Cyber Security

ecommerce

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10 eCommerce Security Solutions to Protect Your Website

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With the business scape majorly shifting from the traditional brick and mortar stores to online business models, eCommerce security has become a significant force to reckon with in recent years. Criminals are always known to follow the money bag and now that most people transact their businesses online, so do these opportunistic, malicious actors.

Most eCommerce entrepreneurs have fallen victim to cyberattacks by assuming that there wouldn’t be many hackers pursuing their sites since they are just startups. However, as many have learnt, this notion is wrong. From recent cyberattack trends, it’s now more evident that security breaches do not necessarily target large businesses.

Unsuspecting small business owners seem to fall to the sword more often, and when that happens, most of them don’t live to fight another day. Therefore, it is paramount for every business owner, large, medium, or small, to embrace eCommerce security tips to avoid becoming one of the stories making headlines regarding security breaches. This article will shed light on best practices to protect your website from attackers.

Before embarking on protective measures for a secure eCommerce website, it’s important to highlight common threats that face an online business. Some of them have to do with hardware and software problems, while others are due to human error. Prevention is better than cure, and so you need to be well guarded against any possible threat.

Some threats that face eCommerce websites

  1. Malware

This is a collection of viruses, worms, spyware, ransomware, Trojan horses, and so on that you can download unsuspectingly into your website or computer. Such threats will manipulate site processes from the background and even do things like copying and wiping all your data. Ransomware holds your site hostage such that you must pay a ransom to recover data.

  1. DDoS attacks

Known as distributed denial of service attacks, these threats involve malicious bots that send traffic from thousands or even tens of thousands of independent units with the sole aim of overwhelming your server. When successful, they can take your site down, and visitors will not access it, meaning you lose income.

  1. Phishing

This is a tricky trap where malicious actors purport to be your business and send your customers emails, usually containing a tempting call to action. Such emails will contain links where if clicked, a user will be led to a fake website that looks identical to yours, and they will be required to enter their login info and sensitive details like credit card data.

  1. Brute-force attacks

These attacks target users and administrators with weak passwords. A hacker uses a computer program to guess your password combination, and if you have used something easy-to-guess like 1234, they will crack it and access your details in no time.

Now that we have addressed several threats that may target your eCommerce store let’s look at the best preventative measures to implement and be on the safe side.

Top eCommerce security tips for your website

  1. Consistent eCommerce Security Software Updates

When you join an eCommerce platform from where to create your site and build your business, you effectively become part of a community supposed to offer you the necessary tools to succeed and protect you from threats. One way they do this is by updating their software regularly to fix bugs and vulnerabilities. It’s essential to set up automatic updates to install patches right after release to avoid attacks.

  1. CVV Verification

An eCommerce store is going to be processing a lot of credit card transactions. As such, it may not be easy to differentiate whether a transaction is legitimate or fraudulent unless you set up measures like CVV verification. CVV stands for card verification value that is a 3 or 4 digit number at the back of a credit or debit card. This way, even if a hacker were to access credit card numbers, it would be hard for them to know the CVV.

  1. Switch to HTTPS Protocols

HTTPS is the new normal when it comes to website security. Gone are the days of HTTP. For this switch to happen, you need to install SSL certificate from CheapSSLShop on your website. This actively encrypts all communication between a web server and a client browser, meaning that sensitive details cannot be intercepted in the middle. Failure to do so makes browsers mark your site as Not Secure.

  1. Address Verification System

Another way to keep malicious actors at bay is by having an address verification system in place that checks whether the address provided by the credit card owner to the issuer is the same that the shopper provides. Any discrepancies may indicate fraudulent activity.

  1. Secure Admin Panels and Servers

As a site administrator, you need to be very careful about the username and password you use and store them to avoid any breaches. Once your store goes live, be sure to change the default username and password to more complex ones.

  1. Use Firewalls

Firewalls come in handy in filtering malicious traffic and keeping it at bay. For instance, in the case of an attempted DDoS attack, an active firewall will detect the unhealthy traffic and quarantine it to ensure an eCommerce security for website.

  1. Payment Gateway Security

One of the most critical sections of your eCommerce store is the payment gateway because this is how you get paid and achieve your goals. Due to the risky nature of financial transactions, you should limit liability as much as possible by using third-party payment processors such as PayPal and Stripe. This way, you won’t need to store credit card data on your servers.

