Cybersecurity: A Small Business Guide

There is a war going on in Europe and as sad as it is, there is very little we can do about it. However, part of that war does affect small business in the form of cyberwarfare and there is something we can do about that. We will detail cybersecurity best practices targeted at protecting small businesses against data breaches.

You already know that small businesses are particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks, but what can you do about it? How familiar are you with the common security pitfalls for small businesses, and do you know how to avoid them?

Cyberattacks and Your Small Business

Cyberattacks can disrupt your business. 

• 61% of data breaches directly affect small businesses.
• Strong passwords, up-to-date antivirus software and implementing best practices are just a few tactics you should employ as part of an overall cybersecurity in Florence SC solution.
• There are countless types of attacks, but distributed denial of service (DDoS) and man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks are among the most common.

Each second, more than 77 terabytes of internet traffic takes place online. As such, the internet has become a digital Silk Road that facilitates nearly every facet of modern life. And just as ancient merchants were sometimes beset by bandits on the actual Silk Road, today’s entrepreneurs can easily find themselves under attack from cyber malcontents working to derail companies through theft and disruption.

In recent years, headlines have spotlighted crippling cyberattacks against major corporations. While each corporate cyberattack resulted in millions of dollars in damages, most stories fail to mention the many data breaches that affect much softer targets: small businesses. According to Verizon’s Data Breach Investigations Report, 43% of breaches impacted SMBs.

You may not know when the next attack could occur, but taking proper precautions can hamper or completely stymie a hacker’s attempt at gaining access to your network. To help you avoid the mistakes of Target and, most recently, more than 20 government agencies, we’ve compiled info on why your SMB could be at risk and how to avoid a similar fate.

Why cyberhackers go after small businesses

When it comes to starting a small business, new owners have many decisions to make and often leave cybersecurity measures by the wayside. Unless they focus on shoring up their defenses, they may inadvertently end up leaving points of entry wide open for hackers. That can be a major problem. A report by the U.S. National Cyber Security Alliance estimated that 60% of all SMBs fail within six months of a cyberattack.

According to Towergate Insurance, SMBs often underestimate their risk level, with 82% of SMB owners saying they’re not targets for attacks. They believe that, researchers said, because they feel they “don’t have anything worth stealing.”

Couple that with the costs associated with implementing proper defenses, and you have a situation that’s primed for intrusions. Since data breaches can be devastating to a SMB, owners are more likely to pay a ransom to get their data back. SMBs can merely be a steppingstone for attackers to gain access to larger businesses.

Cybersecurity attacks to look out for

Regardless of their target, hackers generally aim to gain access to a company’s sensitive data, such as consumers’ credit card information. With enough identifying information, attackers can then exploit an individual’s identity any number of damaging ways.

One of the best ways to prepare for an attack is to understand the different methods hackers generally use to gain access to that information. While this is by no means an exhaustive list of potential threats, since cybercrime is a constantly evolving phenomenon, business owners should at least be aware of the following types of cyberattacks.

