The Basics of Protecting Your Network

anti malware, firewall, network, Ophtek, security, two factor, , , , , ,
23
Apr 2019

Computer networks are complex pieces of technology, but, thankfully, when it comes to protecting them, the processes are relatively simple.

If you’re an organization that works with PCs then the chances are that the backbone of your IT infrastructure will be a network. Packed full of benefits that enhance accessibility, speed and communication, a PC network is crucial for productivity. However, due to the incredible amount of data being transmitted across a network, these bastions of connectivity are squarely in the targets of hackers. And that’s why it’s important that your network is protected from any external threats.

You can, of course, invest heavily in a wide range of security solutions to protect your network, but it’s vital that you make sure you follow the basics as your best defense. So, if you want to know what these are, just take a look at our guide on the basics of protecting your network.

Always Use a Firewall

Your organization’s network is private and, therefore, the last thing you want is for third parties to be accessing the network and viewing its traffic. The most popular and effective method for preventing this is by installing a firewall. A piece of software that analyses incoming and outgoing activity, a firewall is a multi-layered form of defense that can monitor network activity, report unusual behavior and enforce security policies.

Work with Two-Factor Authentication

It’s highly likely that you’re familiar with the process of using login credentials to access networks and applications, but have you ever used two –factor authentication? While the standard practice of entering a login name and a password is highly secure, two-factor authentication makes it doubly so. The concept of two-factor authentication is that users have to go through two forms of authentication to gain access to the network e.g. after entering a username and password, users must then activate a link emailed to a secure email account.

Install Anti-Malware Software

Malware is any form of malicious software that aims to exploit vulnerabilities in your PCs (and their users) to gain access to your network. Naturally, this is the last thing you want, but it’s almost impossible to manually identify every threat entering your network. Therefore, it’s essential that you install anti-malware software to help protect your network. Capable of identifying the vast majority of active threats (and regularly updated against new ones), anti-malware software provides you with peace of mind that your defenses are strong.

Segment Your Networks

A simple way to enhance the security of your network is by segmenting it into individual sub-networks. Not only does this approach enhance the performance of each ‘segment’, it also increases the security of the network as a whole. For example, if a hacker manages to gain access to one of the segments, they will only have access to that one segment. The other sub-networks will be fenced off with their own unique security measures and, therefore, make it much harder for a hacker to gain access to the entire network.

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

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Are Internet of Things Devices Safe to Use?

Internet of things, IOT, IoT Attacks, Ophtek, Security, , , ,
16
Apr 2019

The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized the way we connect and interact with physical devices, but is this new technology as secure as it should be?

Clearly, with around 26 billion associated devices estimated to be in use during 2019, the IoT needs to be secure due to the amount of data being transmitted. However, as the IoT is a relatively recent phenomenon, it’s no surprise that so many headlines are warning against the dangers of this technology. Naturally, this kind of scenario can cause concern for organizations that are looking to get on board with the numerous IoT benefits on offer, but should you really be worried about the security risk?

What is the Internet of Things?

The basic premise of the IoT is a lot simpler than you would imagine: using internet connections, physical devices can communicate with one another while also being remotely controlled and maintained. So, for example, if you want to control the lighting in your office, you could use a remote application to adjust the lighting from, if necessary, from anywhere in the world. And all you need is an active internet connection for the app to connect to the device.

What are the Safety Risks of IoT Devices?

As we’ve mentioned, there are certain dangers attributed to IoT devices that can seriously threaten the security of your devices and any data transmitted by them. Some of the more pressing risks include:

  • Default Login Credentials: Many IoT devices are sent out with default login credentials, so this means that the username and password details will be exactly the same for every single one of those devices sold. And it doesn’t take long for hackers to begin sharing details of this vulnerability with their fellow hackers. Accordingly, changing default login credentials to a more unique configuration should be the first thing you do before connecting such a device to your networks.
  • Unnecessary Features: Sometimes, IoT devices are packed with a wide range of features that are completely unnecessary for your organization’s needs. The most common example of this is the option of remote access which, for many in-house IoT devices, simply isn’t necessary as all it does is open up a pathway to your network for hackers. Therefore, make sure that only the most relevant features are activated on your IoT devices.
  • Patching IoT Devices is Difficult: Due to the wide variety of manufacturers making IoT devices, many of these companies simply don’t have the technical knowledge to release regular and effective patches. And this represents a major security risk due to the constant efforts of hackers to exploit security vulnerabilities. In these instances, the best way to prevent a breach is to monitor these less secure devices for any unusual network activity. This approach should, at least, indicate if there is a potential security breach in progress. 