  1. Back-Up Data Frequently

It’s wise to be always prepared for any eventuality as an eCommerce entrepreneur. You might fall victim to a ransomware attack someday where all your data gets locked, and you have to pay to access it. To avoid such cases, always back-up your data. You can set automatic back-ups daily to be on the safe side.

  1. Train Your Staff Better

Although hackers are smart and always looking for ways to outwit you and gain a backdoor to your website, it’s important to note that most cyberattacks happen due to human error. Therefore, it would help if you equipped your staff with necessary tips like the importance of strong passwords and how to detect phishing.

  1. Educate your customers on safe practices

Your customer is the lifeline of your business. As such, you need to equip them with all the necessary tools to streamline their operations and ensure that they have a great user experience. Teach them how to set up strong passwords and extra layers of security like two-factor authentication. Also, enlighten them on prevalent threats like phishing.

Conclusion

With online operations even set to go higher in the coming years, eCommerce Security is bound to remain a sensitive topic for a long time. As technology keeps evolving, malicious actors get smarter, too, so you should not relent in your efforts to protect your website.

Email Security

Ways To Improve Email Security

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Do you know that more than 90 per cent of cyber attacks on businesses and organizations start with a malicious or phishing email? As a result, businesses relying only on built-in security measures are at a higher risk of cyberattacks. This is why businesses should focus more on their email security.

Unfortunately, several businesses fail to understand the significance of email security until they become victims of a cyberattack. This is why businesses need to understand why email security is important. If you want to prevent cyberattacks through email, then you should adopt a few security measures.

Understanding the Importance of Email Security

As mentioned earlier, cyber-attacks often target businesses through email and other channels. For instance, phishing emails may trick internet users into sharing sensitive information, download malware that can infect their device or network, and approve fake invoices.

If a hacker or cybercriminal has compromised your email account, then the attacker will be able to send phishing emails to all your contacts posing as you. Most of your contacts who trust you will surely open your email, allowing the user to gain control of their email accounts.

Most cybersecurity threats that compromise the email accounts of an organization or internet users can be prevented through basic security measures. To ensure better email security, businesses must know about common email security threats.

Phishing Attacks

It might come as a huge surprise to several businesses when they hear that the number of fake emails sent out in a day as part of phishing scams is estimated to be around 3.4 billion.

 It is also important to note phishing attacks have become increasingly sophisticated over the last few years. This means that cybercriminals have got better at tricking businesses and users.

Spear Phishing Attacks

This is a certain type of highly customized phishing attack, which targets a specific organization or individual. Spear phishing attacks often mimic the style and tone of the official communications of an organization.

In addition, these attacks may use the logo and letterhead of an organization to make the email look authentic. Spear phishing attacks are very dangerous, as they are capable of tricking knowledgeable and experienced individuals too.

Other Email Security Threats

Some cyber attackers may hijack email accounts simply by guessing the passwords. As a result, users and organizations who use easy-to-guess and weak passwords are at a greater risk of cyberattacks.

Most phishing attacks contain attachments or links, which are often primed with malware. Users who download such attachments or click links will most likely become a victim of cyberattacks.

Fortunately, there are several simple but effective steps that both organizations and individuals can take to increase email security. Here are a few tips on how you can improve email security.

Set Strong Password

Most employees and business owners are well aware of the fact that they should use strong passwords. Still, several employees continue to opt for easy-to-guess and weak passwords. An analysis conducted by the National Cyber Security Centre revealed several accounts that used the widely common password “123456” suffered breaches.

This makes it clear that accounts with weak passwords are most likely to get hacked. As a result, business owners should use strong passwords and advise employees to use strong passwords with a minimum of eight characters. You could also offer password management tools to employees to better track passwords and create new ones.

Email Authentication

DMARC, SPF, and other email authentication technologies offer an additional layer of protection by helping businesses prevent email spoofing. For example, SPF (Sender Policy Framework) does an excellent job of restricting who will send emails from business domains.

On the other hand, DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) offers direction to recipient organizations on what they should do when a message has not been properly authenticated. This allows businesses to decide whether they should quarantine or reject the email.

Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication, which is also called two-factor authentication, is another excellent security measure that can ensure higher email security. This security process requests users to share two different authentication factors (password and a unique passcode created by a mobile app).

