A firewall is a network security mechanism or layer of protection that sits between the internet and computer networks. An internet firewall can be described as a piece of hardware or software that safeguards the computer from unwanted data and viruses.

What is a Hardware Firewall at any NOC (Network Operations Center)?

A hardware firewall is a physical device that filters traffic to a computer, similar to a server. A network cable is generally hooked straight into a computer or server, however, with a hardware firewall, the cable is first plugged into the firewall. The firewall acts as an antivirus solution and a hard barrier against intrusions by sitting between the external network and the server. When put between a modem and wireless router, it helps stop attacks from reaching the devices and appliances.

What is a Software Firewall at any SOC (Security Operations Center)?

A software firewall is a sort of computer program that operates on a computer or server. Its main goal, depending on the software firewall being used, is to safeguard the computer/server from outside efforts to control or acquire access to the system. Any questionable outbound requests can also be checked with a software firewall.

Differentiating Hardware firewalls and Software firewalls based on their advantages

Hardware firewalls let a user use a single physical device to secure the whole network from the outside world. This gadget is connected to the internet through a computer network. A hardware firewall tracks data packets as they go over the network. According to established criteria, the firewall subsequently either blocks or sends the data. Installing dedicated hardware firewalls necessitates significant IT skills, and businesses require dedicated IT staff or department to monitor and manage hardware firewalls. As a result, hardware firewalls are typically used by large businesses or businesses that place a premium on security. Most routers nowadays feature rudimentary firewall functionality, however, these solutions are aimed at home or small business users.

Software firewalls, on the other hand, provide network internal protection. A software firewall is a piece of software that is placed on a single computer and serves to safeguard it. If a business needs to secure many computers, it will need to install the program on each one. A software firewall regulates how certain programs should behave. The administrator can, for instance, restrict access to specific websites or a network printer.

Why do organizations need to deploy both hardware and software firewalls?

A physical firewall protects a network from the outside world, whereas a software firewall protects a specific device from other devices connected to the network systems. If someone tries to access the systems from the outside, the physical firewall will stop them. However, if a user mistakenly opens a virus-infected email that has already entered the system, the software firewall on the workplace network may prevent the virus from infecting other workstations.

In some cases, due to the sensitive data being generated (for example in the healthcare and financial services industries), both firewalls will be used. The PCI DSS also requires both hardware and software firewalls (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards).

In terms of software, one way to think about it is on a spectrum from ease to security. Hardware firewalls prioritize security over convenience in terms of buying, setup, and application. When used correctly, the two can work together to counteract others’ flaws while promoting their positive qualities.

What about tiny businesses that aren't as concerned about security? It's tempting to go with the simplest firewall to set up but it is important to know that firewalls, both hardware, and software, defend against a variety of dangers. Software firewalls evaluate network traffic that gets past the hardware firewall, whereas hardware firewalls prevent malware from accessing your network. Most IT experts believe that all businesses should use a combination of hardware and software firewalls to improve network security.

Centex Technologies provides cybersecurity solutions to businesses. The team also assists businesses in planning a complete computer network and setting up adequate firewalls. To know more, contact Centex Technologies at Killeen (254) 213 - 4740, Dallas (972) 375 - 9654, Atlanta (404) 994 - 5074, and Austin (512) 956 – 5454.

Deep web comprises of uncatalogued sub-pages of domains, encrypted networks, password-protected data, private databases etc. The content in this invisible web cannot be indexed by the search engines and so it is generally hard to keep a track of it. Although there is no accurate estimate, but deep web is considered to be 400 to 500 times bigger than the surface web which is a part of World Wide Web that is available to general public and can be indexed by search engines.

Web, in general, can be compared to an iceberg where surface web resembles the visible tip and the huge part hidden below the surface forms the deep web.

What Can Be Found On The Deep Web?

A search engine, by crawling from one page to another, creates an index of pages that are linked to one another. However, the page that could not be linked to another page or could not be found by the spiders or crawlers of a search engine comes under the ambit of deep web. It could be an unpublished or unlisted blog post, file directory, picture and/or the content which the search engine cannot see.

You are most likely to find a record of following things on the deep web:

• Personal email accounts
• Social media accounts
• Online banking accounts
• Medical records
• Legal records
• Academic records
• Data stored on private databases

Who Uses The Deep Web?

• Journalists
• Police and military
• Whistleblowers
• Political protesters

Common Misconceptions About Deep Web?

• Deep web is illegal
• It can be accessed by experts only
• It cannot be searched at all
• It is the same as ‘dark web’
• It is smaller or equivalent to surface web in terms of size
• It is run by criminals

Difference Between Deep & Dark Web?

The terms often used interchangeably are however, quite different from each other. The former is the pool of information on the web that cannot be accessed by search engines, but can be retrieved if you have an address. Whereas, the information on dark web is kept secretive purposely. It is often linked to criminal & illegal activity.  