Final Thoughts

Although there are a number of very real security risks associated with integrating IoT devices into your organization’s IT network, these don’t have to convert into a major security breach. Instead, these risks can be significantly reduced by following the advice listed above which will protect your network and keep all your IoT devices interacting with it seamlessly.

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

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What are the Basics of PC Exploits?

Best Practices, Company Updates, Cyber Security, Disaster Recovery, Ophtek, PC Security, software exploits, , , ,
02
Apr 2019

 

At the center of all unauthorized access to your computers or servers is a PC exploit. What are these exploits, though, and how do you protect against them?

Without the presence of an exploit, hackers find themselves in a position where gaining access to a victim’s PC is incredibly difficult. However, it suddenly becomes a lot easier if there’s an exploit available that they can take advantage of. It’s probably becoming clear, very quickly, that it’s crucial that you, as a PC user, also know about the existence of these exploits. Unfortunately, the level of knowledge that the average organization has regarding the nature of exploits is disturbingly low. And that’s why so many businesses fall victim to PC exploits.

If, however, your organization can begin to understand even the basics of PC exploits, then you stand to make your IT operations considerably more secure.

What is an Exploit?

The simplest way of looking at an exploit is by describing it as a hole in a security gate. Once hackers become aware of this hole then they can easily bypass your security by climbing through the hole impeded. If we’re talking slightly more technically, then this hole isn’t necessarily a hole but some form of weakness in your PC. These weaknesses can be found in operating systems, software code and any applications installed on your network. And the impact that exploits can have on these components can be devastating.

What Does an Exploit Do?

An exploit can work in a number of different ways; most commonly, a PC exploit is used to infect huge numbers of PCs. It only takes one PC to be infected to help kick-start a process whereby this infection spreads across networks within an organization and, eventually, across the world. This allows hackers to execute the following tasks:

  • Malicious software can be downloaded to PCs without the user’s knowledge
  • Vast amounts of sensitive data can easily be recorded and transmitted to remote locations
  • Ransomware can be used to encrypt data and extort payment in return for the un-encrypted data

How Do You Protect Yourself Against Exploits?

Exploits, of course, are the result of vulnerabilities that are already present on your PCs. Therefore, exploits are down to failures by developers and manufacturers in the design and testing phases of their products. As a result, once an exploit has been identified, any decent developer should work on remedying this exploit by producing a security patch. This patch can be installed on any vulnerable PC to effectively seal the hole in your security gate and keep any hackers out.

Final Thoughts

Exploits can cause major disruption to your organization very quickly due to the ease of access that they gift to hackers. Protecting your organization from these exploits, therefore, is vital to keep your PCs online and productive. Time and knowledge are important commodities when it comes to protecting against exploits, so make sure you remain up to date with not just the latest software patches, but also any breaking news on emerging exploits.

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

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What is the Difference Between Malware, Ransomware and a Virus?

Cyber Attack, Cyber Security, email security, Hackers, Hacking, malicious code, Ophtek, Ransomware, Security, Security Threats, , , , ,
26
Mar 2019

The terminology used to describe various hacks and security threats usually includes the terms malware, ransomware and virus, but what exactly are these?

It can get a little confusing when discussing the various security concerns that are floating around and this confusion can lead to a lapse in security. After all, if you’re reading about malware, but don’t know exactly what it is you’re reading about, then you’re going to be unable to act against it. And that’s why we’re going to take the time today to explore each particular category in a little more detail.

What is Malware?

