Cybersecurity Beyond Firewall Protection

No longer is “Old gold”. We must stop implementing old security measures to improve our organization’s IT infrastructure. They are clearly not working.

Firewalls are an age-old security method that worked well in the early years of the internet. However, today it is not enough to rely on firewalls alone defeat the sophisticated and technologically advanced cyber-attacks. We will tell you why.

Cloud protection is lacking

Cloud technology adoption is increasing. Cloud technology is not without its cyber risks. To prevent intruders from unauthorized access to the cloud environment, it is important to set up a firewall. It is possible to extend firewalls beyond the range of the internal network to cover all data on the cloud, but this depends on the availability and capabilities of the cloud infrastructure.

Failure configuration

Capital One, the largest credit card issuer, was the victim of a huge data breach that compromised the personal information of approximately 106 million people. Cyberattacks can be as easy as having a poorly configured firewall. Configurations that do not fit well in a cloud-based environment have less restrictive access policies, fail to filter outgoing traffic, etc. Cyber threats can be barely escaped.

Inefficient monitoring

There is a shortage of IT security professionals and IT professionals are often overloaded. This means that they might not have enough time to monitor firewalls, upgrade it or reconfigure it to meet security requirements. Sometimes, a firewall that was installed many years ago may not be monitored over time. This is what bad actors use to their advantage.

Inadequacy in detection

A firewall is network security that operates according to a set “pre-determined rules”. They can detect threats and allow legitimate traffic to pass. However, this may not be very beneficial. It is easier for an attacker to plan a cyberattack if he knows the rules. Firewalls are not able to detect potential threats. They only respond to them according the predetermined rules. If the rule says that incoming data is from known sources, an attacker could easily launch a campaign to phish via these sources and expose all credentials.

You can still achieve maximum security, despite the drawbacks mentioned above.

Cyber threat intelligence: Make an investment

A firewall, as we have already mentioned, is a reactive system. It is only able to react to cyber threats, and not identify them before. Cyber Threat Intelligence is something that organizations should invest in. It is mainly made up of security professionals who are able to foresee cyber threats, and possibly detect those that have passed the firewall because of a loophole.

Internal network monitoring

Firewalls prevent access from outside networks, but that’s it. While firewalls may block unauthorized access to external networks, what about inside the firewall? One of the most serious cybersecurity threats is insider threats. It is therefore important to increase network visibility, monitor users within the network, as well as ensure that no malicious exchanges are occurring from private networks to public networks.

Advanced authentication is available

Authentication – A barrier that a cyber attacker can easily overthrow or not cross depending on its severity. Cybercriminals are able to hack passwords, even those that are extremely complex. Multi-Factor authentication is a good choice. This allows attackers to bypass one firewall (often poorly designed or unattended) and be stopped by multiple barriers created by MFA.

Install an IAM suite

This is perhaps the most important investment that an organization can make: deploying an Identity and Access Management system. A comprehensive IAM solution can provide high security despite any flaws in the firewall. It includes access management, identity governance and administration, business to consumer functions and personalized dashboards.

Cyber attackers are able to somehow find their way into the security network to cause havoc within an organization. Cyber attackers are constantly improving their methods. Organizations should implement more security measures in addition to firewalls.

Now that you know what you need to do – the question becomes HOW? SpartanTec, Inc. in Charleston SC is the answer. We have the cybersecurity solutions to keep your data secure. Call us today – 843-418-4792 – for a complete analysis of your network and security threats.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Charleston, SC 29407
843-418-4792
https://manageditservicescharleston.com/

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

Are Small Businesses Able To Afford Managed IT Services Providers?

Small business owners are often faced with the dilemma of trying to balance their budget and still have the right tools to grow their company. Many business owners are faced with this dilemma because they know the importance of having additional products and managed IT services Charleston SC to help their business thrive. These goals may not be possible if funds are in short supply. This is particularly true in today’s economy, where small business owners may find that financial institutions are less willing to extend credit.

Managed IT Services Charleston SC: Why Is It Important?

Many small business owners face this dilemma and must make tough decisions about where to spend their money to improve their businesses. Many business owners are unsure whether they can afford to hire a managed service provider. While there may be some situations in which the costs are not worth it, there are other instances where you will pay more over the long-term. These are just a few of the reasons IT services Charleston SC might be cheaper than the alternatives.

