Network Vulnerability Assessment: A Guide

Network vulnerability assessment is a scanning procedure that analyzes the networks on various devices and computers for security vulnerabilities. The inspection exposes security issues in the networks that hackers can exploit, thereby preventing sensitive data breaches.

Moreover, ongoing network vulnerability assessments are used to identify defects in an organization’s network prior to security breaches.

The Need for Vulnerability Assessments

The main goal for network vulnerability assessments is to highlight weaknesses in network infrastructures. This way, organizations get a clear understanding of their network environment as well as the security defects in it.

Therefore, through network vulnerability assessments organizations can assess if they’re able to meet the standards of security, for example, in the banking industry to carry out business operations; or in the healthcare sector, to handle the patient’s data responsibly.

Methods to Conduct Network Vulnerability Assessments

Your organization can choose one of these methods to conduct a vulnerability assessment:

The Black Box Method

A security team acts like a real hacker while performing the black box method of vulnerability assessment. The team will find various methods to breach the organization’s network in order to get useful information. The only things visible to them are the public IP addresses, systems in demilitarized zones and a firewall’s external interface. The security team doesn’t have any access to any administrator privileges or other databases.

The White Box Method

A cybersecurity team performing the white box method has the privileges of other network authorized users. Therefore, they’re able to view the network with all its databases, file servers, etc. moreover, the security team has access to the various servers that operate inside the network. This way, they don’t just asses the network for security defects, but they also assess the security of the devices placed in the network.

The Gray Box Method

This method involves steps of both the approaches mentioned above but is more similar to the black box method of network vulnerability assessment. Security teams choose this method of network assessment when they have partial information regarding a network, such as its login details, but don’t have access to substantial information.

Steps Involved In Network Vulnerability Assessment

These are the steps involved in assessing your network’s security:

Step # 1

The first step is to understand how your business operates, whether it relies on the collaboration between different business units that take care of issues like regulatory compliance and customer privacy, etc.

Step # 2

Identifying which applications are used frequently during business procedures and which are sensitive to privacy breaches.

Step # 3

Identify the data sources, such as a cloud-based network, that may be an easy security breach target.

Step # 4

Keep track of all the network protection software that’s running in your system.

Step # 5

Run a network vulnerability assessment to identify security vulnerabilities in your system.

Are you looking for network vulnerability assessment for your organization? Get in touch with Lean Security!

Our experts can assess the technical vulnerabilities of your business to identify what might be affecting it negatively, and check if your current security system is up to date. You can call us at +61 (2) 8078 6952 for more information.

5 Common Types Of Malware

Malware is an abbreviation for malicious software. It’s used by cyber criminals to compromise the security of computer systems. Malware enables intruders to gain access to organizational controls and steal confidential data. It can harm the host computer and lead to losses in millions.

Cyber crimes have become more common in the recent years. According to a survey conducted by Norton, in the year 2017, a total of 516,380 Australian small businesses fell prey to different acts of cyber crimes.

To protect your business from cyber threats, it’s important that you know what to look out for.

Here are some common malware that can cause harm to your system.

1. Virus

A virus is a type of malware that attaches itself to a program and spreads other files when a user launches the infected program. A cyber criminal can use a virus to steal private information and harm a company’s computer network. Once a system is infected by a virus, it becomes very hard to get rid of it. Often time, the affected file needs to be deleted to remove the virus; this can result in a loss of important information.

2. Adware

Also known as advertising-supported software, adware is a type of malware that causes unwanted advertisements to pop-up on a computer. Most of the times, adware is sponsored by advertisers. However, there’s a chance of them being paired up with spyware, which is used to steal confidential data.

3. Trojan Horse

A Trojan disguises itself as a legitimate program to trick the user into downloading it on their system. A hacker can access a Trojan infected computer and steal valuable information. Moreover, the attacker can also monitor user activity, install additional malware and alter the files on the computer.

4. Bot

Bots are programmed to perform certain functional automatically. Most of the times, bots are created to perform in video games etc, but they can also used to carry out cyber crimes. They are disguised as popular search items. A computer system infected by a bot can be controlled by third parties very easily.

5. Ransomware

This type of malware holds a system captive and demands a ransom from the user. It blocks users from accessing programs unless they have paid the demanded amount to the virus creator via an online payment method.

The fastest and easiest way to remove malware from your system is by contacting a security testing service provider. If you’re looking for one for your business, then get in touch with Lean Security!

Our team of experts is well equipped in detecting and mitigating malware on websites and networks. You can contact us here for more information.

Ways To Keep Your Business Information Secure

While ecommerce and other opportunities within the digital environment have been on the rise, cyber threats have been evolving at the same rate.

Think of it as the downside of mechanizing business prospects to suit the tech-savvy customers. In order to survive such setbacks, it’s important to secure your business before a cyber attack gets the better of it.

From identity theft to loss of official data, cyber threats can wreck a flourishing business. Therefore it’s crucial to secure your business before you smell trouble. Here are a few suggestions on how to do it.

