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Why password autofill is riskyMany people use password autofill on their web browser or password manager for convenience. The feature, however, can be used by hackers and advertisers to access user accounts and gather your sensitive information without your consent. Why password autofill is so dangerous Modern web browsers and password managers have a feature that enables usernames and […]

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31 Jan, 2022 / by Complete Technology Resources / in 2021january31security_b, autofill, chrome, cybersecurity, firefox, general articles c, passwords, privacy, safari, Security, web browsers category
Why password autofill is risky

Many people use password autofill on their web browser or password manager for convenience. The feature, however, can be used by hackers and advertisers to access user accounts and gather your sensitive information without your consent.

Why password autofill is so dangerous

Modern web browsers and password managers have a feature that enables usernames and passwords to be automatically entered into a web form. This feature isn’t completely safe, however. If you enable this feature and hackers gain access to your computer or web browser, it will be easier for them to infiltrate your accounts because the autocomplete feature will fill in all saved credentials.

Tricking a browser or password manager into providing saved information is incredibly simple. All a threat actor needs to do is place an invisible form on a compromised webpage to collect users’ login information. Once the browser or password manager enters the user’s information, the hacker will gain access to that data.

Using autofill to track users

Shrewd digital marketers can also use password autofill to track user activity. For instance, they can track people based on the usernames in hidden autofill forms they place on websites and sell the information they gather to advertisers. While they don’t intend to steal passwords, there’s always the likelihood of exposure.

One simple security tip

A quick and effective way to improve your account security is to turn off autofill. Here’s how to do it:

  • On Microsoft Edge – Open the Settings window, click Profiles, and then select Passwords. Disable “Offer to save passwords.”
  • On Google Chrome – Open the Settings window, click Autofill, and disable “Offer to save passwords.”
  • On Firefox – Open the Settings window, then click Privacy & Security. Under the Logins and Passwords heading, untick the box next to “Autofill logins and passwords.”
  • On Safari – Open the Preferences window, select the Auto-fill tab, and turn off all the features related to usernames and passwords.

Having good password security habits can significantly protect your sensitive data. For 24/7 cybersecurity support that goes far beyond protecting your privacy, call us today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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3 Reasons to accept Windows 11’s TPM requirementWindows 11 made a lot of buzz not just because of its new features but also because of its hardware requirements. For one, it requires supported devices to have Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chips, otherwise, the new OS cannot be installed. In comparison, Windows 10 ran on TPM 1.2. If your business uses computers […]

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24 Dec, 2021 / by Complete Technology Resources / in 2021december24windows_b, cybersecurity, encryption, microsoft, security updates, tpm, tpm 1.2, tpm 2.0, trusted platform module, Windows, windows 11 category
3 Reasons to accept Windows 11’s TPM requirement

Windows 11 made a lot of buzz not just because of its new features but also because of its hardware requirements. For one, it requires supported devices to have Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chips, otherwise, the new OS cannot be installed. In comparison, Windows 10 ran on TPM 1.2. If your business uses computers and other devices that do not have the appropriate chips, then you may be considering ways to bypass Windows 11’s minimum requirements. In this article, we discuss why that’s dangerous for your business.

What is a TPM chip anyway?

A TPM is a security chip embedded in modern systems that provides a hardware-based tamper-resistant environment to generate, store, and protect encryption keys. Commonly found in the latest smartphones and PCs, these chips supply the cryptographic key that unlocks your machine and permits you to access your data. Should a hacker or any unauthorized party gain access to your device and try to tamper with your encrypted drives, then the chip will prevent the device from booting up.

TPMs are also used by some apps and web services. For instance, Outlook uses a TPM for handling encrypted emails. Web browsers, on the other hand, utilize it for maintaining SSL certificates used to authenticate and create encrypted connections with websites.

Why shouldn’t you circumvent Windows 11’s TPM requirement?

