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Exclusive Interview With Ramil Khantimirov, StormWall’s CEO & Co-founder

Daniel Segun
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Exclusive Interview With Ramil Khantimirov, StormWall’s CEO & Co-founder

This is an exclusive interview with Ramil Khantimirov, the CEO and Co-founder of StormWall.

It might please you to know that StormWall is an international cybersecurity company that protects IT infrastructures from DDoS attacks. They offer an industry-leading, world-class DDoS protection service that uses AI technologies.

Recently, experts from StormWall studied DDoS attacks targeting the online retail industry in Europe. StormWall collected data from its clients working in multiple e-commerce segments during the research.

Experts discovered that during the pandemic, between February and October 2020, the number of DDoS attacks targeted at online retail services quadrupled compared to last year.

The frequency of DDoS Attacks has been constantly rising, but the growth rate accelerated dramatically during the pandemic.

Ramil Khantimirov, CEO and Co-founder of StormWall
Ramil Khantimirov, CEO and Co-founder of StormWall

Here Are Ramil Khantimirov’s Responses To Our Questions:

1. Question: How do you define a secure website?

Ramil Khantimirov:

A website can only be described as “secure” when it meets two challenges:

Firstly, it should guarantee users’ personal data protectiond shield them from fraud and other actions by malefactors.

Secondly, it should ensure the service’s fail-safe functioning and free from any disruption, be it a DDoS or a hacker attack. After all, service failure at a critical moment may lead to unrecoverable losses.

READ ALSO: Top 5 Cybersecurity Threats That eCommerce Websites Should Watch Out For

2. Question: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a rise in DDoS attacks. Do you think they correlate?

Ramil Khantimirov:

They do indeed correlate. Moreover, after introducing quarantine restriction measures, we noticed a sharp increase in DDoS attacks on industries traditionally prone to such attacks (online entertainment, games) and sectors that have become essential during the lockdown. For instance, we have detected a 4-fold increase in attacks on businesses in the online retail industry.

This can mainly be attributed to 2 factors: the increased social role of such businesses during the epidemic and the unprecedented abundance of free time among malefactors, as most no longer have to commute to work or school.

3. Question: Some cyberattacks are carried out to steal personal data from websites. Are there security tools that should be used?

Ramil Khantimirov:

That is an excellent question, as no direct and concise answer exists. Website owners should utilize every possible measure to protect their users, starting with vulnerability analysis and using tools like Web Application Firewall (WAF).

4. Question: How would you advise companies to respond when they fall victim to DDoS attacks?

Ramil Khantimirov:

The best approach is to tackle the problem before it even arises. It is not that difficult anyway: DDoS protection costs are low, and the setup is usually done in minutes. Skimping on preventive measures may end up costing much more. In case of an actual attack, it may take several hours before the website becomes operational again.

Here are the tell-tale signs of an ongoing DDoS attack:

1: The website takes forever to load, and the attempt results in an error (502, 503, 504)

2: An attempt to load a page immediately results in an error.

3: The website responses are slow, and the navigation feels sluggish.

Some recommendations on how to deal with a DDoS attack:

  1. Stop the attack on your own using an advanced web server, OS, or optimization settings. Remember that you are permanently restricted by the available resources (CPU, RAM, network bandwidth, etc.). And should the attacker’s resource pool ever so slightly exceed yours, you will be powerless to stop your website from going down.
  2. Ask for help from your hosting or internet provider. You will be at their mercy and reliant on their resources, though.
  3. Find a company that specializes in DDoS protection services.

Each option requires time for the countermeasures to be set up – this usually takes several hours beginning from the start of the attack. Therefore, we always recommend considering your business’s security at the earliest stages of building your IT infrastructure.

This will prevent a company from making heavy profits, incurring customer losses, and experiencing reputational damage due to negligence.

READ ALSO: Top 5 DDoS Attack Challenges For Telecom Companies

5. Question: Apart from anti-DDoS protection, are there any innovations customers should expect in the future from StormWall?

Ramil Khantimirov:

Sure! The principal value proposition of StormWall lies in helping the IT community ensure information sustainability by providing proactive and affordable high-quality services with a focus on DDoS and hacker attack protection.

We are eager to help our customers on any scale – our services range from personal protection to enterprise-level solutions. Aside from that, we act as tech evangelists by popularizing “information sustainability” and educating the IT community about the importance of security, digital hygiene, and timely resource protection.

Having our situation center enables us to be on the cutting edge of innovation and serve as a frontline defense for our clients. Our staff at the center keeps track of any new attack methods and works hard to research and develop effective countermeasures.

We also have plans to release an on-premises hardware DDoS protection appliance that will work in hand with existing security instruments. Our specialists are working on it now, and we are excited to roll it out soon.

6. Question: With several years of operation, what is the strength of your company against its competitors?

Ramil Khantimirov:

What sets our company apart is that our focus is on DDoS protection. While our competitors only offer it as a complementary service, we treat attack protection as our core product and mission.

We strive for perfection in our products and customer support because our clients cannot afford to break down under adversarial pressure. From the beginning of our journey, StormWall has been developing and perfecting only our tech based on traffic analysis.

We continue to improve and evolve, helping shape how DDoS attack protection tools are developed.

Note: This was initially published in February 2021 but has been updated for freshness and accuracy.

SIMILAR INTERVIEWS

Key Functions Performed By The Security Operations Center (SOC)

Christian Schmitz
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Key Functions Performed By The Security Operations Center (SOC)

This post will show you what the Security Operations Center is about and why it matters to your company and brand.

As of 2019, over 7,000 breaches have been committed by cyberattacks. The combined force of this strategically placed invasion has exposed over 15.1 billion records. The median cost of a data breach is now $3,92 million. It takes in-house defense and cyber units an average of 2790 days to identify a perp and contain a possible break.

A cyberattack not only undermines your company brand but also exposes your clients, and as of 2016, it also makes you liable to different criminal charges depending on your region. Governments worldwide have established regulations to protect ID and data, forcing companies to bear the responsibility for said protection.

In other words, when a breach happens, and someone is exposed to an attack, your company is the one that should have protected them, and YOU and your business bear the brunt of the responsibility, penalties, and charges. By 2019, 865 organizations rated SOC as an essential pillar of their organization and the critical component of their cybersecurity strategy.

An effective SOC helps your company understand its weakness when dealing with pressing security problems, and, more importantly, given the level of mastery and adaptability most cybercriminals operate within the present, it improves your overall posture to future attacks. 

What Is SOC?

What Is SOC

SOC stands for Security Operations Center. It is the spine and central nervous system upon which every company’s cybersecurity program is built. SOCs are hubs for specialists tasked with keeping your company safe from cyber assault.

They serve as the bat cave for people working off-site or on-site, whose primary goal is to keep your company safe from digital bullies. 

What Are Its Goals And Purpose?

