Security Doesn’t Mean Privacy

 Cybersecurity is important in the digital first world these days, especially with the reports about breaches and data hacks that happen almost every day. Because of the many online threats these days, security has become the answer to remaining safe and keeping in control of the overall online experience. Is security the only or the best solution to keep your company safe and its data private?

In today’s digital world, cybersecurity Fayetteville NC has become a term that’s used interchangeably with privacy. However, they’re different in so many ways. As long as security and privacy continue to be interchanged and misunderstood for one another, companies will continue to have problems in protecting their client’s privacy online.

Security – The poser of privacy

Security comes in different shapes and sizes. It’s defined as being protected against and free from threats. It’s anything from your antivirus system to the lock to your front door.

Cybersecurity will help protect users from cyberattacks and infiltrations. It is crucial for any connected device since it assists in keeping user information protected from malicious and unwanted interruptions. Security for companies and their clients is all about securing data from the threats that may try to access devices.

 

 

Privacy: The Ally of Security

Privacy is way more complex compared to security. When you experience true privacy, you’ll be free from uninvited disturbances and observers. Security software could deal with the challenges of protecting devices from intruders and viruses. However, it does not offer control on how your data is shared online. It also does not offer you the choice of what you can share and with whom you can share it with. Security software is crucial in that it protects your devices from incoming cyberthreats. However, it is ineffective if your data is being shared with others.

How to become private and secure?

There simple steps that can help companies make sure that the information of their clients stay private. Listed below are some tips to maintain privacy and security in today’s increasingly connected landscape.

Look for the following features when looking for a cybersecurity suite for the devices in your company.

1. Vulnerability detectors/fraud alerts
2. Anti-ransomware
3. Anti-spam
4. Anti-malware
5. Anti-virus software
6. Firewalls

The privacy of your customer must become an embedded experience that provides them with the control when selected when they want to be tracked, makes sure that there’s a secure connection, and lets them create changes to their personal data whenever they want.

Your privacy software must be able to:

1. Check if your customer information has been exposed.
2. Keep the personal information of your clients private.
3. Log in privately and easily.
4. Block any tracker.

Security as well as privacy has been used interchangeably for a very long time. As you work to make your business secure and private, always remember their differences and need for each other in making a safe online experience for both your company and your clients.

 

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now and let our team of IT experts help keep your business and client information secure and private.

 

SpartanTec, Inc.
Fayetteville, NC 28304
(910) 745-7776
http://manageditservicesfayetteville.com

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

New Android Malware Can Get Past Two-Factor Authentication

Since 2010, Google has been doing its part to help keep its massive user base safe. They introduced a small but critical service called Google Authenticator, which is used by a number of online accounts as a two-factor authentication layer.

Google launched the service as an alternative to SMS-based one-time pass codes.

While SMS-based codes are better than nothing, they are the lowest common denominator in the world of 2FA, and are problematic for a number of different reasons. The main advantage Authenticator has over its SMS counterpart is that Authenticator's randomly generated codes are contained within the user's device itself, and never travel through insecure mobile networks.

Although Authenticator generated codes are widely regarded as being superior to SMS-based codes in terms of overall security, they're certainly not invulnerable, as hackers have recently proved. Researchers from ThreatFabric recently announced that they've spotted a new strain of the Cerberus Trojan in the wild that is capable of stealing 2FA codes generated via the Authenticator application.

If there's a silver lining in the research team's findings, it is the fact that the strains they've uncovered seem to be test versions of the Trojan That means the new capabilities aren't yet widely available. Unfortunately, it's just a matter of time before the new strain is out of testing and starts seeing widespread use.

All that to say, that this is a serious threat. Be sure your employees are aware of the risks and dangers. Too often, people get comfortable after enabling 2FA and develop a false sense of security thinking that they're essentially invulnerable.

They aren't. No one is. While this is the first piece of malware we've seen that can counter 2FA, it certainly won't be the last. Stay vigilant. It's going to be a tough year on the security front.