If a hacker or cyber attacker manages to obtain your password, then he or she won’t be able to gain access to your account if you have enabled two-factor authentication. This is because the hacker will not get the unique passcode, which will be generated by the mobile application. 

In simple words, two-factor authentication is a type of security control or measure that considerably reduces the chances of your account being compromised when your username or password is stolen.

Use Transport Layer Security (TLS) or Secure Socket Layer (SSL)

If you are using an SSL or TLS certificate on your websites, then it will guarantee that the emails sent between your device and your SMTP service are secure. However, you will need to ensure that your SMTP service is capable of encrypting emails properly by installing an SSL certificate.

Using an SSL certificate allows you to make sure that the email sent between the mail server of the recipient and your SMTP service will be encrypted. This means that the mail server of the recipient should be able to support TLS or SSL.

Remove Phishing and SPAM emails

Businesses will be able to cut down the number of phishing and spam emails that they are receiving by using DKIM ( Domain Keys identified Mail). DKIM can be defined as an email authentication technique that allows email recipients to verify that the message they have received has not been tampered with by anyone.

Email recipients will be also able to ensure that the email is coming exactly from the domain it claims to be. Businesses that are implementing the DKIM standard will be able to boost email deliverability.

Final Thoughts

It is unfortunate that several businesses still tend to overlook email security and do not take it seriously. However, if you want to ensure the safety of confidential data and stay away from cyberattacks, you need to ensure you have the right email security measures in place.

If you do not know where to get started, then you can start by following the email security measures listed above. They will not cost you a considerable amount of time or money, but they will still guarantee higher email security.

Cybersecurity tools

8 New Cybersecurity Tools in 2021

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Ecommerce has ushered in a new system of doing business with a shift to online transactions. Companies operate websites that carry vast volumes of sensitive data crucial to their survival that is continuously at risk of attack from cybercriminals.

Individuals are equally at risk, and there is a need for cybersecurity innovations to mitigate this challenge. Businesses and individuals should evaluate their needs and consider any of the eight new cybersecurity tools in 2021 featured here.

SiteLock

SiteLock is one of the best and affordable cybersecurity tools ideal for SMBs running websites. Websites are today’s marketplaces in the strongly emerging eCommerce environment, with nearly all business transactions happening online. Protecting these sites against cyber-attacks and other vulnerabilities that include distributed denial-of-service (DDOs) is mandatory.

SiteLock is excellent for comprehensive website protection and allows safe use of the internet in company operations without risks. Its PCI and DSS compliance scan product is not only fast and efficient but also meets industry requirements besides providing hosting security for end-users. One can also join Cyber Security training to become a cyber security expert.

SolarWinds Security Event Manager

SolarWinds Security Event Manager is cloud-based security information and event management tool highly rated for businesses. It provides an intelligent framework that identifies threats while undertaking forensic analysis for actionable insights. The software’s integrated audit-ready feature simplifies compliance reporting and comes with templates for easy demonstration.

SolarWinds tool protects against host intrusion with detection capabilities for cyber threats to on-premises networks. Its SEM file integrity checker enhances internal security by allowing the tracking of any changes made to files and folders.

Bitdefender Total Security

Bitdefender Total Security is consider the best in cybersecurity tools against malware threats across all devices one may operate. Its other outstanding feature is the low impact on performance that allows for optimum speeds when in operation. It comes with multi-layer protection for files against ransomware attacks.

Bitdefender provides a secure VPN for comprehensive internet privacy alongside advanced parental controls for the safety of kids online. It has superior threat detection and technologies to block sophisticated malware and zero-day attacks.

Intruder

Intruder is a cloud-based vulnerability scanner that is excellent for preempting cyber threats. It provides multiple system scans on-demand to identify cybersecurity weaknesses that could compromise valuable data. The scanner can detect over 9,000 known security vulnerabilities while providing timely threat notifications.

Intruder scans content management platforms, missing security patches, default credentials, encryption integrity, and application bugs. It allows for early intervention and strengthening of system security against possible cyber-attacks professional writer service say.

Mimecast

Mimecast is primarily a cloud-based email security tool that is ideal for cyber resilience as well. It comes with additional features that include web security, information protection, and cloud archiving besides many others. It is perfect for both email and URL security besides its smart spam detection and blocking features.