It ultimately depends on the company. Each SOC team has different objectives, varying from one organization to another. Each company has its goals, objectives,  and what it needs to protect.

An industry might have IP (intellectual property) issues they must keep under wraps. A political office might have classified emails. A banking institution might have client IDs and codes. E-commerce might need to safeguard client portfolios. It all depends. 

Nonetheless, most SOC units have typical mission parameters:

  • Consolidate and analyze data from networks, devices, and cloud services. 
  • Critically view all data and coordinate responses to alerts and critical information.
  • Write incident reports on alerts and effectively think up ways to shore up and plan for future attacks. 

Essential Functions Of A Security Operations Center Team

Key Functions Of A Security Operations Center Team

SOC teams have various functions, and each differs from client to client. Nevertheless, an average SOC team has to be able to provide specific benefits or goal-oriented components.

Minimize a Breach’s Impact

The SOC team’s main objective is to minimize the impact of an attack on the organization. They work on the principle that attacks will occur no matter how proactive you are.

They cut down the time before detection (known as dwell time), they shore up critical assets, and, more importantly, they manage to protect vulnerable data that might compromise the organization. 

Reduce Response Time

The less time an attacker has to stop poking around in your system, the better. SOC teams can accelerate the pace and can contract an attacker’s breach.

Increase Visibility of Security

Sometimes, the best deterrent is to look strong. To make it so a perpetrator thinks twice before launching an attack.

That’s why we like our fences and we like to place the security company’s logo on our front yard. SOC teams make it known that a cyberattack will cost a perpetrator time and money by simply existing and making it known that they are present.

AUDITs

The first order of business for a SOC time is to analyze your business and tell you, objectively, where you’re losing water. Where you are weak and where you need to marshal your forces. They are objective in this task.

Proactive

SOC teams react and are proactive by staying one step ahead of attackers. They are well-informed of what’s happening worldwide and will act accordingly and proactively chase a potential threat.

Digital Clues

SOC teams also analyze digital clues to discover evidence of attacks that might not have triggered any sort of alarm. This is important because they proactively search patterns and spots where your safety procedures are being tested.

Keep Business Informed

The ultimate goal of a great SOC team is to keep you informed. To give you up-to-date communication on the current trends, and data that might end up affecting your business.

To help shape your future security maps and responses and better calculate the financial loss a cyber threat might cost you. Depending on your business needs, this SOC team will provide all the benefits of cybersecurity services.

What Makes A Good SOC Team?

It’s experts, and they’ve trained their personnel accordingly. A great SOC team is competent in all things related to cybersecurity, and overall, all act proactively, not only reactive. It is preemptive and not passive.

READ ALSO: Compliance In The Cloud: Why IAM Is Critical

Why is an effective security operations center essential and for whom can it be especially necessary? 

Outside SOC teams as a service, help organizations overcome the problems of an ever-changing cybersecurity landscape. One where they might have talent gaps. They also offer a rapid response and quick scalability if needed.

What is the key function of the SOC?

The SOC’s primary function is proactively managing an organization’s security posture. This encompasses:

  • Security Event Monitoring and Analysis: SOC analysts continuously monitor IT systems and networks for suspicious activity that might indicate a potential security breach.
  • Security Incident Response: If a security threat is detected, the SOC team initiates a coordinated incident response to contain the threat, minimize damage, and restore normal operations.
  • Threat Detection and Hunting: SOC analysts actively search for hidden threats within the network, going beyond simply reacting to alerts.

What are the functions of a security operations center?

The SOC performs a variety of essential security functions, including:

  • Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): Utilizing SIEM tools, the SOC collects, aggregates, and analyzes data from various security sources to identify potential security incidents.
  • Vulnerability Management: The SOC proactively identifies and addresses vulnerabilities in systems and applications to minimize potential attack vectors.
  • Security Posture Management: The SOC assesses the organization’s overall security posture and recommends improvements to strengthen its defenses.
  • Compliance Reporting: The SOC ensures the organization adheres to security regulations and compliance standards.

READ ALSO: Essential Cyber Security Plan for Small Business

What are the key processes of SOC?

The SOC follows a structured process to ensure effective security operations:

  1. Log Collection and Aggregation: Security logs from various network devices and systems are collected and centralized for analysis.
  2. Event Correlation and Normalization: Raw log data is normalized and correlated to identify potential security incidents.
  3. Security Event Analysis: SIEM and security analysts examine the normalized data to determine if it represents a genuine threat.
  4. Incident Response: If a threat is confirmed, the SOC initiates an incident response plan to contain, eradicate, and recover from the attack.
  5. Lessons Learned and Improvement: The SOC team analyzes past incidents to identify areas for improvement and enhance their security posture.

What are the key components of a security operations center?

Several key components work together within a SOC:

  • People: Highly skilled security analysts staff the SOC, possessing expertise in threat detection, incident response, and security tools.
  • Technology: Advanced security technologies like SIEM, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and threat intelligence feeds empower SOC analysts.
  • Processes: Defined workflows and procedures guide SOC activities, ensuring efficient incident response and streamlined security operations.

By understanding the functions, processes, and components of a Security Operations Center, you gain valuable insight into the vital role it plays in safeguarding our digital infrastructure.

Note: This was initially published in March 2021, but has been updated for freshness and accuracy.

Hot Spots On UK Cruises

Mikkelsen Holm
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Hot Spots On UK Cruises

If you’re tired of traveling on land, a cruise through the UK might be a great option. Here are some of the hot spots in the region that you will want to make sure are on your ship’s itinerary. 

Hot Spots On UK Cruises

Highlands

The Scottish Highlands boast castles, palaces, forts, rolling green hills, and tiny villages. One critical stop here is Dunrobin Castle. St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Cawdor Castle, and the historic village of Inverness are also good stops. Fans of mythology might also favor a trip down the River Ness to the Loch Ness. Nature enthusiasts can visit Fort Williams, Cairngorms National Park, and the Ben Nevis mountain.  

READ ALSO: What Is The Best Country For VPN Anonymity?

Orkney Islands

The 70 Orkney Islands sport lush green fields. The main island, Orkney, is the most popular cruise ship destination. There, you can see St. Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall’s markets, and two palaces. You can also hit Balfour Castle. 

Shetland Islands

The capital of these islands is Lerwick. Actually, it is the only town on the main island. Instead, you’re more likely to encounter others while on the water near these islands. Walkers will love the Shetlands as they stroll through tiny villages and check out archeological sites. If you’re there for the wildlife, you’ll love the easy to spot Shetland ponies and seabirds. 

Hebrides

The Hebrides Islands are off the western coast of Scotland. Unfortunately, a cruise is not going to get you deep into the Hebrides. Instead, you’ll probably just stop at the largest island, where you can see the pristine landscape, sea eagles, and seals. If you’re lucky, you might spend some time in the waters, where you will probably see whales and dolphins. If you get to spend time here, make sure you hit the capital’s historic village and whiskey distillery. 