In the absence of deep web, it would have been difficult in maintaining privacy as in that scenario anybody could access your accounts by searching you on google. Since, this information is private so deep web helps in preventing it from being misused.

For more information on deep web, contact Centex Technologies at (972) 375 - 9654.

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Backdoors can be defined as malicious programs that provide a convenient way for the hackers to sneak into your corporate network. If they gain access, they may exploit the security vulnerabilities in the computer system to steal personal information, modify or delete files and install additional software. A backdoor is probably one of the most harmful types of malware as it allows the hacker to get complete control of the infected computer.

Once a computer system is infected, a backdoor may perform the following activities:

• Delete, rename, edit or copy any file stored on the computer
• Make changes in the Windows registry and execute or terminate certain applications
• Record keystrokes, gather confidential data, capture screenshots and send it to a remote host
• Reduce internet speed and performance or consume extended bandwidth
• Initiate attacks against other systems connected to the same network

How Does Backdoor Infect Computer Systems?
The typical characteristic of a backdoor is that it installs itself sneakily without being detected by the user. It operates in the background and stealthily transmits all your information to a remote server.

Here are some of the ways in which backdoors spread themselves to the computers systems:

• A user may inadvertently install backdoor through email attachments or file sharing programs. Hackers send the malware in the name of a legitimate file attachment to trick users to download or execute it.
• A backdoor may also get installed when a system is already infected with a virus, spyware or Trojan.
• Unknown remote access features in certain applications may lead to installation of backdoor on your computer. The hacker connects to the computer that has the software installed to gain complete control over its functionality.
• Unpatched software vulnerabilities are another common means through which backdoors spread themselves.

Tips To Remove Backdoor

• Though it is difficult to detect the presence of a backdoor on a computer systems, here are the steps that should be taken if you find one.
• Download and install the latest anti-virus software
• Update the operating system to its latest version
• Disconnect the computer system from the internet network
• Run a complete scan of the computer and remove all the infected files
• Once the process is complete, restart your computer before accessing the internet or opening any file

For more information on backdoor and other malicious software, you can contact Centex Technologies. We can be reached at (972) 375 – 9654.

Wearable devices have provided a tremendous opportunity for business organizations to keep the employees connected to work and improve their efficiency. The use of smart glasses, watches, headgear etc. facilitate better data collection and better customer service abilities. However, just like every other technology, security risks are bound to come along. The extensive functionality served by these devices can sometimes magnify the threat surface, thereby introducing many new ways in which data can be compromised.

Here are some of the common security risks posed by wearable devices:

Lack Of Data Encryption

Wearable devices do not use encryption protocols to store the information securely. There is no sophisticated PIN or password required to gain access to the data. They also do not have any biometric or other authentication methods to validate the identity of the users. As a result, there is a serious risk of data theft if the device is lost or stolen.

Difficulty In Patch Management

Most wearable devices function on a completely different operating system and run several third party applications. Hence, frequent software updates and patches are not readily available for these devices. This makes them an easy target for the hackers to carry out malicious attacks in order to exploit the vulnerabilities and intercept information shared through the wireless networks.

Insecure Wireless Connectivity

In order to function efficiently, wearable devices need to be connected to your mobile device through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or Near Field Communication (NFC) technologies. However, when you keep the connectivity options enabled, you may inadvertently allow hackers to download malware or malicious programs to your device. They may also launch a brute force attack to breach the password of your device’s wireless network.

Recording Sensitive Information Through Photos, Videos and Audio

Wearable devices come along with a very discreet ability to record the important information about your company in the form of audio, video and images. Smartwatches and smart glasses can easily be used to capture and transmit confidential data to the hackers, without leaving any trace. This type of data breach cannot be prevented by anti-malware, anti-spyware and any other form of security software.

We, at Centex Technologies, can help to improve the IT security of your business firm in Dallas, TX. For more information on protecting the wearable devices at your workplace, feel free to call us at (972) 375 – 9654.

Malvertizing, or malicious advertizing, is a cyber-threat that involves disguising spam code into online advertizements that seem to be legitimate. When a user hovers or clicks on any of these ads, it leads to downloading malicious software that can damage data, steal confidential information or even get complete remote access of the infected computer. Malvertizing attempts to exploit the unpatched software vulnerabilities in a computer without any need to compel the user to visit a malicious website.

How Does Malvertizing Work?

Malvertizements can appear on a website in any of the following ways:

• Legitimate Ads: The cybercriminal initially places a number of malware free advertizements on a credible website that allows third party ads. Eventually, he may inject a malicious code into the advertizement to infect maximum computers before it is banned or removed.
• Pop-Ups: Pop-ups can infect a user’s computer the moment the ad appears on the web page. In some cases, the malware may also be installed when the views clicks on ‘X’ to close the pop-up.

How To Protect Against Malvertizing?

