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3 Cyberattackers Putting Businesses at Risk

July 9, 2020/in Computer Security /by The Tech Zen

Cyberattacks and data breaches happen worldwide, and no one is immune. Your business needs to protect its networks and systems, and secure sensitive data. But how much do you know about the types of cybercriminal out there. This roundup discusses the biggest threats and what they’re after. Cybercrime Gangs Online crime is a lucrative industry. […]

Benefits and Importance of a Firewall

June 29, 2020/in Computer Security /by The Tech Zen

As a business, you want to make sure your premises and inventory are protected from intrusion or theft by having a series of locks, alarms, and security cameras. The same type of protection is just as important for your computer systems, to prevent malicious users from disrupting your operations or from stealing your private data. […]

3 Cyberattackers Putting Businesses at Risk

July 9, 2020/in Computer Security /by The Tech Zen

Benefits and Importance of a Firewall

June 29, 2020/in Computer Security /by The Tech Zen

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3 Cyberattackers Putting Businesses at Risk

July 9, 2020/in Computer Security /by The Tech Zen

Cybercrime Gangs

Online crime is a lucrative industry. Cybergangs go online to offer “crime as a service.” Their targets vary and can be spread out globally. In 2019, one international crime gang stole $100 million from more than 40,000 victims. Culprits were found in the US, Bulgaria, Germany, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. Victims included small businesses, law firms, international corporations, and nonprofits.

Many of these bad guys may have started out in the digital environment, but well-established street gangs are turning their attention to cybercrime too.

Typically well-funded and organized, cybergangs work long-term to mount large-scale attacks. They target banks, law firms, healthcare networks, and other big businesses.

Still, small businesses can be targeted by cybercrime gangs. You could be the first domino to compromise a larger, more lucrative target in your supply chain.

State-based Actors

One nation pays an individual or group to target another country. On the digital battlefield this could mean:

tampering with an election;
infiltrating another country’s banking system;
compromising critical infrastructure;
accessing intelligence;
creating incidents of international significance;
engaging in propaganda, disinformation campaigns;
espionage.

Australia recently announced a “sophisticated state-based cyberattack” on political and private-sector organizations.

State actors also used cyber techniques to damage Iran’s nuclear program. They left an infected thumb drive in the parking lot. A well-meaning staffer found the USB and plugged it into the facility computers. The virus caused Iran’s fast-spinning centrifuges to go into overdrive.

These attackers are often motivated by nationalism, but this doesn’t mean businesses are safe. A politically motivated cyber actor might target a hotel hosting an international convention or gain access to a government vendor to send false communications.

Lone Wolf

Also known as disorganized crime, this is the online equivalent of a petty thief. Many make their income stealing money from low-hanging targets.

Some Lone Wolves are only interested in proof-of-concept: hacking into businesses and governments to see if it’s possible, without doing any damage once they are inside.

Now that you better understand why your business might be targeted, it’s time to take the necessary steps. We can help solidify your cybersecurity stance. Partner with a managed service provider. Our experts can set up email security, remote access management, anti-malware scanning, and more. Contact us today at 888-333-9757 or schedule a discovery call to find out how we can provide the right solution for your business!

Benefits and Importance of a Firewall

June 29, 2020/in Computer Security /by The Tech Zen

An important tool used for computer security is a firewall. Regardless of the size of your business, if it has access to the internet, it should have firewall protection.

Firewalls establish a barrier between secured and controlled internal networks that can be trusted and untrusted outside networks, such as the internet. They monitor incoming and outgoing network traffic and decides whether to allow or block specific traffic based on a defined set of security rules.

Having a firewall is an important tool for your business, especially in today’s digital world. Without a firewall, it is a lot easier for hackers to access your systems and your data. Some of the benefits of having a firewall include the following.

Enhanced privacy. Ability to block or hide DNS information of all internal hosts. Only the IP address of the firewall is available from the internet.

Concentrated security. Only need to ensure firewall is void of vulnerabilities to secure network assuming no backdoors exist.

Policy enforcement. A firewall offers a method to enforce the network policy of an organization.

Monitors traffic. Firewalls evaluate the traffic entering the network’s system by checking the packets which carry information.

Blocks trojans. Trojans are a type of computer virus. Firewalls block these viruses from the onset, thus protect the system against potential damage.

Monitor employees. Firewalls are also a useful tool to block employees from accessing prohibited websites and to filter web traffic.

There are also two types of firewalls; software and hardware firewall. If you search for firewalls, you will probably come across a combination of hardware and software firewalls marketed to small and medium-sized businesses. While both are important, they also serve different purposes depending on your needs.

With hardware firewalls, an advanced IT department is required to install along with monitoring and management once installed. Hardware firewalls are typically used by large companies or companies that need utmost security protection.

A software firewall is installed on an individual computer and protects that single device and it controls the behavior of specific applications.

While many computers on the market come with a basic built-in firewall, it isn’t always the best for keeping your information safe. It is recommended to utilize a dedicated firewall service or appliance.

The Tech Zen is a Managed Services Provider located in south east Florida. We provide a range of services to solve your technology troubles. Each of our technicians has over 10 years of experience in servicing both PC and Apple environments. We can address your internet security concerns, provide data backup solutions, and offer ongoing support for your office to provide peace of mind. Contact us to find out how we can help.

Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

3 Cyberattackers Putting Businesses at Risk

Benefits and Importance of a Firewall

3 Cyberattackers Putting Businesses at Risk

Benefits and Importance of a Firewall

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

3 Cyberattackers Putting Businesses at Risk

Benefits and Importance of a Firewall

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