Channel Islands

No UK cruises are complete without a stop at the Channel Islands that sit between France and the UK, proudly boasting a hybrid of both cultures and independence. The largest of these islands bring you cobbled streets, sea-cliffs, harbors, and green fields, while smaller islands can be more remote. While there, visit the Jersey War Tunnels and the house where Victor Hugo wrote “Les Miserables” or take a quick trip to France. 

Southampton

This city boasts plenty of museums and galleries, including the SeaCity Museum. If you’re looking for a peaceful time here, hit Mayflower Park to sit and watch the ships. Those who love history might prefer a trip to Stonehenge. It is less than an hour from this port. If your ship departs from the UK, there’s a pretty good chance you will leave from this city and have plenty of time to explore before or after your trip. 

Portsmouth

Portsmouth is a great place if you love seafaring or military history. Here, you can visit Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. It is home to the UK’s Royal Marines Museum. You could also hit the Biggin Hill Heritage Hanger or Bovington Tank Museum. If you’re there for the views, climb Spinnaker Tower, which can let you see the docks, city, and sea. It also has a glass bottomed skywalk for those feeling particularly brave. This is another potential departure port for those leaving from the UK. 

Cornwall

This tiny town is picturesque and offers a lot to do at your stop. Nature enthusiasts could adventure at Lost Gardens of Heligan or the Eden Project. You could also cruise down Fal Estuary or climb to the top of St. Micheal’s Mount. 

Scilly Islands

The Scilly Islands offer a great place to view untouched natural areas. Nature lovers could snorkel with seals or take a trail ride along the coast. Plant lovers must visit Tresco Abbey Gardens to see exotic plants. 

Glasgow

Glasgow is a popular port to get cruise ship passengers to see Scotland. There, you can browse art galleries, museums, the Glasgow Cathedral, and the City Chambers. You could also stop at the Riverside Museum, Kelvingrove Park, and the Glasgow Botanical Gardens. If you’re a fan of art and architecture combined, you should visit the House for an Art Lover. 

There is a lot to see and do on a cruise to the UK. Therefore, you need to make sure your itinerary hits the highlights you want to see. 

INTERESTING POSTS

How To Detect GPS Tracking On Your Cell Phone

Daniel Segun
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How To Detect GPS Tracking On Your Cell Phone

Here, I will show you how to detect GPS tracking on your cell phone.

Smartphones have had a significant impact on all aspects of our lives. Many features on our smartphones make our lives easier.

Be it in business, education, health, or social life. But the truth is that some smartphone features are prone to abuse, which poses a huge risk to owners.

READ ALSO: Spyware Guide: The Invisible Intruder Lurking in Your Devices

What Is GPS?

It may be obvious, but GPS stands for Global Positioning System. Its design was initially for military use. Today, it is available for civilian use without any restrictions.

GPS trackers use the Global Navigation System network to track movements and give location information. GPS devices receive microwave and satellite signals and use calculations to detect locations and track speed and movement. This means that you can find out where an object with a GPS tracker currently is. You can also find out where it’s been.

Today, smartphones come equipped with their own GPS tracking system. The standard GPS that comes with an iPhone or Android phone may not be sensitive enough to give an exact address of where the phone is. It can, however, narrow down the location to within a small area.

Some apps on smartphones can track your GPS location. Some of these apps can abuse this information by sharing it with 3rd parties, resulting in account takeover issues.

Why Some Apps Need GPS To Perform?

Why Some Apps Need GPS To Perform

Depending on the app, there are several reasons why an app may require your GPS location to perform. Rather than go through every single app and why they need GPS, here’s a general breakdown of various app categories.

  • Weather – Weather apps need GPS to track your location and accurately give you the forecast for your area.
  • Maps and Travel – This is a no-brainer. Navigation apps require GPS to give turn-by-turn directions. Travel apps use GPS to help you find cool places nearby. Some ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft use GPS so drivers know where to pick you up.
  • Social – Social media apps may require GPS if you want to “check-in” or tag yourself at a particular location.
  • Shopping – Some retail store apps require GPS for simple things such as quickly finding a location near you.
  • Streaming – Live streaming TV apps may require GPS location to confirm regional blackouts and other features.
  • Games – Not many games require GPS location, but some, like Pokémon Go, rely heavily on it.
  • Health and Fitness – These apps use GPS to track your runs and exercises, including distance and time.
  • Smarthome – These apps use GPS for geofencing so that devices in your house automatically turn on and off when you leave or get home.
  • Camera – Some camera apps use GPS mostly to insert locations in photos.

Technically, apps don’t require GPS to perform. Most of the time, it’s just an added advantage. With other apps, GPS is integral to its functioning. Navigation apps such as Google Maps are a good example.

READ ALSO: Managing Deliveries on the Go: Top Apps for Delivery Professionals

How To Detect Apps That Can Access Your Location

Most of the apps that use your location data do so for legitimate reasons. However, this is not always the case. Some do so for malicious reasons.

To ensure your device’s iOS and Android security, it’s a good idea to check all apps on your phone that have access to your GPS location.

If you find any apps using your location that you don’t recognize or if you don’t want to share your location, then you can easily revoke permission.

You can manually check your phone to see which apps access your location. Just follow these simple steps:

To check apps that can access your location on your iPhone:

  • Go to Settings and click on Privacy and then proceed to click on Location Services.
  • You can scroll through the list of apps on your iPhone and tap them to view and change permissions. You can choose “Never” or “While Using”. Despite modern technology, an app doesn’t have to track you constantly.

To check apps that can access your location on Android:

  • Navigate to Settings and click on Apps and then App Permissions.
  • Tap on Location.
  • Scroll through the list of Apps on your phone to see which apps have location access.

How To Detect Spyware Is Using Your Location

How To Detect Spyware Is Using Your Location

Spyware is an extreme hacking method that involves installing 3rd party software onto a device. It enables the hacker to collect information, including GPS location.

Companies like mSpy and FlexiSpy can remotely send GPS location data back to hackers, thus leaving you vulnerable. These spy apps cost as little as $30 per month and are completely hidden from the victims.

You can use apps such as Certo AntiSpy for iOS or Certo Mobile Security for Android to detect spyware accessing your location. These will scan your phone to detect spyware.

Detecting Spyware using Certo AntiSpy for iOS:

  • Purchase Certo AntiSpy and access your Certo account to download software and view your license key. Log-in details are emailed after purchase.
  • In your Certo account, click License and Downloads. Download the Certo AntiSpy installer into your computer.
  • After installation, run the installer. Follow the instructions on your screen to install Certo AntiSpy onto your computer.  Enter your license key afterward.
  • First, you must create an iTunes backup to scan your device.
  • Once you’ve created an iTunes backup, it will be available to scan in the Certo application. From the list, click scan, and you can check your device for spyware and other security issues.

