How Threat Intelligence Can Be Used to Prevent and Detect Fraud
Posted in Cyber Security

How Threat Intelligence Can Be Used to Prevent and Detect Fraud

Latest Blogs

How Threat Intelligence Can Be Used to Prevent and Detect Fraud

By AMSAT Sep 30,2020

How Threat Intelligence Can Be Used to Prevent and Detect Fraud

Threat intelligence data is becoming increasingly crucial as cyber-threat actors launch new activities and eventually come into touch with one another. The cyber-threat landscape is continually changing.

 

New digital technologies are attracting enemies’ attention to this sector as digital fraud is on the rise. Criminals are becoming ever more skilled at hacking and leveraging the information from hacked accounts to access additional accounts. For instance, by 2023, it is expected that e-commerce fraud will rise by 14% and cost merchants $130 billion.

 

In the digital age, fraud comes in a few distinct forms. One of these is Account Takeover (ATO), in which an uninvited third party successfully accesses a user’s account credentials. Payment fraud occurs when a criminal acquires a victim’s credit or debit card number, or information about their checking account, and uses it to make an unauthorized purchase. The automatic establishment of several user accounts that are unrelated to legitimate ones or that are generated without being aware of the information of a genuine person is known as fake account registration.

How threat intelligence can be useful

When it comes to identifying and preventing digital fraud, threat intelligence is typically significantly more successful than internal security tools.

 

According to a recent National Security Agency (NSA) report, one way businesses can deal with this is to incorporate the cyber-threat feeds into their current security solutions

 

By automating procedures and giving managers the resources, they need to better prevent possible risks, cyber-threat intelligence solutions can also assist an all-around improved security position. If done correctly, combining threat analysis with data analysis using machine learning can assist security teams in quickly converting raw data into useful information regarding cyber-threats. To help organizations better comprehend the cyber dangers they are likely to face, threat information systems can combine internal and external data sources.

 

Threat information can help appreciate the threat landscape and provide security personnel with the intelligence context they need to act more quickly and effectively. Integrated threat information can help you remain calm in today’s always expanding danger environments, regardless of whether you are able to create your own solution or use a threat information feed.

 

Companies can have access to a database that details a wide variety of dangers by investing in cyber- threat intelligence. A better knowledge of cyber risks and a more efficient reaction to the threat landscape can be achieved with the proper application of cyber-threat information. This is crucial because data centers all around the world may disseminate information about cyber-threats.

How threat intelligence can be used more efficiently

Security and system administrators have the information they need to create a plan that will best safeguard their networks thanks to the intelligence of the cyber-threat. Information regarding cyber-threats may in some cases expose previously unknown threats, enabling companies to make wiser security decisions. You can strengthen your security and defence systems if they can truly handle the threat by using cyber-threat analysis.

 

According to the Cyber Threat Intelligence Center, security professionals should use a multi-layered threat intelligence methodology that incorporates both malware-centric and enemy-centric methodologies to improve resilience in identifying and responding to threats. Your cybersecurity system should incorporate a threat-messaging platform with the capacity to react to attacks automatically.

 

This can include potential dangers to an organization, in-depth profiles of the actors involved in the cyber threat, and technical compromise indicators (IoC). The majority of the time, threat data is arranged in feeds, and these data points are connected to knowledge of the threat environment, such as risks to the network, network infrastructure, or organization infrastructure.

 

Cybersecurity solutions gather this kind of threat information, which is then utilized to find and stop approaching and ongoing threats. After the relevant data on cyberthreats has been retrieved from the threat data, it is subjected to structured processing before being shared with the necessary stakeholders, strengthening security measures, and averting further cyberattacks. This is becoming more crucial as all staff levels are required to respond to cyber-threats.

Top fraud attack vectors as use cases

Threat intelligence has quickly turned into a must for fraud teams. It’s crucial to understand that using threat intelligence to avoid fraud calls for much more than merely alerting.

Black markets on the dark web are expanding and trading stolen bank and credit card information. Enterprises expect losing US $100bn to card-not-present (CNP) fraud between 2018 and 2023 as a result of the surge in novel and sophisticated fraud strategies.

Account takeover

In the case of account takeover (ATO), criminals gain illegal access to any account. User accounts from any company could be subject to ATO. The primary objectives are often validated and active accounts. The major causes of ATOs could be the financial situation, money laundering, or prospective account credentials sales. The number of attempts to steal from consumers and online retailers through account takeover theft rose by 282% between Q2 2019 and Q2 2020. Businesses report higher fraud losses in the amount of 57% when accounts are opened or taken over.

Fake account registration

Five out of every ten account registrations are fake. In 2019, Facebook removed almost 2 billion phoney accounts. In the first half of 2019, 21.6 million phony LinkedIn accounts were either deleted or prohibited.

As intrusion techniques advance, it is increasingly difficult to detect fake account attempts. Advanced fake account formation attacks are very common and make use of forged or stolen identification. These attacks are carried out in brief bursts or over extended periods, making it challenging to detect and stop them on your own with conventional security measures.\

Misuse of loyalty

As significant as payment fraud and ATO, loyalty misuse goes often unrecognized or unchecked. The risks associated with running different customer loyalty programs are routinely disregarded, which exposes the organization’s fraud and risk management to failure. Losses resulting from loyalty abuse are frequently less obvious and can go unnoticed for a long time before a true reconciliation occurs.

TAGS

  • Cyber Crime
  • Security Updates

Recent Blogs

Share this article

Ready to Get Started?