Technology – Small businesses need to keep up with the latest technology in order to remain competitive. This area can cost a lot of money, so it is important to have someone who can support your technology. Although the average person has a greater understanding of the basics of technology, IT support experts are still needed to ensure that your business is able to continue operating on a daily basis and in case of an emergency.

Smaller companies have the resources to fund an IT department within their company that offers support and expertise in technology. Small businesses don’t have the same resources, and are often left without support or at a steep price when they need to hire an expert.

MSP services– A small business can enlist the assistance of a managed service provider to provide specific services at a fixed price. This allows small business owners to know upfront what they will be paying and how it will fit into their budget. MSPs offer a variety of services, including computer and server support as well as data backup and disaster recovery, network security and custom software solutions. Remote network monitoring is also available. Technology evaluation and planning can also be done by them. These services can be tailored to the needs of each client depending on their business, which allows them to cut costs in certain areas.

Small business owners might not be able to afford managed IT services providers for many reasons. Small business owners often don’t realize the value of the services they receive until an emergency occurs. This is where they quickly discover that the cost to fix a problem or recover after a disaster is more costly than the costs of planning for it. It is not about whether you can afford to manage services but if it is possible to afford them.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you need help in protecting your business against cyberattacks.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Charleston, SC 29407
843-418-4792
https://manageditservicescharleston.com/

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

Phishing Emails Are Becoming Harder To Identify

Microsoft data shows that phishing emails account for 0.62 percent in all inbox receipts as of September 2019.

This is an increase of 31% from the previous year.

Although the increase in alarm is alarming, at first glance these numbers seem quite normal.

Last year, more than a billion dollars was lost by companies worldwide due to phishing emails that targeted business owners (or Business Email Compromise, or BEC). This fact makes it more terrifying to see how the number of phishing emails per year increases.

Understanding Phishing Emails

BEC campaigns are expensive and successful because scammers often impersonate CEOs or other top-ranking corporate officials. You respond quickly to emails that appear to be from your boss and are marked urgent. This is exactly what scammers want.

Scammers are becoming more skilled at creating emails. They have even taken in IT professionals in some cases. They haven’t been able to distinguish between an email sent by a scammer posing as a CEO and one from the CEO. What hope does an IT professional have if they are taken in?

This is a legitimate concern given the rapid rise in phishing emails. You can bet that scammers will become more prolific, thanks to their success.

Microsoft claims that two-factor authentication can be used across all platforms as a countermeasure. 2FA blocks 99.9% of automated attacks, which is why phishing and other cyberattacks are often automated. You are putting yourself at unnecessary risk if you don’t use it regularly.

SpartanTec, Inc. can help you train your employees to recognize suspicious email and other techniques to protect your company’s network. Contact us to learn more about dark web analysis and firewall protection.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Charleston, SC 29407
843-418-4792
https://manageditservicescharleston.com/

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

Importance of Cyber Risk Management

Cyber risk management is essential for legality, severity and frequency, as well as other reasons.

Last week, we shared 8 best practices for managing cyber risk. These best practices are why they are so important. As technology advances, so do the challenges for risk teams. Cyber risk is the latest trend to be noticed. According to Risk.net’s 2018 survey, cyber risks ranked #1 and #2 on a list of top ten operational threats.

What is cyber risk? Cyber risk is the potential for financial loss, disruption, or reputational damage to an organization due to a failure of its IT systems. This definition is provided by the Institute of Risk Management. Cyber risk can be a serious threat. Cyber risk and managed IT services are both important concerns that must be addressed.

Cyber risk management: Why it is important

Respect the regulations

To keep up with changing environments, governments are constantly creating new laws and standards. These laws and standards are good for consumers and society, but can be expensive and require organizational changes.

Recent concerns include privacy and data management. Due to growing data breaches, the government is placing more pressure on businesses to protect this data. This has resulted in the release names, phone numbers, and email addresses of individuals as well as credit card details. In Europe, the GDPR was implemented in May and promises to impose fines of up to EUR20million for privacy breaches.

Companies can take proactive steps to lower cyber risk to increase their competitive edge within their industry.

