What Are The Different Types Of Network Security?

Cybercrime is a fast growing form of criminal activity. The global cost of addressing the damage caused by these illegal activities will reach around $6 trillion by 2021, which is twice the cost of the damage back in 2015. Some reports said that the average cost of cyberattacks is at least $1 million and this is expected to continue to increase.

Making sure that the best network security is provided is one of the top priorities of a managed service provider. However, cyberattackers and hackers are devious and persistent, which means you have to leverage network security tools proactively to create and maintain an efficient line of defence.

Because of this, it’s crucial for MSPs to help clients understand the necessity and importance of keeping the best practices when it comes to network security. Below is a list of some important things you need to learn regarding the different kinds of network security tools. The latest attacks against managed service providers have emphasized the need for a robust network security so when you are already familiar with its basics then you can consider this as a refresher course that can help you explain these topics to your clients.

Types of Network Security

Network security are the countermeasures set in place to protect the network as well as the data that are stored on or perhaps just going through it. Network security protects the network from hacking attempts, employee negligence, and cyberattacks. The three network security components are software, hardware, as well as cloud services.

Different Types of Network Security Tools and Devices

There are different kinds of network security tools that you can add to your set of services.

Access Control

Access control is about controlling which users will have access to the sensitive parts of the network. This can help restrict access to the network to recognized devices and users only.

Anti-virus and Anti-malware Software

An anti-virus software would monitor the network traffic in real time for threats like malware, scan all the activity logs for indications of suspicious activities or long term patterns, and provide threat remediation abilities.

Application Security

Application security refers to the mix of software, hardware, and excellent practices that will monitor issues and then close the gaps in the security coverage.

Behavioral Analytics

Behavioral analytics software is made to determine common indicators of unusual behaviour, which could be an indication of a security breach.

Data Loss Prevention

Data loss prevention technologies can prevent the employees of a company from sharing important company details or sensitive data outside the network.

Distributed Denial of Service Prevention

Distributed denial of service (DDoS) or attacks are very common. DDoS prevention tools will scrub incoming traffic to get rid of nonlegitimate traffic that can threaten your network and may be comprised of a hardware appliance that functions by filtering out traffic before it gets to your firewalls.

Email Security

Email is an essential factor you need to take into account when you are implementing your network security tools. Various threat vectors such as phishing, suspicious links, and malware could be linked to or added into emails. An email security software functions by filtering out incoming threats and could be configured to stop outgoing messages from sharing specific forms of data.

Firewalls

These are common elements of a network security model. Firewalls function as a gatekeeper between the internet and the network.

Mobile Device Security

Most people have mobile devices that contain some kind of sensitive or personal data that needs to be protected. Hackers will find a way to access it and that is why setting mobile device security measures in place is crucial.

Network Segmentation

Sorting and dividing network traffic according to specific classifications. This will make the job much easier for security support personnel in terms of applying policies. Segmented networks streamlines the assignment and denial of authorization credi

Security Information and Event Management

SIEMs are a mix of network and host based intrusion detection units that mix data log files as well as network traffic so that administrators know what’s happening across the network.

Web Security

Some of the purposes that a web security software serves include limiting internet access for staff by preventing them from accessing websites that may contain malware. It also works by blocking other online threats and protects the web gateway of the client.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now for more information as to how you can make sure that your network, gadgets, and devices are secure from cybercriminals and all other online threats.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
(843) 420-9760
https://www.spartantec.com/

Hackers Now Can Access Data In Secure PDF Files

A team of six researchers from Ruhr-University Bouchum and Munster University, in Germany have discovered a critical flaw in the way that popular PDF viewers display data.

This makes it possible for an attacker to exfiltrate data from encrypted PDF files.

The researchers tested twenty-seven different desktop and web-based PDF viewer apps ranging from the ubiquitous Adobe Reader, to Foxit, and even the viewers built into both Chrome and Firefox. They found that every single one of them were vulnerable to the new attacks they engineered. The researchers developed two major lines of attacks with a few variants based on each type.