Detecting Spyware using Certo Mobile Security for Android:

  • Download the Certo Mobile Security app for free on the Play Store.
  • Once downloaded, launch the app. Access the app’s features from the dashboard page.
  • From the dashboard, click on the Scan button.
  • At the end of the scan, any issues found will be listed as:
    • Red (High) – This means you should take immediate action since your device is compromised.
    • Orange (Medium) – Review the issue as it could put your device at risk.
    • Green (All clear) – No issues were detected.
  • If threats are detected, you will have two options:
    • Remove – Completely eliminates the threat from your device.
    • Ignore – This will ignore the threat now and in future scans. You can ‘un-ignore’ by tapping on Ignored Issues from the scan results page.
  • When finished, go back to the dashboard. Details of the scan will appear under the Scan button.

READ ALSO: 10 Tips To Secure Your Smartphones (iOS and Android)

Is GPS An Invasion Of Privacy?

In today’s digital world, most people always carry their smartphones. Although GPS technology has advantages to smartphone users, it has caused a significant decrease in privacy. Private and public organizations can collect and use this information for various purposes.

Some argue that the collection of GPS location information leads to abuse and amounts to an invasion of privacy. There are a lot of dangers to this. For example, there have been cases of account takeover emanating from GPS tracking.

Unfortunately, no clear and uniform legal standards control who can collect and use this information.

How To Be Secure And Get The Benefits

The easiest way to secure your smartphone from GPS tracking is to:

  1. Constantly monitor apps that have location permission enabled.
  2. If any apps don’t require GPS to perform, turn the permission off or uninstall them.
  3. Never allow GPS location for sketchy apps.
  4. Ensure your OS is up to date. This will ensure your iOS or Android security is up to date.
  5. Alternatively, you can factory reset your smartphone and reinstall apps that you trust.
  6. You can also enlist the help of a third-party tool such as Certo, Incognito, and Kaspersky Antivirus to help keep your phone secure from GPS tracking.

Some proponents recommend the use of GPS jammers to conceal location. However, this is not recommended and is illegal in some states.

As you can see, it can be pretty easy for your phone’s GPS technology to work against you. But for most people, the benefits outweigh the risks, and you may have good reason to want the tracking enabled on your phone.

The great thing with technology is that you can follow steps to get the desired result.

I hope you learned how to detect GPS tracking on your cell phone. Leave us a comment below.

Note: This was initially published in March 2021, but has been updated for freshness and accuracy.

RESOURCES

5 Elements To Include In A Comprehensive Cybersecurity Plan

Daniel Segun
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5 Elements To Include In A Comprehensive Cybersecurity Plan

Want to create a comprehensive cybersecurity plan? Read on!

Cybersecurity threats are increasing at an alarming rate. The worldwide cybercrime incidents exceeded 31,000 cases last year. Also, the global number of data breaches with confirmed data loss reached 3950 in 2019. 

Organizations must adopt robust cybersecurity measures to protect their business network from cyber-attacks and data breaches. A proper cybersecurity plan can help companies mitigate catastrophic damage caused by cybersecurity incidents.

A cybersecurity plan is a written document with comprehensive information about a company’s policies, processes, and measures to tackle potential IT security threats. Let’s look at the various elements of creating a solid cybersecurity plan.

Essential Components Of A Cybersecurity Plan

1. Identification of Key Assets

5 Elements To Include In A Comprehensive Cybersecurity Plan

Businesses can’t protect their network from cybersecurity incidents until they know what needs to be secured. Therefore, organizations must start by identifying the IT assets requiring protection.

These IT assets typically include servers, devices, and storage repositories. Once businesses have the necessary information about their essential IT assets, they should know where and how to store this critical data and protect its integrity.

For instance, they should know whether their client details and intellectual property information have been stored on-site, migrated to the cloud, or saved in the organization’s CRM software. 

2. Detection of Network Vulnerabilities of a Business 

Identifying vulnerabilities in a business’s network is essential to avoid exploitation. These vulnerabilities usually include outdated or unpatched software, misconfigured operating systems, privileged employee access, and more.

Timely detection will help organizations get their cybersecurity measures in order and avoid the chances of encountering a breach. Businesses can ensure that their various network vulnerabilities are fixed properly through: 

  • Regular software updates
  • Incorporation of Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) 
  • Setting up of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
  • Implementation of anti-virus, firewall, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), and spam filters

3. Conducting Regular Risk Assessment

Conducting Regular Risk Assessment

Risk assessment should be a critical part of an organization’s cybersecurity plan. It helps companies make informed decisions to reduce the occurrence of a cyber threat. Here’s how risk assessment works:

  • IT assets and threats are prioritized based on a business’s security concerns. Companies can know which assets are critical and which threats can be more harmful than others. 
  • Current organizational security is analyzed to determine if it is competent enough to mitigate potential threats and vulnerabilities. 
  • Probable losses and the recovery costs of potential cyber-attacks or data breaches are forecasted. 
  • Countermeasures for reducing cybersecurity risks are adopted. For instance, businesses can incorporate Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools to identify unauthorized access to a network and mitigate a potential malware attack.
  • The risk assessment process is analyzed regularly to ensure that security measures are relevant, up-to-date, and effective. 

READ ALSO: How To Prepare For A Cyber Assessment

4. Formulating an Incident Response (IR) Plan

Organizations should have a thorough knowledge of the effects of a cybersecurity incident and how to minimize the damage. An IR plan can help businesses prepare to deal with cybersecurity attacks and data breaches. It facilitates a systematic analysis and investigation to remediate a threat.

The IR plan should contain the following documented policies and procedures on incident management.

  • Highlighting the aim gives employees and stakeholders a detailed overview of what an IR plan is meant for. For instance, a financial firm’s IR plan should aim to prevent and mitigate the loss of its customers’ financial data. 
  • The plan should mention the established roles of the incident response team. For instance, while the team leader should be responsible for communicating the security incident to the business’s staff, the lead investigator should analyze the occurrences during a security incident. It is also essential to document these roles and communicate the respontheirilities. It will keep the incident response team well-coordinated. It will also let them know what to do when a cybersecurity threat arises. 
  • The plan should rank the potential cyber threats based on their severity. It will help the incident response team decide the level of response required for each cyber incident.
  • Further, the IR plan should contain procedures for detecting, analyzing, and mitigating a cybersecurity threat. For instance, the IR plan can incorporate end-point encryption to counter the attack in case of a potential ransomware attack. 
  • The IR plan should also include recovery techniques. For instance, if a ransomware attack penetrates a business’s network, the IR team can implement data backup and disaster recovery methods to recover critical business data and avoid downtime.
  • Finally, the IR plan should include processes for determining how the breach occurred and how similar incidents can be prevented. 

