Category: Internet Security

Internet security is all about the safe use of the internet and any online activity. Going online gives you access to a wide array of information and services. Unfortunately, it also opens you up to vulnerabilities that can be used to attack your data. Internet security prioritizes addressing these vulnerabilities before they become an issue.

Global cyberattacks increased by 42% in the first quarter of  2022, compared to the previous year. These attacks have affected nearly every industry, including education, healthcare and manufacturing. The basis of these attacks is various vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. There is a clear need to implement better internet security protocols against such attacks.

The Risks to Internet Security

Understanding the security protocols you need to implement starts with knowing what risks you are facing. This is the first step to making the internet safer.  Some of the biggest threats observed this year include:

IoT vulnerabilities

The interconnected nature of devices over the Internet opens them up to greater risk. The Internet of Things (IoT) can be used as a gateway to gain access to a network of devices. Malicious agents can use this access to retrieve sensitive information from the cloud. With more businesses turning towards IoT technologies, it is likely to become an increasingly serious cybersecurity risk.

Cloud security breaches

By 2025, over 100 zettabytes of data will have moved to cloud storage. The increasing adoption of cloud computing has focused more attacks in this direction. Cyberattacks for cloud storage often focus on account takeovers or a distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack, which locks users out of their data.

A more sophisticated version of this attack uses domain name system (DNS) amplification to attack. DNS vulnerabilities are exploited by turning small queries into much larger traffic, which overwhelms servers and causes them to crash.

Ransomware attacks

Ransomware attacks are becoming increasingly common in recent years. The first half of 2022 experienced over 236 million ransomware attacks, a substantial increase from the previous year. Losing data access and the financial burden of such attacks put a great strain on business operations. If they last long enough, they can put the entire business in jeopardy.

Maintaining Internet Security

Given the potential for attacks, your priority should be to try and secure your system and connections the best way you can. Some of the necessary steps to maintain and manage online risk include;

DNS solutions

IoT device vulnerabilities can be countered with DNS security. IoT devices need to be secured and managed to reduce the risk they pose to the rest of the IT infrastructure and the organization itself. DNS solutions offer secure communication, which limits the spread of risk via connected devices.

An effective application of DNS solutions is to limit access for IoT devices. Using query filtering, a “whitelist” of allowed domains can be created that allows access by these devices. Only a DNS request for an explicitly allowed domain would then be entertained.

Antivirus protection

Antivirus software goes a long way in offering internet security. When set to run automatic scans, any files you access online undergo scrutiny before they are accepted on your device. Antivirus is the most basic defense against malware, virus and other malicious agents.

Such software can also run in the background to offer protection in real time. The point to remember is that a comprehensive security protocol needs to go along with any security software you use. For example, regularly updating your software ensures it is functioning well and can defend against new forms of attacks and viruses.

VPN technology

A virtual private network (VPN) connection ensures the security of the connection between your device and the internet. It serves a two-fold purpose. First, as data passes through an encrypted tunnel of sorts, it disguises your IP address. Therefore, your location cannot be divulged based on the address in the event of an attack.

Secondly, it offers protection against external attacks. It is able to establish secure connections as you interact with services online. With a VPN, you can keep information hidden, making it harder for malicious agents to launch an attack against you. Rather than protecting your system from an active threat, it simply makes you a difficult target.

Network security

Network security solutions and protocols are designed to keep your online activity safe. It is a comprehensive system that considers every aspect of vulnerability on the internet and seeks to protect your system against it. Such solutions not only protect your system from external attacks but also ensure internal security is maintained to counter potential vulnerabilities.

Multiple levels of protection ensure the system is resistant to attacks. Information is broken down into multiple parts, rather than being transmitted as a whole. Each part is then independently encrypted and then shared over separate communication paths. This type of security is a preventative measure against potential vulnerabilities in the system.

Ensuring a robust cybersecurity framework is essential as you navigate online risks and threats. For organizations looking to manage their attack surface optimally, Intruder’s guide to ASM tools gives insights on managing digital assets and vulnerabilities effectively.

Use Strong Passwords

What Makes a Strong Password?   A password should be long. Use at least 12 characters. Use upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters.

To help you remember, use a passphrase that implements the use of various elements but means something to you when you read it.

Example of a passphrase: Within your long password you can used words like great, but spell it like Gre@t.   Or write the word sun like $un

Finally, never use an old password. And make sure each of your logins have it’s own unique password.  This protects against credential stuffing, which is when a scammer who has learned your user name and password on one of your accounts tries the same combination on all of your other accounts.

Conclusion

Internet security is an increasingly relevant concern. Greater business reliance on remote work and cloud-based solutions may offer new opportunities, but it has also opened new vulnerabilities in business systems. With the increasing risk of cyberattacks and ever-evolving types of attacks, it is more important than ever for businesses to adopt an internet security protocol.

Implementing a comprehensive network security system can counter a lot of system vulnerabilities. Businesses can employ many other methods, such as DNS solutions and VPN technology, to ensure their business remains safe and secure, and ready to deal with potential attacks.

From February-August 2022, hackers, primarily Russian, intensified attacks on providers’ and home networks in the Western hemisphere. They aimed to restore the transmission of misinformation to the audience worldwide. But that’s not only the single aim. Blackmail and personal data are widespread in the world.

Weak security on home WiFi networks is a common way that hackers target unsuspecting internet users.  So how do you fight against it? Let’s study this question of how to fix WiFi security to secure your devices and your family.

What is Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi is a radio network delivering the signal to the receivers on short distances sending data. Modern phones, tablets, and computers have an inboard Wi-Fi connector to contact the router. If the device hasn’t it or needs boosting for confident reception, the user can deploy adaptors. Or choose one of two bands – 2,4, or 5 GHz.

Network advantages

• Quicker data exchange. The devices at home synchronize at speeds of 300 Mbps or faster. Besides, they don’t need wires to connect.

• Freedom of exploiting the Internet in the signal range. Move the PC throughout the apartment without being afraid to lose connection.

Is Wi-Fi a secure way to transmit?

Theoretically, yes, but it’s possible to intercept the signal. Traditionally it sends encrypted signals containing the people’s queries and the website’s content. But these securing network measures aren’t enough because the hackers use different software to read the streams. The unauthorized clients can change the router settings in their favor or reduce the total speed. Or use it for fraud purposes.

How to increase the safety of the home network

The most vulnerable device is the router. It’s responsible for the file and data transmitted between the devices in the home and office. That’s the system heart that needs corresponding protection.

The first piece of advice to fix WiFi security is a regular software update. It contains the system settings and has a current threat roster. Any DDoS attack doesn’t disturb you. Then check the password used to connect to the Internet and change it every quarter to protect the home network. If the Wi-Fi belongs to the office or public place, this frequency is monthly or biweekly.

My favorite thing is to try to test entering the router’s home page and even try to join its control panel. I don’t intend to change the settings or break the Internet connection, but understand how their administrators protect the network. But what if the visitor collects these data and sends them to particular databases containing the list of equipment with unchanged default settings?

It increases vulnerability. Unauthorized users reduce the speed, reroute the traffic or even spy on what you are doing in bed with that girl from the shop while your wife is on night shift. To avoid this, change it if the provider allows that function. Some providers and manufacturers restrict it.

Dual-band Modems

The dual-band modems have the advantage of splitting the audience. For example, the home users connect on 2,4 GHz, and the guests or major consumers use the 5 GHz band. That measure allows us to estimate who causes harm to all other clients. I expect that you’ll use different passwords for these networks.

Some routers offer antivirus and antispam options. It’s a great addition to the newest WPA3 standard of protection. These ideas will improve the security of your territory. The essential feature is parenting control. It protects the children from undesired content.

Today cybercriminals try to use personal devices in their illegal practices. That is, the personal computers are under threat Wi-Fi says weak security too.

Even children are at risk when playing games online.  The IoT is still interesting for hackers as these items bring information about customers’ lifestyles and preferences. As a result, it gets spam. They have inner vulnerabilities allowing them to perform the undesired actions.

In addition to classic actions, include to the checklist:

• Regular operating system security updates on the personal devices;
• The highest parenting control settings won’t be excessive even if the family has no children;
• The routers with protective add-ons are more expensive but secure too. Don’t refuse to protect the home or office environment.

Proxies sit at the center of two separate networks and control data transfers from both sides. First-generation proxies were originally developed to support caching of frequently visited websites. As time passed, developers got more creative and informed, creating more reliable and functional proxies.

First-generation proxies still exist, but they can’t meet the demands and requirements of modern technology trends. Future-proof proxies meet the high needs for functionality while delivering exceptional speed and reliability.

Understanding the Evolution of Proxies

The history of proxies is not exclusively defined. There is little known info on the invention of proxy servers. However, computer and networking tech-savvy gurus link proxies to the 1970s when Bolt, Beranek, and Newman built the first internet network.

The growth trend has remained constant, with developers creating more promising proxies. Today, you can find proxy servers that support extension, customization, and ease of deployment. There are even programmable proxies capable of fulfilling high-end networking goals and functions. Here are the stages of evolution proxy servers have gone through.

Old-Style Proxy Servers

The first proxy servers to ever penetrate the internet and networking industry were simple and less complicated. They just sat between external networks and local-area networks, offering a layer of functionality and safety. These first-generation proxies supported the sharing of single connections between different computer devices. They achieved such functions by sitting between the client app and the computer, where they accepted and forwarded commands.

Old-style proxy servers could bar, control and sanction specified communications within the client app and the external networks. The proxies’ most fundamental yet beneficial role was conserving bandwidth and boosting network efficiency. These old proxies needed individual configurations to connect to client programs, and this need was a hassle, to say the least. Although these proxies limited internet costs, the setup process was complex and demanding. That prompted the invention of superior proxy servers such as the Network Address Translation (NAT).

The later firewalls have become stronger and more functional, supporting communications regulation between external and internal network borders. They control traffic on different levels, including high-level application contents and low-level network protocols. Most firewall vendors have upgraded their systems into reliable, secure proxy products that meet modern demands.

Present-day Proxy Servers

Current proxies exceed supreme safety and performance standards. These proxies have evolved from mere systems with guard-dog security functions and internet sharing programs to sophisticated systems with superb content authentication and caching abilities. The present-day proxy server offers portable authentication. A good example is where people want to access censored subscription-based third-party services. The present-day residential proxies from a legitimate proxy provider can help them bypass this restriction.

Modern proxies have features that support content caching to save bandwidth and speed up connections. The past-era proxies lacked the content caching feature, so you had to struggle with bandwidth and slow page load problems. Fortunately, hybrid proxy versions have high-end proxy servers and firewall features. The hybrid proxies feature the firewall and NAT features of the old and high-performing and efficient SOCKS5 configurations.

Future-proof Proxies

Developers have moved a step ahead to develop future-proof and reliable proxies. Naturally, proxy servers as individual products have a limited lifespan. Yes, modern-day SOCKS and proxies sit in restricted network environments powered by old operating systems. However, developers are continually inventing SOCKS and proxies powered by modern operating systems. The network environments where the future-proof proxies sit are now more extensive and accommodative.

Therefore, future-proof proxies have longer breadths and include all the needed authentication, content filtering, and caching functions. These proxies have advanced architecture and engineering aimed at preventing extinction. The modern proxies combine the old-style software firewalls with modern-day SOCKS, offering a secure and stable border between external and internal networks.

Conclusion

Like every other tech product, proxy servers have evolved significantly over the last few years. Today, the choice proxies at your disposal reinforce performance and internet security while steadying and shortening website load times. The traditional firewalls and proxies have not exhausted their usefulness but can lead to data leaks. Realize that there are hundreds of time-proven and effective proxy servers that can mask and add a layer of security to your connections. Read online proxy server reviews and testimonials to know which ones fit the bill.

Our dependence on technology grows, and so does cybersecurity’s importance. Criminals can take advantage of unsuspecting victims in myriad ways.  By comprehending the risks, you can take steps to protect yourself and your family from becoming victims of cybercrime.

We’ve put together this guide to the top cybersecurity threats.

Be Careful When Posting Private Information

Nowadays is highly important to understand social boundaries. Your personal information, which includes your full name, address, date of birth, and phone number, should not be public on your social media account.

Avoid posting images of awkward personal moments to your home addresses or family vacation plans.

The most valuable part of AI is using NLP (natural language processing) to decode words generally used in pretexting. One common tactic for an attacker is to pose as a legitimate entity to trick a victim into revealing confidential information.

Post carefully; by being careful, you can help protect yourself from becoming the next victim of cybercrime.

In addition, you can also help to educate your friends and family members by reminding them about cybersecurity risks. We can work together to help make the internet safer for everyone. If you or your friend are under a cybersecurity attack, report it immediately to authorities.

Participate In Security Awareness Training

Cybersecurity awareness training can help to mitigate these risks by teaching you how to spot potential threats and take steps to protect your data. In addition, cybersecurity awareness training can also provide the latest information on cybersecurity trends.

Participating in internet security awareness training is essential in the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity.

The Risk Of Accidentally Downloading Malware

Cyber attacks are becoming more targeted and more sophisticated. Be aware of the risks you face when using the internet.

One common online threat is accidentally downloading malware. Malware is malicious software that can wreak havoc on your computer, stealing personal information or damaging files.

It can be complicated to spot, disguised as a legitimate website or email attachment. That’s why it’s important to learn about cybersecurity and how to stay safe online.

By doing so, you’ll help yourself avoid accidentally downloading malware and other risks associated with the internet.

Inappropriate Marketing Messages

Another risk commonly faced online is inappropriate marketing messages or online fraud. Unfortunately, there are many unscrupulous individuals out there who are looking to take advantage of unsuspecting users.

Some common signs that an online predator may target you include receiving unsolicited messages or requests for personal information, being inundated with advertising messages, or asking to click on links that lead to questionable websites.

If you notice these red flags, you must talk to a friend or someone with experience in these online scam cases.

Stay up-to-date on the latest cybersecurity trends. Be aware of the signs of this type of activity, so you prevent from becoming a victim.

Harmful Content and Disinformation

Be aware of the types of content you may be exposed to online. This can include hateful, harmful, or illegal content and disinformation. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to protect yourself from all of this content.

However, there are some things that you can do to help reduce exposure to it. One thing that you can do is to talk more about cybersecurity and learn the importance of being careful about what you search or share online.

Additionally, watch trusty tutorials, read guidelines on spotting fake news, and require that they only share information from reliable sources.

Mobile Device Vulnerabilities

Mobile devices are increasingly becoming one of the primary cybersecurity targets. As we become more and more reliant on our smartphones, vulnerabilities are becoming more and more difficult to ignore.

Cybersecurity experts predict that by 2022, mobile devices will be the most common target for cyberattacks.

There are a few reasons for this trend:

1. Mobile devices are notoriously difficult to secure. Even the most basic smartphones have many built-in features that hackers can exploit.
2. Mobile device users are generally less security-conscious than users of other types of devices. We tend to download apps without considering the implications and click on links without considering the consequences.
3. Mobile devices are often connected to unsecured networks, making them an easy target for attacks.

While there is no easy solution to the problem of mobile device vulnerabilities, awareness is critical. By understanding the risks, we can take steps to protect ourselves and our data.

Cyber Predators

As much as we want to protect ourselves from online’s dangers, unfortunately, there are times when we fail to achieve this goal. In today’s digital age, it’s essential to be just as vigilant about cybersecurity risks, especially regarding our kids.

The number of cyber predators is increasing. AI usage and machine learning will continue to grow in cybersecurity. Cybersecurity professionals are already using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to help identify and thwart attacks.

Cyber and other online predators often stalk children on the internet. They take advantage of their innocence, lack adult supervision, and abuse their trust.

These predators lurk in the same virtual venues where anonymity facilitates cyberbullying. Some of these virtual venues are social media and gaming platforms that exploit children’s innocence and their gift of imagination.

Check out the FBI’s guidance in protecting against predators and other online risks to child safety.

Investing In Cyber Hygiene

Cyber hygiene is more important than ever. That’s because cybersecurity is a top concern for businesses of all sizes. Spending on cybersecurity products and services and training and awareness programs.

What do you have to do to enhance your cybersecurity?

First, make sure you have a firm cyber security policy in place. Second, training on how to spot potential threats and how to respond to them.

Finally, stay up-to-date on the latest cybersecurity trends and ensure you use the best security practices. Doing these things can help reduce the risk of a cyber attack and keep your business safe.

Conclusion

The internet can pose severe dangers and open doors of wonder for them that previous generations could not have dreamed of. Help ensure your online safety by experiencing the online world’s joys and opportunities and avoiding hazards.

Each participating member holds power to positively or negatively affect their cyber ecosystem. Everyone must acknowledge their cyber role based on their position in the ecosystem to reduce the likelihood and risk of cyberattack.

Always be aware and vigilant.