Online Security

4 Essential Facets of Cybersecurity to Pay Attention to

By Ashutosh Jha → Friday, February 2, 2024

Whether you own a business, work for a company, or simply use the Internet for personal purposes, cybersecurity is more essential than ever in 2024. Cybersecurity acts as our defence against so many threats on the World Wide Web.

So much of our existence lies in the online space, that it’s become equally as important to protect our data as it is to protect our homes, health, and finances.

Here are some important aspects of cybersecurity that you need to know about in order to keep yourself and your business safe this year.

IP Access Control

Preventing unauthorized access to your device should always be front of mind. Of course, this means using a password and always keeping your smartphone, laptop, tablet, etc. on hand at all times. However, you also need to go further by thinking about other devices.

IP access control systems will check and limit the devices that can connect to your computer or network, only allowing trusted devices to protect your data and the integrity and security of your network. IP access control is usually integrated with other factors in a strategy, such as firewalls, encryption, etc.

Network Security

When it comes to interconnected devices, networks facilitate and allow the flow of information. However, making sure that these networks are secure is essential. This is because securing your network is important for data protection, user privacy, and business continuity (since security breaches can seriously impact your productivity).

You can secure your networks with various protective tactics such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems, which will create barriers and act as a watchdog for your system activities. It’s always a good idea to chat to a professional if you’re unsure of what software and systems to invest in.

Data Protection

If you’re working with any kind of sensitive data (as most of us are), you need to protect it. This applies to information related to your work, such as client information, or even personal details like your address and banking details.

First of all, you need to ensure you won’t accidentally lose this data by making sure that it’s backed up. Cloud storage is a great option, but having a physical copy as well could help you with peace of mind. You should also encrypt your sensitive data in case of any breach in your system and ensure to protect yourself against issues like DDoS attacks.

Employee Training and Awareness

If you run a business and working with people, you need to make sure they’re as clued up as you are on cybersecurity. Everyone you work with will need to have some kind of access to your business network and data, so training your staff about workplace cyber threats is an essential factor to consider.

However, don’t forget to consider internal threats too – staff that has access to passwords and data could always take advantage of your trust, so make sure that the people you’re hiring are people you trust and that you keep any particularly sensitive information private and inaccessible if at all possible.

Online Security

The 3 Ways That The IoT Has Revolutionized Business Security

By Ashutosh Jha → Wednesday, November 1, 2023

When you are trying to protect the security of your business, you need to make sure that you have the latest advancements to get the most bang for your buck.The biggest breakthrough happened with the advent of the Internet of Things (IoT). The IoT refers to the vast network of devices that are connected to the internet.

These aren't just your computers or smartphones. They include everyday items like refrigerators, cars, and even light bulbs. When it comes to business it can help improve parking lot security and even the security of the building. In this article, we will go over several ways that the IoT has helped businesses stay safe and secure.

1 - Real time monitoring

Unlike traditional security setups where a guard might miss something or a camera might only record without active monitoring, IoT systems are always on the watch. Video goes right to a device anywhere in the world. Instead of needing to constantly monitor a CCTV, an alert is sent if there is motion detected or other types of triggers.

Let's say a door is opened at an unusual hour or a suspicious activity is detected in the server room. With IoT, the moment such an event occurs, alerts can be sent directly to security personnel, management, or even local law enforcement.

These alerts ensure that any potential breaches, whether they are physical break-ins or cyber-attacks, can be addressed right away.

2 - More access control

The traditional key and lock system has its limitations. It can't tell you who entered a room at what time, and it can’t restrict access at specific times of day. With the rise of IoT, access control has taken a leap into the future. Devices like smart locks and biometric systems have become increasingly popular, allowing businesses to have better security.

Smart locks, powered by IoT, do more than just lock and unlock doors. They can be programmed to allow access at certain times, and they keep logs of every entry and exit. This means businesses can not only control who enters but also have a detailed record of it.

Biometric systems take things a step further. It's much harder to fake a fingerprint than it is to copy a key, making biometric systems a reliable choice for areas that need extra security.

3 - Device integration

IoT's advantage isn't just limited to stand-alone devices as it can be integrated with other systems within a business.