• APT: Advanced persistent threats, or APTs, are long-term targeted attacks in which hackers break into a network in multiple phases to avoid detection. Once an attacker gains access to the target network, they work to remain undetected while establishing their foothold on the system. If a breach is detected and repaired, the attackers have already secured other routes into the system so they can continue to plunder data.
• DDoS: An acronym for distributed denial of service, DDoS attacks occur when a server is intentionally overloaded with requests until it shuts down the target’s website or network system.
• Inside attack: This is when someone with administrative privileges, usually from within the organization, purposely misuses his or her credentials to gain access to confidential company information. Former employees, in particular, present a threat if they left the company on bad terms. Your business should have a protocol in place to revoke all access to company data immediately when an employee is terminated.
• Malware: This umbrella term is short for “malicious software” and covers any program introduced into the target’s computer with the intent to cause damage or gain unauthorized access. Types of malware include viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware and spyware. Knowing this is important, because it helps you determine what type of cybersecurity software you need.
• Man in the middle (MitM) attack: In any normal transaction, two parties exchange goods – or in the case of e-commerce, digital information – with each other. Knowing this, hackers who use the man in the middle method of intrusion do so by installing malware that interrupts the flow of information to steal important data. This is generally done when one or more parties conduct the transaction through an unsecured public Wi-Fi network, where attackers have installed malware that helps sift through data.
• Password attack: There are three main types of password attacks: a brute-force attack, which involves guessing at passwords until the hacker gets in; a dictionary attack, which uses a program to try different combinations of dictionary words; and keylogging, which tracks a user’s keystrokes, including login IDs and passwords.
• Phishing: Perhaps the most commonly deployed form of cybertheft, phishing attacks involve collecting sensitive information like login credentials and credit card information through a legitimate-looking (but ultimately fraudulent) website, often sent to unsuspecting individuals in an email. Spear phishing, an advanced form of this type of attack, requires in-depth knowledge of specific individuals and social engineering to gain their trust and infiltrate the network.
• Ransomware: A ransomware attack infects your machine with malware and, as the name suggests, demands a ransom. Typically, ransomware either locks you out of your computer and demands money in exchange for access, or it threatens to publish private information if you don’t pay a specified amount. Ransomware is one of the fastest-growing types of security breaches.
• SQL injection attack: For more than four decades, web developers have been using structured query language (SQL) as one of the main coding languages on the internet. While a standardized language has greatly benefited the internet’s development, it can also be an easy way for malicious code to make its way onto your business’s website. Through a successful SQL injection attack on your servers, sensitive information can let bad actors access and modify important databases, download files, and even manipulate devices on the network.
• Zero-day attack: Zero-day attacks can be a developer’s worst nightmare. They are unknown flaws and exploits in software and systems discovered by attackers before the developers and security staff become aware of any threats. These exploits can go undiscovered for months, or even years, until they’re discovered and repaired.

How to secure your networks

For small businesses looking to ensure that their networks have at least a fighting chance against many attacks, that generally means installing any number of basic types of security software available on the market, each with varying levels of efficacy.

Antivirus software is the most common and will defend against most types of malware. SpartanTec in Florence SC can help you install the best antivirus software for your business.

A hardware- or software-based firewall can provide an added layer of protection by preventing an unauthorized user from accessing a computer or network. Most modern operating systems, including Windows 10, come with a firewall program installed for free.

Along with those more surface-level tools, We suggest that businesses invest in three additional security measures.

• The first is a data backup solution so that any information compromised or lost during a breach can easily be recovered from an alternate location.
• The second is encryption software to protect sensitive data, such as employee records, client/customer information and financial statements.
• The third solution is two-step authentication or password-security software for a business’s internal programs to reduce the likelihood of password cracking.

As you begin considering your options, it’s generally a good idea to run a risk assessment, either by yourself or with the help of SpartanTec, Inc..

Cybersecurity best practices

In addition to implementing some sort of software-based solution, small businesses should adopt certain technological best practices and policies to shore up vulnerabilities.

1. Keep your software up to date. Hackers are constantly scanning for security vulnerabilities, Cobb said, and if you let these weaknesses go for too long, you’re greatly increasing your chances of being targeted.
2. Educate your employees. Teach your employees about the different ways cybercriminals can infiltrate your systems. Advise them on how to recognize signs of a breach and educate them on how to stay safe while using the company’s network.
3. Implement formal security policies. Putting in place and enforcing security policies is essential to locking down your system. Protecting the network should be on everyone’s mind since everyone who uses it can be a potential endpoint for attackers. Regularly hold meetings and seminars on the best cybersecurity practices, such as using strong passwords, identifying and reporting suspicious emails, activating two-factor authentication, and clicking links or downloading attachments.
4. Practice your incident response plan. Despite your best efforts, there may come a time when your company falls prey to a cyberattack. If that day comes, it’s important that your staff can handle the fallout that comes from it. By drawing up a response plan, attacks can be quickly identified and quelled before doing too much damage.