5. Parameters for Facilitating a Cybersecurity Training Program

Negligent and rogue employees can be a business’s most significant IT vulnerabilities. A cybersecurity plan should include parameters for facilitating training that enables employees to recognize common cyber threats. The training should cover the following objectives:

  • Educating employees on the importance of password security
  • Identification of suspicious emails, links, and attachments from unfamiliar people and organizations
  • Practicing safe handling and storing of sensitive business data such as trade secrets and financial reports
  • Underlining the risks associated with sharing Personal Identifiable Information (PII) on social platforms
  • Identification of suspicious behavior of colleagues and reporting it to the concerned authority
  • Communicating the importance of implementing proper device security policies for protecting their personal as well as company-owned devices 

Businesses need to understand the elements of a cybersecurity plan and integrate them seamlessly within their business network.

Companies can leverage professional cybersecurity services offered by IT support providers with the skills, resources, experience, and knowledge to implement all the elements of a cybersecurity plan effectively. 

Comprehensive Cybersecurity Plan: Frequently Asked Questions

A well-defined cybersecurity plan is like a suit of armor in the digital age, protecting your data and systems from ever-present threats. Here are some FAQs to guide you through the process of creating a comprehensive plan:

What does a comprehensive cybersecurity plan include?

A strong cybersecurity plan should address various aspects of digital security:

  • Risk Assessment: Identify and evaluate your vulnerabilities to cyberattacks. This includes your hardware, software, network infrastructure, and the type of data you store.
  • Security Policies and Procedures: Establish clear guidelines for password management, data handling, acceptable use of devices, and security incident response protocols.
  • Employee Training and Awareness: Educate staff on cybersecurity best practices, including recognizing phishing attempts, protecting sensitive information, and reporting suspicious activity.
  • Technical Safeguards: Implement security measures like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, data encryption, and regularly updated software to mitigate threats.
  • Incident Response Plan: Outline a clear procedure for identifying, containing, and recovering from a cyberattack to minimize damage and downtime.
  • Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR): Develop a plan to ensure critical operations can resume in case of a cyberattack, natural disaster, or other disruptions.

How do I create a cybersecurity plan?

Here’s a roadmap to get you started:

  1. Assemble a Cybersecurity Team: Involve personnel from IT, management, and other relevant departments to create a well-rounded strategy.
  2. Conduct a Risk Assessment: Identify your vulnerabilities and prioritize threats based on likelihood and potential impact.
  3. Develop Security Policies: Establish clear guidelines and protocols for employees to follow.
  4. Implement Technical Safeguards: Invest in security software, firewalls, and encryption to fortify your defenses.
  5. Train Your Employees: Educate staff on cyber threats and best practices to make them active participants in security.
  6. Test and Refine: Regularly test your plan, identify gaps, and update your strategy to stay ahead of evolving threats.

Can I create a personal cybersecurity plan?

Absolutely! Here are some key elements of a personal cybersecurity plan:

  • Strong, Unique Passwords & 2FA: Use complex passwords for each account and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
  • Software Updates: Keep your operating system, web browser, and other software applications updated to patch vulnerabilities.
  • Beware of Phishing: Don’t click on suspicious links or attachments in emails or messages. Verify senders and be cautious of unsolicited offers.
  • Secure Your Wi-Fi: Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities and secure your home Wi-Fi network with a strong password.
  • Data Backups: Regularly back up your important data to a separate storage device in case of a cyberattack or device failure.

Creating a comprehensive plan can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to a cyberattack, whether you’re an individual or an organization. Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing process, so stay informed, adapt your plan as needed, and keep your digital defenses strong.

Wrap Up

Businesses need to be proactive in handling cyber-attacks and data breaches. From implementing robust countermeasures and security policies to providing cybersecurity training to staff, a good cybersecurity plan can help businesses successfully prevent and mitigate cybersecurity incidents.

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Is Voltage Stabilizer Required For Inverter AC?

Amaya Paucek | ✔️Fact-checked by: Christian Schmitz
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Is Voltage Stabilizer Required For Inverter AC?

In the inverter AC, a voltage stabilizer is required since it manages fluctuations in power and avoids irreparable harm. Perhaps a specific stabilizer has a fluctuating mechanism, i.e., an S-UTR compressor that manages fluctuations. However, although the variations surpass their range, they cannot regulate them.

To avoid such conflict, check some of the thProbuyer’s recommended stabilizers for home use, which are of standard quality and highly reliable.

We spoke to a representative from 2nd City Gas Plumbing & Heating, and they said” “Voltage stabilizers are devices that regulate the amount of voltage your appliance receives. When the voltage in your area fluctuates, a stabilizer ensures that your appliance receives a constant power flow. The voltage stabilizer ensures that all your gadgets and appliances perform properly without unwanted damage”.”

Benefits Of Voltage Stabilizer For AC

A stabilizer is needed for any appliance that is vulnerable to power fluctuations. The air conditioning inverters are not resistant to fluctuations in strength. More than capable of killing them, a voltage spike is needed. That is essential to reading the instruction manual and adequately using the AC. If you own a Toshiba AC, you can find a Toshiba air conditioner manual online if you lost yours.

Stabilizers can prevent this from occurring. Some individuals have argued that stabilizers are not required for inverter air conditioners. They believe that modern air conditioners have mechanisms that protect them from fluctuations in voltage.

Nonetheless, this is only partially accurate. These built-in mechanisms can protect only from variations within a specific range. Without additional protections, such as a voltage stabilizer, you can lose your air conditioner if the fluctuation exceeds the allowable range.

READ ALSO: Best Antivirus For 2022

Some argue that the above problem must not be addressed in areas that do not suffer dramatic fluctuations. The inbuilt safeguards of the air conditioner can seem to keep them safe. However, the variations within your region cannot be regulated or expected. If a loss wildly fluctuates the stress, you might lose your air conditioner before you realize your mistake.

That is why fluctuations are uncommon in your area; you are still advised to use a stabilizer only to avoid an unexpected event. Also, it protects your valuables from sudden and unforeseen voltage spikes or drops.

How Does A Voltage Stabilizer Work?

A voltage stabilizer operates by boosting and bucking.

The stabilizer will reduce the voltage when the voltage coming into your home reaches the amount defined by the appliance manufacturer, keeping it within the acceptable range.

This prevents the appliance from being fried by voltage spikes. The stabilizer will raise it if the voltage in your home drops below the necessary level. This will prevent the power supply gap from dramatically restricting your appliance’s output.

What Is An Inverter AC?

These are very different from a non-inverter AC, as a traditional air conditioner absorbs the air within a room and uses an evaporator to cool it before forcing it back out. However, the functions of a standard AC rely heavily on the compressor.

But There’s not always a compressor on. In the beginning, when the AC has just been turned on, the device will activate. The thermostat will warn the compressor until the specified temperature is reached, allowing it to shut off.

After this process, the sound you hear from your AC comes from the fan that remains on. Only if the temperature rises above the specified amount will the compressor activate.