Mimecast protects against user-generated malware and malicious online activities by blocking suspicious sites from access. Mimecast protects against data loss, impersonation, spear-phishing, and ransomware through emails.

Snort

Snort is a cyber-security tool that operates on an open-source platform that makes it a preferred choice for small businesses. It acts as a second-tier defense against system attacks as it stands behind the existing firewall. The tool works well with Windows platform, Fedora, FreeBSD, and Centos to analyze web traffic against system rules to preempt threats.

Snort can manage network packets and produce real-time analysis for actionable insights. Besides watching packet loggings, it can also stream data on screen for faster access.

Webroot

Webroot is a versatile cloud-based cybersecurity tool compatible with computers and mobile devices since it supports Windows, iOS, Mac, and Android platforms. It is better than other cybersecurity tools as it protects businesses, home-based offices, and home use against cyber threats. Its intelligent threat detection ensures that the system preempts possible attacks before they happen.

Besides many excellent features for multiple applications, Webroot also offers training in security awareness to businesses. Businesses get superior endpoint and DNS protection with real-time threat intelligence.

Norton Security

Norton Security has multiple options that include the Norton 360 with LifeLock Select, an all in one solution against cyber threats. Its LifeLock identity alert system is a  lifesaver against identity theft as it sends alerts any time your social security number, name, date of birth, or address appears in any transaction. It provides a secure no-log VPN and superior encryption to manage your passwords and other sensitive information.

Norton provides real-time threat protection and offers excellent parental control features to monitor kids’ safety while online. You also get a reimbursement package if you lose funds through an online breach told buy essay online.

Conclusion

With the increasing migration of business transactions to digital platforms comes the threat of cyber-crimes. Businesses and individuals must consider the safety of their data and systems against attacks to prevent costly breaches. There are many cybersecurity options and tools available in the market for effective protection.

Cyber security Courses

Top 5 Cyber security Courses and Certifications

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There are many cyber security course available on the internet, which will train you to become a skilled white hat hacker. In this fast-paced world, upgrading your existing skills is a crucial step towards achieving a lucrative career. 

As more vital data is available on the internet unprotected, this information is always a chance to be lost to malicious hackers as cyber-attacks become more widespread. These cyber-attacks occur when black hat hackers find flaws in the sites, and retrieve data and destroy a company’s reputation. 

Cybersecurity courses across the world are provided under three main categories. Let’s break down all 3 in further detail. 

Cyber security Courses

Types of Cyber security Courses

  • Fresher

This level is for undergraduates who aspire to have a career in cybersecurity. These courses are especially suggested for those students who have an excellent preference for complex predictions, formulae and computing.

  • Professional

Certified IT experts who are looking for a career change should opt for a professional cyber security courses. These programs are custom-made for people who have existing experience working at IT departments of banks, companies and the government.

  • Informal

These cyber security courses are very beneficial for younger students, homemakers or senior citizens interested in the basics of cyber security. Such courses aim at training people to protect themselves and their family from cyber security thefts.

The most famous cyber security courses that are available on the internet are:

  • Certified Ethical Hacker
  • CompTIA Security+
  • Certified Information System Security Professional 
  • Certified Information Security Manager 
  • Certified Information Systems Auditor 
  • NIST Cyber security Framework 
  • Certified Cloud Security Professional 
  • Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator
  • Cisco Certified Network Associate Security

Now we will talk about the best cyber security online courses that provide white hat hackers who’ll work for the company’s betterment:

  1. Certified Ethical Hacker 

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) exam, prepares you to think just like a black hat hacker, which is an essential step in stopping such malicious activities. This cyber security courses train you on the same techniques that criminals use, and you’ll be one step closer to becoming a Certified Ethical Hacker. 

For the CEH exam, there are no definite eligibility criteria, but it is often considered that a basic knowledge of TCP/IP is needed.

  • CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ course teaches the students the necessary skills needed to install and manage systems to safeguard networks, applications, and devices. Students are also required to learn how to perform threat analysis and counter with the correct anti-theft techniques, and may even participate in risk reduction activities. 

Although it’s a cybersecurity course that teaches the basics of technologies, it is one of the most sought-after certifications worldwide. 

  • Certified Information System Security Professional

If you’re aspiring to be in the field of network security, the CISSP is an EC Council certified course for cybersecurity. This certification is considered a base requirement for many companies. 

