusRAT to target ARM and Intel hardware, the threat actors – who are currently unknown – have managed to enhance the potency of their malware. Operating with two types of servers – Tier 1 and Tier 2 – they have been able to use multiple IP addresses to transmit data to remote sources. As the attack has targeted at least one military system, it’s suspected that there may be a nation-state involved with the attack. However, as of now, security researchers have been unable to pinpoint the true motives outside of data theft.

Protecting Your Organization from HiatusRAT

You may not run an organization in the military industry, but RAT-based malware doesn’t tend to discriminate. Therefore, you need to be on your guard against HiatusRAT and other similar attacks. Remaining vigilant is crucial, and you can strengthen this vigilance by practicing the following:

Always install updates: many malware attacks are the result of an unpatched vulnerability giving threat actors free access to your IT systems. This means that installing updates, for every piece of software and hardware you use, is vital. It may feel like a time-consuming task in the short-term, but ultimately it could save your organization from data breaches and significant disruption.

Monitor network activity: HiatusRAT was observed to be transmitting data to a remote server for around two hours, and this is why monitoring network activity is so important. Occasionally, there can be a surge in network activity, but this is most often related to identifiable reasons and directed towards known destinations. However, anything out of the ordinary – such as unusual destinations and IP addresses – should immediately be investigated.
Educate your employees: one of the surest ways for malware to breach your IT infrastructure is through your employees. This means that strong IT induction programs need to be implemented and regular refresher courses conducted to solidify this knowledge.

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

BundleBot Malware Hidden in Fake Google AI Chatbot

BundleBot, Facebook Ads, Google AI Chatbot, malware, monitor network, network security, OphtekBundleBot, Facebook Ads, Google AI Chatbox, malware, network, Ophtek, securityOphtek, LLC

Sep 2023

As the popularity of AI apps soars, the latest being Google’s Bard, it’s becoming clearer that threat actors are taking advantage of this popularity.

The latest attack to be launched revolves around BundleBot, a new brand of malware which is as stealthy as it is dangerous. Bundlebot is typically found lurking within Facebook ads that promise to take you to websites containing AI utilities and games. These websites, however, are malicious. Users report that these malicious websites are similar, in terms of design, to Bard, but their main objective is to encourage users to download malicious files, most typically hosted on an external storage site such as Dropbox.

As we become more and more interested in AI, it’s important that we remain on guard against threats such as BundleBox, so let’s take a more in-depth look at what it is.

The Lowdown on BundleBox

Once the malicious file – an RAR archive file often named Google_AI.rar – is downloaded and executed, the BundleBox campaign begins. Within this archive file, is an executable file called GoogleAI.exe which, once activated, retrieves a ZIP file (ADSNEW-1.0.0.3.zip). Once opened, this ZIP file contains a further application by the name of RiotClientServices.exe. This executable is used to fully launch, through the use of a .dll file, the BundleBox attack.

Thanks to junk code being built into Bundlebox’s design, it is able to operate stealthily and away from the attentions of anti-malware software. While it remains hidden, BundleBox utilizes a ‘command and control’ function to steal sensitive data and transmit it to a remote location. The perpetrators behind BundleBox, currently, remain a mystery, but it’s believed they are from Vietnam, due to similar Vietnamese-based attacks being launched through Facebook in recent months.

Staying Safe from BundleBox and Similar Threats

There is no definitive solution to a BundleBox infection at present, but there are plenty of ways you can protect your PCs from falling victim. Make sure that your organization enforces the following:

Be wary of attractive ads: you should always be wary of what adverts are promising, but this is doubly true for online adverts. With little information being publicly available regarding the creator of a Facebook ad, you are always taking a risk when you click on one. The claim at the heart of the ad may sound enticing, but you have to remember that this is the simplest way to get people to click it. Therefore, if something sounds too good to be true, such as expensive software offered for free, then it most likely is too good to be true.
Check your network activity: Monitoring network activity is crucial when it comes to identifying the presence of malware activity. By analyzing incoming and outgoing data packets, abnormal patterns and suspicious connections can be spotted, indicating potential malware activity. Sudden spikes in data traffic or unauthorized access attempts should be read as clear warning signs that an immediate investigation is required. Additionally, network monitoring also detects unusual data transfers and command-and-control communication.

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

Every business wants their IT infrastructure to be secure, so it’s crucial that you understand all your options. And two of the best are an SOC and an NOC.

A Security Operations Center (SOC) and a Network Operations Center (NOC) are exciting options for your defenses, but not everyone knows what they are. The good news is that both of these options, which can be based in-house or outsourced to external contractors, are here to protect your IT operations. And they both do this with a high level of sophistication, which ensures that cybersecurity threats are quickly identified and nullified.

How Does an SOC Protect Your IT Infrastructure?