Extremely high frequency

John Lupica from Chubb Insurance stated that cyber risks are “The only risk where someone is trying to do real damage your business every day”. Cyber risk is not an “if”, but a “when” issue in certain industries.

All organizations should be concerned about cyber risk, particularly those that store credit card numbers and sensitive consumer information. This risk cannot be avoided because technology is essential for any organization to function. Logic Manager discovered that data breaches increased by 45% in 2016 and 2017 and that this trend will continue.

Hackers are becoming more common and better-trained. Hackers use social engineering to trick people into disclosing sensitive information. You can do this by gaining their trust or by using their curiosity.

Social hackers could use victim information to their advantage, or strategically place virus-laden USB sticks to try to connect them. This article will provide more information on social engineering and how to protect yourself from it.

Hacking has become more difficult with the technological advances. Simple firewalls won’t stop organizations that want to access data. It is vital that employees are educated about cyber risks and take proactive steps to prevent them.

Interconnectivity and data sharing are becoming more common in today’s globalized world. It is essential to have access and use remote data and tools to collaborate with employees and companies spread across the globe. If managed properly, these systems can be just as secure as traditional in-house storage.

They are still a threat. According to AT&T’s Cybersecurity Insights, 85 percent of organizations share their data with outside parties. Only 28% of these organizations have established standards for managing this risk. The safest organizations are the 28% that do not expose their data outside parties.

High severity

Cyber risk is something that organizations cannot expect to see. Cybersecurity Charleston SC attacks can affect even the most powerful companies. Cyber risk can be so severe for many reasons.

This is a common mistake made by risk managers. AT&T discovered that while 65% believe they have the right security measures in place, 80% have been affected by successful cyberattacks. This is clearly a problem. It is important that employees are made aware of the consequences and severity. Cyber risk can be underestimated by small and medium-sized companies. These businesses may believe they are too small or not efficient to reduce cyber risk. They are prime targets for hackers.

For a single data breach, clients can lose faith in companies and sue them. If private information is made public, consumers will share their experiences with others. It will be difficult for the organization to prove that it is trustworthy enough to trust new customers. PwC’s study revealed that 87% of customers will transfer their data if they aren’t satisfied with how the company handles it.

Cyber risk can also cause disruptions to business operations. Cyber risk can cause an organization to go into crisis mode, making it difficult for them continue with their normal operations until the problem is fixed. Data breaches can expose trade secrets or other confidential information essential to an organization’s ability to function. If the situation isn’t contained, imitations may soon be on the market.

Cyberattacks can cause severe physical damage. Remote access to computer-controlled systems is possible. Hackers created malware in Germany that caused severe physical damage and an explosion at a steel mill. This incident and others similar to it can be read in “Cyber and Physical Threats Collide”.

Cyberattacks are still costly on average. Companies must pay for upgrades and repairs to their technology as well as legal fees, and settlements to customers whose data was compromised. Organizations are being more vulnerable to these attacks, making them more expensive. The average cyber attack cost in 2018 was $8 million. This is an increase of $3.62million from 2017.

Cyber risk can be complex and difficult to manage. Any organization cannot ignore cyber risk and that’s why IT services Charleston SC are important. These risks can have serious consequences.

ClearRisk’s Risk Management Information System, (RMIS), helps risk teams predict and prevent cyber-risks. Our system allows for the creation and sharing of risk management plans. It’s built on the most widely used cloud computing platform. It protects your system from unauthorized data and is continuously updated to maintain the highest security standards. You can find more information here. Click the link to find out more.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you’re interested in learning more about cyber risk management and IT services that will protect your information against online threats.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Charleston, SC 29407
843-418-4792
https://manageditservicescharleston.com/

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

Cybersecurity Threats Can Be Avoided

Cybersecurity attacks pose a serious threat to small businesses and the U.S. economy. The FBI’s Internet Crime Report estimates that cybercrimes cost $2.7 billion annually in 2020.

Because they are often able to access information that cybercriminals need, small businesses can be attractive targets.

A recent survey by the SBA found that 88% of small-business owners believed their business was at risk from a cyber attack. Many businesses don’t have the budget for professional cyber IT security solutions or the time or knowledge to start.

Learn about computer security threats and understand where your company is at risk. Then, take steps to improve cybersecurity.