Also, Inverter ACs use just as much energy as a part needs to cool down. That is to say, they are adjusting their operations to suit the eacroom’s demands.

Can We Connect the AC Without A Stabilizer?

You can attach it without a stabilizer if your AC has an S-UTR compressor. Its internal mechanisms can keep the power supply of the air conditioner secure.

What if there is no S-UTR compressor in the device? Several manufacturers say their ACs have integrated stabilizers, so there’s no need for an external stabilizer.

However, in their manuals, these same manufacturers still caution against the protection of air conditioning in the case of a severe power fluctuation caused by their built-in stabilizer.

So, without a stabilizer, you can attach an AC. But it would be much better to get an external stabilizer.

READ ALSO: Best VPN For 2022

How Much KVA Voltage Stabilizers Are Required?

For example, if you want a 1000-watt appliance covered by your stabilizer, you need a stabilizer with a rating of 1.2kVA (1,200 VA). Also, according to your equipment requirement, you require a stabilizer of the correct size.

Is Inverter Technology Energy-Efficient?

In an AC non-inverter, before shutting off, the compressor only turns on long enough to lower the temperature to the amount necessary. As such, inverter ACs utilize paramount power compared to non-inverter counterparts.

However, the opposite is accurate as the AC inverter compressor remains on. However, the inverter technology controls the quantity of compressor use. But in non-inverter ACs, it doesn’t, as their compressors perform at total capacity at all times, thus reducing your home’s consumption in the long run.

Conclusion

Technically speaking, you can do without a stabilizer, mainly if your AC inverter is a modern model.

However, you cannot guarantee the protection of your air conditioner unless it includes an S-UTR compressor and an integrated stabilizer. That is why homeowners are advised to use a stabilizer to take the careful lane.

Interesting Reads

Corroborate Understanding Of Cybersecurity With Translation

Amaya Paucek
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Corroborate Understanding Of Cybersecurity With Translation

Can cyber attacks affect online document translation? Read on as we show you how cybersecurity corroborates with translation.

The field of internet and technology is continuously evolving. While this internet has opened doors for many new and existing businesses to grow and flourish, it also holds a dark side that is often overlooked. Due to businesses’ high reliance on technology, digital data creation has emerged, giving rise to millions of terabytes of data being shared on the internet.

However, the data that is shared online needs to be ‘secured’ as well,’ as leakage of this data means huge losses for companies—this ‘security’ emerges from a term commonly known as cybersecurity. Cybersecurity ensures integrity, confidentiality, and availability of information shared on the internet.

Also known as information security, it comprises tools such as risk management, training, and technologies to protect networks, devices, and data from unauthorized access and usage.

Data protection is so essential that companies that have failed to secure their data may find themselves in huge losses. According to an estimate, a data breach can cost an organization approximately $3.6 million on average. This means corporations lose about $300 billion to $1 trillion annually due to these cyberattacks. 

Fortunately, some ways have surfaced, ensuring that data is secured and data security knowledge is available to all. Translation aids in making this knowledge accessible to all, especially to those most vulnerable. You can learn how to translate on Google using this guide.

Corroborating Your Cybersecurity Knowledge Through Translation

Corroborating Your Cybersecurity Knowledge Through Translation

Here’s a strategHere’solidify your understanding of cybersecurity by translating key concepts into different languages:

  1. Choose Core Cybersecurity Terms: Start with a list of fundamental cybersecurity terms like “encryption,” “phishing,” “firewall,” “vulnerability,” “authentication,” and “multi-factor authentication (MFA).”

  2. Understanding Through Translation: Once you have the translations, explain the concept behind each term in your own words without referring back to the English definition. This forces you to grasp and rephrase the core meaning using your understanding.

  3. Reverse Translation (Optional): After formulating your explanation, try translating it into English. This step helps identify any misunderstandings you might have and refines your comprehension.

  4. Expand Your Knowledge: Look for cybersecurity resources in your chosen target language. This could be news articles, blog posts, or even short videos. Understanding these resources will further solidify your knowledge and expose you to different perspectives on cybersecurity.

By using translation as a learning tool, you can effectively solidify your grasp of cybersecurity concepts and broaden your knowledge base uniquely and engagingly.

Here are a few types of cybersecurity threats, examples of cyberattacks, and how translation can aid cybersecurity efforts. 

Cyber Threats—the types

A challenging task in dealing with vast amounts is ensuring its confidentiality and security. However, cyber threats can wreak havoc with this data protection, making it mandatory to employ cybersecurity measures to keep data secure. Cyber threats can take many forms, of which the most common ones are:

  • Malware: a form of malicious software, malware damages the working of computers. Trojan horses, key loggers, and spyware are common types of malware.
  • Phishing Attacks: phishing is one of the most common cyber threats. Phishing is a form of fraud where fake and fraudulent emails are sent that resemble emails from reputable sources. This is why these emails aim to steal personal data such as credit card and login information. 
  • Ransomware: This is malware that encrypts data unless a ‘ransom’ is paid ‘ for it.’ Countless companies worldwide have been affected by ransomware viruses through these times. 
  • Social Engineering: relying on human interaction, social engineering tricks users into breaking security protocols and guidelines while obtaining sensitive information that is usually secured. 

READ ALSO: Why Your Business Needs To Invest In Cybersecurity Solutions

Cyber Threats—the types

Some Examples of Cyber Threats

There have been countless examples of cyberattacks throughout history since the internet evolved. While most of these cyberattacks have been dealt with, they are an example of how severe impacts these cyber threats can impose.

Additionally, these cyberattacks have weakened companies’ internal data management systems, resulting in huge losses that are still unrecoverable.

Here are a few examples of countries that have been most affected by cyberattacks over the years:

1. The Case of Denmark

Initially starting in 2015, cyberattacks in Denmark gained momentum in 2017. The servers, as well as email accounts of staff members of Danish Ministries, were attacked many times.

Some examples of these attacks are the “Petya” ransomwa”e tha” affected Denmark’s largesDenmark’scs and transport giant and Denial of Service attacks (DDoS) from Turkish hacking groups in 2017.

2. Cyber Attacks on Russia

Believed to be the source of many cyber crimes, Russia has been vulnerable to cyberattacks for a long time.

The Petya ransomware that affected Denmark companies also attacked large Russian organizations such as Rosneft, the biggest producer of oil in the country.

Other than that, a ransomware ‘WannaCry’ affec’ed a lar’e number of computer systems in Russia, threatening the office of the Russian Interior Ministry.

3. Cyber Crimes in Japan

When it comes to cyberattacks, Japan has been quite vulnerable to such attacks. WannaCry, ransomware affected more than 500 computers in Japan and forced Honda Motors Company to suspend operations.

Cyberattacks on Japan caused a leak of approximately 12.6 million corporate information.

Cybersecurity With Translation—How are they Related?

Cybersecurity With Translation—How are they Related?