The certification helps gain expertise in defining the architecture of the design and maintenance of the website to secure your organisation’s business environment.

  • Certified Information Security Manager

Similarly to the CISSP program, the cybersecurity course eligibility for becoming a CISM expert requires at least five years of expert experience in network professionals, with an additional three years of an information security manager background. If you are working in cybersecurity and are aspiring to take your career to the next level, this certification is the perfect choice for you.

  • Certified Information Systems Auditor 

The CISA certification focuses on unravelling information via analysis. With this certification, future employers know that you are an expert in information technology and have enough experience in the audit domain. It is the first step in recognizing any potential security issues and knowing how to tackle them.

There are many topics taught in cybersecurity. The critical cyber security courses syllabus, which is common in top certifications are:

  • Introduction to Cybersecurity
  • Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities and Cybersecurity Safeguards
  • Securing Web Application, Services and Servers
  • Intrusion Detection and Prevention
  • Cryptography and Network Security
  • Cyberspace and the Law

Conclusion

In addition to these certifications, there are many other certifications available on the internet. Koenig Solutions provides EC Council certified cybersecurity courses. It boasts about their world-renowned instructors who individually assess each of their enrolled students.

IT services in Singapore

Briefly overview of IT services

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The IT services include a wide range of organizations, offering a varied selection of products and services. From computer system operating systems and workplace performance solutions to details security as well as accounting services and cyber security and technical services, they have got you all covered.

They motivate the business to serve the network promptly at an everyday pace. It becomes far less costly for services in time because it dissuades significant obstacles from occurring in the first place.

The Installation Services:

An organization needs to care for numerous tasks to finish, not to forget their routine operations too. It is challenging for them to browse for brand-new approaches and developments because of a loaded schedule.

So to conquer such issues, the IT services in Singapore offer you the most recent setup centers, in addition to the abilities and proficiency of qualified staff to help you to incorporate brand-new technology quickly and efficiently.

Cyber Security:

In addition to helping the management of the client’s IT programs, the IT provider likewise makes it easy to find and carry out the upcoming IT jobs. They likewise allow you to save production and upkeep costs by continuing to ensure that you please each of your requirements.

cyber security

Information Storage and Recovery:

A database is a tool that a company uses to track and see its records over time. It includes items like the business’s and the client’s data, profits, and monetary management. Database administration includes the plan of this information to ensure conformity, security, and effectiveness of data-driven apps.

What does an IT company finish with the network’s facilities?

The crucial goal of the IT service market/ providers is to keep the system safe from possible attacks and hazards. This is generally accomplished by deploying and keeping firewalls to prevent unwanted traffic from accessing the business.

They likewise track the network to identify and respond to suspicious traffic and attacks. All the businesses that have remote access, payment services, and other distinct types of the network often get themselves kept track of all the time by an IT company.

Technical Support:

Technical support is significantly less requiring as compared to other types of IT services. Nevertheless, it is considered as the foundation of the whole IT operations as they serve as a helpline for all sorts of technical difficulties.

The best aspect of it is that it can either be done onsite or offsite, completely depends upon the outsourcing IT firm. Remarkably you can find such IT services in Singapore and all other countries that have now updated themselves.

Do they offer cloud-based services?

Cloud-based alternatives are established for all sizes and types of business. Cloud-based centers are IT services run from remote areas. Cloud service providers license their resources, applications, and software application applications to clients.

They are likewise responsible for the management of both the centers and the services. Cloud platforms remove the need for organizations to supply a lot of physical space. It even eases companies from expensive servicing of centers.

Furthermore, the customers can pick and charge for particular centers. And, they can have the full package, including software applications and innovation platforms. Numerous cloud-based systems are also versatile, and after that, you can update or upgrade when required.

Conclusion:

We have gone over a comprehensive glance at all types of IT services that can help the business company broaden and succeed. Whereas in today’s world, the IT market plays a vital role in our daily operations because businesses nowadays are under tremendous stress to prosper in their critical jobs along within their IT operations. We hope that you agree with our viewpoint. Do not hesitate to share your opinions with us to assist us to boost our understanding.

Social Engineering

What is Social Engineering? – Exclusive Explanation

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Social engineering is a non-technical way for a criminal to collect information on a target. It is an art of gaining entrée to buildings, systems or data by exploiting human psychology, instead of breaking in or using technical hacking techniques.