Common threats

Cyber-attacks change constantly, but business owners need to be familiar with the most common.

Malware

Malware (malicious code) is a broad term for software that has been intentionally created to cause harm to computers, servers, clients, and computer networks. Ransomware and viruses are two examples of malware.

Viruses

Viruses are malicious programs that spread from one computer to another (and other connected devices). Viruses can be used to gain access to your computer system by cybercriminals.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that restricts computer access and infects computers until ransom is paid. Ransomware is typically delivered via phishing emails. It exploits software vulnerabilities that are not patched.

Phishing

Phishing refers to a cyber-attack that infects your computer with malware or collects sensitive information. It can be done via email or a malicious site. Phishing emails look like they have been sent by a known organization. Many of these emails encourage users to click on links or open attachments containing malicious code. Your computer could be infected by malware after the code has been run.

Evaluate your business risk

Understanding your vulnerability to an attack is the first step to improving cybersecurity.

A cybersecurity risk assessment will help you identify areas where your business is at greatest risk. It can also help you to create a plan for action that includes user training, guidance on how to secure email platforms and advice on protecting information assets.

Assessment and planning tools

While there is no substitute for IT support, whether it’s an employee or an external consultant, businesses with limited resources can still improve their cybersecurity.

FCC Planning Tool

Federal Communications Commission provides a cybersecurity planning tool that will help you create a strategy that is tailored to your business needs.

Cyber Resilience Review

Cyber Resilience Review (CRR), a non-technical assessment that evaluates operational resilience and cybersecurity practices, is offered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Either you can do the assessment yourself or ask for a DHS cybersecurity professional to facilitate it.

Vulnerability Scanning

You will find free vulnerability scanning services. It can help protect your networks that are connected to the internet from known vulnerabilities and weak configurations. A report will be sent to you per week detailing your actions.

Management of Supply Chain Risk

This can help protect your business data from sophisticated supply chain attacks. This toolkit was developed by the DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency, (CISA) and will help you increase awareness and decrease the impact of supply chain risk.

Best practices in cybersecurity

Your employees should be trained

Small businesses are at risk from data breaches due to email and employee leakage. It is possible to train employees about basic internet best practices and prevent cyber-attacks. The Department of Homeland Security’s Stop. Think. The “Connect” campaign provides training and other materials.

These are some of the topics you can cover in your training:

• Recognize phishing emails
• Using good browsing practices
• Avoiding suspicious downloads
• Creating strong passwords
• Secure customer and vendor information
• Cyber hygiene is important
• Keep your antivirus software up-to-date

You should ensure that all computers in your company are equipped with antispyware software. You can easily find such software online from many vendors. Software vendors provide regular updates and patches to their products in order to fix security issues and improve functionality. All software can be configured to automatically install updates

Protect your networks

Use a firewall to protect your Internet connection and encrypt information. Make sure your Wi-Fi network is secured and hidden. Set up your router or wireless access point so that it doesn’t broadcast your Wi-Fi network’s name (also known as the Service Set Identifier, SSID). You can password-protect your router’s access.

Use strong passwords

Strong passwords are a great way to increase your cybersecurity. Use different passwords for different accounts. Strong passwords include:

10 characters and more

• Minimum one uppercase letter
• Minimum one lowercase letter
• Minimum one
• Minimum one unique character
• Multifactor authentication

Multifactor authentication requires additional information, such as a security code sent by your phone. Multifactor authentication is available for accounts that are sensitive, particularly financial institutions.

Secure sensitive data and back it up

Backup your data

Backup all data regularly. Word processing documents, electronic spreadsheets and databases, financial files, human resource files, and accounts receivable/payable data are all critical data. If possible, back up data at least once a week and keep the copies offsite or on the internet.

Secure payment processing

To ensure that the best tools and anti-fraud services and validations are used, work with your bank or card processors. Additional security obligations may be imposed by your bank or processor. Separate payment systems from less secure programs. You should also ensure that you do not use the same computer for processing payments or surfing the Internet.

You can control physical access

Unauthorized individuals cannot access or use business computers. Laptops are easy targets for theft and can be lost so make sure to lock them away when they’re not being used. Each employee should have a unique user account and strong passwords. Only trusted managed IT service provider should have administrative privileges.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you need to know more about cybersecurity and how you can protect your information against online threats.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Charleston, SC 29407
843-418-4792
https://manageditservicescharleston.com/

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

What is Spyware?