The technology field has terms and jargon that are not understandable to everyone. Only those people who are computer experts can understand the terminologies related to computers.

This is why most businesses are affected by cyber threats—their employees know little about these data attacks. 

READ ALSO: Is Google Translate Secure? [We Have The Answer]

However, translation plays an important role in equipping these staff members with the knowledge and guidelines of cybersecurity. If made available across companies, the translated guideline documents and texts can pave the way for protection against data threats and cyberattacks.

This is why the IT departments of organizations should have their procedures and guidelines translated by professional translation agencies in more than one language so that they are accessible and understandable to all.

Moreover, a senior official may not notice that data has leaked due to little knowledge of cyberattacks or facing threats. In that case, a translated manual enlisting all the guidelines to detect data breaches will be extremely useful in avoiding these threats, resulting in minimizing losses. 

The Last Word

As technology continues to evolve and grow, threats to secure and confidential data are to be expected. However, companies can take practical steps to deal with these threats while reducing the chances of losses by ensuring their employees are aware of these cyberattacks.

This can be ensured by translating the guidelines, procedures, and instructions on how to avoid and deal with cyberattacks. While a professional translation agency will be the best partner in securing confidential information, the right proactive approach can be a massive step in guaranteeing that the company does not face any cyber threats and losses. 

What are your thoughts regarding cybersecurity with translation?

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Tips & Reasons Why You Should Compress Your PDF Through GogoPDF

Chandra Palan
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Tips & Reasons Why You Should Compress Your PDF Through GogoPDF

Are you looking for a tool to compress your massive PDF file to a smaller one? If so, you have come to the right place. The service provider for a PDF compressor tool recommended to you is the Gogo PDFs Compress PDF tool. It gets the job done efficiently within seconds! If you want to know more about this tool, keep on scrolling. 

Why compress PDF files?

Before we discuss why you should compress PDF online with GogoPDF, let us examine why you need to compress your files. Everyone doesn’t need to shorten their files, which only applies to people who wish to do this process.

The primary purpose of compressing your PDF files is to reduce the size of your large files to a smaller version so you can send them more efficiently through email or the messaging features of your social media accounts. Large files are challenging and impossible to send via email or social media.

You could also do this process if you wish to save more space on your device, especially if you keep many large PDF files. As a heads up, you may not be able to convert them back to the original state once you have compressed the PDF files, so make sure you are okay with this or have saved a backup file somewhere.

Why compress with GogoPDF?

Tips & Reasons Why You Should Compress Your PDF Through GogoPDF

Now, let’s discuss why we recommend GogoPDF so much. In this era of technology, we can quickly look them up through a search engine like Google to look for something. Type in “compress PDF tool” or anything like that, and hundreds of thousands of results will appear on your screen.

Carelessly picking random compressor tools is not wise and safe, as they could harm you. Some applications or websites will entice you with their “free to use” tools when inaccessible and force you to subscribe to their services and pay a fortune.

Although GogoPDF is free to use these tools, they have ensured that their system is accessible to everyone and will not require people to spend a single penny on their services. You will not be required to register an account to access it. Their registration and subscription services are not yet available but will be offered to everyone willing to try.

Privacy Policy

It would be best to consider the website’s security and the security of your data or personal information. Some websites will appear “secure” but will steal your information once you access their tools. 

Even if the website does not secretly steal your data, its security might be an issue, too, since some websites do not have a system to prevent hackers from stealing their client’s data and information.

With GogoPDF, they have ensured that their system is safe and secure for everyone as their client, and their security is their priority. After you finish compressing your PDF file or processing a document using their system, GogoPDF will automatically delete your file from their system after an hour.

This method helps clients who forget things, like deleting the file from their server. If you wish to learn more about their privacy policy, you can check their website. 

How to use their compressed PDF tool

How to use their compressed PDF tool

Before you think of anything, compressing PDF files is not some “professional work,” so you don’t have to worry about going through a challenging and complicated process. You will only need a few moments and a few clicks or taps.

First, go to their website, look for the “Compress” or “Compress PDF” tool, and click it. You will be redirected to their website’s device, and you will immediately see this compressed PDF tool and the instructions below it.

They have simplified and made it easy to comprehend so their clients can easily follow the four easy steps. The first step in compressing your PDF file is to locate or navigate the file you wish to compress.

You may pick to drag them from your folder, click “Select Files” and look for the file on your computer or device, or take the file from your Google Drive cloud storage or your Dropbox account.

After choosing your file, you only need to click the button, sit back, relax, and wait for the magic to happen. In just seconds, GogoPDF will start processing and compressing your file. After completing it, you may save the compressed file to your computer or share it as a URL.

Quality

When compressing PDF files, the problem you could face is that your file’s quality might be compromised, mainly if it contains media or images. You might have to go through complicated steps to ensure your PDF quality is retained or high.

An example of what you will need to do is separate your media, and you will need to learn how to compress images as well; we are sure that everyone wants to go through a less complicated process. With GogoPDF, this problem will not occur to you as they have ensured that your compressed PDF will have a high-quality output.

Free vs. Paid

Most people debate which option they should choose; in reality, it doesn’t matter which choice you make. Whether it is paid or free, it will matter if their website will respect your privacy and will meet your desires. Paid subscriptions, though, may give you way better assistance on your transactions. 

Other Features

GogoPDF is not only all about compressing PDF files since it offers a lot more services, such as converting files, like Word documents or Excel Spreadsheets, from or to a PDF file format, splitting and merging PDF files, protecting PDFs, and so much more. Head to their website to know more.

Takeaway

GogoPDF thinks of what they can gain from their clients and what services and assistance they can offer them. We hope we have helped you figure out what it means to compress PDF files and convert them.

USEFUL POSTS

10 Most Common Cyber Threats [MUST READ]

Daniel Segun | ✔️Fact-checked by: Angela Daniel
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10 Most Common Cyber Threats [MUST READ]

This post will show you the 10 most common cyber threats.

The usage of the internet has become a widespread phenomenon in recent times. Though the benefits of the internet are countless, it has also brought along many problems with itself. Among many other issues with internet usage, the most common problem is the constant cyber threats that individuals and businesses face.

A well-designed cyber-attack can crumble the entire infrastructure of a business. It can badly impact the business’s reputation and operations.

These threats affect businesses and individuals and can ruin your computer system. This is why it is essential for anyone who uses the internet to have knowledge of common cyber threats and how to avoid them.

Here are the ten most common cyber threats that are prevalent today.

10 Most Common Cyber Threats

  1. Malware

Malware stands for “malicious software”. It is one of the most common attacks affecting users. A malware attack occurs when cyber attackers create harmful software to infect its target systems.

When the user visits a particular website, opens a malware-infected file, or clicks a link, the malware gets installed into their system. It can then be used for hacking into a database, causing a privacy breach, or gathering critical business information.

