Cybersecurity Archives | Page 4 of 6

Think Like a Hacker to Improve Your Cybersecurity

March 22, 2018/0 Comments/in BDR, Cloud Security, Cybersecurity /by James Wagner

Hackers continuously develop diverse ways of penetrating your cybersecurity defences.

New threats are always around the corner, and it can be difficult for organizations to identify when, where, and how the next breach will occur.

And while there is no fool-proof method to protect your private information, you can be one step ahead of malicious attacks, if you think like a hacker.

By adopting the mindset of those determined to break through your digital walls, you can improve your cybersecurity infrastructure.

Identify Weaknesses

Hackers will conduct a thorough investigation of your systems, often dubbed “footprinting.”

Their goal is to find any weaknesses, whether they exist within your own systems or that of third-party vendors.

Footprinting is a careful analysis of your entire system, mapped to identify any potential points of entry.

This is also where insider resources are most commonly utilized, which is why it’s important for organizations to mitigate insider threats before logins and passwords can be used against them.

Run Penetration Tests

Many organizations have begun to employ ethical hackers to test their systems.

There is no better way to determine the strength of your cybersecurity systems than by means of an actual hacking attempt.

If someone can gain access to your network, you’ll be able to clearly see where the holes are and how the hack was accomplished.

Patches are crucial to a strong defence, as something as simple as a delayed update can open a window for malicious software.

Attempt to Gain Access

Gaining access to critical systems is only half the battle.

Once a hacker is inside your network, the next essential element of the attack is to remain unnoticed.

Hackers can exploit the information they have access to, which is why it is so important for organizations to have separate encryptions for different data segments.

Breaches are often a bigger problem than necessary because hackers have found a way to jump from network to network, gaining access to substantial amounts of information.

Some malicious software remains unnoticed for several months, allowing hackers to work quietly in the background.

Repeat the Plan

Once hackers have found a reliable way into your system, they can repeat the process as often as is necessary.

This is also what you must do to ensure that your private data is consistently protected.

Cybersecurity protocols must be run continuously to remain most effective, as hackers’ techniques are constantly evolving.

Certain technologies are quickly becoming obsolete, a reminder to organizations that their cybersecurity strategies must always be at peak performance.

Testing your system regularly is the only way to ensure that hackers cannot take advantage of your weaknesses.

By thinking like a hacker, you can establish a cybersecurity protocol that will keep your sensitive data protected. Otherwise, you leave yourself open to obvious vulnerabilities. Hackers are patient and dedicated. If you don’t notice your weaknesses, a hacker is almost guaranteed to find them. Therefore, you must identify the problem areas of your cybersecurity infrastructure before they are exploited.

The ITeam understands the cybersecurity issues facing Canada. We are committed to helping Calgary- and Alberta-based businesses develop proactive, cost-effective IT strategies that minimize risk and maximize efficiency. Contact us to learn more.

Cyberthreats You’ll See in 2018

February 6, 2018/0 Comments/in Cybersecurity /by James Wagner

2018 Cyberthreats

A spectacular shift is on the horizon for businesses and what they can accomplish this year.

Advancements in the realms of AI and IoT offer benefits that are now available internationally, with technology that can redirect resources and heighten productivity.

Unfortunately, such advancements are not immune to cybercrime.

Hackers are taking advantage of evolving technology, developing fresh means of hacking IT infrastructures at an incredible pace, and vulnerabilities are widespread.

An enhanced cybersecurity strategy is a must-have for every business, and there are specific threats that you’ll need to consider this year when planning your IT Services strategy.

Insider Threats

No company likes to admit that a security breach was at the hands of its own personnel, but the occurrence isn’t uncommon.

Research reveals that hackers are attempting to bribe insiders to participate in attacks, and the offers of substantial rewards could be difficult to refuse.

This is especially true when all that is required of the insider is to open a malicious email or provide a few passwords.

To acknowledge the presence of insider threats, businesses must limit essential access to only those employees for whom it is required.

Your security system should also monitor staff activity for signs of fraud, with heavy restrictions on critical data.

A Vulnerable IoT

Although a network of smart devices offers almost unlimited convenience, a seemingly harmless hardware device could be the small opening that hackers need to gain access to your most important systems.

Many IoT devices are not capable of installing patches are updates and are often built and pushed to market with older software and out-of-date patches.

Businesses unwittingly allow these IoT devices to connect to their wireless networks, not realizing that there is minimal or no security in place.

It is an obvious vulnerability that must be addressed, as these devices offer hackers an easy pathway into your network.

At the very least, a hacker could force your non-essential systems offline, resulting in a loss of vital time and resources for your business.