Malware is very much an all-encompassing term for any form of malicious software, so this can include ransomware and viruses. However, we’re going to cover those two categories in depth later, so for now we’ll look at some other types of malware:

  • Spyware: Installed on a user’s PC without their knowledge, spyware is software that can be used to track user activity and then transmit this to a remote server e.g. keystrokes can be recorded to determine and steal login details.
  • Bots: Capable of bringing entire networks to a halt, bots are a particularly troubling form of malware that can easily harness the power of an infected PC to carry out spam email campaigns or DDoS attacks.
  • Rootkits: Highly conspicuous and deceptive, rootkits allow hackers to take control of infected PCs from a remote location. Usually installed at a root level, hence the name, rootkits provide privileged access to the victim’s PC.

What is a Virus?

Much like the common cold, a computer virus is an infection which can spread quickly and effectively. Exposure to a computer virus usually occurs when the PC encounters an infected website or file. Following this exposure, the virus is downloaded to the PC and executed. And this can generate the following results:

  • The PC startup process can become corrupted and leave users unable to log on to their workstation.
  • Performance levels can suddenly drop as your PCs processing power is handed over to the virus’ tasks.
  • PCs can find themselves spammed by numerous popup adverts which, if they’re particularly virulent, can soon crash the computer or slow it down significantly.

What is Ransomware?

Ransomware has grabbed countless headlines over the last few years and it remains a pressing concern for any business. Most commonly spread through phishing emails, ransomware’s main objective is to extort a ransom in exchange for the release of files it has encrypted.

Once the ransom has been paid then the hackers should, in theory, supply a key to decrypt the files. However, it’s becoming increasingly common for hackers to take the ransom, which is usually demanded in untraceable cryptocurrency, and leave the compromised files encrypted.

Final Thoughts

Whether you find your PCs affected by malware, a virus or ransomware, it’s clear that they spell danger for your organization. It may sound a little clichéd, but when it comes to malicious software then prevention is the best cure. And one of the best ways to prevent your PCs from falling foul of infection is by educating yourself on exactly what you’re up against.

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

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Is Public WiFi Safe to Use?

Cyber Security, Free WiFi, Hackers, Ophtek, PC Security, WiFi, , , , ,
19
Mar 2019

Most public spaces from coffee shops through to shopping malls now contain some form of public WiFi, but are these public networks 100% safe to use?

When your office based employees connect to the internet, they’re making this connection through your own network. And this means that you’re able to monitor all incoming and outgoing activity. Rather that monitoring which websites your employees are visiting, though, the main reason for monitoring these connections is to make sure that nothing malicious is entering your network. Remote workers, however, are likely to take advantage of public WiFi as a considerable amount of their work will be completed away from your work connection.

Due to the unique nature of each and every public WiFi network, it’s crucial that you understand the concerns surrounding these types of connections.

The Dangers of Public WiFi

Public WiFi may appear to be extremely convenient, but there are a number of security issues attached to connecting to public hotspots such as:

  • Lack of Details: When you connect to a public WiFi network there’s no way of knowing exactly what you’re connecting to. This, in itself, is a dangerous move and is one of the main reasons why public WiFi is frowned upon by security experts. 
  • WPA2 Vulnerability: Most public WiFi uses WPA2 encryption to protect data, but the security of WPA2 has been called into question over the last few years due to the discovery of a major vulnerability in its code. 
  • Malware Threat: Due to the lack of security surrounding public WiFi networks, it’s very easy for a hacker to position themselves in between the connection point and, for example, your laptop. This allows the hacker the opportunity to discreetly upload malware to your device and execute its malicious payload.

Should You Use Public WiFi?

Clearly, there are a number of risks involved in using public WiFi and the simplest way to avoid these dangers is by completely avoiding these connections. However, there are certain scenarios where it’s crucial that your remote employee needs to connect to whichever network is available. And in these cases you should follow these best practices:

  • Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) is a service that creates an encrypted connection between your device and the remote server of your VPN. Any hacker who manages to intercept this connection will only be able to view a highly encrypted message which will be absolutely useless to them. 
  • Verify the Connection: One of the simplest ways to evaluate the connection on offer is to double check the legitimacy of the available connections with an employee at the location in question. At the very least they will be able to confirm whether the connection is genuine or fake. 
  • Use Anti-Malware Software: Protecting yourself with anti-malware software should be a given, but when people are using remote devices they fail to appreciate just how vulnerable these are. Even the simplest form of anti-malware software provides an effective defense, so make sure your device is protected.

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

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