Spyware is malicious software that enters a user’s computer, gathers data from the device and user, and sends it to third parties without their consent. A commonly accepted spyware definition is a strand of malware designed to access and damage a device without the user’s consent.

Spyware collects personal and sensitive information that it sends to advertisers, data collection firms, or malicious actors for a profit. Attackers use it to track, steal, and sell user data, such as internet usage, credit card, and bank account details, or steal user credentials to spoof their identities.

Spyware is one of the most commonly used cyberattack methods that can be difficult for users and businesses to identify and can do serious harm to networks. It also leaves businesses vulnerable to data breaches and data misuse, often affects device and network performance, and slows down user activity.

The term “spyware” first emerged in online discussions in the 1990s, but only in the early 2000s did cybersecurity firms use it to describe unwanted software that spied on their user and computer activity. The first anti-spyware software was released in June 2000, then four years later, scans showed that around 80% of internet users had their systems affected by spyware, according to research by America Online and the National Cyber Security Alliance. However, 89% of users were unaware of the spyware’s existence and 95% had not granted permission for it to be installed.

 

Types of Spyware

Attackers use various types of spyware to infect users’ computers and devices. Each spyware variety gathers data for the attacker, with the lesser types monitoring and sending data to a third party. But more advanced and dangerous spyware types will also make modifications to a user’s system that results in them being exposed to further threats.

Some of the most commonly used types of spyware include:

1. Adware: This sits on a device and monitors users’ activity then sells their data to advertisers and malicious actors or serves up malicious ads.
2. Infostealer: This is a type of spyware that collects information from devices. It scans them for specific data and instant messaging conversations.
3. Keyloggers: Also known as keystroke loggers, keyloggers are a type of infostealer spyware. They record the keystrokes that a user makes on their infected device, then save the data into an encrypted log file. This spyware method collects all of the information that the user types into their devices, such as email data, passwords, text messages, and usernames.
4. Rootkits: These enable attackers to deeply infiltrate devices by exploiting security vulnerabilities or logging into machines as an administrator. Rootkits are often difficult and even impossible to detect.
5. Red Shell: This spyware installs itself onto a device while a user is installing specific PC games, then tracks their online activity. It is generally used by developers to enhance their games and improve their marketing campaigns.
6. System monitors: These also track user activity on their computer, capturing information like emails sent, social media and other sites visited, and keystrokes.
7. Tracking cookies: Tracking cookies are dropped onto a device by a website and then used to follow the user’s online activity.
8. Trojan: This brand of spyware enters a device through Trojan malware, which is responsible for delivering the spyware program.

Most spyware targets Windows computers and laptops, but attackers are increasingly targeting other forms of devices.

1. Apple device spyware: Malware targeting Apple devices, particularly its Mac computers, has increased rapidly in the last few years. Mac spyware is similar in behavior to those targeting Windows operating systems but are typically password-stealing or backdoor types of spyware. They frequently see the attacker attempt attacks such as keylogging, password phishing, remote code execution, and screen captures.
2. Mobile spyware: Spyware targeting mobile devices steals data such as call logs, browser history, contact lists, photos, and short message service (SMS) messages. Certain types will log user keystrokes, record using the device’s microphone, take photos, and track location using Global Positioning System (GPS) trackers. Others take control of devices through commands sent from SMS messages, data transfers, and remote servers. Hackers can also use mobile spyware to breach an organization through mobile device vulnerabilities, which may not be detected by the security team.

 

What Does Spyware Do?

All types of spyware sit on a user’s device and spy on their activity, the sites they visit, and the data they amass or share. They do this with the objective of monitoring user activity, tracking login and password details, and detecting sensitive data.

Other spyware strands are also capable of installing further software on the user’s device, which enables the attacker to make changes to the device. But spyware typically follows a three-step process from being installed on a device to sending or selling the information it has stolen.