Some users felt that requiring TPM 2.0 on devices running Windows 11 was too restrictive. From their point of view, Windows 10 ran with just TPM 1.2 and it has remained fairly secure. As such, some users have been searching for ways to run Microsoft’s newest OS even on devices without the required TPM 2.0 chip. But even if such methods are eventually found, here’s why you’d be wise to avoid them:

TPM 2.0 is more advanced than TPM 1.2
As is the case with most types of tech, iterations with higher numbers aren’t just newer, but they come with better features too. In particular, TPM 2.0 supports more and newer cryptographic algorithms than its predecessors. This means it can generate keys that are harder to break, making devices that use it more difficult for hackers to infiltrate.

Compatibility issues may arise
Like any software manufacturer worth their salt, Microsoft tested Windows 11 extensively prior to the product’s release and they very likely did so on supported devices. Therefore, running the new OS on devices that don’t meet hardware specifications may result in compatibility issues that can lead to various problems, ranging from glitches to outright failure. In any case, addressing these issues may prove to be more expensive than investing in supported hardware from the get-go.

Microsoft won’t release updates for unsupported devices
The software giant temporarily relaxed some of its restrictions and allowed unsupported devices to run Windows 11 for some time. They made it clear, however, that unsupported devices won’t be receiving any future updates.

Updates are extremely crucial. Apart from helping improve user experience through new features and quality-of-life upgrades, updates also bolster your OS’s defenses against the most recent threats. Not receiving future updates will leave your IT systems and your business vulnerable to cyberattacks.

When it comes to bypassing Windows 11’s hardware requirements, especially if these have something to do with security, just remember this adage: “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.” If you have any other questions about Windows 11 and how you can make the most out of its features, just give us a call.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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How MTD can enhance business securityCybercriminals will stop at nothing to steal business data, and one of their go-to tactics is exploiting the vulnerabilities in employees’ mobile devices. So if you’re looking for a way to beef up your cybersecurity strategy in the age of remote and hybrid working, implementing mobile threat detection (MTD) solutions is a good place to […]

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20 Dec, 2021 / by Complete Technology Resources / in android, cybersecurity, machine learning, mobile device management, mobile device security, mobile threat detection, nobile category
How MTD can enhance business security

Cybercriminals will stop at nothing to steal business data, and one of their go-to tactics is exploiting the vulnerabilities in employees’ mobile devices. So if you’re looking for a way to beef up your cybersecurity strategy in the age of remote and hybrid working, implementing mobile threat detection (MTD) solutions is a good place to start.

MTD and malware detection

Mobile threat detection solutions prevent network-based attacks and malware infections on mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Since most malware programs are cleverly disguised as legitimate apps, the key to finding and defending against them is to recognize irregular patterns in user behavior and device function — something that MTD tools excel at.

When applied to business networks, MTD solutions can monitor network traffic for suspicious activity, such as invalid or spoofed certificates, in order to stop man-in-the-middle attacks. This enables them to respond to threats in real time while providing insight on the risk level of all devices connected to the network.

MTD and machine learning

All MTD tools are supported by a machine learning mechanism, which allows them to recognize usage patterns and flag any behavioral outliers. MTD solutions are also very scalable, and they are able to monitor dozens of Android mobile devices simultaneously. When one of these devices starts functioning in a way that deviates from the rest, machine learning helps the MTD tool log the anomaly and notify IT administrators.

Implementing an MTD solution

Integrating an MTD solution into your mobile security strategy requires a thorough evaluation of various critical factors, including industry regulations and the sensitivity of the data stored and/or exchanged on your mobile devices. Ideally, your MTD solution should be part of a larger security strategy that allows you to block harmful network traffic and strengthen the business’s overall cybersecurity posture.

Developing strong defenses for mobile devices is fast becoming a critical component in many businesses’ cybersecurity strategies. And although mobile threat detection remains an imperfect means to detect malware, it is far more powerful than traditional anti-malware solutions.

