Companies that make the effort to be reliable and user-friendly are well-respected and trusted. Unfortunately, unscrupulous people will sometimes try to use the names of those companies to scam unsuspecting consumers. Google, the world’s most ubiquitous search engine and one of the world’s most popular web presences, is no exception to this issue. [Read more…]
Trust in Google, Not in Scam Artists
October 22, 2015 by
Keep yourself safe while browsing the internet by only giving your personal information to trusted, reliable websites, and doing your research before agreeing to anything.
Watch Out For “Regin” Malware
November 26, 2014 by
At Working Nets, we know that staying on top of the latest in emerging security threats while running a small business can seem impossible. That’s why we’re here with updates on significant developments in the field of cyber security and their implications for your business. While many pieces of malware originate from abroad, this latest technological threat is home-grown, from the United States government as a matter-of-fact. Known as “Regin,” this piece of spyware, recently discovered by security firm Symatec, has been spying on international businesses for at least 6 years.
What is Regin?
Regin is a type of malware known as a Trojan, which is defined as a non-replicating piece of malware which disguises itself as a benign or useful program and typically opens a back door through which a third party can steal data and manipulate the infected computer.
Symantec has described Regin as “a complex piece of malware whose structure displays a degree of technical competence rarely seen.” This highly elusive and versatile piece of malware uses a structure typically employed for long-term intelligence-gathering. Regin has been found observing government organizations, infrastructure operators, businesses, academics, and individuals, collecting massive amount of data for years.
The largest percentage of targets infected with Regin have been small businesses and private individuals, the vast majority of whom are located in Saudi Arabia and Russia, but has also been seen found in Mexico, Ireland, India, Afghanistan, Iran, Belgium, Austria, and Pakistan.
How Does It Work?
With a highly modifiable structure, Regin can inject custom features and software into a target. It then follows up with a five-stage decrypting process delivering valuable information and complete access to a remotely connected host.
Where is Regin From?
Symantec’s initial assessment stated that “The development and operation of this malware would have required a significant investment of time and resources, indicating that a nation state is responsible.” Recent reports have shown strong evidence indicating that Regin can be traced to U.S. and U.K. officials, like the much maligned Stuxnet malware.
What Does Regin Mean for My Small Business?
The revelations about the extensive length of time and breadth of focus of Regin illustrate that the largest cyber-security threats facing businesses do not come from small-time independent hackers, but by vast, highly organized, and well-funded government organizations. Threats may come from any direction, within our borders, or globally, and staying prepared and in the know about cyber security is paramount to your businesses success.
Keep Your Private Information Secure with Working Nets
Outsourcing your IT can give you peace of mind and allow you to take care of the things that are important for your company. Working Nets is a Maryland based IT Service and Security company that services businesses nationwide. We’re always on top of emerging cyber security trends and threats so you don’t have to be.
To talk to someone about managed IT for your business, give us a call at (443) 992-7394. We’d be happy to assist you with your professional business networking needs.
You can also visit WorkingNets.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+
Cyber Security Tips for Your Small Business
November 14, 2014 by
The increasing digitization of business platforms and information has been a boon to small businesses worldwide, allowing small business to reach further than ever before, establishing themselves in markets around the world and making information readily accessible to employees no matter where they are. However, as we all know, this trend hasn’t come without risks. Cyber security threats are everywhere and ever changing. Working Nets is here with a few simple tips that small business owners should follow to maintain cyber security.
Train Employees Thoroughly
A recent cyber security survey found that in 77% of small businesses employees were considered the biggest threat to cyber security. This was not due to nefarious behavior, but rather the fact that many employees are untrained in, or ignore, cyber security standards, reusing passwords, or leaving them on easily lost physical objects. That’s why it’s vital to train your employees in proper internet usage, strong password creation, secure data storage, and the penalties for ignoring those protocols.
Use Clean Machines
Make sure any computer that handles your small business’s data is protected with up-to-date security software, web browsers, and operating systems. Make sure you antivirus software performs regular scans to check for spy or malware, and be sure to have routine cyber security inspections performed by a reliable cyber security company.
Backup
In case of an unexpected data breach or system failure, it’s absolutely vital to have your small business’s important data and files backed up in a secure location. This can include documents, digital spreadsheets, databases, financial files, accounts receivable/payable files and human resources info. Store your information with a reliable cloud service for maximum protection from data loss.
Need Cyber Security for Your Small Business?
Contact Working Nets. We know that handling the cyber security for a business while actually keeping that business running can seem impossible. Outsourcing your IT can give you peace of mind and allow you to take care of the things that are important for your company. Working Nets is a Maryland based IT Service and Security company that services small businesses nationwide. We’re always on top of emerging cyber security trends and threats so you don’t have to be.
To talk to someone about managed IT for your business, give us a call at (443) 992-7394. We’d be happy to assist you with your professional business networking needs.
You can also visit WorkingNets.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+
Why is Cyber Security Important for Small Businesses?
August 1, 2014 by
The Internet is a busy place. In fact, at any given time, there are approximately 14 billion devices connected to the Internet. That number is supposed to rise to over 50 billion by the year 2020. It’s important to remember that not all of these devices or the people behind them have good intentions. It’s also important to remember that almost everything that we do today is influenced by mobile technology and computer technology. Many small businesses rely on computers for storing information and contact clients and colleagues. For this reason, having a solid knowledge of cyber security has never been more important than it is now.
