Examples & tricks for increased cyber security

Four examples of security vulnerabilities & five tricks to increase your IT security

We check with the DEFENDERBOX thousands of servers, PCs, printers and network components for our customers and interested parties every week. The result is often shocking, because we always find critical Security gaps that look like an invitation to hackers. Here are a few examples:

• Incorrectly configured network drives: incorrect configuration makes them accessible to anyone, enabling the easy spread of ransomware or the reading of confidential data.
• Smart home controls whose default configuration has never been customized. The standard accounts can be easily accessed and changes made. And modified administrator rights enable attacks on the entire IT network.
• Printers that allow the printed data to be read. 
• Network components that have been configured so that everything that happens in the network and which computers are present can be read out.
  
  

The fix is very simple, but the damage is massive. What do these examples look like in your network?

Regardless of the size of the company, many of us ask ourselves the same question: are our security measures sufficient? The constant threat of malware entering the network is a harsh reality. What can you do?

MFA Identification of employees

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) should be standard in companies of all sizes. This authentication method requires an employee to enter two or more verification factors before gaining access to a resource. Resources that can be protected in this way include online accounts or VPN connections.

Virus protection program

In today’s world, every end device must be protected. To do this, it is important to implement an anti-virus program that is appropriate for the company’s level of protection. Professional programs offer not only the program, but also background monitoring that allows administrators to see various data on the end devices. 

Access authorizations

Not every employee needs unlimited user rights to carry out their work. As a rule, very specific rights are sufficient. In particular, the user rights for downloading files and executing them should be carefully considered and possibly restricted. Access to the network can usually also be easily limited.

Backups

Store important files on a separate device or in the cloud. This ensures business continuity even in the event of an attack. 

Use of an independent cybersecurity tool

Use cybersecurity tools such as our DEFENDERBOX. As an independent tool that is not part of your Software landscape If your IT infrastructure needs to be implemented, it regularly scans your IT infrastructure for vulnerabilities and security gaps. Remember: focus on prevention, because reputational damage cannot be undone.