Take lighting, for instance. An IoT-integrated security system can be set up to automatically switch on lights when a motion sensor detects movement during off-hours. This not only startles potential intruders but also provides clearer visuals for surveillance cameras, improving their effectiveness.

But IoT integration really comes alive with automated responses. Consider a situation where a security breach is detected in a particular section of a building. The system could simultaneously dim the lights to disorient the intruder, lock all exit doors to contain the situation, and send real-time alerts to security personnel and management.

Online Security

5 Tips to Better Protect Your Inventory

By Ashutosh Jha → Thursday, October 19, 2023

Your inventory is one of the most essential elements of your business. Without proper protection, it can get damaged, lost, or stolen – which can lead to significant financial losses for your company.

Thankfully, there are things that you can do to ensure it remains as safe as possible. You just need to know where to get started!

Sounds interesting? Below we are going to discuss five tips that will help you better protect your inventory.

Install a security system

A security system is one of the most effective ways to protect your business. CCTV, access controls, and alarms will keep your premises safe and deter intruders.

If you’re a home-based business, it’s even more important that you have one installed. You should also complete maintenance and repairs regularly so that your property is less of a target.

Organize and document your inventory

Proper organization of inventory can help you reduce the chances of stock going missing. Thankfully, there are plenty of great software tools that can help you monitor everything so be sure to do further research.

You should also take this time to prioritize shelf organization and conduct regular audits. The more organized everything is, the easier it will be to find exactly what you need. Everything should have its place, from the smallest containers to full-size gaylord boxes.

Update technology frequently

Once you have installed new software and management tools, don’t forget to update it regularly. Cyber-attacks are becoming more and more common, and you want to prevent them from occurring.

Speak to a cybersecurity expert for more advice on this department. This will ensure that all of your systems are up to date.

Train your employees

When it comes to protecting your inventory, your employees are your best asset. By providing training to them, they can identify suspicious behavior and report issues as soon as they arise.

Ensure that each of them knows the proper security measures and write out the policies and procedures you have in place. Trust us when we say it really can make a big difference.

Implement anti-theft measures in store

Finally, if you notice a lot of stock goes missing in store, you may need to increase the amount of security measures. A few of the best to consider include:

• - Security Mirrors
• - Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS)
• - Display Locks
• - Increased Lighting

All of these will make it harder for thieves to steal and may prevent them from taking things at all. You’ll also be able to keep an eye on your employees if you have concerns.

Final Words

Protecting your inventory is critical for any business and shouldn’t be a final thought. By following the tips above, you can ensure that your precious items are safe and secure throughout the year. Not to mention it can streamline processes and improve overall productivity too.

Online Security

Why Crypto Cybersecurity Is Expected To Reach $53.8 Billion By 2023

By Ashutosh Jha → Wednesday, March 16, 2022

In 2018, the Asian cybersecurity market was valued at $31.7 billion; in 2023, it’s expected to hit $52.8 billion.

This represents an 8.4-percent CAGR from 2019 to 2023. In this environment, Singapore, China, Japan, India and other emerging countries in that region have been confronting growing cybersecurity concerns.

Cybersecurity Threats Throughout the Asia-Pacific Region

Examples of cyber-attacks and mounting cybersecurity threats can be found throughout the APAC region. Cyber-scams here and around the world range from simple investment and giveaway scams to intricate Initial Coin Offering (ICO) fraud and worse.

Cyber Threats in India

India currently ranks fifth in the world in the overall number of DNS hijacks and faces a skyrocketing rise in cybercrime registration in general. India also accounts for 37 percent of global breaches in which records were stolen or compromised, reports Gemalto.

Cyber Threats in Bangladesh

Meanwhile, in Bangladesh, over $80 million was stolen from a bank in a 2016 cyber-attack. In the Philippines during that same year, government sites experienced frequent hacking activity.

Cyber Threats in Malaysia

In Malaysia, according to Cisco Systems, 60 percent of cybersecurity tech is outdated and vulnerable to cybercrime activity. In 2021 alone, ransomware attacks in the country increased by 151 percent.

These statistics and others like them have spurred increased awareness in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region of the burgeoning cybersecurity risk there due to increasing connectivity and digital transformation. That awareness has, in turn, elevated concerns about mitigating these threats and demands for greater cybersecurity in the region, particularly in the era of crypto.