Serverless Apps Aren’t Protected

Serverless apps allow companies to worry less about the overhead management and costs of doing business, instead providing them peace of mind enough to redirect their attention to the needs of consumers.

It’s more than likely that 2018 will see an increase in such methods, but serverless apps are not without risk.

Your infrastructure is still vulnerable to cyberattacks, and hackers will be deliberate in their search for apps without security.

Data in transit is a particular vulnerability, making encryption vital to whatever program you choose to use.

A Weak Link in the Supply Chain

Your business may have an excellent cybersecurity strategy, but your vendors and other partners may have weaknesses that could be harmful to all involved.

A disruption somewhere down the line can have profound consequences for your own business and could potentially halt all operations.

For a strong defence, everyone in your entire chain must coordinate their cybersecurity efforts.

Many businesses have difficulties surviving a cybersecurity attack, and regardless of outcome, there is always a significant loss.

Many opportunities for technological advancements may be realized in2018, but your cybersecurity strategy must echo your initiatives for the year ahead.

Be mindful of the risks ahead, and plan accordingly to ensure a strong infrastructure in the face of intelligent cybercriminals.

The Future of Cybersecurity in Canada

December 19, 2017/0 Comments/in Cybersecurity /by James Wagner

The growing sophistication of cybersecurity threats requires a response that is more advanced than that of the hackers, not just equal to.

While in this seemingly constant state of red-alert, it is only safe to assume that your security networks have already been accessed and maliciously exploited.

Unfortunately, keeping pace with those who are determined to breach your private data is a challenging task.

Cybercrime is intensifying, and the future of cybersecurity in Canada is dependent on new technologies and a more comprehensive understanding of the risks.

Defensive Strategies Will Be Automatic

Organizations are often reluctant to install patches or updates because they don’t want to disrupt the current processes.

The problem with that approach is that many modern-day threats can go undetected for months.

Malware can lie beneath the surface, learn the network patterns, and patiently wait for an easy point of access.

So how are you supposed to stop threats that you can’t see?

Automated defence strategies are the future of cybersecurity, especially considering that hackers are creating automated tools of their own.

By implementing intelligent layers that can autonomously identify threats and respond appropriately to mitigate risk, you can address data breaches at network speed.

Isolated security devices can be exchanged for interconnected security infrastructure, combining firewalls to secure email gateways and more.

An integrated system that can adapt to a shifting network could be a crucial defence instrument.

Less Personal Privacy Requires More General Security

The sphere of what social media users consider to be private is becoming considerably smaller, and given the suspected breach of Facebook and other social media platforms by Russian influencers, the lack of security is becoming obvious.

Exposing personal data online on a regular basis may seem dangerous, but this vulnerability could encourage a complete overhaul of general security algorithms. People are exchanging their privacy for a measure of protection from public enterprises, and cybersecurity strategies that protect the general consumer must be employed.

The Internet of Things (IoT) has also broadened the landscape for hackers.

Many IoT devices are not capable of installing patches are updates, and breaches are not repairable.

Businesses unwittingly attach these IoT devices to their wireless networks, not realizing that there is minimal to no security in place.

It is an obvious vulnerability that must be addressed, with such devices being used in both homes and large corporations.

Thinking Beyond Conventional Technologies

As technology continues to become more advanced and hackers become more creative, researchers are considering the capabilities of new technologies.

What if sensitive data could be sent via a one-time program and then automatically deleted upon receipt?

Security strategies could then focus on protecting the original data, rather than maintaining safe networks for the secure transfer of private information.

This may sound impossible, but quantum computing, which can run such programs, is not completely out of reach.

With quantum computing, a program that runs only a single time could be created, and even if the transferred information failed to delete itself, it would be impossible to reverse the program to access the original data.

With hackers always on the attack, data that deletes itself could be the cybersecurity solution of the future.

The future of cybersecurity is being driven by a world that grows more connected each day.

Online privacy affects consumers and businesses of all sizes, and it is crucial that cybersecurity continues to follow these trends. As technology advances, cybersecurity must improve with it, or we will find ourselves at risk of malicious cyber attacks from every direction – in our businesses and in our homes.

Build a Strong Foundation For Your Business with Cybersecurity

December 12, 2017/0 Comments/in Business Continuity, Cybersecurity, Managed IT /by James Wagner

At a business’s inception, leaders are occupied with matters such as finances, leases, ROI, and related goals.

Setting realistic targets and optimum goals are key components of a growing business strategy, but one area that some business owners – old and new, in businesses large and small – may overlook is cybersecurity.

To build a strong foundation for a successful business – and for that business to flourish over time – you must have a solid cybersecurity framework.

