Archive for category: Cybersecurity

Think Like a Hacker to Improve Your Cybersecurity

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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

Think Like a Hacker to Improve Your CybersecurityHackers 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

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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

Cyberthreats You’ll See in 2018No 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 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.

The Future of Cybersecurity in Canada

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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

The Future of Cybersecurity in CanadaOrganizations 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.

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.

3 Important Steps To Improve Your Cybersecurity in Canada

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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

Important Steps To Improve Your Cybersecurity in CanadaOne 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.

The Impact of the U.S. Government Eviction of Kaspersky

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The threat of Russian interference in the activities of the U.S. government, a drama that has been unfolding over the past several months, is now one that has entered the realm of cybersecurity.

The FBI is currently investigating whether Kaspersky Lab, a provider of anti-virus and cybersecurity software, has ties to Russian military and intelligence.

A leader in cybersecurity, with 400 million users worldwide, company leaders have denied ties to Russian military and intelligence since Kaspersky Lab was established in 1997.

As a measure of precaution, however, the U.S. government recently announced that agencies have 90 days to remove Kaspersky software from their systems.

This software ban could set a concerning precedent for the global cybersecurity industry.

What Are The Concerns?

Kaspersky software was once a major component of the U.S. government cybersecurity strategy, with anti-virus products protecting privileged files.

There are now concerns from top government officials that at any point, the Russian government could place pressure on Kaspersky Lab to allow access to critical U.S. government information.

Despite Kaspersky’s denial of any allegations and their offer to allow the U.S. to inspect its source code, security officials no longer have faith in Kaspersky products.

This is based on the ability to access and compromise federal information that could impact national security through an undetected back door.

What Does This Mean For Borderless Cybersecurity?

Currently, the global cybersecurity industry relies on mutual trust among the top firms.

Kaspersky Lab, in partnership with U.S. software firm, Symantec, identified the Regin trojan, a cyber-weapon already deployed throughout the intelligence community that could yet have international repercussions.

However, this movement to establish borders on cybersecurity not only restricts the flow of critical information that could be used in mitigating threats, but it shifts the level of confidence from one of trust to that of suspicion.

Ultimately, the ensuing defence posture will hinder efforts to prevent global threats.

Best Buy has also taken action, removing Kaspersky products from their shelves, but their software products are still widely used in many American and Canadian households.

Eliminating Kaspersky products completely will involve an entire shift in the national security infrastructure, significantly impacting cybersecurity.

The successful management of cybersecurity threats has relied on an international pool of experts.

The Kaspersky ban, despite good intentions, could impact government and private businesses, as credible cybersecurity threats may go undetected.

Confining cybersecurity to national software has the potential to reduce some risks, yet exacerbate others, and the entire industry will feel the impact either way.

If you are concerned about your cybersecurity, want to explore options beyond Kaspersky, or have insight into the impact this will have internationally, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Please comment below or join our conversation on Facebook.