Combatting Cybercrime in the Asia-Pacific Region

Government initiatives in the area are already targeting cybercrime with new laws and data security measures. Currently, providing stringent cybersecurity guidelines and instituting strict cybersecurity deployment policies and procedures, the Department of Defense Information Assurance Certification and Accreditation Process (DIACA), Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA support the cybersecurity industry’s expansion into that region.

Cyberattacks in Finance

The Asia-Pacific region currently classifies cybersecurity solutions into categories like the public sector, healthcare, telecommunications and financial services.

Of these, the financial sector is a particularly heavy target of cyber threats, fueling expectations of the sector dominating the cybersecurity market. In Japan, for instance, an enormous number of cyberattacks took place in the financial industry in 2016, including attacks on 14,000 ATMs.

Cybersecurity Risks in Crypto

While blockchain itself introduces an unprecedented level of cybersecurity into the financial industry, it is not immune to cyber threats.

Its capabilities allow for strict integrity, confidentiality and availability of data, but it's still lacking in sufficient security standards and controls. That puts into question technology's secure scalability and ultimate sustainability.

To effectively sustain itself and continue to root for itself in the financial system, whether in the Asia-Pacific or elsewhere, the industry needs to invest heavily in cybersecurity tech innovations. Fortunately, some top crypto exchanges operating in places like Vietnam offer users robust security protocols and features to ensure safe transactions and storing of their crypto assets.

Already, more than a dozen major banks, hospitals, governments and blockchain trading platforms are doing so, making it even more incumbent on smaller players, such as those in emerging markets like APAC, to follow suit.

Technology

How To Reduce Online Threats Using DevSecOps

By Ashutosh Jha → Saturday, October 3, 2020

As technology has become more abundant across the world in recent years, there has been a major change throughout our society. There are many ways that tech has changed the world in 2020, and the Internet and other technological advancements have helped to bolster the ways in which our society functions.

Tech has helped our society to grow in a myriad of ways, such as the increase in socialization through social media and much more. However, with all of the good that technology has done, one of the negative aspects has been the rise of cybercrime.

Cybercriminals have infiltrated many businesses, especially through the weaknesses in their software. Software often has the potential to let cybercrime in, as there are frequent bugs and leaks that hackers can break into. This is why it is crucial to protect your software before utilizing it during the development process.

Software development requires the use of DevSecOps, a system that helps to ensure that all of your company’s software is safe throughout the development process and that you will be able to reduce online threats. Learning about this system and how your company can utilize it to your advantage is crucial for building a safer business.

Mitigating Threats Through DevSecOps

Creating a top-quality cybersecurity program for your corporation is no simple task; however, by utilizing DevSecOps you can have greater safety protocols. DevSecOps will let you protect your assets and will ensure that your business is safe.

DevSecOps means development security operations, and although it has similarities with DevOps, it primarily focuses on security throughout the software development process. DevSecOps still ensures that your company can put on high-quality software in a short period of time, but by prioritizing security while developing software, you will have the ability to protect all of your company’s assets from hackers who infiltrate companies through technical leaks and other bugs.

Understanding the importance of DevSecops is essential when considering it for your development process.

DevSecOps in Your Company

While there are many types of cybersecurity protocols that you should be utilizing throughout various aspects of your business, having DevSecOps be a part of your business’ development process is critical for building security.

DevSecOps has a variety of functions for ensuring safety throughout the development process, and the main functionality is to ensure that all technical leaks, leaked credentials, and erroneous configurations are taken care of. If you do not handle these issues throughout your development process, your company will be under constant threat and will not be prepared for any other security issues.

Learning about the importance of DevSecOps throughout your company's development process and understanding how your enterprise will benefit from this system is crucial for your business’ continued success with the ever-present threat of hackers.

Final Thoughts

When developing software for your business, you need to ensure that it is safe from the threat of hackers. Utilizing DevSecOps is essential for your business and will ensure that your company can thrive in the dangerous online world.

Online Security

7 Safety Measures to Avoid Malware When Downloading Files on Your Laptop

By Ashutosh Jha → Friday, April 3, 2020

If you like downloading things but don't want to get a virus, look no further.