All of this may seem impossible to implement for small business owners. SpartanTec is here to help. We can perform an assessment of your business and put together a plan of attack.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Florence, SC 29501
843-396-8762
http://manageditservicesflorence.com

Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston

What are Keyloggers?

A keyloggers are a form of malware or hardware that keeps track of and records your keystrokes as you type. It takes the information and sends it to a hacker using a command-and-control (C&C) server. The hacker then analyzes the keystrokes to locate usernames and passwords and uses them to hack into otherwise secure systems.

Types of Keyloggers

 

A software keylogger is a form of malware that infects your device and, if programmed to do so, can spread to other devices the computer comes in contact with. While a hardware keylogger cannot spread from one device to another, like a software keylogger, it transmits information to the hacker or hacking organization, which they will then use to compromise your computer, network, or anything else that requires authentication to access.

 

Software Keyloggers

 

Software keyloggers consist of applications that have to be installed on a computer to steal keystroke data. They are the most common method hackers use to access a user’s keystrokes.

A software keylogger is put on a computer when the user downloads an infected application. Once installed, the keylogger monitors the keystrokes on the operating system you are using, checking the paths each keystroke goes through. In this way, a software keylogger can keep track of your keystrokes and record each one.

After the keystrokes have been recorded, they are then automatically transferred to the hacker that set up the keylogger. This is done using a remote server that both the keylogger software and the hacker are connected to. The hacker retrieves the data gathered by the keylogger and then uses it to figure out the unsuspecting user’s passwords.

The passwords stolen using the key logger may include email accounts, bank or investment accounts, or those that the target uses to access websites where their personal information can be seen. Therefore, the hacker’s end goal may not be to get into the account for which the password is used. Rather, gaining access to one or more accounts may pave the way for the theft of other data.

 

Hardware Keyloggers

 

A hardware keylogger works much like its software counterpart. The biggest difference is hardware keyloggers have to be physically connected to the target computer to record the user’s keystrokes. For this reason, it is important for an organization to carefully monitor who has access to the network and the devices connected to it.

If an unauthorized individual is allowed to use a device on the network, they could install a hardware keylogger that may run undetected until it has already collected sensitive information. After hardware keystroke loggers have finished keylogging, they store the data, which the hacker has to download from the device.

The downloading has to be performed only after the keylogger has finished logging keystrokes. This is because it is not possible for the hacker to get the data while the key logger is working. In some cases, the hacker may make the keylogging device accessible via Wi-Fi. This way, they do not have to physically walk up to the hacked computer to get the device and retrieve the data.

How are Keyloggers Constructed?

The primary concept behind keyloggers is they must be placed between when a key gets depressed on a keyboard and when the information regarding that keystroke appears on the monitor. There are several ways to accomplish this.

Some hackers use video surveillance to see the connection between the pressed keys and what appears on the monitor. A video camera with a view of the keyboard and the screen can be set up. Once it records a video of the keystrokes and the login or authentication screens the strokes have to get past, the hacker can play the video back, slow it down, and see which keys were pressed.

A hacker can also put a hardware bug inside the keyboard itself. This would record each stroke made and send the information to be stored, either on a server or nearby physical device. It is possible for a keylogger to be placed within the wiring or inside the computer—as long as it is between the keyboard and the monitor.

Additionally, keylogger software can be designed to intercept all input that comes from the keyboard. This can be done using a few different methods:

1. The driver that facilitates the interaction between the keyboard and the computer can be replaced with one that logs each keystroke.
2. A filter driver can be positioned within the keyboard stack.
3. Kernel functions, which use similarities between data to assist machine learning, can be intercepted by software keyloggers and then used to derive the necessary keystrokes to perform authentication functions.
4. The functions of the dynamic link library (DLL), which stores code used by more than one program, can be intercepted.