Employee Cybersecurity Education

Employee training is an essential aspect of business growth, and cybersecurity should be an essential and ongoing part of every employee’s training and development.

Educating all staff, including yourself and your leadership team, is a simple proactive measure that can help mitigate the risk of falling victim to ransomware or other malware attacks.

If neglected, your business is almost guaranteed to experience loss of data and subsequent financial losses that would otherwise have been preventable.

Everyone in your organization should be aware of the risk that cyberthreats represent, and everyone should promote a culture dedicated to sustainable cybersecurity management.

Not only does such a culture ensure that employees avoid certain threats, such as phishing attacks, but it also ensures that everyone on your team is able to identify active threats and prevent irreparable damage by containing breaches.

Include Flexible Risk Management Goals

Although it can be tempting to establish firm risk management policies within your cybersecurity framework, this is one component of your strategy that should remain flexible.

Your vulnerabilities will depend upon your industry and how you do business.

Whether you are in the earliest stages of development or a well-established industry giant, your primary vulnerabilities can and will change as the security landscape changes and as technology evolves.

Risk management should be an ongoing process that can easily reflect updated policies.

Implement Industry Standards

Cybersecurity is a valid concern for consumers and businesses, but with the development of a strong business foundation, knowing where to start can pose challenges.

The Canadian government considers the protection of sensitive data to be the top priority and encourages business owners to become familiar with Canada’s Cyber Security Strategy.

Small businesses are just as likely to be victims of cyber threats, and it is in everyone’s best interests that private data is kept secure.

The existing reliance on technology adds an additional layer of compliance to business management.

Establishing and growing a business is no easy task, but without a strong foundation built on solid cybersecurity strategies, your organization will be susceptible to security risks that could completely halt progress.

3 Important Steps To Improve Your Cybersecurity in Canada

November 21, 2017/0 Comments/in BDR, Business Continuity, Cloud Security, Cybersecurity, Managed IT /by James Wagner

The Canadian government has its doubts about the necessity of eradicating Kaspersky Lab products from U.S. vital programs.

The apprehensions over Russian interference in the U.S. election, proving to be more valid as the investigation continues, have prompted the Trudeau government to improve Canada’s own cybersecurity.

Protecting sensitive data from cyber threats is a constant battle for any organization.

Considering recent global concerns, now is the time to address your own preventative cybersecurity measures.

Understand Your Vulnerabilities

One of the most prominent issues that organizations face is the lack of resources designated to address cybersecurity, as well as a complete lack of understanding of the technological processes necessary to alleviate risk.

By better understanding the vulnerabilities that exist, whether they are specific to your industry or unique to your business, you can address the changes that need to be implemented to ramp up your cybersecurity strategy.

You can also reduce vulnerabilities by identifying personnel who are capable of navigating threats that do occur, as well as investing in an insurance policy in the event of a security breach.

Incorporate Industry Standards

Taking a wait-and-see approach, or simply doing the bare minimum, is not enough.

The Canadian government recognizes that to avoid a breach similar to what has occurred in the U.S., preventative measures must be put in place.

It is no longer enough to incorporate damage control into budget discussions.

Organizations must be one step ahead of potential cyber threats.

To do so, appropriate governance and compliance must be issued as an industry standard.

Risk management should be a pivotal component of a progressive cybersecurity strategy, and employee cybersecurity training must be a requirement.

Hackers are too advanced for organizations to take chances, and lack of awareness is no longer an excuse.

Develop a Response Plan

Does your cybersecurity strategy include a response plan?

Although the goal is to avoid a breach altogether, cyber attacks are inevitable, and it is critical that you have a plan in place to rectify and minimize ensuing damages.

A strong response plan involves a team of IT personnel dedicated to fixing the problem, monitoring for further intrusion, and containing the existing data breach.

Information gained can then be used to prevent future breaches and adjust your strategy to strengthen the weaknesses that were exposed.

The interference of Russian propaganda exposed a critical weakness in the U.S. electoral system.

An entire year later, officials are only truly beginning to understand the extent of the breach.

Malicious access to your systems can have devastating consequences, particularly if it goes undetected.

Hackers will not wait for the challenge of a strong cybersecurity policy to test their abilities.

They will exploit every weakness, reaping the benefits of a forgotten update or lax firewall.

Now is the time to improve cybersecurity for your organization.

As Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale stated, “In an interconnected world and an interconnected society and economy, you are only as strong as your weakest link.”

The ITeam understands the cybersecurity issues facing Alberta and Canada, and we are dedicated to helping Alberta businesses strengthen their cybersecurity. We are committed to helping Calgary- and Alberta-based businesses develop proactive, cost-effective IT strategies that minimize risk and maximize efficiency. Contact us to learn more.