Other benefits of using MTD tools

Rolling out an MTD solution comes with several benefits essential to today’s remote or hybrid work environments. For one, it gives a company confidence in implementing a bring your own device policy. Not only is an MTD solution able to thwart cyberattacks before they become serious problems, it also gives IT administrators critical visibility into the risk level of the company’s mobile workforce. What’s more, deploying MTD solutions makes regulatory compliance a breeze, as it ensures that the organization’s sensitive data is safe regardless of where it’s stored.

Businesses like yours need comprehensive security solutions to fend off cyberattacks, whether on your PCs, laptops, or smartphones. For expert IT security recommendations, call our experts today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Prevent hackers from exploiting your business printers with these tipsCan business printers get hacked? The short answer is yes. Anything that connects to your business network can be exploited by malicious actors on the internet, even innocuous machines like your printers. These can be exploited to steal data and/or create entry points into your system to launch larger attacks. So make sure you follow […]

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29 Nov, 2021 / by Complete Technology Resources / in 2021november29security_b, cybersecurity, hacking, printer security, printers, Security category
Prevent hackers from exploiting your business printers with these tips

Can business printers get hacked? The short answer is yes. Anything that connects to your business network can be exploited by malicious actors on the internet, even innocuous machines like your printers. These can be exploited to steal data and/or create entry points into your system to launch larger attacks. So make sure you follow these tips to protect your work printer environment.

What makes business printers vulnerable to cyberattacks?

When assessing network security threats, companies primarily focus on servers and computers not only because these are the most exposed to external threats, but also because they get the bulk of cyberattacks. Printers are often at the bottom of the list since they are not prime targets. What’s more, their functions seem to be internal at first glance, as they don’t interact with external systems.

But it’s exactly because of their primary functions, namely printing and scanning, that make print devices perfect cybercriminal targets. Businesses run important documents such as tax forms, employee information, medical records, and financial statements through print devices — information that hackers would definitely love to get their hands on.

And they can, easily.

Network printers store previous print jobs in their hard drive, sometimes including those that have been canceled. If anyone accesses the printer — even remotely — they may be able to see those documents by hacking into the printer using a specialized tool.

Files can also be intercepted during wireless transmission, as modern printers can now be connected to the web. Not only can hackers exploit printers’ open network ports to view data, but they can also take over vulnerable printers and transmit their own data through these machines.

Lastly, hackers can exploit vulnerable printers to bypass your cybersecurity system. Once they find a way in through your printers, crooks can then launch broader cyberattacks from within your network, which can be difficult to contain.

What can you do to protect your business printers?

Business printers should not be disregarded when planning a cybersecurity strategy. Keep your print devices secure by following these best practices:

  1. Monitor your network surreptitiously and always promptly install printer software updates and patches. Printer manufacturers often release software support or updates, so always be on the lookout for those.
  2. Change the default password and administrator login credentials of printers with web management capabilities.
  3. Allow only company-owned devices to connect to your printers.
  4. Always connect to your printers using secure connections. Conversely, avoid accessing your printers through a public internet connection.
  5. Restrict printer access by using a firewall.
  6. If your wireless printer has a feature that requires users to enter a PIN before they can print documents, enable it to prevent unauthorized access.
  7. If you don’t use your printer for fax and email, isolate your printer from your main company network and disable out-of-network printing.
  8. If you handle classified data, do not connect your printer to any network. Instead, connect it directly to your computer using data cables or print from a thumb drive.
  9. Secure your printouts by enabling manual feed. This setting requires a user to manually input paper (or any material to be printed on), reducing the risks of the printed document getting stolen or being left in the printing area.

Another way to secure your printers is by partnering with an IT company that can take care of your printer-related worries. From thwarting attacks to reducing management costs to keeping your printer at optimal functionality, our experts can help.

Are you interested in learning more about cybersecurity? Call us today and discover how our wide array of tech services can safeguard your business.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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