The software, which is recognized as a form of spyware, is built using a few different methods. Here are the most common:

1. A system hook, which is a technique for altering the operating system’s behavior, is used to intercept each notification generated whenever a key is pressed. This kind of software is typically built using the coding language C.
2. A cyclical information request is set up that gathers information from the keyboard. These kinds of keyloggers are typically written using Visual Basic or Borland Delphi.
3. A filter driver is written in C and installed inside the computer.

As a sort of defense mechanism, some keyloggers, referred to as rootkits, have the ability to disguise themselves to slip manual or antivirus detection. They either mask in user mode or kernel mode.

How to Detect a Keylogger?

The simplest way to detect a keylogger is to check your task manager. Here, you can see which processes are running. It can be tough to know which ones are legitimate and which could be caused by keyloggers, but you can differentiate the safe processes from the threats by looking at each process up on the internet. In some cases, you may find a warning written by another user regarding a process, or several processes, that indicate keylogger activity.

To access the task manager in Windows, right-click on the taskbar, and then choose “Task Manager” from the menu.

In this window, each program under the Apps section are the ones in use by your computer, which will appear in windows on your screen. You will not see a keylogger in this section. However, you may be able to find one by looking through the Background processes section.

Another good place to look for keyloggers is under the Startup tab. Keyloggers get set up to run all the time on a computer, and to do that, they need to be started up with the operating system. As you peruse the Startup list, look for anything you cannot remember installing yourself. If something seems out of place, click on its line and then click on the Disable button on the lower-right side of the window.

You can also check for keyloggers by examining your computer’s internet usage report. To access this in Windows, press the Windows button and “I” at the same time. This will bring you to the settings screen. Here, you should choose “Network & Internet,” then “Data usage.” A list of the programs that your computer is using to access the internet will appear. If anything seems suspicious or you simply do not recognize it, do a search to investigate what it is. It may be a keylogger.

You can do the same form of investigation with browser extensions. If there are extensions you do not recall installing, disable them because they could be keyloggers. Here is how to access your extensions in some of the most common browsers:

 

1. Safari: Choose “Preferences” in the Safari menu and click on “Extensions.”
2. Chrome: Go to the address field and type “chrome://extensions.”
3. Opera: Choose “Extensions,” then select “Manage Extensions.”
4. Firefox: Enter “about: addons” in the address field.
5. Microsoft Edge: Select “Extensions” in your browser menu.
6. Internet Explorer: Go to the Tools menu and choose “Manage add-ons.”

How Keyloggers Attack Your Device?

To gain access to your device, a keylogger has to be installed inside it or, in the case of a hardware keylogger, physically connected to your computer. There are a few different ways keyloggers attack your device.

Spear Phishing

Spear phishing is one of the most prominent methods of initiating a malware infection. In most cases, a phishing email or link is used to target a consumer. The link looks legitimate—it may even appear to come from a relative or a friend. However, after you open the email or click on a link, a keylogger is installed on your device. Spear-fishing attacks may also be used to launch a sextortion attack.

Drive-by Download

Drive-by downloading refers to when a keylogger is installed on your computer without you knowing. This is often accomplished using a malicious website. When you visit the site, malware gets installed on your computer. It then works in the background, undetected, logging your keystrokes, then sending them to the attacker.

Trojan Horse

It is common for Trojan horses to have keyloggers bundled inside. A Trojan horse, similar to the one used in the Greek myth, appears to be benevolent. When the user opens it, malware containing a keylogger gets installed on their device. The malware, once installed, keeps track of the user’s keystrokes and then reports them to a device accessed by the hacker.

Problems Caused by Keyloggers

In addition to compromising the security of your device, keyloggers can cause auxiliary issues on the device itself. The effects are somewhat different based on the type of device that has been infected.