1. Step 1—Infiltrate: Spyware is installed onto a device through the use of an application installation package, a malicious website, or as a file attachment.
2. Step 2—Monitor and capture: Once installed, the spyware gets to work following the user around the internet, capturing the data they use, and stealing their credentials, login information, and passwords. It does this through screen captures, keystroke technology, and tracking codes.
3. Step 3—Send or sell: With data and information captured, the attacker will either use the data amassed or sell it to a third party. If they use the data, they could take the user credentials to spoof their identity or use them as part of a larger cyberattack on a business. If they sell, they could use the data for a profit with data organizations, other hackers, or put it on the dark web.

Through this process, the attacker can collect and sell highly sensitive information, such as the user’s email addresses and passwords, internet usage information and browsing habits, financial details, and account personal identification number (PIN) codes.

How Spyware Attacks Your System

Attackers carefully disguise spyware to infiltrate and infect devices without being discovered. They do this by obscuring the malicious files within regular downloads and websites, which encourages users to open them, often without realizing it. The malware will sit alongside trusted programs and websites through code vulnerabilities or in custom-made fraudulent applications and websites.

One common method for delivering spyware is bundleware. This is a bundle of software packages that attaches itself to other programs that a user downloaded or installed. As a result, it will install without the user knowing about it. Other bundleware packages force the user to agree to download a full software bundle, with no idea that they have voluntarily infected their device. Spyware can also infiltrate a computer through the same routes as other forms of malware, such as compromised or spoofed websites and malicious email attachments.

Mobile spyware typically attacks mobile devices through three methods:

1. Flaws in operating systems: Attackers can exploit flaws in mobile operating systems that are typically opened up by holes in updates.
2. Malicious applications: These typically lurk within legitimate applications that users download from websites rather than app stores.
3. Unsecured free Wi-Fi networks: Wi-Fi networks in public places like airports and cafes are often free and simple to sign in to, which makes them a serious security risk. Attackers can use these networks to spy on what connected users are doing.

Problems Caused by Spyware

The effects of spyware are wide-ranging. Some could go unseen, with users not knowing they have been affected for months or even years. Others might just cause an inconvenience that users may not realize is the result of being hacked. Some forms of spyware are capable of causing reputational and financial damage.

Common problems that spyware can result in include:

1. Data theft: One of the most common problems caused by spyware is data theft. Spyware is used to steal users’ personal data, which can then be sold to third-party organizations, malicious actors, or hacking groups.
2. Identity fraud: If spyware harvests enough data, then it can be used for identity fraud. This sees the attacker amass data like browsing history, login credentials for email accounts, online banking, social networks, and other websites to spoof or imitate the user’s identity.
3. Device damage: Some spyware will be poorly designed, which ends up having a negative effect on the computer it attaches itself to. This can end up draining system performance and eating up huge amounts of internet bandwidth, memory, and processing power. Even worse, spyware can cause operating systems to crash, disable internet security software, and make computers overheat, which can cause permanent damage to the computer.
4. Browsing disruption: Some spyware can take control of the user’s search engine to serve up harmful, fraudulent, or unwanted websites. They can also change homepages and alter computer settings, as well as repeatedly push pop-up ads.

 

How do I Get Spyware?

Spyware can increasingly affect any device, from computers and laptops to mobile phones and tablets. Devices that run Windows operating systems are typically the most susceptible to an attack, but cyber criminals are increasingly devising methods that afflict Apple and mobile devices.

Some of the most prominent causes of spyware infiltrating a device or system include:

1. Misleading marketing: Spyware authors will often disguise their malicious software as a legitimate tool, such as a hard disk cleaner, download manager, or new web browser.
2.  Phishing or spoofing: Phishing occurs when an attacker encourages a recipient to click on a malicious link or attachment in an email, then steals their credentials. They often use spoofed websites that appear to be a legitimate site that steal users’ passwords and personal information.
3. Security vulnerabilities: Attackers often target code and hardware vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to devices and systems and plant their spyware.
4. Software bundles: Bundleware sees users unknowingly install spyware within a bundle of software they believe to be legitimate.
5. Trojans: A Trojan is a type of malware that pretends to be another piece of software. Cyber criminals use Trojans as a method for delivering malware strains, such as spyware, cryptojackers, and viruses, onto devices.