For example, instead of trying to find software vulnerability, a social engineer might call an employee and act as an IT support person, trying to dodge the employee into exposing his password.  A social engineer usually manipulating people into breaking normal security rules and best practices to gain access to systems, networks or physical locations, or for financial gain.

Social engineers often use the willingness of the Peoples but also victimize people on their weaknesses. For example, an attacker calls to authorize an employee with an urgent problem that requires immediate network access. The attacker can request to the employee’s pride, raise authority using name-dropping techniques. These are some types of social engineering attacks:

Type of Social Engineering

Pretexting

When an attacker calls someone and lies to them in trying to gain access to confidential data. For example, involves an attacker who pretends to get personal or financial data to confirm the identity of the recipient.

Quid pro quo

When a social engineer requests personal information from a party in exchange for something is Quid pro quo. For example, a hacker calls random numbers within an organization and pretends to be calling back from tech support. Ultimately, the attacker will find someone with a real issue who they will then pretend to help. Through this, the attacker finds the target, target information, and password.

Baiting

When an attacker leaves a device infected with malware, For example, a USB drive. Then someone finds the USB, finder then picks up the device and loads it onto a computer, accidentally installing the malware.

Water-holding

When a criminal attempt to compromise a specific group of people by infecting websites with malware that target users accessing the website.

Diversion theft

The social engineers trick a delivery or courier company into going to the wrong pickup or drop-off place, thus intercepting the transaction.

Honey trap

The social engineer has shown himself as an attractive person to interact with a person online, fake an online relationship and gather sensitive information through that relationship.

Tailgating Piggybacking

Tailgating also has known as piggybacking. Piggybacking is a physical security breach where an unauthorized person follows an authorized person to enter a secured premises.

Rogue

Rogue security software is a type of malware that tricks targets into paying for the fake removal of malware.

Phishing, Spear Phishing, Vishing, and Scareware – we already discuss these types.

Social Engineering Tactics

There are several tactics on social engineering tactics include:

  • Intimidation– The secretary of a senior official receive a call stating that her/his boss is about to give an important presentation, but the required file is corrupt. The cybercriminals ask for the file to be sent to him via email or other via.
  • Consensus– Criminals create a site with fake testimonials promoting a product indicating that it is safe.
  • Scarcity and Urgency – Criminals usually offer a limited opportunity and People will take action when they think there is a limited quantity or a limited time and become victims
  • Familiarity/Liking– People to do what another person asks if the victims like that person.
  • Trust– Criminals build a relationship with a victim. For example, as a security expert criminal calls the victim offering advice and help. While helping, the criminals get important information from the victim’s computer.
browser

What is Browser Plugins and Its Poisoning

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Security back holes can affect web browsers. The web browser display pop-up promotion, collect identity information or installing adware, viruses, or spyware. A cybercriminal can hack a browser’s executable file, a browser’s components and plugins.

Browser Plugins

A browser plugin is software that acts as an add-on to a browser and installs extra functions in the browser. Browser Plugins allow a  browser to show extra content which is not available by default. For example, the Macromedia Flash Player and Shockwave are browser plugins.

These all browser plugins display attractive graphics as well as a cartoon, and animations which improve the look of a web page. Browser Plugins also display the content developed using the software.

Quicktime Player and Acrobat Reader are also popular plugin applications. Most plugins are available is free for downloads. To install the plugin, you just visit the website of the plugin’s and click on a link that will download the installer for the plugin.

Download and save the installer. Once you have the copy of the installer, open the installer and follow the prompts to install the plugin on your system. You may have to restart your web browser to enable the other functionality provided by the plugin.

As Flash and Shockwave content became popular, the criminals examined these plugins and software, determining vulnerabilities, and exploited Flash Player. The successful operation causes a system crash or allows a criminal to get control of the affected system. Which expect data losses to occur. The criminals also continue to investigate the more popular plugins and protocols for vulnerabilities.

SEO Poisoning

Search engines assign page ranking and present important results based on users’ search queries. Depending on the site content, it may show higher or lower in the search result list. Search Engine Optimization (SEO), is used to improve the ranking of a website in search engines.

Many legitimate organizations and companies are working for optimizing websites to better ranking on search engines, the SEO poisoning is a technique that uses cybercriminals to make a malicious website appear higher in search results.

