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Protect your IoT devices with these tips

The Internet of Things (IoT) creates new business opportunities. For instance, companies can use smart sensors to track and monitor inventory. However, hackers can still get their hands on IoT devices given the chance to breach your network. Here are some precautions you should take to protect your IoT devices.

The post Protect your IoT devices with these tips appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

26 Nov, 2018 / by Complete Technology Resources / in Hardware, Security category
Protect your IoT devices with these tips

The Internet of Things (IoT) creates new business opportunities. For instance, companies can use smart sensors to track and monitor inventory. However, hackers can still get their hands on IoT devices given the chance to breach your network. Here are some precautions you should take to protect your IoT devices.

Set passwords

Not many people know they can set passwords for IoT devices, making their gadgets easy to hack. You have to make sure to set new and strong passwords — preferably with a combination of upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Then, use a password manager to keep track of all your passwords.

Disable Universal Plug and Play (UPnP)

UPnP helps IoT gadgets discover and connect to other network devices. But this feature also serves as a gateway for hackers to infiltrate your devices and network. To prevent this, disable this feature.

Create a separate network

It’s a good idea to keep your IoT devices connected to their own network that’s separate from your main office network. This way, gadgets can connect to the internet but won’t have access to mission-critical files.

You can also invest in device access management tools. These allow you to control which devices can access what data, and prevent unauthorized access.

Update your firmware

You need to keep your software up to date if you want to secure your devices against cyberattacks. Manufacturers are always releasing new patches for the latest vulnerabilities, so make it a habit to check and install IoT firmware updates regularly.

If you have several devices, use patch management software to automate patch distribution and schedule regular updates.

Unplug it

Simply disconnecting your devices or turning them off when not in use can significantly reduce your vulnerability to cyberattacks. It removes potential entry points into your network and minimizes the chances of unauthorized access to your network.

With the advent of IoT devices in homes and offices, hackers also developed more cunning ways to exploit them. Adopting the abovementioned security habits can prevent a variety of IoT attacks, but if you need to beef up your security, contact us today. We have robust security solutions to keep your hardware and systems safe.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

The post Protect your IoT devices with these tips appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

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Protect your IoT devices with these tips

The Internet of Things (IoT) creates new business opportunities. For instance, companies can use smart sensors to track and monitor inventory. However, hackers can still get their hands on IoT devices given the chance to breach your network. Here are some precautions you should take to protect your IoT devices.

The post Protect your IoT devices with these tips appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

26 Nov, 2018 / by Complete Technology Resources / in Hardware, Security category
Protect your IoT devices with these tips

The Internet of Things (IoT) creates new business opportunities. For instance, companies can use smart sensors to track and monitor inventory. However, hackers can still get their hands on IoT devices given the chance to breach your network. Here are some precautions you should take to protect your IoT devices.

Set passwords

Not many people know they can set passwords for IoT devices, making their gadgets easy to hack. You have to make sure to set new and strong passwords — preferably with a combination of upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Then, use a password manager to keep track of all your passwords.

Disable Universal Plug and Play (UPnP)

UPnP helps IoT gadgets discover and connect to other network devices. But this feature also serves as a gateway for hackers to infiltrate your devices and network. To prevent this, disable this feature.

Create a separate network

It’s a good idea to keep your IoT devices connected to their own network that’s separate from your main office network. This way, gadgets can connect to the internet but won’t have access to mission-critical files.

You can also invest in device access management tools. These allow you to control which devices can access what data, and prevent unauthorized access.

Update your firmware

You need to keep your software up to date if you want to secure your devices against cyberattacks. Manufacturers are always releasing new patches for the latest vulnerabilities, so make it a habit to check and install IoT firmware updates regularly.

If you have several devices, use patch management software to automate patch distribution and schedule regular updates.

Unplug it

Simply disconnecting your devices or turning them off when not in use can significantly reduce your vulnerability to cyberattacks. It removes potential entry points into your network and minimizes the chances of unauthorized access to your network.

With the advent of IoT devices in homes and offices, hackers also developed more cunning ways to exploit them. Adopting the abovementioned security habits can prevent a variety of IoT attacks, but if you need to beef up your security, contact us today. We have robust security solutions to keep your hardware and systems safe.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

The post Protect your IoT devices with these tips appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

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Cloud computing or virtualization?

Should you migrate to the cloud or virtualize your server? Both approaches have benefits, but figuring out which one is right for your organization is another story. If you’re having trouble deciding which technology is the best choice for the future of your business, this article will help you figure it out.

The post Cloud computing or virtualization? appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

20 Nov, 2018 / by Complete Technology Resources / in Hardware, Office 365, Security category
Cloud computing or virtualization?