Downloading a virus is something that no one wants to experience for a host of reasons. Viruses can prevent you from using your computer the way you want and they put your personal information at risk.

Most people download viruses from the internet, which can be avoided entirely by visiting only reputable sites. However, it can be tempting to download something you receive in the email that claims to be a promising program.

How to Prevent Malware While Downloading Files

Keep on reading to learn more about how to prevent malware when downloading files!

1. Install Anti-Virus/Malware Software

One of the first things you'll need to do when trying to prevent malware from infecting your computer is to install an anti-virus program. Anti-virus software is designed to protect your computer if a virus makes its way into your system.

You can install a virus on your computer in a variety of ways. The most common way is downloading one from the internet when you think you're downloading something else. If the software detects that you've downloaded a virus, it will give you a notification. It may also ask you to perform a scan on your system.

2. Keep the Software up to Date

After downloading anti-virus software, you must ensure that you keep it up to date. When software is updated, it implements new features to keep fighting current viruses. Old anti-virus software may not be capable of detecting modern viruses, which are constantly changing.

Also Read: Best VPN software to access websites

Updating the software is as simple as checking the program whenever you open it. You'll also be reminded whenever an update is available. Depending on the software you get, it may update itself while it's running in the background.

3. Scan Your Computer with the Software

Anti-virus programs come with the ability to perform a scan on your computer that detects viruses. The problem that many people have with this is that they'll scan something harmless and say you have a virus. If it displays something you don't recognize, there's a good chance that it's a virus.

Also Read: How to speedup MacBook

After you've scanned your computer, you'll have the opportunity to delete the virus or reset your computer. Modern anti-virus programs are good at finding viruses, so resetting your computer should be a last resort.

4. Keep Your Operating System Updated

Similar to updating your anti-virus software, you must also keep your operating system updated. In most cases, your computer will update itself whenever it shuts off and an update is available. You'll get a notification when one is available, but you can't suspend the update until you turn the computer off.

Most operating systems have pre-installed anti-virus programs that will detect viruses and these will update whenever the OS is updated. For example, Windows has something called Windows Protection that has a variety of safety features.

5. Secure Your Network

Before downloading anything from the internet, you should make sure that your network is secure. If you have WiFi, you must place a password that's difficult for anyone to guess. When choosing encryption, go with either WPA or WPA2. WEP was a common one in the past, but many hackers have found workarounds.

Never share your network password with anyone unless they're guests that regularly visit your house. While it may seem harmless to pass it onto a friend, it's best to give them a password for a guest network. If someone's on your system that shouldn't be, you can change the password to automatically kick them off.

6. Use Your Judgment

Whenever you go to download a file, you can prevent malware by using your best judgment. In most cases, people download viruses when they're visiting a site that looks suspicious. Only download things from popular sources that have full links.

Don't be quick to click on a small link because hackers can use a URL shortener to send a risky site without you seeing the entire URL. You can see the site name by hovering over the link. If a site doesn't look professional or has something odd about it, avoid downloading anything from it.

Try to download things directly from their source. For example, you'd want to download Adobe Flash Player for Mac straight from Adobe's website.

7. Keep Personal Information Safe

Along with your WiFi password, you should keep all of your personal information safe. Whether it's the password to an account or your email address, no one should know anything about what you do on the internet. This may seem like a drastic approach, but a hacker can gain access to anything when they learn about one detail.

Whenever you'd like to download a file, try avoiding sites that want you to enter login credentials. Some sites may require you to create an account when downloading premium programs but only do this with reputable sites.

Creating an account on a shady site will allow hackers to use that same info on another site and access your account if it happens to have the same credentials.

Now You Know How to Prevent Malware

Malware prevention is all about being aware of what you're doing while browsing the web. It's not as if you'll run into a virus no matter which site you visit, but you can't afford to download something on the wrong website.

With this in mind, follow the steps within this guide to prevent getting any viruses. Understanding how to prevent malware is as simple as staying private and only downloading things from trustworthy sources.

Browse our articles if you'd like to learn more about tech-related things.

