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Cyber Authentication for Windows

  As small businesses and enterprises find their closets and server rooms filling up with Windows and Linux servers, a crucial concern has surfaced: how to handle multiple logon accounts for users. Small businesses or departments that have just a few servers rarely encounter this problem. After all, it takes a systems administrator only a minute or two to reset the passwords on a few accounts spread across two or three servers. As the number of servers increases, however, this chore becomes a growing burden for systems administrators and a hassle for users. When businesses approach vendors for a fix to this problem, vendors typically offer a single sign-on (SSO) solution. (For a detailed explanation of SSO and centralized authentication, see the sidebar "SSO vs. Centralized Authentication.") Unfortunately, implementing SSO can be difficult and expensive. An alternative solution within a heterogeneous network—a solution that works well in many environments—is to centralize use

Basic Operating Features of cybersecurity

  A network operating system is a software application that provides a platform for both the functionality of an individual computer and for multiple computers within an interconnected network. Basically, a network operating system controls other software and computer hardware to run applications, share resources, protect data and establish communication. Individual computers run client operating systems, while network systems create the software infrastructure for wireless, local and wide area networks to function. Basic Operating Features Network operating systems support the basic underlying operating features of networks. These include support for processors and the various protocols that allow computers to share data. Many network operating systems can detect hardware within the system to allow for asset discovery within the network. Also, network operating systems support the processing of other software applications that run on both individual computers and within the network. S

MSPs safeguard wireless networks

In the past, wired networks were considered to be far more secure than wireless networks. Today, however, wireless networks are as secure as wired networks, so long as they are properly configured. According to TechTarget, "When comparing wireless vs. wired security, securing a wireless network is even more important than securing a wired network for one simple reason: Accessing a wireless network does not require physical access to a network jack or cable, as does accessing a wired network. Wireless networks use radio transmissions to carry data between end users and the network and it is difficult to contain those radio waves. Therefore, it’s possible for someone to sit in your office building's lobby or parking lot and eavesdrop on wireless network communications." How can MSPs safeguard wireless networks against unauthorized access? There are several tools that MSPs and IT administrators can use to protect the wireless networks they manage, including: Encryption. Encr

Effective Risk management in cyber security

  Effective information security program management should achieve the outcomes defined in ISG. The necessary goals must be defined in specific, objective and measurable terms. Appropriate metrics should also be put in place to measure whether or not the goals were achieved. If not, it should be known by how much the objectives were missed, and discussion done to improve on performance. Candidates should focus on the following six outcomes, and they should be considered as the basis for developing the objectives of an effective information security program: Strategic alignment: The emphasis here is on organizational information risk, selection of appropriate control objectives and standards, agreement on acceptable risk and risk tolerance and definitions of financial, operational and other constraints. Risk management: Candidates must show a comprehensive understanding of threats the organization faces, its vulnerabilities and risk profile. Candidates must know how to evaluate the pote

what are the steps in Wireless Security

  When it comes to having a wireless network at your home or business, having wireless security is essential. Having good wireless security can make your wireless network less susceptible to hackers and can make connecting to the network difficult for those who you do not want to have access. Regardless of your wireless router, configuring wireless security on your router merely requires going to the correct section of the administration control panel. Step 1 Type your router's administration control panel address into Internet Explorer. For Linksys/Cisco routers, the address is 192.168.1.1. For D-Link and Netgear routers, the address is either 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. For other routers the address may be 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.2.1. If none of these work for you, consult your router's user manual. Step 2 Type in your user name and password for the administration control panel of your router, and click "OK." For Linksys/Cisco routers, the default user n

Examples of Ransomware

  Ransomware is malicious software that infects your computer and displays messages demanding a fee to be paid in order for your system to work again. This class of malware is a criminal moneymaking scheme that can be installed through deceptive links in an email message, instant message or website. It has the ability to lock a computer screen or encrypt important, predetermined files with a password. Examples of Ransomware Scareware is the simplest type of ransomware. It uses scare tactics or intimidation to trick victims into paying up. It can come in the form of fake antivirus software in which a message suddenly appears claiming your computer has various issues and an online payment is necessary to fix them! The level of this type of attack varies. Sometimes, users may be bombarded with endless alerts and pop-up messages. Other times, the computer will fail to work at all. Yet, another type of ransomware can impersonate a law enforcement agency by opening up a page that appears to

Security Program Management

  Effective information security program management should achieve the outcomes defined in ISG. The necessary goals must be defined in specific, objective and measurable terms. Appropriate metrics should also be put in place to measure whether or not the goals were achieved. If not, it should be known by how much the objectives were missed, and discussion done to improve on performance. Candidates should focus on the following six outcomes, and they should be considered as the basis for developing the objectives of an effective information security program: Strategic alignment: The emphasis here is on organizational information risk, selection of appropriate control objectives and standards, agreement on acceptable risk and risk tolerance and definitions of financial, operational and other constraints. Risk management: Candidates must show a comprehensive understanding of threats the organization faces, its vulnerabilities and risk profile. Candidates must know how to evaluate the pote