Thursday, March 10, 2016

Cyber Security Tips for those who travel too much

Business traveler is a person who visit many countries and states for his business. Security is a must for this type of business men because they often carry both business and personal sensitive data with them when they went out. This data could be present on smartphones, laptops and many other devices. A single mistake can lead the all business to a great risk. So here are some security tips for Business Travelers:


1. Use Public Wi-Fi carefully

There are different rules and regulations for cyber security in different countries. Public Wi-Fi is used by every type of persons. Public Wi-Fi provided by them is a good facility for all but it could be vulnerable also. There is a need to understand about the security risks before using a Public Wi-Fi. Always ask the hotel and other place's management where you want to use Wi-Fi, about the protocols used by them and avoid unencryted Wi-Fi networks. If you want to use them then do not access sensitive data through these Wi-Fi networks.

2. Avoid Location Sharing on Social Websites

We often see that business travelers often share updates on social websites that they are going here or there etc, as well as they share their locations also. It can cause a big problem. Cyber Criminals will notice that your locations and they will get a chance to play with your personal belongings. They can perform many spy activities when you are not at your place. Which could lead you at the theft of your personal things. Avoid this type of activities to keep your belongings safe.

3. Always use passwords for your devices

Set a strong password for your devices like smartphones, tablets and laptops. These password techniques gave a strong security to your devices and protect your sensitive data from the criminals. By chance if you misplace your device then it will be difficult for anyone to byepass the password.Always set a complex password using special characters and numbers. Change the passwords at regular times.

4. Use an Antivirus

Always use an Antivirus tool in pro version to protect your data. Here the meaning of pro version is that every paid antivirus tool is a good security technique against data theft. Also update the antivirus tool on proper times. Avoid to use free antivirus tools.


5. Disable Auto-Connect feature on your device

Many phones have a functionality of auto connect, when it found a Wi-Fi network. It is a good feature but it have many drawbacks as well. Cyber criminals can trace your sensitive information if your device is connected to an unencryted Wi-Fi network unfortunately. Your little mistakes harm your business at large scale. Keep the settings of your devices in such a way that every time they ask you before connecting itself to Wi-Fi network.

6. Update Operating Systems of your devices at proper times

If Updates are available for any software or operating system, it means there are some changes make by the company to make the software more efficent. So whenever you notifications about Operating Systems updation, update it immediately. According to the security experts, every outdated software is a malware.

7. Disable Bluetooth auto connect feature

Like Wi-Fi auto connect feature, Bluetooth auto connect feature can also cause problems. Signals of Bluetooth can come from anywhere, so it is your head-ache to keep your devices away from it. Cyber criminals can use these type of tricks to hack your device. Always keep off the bluetooth feature of your device. Only turn it on when you need to share data from a trusted Bluetooth network.

8. Do not hand over your devices to anyone

In today's world, you can't trust anyone whom you don't know. During traveling if you need to go somewhere, do not hand over your belongings and devices to anyone.

Friday, March 4, 2016

German hospitals being held ransom by cyber attackers

Core healthcare services and internal systems at two German hospitals have now also been disrupted by ransomware attacks.

One of the hospitals, Lukas, has reportedly reverted to phone calls, faxing and physical record-keeping for the past few weeks, while the IT systems have been offline.

The hospital has also postponed high-risk surgeries until systems are up and running.

Fortunately, the IT team at Lukas performs regular backups, but there is a possibility that some data and patient records have been lost.

Another hospital, Klinikum Arnsberg, confirmed that it was targeted in a ransomware attack via an email containing malware. Instant action taken by their cyber security teams resulted in the hospital containing the damage: the virus was detected in one server and the other 199 servers were immediately switched off to prevent any further contamination by the malware.

So far, both hospitals are refusing to pay the ransom. Deutsche Welle, a German publication, reports that it will “take weeks” for the hospitals’ systems to be back to normal.

Why are ransomware attacks growing in popularity?

Ransomware attacks are particularly ruthless because criminals do it purely for financial gain, and the outcome is usually that the victims pay up to avoid even longer delays and higher expenses, despite trying to fix the problem themselves.

Ransomware is also easy to deploy, through malicious links in phishing emails or on social media sites. Once a victim’s computer is infected, the malicious code locks down systems and encrypts files. The victim’s computer will then display a new holding screen, demanding a ransom in Bitcoins in exchange for a key to decrypt the files.

No single cyber security solution

No single cyber security solution is sufficient to protect an organisation from a cyber attack. The evolving nature of cyber crime requires the implementation of a holistic and comprehensive management system that constantly adapts to the evolving cyber crime landscape.

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

“Darknet Operators” have been arrested by Security Agencies

Law enforcement agencies of Germany, France, Netherlands, Russia, Bosnia, Lithuania and Switzerland run a combined operation to find out the operators of Darknet, who deals in illegal products and services like Weapons, counterfeit money, Drugs and Fake IDs etc. Under this operation security agencies arrested 9 criminals which were dealing in above illegal products. When agencies were searching for the operators, they raided in more than 60 homes and business areas.

During this raid, security agencies of 7 European Countries seized near about 2,00,000 Euros in cash, illegals drugs, pirated DvD’s and many other illegal products. A number of servers and Computer systems have also been seized by security agencies on which these illegal services were going on.

Following Suspects have been arrested by Security Agencies:
  1. 36 kilogram Amphetamine, 2kg of hashish, 1.5 kg of cocaine and 2 kg ecstasy pills have been found by security agencies from 2 Syrian brothers.
  2. A guy of 27 year old has been arrested by Bosnian Police, who was working as an administrator for three Darknets.
  3. Two brothers of German have also been arrested by security agencies, who was dealing in pirated movies and other sport shows.
  4. German police also arrested a 22 year old boy, who was dealing in illegal drugs.
According to German Police, arrested suspects were exploiting the Darknet to provide illegal services. Most of them were dealing in Drugs and Weapons. Some on them were providing illegal documents from Italy, Netherlands and Germany. It was second shared operation of European Law Enforcement agencies, in which they also arrest those criminals who were selling stolen credit card data and financial data. Some of them were providing illegal hacking services.