They had this to say about their findings:

"Our attacks allow the recovery of the entire plaintext of encrypted documents by using exfiltration channels, which are based on standard-compliant PDF properties...our evaluation shows that among 27 widely used PDF viewers, all of them are vulnerable to at least one of these attacks. These alarming results naturally raise the question of the root causes for practical decryption exfiltration attacks.  We identified two of them.

First, many data formats allow to encrypt only parts of the content.  This encryption flexibility is difficult to handle and allows an attacker to include their own content, which can lead to exfiltration channels.

Second, when it comes to encryption, AES-CBC--or encryption without integrity protection in general--is still widely supported.  Even the latest PDF 2.0 specification released in 2017 still relies on it.  This must be fixed in future PDF specifications."

This is an alarming discovery although these attacks have not yet been seen in the wild. Now that the word is out, it's just a matter of time.  Worse, there's no fix on the horizon, which means that the PDFs you may be relying on to help keep your data secure, simply aren't.

Given that even encrypted PDF files could now be accessed by hackers, you need to be more vigilant in keeping your files secure. Call SpartanTec, Inc. and let our team help you protect your data and sensitive personal and business information.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Myrtle Beach, SC  29577
843-418-4792
https://www.spartantec.com/

Cybersecurity Tips For Your Next Business Trip

It’s the time of the year when people rush to travel. With the busy travel season drawing near, it is crucial for travelers to be very careful.

Whether you travel just for the love of it or you have to because of your line of work, traveling especially when going abroad, presents a distinctive cyber security threat. Business travellers are vulnerable since they commonly take with them sensitive business and personal data, on different devices like tablets, laptops, and smartphones. Security isn’t something that can be provided to you by a single machine. You require a security suite that can help safeguard all of your devices, including your iPad, Android smartphone, Mac, and Windows PC.

Does that mean you cannot travel anymore? Of course not! Here are some of the most effective cybersecurity tips when you are traveling abroad.

Lock Down Your Devices

Laptops, tablets, and smartphones have security settings that will allow you to lock your device with a fingerprint ID or a pin. You must do this on all of your devices. Also, while you are traveling, don’t forget to change the PIN numbers. In case you misplaced any of your devices, your PIN will be your first line of defence against potential security breaches.

Public Wi-Fi Isn’t Always Safe

The regulations and laws that monitor cyber security in other nations are not the same as the ones implemented in the United States. It is undeniable that free Wi-Fi access could be appealing not only for leisure travellers but for business travellers as well. However, it also poses security risks. Don’t use unencrypted Wi-Fi networks, if you are at the hotel, ask about their security protocols before connecting to their Wi-Fi. You have to be extra cautious when using the internet at cafes and if possible, don’t use personal accounts or access sensitive data while you are connected to a public Wi-Fi.

Disable Auto-Connect

Most smartphones in the United States have a feature that lets a device to connect to Wi-Fi networks automatically as you go through them throughout the your daily activities. Although it is a nice feature when utilized at home, it is not a feature that you have to use when traveling abroad. Before you go traveling, you need to change this setting so that your laptop and smartphone need to be manually connected every time you want to access the internet.

Minimize Location Sharing

It is very common for business and leisure travellers to post on their social media accounts whenever they visit a new place. This main problem with this kind of excessive sharing is that it makes your home vulnerable. By posting that you are not at home, you are telling criminals that you are not home or in your hotel room. It is best to limit the information that you post online especially when it comes to your specific whereabouts.

Install Anti-Virus Software

The most effective and easiest to secure your personal information and company information while traveling is by installing an anti-virus protection. Apart from that, you need to update the program regularly whenever newer versions are available.

Update Your Operating System

Just like the anti-virus that you need to install in your devices, the operating system must also be kept up to date. This is applicable not only on your laptops or desktops but also on the apps of your phone.