• Disable Auto Play For Plug-ins: When you choose auto play for plug-ins, all Java and Flash elements will automatically run when you visit a web page. As most malvertizing attacks involve the use of malicious plug-ins, make sure you have complete control over the ones that you need to run.
• Remove Unused Plug-Ins: You should disable or uninstall all the browser plug-ins that you do not use, including Java. This will reduce the probability of a malvertizing attack by limiting the number of vulnerable software that can be exploited by the cybercriminals.
• Update Your Web Browser: Your web browser should be regularly updated to fix any security flaws. You can enable automatic updates to keep your browser protected against malvertizing attacks. If you have a plug-in installed, make sure they are frequently updated with the latest versions.
• Stay Informed: You should always be cautious of pop-ups that claim to remove malware or increase the speed of your computer. Do not click on any of these links as they may inject a malicious code or download spam software to your computer. Anti-virus, anti-malware software and browser toolbars should also not be installed through an advertizement or pop-up link. 

We, at Centex Technologies, provide complete cybersecurity solutions to the businesses in Dallas, TX. For more information, you can call us at (972) 375 – 9654.

Domain hijacking or theft, can be defined as a security breach in which the hacker steals the target organization’s domain name and transfers its ownership to himself. Once successful, the hacker gains access to the control panel from where he points the domain name to another web server. Thus, whenever a user visits the website, he gets redirected to the hacker’s website. In most instances, the attack is carried out by falsifying a domain transfer authorization code or by using phishing techniques.

Given below are a few common methods that the hackers use for domain hijacking:

Spear Phishing

This is one of the easiest ways to steal the login details of the target website’s admin account. The hacker may send a fake email, claiming be to be from a genuine source, to extract information. The email may also contain a link that redirects the user to a phishing website that looks similar to the original one. When the user logs in to the admin account, the credentials are recorded by the hacker.

Domain Registrar Vulnerabilities

The hacker may also look for unidentified vulnerabilities in the domain name registration system. For instance, in the absence of any restriction on the number of invalid login attempts, the hacker may initiate a brute force attack. Through this, he may employ the trial and error method to use multiple password combinations till the login is successful.

Web Server Vulnerabilities

Security flaws in the target organization’s web server can also be exploited to gain access to the website admin account credentials. In the absence of proper security measures, there are high chances that vulnerabilities in the hosting server provide a backdoor for the hacker to gain access to your website.

Tips To Prevent Domain Hijacking

• Use Two Factor Authentication: Many domain registrars provide an additional security layer to the users by allowing two factor authentication. With this, each time you log in to the admin account, you will have to enter your user name and password, along with a numeric code sent through a text message.
• Request DNSSEC From Your Domain Registrar: Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) is a technology that can prevent a domain hijacking attack. It allows the website admin to monitor traffic and use digital signatures to verify the legitimacy of the DNS responses.
• Change Default Password: Make sure you change the default password of your admin account. If you retain the same login credentials provided by your registrar, your domain security may be at risk.

For more information about domain hijacking, contact Centex Technologies at (972) 375 – 9654.

With the increased dependency on computers, smartphones and tablets, cyber security has gained considerable importance for business firms in Dallas, TX. Hackers are continually using viruses, spyware, phishing, malvertizing and other attack vectors to gain access to an organization’s sensitive information. Though implementing a cyber security policy is important, employees should also be proactive and comply with the company’s risk management strategy.

Listed below are some cyber security do’s and don’ts that need to be followed:

Do’s

• Follow Good Password Practices: Make sure you create strong and hard-to-guess passwords for all your official accounts. It should be of 6 to 10 characters comprising a combination of alphabets, numbers and symbols. Create different passwords for all your official accounts and do not share them with anyone.
• Stay Vigilant Against Phishing Scams: Do not open emails or download attachments you receive from unknown senders. Hackers often send spam emails, claiming to be from a legitimate source, with an aim of tricking users to execute a file or visit a fake URL. If you receive any such email, you must delete it and inform the IT division of your organization.
• Protect Your Information: Keep all the important data and files protected with regular backup on an external hard drive. Personal, financial as well as other sensitive information should be stored in an encrypted format. Thus, even in the event of a data breach, the hackers will not be able to decode the information.

Don’ts    

• Leave Your Computer Unlocked: You should lock your computer system whenever you leave your seat. This is important to make sure your files and email accounts are protected against unauthorized access.
• Download Unnecessary Software: Avoid downloading and installing unrequired software on your computer, particularly from third party sources. These may contain a malicious code to infect your system and can steal, modify or delete confidential information. Always download software that is licensed and released by legitimate vendors.
• Plug In Portable Devices: Do not plug in any removable media, such as hard disk, CD or pen drive, without the permission of the IT department. These devices may contain malware and infect your computer system upon connecting. Make sure you run a thorough scan to detect and remove any virus in these devices.

We, at Centex Technologies, provide cyber security solutions to business firms across Dallas, TX. For more information, feel free to call us at (972) 375 – 9654.