A device can also become infected with spyware as a result of a user’s actions, such as:

• Accepting cookie consent requests from insecure websites
• Accepting pop-ups from untrusted sites
• Clicking on malicious links
• Opening malicious attachments
• Downloading games, movies, or music from pirated or spoofed websites
• Downloading malicious mobile apps

How to Tell if You Have Spyware

Despite spyware being designed to go undetected, there are several telltale signs that could be indicators of a device being infiltrated. These include:

1. Negative hardware performance, such as:

•  A device running slower than usual
• Devices suffering frequent crashes and freezes

2. A drop in application or browser performance, such as:

• Pop-up ads repeatedly appearing in browsers
• Unusual error messages
• Unexpected browser changes
• New icons appearing in the taskbar
• Browser searches redirecting to new search engines

Note that these symptoms are also indicative of the presence of other malware, not just spyware, so it is important to dig deeper into issues and scan devices to discover the root of the problem.

Spyware Removal: How Do I Remove Spyware from my System?

If a device is showing signs of spyware, then it is important to get the device and any connected systems cleaned up and protected again. The removal of spyware is possible through solutions that can identify and remove malicious files.

The first step in removing spyware is to ensure the system is cleared of infection. This will prevent new password changes and future logins from also being stolen. It is also important to purchase robust cybersecurity software that offers comprehensive spyware removal, deep cleans devices affected by spyware, and repairs any files or systems that may have been infected.

With the system cleaned up, financial services need to be advised that potentially fraudulent activity has occurred that could affect bank accounts and credit cards. If the spyware has affected an organization, then legal and regulatory violations need to be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

How do I Protect My System from Spyware?

Spyware and other malicious attack methods are a constant threat to any device connected to the internet. Therefore, the first line of defense against spyware is to deploy an internet security solution that includes proactive anti-malware and antivirus detection. In addition, tools like antispam filters, cloud-based detection, and virtual encrypted keyboards are useful to eliminate potentially malicious risks.

Some spyware types are also able to install software and modify the settings on a user’s device. This means it is also vital for users to use secure passwords, not recycle their credentials on multiple applications and websites, and use processes like multi-factor authentication (MFA) to keep their identity secure and their devices updated.

In addition to software, there are several steps that can be taken to protect devices and systems:

1. Cookie consent: It can be easy for users to simply click “accept” on the cookie consent pop-ups that appear on nearly every website they visit. However, they need to be careful about issuing their consent every time and only accept cookies from websites they trust.
2. Browser extensions: Users can also install anti-tracking extensions that prevent the relentless online tracking of their activity on web browsers. These extensions can block activity tracking by both reputable sources and malicious actors, keeping users’ data private when they access the internet.
3. Security updates: Updating software with the latest versions is vital to preventing spyware and other types of malware. Spyware typically makes its way onto devices through gaps in code or vulnerabilities in operating systems. So it is important to constantly patch potential issues and fix vulnerabilities immediately.
4. Avoid free software: It can be appealing to download free software, but doing so can have costly ramifications for users and their organizations. The free software may be insecure and the creator can make a profit from users’ data.
5. Use secure networks: Unsecured Wi-Fi networks are an easy resource for hackers to breach devices. Avoid using free Wi-Fi networks, and only connect to trusted, secure networks.
6. Best practice and behavior: Practicing good cybersecurity behavior is crucial to avoiding spyware. All users need to be aware of the security risks they face, avoid opening emails or downloading files from people they do not know, and make it a habit to hover over links to check if they are reputable before clicking on them.

Computer and laptop users can follow steps to keep their devices secure. These include enabling and downloading pop-up blockers on their desktops and limiting allowed applications and permissions. All users should also avoid clicking links or opening attachments in all emails, even those purporting to be from trusted senders, as this is a prime delivery method for spyware and other malicious attacks.

There are also steps that can be taken to specifically protect mobile devices from spyware. These include:

1. Only download apps from the official store of the operating system, such as the Google Play Store, Apple’s App Store, and official publishers.
2. Be careful about giving permission to apps that track data or location and take control of cameras or microphones.
3. Avoid clicking links in emails and SMS messages. Instead, only enter trusted Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) directly into the browser address bar.

Be aware of unexpected warning messages, especially those that cannot be verified by the server

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you need help in protecting your system against spyware and other types of online threat.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Charleston, SC 29407
843-418-4792
https://manageditservicescharleston.com/

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