Update Your Passwords

In case you are scheduled to travel, you have to change all of your passwords that you use regularly. If you need to create a PIN for a security box or safe in a hotel room, be sure that it is unique and not something that you use regularly.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. if you need the expert assistance of IT experts in securing your personal and business information.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Myrtle Beach, SC  29577
843-418-4792
https://www.spartantec.com/

New Adware Uses Interesting Technique To Avoid Detection

Being more of a nuisance than anything, adware doesn't see as many innovations as other forms of malware. Once in a while, an adware developer surprises the security researchers.

That happened recently when two researchers working for enSilo discovered an innovation in an adware strain, known as DealPly.

As Adi Zeligson and Rotem Kerner indicated in a recent blog post, DealPly has some interesting features bolted on, which make it much more adept than most other forms of adware at avoiding detection by antivirus programs.

The adware is typically installed on a target's machine by being bundled with a legitimate app.  Once it's installed, it will add itself to the Windows Task Scheduler and run every hour.  Each time it runs, it will contact its command and control server and request instructions.

Here's where things get interesting. DealPly was designed modularly and makes use of Virtual Machine Detection and Machine Fingerprinting techniques.

Microsoft SmartScreen is one of two major systems used to verify the risk of files and web addresses.  It's updated regularly with newly blacklisted sites.  Naturally, malware authors find this to be a problem because it only gives them a limited window of time before their code and malicious URLs wind up on the list.

DealPlay, however, contains code that seems to be based on a reverse-engineering of Microsoft SmartScreen. When it contacts its command and control server, it requests a list of hashes and URLs to query using the SmartScreen reputation server. Once it has its list of queries to make, it will send a JSON request to the SmartScreen API to see if the server will respond with any of the following:

• UNKN Unknown URL/File
• MLWR Malware related URL/File
• PHSH Phishing related URL/File

Essentially, this query allows DealPly to know whether it has been blacklisted.  If so, the software enters an idled state until it can be updated.  This allows DealPly's developers a something close to real-time mechanism to know when they need to update their code, allowing them to stay ahead of the curve.  Very clever.  Very clever indeed, and troubling to IT staff everywhere.  We can expect this technique to be copied by other malware developers, worldwide.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. and let our team of IT experts check your business' vulnerability to the most common online threats. We can help you protect your business from data breaches.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Myrtle Beach, SC  29577
843-418-4792
https://www.spartantec.com/

Ransomware Now Sends Malicious Texts Through Mobile Dev

If you own an Android device, there's a new threat to be at least moderately concerned about.  It takes the form of a new ransomware family that spreads from one victim to the next with text messages that contain poisoned links to every contact on an infected device.

The ESET research team that found the software had this to say about it:

"Due to narrow targeting and flaws in both execution of the campaign and implementation of its encryption, the impact of this new ransomware is limited.

If your system is infected, the first thing it will do is raid your contacts list and send SMS text messages to everyone on it.  Anybody who clicks on the link in the SMS message will also be infected.

After sending a flurry of messages, the malware will turn its attention to your device itself. It will then set about the task of encrypting most of the files on your device.  Fortunately, the people behind this new threat prove themselves to be new to the game."

ESET continues:

"After the ransomware sends out this batch of malicious SMSes, it encrypts most user files on the device and requests a ransom.  Due to flawed encryption, it is possible to decrypt the affected files without any assistance from the attacker."

All in all, this issue is only of minor concern.  It's annoying, and certainly time consuming to restore your files. However, it's not an especially dangerous malware strain - yet, and that's the problem.

Whomever is behind this new threat certainly has the right idea, even if they lack the technical chops to pull it off.  Skills, however, can be learned and honed.  As a first try, this effort is disturbing because it's clever.  The moment the people who wrote the code get the technical skills to pair with that cleverness, they're going to be genuinely dangerous.