The goal of SEO poisoning is to redirect more traffic to malicious websites. The malicious sites do different harmful activities, for example, malware hosting, and social engineering.

Browser Hijacker

Browser hijacking is malware that modifies a web browser‘s settings without a user’s permission. It redirects the user to the cybercriminals’ websites. This software aims to help cybercriminals.

The browser hijacker is usually the part of the drive-by download,  a software program that automatically downloads to the victims’ computer when a user visiting a harmful site. To avoid browser hijacking read the user agreements carefully when downloading software. It usually changes the default search engine and homepage.

For example, a browser redirects the victim’s homepage to the hijacker’s search page, then the hijacker redirects the victim search to links the hijacker wants the victim to visit. The hijacker also causes slow loading because of installing multiple toolbars in the browsers. The hijacker also displays multiple pop-up advertisements without the users’ permission.

Defending Against Email and Browser Attacks

Educating the end-user about being cautious towards unknown email(s), and using host/server filters are helpful against defending spam and emails. The organization must educate their employees aware of the dangers of opening email attachments that may contain a virus or a worm.

Do not suppose that email attachments are safe. Even the mail is from trusted sources. The virus can use the sender’s computer to spread itself. Always scan email attachments before opening them.

Defending against spam is not an easy task, but reducing the effect is possible. For example, ISPs and Email service providers filter spam emails. Antivirus and email software also automatically do email filtering. Theses software detects and removes spam from an email inbox.

The Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) founded in 2003, is an international consortium focused on eliminating the identity theft and fraud that result from phishing and email spoofing. The APWG also keep all software updated and make sure that the latest patches to keep away vulnerabilities.

Vishing

What is Vishing, Smishing, Pharming, and Whaling

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Vishing

Vishing is also phishing. It is using voice VoIP communication technology for fraud. The criminals’ spoof calls from legitimate sources using voice over IP (VoIP) technology.

The victim can receive a recorded message that appears legitimate. Vishing works just like phishing but does not always occur over the internet and is carrying out using voice technology.  Vishing attack also uses voice emails, landline, and telephone.

It is not easy for authorities to trace vishing; especially when the criminals using VoIP. Criminals aim is to get credit card numbers or other information to steal the victim’s identity. Vishing takes advantage of the fact that people trust the telephone network.

Smishing

Smishing is Short Message Service Phishing. It using text messaging on cellular phones. Criminals masquerade as a legitimate source to gain the trust of the victim. It is an attack in which the user is trick into downloading a Trojan horse; virus or other malware into his cellular phone or other mobile devices.

Pharming

Pharming is a scamming practice in which the impression of a legitimate website to mislead users into entering their credentials. It redirects victims to a fake website that appears to be official.

Victims then enter their personal information thinking that they connected to a legitimate site. Pharming also installs malicious code on a personal computer or server, misdirection victims to fraudulent Web sites unknowingly. In pharming, more users computer get infected because it is not needed to target people one by one just like phishing.

Some criminals sent a code sent an e-mail modifies local host files on a personal computer. A computer with a compromised host file will redirect to the fake website even a user types a correct Internet address.

Domain name system poisoning is another method of pharming. in which the domain name system table in a DNS server is modified so when someone wants to access legitimate websites but directed toward fake one. The host file change in the personal computer is not required in this method.

Anti-spyware programs cannot fix this type of pharming because nothing needs to be technically wrong with the end-users’ computers.

Gene pharming is another type of pharming. In this type of pharming, the human protein is produced from animal DNA alterations. These proteins seem in the blood, eggs, or milk of the animal. Therefore livestock to produce several useful drugs.

Whaling

Whaling is also phishing. It targets very high-profile targets within an organization such as senior executives as well as govt organization. These criminals also target politicians and celebrities. The whaling also called whaling phishing attack.

The attacker’s goal of whaling phishing attacks is to manipulate the victim into authorizing high-value wire transfers to the attacker. The whaling attacks are not easy to detect than standard phishing attacks because of its high value.  The security administrators in an organization can cut the effectiveness of whaling attacks by security awareness training to the management staff.

The whaling attack is trick personal or corporate information through social engineering, email engineering, and content spoofing. The attackers may send an email from trusted sources and some attackers may create a malicious website especially.