Should you migrate to the cloud or virtualize your server? Both approaches have benefits, but figuring out which one is right for your organization is another story. If you’re having trouble deciding which technology is the best choice for the future of your business, this article will help you figure it out.

Differences between cloud computing and virtualization

Virtualization lets you reallocate hardware power using software. For example, many organizations virtualize an in-house server because if only 60% of a server’s computing power is needed to support the company email, it’s hard to make sure the other 40% is used efficiently.

With virtualization, you can create two virtual servers from one set of hardware. Each virtual server can be configured with just the right amount of memory and processing power for the needs of specific services such as email, data storage, and hosted telecommunications. Using IT more efficiently means you can put off buying new server hardware, save space in your office, and lower IT maintenance costs.

Cloud computing, on the other hand, is a method for delivering processing power. It allows you to access servers and other IT resources via the internet. For example, you could pay for access to a traditional cloud server (one set of hardware, one computer) or a virtualized cloud server. The main advantage of the cloud is that you can access your IT resources from anywhere with an internet connection.

Arguments for virtualization

A virtualization migration is relatively easy on end users since most of the upgrades are behind the scenes. Your employees may not even realize that your server has been virtualized. But adopting cloud technology means they will need to learn new apps, interfaces, logins, security practices, and a host of other new processes. Such a big change could hurt productivity.

Arguments for the cloud

If you’re willing to risk a short-term reduction in productivity in exchange for long-term independence from unpredictable hardware, cloud computing is a no-brainer. Other than a steep learning curve for your employees, the cloud is easier on your IT team and on your bottom line. Although some migrations, like moving from locally installed Office software to the cloud-based Office 365, won’t affect end users at all.

Which is the best choice for your business?

If you want to increase the efficiency of your existing IT hardware, make virtualization a top priority. If long-term growth and IT flexibility are more important, the steeper learning curve of cloud computing might be worth it.

One thing both technologies have in common is that they both need the unwavering support of trained professionals. Whether you’re virtualizing a server or upgrading to a cloud app, things like network security and data backups will need specialized care. Give us a call today to receive a special consultation.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Have you updated your firmware yet?

You can find firmware everywhere, from a tiny networked LED light bulb to the biggest data center. This code is powerful because it controls the device it’s installed on. If your firmware is outdated, it can be used to spy on your environment, steal or corrupt your data, or even damage the system it’s controlling.

The post Have you updated your firmware yet? appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

08 Nov, 2018 / by Complete Technology Resources / in Hardware category
Have you updated your firmware yet?

You can find firmware everywhere, from a tiny networked LED light bulb to the biggest data center. This code is powerful because it controls the device it’s installed on. If your firmware is outdated, it can be used to spy on your environment, steal or corrupt your data, or even damage the system it’s controlling.

What is firmware?

Firmware is a basic type of software that is embedded into every piece of hardware. It cannot be uninstalled or removed, and is only compatible with the make and model of the hardware it is installed on. Think of it like a translator between your stiff and unchanging hardware and your fluid and evolving software.

For example, Windows can be installed on almost any computer, and it helps users surf the internet and watch YouTube videos. But how does Windows know how to communicate and connect with your hardware router to do all that? Firmware on your router allows you to update and modify settings so other, higher-level pieces of software can interact with it.

Why is firmware security important?

Firmware installed on a router is a great example of why addressing this issue is so critical. When you buy a router and plug it in, it should be able to connect devices to your wireless network with almost zero input from you. However, leaving default settings such as the username and password for web browser access will leave you woefully exposed.

And the username and password example is just one of hundreds. More experienced hackers can exploit holes that even experienced users have no way of fixing. The only way to secure these hardware security gaps is with firmware updates from the device’s manufacturer.

How do I protect myself?

Firmware exploits are not rare occurrences. Not too long ago, a cybersecurity professional discovered that sending a 33-character text message to a router generated an SMS response that included the administrator username and password.

Unfortunately, every manufacturer has different procedures for checking and updating firmware. The best place to start is Googling “[manufacturer name] router firmware update.” For instance, if you have a DLink of Netgear router, typing “192.168.0.1” into a web browser will allow you to access its firmware and update process, assuming you have the username and password.

Remember that routers are just one example of how firmware affects your cybersecurity posture. Hard drives, motherboards, and even mice and keyboards need to be checked. Routinely checking all your devices for firmware updates should be combined with the same process you use to check for software updates.

It can be a tedious process, and we highly recommend hiring an IT provider to take care of it for you. If you’re curious about what else we can do to help, give us a call today!

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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