Do you want to know if your business and client information are secured and protected? Call SpartanTec, Inc. now for more information. Let our team of IT experts perform a complete and thorough review of your network, employee practices, and safety measures and determine if it is enough to protect you from the most common online threats today.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Myrtle Beach, SC  29577
843-418-4792
https://www.spartantec.com/

Capital One Data Breach Puts Millions At Risk

Another week, another massive data breach.

In this case, Capital One was the target when an unknown individual gained access to the company's servers.

The breach was detected by an independent security researcher, who contacted Capital One on July 19th. Apparently, the hacker gained access via a server configuration vulnerability.

Upon being made aware of the issue, Capital One addressed it immediately, which cut the hacker off from the data. At this time, it is not believed that the hacker has sold the data he was able to collect, but the investigation is ongoing.

While this breach isn't the largest in American history, the scope and scale is still staggering.  More than one million Americans and six million Canadians have been impacted by it. That includes more than a million Canadians that saw their social insurance numbers accessed.

"This information included personal information Capital One routinely collects at the time it receives credit card applications, including names, addresses, zip codes/postal codes, phone numbers, email addresses, dates of birth, and self-reported income.  Beyond the credit card application data, the individual also obtained portions of credit card customer data, including: Customer status data, (e.g., credit scores, credit limits, balances, payment history, contact information, and fragments of transaction data) from a total of 23 days during 2016, 2017, and 2018."

In addition to more than a million Canadian social insurance numbers being exposed, the hacker also gained access to some 140,000 American social security numbers and over 80,000 bank account numbers.

If there's a silver lining here, it is the fact that the US Attorney's Office for the Western Distract of Washington said it had arrested a "former Seattle technology company software engineer" in relation to the breach.  If that proves to be true, then they apparently got him before he had time to post and sell the data on the Dark Web.

If you are a Capital One customer, or if you've applied for a Capital One card or loan between 2005 and 2019, know that your data may have been among the records compromised.

Is your customer data protected? Call SpartanTec, Inc. today at 843-561-9785 if there is any doubt.  Our IT Managed Services can do a complete review of your network, security measures and employee practices.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Myrtle Beach, SC  29577
843-418-4792
https://www.spartantec.com/

What Is A Spyware and How To Deal With It

A software that is installed on your computerwithout your knowledge or permission is called spyware. A software that is downloaded without your authorization is also considered as a spyware. This topic is controversial since even if it is installed for a seemingly harmless reason, it could violate the privacy of the end user and it can also be abused.

Spyware could be hard to detect; usually, the first sign a user has that his computer has a spyware installed is a significant reduction in the network connection or processor speeds and for mobile devices – a decrease in battery life and data usage. Anti-spyware tools could be used to stop or get rid of spyware. These tools could either offer real time protection by scanning the network data as well as blocking any malicious data, detect and get rid of spyware that is already installed through the execution of scans.

Users can prevent spyware by downloading software that comes from trusted sources, to read all the disclosures upon their installation, and never click on pop up ads as well as remain updated with patches and updates for browser, OS, as well as application software. To lower the possibility of infection, network administrators must practice the principle of least privilege and need remote workers to gain access to the network resources over a VPN or virtual private network.

Types of Spyware

Spyware isn’t just a single type of program. It’s a whole category of malicious software including keystroke, Trojans, loggers, and other programs that steal information.

Adware – this commonly comes with free shareware programs, software, and utilities that are downloaded from the net, or installed on the computer when the user goes to a site that is infected. Several internet users first encountered spyware in 1999 when Elf Bowling came with a tracking software.

Cookies – these track and record the personal information of users as well as their internet browsing habits. They are the most common kind of adware. An advertiser could use cookies to track the web pages that the user often visits so that it could target advertising in a campaign that involves contextual marketing.

Keyboard loggers – it is a kind of system monitor that are usually utilized by cyber criminals to steal PII or personally identifiable information, sensitive enterprise data, and login credentials. Keyloggers can be used by employers to monitor the computer activities of their employees or by parents who wish to supervise the internet usage of their kids.