Integrating an SOC into your cybersecurity strategies is one of the quickest ways to enhance your defenses. In short, an SOC is a dedicated team of professionals who can provide 24/7 monitoring of your IT systems. Their main duties include:

Maintenance: one of the surest ways to keep any system operating effectively is through routine and preventative maintenance. And this is a duty which an SOC will take in its stride. From initiating and installing updates through to updating firewalls and managing backup protocols, a dedicated SOC will ensure that none of these vital tasks are missed.
Creating response plans: in the case of a security incident, your organization needs to have a solid response plan ready to go. This could involve restoring data from backups, partitioning your networks, or even shutting your entire IT infrastructure down. Regardless of the strategy, you need to make sure that the perfect response plan has been formulated. And, thanks to the experience of those employed in an SOC, you can rest assured that your response minimizes disruption.
Monitoring: security incidents can strike your organization at any time of day, so it’s important that you have round-the-clock monitoring to flag up any attacks. An SOC can take care of this by not only monitoring network activity, but also analyzing it to provide a strong determination as to the threat level posed. This allows the SOC team to quickly identify potential threats and react accordingly.

Why Does Your Organization Need an NOC?

IT networks are complex, highly complex. This means that monitoring them effectively is difficult, but crucial when it comes to securing them. It’s difficult for your standard IT team to dedicate themselves to this task, so this is why the emergence of NOCs is so exciting for organizations. With an NOC supporting your IT infrastructure, you can expect 24/7 coverage in the following areas:

Network monitoring: an NOC can provide your organization with constant network monitoring and surveillance. This monitoring will cover all of the most common elements found in a network such as servers, routers, and switches. It’s an approach which is not only comprehensive, but also allows the NOC team to minimize any disruptions to your network.
Enhanced security: the main aim of a threat actor is to bypass the security of your network, and it’s very easy for them to sneak in when a vulnerability is in place. However, the presence of an NOC team means that not only will updates and patches be installed quickly, but their constant monitoring of your network will allow them to identify any unauthorized access.
Performance monitoring: given the level of competition within business in the 21^st century, your organization’s network needs to perform at a high level. Monitoring the complexities of an IT network, though, is a tough ask. But the experience of an NOC team means they can easily analyze your network performance, and then suggest plans for improving and maximizing its output.

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

New Phishing Scam Uses a Photo from the Webb Telescope

GO#WEBBFUSCATOR, network activity, Ophtek, Phishing, SMACS 0723, Updates, Webb TelescopeGO#WEBBFUSCATOR, network, Ophtek, phishing, SMACS 0723, updatesOphtek, LLC

Sep 2022

A new malware threat has been discovered which uses the public excitement around the Webb telescope to deliver a phishing scam.

The first image to be released by the Webb telescope project was entitled SMACS 0723, and its new, stunning view of the galaxy created headlines around the world. However, it’s this level of interest which has led to hackers using it as bait. The image is used as part of an email phishing scam and, unfortunately, fails to highlight the wonders of space. Instead, it compromises a PC and leaves it at risk of further attacks.

Phishing scams are a contemporary irritant in the IT security world, so we’re going to delve deeper into this one and see what we can do to help protect your PC.

The Threat from Outer Space

This latest strain of malware has been given the rather complex name of GO#WEBBFUSCATOR but the way in which it operates is simple. Security experts Securonix have discovered a phishing email – described as one promoting satellite service plans – which contains an infected Microsoft Office document. If this document is downloaded and opened, the malware will – if Word macros are enabled – begin to release its payload.

The malware begins by downloading the SMACS 0723 image, but this image is far from innocent as it contains hidden Base64 code. With this code activated, the infected PC is then systematically tested for vulnerabilities and weaknesses. Once these have been detected and analyzed, the hackers begin a campaign of exploitation to take control of the PC. It’s also interesting to note that the computer language behind this malicious code is constructed from Go, a cross-platform language which highlights the scope of the threat actors behind GO#WEBBFUSCATOR.

Staying Safe on Planet Earth

The number of vulnerabilities this malware targets, along with its deceptive approach, make it a powerful weapon for hackers. Therefore, protecting yourself against its dangers is paramount and you must make sure you:

Be mindful of phishing scams: the main threat that phishing scams employ is to push a sense of urgency or offering something that sounds too good to be true. Always double check any incoming emails for any links or attachments which appear suspicious e.g. hover your mouse cursor over links to discover the true URL destination.

Install all updates: threats such as GO#WEBBFUSCATOR rely on vulnerabilities being present on an infected system to unleash their full potential. The best way to combat this threat is by ensuring all updates are installed as soon as possible, ideally by setting up automatic updates. This approach minimizes the amount of damage that can be caused by malware which has gained unauthorized access.

Monitor network activity: once malware such as GO#WEBBFUSCATOR has made its way onto your PC, it’s likely that you will notice a surge in unusual activity on your network e.g. increased traffic and downloads. And this is likely to be one of the only signs you receive, so it pays to keep a close eye on any spikes in network activity.

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

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