The attackers also the target’s name; their job titles etc. Whaling attacks usually depend on social engineering. The attackers may send hyperlinks or attachment to infect victims with malware.

phishing

What is phishing? – Exclusive Explanation

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As I said in one of my earlier articles that phishing is easy to execute and it required very little efforts therefore many cybercriminals use this method. The criminals sent fake emails, text messages and created a website looking authentic. They use email, messages, and website to steal personal and financial information from users. This is also known as spoofing. It occurs when a cybercriminal sends a fake email masked as it from a legitimate and trusted source.

An example of phishing is a bogus email, but look like it came from a legitimate source asking the user to click a link to claim a prize. The link may redirect to a bogus site asking for personal information, or it may install malware. Criminal also use to get their target using the telephone or text message from someone posing as a legitimate institution to attract people into providing sensitive data such as identity, banking, and credit card information, and passwords. Then the information uses to access important accounts and can result in identity theft and financial loss.

Spear Phishing

Criminals attack extremely targets using spear phishing. Phishing and spear-phishing both use email to reach the victims. Criminals use sends customized emails to a specific person in spear phishing. They research the target’s interests earlier than sending the email. For example, a criminal learns the target, that he interested in book reading. The criminal joins the same book discussion forum as a member; forges book reading links and sends an email to the target. When the target clicks on the link, he or she unknowingly install malware on the computer.

How phishing works

Phishing is popular with cybercriminals; because far its easier to trick someone into clicking a malicious link in a seemingly legitimate phishing email than trying to break through a computer’s defences.

Its attacks generally transmit using social networking techniques applied to email including, voice calls, messages over the social network,  and SMS text messages and other instant messaging modes. It may also use social engineering, including social networks like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, to collect information about the target’s interests, activities and work history.

The phishers expose names, job titles and email addresses of targets before the attacks. They also collect information about their colleagues and their job titles and key employees in their organization. Then the information can use in an email to a victim for getting their beliefs.

Generally, Phishers message appears to have been sent by a known contact or organization. There are two methods of attacks; through a file attachment that has phishing software, or through links connecting to malicious websites. The third goal of phishers is to install malware on victims’ computers and to trick them into divulging personal and financial information, such as passwords, account IDs and credit card details.

The successful phishing messages, generally representative from a well-known company; that is difficult to differentiate from authentic messages: Malicious links in the messages are usually well designed. The use of subdomains and misspelled URLs are common tricks, as is the use of other link manipulation techniques.

spyware

Introduction to Spyware, Adware, and Scareware

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In the previous article, I discussed malware, including its type virus, worm, ransomware, trojan horses, logic bomb, back door, and rootkits. In this article, we should discuss malware types spyware, adware and scareware.

Spyware

A computer installs this software without the end-user knowledge and enables a criminal to get information about the user’s computer activities. The activities of spyware are keystroke collection, data capture, and activity trackers. The software violates the end user’s privacy and has the potential to be abused. So, it’s a controversial software and sometimes the computing device security settings change with this software. It usually merges itself with legitimate software or with Trojan horses. Moreover, many shareware websites are full of spyware.

Tracking software is inoffensive software and organizations use such software to check employees browsing activities. Parents may also use a keylogger to check their kids’ activities on the internet. The advertiser uses a cookie for tracking.

So, If the end-user remains to inform that information is collected with software, such data collection programs are not spyware. Spyware detection is too difficult. Often, the speed is the first signs to a user, the infected computer or device with spyware is a noticeable decrease in a processor or network connection speeds and the case of mobile device data usage and battery life is decreasing too much.

Adware

Adware is an application which typically displays advertising banners while a program is running and generate revenue for its authors. It also analyzes user interests by tracking the websites visited and then send pop-up advertising relevant to those sites. Some software automatically installs Adware with its installation. Some adware only shows advertisements, but it is also common for adware to come with spyware. Adware is available for computers and mobile.

 Scareware

The scareware is a malware which tricks victims into purchasing and downloading useless and potentially dangerous software base on fear. Scareware generates pop-up windows that look like an operating system dialogue windows.

The pop-up window conveys messages, generally stating that the system is at risk and antivirus or anti-spyware software, a firewall application or a registry cleaner is required. But, actually, there are no problems exist, and if the user agrees and allows the mentioned program to execute, the malware infects their system.

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