Trojans – these are malicious programs that appear as legitimate programs. A user who falls victim to a Trojan will have malicious software that poses as a legitimate one. This will allow the Trojan to get access to their computer. The Trojan could then delete the user’s files or encrypt them so they could ask for a ransom.

Mobile Spyware – this is dangerous since it could be transferred using Short Message Services or SMS or MMS Multimedia Messaging Service text messages and doesn’t need user interaction to do the commands. If a tablet or smartphone becomes infected with mobile spyware that was side-loaded using a third-party app, the camera of the phones, as well as microphone could be used to spy on close by activity, browsing activity, record phone calls, as well as keystrokes.

SpartanTec, Inc. can help you protect your computer and network from getting infected with spyware. With our IT consulting services, you no longer have to worry about computer hackers, malware, spyware, or viruses from getting into your network. We offer computer data security as well as virus removal solutions to make sure that your private business information are protected against the various online threats that are out there.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now and let ups help secure the business that you’ve worked so hard for to build.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Myrtle Beach, SC  29577
843-418-4792
https://www.spartantec.com/

Driver In Some WiFi Devices Could Allow Hackers Access

You almost certainly do not know the name Hugues Anguelkov.  He's an intern working for Quarkslab, where he spends his time researching potential security issues. He's also a bit of an unsung hero because he recently uncovered a string of five devastating vulnerabilities in the Broadcom wl driver and the open-source brcmfmac driver for Broadcom WiFi chipsets. If you own or manage a business, always get managed IT services to stay away from these problems.

That's significant because it turns out that these drivers are used in a staggering array of equipment around the world.

Anguelkov writes:

"You can find these chips almost everywhere from smartphones to laptops, smart-TVs and IoT devices.  You probably use one without knowing it, for example if you have a Dell laptop, you may be using a bcm43224 or a bcm4352 card.  It is also likely you use a Broadcom WiFi chip if you have an iPhone, a Mac book, a Samsung phone or a Huawei phone, etc.  Since these chips are so widespread they constitute a high value target to attackers and any vulnerability found in them should be considered to pose high risk."

He goes on to say that two of vulnerabilities he found are present in both the Linux kernel and the firmware of certain Broadcom chips. He added that the most common application, from a hacker's perspective, would be to utilize them to launch a remote denial of service attack. Shield your business from such attacks by having managed IT services Myrtle Beach.

In all, this vulnerability impacts equipment made by a staggering 166 different technology vendors worldwide, which means that it's incredibly likely that you're using a vulnerable piece of equipment right now.

The good news is that Broadcom is currently working on the issue and although no firm timeframe has been given for when we might expect a fix, given the scope and scale of this issue, the company is certainly motivated to make it happen quickly.  For the time being, there's not much for you to do here, other than be mindful that the issue exists and be on the lookout for a fix from Broadcom. Updates will patch up the vulnerabilities and improve computer security for all affected users.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. if you are looking for a reliable and reputable IT consultant to help make sure that your computers are safe and secure.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Myrtle Beach, SC  29577
843-418-4792
https://www.spartantec.com/

Larger Companies In The Crosshairs of Ransomeware Attackers

If you’re not familiar with what a ransomware is, you should – especially if you have a business that you look after. In early 2018, a particular ransomware strain called GrandCrab was detected. It’s one ransomware that highlights the importance of managed IT services in a company. For lack of a better word, the findings about GrandCrab were disturbing.

A ransomware basically locks down a computer system until a payment is made. It’s like a digital hostage crisis. The only difference is that it’s harder to track down who’s behind the attacks. The hackers behind such malicious attacks used to target both small and large companies. However, lately there has been more emphasis on bigger companies for a bigger payout.