Desktops and Laptops

Unknown Processes Consuming Computing Power

Like all types of software, keyloggers need to initiate a process in order to work. Each process your computer has to execute requires processing power. A keylogger’s process, once initiated, can be a drain on your computing power. This may result in other applications not running the way they normally would or should. You can figure out which processes are running by pulling up the task manager, as described above in “How to Detect a Keylogger.”

Delays During Typing

Because a keylogger positions itself between the keyboard and the monitor, one sign of a keylogger may be a delay when you type. If you typically see letters, numbers, or symbols appear on your screen immediately after you hit each key but then you notice a slight delay, that could be a sign that a keylogger is interrupting the process.

In some cases, the delayed typing may be due to circumstances like not enough random access memory (RAM), but if you notice this symptom, it may be a good idea to check for keyloggers.

Applications Freeze Randomly

As a keylogger does its work, it may interrupt normal application processing. This can cause the application to freeze without warning. If your applications are freezing more than usual, a keylogger could be the culprit.

Androids and iPhones

While there may not be any hardware keyloggers designed to attack mobile devices, Androids and iPhones can still be compromised by software keyloggers. These work by capturing where on the screen the user presses or taps, which allows the keylogger to see the virtual buttons pressed while the owner types. The data is then recorded and reported to a hacker.

The threat may be even worse with these forms of keyloggers because they do more than merely monitor and record keystrokes. They can also record screenshots, things picked up by the camera, the activity of connected printers, what goes into the microphone, and network traffic. A keylogger even has the ability to prevent you from going to certain websites.

To get a keylogger onto a mobile device, a hacker only needs to access it for a short period of time. You can also unintentionally install a keylogger on your device by clicking on a link or attachment.

How to Protect My Devices from Keylogging?

The best way to protect your devices from keylogging is to use a high-quality antivirus or firewall. You can also take other precautions to make an infection less likely.

You may use a password manager to generate highly complex passwords—in addition to enabling you to see and manage your passwords. In many cases, these programs are able to auto-fill your passwords, which allows you to bypass using the keyboard altogether.

If you are not typing, a keylogger cannot record any strokes, and since password characters are usually replaced by asterisks, even a video surveillance system would not be able to figure out what was entered. In addition, use multi-factor authentication (MFA) when you have the option. A keylogger may deduce your password, but  the second phase of the authentication process may deter them.

A virtual keyboard can also help prevent keyloggers from accessing your keystrokes. Even a hypervisor-based keylogger, which uses a separate operating system running underneath your main one, cannot access keystrokes performed on a virtual keyboard. On a Windows computer, you can press the Windows key and “R” at the same time to access its virtual keyboard.

It is also a good idea to periodically check the hardware connections on your computer. While hardware keyloggers are not as common, the back of a PC’s tower may be an inviting attack surface for a keylogging hacker. This is also true when working on a public computer. The attacker may have installed a hardware keylogger days or weeks before you log in to your bank, brokerage, or email accounts.

Even though keylogging attacks are prevalent on the internet, SpartanTec’s cybersecurity tools can help safeguard your computer and network. One of the primary ways keyloggers infect your computer is through malware. Our Antivirus security service can stop malware in its tracks.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Florence, SC 29501
843-396-8762
http://manageditservicesflorence.com

Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston

4 Key Elements of Network Security

Network security and threats are a primary concern during the current instability in Europe. It is becoming increasingly sophisticated and complicated. Cyberthreats and intrusions are not uncommon in corporate networks as well as homes.

Cybercriminals today use complex and innovative strategies to launch attacks and exploit network vulnerabilities in order to steal business data and classified information.

Unauthorized network access can lead to data leakage, which is a serious risk. Data breaches can be detrimental to a company’s financial and business reputation.

Facebook‘s recent data breach exposed personal data and data from over 500 million people in 106 countries. Organizations are increasing their cybersecurity strategies in order to protect their digital assets against malicious network intrusions.