Keep your devices, systems, and network secured from hackers and other online threats. Let SpartanTec, Inc. set up the most effective security measures according to your business needs.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Fayetteville, NC 28304
(910) 745-7776
http://manageditservicesfayetteville.com

Cities Served:
Fayetteville, Spring Lake, Hope Mills, Dunn, Aberdeen, Southern Pines, Pinehurst, Sanford, Clinto

CoronaVirus Scare Is Being Used By Scammers To Trick People

There is no low that hackers and scammers won't stoop to.

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a warning about a worldwide scam in progress relating to fears surrounding the CoronaVirus. The FTC's announcement speaks for itself.

Their announcement reads, in part:

"Scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding the Coronavirus. They're setting up websites to sell bogus products, and using fake emails, texts and social media posts as a ruse to take your money and get your personal information.

The emails and posts may be promoting awareness and prevention tips, and fake information about cases in your neighborhood. They also may be asking you to donate to victims, offering advice on unproven treatments, or contain malicious email attachments."

Even worse, it appears that there are multiple campaigns like this, running in tandem.
Francis Gaffney is the Director of Threat Intelligence for Minecast, which is one of several companies tracking the issue.

Francis added this:

"The sole intention of these threat actors is to play on the public's genuine fear to increase the likelihood of users clicking on an attachment or link delivered in a malicious communication to cause infection, or for monetary gain."

In short, this is about as despicable as it gets. Then again, hackers and scammers have been known to send emails targeting children, so it shouldn't come as a great surprise.

Even so, the standard precautions apply here. Unless you know and trust the sender of a communication, even if it's about something scary and important like the CoronaVirus, don't click on links or open attachments. You never know where it might take you or what type of malware might end up on your system. Better safe than sorry, and you can always get CoronaVirus information from official sources.

Protect your business from scammers and hackers. Call SpartanTec, Inc. in Fayetteville now and let our team help you with your cybersecurity needs. 

SpartanTec, Inc.
Fayetteville, NC 28304
(910) 745-7776
http://manageditservicesfayetteville.com

Cities Served:
Fayetteville, Spring Lake, Hope Mills, Dunn, Aberdeen, Southern Pines, Pinehurst, Sanford, Clinto

Security Issue Causes Apple To Disable Group Facetime Temporarily

In Apple’s most recent iOS release is a feature that made headlines that rippled throughout its huge user base, the Group FaceTime app. It was labeled as the next big hit in the Apple ecosystem.

However, there was one major flaw in this new feature which has prompted the company to temporarily take it down as they take on the task of fixing this major security flaw.

People were able to exploit the glitch in the code that allowed them or anyone to join a FaceTime call just before the user was able to pick up. This would then trick the app into thinking that it is an active call, transmitting audio to anyone that wishes to eavesdrop.

But you still have to give it to Apple. They’ve been nimble in terms of addressing the issue. Their IT Services are quite fast. The services is now disabled as they search for a permanent fix. Apple is likely to roll out a fix next week or so, which means they’ll most likely have it all sorted out once you get to read this article.

Either way, in case you’re going to use Apple FaceTime in the future, the company is pushing two easy steps to make sure you and your data are safe:

The first thing you need to do is to check, download, and install the latest update for the app. In case there isn’t any update available, disable FaceTime entirely by going into your iOS settings. If you’re using a Mac to launch FaceTime, you may disable it simply by opening the app, then select ‘Preferences and un-tick the option that shows ‘Enable this Account.’

You can tell that the problem was indeed serious as New York governor Andrew Cuomo issued a consumer alert, warning users of the app to temporarily disable it. The announcement also urged Apple to release a fix immediately.

Since the app has a substantial user base, Apple will undoubtedly release a fix soon. Given the company’s stance on computer security it’s a no-brainer for them to get it ironed out ASAP. And let’s just hope that everything goes smoothly without a hitch.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. if you want to know how to keep your computer networks safe and secure from potential online threats. 

SpartanTec, Inc.
517 Owen Dr
Fayetteville, NC 28304
(910) 745-7776
http://manageditservicesfayetteville.com

Cities Served:
Fayetteville, Spring Lake, Hope Mills, Dunn, Aberdeen, Southern Pines, Pinehurst, Sanford, Clinto