In February 2019, GrandCrab 5.2 was released. The creators of the ransomware are running their software under an affiliate scheme were they partner up with other hackers. The developers of the software are also pushing ads across the Dark Web that are designed to gain the interest of other hackers. With this alarming data in hand, companies need to have managed IT services Myrtle Beach in order to protect their business. Although GrandCrab creators are starting to ignore smaller targets for more lucrative hits, smaller businesses shouldn’t let their guard down.

Once the hackers gain access to a particular corporate network they then try to infect as many computers in one fell swoop. They don’t attack immediately upon breaching the networks defenses. First they try to make the most of the breach by hooking up the ransomware into as many machines, plaguing file encryptions across the network. The attacks, if successful, ultimately cripples the network rendering the company unable to operate at all. This is why computer security is highly important from smaller to major companies. It always pays off to have overall protection from such attacks.

Want top-notch protection against hackers? Call SpartanTec, Inc. today to get protected.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Myrtle Beach, SC  29577
843-418-4792
https://www.spartantec.com/

Two new critical flaws have been discovered in Adobe Acrobat and Reader that require your urgent attention. These flaws could compromise your information security if your computer is left unprotected.

In fact, the flaws were rated as so severe that the company broke with its tradition of releasing security updates around the middle of the month in coordination with Microsoft's "Patch Tuesday".

They released an update sooner this time, in order to make sure that these issues were resolved, and ensure the fixes were in the hands of their users.

The first issue, listed as CVE-2018-16011, is an exploit that takes advantage of the software's 'Use-After-Free functionality that allows a hacker to craft a special, poisoned PDF embedded with code that could allow them to take full control of the system targeted by the attack.

The second, identified as CVE-2018-16018 bypasses the JavaScript API restrictions in place on Adobe Reader. This greatly increases the risk of overriding the computer security in a given OS.

The flaws can be found in all versions of Windows, macOS Acrobat DC, and Reader 2019.010.20064 and older. The company recommends updating to version 2019.010.20069 to address the flaws and be sure your system is protected.

The company has listed both of these as critical flaws with a rating of two, which is about as serious as it gets.

In related news, we have learned that Adobe's regularly scheduled security patch will address a total of 87 security flaws across a range of the company's products, with 39 of the issues patched being rated as critical.

Kudos to Adobe for breaking with their tradition and addressing both of these flaws ahead of their regularly scheduled update.  It's a sad testament to the times we live in that such actions are becoming increasingly necessary. However, it's always good to see instances of prominent tech companies rising to the occasion and looking out for the best interests, particularly in the computer security Myrtle Beach of their user base.

Be sure to grab these updates and apply them as soon as feasible if you use either of the products mentioned above.

Not sure about your computer security? Call SpartanTec, Inc. today to keep your computer safe at all times.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Myrtle Beach, SC  29577
843-418-4792
https://www.spartantec.com/

Windows 7 Support Ends In 2020, So Plan To Upgrade

If you are among the shocking number of people who are still using Windows 7, then there’s some bad news for you. Microsoft is offering only one year of full support for Window 7 users. They will no longer offer important security updates by January 14, 2020. With this in mind, it is necessary that Windows 7 users take precautions to improve their information security.

The support will end only for individual users, which could deal a blow to their computer security. Businesses that use Window 7 will continue to receive support beyond the said date.

But, they need to register to the Windows 7 Extended Security Update program once the date listed above has passed. They also need to pay a fee, which increases annually.

Discounts will be offered to enterprise users that have volume licensing agreements. However, support will still be discontinued completely by January 2023. Microsoft will likewise provide ESU’s for free to clients who buy the Microsoft Windows Virtual Desktop service, letting users virtualize Windows 7 and Windows 10. This will improve computer security Myrtle Beach of who choose to upgrade.

Additionally, Microsoft will also cease offering support for Office 365 ProPlus plugin for Windows 7. The company will also end offering support to several other products.