How Does Cyber Security Keep Your Small Business Safe?
- Save money and resources – Computers aren’t cheap. Even inexpensive computers run companies a couple hundred dollars for anything worth buying. When your computer crashes, you have to replace the hard drive at the very least, and many companies would prefer just to replace the entire computer at that point. A couple hundred dollars may not seem like that much, but when it’s being spent to replace things instead of on new technology or customer service, it seems like a huge waste – plus, it can really add up.
- Keep your private information safe – Malware and spyware is everywhere. The reason we run so many blogs about it and talk about it so frequently is because hackers are constantly learning and evolving with technology. Just because one bug or virus has been squashed doesn’t mean that a new strain of malware won’t come out stronger and more aggressive than the last. The goal of cyber security is to ensure that you don’t end up accidentally leaking important information to people who can take it and use it for their own means.
- Help keep the rest of the Internet safe – By participating in cyber security, you make a hacker’s job more difficult. If they’re not able to infiltrate your systems, they’re going to have to regroup and start again. Making sure that you know how to keep yourself safe from would-be Internet thieves and troublemakers is beneficial to everyone. Avoid clicking on suspicious links and always keep your security software as well as your computer up to date to avoid getting viruses or allowing your computer to be hacked.
Cyber Security Services for Small Businesses
Does your small business need some help in the cyber security department? Outsourcing your IT and learning more about it can be a great first step. To talk to someone about cyber security for your small business, give us a call at (443) 992-7394. We’d be happy to assist you with your professional business networking needs.
You can also visit WorkingNets.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+
Sources: Cisco, MSIAC, Telegraph.co.uk
What Is Spyware And How Can I Prevent It?
March 10, 2014 by
Spyware, this is something that all computer owners go at great lengths to avoid. This is because it is malicious code that attacks your computer.\
Spyware is computer software that performs certain behaviors without your explicit permission. These behaviors include collecting personal information, advertisements or changing certain settings on your computer.
However not all advertisements are/or contain spyware.
Spyware is difficult to remove because it was designed that way. Some changes spyware makes to your computer is changing your search engine or adding additional components to your toolbar that you don’t want or need.
There are a few simple steps you could do to keep spyware off of your computer.
The best way to keep spyware off of your computer is with an antivirus program and by keeping your antivirus program up to date. You also need to read the terms and conditions carefully when installing a product, file, or service from the internet.
Spyware can drastically slow down your computer and make it more difficult to use. The best way to protect yourself is to be prepared.
For more information about computer security in Baltimore:
- How Can I Protect My Computer From Viruses and Spyware?
- How Can I Create A Secure Password? Tips from Your Baltimore IT Company
- Has My Password Been Compromised?
Welcome to Working Nets – your virtual IT Department in Baltimore!
At Working Nets in Baltimore, we support your business by providing top-notch Information Technology (I.T.) services to companies like yours: Companies that don’t need full-time I.T. services, but do need someone to turn to, when they are having a problem. We provide services like Network Design, Monitoring and Maintenance. We troubleshoot technical issues when they arise, and give you options for solving them. We help you use your technology investment to achieve your business goals.
At Working Nets, our focus is on your needs!
You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.
Source:
Cyber Security and Internet Safety
September 22, 2013 by
With all of the information that both individuals and companies keep online, cyber security is increasing in importance every day. Protecting your information from identity theft and fraud is getting more difficult as hackers become more skilled. Stay ahead of the hackers and online criminals with the following cyber security tips for internet safety!
- Passwords – Your passwords for all of your secure information should be varied and uncommon. The best thing to do is to make sure you use variations of numbers, symbols, and letters. It is also good to make sure you are not using the same password for every website you have. If by chance someone does figure out your password and all of them are the same, they now have access to all of your information on various sites.
- Social Media – Always limit the amount of personal information you give out. It will help keep you safe and your information secure. Be sure you use the privacy settings that are provided to you that way you’re only sharing information with the people you want to be sharing it with. With email, do not automatically download attachments, but always scan them for viruses and make sure they come from credible sources.
- System – Make sure your computer is always up to date. This includes anti-virus software, browser, operating system, and any other important facet of your computer and network. Keep your network and Internet secured. Make sure nobody has access to it that shouldn’t. Remember to tell anyone who uses your Internet source to keep the password to themselves and limit what other information they share.
- Teach and Inform – Teach your children the importance of cyber security at home. This should be part of any safety information you give them. It is just as important to observe internet safety as it is to observe public safety. Keep an eye on Internet history and make sure you know where your children are visiting online. Most companies also give you the ability to censor what your children can see and do online. For a small business, it is also best to censor what employees can see and what information they are able to give out.
Don’t let hackers get your important personal or business information. Keep your company and home safe by taking these cyber security tips and reading up on some more. You can never be too safe online.
If you have any questions about Cyber Security Tips, please contact Working Nets by calling (443) 992-7394 or visit WorkingNets.com today!
Welcome to Working Nets – your virtual IT Department!
At Working Nets, we support your business by providing top-notch Information Technology (I.T.) services to companies like yours: Companies that don’t need full-time I.T. services, but do need someone to turn to, when they are having a problem. We provide services like Network Design, Monitoring and Maintenance. We troubleshoot technical issues when they arise, and give you options for solving them. We help you use your technology investment to achieve your business goals.
At Working Nets, our focus is on your needs!
You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.
Source: Cyber Security Tips
