What is Penetration Testing and Why Do You Need It?

    What is Penetration Testing and Why Do You Need It? Across all your systems, applications, and software on your network lay vulnerabilities. Malicious attackers can exploit vulnerabilities and serious damage.  These vulnerabilities can lead to data loss, system downtime, financial loss, malware, and even ransomware.   Most of the time, organizations can easily remediate these vulnerabilities; however, if you do not know of their existence, how can you fix it?   What is Penetration Testing Penetration Testing is a practice conducted on systems in order to find exploitable vulnerabilities.  By finding vulnerabilities, organizations can stay proactive in their security stance.  With the knowledge and understanding of the exploitable… Read More

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Phishing Attacks Taking Advantage of Tragedy

  The New Scam on the Streets The Federal Trade Commission has issued an alert on a scam that is using the recent floods in Louisiana to its advantage. These scams take the form of a charity that ask readers to donate money to them. They of course keep this money for themselves. They can also send links or attachments that direct users to malware-infected websites. Attacks like these are commonly referred to as “Phishing attacks”. These attacks are sent out in mass to users in hopes that anyone will fall for the bait. Much like when you throw a fishing line out into a lake they often do not… Read More

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Why did I get a Virus even when I have Antivirus?

The Truth About Antivirus Many users misunderstand the purpose of using antivirus and firewalls. Users believe that they are safe just because they pay a monthly subscription to Norton antivirus. The reality is that no antivirus or firewall will keep you safe from the threats out there. It is nice to think that you are immune to danger just because you have that extra layer of protection. Many users adapt bad browsing habits visiting sites they should not, thinking that the protection they have is enough for day-to-day use. Analogies inbound If you build a home in a bad neighborhood you can’t expect to never get robbed just because you lock and… Read More

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Why are DDOS attacks hard to defend against?

For a company one of the most terrifying things to deal with is having down time. Your network being down means you can’t make sales or continue normal operations. One attack hackers use in particular takes advantage of this fear. This attack is known as Distributed Denial of Service or DDoS One of the biggest trends in technology is the rise of DDoS attacks lately. Many different groups have taken credit for pulling off these attacks against many notable companies, people and services. Pokémon go has suffered from multiple DDoS attacks since its launch as well many others such as, PlayStation network, Michael Phelps personal website, Massachusetts Institute of Technology,… Read More

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Exodus Intelligence Security Firm offers up to $500,000-dollar bounty for security exploits

One way companies are now attempting to discover vulnerabilities in their software or products, is to offer a bounty for any exploits that are found in their software by any third party’s. This is a good way for companies to motivate the public to actively search out exploits. These exploits may have been otherwise been found later by someone with ill intentions.   Why offer so much money for exploits? Good software companies like Apple are always mindful of the overwhelming risk of a potential breach or vulnerability. Currently they are offering up to $200,000 if you can manage to find a vulnerability in one of their products. Exodus  is… Read More

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Power Strips vs Surge Protectors vs UPS What one should I use?

  When people think about securing their computer systems they seem to focus on things like antivirus programs and firewalls. However, making sure their physical system is secure is just as important. Insuring that your system is safe from spikes in electricity adds to maintaining the health of your system and for continuing operations of your business. The last thing you want is for your vital systems down due to a lightning strike.     Yeah but I already have a surge protector.. One common misconception among users is that power strips and surge protectors are one in the same. It is important to know the difference between the two.… Read More

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Free Flash Drives May Cost More Then You Think

  Last week was the annual Black Hat conference held in Las Vegas. Thousands of the best hackers from around the world, gathered to show the research they have uncovered on various topics. Among many of these reports of malicious viruses, vulnerabilities and hacks one research report got a little less spotlight then it deserved. Google researcher Elie Bursztein created a study in which he dropped 297 USB flash drives in various locations around the University of Illinois’ Urbana-Champaign campus. Inside these flash drives he created and installed special software that would allow them to call home if plugged into a system. The scary part about this study is that… Read More

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