The news is no longer surprising since the tech giant has made public its support timeline long before this announcement. However, there are still a number of companies that are using legacy applications, which depend a lot on Windows 7 and most of them have not yet established any migration plans. If your company is among these firms, you still have time to make the necessary plans. But keep in mind that you have a limited time to do so. Disregarding this will cost you in the end and will have a huge impact on your bottom line.

Microsoft has drawn a hard line at this point, and it’s highly unlikely for the company to give in to the pleas of consumers for a longer extension. So, you better start planning to switch or upgrade now.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. for more information on how you can switch or upgrade to a different operating system.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Myrtle Beach, SC  29577
843-418-4792
https://www.spartantec.com/

10 Tips to Block Off Malware From Your Computer

A virus or malware infection is something that a lot of computer users have experienced at some point. It is particularly frustrating to figure out a way to remove these intrusive applications with the least damage to personal files and programs. Most of us turn to anti virus software to resolve these issues. That’s the most common approach that most people would take. But it is also important to understand the root cause of the problem and start from there.

We quickly put the blame on computer viruses and that’s no coincidence. However, it’s not the viruses that are at fault at all times. There are instances that malware is to blame.     Here are 10 tips that will help you remove these malicious programs off your computer and how to prevent them from coming back:

Install an anti-virus / anti-malware software

It’s a no brainer. This is one application that all computer should have regardless if they are personal or used for work. To avoid any nasty consequences of a malware attack, be sure to have anti-malware software installed. The added protection will decrease your chances of malware infection almost entirely.

Don’t let virus/malware definitions go outdated

Every day, there are new viruses and malware that are uploaded over the internet. Once your anti-virus software company finds this new malware, they add it to their list of known infections. They then send over these updated malware definitions to their subscribers to protect their customer’s computer from new malware. However, in some instances, anti-malware applications are not set to automatically update, which leaves the computer and personal information vulnerable to attacks. Always make sure that your software is always up to date.

Do regular scans

If you want tight information security on your computer, do regular scans. If your anti-virus software is up to date, the next thing you should do is regularly scan your computer, especially if you’re on the internet most of the time.

Keep your operating system up to date

Some operating systems have more support than others. Be sure that you are running your computer on the most recent OS. There are a lot of developers that focus on computer security, which means you are less likely to be infected on a more recent operating system than on an older one.

Add another level of network security

Today’s devices make use of wireless connectivity. However, there is a lot that could go wrong with the wireless printer that you wouldn’t want to happen. For all of your devices that connect to the internet, add a secure password. Your Wi-Fi also needs secure passwords, keeping your SSIDs safe from prying eyes.

Never click on anything dubious

If you receive an e-mail that contains an attachment of some sort, don’t be too quick to click on it. Make sure that the e-mail comes from reputable sources. Double check the sender before you open anything. Some phishing schemes make use of this method. Spending 5 minutes more on double checking will do a great deal for your security.

Be wary of what of sharing information on the internet

A lot of hackers hijack your information primarily because it’s just lying out there in the open. Be careful of what information you share over the internet. What you put out there could be used to steal your identity.

Never use open Wi-Fi

While the idea of getting free Wi-Fi sounds pretty tempting, never go on anything that doesn’t have any encryption. This could potentially be dangerous. Your data or anything that you open up while on that open Wi-Fi can be stolen.

Don’t leave your files without proper backup

If you’ve got a lot of important files on your computer, the first thing that you should do is to create a backup. Regardless of whether your primary files get infected or not, your backup will always be there. Cloud storage is most common nowadays and it’s done in real time. It’s also a cheaper alternative.

Don’t use one password on all accounts

A lot of us are guilty about this. Password1234 just won’t cut it anymore. Don’t use passwords that would typically be used and can be guessed quite easily. Use strong passwords with a combination of special characters. This will be harder to decipher and access your information.

Want to have total information security but don’t know how to? Call SpartanTec, Inc. today to get protected.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Myrtle Beach, SC  29577
843-418-4792
https://www.spartantec.com/