Info Advantage Blog

The public internet is vast, with over one billion websites already established, and more and more created every day. While being connected to the internet has its undeniable benefits, there is also a constant threat that puts our sensitive information at risk: hackers. These cyber criminals will do anything they can to try and steal your personal information, and once they have it, it can be difficult to recover. Luckily, there are a few simple methods every internet user can utilize to keep themselves safe from a hack attack.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication Where Available

Many popular sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Ebay are now embracing an extra layer of login security with their two-factor authentication methods. This process is activated when you try to login to your account using a device that isn’t recognized by the site. In order to confirm your identity, the user will get sent an authentication code through a verified contact point such as email or text message. This ensures that no un-recognized source can access your information unless they also had access to your second form of contact.

Secure a Site Using HTTPs

These days we don’t often type out the full website address we are looking for, as most browsers will automatically fill in the correct address or send you to a search engine to point you in the right direction. However, there is a hidden benefit to typing out an address, and it can be as easy as adding a single letter. When adding a ‘s’ to the end of http (hypertext transfer protocol,) the browser will encrypt any and all information sent between the server and the user. While many modern browsers add the ‘s’ to a site’s address on their own, you can ensure that you’ll always have a secure connection by downloading apps or programs that will automatically make the switch for you.

Keep Browsers and Devices Updated

Typically, updates are direct responses to issues or vulnerabilities that have been discovered on your program or device. Therefore, it is critically important that you always run trusted updates as quickly as possible. Outdated versions of browsers or mobile operating systems are often an easy entry-point for hackers, allowing them to exploit the known security holes. If you’re not sure whether or not you’re completely updated, many browsers and operating systems have a service that will automatically update as soon as new versions are released.

Worried about the safety of your sensitive data being sent over the public internet? Contact Info Advantage today at (585) 254-8710 to speak to a security professional about how you can strengthen your network security!

Since the 1950s, the term 'hacker' has been vaguely defined as someone who explores the limits of technology by testing them in as many different ways they can. But by the 1980s, the term ‘hacker’ became associated with users who were caught breaking into government and other private computer systems, leaving the word with a negative reputation. Today, several pioneering ‘hackers’ run multimillion-dollar cyber security consulting businesses aimed to help protect the average technology user from attacks. So what should you call someone who uses their knowledge for good?

“White hat” hackers

Also known as ‘ethical hackers’, or ‘network security specialists’, these hackers are the heroes of the hacker name. Whether it’s selling what they find to hardware and software vendors in “bug bounty” programs, or working as full-time technicians, white hat hackers are just interested in testing technology and protecting users. Linus Torvalds is a great example of a white hat hacker. After years of experimenting with the operating system on his computer, he finally released Linux, a secure open-source operating system.

“Black hat” hackers

Closer to the definition that most people outside the IT world know, black hat hackers aim to create software and other technology campaigns with the purpose of causing damage. These attacks have a variety of different goals; such as financial harm in the form of ransomware to digital vandalism. Albert Gonzalez is one of the most infamous black hat hackers. In 2005, he organized a group of individuals to compromise poorly secured wireless networks and steal information. He is most known for stealing over 90 million credit and debit card numbers from TJ Maxx over the course of two years.

“Gray hat” hackers

A sort of ‘in-between’ of the other categories, a ‘gray hat’ hacker does the majority of their work on the internet. This anonymity affords them opportunities to try their hand at both white hat and black hat hacking. Today, there are quite a few headlines making the rounds describing Marcus Hutchins as a gray hat hacker. Hutchins became an overnight superstar earlier this year when he poked and prodded the WannaCry ransomware until he found a way to stop it. During the day, Hutchins works for the Kryptos Logic cybersecurity firm, but the US government believes he spent his free time creating the Kronos banking malware. He has recently been arrested and was branded as a ‘gray hat’ hacker.

The world of cyber security is far more complicated than the stylized hacking often seen in Hollywood movies. Internet-based warfare is not as simple as good guys vs. bad guys, and it certainly doesn’t only aim for big money targets. If you need a team of experienced professionals to help you tackle the complexities of modern cyber security, call Info Advantage today at (585) 254 – 8710.

Malware is a term that stands for ‘malicious software,’ and are created by hackers in order to get access to things they normally should not be able to. There are thousands of different malware programs floating around the internet, waiting for someone to mistakenly download it to wreak havoc on your computers. With so many different types of malware, it can get a little difficult to recognize malicious programs before it’s too late. Here are a few of the most popular types of malware you’ll want to look out for, and how they work to steal your valuable assets.

Adware

Adware, short for advertising-supported software, is a special type of malware that is meant to deliver advertisements where they normally wouldn’t appear. These types of malware are often attached to ‘free’ software or applications, and are most often used as a way to generate revenue.

Bot

These programs are created to automatically a specific operation automatically, such as collecting information. Hackers can install bots onto a network or personal device for DDoS attacks, use them as a form of adware, hide them in sites to collect data, or even distribute other types of malware when downloaded.

Spyware

This kind of program is able to track anything a user does on their device, including anything they enter into their computer. This can include things such a passwords, personal information, or even credit card numbers. In addition, many spyware programs have other uses, such as the ability to modify security setting or interrupting internet connections.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that will lock a user out of their device or network until a transaction is completed. This is done either by encrypting the data stored on the device, or by shutting the system down entirely. Typically, these programs will ask a user to send hundreds of dollars in order to get their data back.

Rootkit

A rootkit is designed to remotely access a device or network without being detected by either the user or any security programs. These programs often activate during a time when the device is not being used, making it one of the hardest forms of malware to detect. Once inside, a rootkit can access files, change settings, steal information, or even hide other types of malware.

Trojan

One of the most well-known forms of malware, a Trojan malware disguise itself as a normal, safe file or program to try and trick users into downloading it. Once downloaded, the Trojan gives access to the affected user, allowing them to steal data, monitor activity, or install more malware.

Virus

Much like viruses in the human body, a computer virus is able to copy itself to other computers or systems, infecting them as they continue to spread. Typically, viruses attach to a program and will activate when the infected program is launched. However, they can also be spread by documents, script files, or any other file that is shared.

Worm

Worms are similar to a virus in that they can create copies of themselves to spread from device to device, infecting every one as it goes along. The major difference is that while a virus needs to be spread via a human or host program, a worm is able to self-replicate itself and spread on its own.

If you think your computer or network is infected with malware, your data can be at a severe risk. Contact Info Advantage today at (585) 254-8710 to speak to a technology professional about how you can fight back against malicious programs!