Malware can be of different types, and the most common are viruses, ransomware, spyware, worms, and Trojan horses. The key to protecting yourself against malware is never downloading suspicious files and regularly installing an anti-malware program into your system.

Phishing Attacks

  1. Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks are the second most common type of cyber-attacks. Also known as a phishing scam, it works by putting bait for the user and infecting their system. A scammer sends a link, usually via email, and tricks the user into clicking the link. Once the user clicks on a phishing link, their system gets compromised.

Spear phishing is a specific phishing scam where the user studies their victim before targeting them and sends them personalized messages that seem to be from relevant and trusted sources. It is for this reason that spear-phishing attacks are usually very successful.

The best way to avoid phishing attacks is to educate your employees about different phishing techniques and how to recognize them. They should know the best practices of staying vigilant before opening an email. Always hover over the link to check the URL before trying to open it.

READ ALSO: 6 Most Common Web Security Vulnerabilities (And How To Tackle Them)

  1. Eavesdropping Attack

Eavesdropping attacks are exactly what they sound like. In an eavesdropping attack, the attacker spies on the system’s traffic to get access to sensitive information like passwords and credit card numbers. There are two types of eavesdropping attacks.

In Passive eavesdropping, the hacker gets useful information by acquiring data from a system’s network. In active eavesdropping, a hacker disguises themself as a relevant person and extracts essential information.

Data encryption is one of the most important ways to protect yourself from an eavesdropping attack.

  1. SQL Injections

SQL injections are carried out on systems that use SQL databases. An SQL database is typically coding statements implemented to HTML form through a webpage.

An SQL injection works by inserting commands inside the code and modifying it to run various operations that may not necessarily be in the business’s best interest.

By getting complete control, the hacker can dictate how the system will operate according to them. Hence, a successful SQL injection can result in devastating results for a business.

Use strong codes and strengthen your database’s permission model to protect your system from SQL injection attacks.

READ ALSO: Cyber Threats: How to Secure your Computer against Cyber Threats

  1. Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks

These attacks aim to flood the network with irregular traffic to the extent that it stops providing any service.

It does not end here; instead, when the victim is looking for a way to come out of the issue, the cyber attacker takes control of other systems to get access to confidential data or the company’s financial accounts.

Even if gaining information access is not the attacker’s motive, a DoS attack can severely blow an organization’s reputation and cause severe financial losses when its service goes down. To prevent this threat, it’s imperative to deploy an effective DDoS monitoring tool.

  1. Brute-Force Attack

As the name suggests, in a brute-force attack, cybercriminals access a user’s system by force.

They use different password combinations to gain a system’s access. Password combinations are derived by using the victim’s date of birth, hobbies, job, workplace, or any other words they can use as their password.

Organizations must implement a lockout policy to prevent a brute-force attack. This means that after several unsuccessful user attempts, the system locks the account temporarily and only reopens after a specific time when accessed by the actual owner.

  1. Artificial Intelligence Attack

Artificial Intelligence Attack

The increased usage of artificial intelligence technology in digital marketing also has a downside.

This type of cyber-attack uses sophisticated machinery to gain access to a system and exploit vulnerabilities in the system.

READ ALSO: 10 Most Secure Operating Systems (#9 Is Our Favourite)

  1. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks

A Man-in-the-Middle attack occurs when an attacker quietly places themselves between a server and a client.

MitM attacks can take place in many ways, the most common of which are IP Spoofing, Hijacking, and Replay. The hacker or the middleman intercepts the connection between two parties and communicates with them from both ends, making them believe that they are communicating.

While pretending to be a trusted source, hackers can extract confidential information from the other party or communicate misinformation.

  1. Cross-Site Scripting

A cross-site scripting or XXS attack works similar to SQL injections but instead of extracting data from the database, they infect the person visiting the domain.

These attacks aim to extract customer’s information, such as bank or credit card details, and cause damage to customer loyalty and business reputation in the long run.

  1. Cryptojacking

Cryptocurrency is now an acceptable way of carrying out financial transactions for many. Cryptojacking, also known as malicious crypto mining, is an emerging threat in which a hacker uses a victim’s mobile device or computer’s resources to “mine” cryptocurrency without their knowledge or consent.

Instead of using dedicated servers for mining, they use other systems’ resources to mine currency, slowing down the victim’s device.

It’s not easy to determine whether your device is under a crypto-jacking attack. The best way to prevent it from happening is to block JavaScript in your browser when you don’t require its functionality. Likewise, you can use programs like Miner Block or No Coin to block any mining activity in common browsers.

READ ALSO: What Are Phishing Scams And How You Can Avoid Them?

Navigating the Digital Landscape: FAQs About Common Cyber Threats

The ever-evolving world of cybersecurity comes with a constant barrage of threats. Here are some FAQs to help you understand the most common dangers lurking online:

What are the most common cyber threats?

Several cyber threats plague individuals and organizations alike. Here are some of the most widespread:

  • Phishing: Deceptive emails or messages designed to trick you into revealing personal information, clicking on malicious links, or downloading malware.
  • Malware: Malicious software that can infect your device, steal data, disrupt operations, or hold your information hostage (ransomware).
  • Social Engineering: Manipulation tactics used to trick you into compromising security measures or granting access to systems or data.
  • Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks: Overwhelming a website or server with traffic to render it inaccessible to legitimate users.
  • Password Attacks: Techniques to guess or crack your passwords, allowing unauthorized access to accounts.
  • Man-in-the-Middle Attacks: Intercepting communication between your device and another source (e.g., Wi-Fi network) to steal data.
  • Zero-Day Attacks: Exploiting previously unknown vulnerabilities in software before a patch is available.

What is the #1 cybersecurity threat today?

Identifying a single “number one” threat is challenging as the landscape keeps shifting. Phishing and social engineering remain prevalent due to their effectiveness in exploiting human vulnerabilities. Ransomware attacks are also a primary concern, causing significant disruption and financial losses.

What can I do to protect myself?

Here are some essential cybersecurity practices to safeguard yourself:

  • Be cautious with emails and links: Don’t click on suspicious links or attachments; be wary of unsolicited emails, even if they appear to come from legitimate sources.
  • Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.
  • Keep your software updated: Regularly update your operating system, web browser, and other applications to patch security vulnerabilities.
  • Be mindful of public Wi-Fi: Avoid accessing sensitive information on unsecured networks.
  • Back up your data: Regularly back up your important files to a separate storage device in case of a cyberattack or failure.
  • Be selective about what information you share online: Limit the personal information you share on social media and other public platforms.

Understanding these common threats and taking steps to protect yourself can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to a cyberattack.

Conclusion

In an online threat landscape that is progressively changing daily, it’s a full-time job to stay safe from the latest menaces.

It’s always a good choice for businesses to invest in a complete cybersecurity solution that can save them from potential attacks, protect against more significant financial losses, and ensure that your computer resources are yours alone.

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