Back Up Data

This should go without saying: if you have tons of important official files and company information stored on your PC, back it up to avoid losing it all. These files can be anything from past financial records to business plans or even minutes from an important meeting.

Unless you have a back up for all your stored data, you can lose all your files without a retrievable trace. This can be a major setback for your business because it takes time to redraft some of the documents and find alternatives for others.

Cloud storage has rapidly gained traction in the global business environment. It’s cost-effective, easy and secure.

Once you’re in the habit of backing up, make sure you don’t leave more than a day’s data pending for back-up.

Tighten The Security On Your Computer And Other Devices

Computers and other electronic devices like tablets, phones, and laptops can be infected with malwares. These are small software viruses that are often used to breach security systems and steal data. They’re also often the cause behind identity thefts. Several symptoms like slowing down of computers, their inability to shut down and random web pages opening automatically are signs of a malware infection.

It’s important to install proper security softwares on all electronic devices to prevent infection. Make sure the software has anti-spy ware, anti-spam and anti-virus properties which update automatically. A good software will contain upgrades based on past cyber attacks and will install them when needed.

Monitor Computer Equipment Used At Work 

It’s important to keep all computer equipment secure to prevent unauthorized users from accessing sensitive data. This can only be made possible by having a strong security network across all devices and frequent upgrades to prevent attempts at hacking.

Viruses often travel from portable storage devices like USBs and hard drives. Employees working from home and using such portable devices can jeopardize the security of the business system.

Discarding such equipment is best for the business because it minimizes the possibilities of risk. Also, make sure to erase all traces of confidential data before getting rid of hardware storage.

Looking for ways to secure your business from cyber threats?

Lean Security offers cyber security and other IT solutions to businesses. We’re the only company which laterally communicates with all our customers and responds to their security needs.

Our focus is on keeping your web applications smoothly running without any technical difficulties or cyber threats.  From mobile application penetration test to web vulnerability scanning , to website security testing and mobile app security, we offer a one-stop solution cyber security. If you need our help, get in touch here.

Why Network Security Is Important For Your Business (Infographic)

In the world of technology, every business whether small or big relies on the World Wide Web and computer networks today. The profits and growth in online businesses also mean a rise in cyber crimes. That’s why network vulnerability assessment should be performed in order to keep online business belong to any niche safe and secure.

Read more about why network security is important for your business.

4 Types Of Cyber Security Threats

516,380 small Australian businesses fell prey to cyber attacks in 2017. Out of every 4 companies, one suffers a downtime of 25 hours or more due to breach of security. Such cyber security threats are costing $1 billion worth of losses to the economy every year!

These statistics are enough to show the frequency of cyber threat operations happening all over Australia and the magnitude of damage caused by them. Despite this, many players in the business community are unaware of the ways and forms in which cyber threats can appear and harm their systems undetected.

Companies are in grave need of learning and tutoring their employees about the types of cyber threats so that they can be detected in real time and resolved ASAP.

Here are 4 types of cyber threats that you must know.

Malware

As the term suggests, it refers to any kind of malicious software that breaches the security network of a system. It can exist in the form of spywares, viruses, ransomware or even worms. The onset of a malware begins when a user unknowingly clicks a link or opens an email attachment that installs dangerous software on the computer.

Once there, a ransomware can disrupt access to key parts of the system network. It can also install more malware to harm the system. Or it could operate as a spyware and send out sensitive information from the hard drive to a remote destination.

Phishing

Ever came across unexpected mails or messages from a reliable source which doesn’t seem like the usual business? That is a case of phishing.

This cyber threat enables fraudulent communication to send automatically from credible businesses to consumers. The purpose is to steal personal information like identity credentials or credit card details. It’s a very common form of cyber crime which can also install malwares in the victim’s system.

Man-in-the-middle Attack (MitM)

MitM are also called eavesdropping cyber threats that happen when an unauthorized person becomes part of a private transaction between two parties. Once privy to the exchange of information discussed between both parties, the hackers can steal important data.

Hackers can insert themselves between a user’s device and the Wi-Fi network they’re using. Unknowingly the user will release information that can be used by the cyber criminal. The same practice can also be done through a malware which when installed, can eavesdrop on private data.

SQL Injection

A Structured Query Language (SQL) injection is a cyber threat which happens when a perpetrator accesses confidential information by inserting a code into the server. The server is forced to spill information that it otherwise wouldn’t. An SQL injection can be inserted as easily as inputting the code in the search bar.

Want to protect your network system against such cyber threats? You’ve come to the right place!

Lean Security manages security needs of businesses and offers various IT solutions to enterprises. We’re the only professionals who communicate laterally with customers and answer all their security needs.

Our focus is to keep your web applications running without needing to worry about any risks.  From web application penetration, to website security testing and mobile app security, we’ll handle everything cyber for you. If you need us, contact here.