This article will provide information on network security functions and components as well as common network security attacks.

What is Network Security?

Security refers to directives and guidelines that protect network data integrity. This includes various technologies and devices. These rules allow for secure access to network data, and ensure confidentiality and usability of networks and systems.

This is done to prevent intrusions, mitigate security threats lurking, and limit lateral movement. Implementing network security tools and technology is essential to strengthen your organization’s security position.

To protect their systems against potential threats, organizations must be able to anticipate and plan for network security threats. To develop new strategies and protect network security vulnerabilities, it is necessary to understand the network’s fundamentals and attack types.

SpartanTec in Florence SC is here to assist you and your staff prepare a network security plan. We listed to your goals and will assess your network security. From this information we will develop a proactive security plan.

Common Types Of Network Security Attacks

The threat landscape has expanded as more people and businesses depend on the internet for convenience and ease of use. Network attacks and threats are increasing due to the recent Russian invasion. These vulnerabilities can be easily exploited by hackers to advance their evil agendas.

Data theft and data breaches are on the rise. This highlights how important network security is and what illegal network breaches can do to businesses’ reputations and financial health.

There are a few common threats to our computer networks and computer systems:

Distributed Denial-of-Service attacks (DDoS).

• Malware threats
• Computer worms
• Spyware
• Botnets
• SQL attacks
• Man-in-the-middle attacks
• Adware

Cybercriminals use malicious techniques to target networks and systems that have security holes, such as wireless networks that are not protected, sites that are poorly coded, or accounts that have weak password security.

Network security issues can become major cyber attacks if they are not addressed. A secure network can reduce the likelihood of data theft and unauthorized intrusions.

Network Security: Elements

Neglecting to address potential vulnerabilities in your network could have a devastating effect on your business. A weak link in network security can cause reputational damage, as well as financial loss. These are the essential elements of network security that you should be aware of:

1. Network Access Control (NAC).

NAC gives administrators visibility into network access and who is allowed to use it. NAC solutions allow administrators to monitor network traffic and detect suspicious activity. Intrusion risks are high as electronic devices such as mobiles and apps accessing networks of organizations are becoming more common to comply with compliance regulations and change in work-from-home norms. NAC solutions are a great way for admins to better understand network traffic visibility and manage access to their networks.

2. Firewall Security

Firewall security is a critical component of network security. Firewall is a network security tool that monitors both outgoing and inbound traffic. It is designed to prevent suspicious traffic activity and unauthorized intrusions by threat actors. It serves as a shield between untrusted and non-threatening networks, devices or devices, corporate or home-based. A firewall adds an additional layer of security to your network security.

MarketsandMarkets predicts the global market for network security firewalls will grow from $3.8 billion in 2022, to $10.5 billion by 2025. In the face of data breaches, increasing vulnerability and remote work norms, organizations recognize the importance of firewall network security.

3. Intrusion Prevention System, IPS

IPS is a network security application that detects suspicious activity and blocks it. It analyzes traffic to identify suspicious or unknown malware activities.

IPS also analyzes and gathers malicious activities before reporting them to system administrators and other users.

4. Security Information and Event Management (SIEM).

SIEM is an essential tool for protecting your company’s data and digital assets. It allows you to monitor traffic and security systems real-time, and collects data from different traffic sources and databases to detect suspicious activity. It raises an alarm and takes necessary steps to prevent or mitigate any suspicious activity.

SIEM is a combination of SIM (Security Information Management), and SEM (Security Event Management) technology. It works together to improve an organization’s security posture.

It is important to ensure that your staff are proficient in network security and defense to keep you informed about data breaches and network intrusions. Continual employee training on cybersecurity is essential.

Without a network defender, like SpartanTec, In. in Florence SC, who can examine your network and design effective security solutions, your business could take a huge hit.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Florence, SC 29501
843-396-8762
http://manageditservicesflorence.com

Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston