Threat hunting is the practice of proactively searching for cyber threats that are lurking undetected in a network.  Cyber threat hunting digs deep to find malicious actors in your environment that have slipped past your initial endpoint security defenses. 

Why threat hunting is important 

Threat hunting is important because sophisticated threats can get past automated cybersecurity. Although automated security tools and tier 1 and 2 security operations center (SOC) analysts should be able to deal with roughly 80% of threats, you still need to worry about the remaining 20%. The remaining 20% of threats are more likely to include sophisticated threats that can cause significant damage. 

How threat hunting works 

Threat hunting is a proactive cybersecurity approach aimed at identifying and mitigating potential threats and security incidents that may have evaded traditional security defenses. It involves actively searching for signs of malicious activities or attackers’ presence within an organization’s network or systems. Threat hunting is typically carried out by skilled cybersecurity professionals.

Cyber threat hunters bring a human element to enterprise security, complementing automated systems. It goes beyond traditional detection technologies, such as security information and event management (SIEM), endpoint detection and response (EDR), and others. Threat hunters comb through security data. They search for hidden malware or attackers and look for patterns of suspicious activity that a computer might have missed or judged to be resolved but isn’t. 

Types of Threat Hunting 

Threat hunting involves different approaches and techniques to identify potential security threats and indicators of compromise within an organization’s environment.

Here are some common types of threat hunting:

• Signature-Based Hunting: It involves searching for known patterns or signatures of known threats or malware in the organization’s logs and network traffic using predefined signatures, rules, or IOCs to identify specific malicious activities.

• Anomaly-Based Hunting: It focuses on identifying abnormal or unusual behavior within the network or endpoints that may indicate potential threats using baselines and behavioral analytics to detect deviations from normal patterns.

• Indicators of Compromise (IOC) Hunting: It involves searching for IOCs obtained from threat intelligence feeds, security incidents, or previous attacks. It concentrates on identifying specific indicators or artifacts that suggest the presence of an attacker or malicious activity.

• Threat Intelligence-Driven Hunting: It uses threat intelligence to develop hypotheses for proactive hunting by leveraging external threat intelligence to search for potential threats based on known attack patterns, tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by threat actors.

• Adversary-Based Hunting: It focuses on understanding the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) of specific threat actors or advanced persistent threats (APTs) by hunting for traces of known or suspected adversary activities.

• Hunt Teaming: It involves collaboration between threat hunters and red team members to simulate real-world attack scenarios. The Red team simulates attacks, and threat hunters actively search for signs of the simulated attacks within the network.

• Context-Driven Hunting: It focuses on hunting for threats that are most relevant to the organization’s specific risks and challenges. It considers the organization’s unique environment, business processes, and potential attack vectors when conducting threat hunts.

• Hunt-as-a-Service: External experts conduct threat hunting on behalf of the organization, leveraging their expertise and tools. It Involves outsourcing threat hunting activities to specialized cybersecurity service providers.

Threat hunting is an iterative and ongoing process that requires continuous refinement and adaptation to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats. Organizations may use a combination of these threat hunting types based on their resources, capabilities, and specific security needs.

Hunting Models  

Threat hunters assume that adversaries are already in the system, and they initiate investigation to find unusual behavior that may indicate the presence of malicious activity. In proactive threat hunting, this initiation of investigation typically falls into three main categories: 

Intel based hunting 

• This approach to threat hunting involves leveraging tactical threat intelligence to catalog  known IOCs and IOAs associated with new threats. These then become triggers that threat hunters use to uncover potential hidden attacks or ongoing malicious activity. Intel-based hunting is a reactive hunting model. That uses IoCs from threat intelligence sources. From there, the hunt follows predefined rules established by the SIEM and threat intelligence. 

Hypothesis hunting 

• Hypothesis-driven investigations are often triggered by a new threat that’s been identified through a large pool of crowdsourced attack data, giving insights into attackers’ latest tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP). Once a new TTP has been identified, threat hunters will then look to discover if the attacker’s specific behaviors are found in their own environment. 

Custom hunting 

• Custom hunting is based on situational awareness and industry-based hunting methodologies. It identifies anomalies in the SIEM and EDR tools and is customizable based on customer requirements. 

Threat hunting tools 

• Hunters use data from MDR, SIEM and security analytics tools as a foundation for a hunt. They can also use other tools, like packer analyzers, to execute network-based hunts. However, using SIEM and MDR tools require that all essential sources and tools in an environment are integrated. This integration ensures IoA and IoC clues can provide adequate hunting direction. 

 Threat Detection Methods 

• Threat detection using behavior analysis: This model relies+ heavily on behavioral analysis. Unlike attackers’ activities in threat hunting, this user behavior analytics software monitors the systems and networks, analyzing the existing user activity. 

• Threat intelligence: Threat intelligence is the knowledge you gather via past cyber incidents. Such knowledge helps to quickly isolate the known attacks and identify attack-specific prevention methods. Threat detectors use such collected signature data to compare the suspicious attack behaviors with known data to verify their existence and quickly mitigate the threat.  

• ML-based threat detection: ML is also integrated into threat-detection tools and technologies. These can detect known attack patterns with high accuracy in real-time and stream data like network traffic logs. 

• Using intruder traps: Another technique threat detectors leverage is intruder traps. These are like baits that attackers will be attracted to, not knowing their true purpose. 

 Why is periodic Threat Hunting Important to your organization’s security?

Threat hunting is important for several reasons, especially in the context of cybersecurity and defense against cyber threats.

• Proactive approach: Threat hunting involves actively searching for potential security threats and anomalies within an organization’s network and systems. It allows security teams to be proactive rather than reactive, identifying and mitigating threats before they cause significant damage.

• Detecting advanced threats: Traditional security measures like firewalls and antivirus software are essential but may not be sufficient to detect sophisticated, evasive threats. Threat hunting enables organizations to discover more advanced threats, such as zero-day exploits and insider threats, that may go undetected by conventional security measures.

• Reducing dwell time: Dwell time refers to the duration between when a threat enters a network and when it is discovered and mitigated. Threat hunting can help reduce dwell time by quickly identifying and responding to threats, minimizing potential damage and data breaches.

• Enhancing incident response: Threat hunting enhances an organization’s incident response capabilities. By proactively seeking out threats, security teams gain valuable insights into attackers’ tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). This knowledge can be used to improve incident response plans and develop more effective defense strategies.

• Identifying insider threats: Not all threats come from external sources. Insider threats, whether intentional or accidental, can pose significant risks to an organization’s security. Threat hunting can help identify unusual behavior or data exfiltration patterns that may indicate insider threats.

• Improving overall security posture: Regular threat hunting exercises can reveal weaknesses in an organization’s security infrastructure and processes. Addressing these vulnerabilities can lead to an overall improvement in the security posture of the organization.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, threat hunting stands as a powerful weapon in the arsenal of modern cybersecurity defenses. As cyber threats continue to evolve in sophistication and scale, relying solely on reactive security measures is no longer sufficient. Threat hunting allows organizations to take a proactive approach, actively seeking out and mitigating potential threats before they escalate into full-blown security incidents. By combining human expertise with advanced analytics and threat intelligence, organizations can better understand their adversaries’ tactics, identify emerging attack vectors, and fortify their defenses against even the most elusive threats. Embracing the mindset of a hunter, organizations can strengthen their cybersecurity posture, safeguard their critical assets, and stay one step ahead in the ongoing battle against cyber adversaries. As we move forward, the continuous refinement of threat hunting techniques and the collaboration between human analysts and cutting-edge technologies will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in securing the digital landscape for years to come.

Are you seeking a trusted partner who can assist you in selecting the optimal technologies for your business and provide customized cybersecurity solutions to safeguard your valuable digital assets? Look no further than Enov8 Solutions! Our team of experts is well-equipped to cater to your unique requirements.

Contact us today to initiate a conversation about your specific needs and explore how we can collaborate to enhance your technological infrastructure.

Visit our website at enov8solutions.tech to learn more about our comprehensive range of services

Malware threats have been around since the birth of computing. But what exactly is malware? In this blog post, we will define malware, introduce the different types of malware, and explain how it works. We will also describe the warning signs of an infected device and explain how anti-malware software can keep your device safe. 

What is Malware? 

Malware is an umbrella term for any type of “malicious software” that is designed to infiltrate your device without your knowledge, cause damage or disruption to your system, or steal data. Adware, spyware, viruses, botnets, trojans, worms, rootkits, and ransomware all fall under the definition of malware. 

How does Malware work? 

For malware to work, it usually needs you to do something first to get the software on your computer. That means clicking a link, opening an attachment, or visiting an infected website. Once on your machine, the malware’s payload begins the task it is designed to perform — stealing your data, encrypting your files, installing additional malware, and so on. 

Malware will stay on your system until it is detected and removed. Unfortunately, some malicious software will try to block or hide from any antivirus apps or other security tools you may have. 

Why do hackers and cybercriminals use Malware? 

Hacking and malware go hand-in-hand, computer hacking means gaining unauthorized access to a device or network, which is often done through malicious code. And with malware source code widely available on the dark web, even pedestrian cybercrooks can get access easily. 

The use of malicious software not only helps hackers evade security protocols more effectively, it allows them to more easily target large numbers of victims, and perpetrate a wide range of sophisticated cybercrimes including fraud, extortion, data theft, and denial of service attacks. 

Common types of Malware 

• Ransomware: Ransomware is a malicious software that encrypts a victim’s files or locks their entire system until a ransom is paid. Once the ransom is paid, the attacker may provide a decryption key to unlock the files or restore access to the system.
• Spyware: Spyware is designed to gather information about a user or organization without their knowledge. It secretly monitors activities, such as keystrokes, web browsing habits, and personal information, and transmits this data to the attacker.
• Worms: Worms are self-replicating malware that spread across networks without any user intervention. They exploit security vulnerabilities to infect devices and can replicate themselves to infect other connected devices, causing network congestion and potential damage to systems.
• Adware: Adware, short for advertising-supported software, is a type of malware that displays unwanted advertisements on a user’s device. It often comes bundled with legitimate software and generates revenue for the attacker by displaying intrusive ads or redirecting users to malicious websites.
• Trojans: Trojans, or Trojan horses, disguise themselves as legitimate software or files to deceive users into downloading or executing them. Once activated, Trojans can perform various malicious activities, such as stealing sensitive data, creating backdoors for other malware, or enabling remote control of the infected system.
• Botnets: Botnets are networks of compromised computers, often referred to as “zombies” or “bots,” that are controlled by a central command and control (C&C) server. Botnets are typically used for malicious purposes, such as launching distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, sending spam emails, or performing large-scale cyber attacks.
• Rootkits: Rootkits are sophisticated malware designed to gain unauthorized access to a computer or network while hiding their presence. They manipulate the operating system to provide privileged access to attackers, allowing them to install other malware, steal data, or control the compromised system remotely.
• Browser hijackers: Browser hijackers modify a user’s web browser settings without their consent, redirecting them to unwanted websites or altering the default search engine. They often come in the form of browser extensions or add-ons and can lead to privacy issues and the exposure of sensitive information.
• Cryptominers: Cryptominers, or cryptocurrency miners, exploit a computer’s processing power to mine cryptocurrencies without the user’s consent. They consume system resources, slow down the computer, and can cause increased energy consumption and reduced hardware lifespan.
• Logic bombs: Logic bombs are malware programs that are triggered by specific events or conditions. They lie dormant until the predefined trigger occurs, at which point they execute malicious actions, such as deleting files, causing system crashes, or spreading to other devices.

Which devices can be affected? 

No device is immune to malware — desktops, laptops, mobiles, and tablets are all susceptible. Along with securing your home network with firewall protection, make sure each of your devices is defended with anti-malware software. 

 How to know if your device has been infected. 

• Your device begins running slower than usual. 
• You notice a shortage of available storage space. 
• Pop-ups and unwanted programs appear on your device. 

How to protect against Malware 

The best way to protect against the different types of malware is to use comprehensive anti-malware software that detects, blocks, and removes viruses.

How to reduce your exposure to ransomware 

• Don’t click shady pop-ups or banner ads.
• Avoid links, email attachments, and downloads you’re unsure of.
• Keep your software updated to benefit from the latest security patches.  
• Only install mobile apps downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
• Check the ratings and reviews before downloading any programs on your computer.
• Be extra careful when using P2P networks.
• Back up your system regularly to minimize the potential impact of data loss. 

 Conclusion

In conclusion, malware operates through a variety of methods to compromise the security and integrity of computer systems and networks. Whether it is through the use of deceptive tactics, exploiting vulnerabilities, or employing sophisticated techniques, malware can infiltrate devices, steal sensitive information, disrupt operations, and cause significant damage. The constantly evolving nature of malware poses ongoing challenges for individuals, organizations, and cybersecurity professionals. It underscores the importance of adopting robust security measures, staying vigilant against suspicious activities, and regularly updating software to defend against the ever-present threat of malware. By understanding how malware works and taking proactive steps to mitigate its risks, you can enhance your digital resilience and safeguard your systems and data from malicious attacks.

Do you have questions on how to find the perfect cybersecurity solution for your business? Enov8 Solutions can help you. Email us at Info@enov8solutions.tech to get started.

The principle of zero trust access is a robust security concept that has become increasingly popular in recent years.

In traditional security approaches, the focus was on creating a perimeter defense, typically using firewalls, to protect the internal network from external threats. The assumption was that everything inside the network perimeter was trustworthy and therefore allowed to access network resources freely. This approach is often referred to as a “castle-and-moat” or perimeter-based security model.

However, with the increasing sophistication of cyber threats and the rise of insider threats, it has become evident that relying solely on perimeter defenses is not sufficient. Attackers can bypass perimeter defenses through various means, and there is always a possibility of malicious actors or compromised entities being present within the network.

The zero trust access model, on the other hand, assumes that no user or device should be trusted by default. This means that even if a device or user is inside the network, they still need to be verified before they are granted access to resources or data. In other words, the zero trust model does not rely on any single layer of security, such as a firewall, to protect the network from potential threats. 

The zero trust model takes a holistic approach to security, focusing on securing all components of the network, including devices, applications, users, and data. This is done by requiring multiple forms of authentication and authorization before granting access to any resources. This can include multi-factor authentication, identity verification, and context-based access control, among other measures. 

The zero trust model also incorporates the concept of least privilege, which means that users and devices are only given access to the resources and data that they need to perform their specific tasks. This reduces the risk of accidental or intentional data breaches, as users and devices are not able to access sensitive information that they do not need. 

Overall, the zero trust access model provides a comprehensive approach to network security that is designed to mitigate the risks posed by potential threats. By assuming that no one should be trusted by default and requiring multiple layers of authentication and authorization, organizations can significantly improve their security posture and protect their critical assets and data from cyber attacks. 

Key Principles of Zero Trust Access

The principle of zero trust access is based on three major keys that are fundamental in ensuring the security of a network. These keys are: 

• Never Trust: The first key principle of zero trust access is to never trust anyone or anything on the network by default. Instead, every user, device, and application must be verified and authenticated before being granted access to any resources or data. This means that the network should treat all users and devices as potential threats until proven otherwise. 

• Always Verify: The second key principle of zero trust access is to always verify the identity of the user, device, or application before granting access to any resources or data. This can be done through various means such as multi-factor authentication, digital certificates, and biometric authentication. By verifying the identity of the user, device, or application, the network can ensure that only authorized entities are accessing the resources and data. 

• Continuous Monitoring: The third key principle of zero trust access is to continuously monitor the network for any suspicious activity or anomalies. This involves analyzing network traffic, user behavior, and other indicators of compromise to detect any potential threats. By continuously monitoring the network, the security team can detect and respond to any security incidents in a timely manner, minimizing the impact of any security breaches. 

How to Implement the Zero Trust Approach In Your Organization

1. Assess the current security posture: This step involves evaluating the existing security measures and practices within your organization. It helps identify strengths, weaknesses, and potential vulnerabilities in the current system. By conducting a thorough assessment, you can gain a clear understanding of the areas that require improvement in terms of security.
2. Create a comprehensive plan: Once you have assessed the current security posture, it is essential to develop a comprehensive plan for implementing zero trust. This plan should outline the goals, objectives, and milestones of the zero trust implementation. It should consider the specific needs and requirements of your organization, and provide a roadmap for the implementation process.
3. Identify critical assets and applications: In this step, you need to identify and prioritize the most critical assets and applications that require protection. This involves conducting a risk assessment to determine the value and sensitivity of different assets. By categorizing assets based on their importance, you can allocate resources and prioritize efforts accordingly.
4. Implement policies and procedures: Once critical assets and applications have been identified, policies and procedures should be implemented to restrict access to these resources. The principle of least privilege should be followed, which means that users and devices are granted only the minimum privileges necessary to perform their specific tasks. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
5. Continuous monitoring and improvement: Continuous monitoring is crucial for the success of a zero trust implementation. It involves the use of tools and techniques to monitor the network, detect threats, and respond to security incidents promptly. By continuously monitoring the network and making necessary improvements, your organization can stay proactive in addressing potential security risks and maintaining a higher level of security.

By following these steps, your organization can effectively implement the zero trust model and enhance its security posture. It allows for a dynamic and adaptive security approach that aligns with the evolving threat landscape and provides better protection for critical assets and data.

Conclusion 

Zero Trust Architecture is a crucial framework that enables robust network security, preventing malicious actors from moving laterally, executing internal personnel breaches, or conducting harmful attacks. It provides a dynamic and contextual security approach that necessitates continuous evaluation, safeguarding sensitive data and systems from potential security breaches. By implementing a zero trust approach, organizations can bolster their security posture and enhance their ability to detect and respond to potential threats in real-time, ultimately minimizing the risk of a data breach and maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of their critical assets. 

Do you have questions on how to find the perfect cybersecurity solution for your business? Enov8 Solutions can help you. Email us at Info@enov8solutions.tech to get started.

Network security is a vital policy within computer networking systems that serves to safeguard organizational assets, software, and hardware resources. This term encompasses a range of measures designed to monitor and control access, prevent misuse, and thwart unauthorized modifications to network systems, thereby ensuring the integrity and security of valuable resources. 

Why is Network security important? 

With the widespread adoption of digital technology in our daily lives, the use of the internet has experienced an unprecedented surge. However, this trend has also led to an increase in the activities of malicious hackers and attackers, thereby making our networking systems more vulnerable to virus attacks. 

The primary purpose of network security is twofold. Firstly, it seeks to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access, and secondly, it aims to provide security for data stored on individual computers or laptops, as well as on shared or public domain networks. 

The need for information security is based on several critical factors, such as safeguarding information from unwanted access, ensuring data is delivered to its intended destination within an acceptable time frame, preventing unauthorized modifications to data, and protecting against attacks.  

Additionally, network security is essential to safeguard hardware devices like hard disks, PCs, and laptops from malicious attacks by malware and viruses that can corrupt or delete stored content, potentially causing irreparable damage to the system.  

 Types of network security tools 

 
1) Antivirus and anti-malware software:

Antivirus and anti-malware software are crucial protection tools that safeguard your system against viruses, trojan horse attacks, worms, and other malicious threats. These software solutions efficiently scan your system and network for malware and trojan horse attacks every time a new file is introduced into your system. Moreover, they proactively detect and promptly fix any problems found in infected data or viruses, ensuring the security and stability of your system. 

2) Data Loss Prevention (DLP):

Data confidentiality is paramount for multinational corporations and large organizations, and they ensure it by deploying cutting-edge DLP technology. This technology empowers network administrators to limit employee access to information and prevent sharing with the outside world by blocking ports and sites for forwarding, uploading, or printing information. With DLP, confidential information remains secure, and data breaches become a thing of the past. 

3) Email security:

Emails are often the primary targets of cyber attackers who try to lure unsuspecting victims into their network by sending viruses or malware. That’s why highly skilled email security applications are indispensable in today’s digital landscape. These applications scan incoming messages for viruses, filter out suspicious data, and exercise strict control over message exfiltration to prevent the loss of valuable information from your system. With robust email security in place, you can be rest assured that your network is secure from any email-based cyber-attacks. 

4) Firewall:

Firewalls are a critical component of any networking system. Acting as a barrier between two networks or devices, firewalls use a set of predefined rules to prevent unauthorized access to the network. There are two types of firewalls: hardware and software. Software firewalls provide protection against various types of attacks by filtering, blocking, and fixing unwanted creatures on the network. On the other hand, hardware firewalls act as gateways between two networking systems, allowing only certain predefined users or traffic to access a network and its resources. Additionally, Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) is a network security system that uses a set of rules to identify and block threats, further enhancing network security. 

5) Mobile Security:

Mobile devices are vulnerable to cyber attacks, with cybercriminals using data facilities and unsecured resource links on websites to gain access to sensitive information. Therefore, it is essential to install antivirus software on mobile devices and only download or upload data from trusted resources and secure websites to ensure mobile security. 

6) Split the network:

To safeguard sensitive data, software-based organizations split it into multiple parts and store it in various locations on multiple resources or devices. This technique ensures that if data in any location is corrupted or deleted by a virus attack, it can be reconstructed from a backup source. Splitting the network is an effective way of securing critical data and ensuring that it remains available even in the event of a security breach. 

 7) Web Security:

Web security involves providing restricted access to websites and URLs by blocking vulnerable sites susceptible to viruses and hackers. This ensures web-based threat control, safeguarding the network against malicious attacks and data breaches. 

8) Endpoint Security:

In networking systems where users operate from remote locations and access critical databases from devices such as mobile phones or laptops, endpoint security is essential. Advanced endpoint security features built into various software provide seven layers of security, including file reputation, automatic sandbox, web filtering, antivirus software, and firewall. This ensures the protection of the network and the data it holds, regardless of the endpoint device used. 

9) Access Control:

To ensure that not everyone has access to all network resources, networks are designed with a password, unique user ID, and authentication process to control access to the network. This process is referred to as access control and is crucial in securing networks and protecting sensitive data. 

10) Virtual Private Network (VPN):

To secure systems by using cryptographic methods for authentication and streamlining data traffic over the internet to remotely connected devices or networks, VPN networks are used.  A VPN network provides an additional layer of security, making it difficult for cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access to the network or the data it holds. 

How to make your systems secure 

1. Set a Strong Password: Protecting your system or network from malicious attacks starts with setting a strong password for login and access. A strong password should consist of a combination of letters, symbols, and numbers. Avoid using personal information such as your birthday, as it can be easily guessed by hackers. By setting a strong password, you make it difficult for hackers to gain unauthorized access to your system or network. 
2. Firewall Settings: Installing a strong firewall on your network systems is essential to protecting them from unwanted access or other threats. Configuring firewall settings correctly can help prevent malicious attacks, ensuring your network security. 
3. Antivirus Protection: Installing antivirus software on your system and laptop is crucial to protecting your devices from viruses and malware. Antivirus software scans, detects, and filters infected files, as well as fixes problems caused by virus attacks on your system. By having an effective antivirus solution, you can safeguard your devices against harmful threats, ensuring their smooth operation. 
4. Regular Updates: Keeping your system and network updated with the latest antivirus software version and patches is critical to maintaining their security. Updating your system according to its needs minimizes the chances of virus attacks, as new updates often include security patches and fixes to known vulnerabilities. Regular updates help to ensure your network is secure, protecting it from potential security breaches. 
5. Protect Portable Devices: Portable devices such as laptops and mobile phones are highly susceptible to security breaches. Hence, it is crucial to secure them by setting up strong passwords and enabling biometric authentication for accessing important resources. 
6. Regular Data Backup: To safeguard your valuable data and documents, it is recommended to regularly back up your system’s files and documents to a secure location or central server. This ensures that in case of emergencies, you can easily restore your system and access your important files. 
7. Safe Browsing Practices: In today’s digital age, a single wrong click on a website or link can expose you to multiple network threats. Hence, it is advisable to download data only from trusted and secure links, avoid visiting unknown websites, and be cautious of ads and offers displayed on webpages. 

Conclusion  

In conclusion, network security is crucial in today’s technology-driven world. We explored various types of security measures, including strong passwords, firewalls, antivirus software, regular updates, and multi-level security to ensure the safety of your network systems. 

By following the tips mentioned in this blog, you can protect your system from virus and Trojan attacks, guard your laptops and cell phones, backup important data, surf safely on the internet, and control removable media. 

It is essential to take network security seriously and implement the necessary measures to protect your sensitive data and devices from unauthorized access. Remember to stay updated with the latest security practices and be vigilant in safeguarding your network systems. 

Here is why connecting to public Wi-Fi is risky

The availability of free public Wi-Fi has greatly benefited professionals who require access to their networks and work while on the go. These hotspots are easily found in places like restaurants, hotels, airports, bookstores, and other retail locations. However, this convenience comes at a cost.

To safeguard your important business data, it’s crucial to learn how to protect yourself from these risks.

First, let’s understand what public Wi-Fi means.

What is Public Wi-Fi?

Public Wi-Fi refers to wireless internet networks that are made available to the general public in areas such as airports, hotels, libraries, schools, and other public spaces. These networks are usually free to use and do not require a password or any form of authentication to connect.

About 47% of users connect to public Wi-Fi to save on their cellular data usage while they are out and about.

18% of users opt for public Wi-Fi to work remotely, while 15% use it to stream online content.

For 11% of users, public Wi-Fi is a last resort when they have no cellular connection or simply choose not to use it at all.

In summary, public Wi-Fi serves various purposes, with most people using it to avoid depleting their cellular data. Others use it to stay entertained or work remotely, while some avoid it altogether or only use it as a backup option.

Security Risks of Public Wi-Fi

• Man-in-the-middle Attack

This is one of the most common threats on these networks.
In this type of attack, the hacker intercepts data being sent between two devices and can view, modify, or steal the data.

A man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack is a form of cyberattack in which an attacker intercepts a conversation between two parties. This attack can be targeted at individuals, systems, or even a combination of the two. The objective of a MITM attack is to gather personal information, passwords, banking details, or to manipulate the victim into taking certain actions, such as changing login credentials, initiating a fund transfer, or completing a transaction.

• Password Theft

Some hackers use specialized tools to locate passwords saved in your browser or those you entered into websites, apps, or emails while using public Wi-Fi.

Revealing your passwords is one of the most detrimental risks when using public Wi-Fi since it grants malicious hackers direct access to your accounts. The impact is even more severe with business login information.

To safeguard your passwords, a VPN can help prevent prying scammers from accessing them. Additionally, it’s wise to securely store all of your credentials in a password manager. A password manager automatically fills in your login data into websites, concealing it from eavesdropping hackers.

• Snooping for Sensitive data

Public Wi-Fi networks are well known for being prone to surveillance by malicious actors who are searching for confidential documents, including sensitive contracts, invoices, and two-factor authentication (2FA) codes.

Using public Wi-Fi could put both your personal finances and employment security in danger. Conducting online activities over public Wi-Fi may result in a breach of an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) or jeopardize the work of your colleagues.

To safeguard your sensitive documents, whether you are a business owner or an employee, it is crucial to be mindful of the security risks associated with using public Wi-Fi. Employing robust cybersecurity solutions to protect you and your employees is critical. Also, avoid sending, receiving, or discussing sensitive information over unsecured hotspots.

• Malware distribution

Software vulnerabilities make it possible for attackers to install malware on your computer without your knowledge.

A software vulnerability is a security hole or weakness found in an operating system or software program. Hackers can exploit this weakness by writing code to target a specific vulnerability, and then inject the malware onto your device.

Malware infection of your device can occur when using unprotected public Wi-Fi, allowing attackers to easily introduce harmful software.

Attackers can infect your device by placing a malicious ad on a trustworthy website, coercing you to complete a phishing form, or deceiving you into installing a fake app that captures your keystrokes.

Safeguarding your devices from malware involves utilizing fundamental security measures, such as anti-malware and VPN services. These tools work continuously to secure your data and device as you switch between different Wi-Fi networks.

• Ransomware attacks

Once malicious actors have gained access to your sensitive data, they can blackmail you for its release.

Ransomware attacks increased by 80% in 2022, placing both individuals and businesses at a higher risk.

To safeguard yourself, refrain from logging into sensitive file-sharing services when using public Wi-Fi. However, if it’s necessary, ensure that you use tools like a VPN to encrypt your data. Finally, always keep a backup of your most crucial data in a secure location, preferably disconnected from the internet.

How to protect yourself before and after connecting to a public WIfi

Prior to connecting to public Wi-Fi:

• Activate your VPN.
• Delete your browsing history and cache.
• Verify that your antivirus software is up-to-date and functioning correctly.
• Disable Bluetooth discoverability settings to prevent others from forcing your device to connect to theirs.
• Ensure that you have enabled two-factor or multi-factor authentication (2FA or MFA) for your most critical accounts.
• Disable auto-connect to avoid having your device forcibly linked to Wi-Fi networks.

While using public hotspots:

• Only connect to networks that you can associate with a physical location.
• Log out of any account that is not essential while online.
• Close or exit applications that you do not intend to use.
• Use a password manager to store all your passwords and autofill your login information.
• Avoid entering sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, social security numbers, home address, etc., while connected to public networks.
• Keep your list of saved Wi-Fi networks limited to only those that you trust.

After disconnecting from a public network:

• Scan your devices for malware using antivirus software.
• Restart your device, as this may help break the connection between it and a potential attacker.
• Remove networks that you do not need from your preferred network list.
• If possible, use your mobile hotspot instead of public Wi-Fi.

CONCLUSION

The same features that make free Wi-Fi desirable for consumers also make it attractive to computer hackers, as it typically requires no authentication to establish a network connection. This presents a golden opportunity for hackers to gain access to unsecured devices on the same network. The most significant threat to free Wi-Fi security is when a hacker positions himself between you and the connection point. This means that instead of communicating directly with the hotspot, you are unwittingly sending your information to the hacker, who then relays it on.

Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient, but they also pose significant risks to your personal and financial security.

While it is possible to use public Wi-Fi safely, it is important to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect yourself. By doing so, you can enjoy the convenience of public Wi-Fi without putting yourself at risk of cyberattacks and other security threats.

Enov8 Solutions’ objective is simple: your data is our top priority, and our data security solutions safeguard your file and email systems against malware, ransomware, advanced persistent attacks, and insider threats.

Do you have questions on how to find the perfect cybersecurity solution for your business? Enov8 Solutions can help you. Email us at Info@enov8solutions.tech to get started.

Email Hacked?

Seven steps you must take immediately.

So the scenario is pretty simple, for one reason or another, you found out that your email account has somehow been compromised. What do you do next?

We are going to give you seven steps to follow.

• Recover your account.

You need to be able to log in to do anything else to your account to secure it after a compromise.

So, follow the recovery procedure provided by your service provider. That typically entails tapping on a link that says I have forgotten my password or I have lost access to my account. You will be guided through a process by that service to demonstrate your identity and why you should be granted access to your account.

Now, the most frequently asked question is, What if I am unable to log into my account? What if my restored data is no longer accurate? What if it simply doesn’t function?

If you can’t log into your account, some email providers give advice on how to restore hacked accounts. so you might be requested to fill out a form to ascertain that it is you who is trying to log into your account.

• Change your password

If you are able to log into your email, change the password immediately. And of course, make it long and strong and secure.

Make it at least 16 characters long with a variety of random characters. If the service permits it, make it a multi-word phrase.

The hacker may still have access to your account even after you log in or retrieve your password. Changing the password to something they don not know and cannot predict is one method you can use to disable that.

• Verify and or change your account recovery information.

The fact that you have been able to get back into your account means that your recovery information is still there. But make sure it is all set to something that you still have access to.

• Check your out of office messages, the auto responders, the forwards and the signatures.

Basically, anything that somebody who had access to your account could have changed while they had access.

Sometimes, when hackers gain access to an account, rather than take it away completely, they simply do things like change your signature, or set up an automatic forward or change a reply-to, so that when people reply to your email, it goes to them, instead.

Your email account offers a lot of customization options. You need to confirm that those have not been changed and are still set to what you anticipated them to be, depending on your service provider.

• Check if related accounts have been compromised.

If they have access to this email account, they may have used it to gain access to other accounts.

This is probably the most terrifying scenario because you need to check all of your other accounts to make sure none of them have been affected, particularly if you can’t access the account anymore and you use this as your main email address. The hacker could request a password change on those other accounts while they have access to your account if this is the account that is used as the email address on other online services.

This implies that they could hack into your Dropbox account, Microsoft account, and any other web accounts you may have by hacking into your main email account. Therefore, be sure to know precisely to which other accounts they might have had access.

• Let your contacts know.

You need to inform your connections to ignore anything that came from you while your account was compromised. So that they do not fall for any of the tricks that the scammer may have sent out while they had access to your account.

• Prevent it

Be proactive

Account hacks are happening all the time. And it is one of those situations where people do not understand how important some of this security is until it hits them.

How about having security in place to prevent it?

Enov8 Solutions’ objective is simple, your data is our top priority, and our Cybersecurity solutions safeguard your file and email systems against malware, ransomware, advanced persistent attacks, and insider threats.

If you have questions on how to find the perfect Cybersecurity solution for your email security? Then email us at Info@enov8solutions.tech

Conclusion

If you have had your account hacked, there was a reason. It could be as a result of your security habits like using weak passwords, ignoring software updates, clicking unverified links, ignoring MFAs etc

Some hygienic security habits are

1. Creating strong passwords and never sharing them with anybody.
2. Ability to recognize phishing emails.
3. Keeping the operating system and other applications on your system as up-to-date.
4. Turning on Multi factor authentication – MFAs are like silver bullets. If a hacker gets your password, they still will be unable to log in without that second factor that only you have. So turn on MFA on your accounts now.

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