VPN

Best VPN Services: Stay Secure Online with these Top VPN and Proxies

By Ashutosh Jha → Sunday, December 1, 2019

Online security is a top concern these days and more often you will be hearing that someone has been hacked, some data has been leaked and so on…

On an average, around 30,000 sites are getting hacked in a day and so you can think of how serious this issue is.

Last month itself, in a major data breach, over 50 Million Turkish citizen data were leaked online and this is not unique. Every day you will come to know about such news. The best way to get protected from such issues is precautions. Take utmost precautions you can take to prevent such data and security breaches.

Online Security

5 Ways to Avoid Online Scams

By Ashutosh Jha → Monday, September 9, 2019

As long as there is information to be gleaned or money to be taken, there will always be new online scams out there. But fortunately, there are some basics you can keep in mind to always stay one step ahead, no matter what specific kind of scam you may run across.

[Image Source: RawPixel]

To stay safe from online scams, please follow these 5 ways to avoid online scams.

5 Ways to Avoid Online Scams

Here are some of the top ways you can follow to avoid online scams. These are free ways and you don't have to spend any dime for these.

#1 Make Sure an Online Entity is Legitimate

Say you get an email that prompts you to click through to a site to get a great deal on something. Or you run across a website that encourages you to access the great information on their other pages. But before you click on any link, and definitely before you send any money, do a little investigating about the entity prompting you to do such things.

Independent of any emails or other correspondence you may receive, search for the company elsewhere online. And analyze their own online presence. Does their website look legitimate and professional? Are there any verifiable customer reviews you can check out? Does the company come up in a search as a scam?

#2 If a Link Looks Odd, Don’t Click on It

In some cases, it’s obvious that a link is illegitimate. But sometimes there are Click Here buttons and shortened links that aren’t so revealing at the outset. In this case, the mouseover is your best friend.

Simply move your mouse over a link or button. Do not click on it! By just moving the cursor to stop over the linked element, the actual full link should appear in a hover box.

If the address doesn’t match the link shown (apart from shortened links, which can be used to take the place of potentially long URLs), and especially if the address looks scammy, your wisest course of action would be to simply delete the email or close the webpage.

#3 Don’t Be Dazzled by False Promises

A popular way for scammers to lure people in is with email subjects and headlines promising incredible discounts or free gifts to those who go to their site. Don’t let such promises blind you to the probability of a scam.

Remember the sayings, "there’s no such thing as a free lunch” and “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is." In other words, nothing is ever really free. Especially when it comes to marketing gimmicks. Read the fine print. Even if a headline is shouting otherwise, odds are you will have to pay something, whether it’s your time, money or both.

#4 Count to 10

Whether you’re faced with a free deal or an email claiming your bank account has been compromised, the most important thing you can do is stay calm. Many online scams succeed because they put a perceived time limit on their claims, which causes their victims to panic and follow through without thinking.

Take a deep breath, and really consider what you’re seeing. And take the time to go through the safety techniques described above. Is that email really from your bank? Do you really think you’re going to win $1,000,000? Probably not. Don’t let those scammers psych you out.

#5 Pay Safely

If everything looks legitimate, you may decide to move forward with the deal that’s been proposed. If you’ve done your due diligence, there’s nothing wrong with that. The one last hurdle you have with any deal where the money is exchanged is to make sure that that exchange is secure and safe.

The only really secure way to send money is through a digital payment platform, like Paypal or Venmo. If the recipient requests cash or a wire transfer, know that those kinds of methods leave you vulnerable to scams, with little to no recourse if they just take the money and run.

Think You’ve Already Been a Victim? Check Your Info

With all the data hacks that have been going on with popular social media sites and banking and credit institutions, you would be right to be concerned that your information has already been compromised. One step that you can take to verify such information is with an online public records search. Simply enter your name, city, and state, and you can get access to your available public records information.

If something looks off, you may have been the victim of a scam. But at least now you know, and can start to take the proper steps to fix your information and your reputation.

Don’t let the scammers win! They will probably never fully go away, but you don’t have to be scared all the time that you’ll fall victim to their ploys. Just use common sense, and the tips outlined above, to keep you, your money, and your information safe from online scams.

For such posts related to security and safety, please check our online security section.