Our specialists are ready to tailor our security service solutions to fit the needs of your organization.


    By submitting the form, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

    Credential Stuffing Prevention
    Posted in Cyber Security

    How to Prevent and Reduce Attacks Involving Credential Stuffing

    Latest Blogs

    Credential Stuffing Prevention

    By AMSAT Sep 9, 2022

    How to Prevent and Reduce Attacks Involving Credential Stuffing

    While newly discovered data breaches have become a dime a dozen, we hardly ever learn the specific effects of any such catastrophic event on an organization. This is because it takes time for the data to be sold and utilized for crimes, making it challenging to determine the cause and effect. Even if a data breach occurred at a business with which you do not share any sensitive information, this does not guarantee your safety because, through a practice known as credential stuffing, your login information for that business could be used to access all of your other accounts.

     

    This article takes an insight into credential stuffing attacks and suggests defenses against them.

    What is credential stuffing?

    Attackers who use automated tools or botnets to inject pre-collected credentials into user accounts of the same or different organizations are known as credential stuffers.

    Credential stuffing is simple to carry out and frequently succeeds. On several platforms, users frequently utilize the same login information. The other accounts can be compromised if the attacker obtains the username password of one of these accounts.

    The availability of vast quantities of compromised credentials is another factor contributing to the simplicity with which credential stuffing attacks can be executed. Breach credentials are publicly available in plaintext on the dark web, while attackers can also purchase them.

    What is the process of a credential stuffing attack?

    The hacker adds the list of credentials they have obtained or stolen to a botnet or automated tool. The automated tool or botnet automatically tests the credential pairs on numerous websites simultaneously while utilizing various IP addresses.

    The website(s) that the hacked set of credentials can access are identified by the botnet or automated program. Automation reduces the attacker’s need to repeatedly log in to a single service. The attacker keeps track of successful logins and performs harmful actions including

    • Obtain private information
    • Transfer money
    • Engage in online fraud

    Brute force attacks versus credential stuffing

    Credential stuffing is distinct from brute force attacks, despite their similarities. The primary distinction is that attackers try to guess passwords in the absence of context or information from earlier breaches. Attackers can break the credentials by changing the letters, digits, etc., or by using random strings, passwords that are easy to guess, etc.

    Effective methods for preventing credential stuffing attacks

    Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Multi-factor authentication is one of the finest defenses against credential stuffing. MFA mandates that users go through additional authentication procedures to demonstrate that they are a real person and not a bot or an intruder attempting to access the account. One of the greatest ways to authenticate a user is to ask them to enter an OTP that was given to a pre-registered phone number.

    Because MFA can be disruptive to business, it might not always be possible to implement it. As a result, it is combined with other security measures like device fingerprinting, automatically enabling MFA for users who are deemed to be at higher risk, etc.

    • Set Strong Password and Authentication Policies in Place
    • Create distinctive usernames and robust passwords with password managers
    • Make users establish unique passwords for each of their accounts
    • Limit the amount of failed authentication requests very strictly.

    For instance, BFSI businesses often freeze the user account without exception after a maximum of 3-5 unsuccessful login attempts. Thus, in order to reactivate the account, the user needs visit a branch. In some industries, you can specify a time limit for failed login attempts and notify the user to change their password even if the accounts cannot be frozen.

    For users, passwords, and other information kept in your database, utilize credential hashing. Never keep credentials in plaintext.

    Keep an eye out for public data dumps to see whether your database contains any compromised email addresses or passwords. If so, mandate MFA and password reset for such users.

    Use CAPTCHA

    Credential stuffing attacks can be effectively diminished by using CAPTCHA. Since it can be disruptive to the business, it must be used sensibly and in conjunction with other methods to challenge the traffic.

    Fingerprinting of devices

    Device fingerprinting is another method for preventing credential stuffing. Using data gathered from user devices, such as language, OS, browser, time zone, etc., create a fingerprint for each session. If the exact same set of parameters are used to log in repeatedly in a row, it is probably an attack. Then, you can use the fingerprint to block IP addresses, impose temporary bans, etc.

    Additional measures

    • Geographical rate limiting, origin data centers, etc.
    • Using threat intelligence and insights from granular traffic analysis, IP blacklisting
    • Stop using headless browsers

    The final word

    Credential stuffing, a bot-based attack, can be halted and alleviated smoothly if you invest in an all-inclusive, intelligent, managed bot management and security solution like AMSAT.

    TAGS

    • Cyber Crime
    • Cyber Security

    Recent Blogs

    Share this article

    Ready to Get Started?

    Our specialists are ready to tailor our security service solutions to fit the needs of your organization.


      By submitting the form, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

      Posted in Cloud Security

      5 Different Risks to Cloud Security

      Latest Blogs

      5 Different Risks to Cloud Security

      By AMSAT Sep 7,2022

      5 Different Risks to Cloud Security

      Over the past few years, especially in the aftermath of the epidemic, cloud usage has grown tremendously. However, given a surge in cloud adoption, threat actors concentrated their efforts on attacking common cloud vulnerabilities.

       

      Since the cloud isn’t going anywhere, businesses must make sure they do their bit to maintain a secure cloud environment as the threat landscape changes in order to protect themselves, their clients, and their supply chain from cyberattack.

       

      To that end, the top five vulnerabilities that threaten cloud users are as follows:

      1. Misconfigured Settings

      Misconfigured settings are frequently the root of cloud data breaches, and 68% of businesses now see this as their top worry for cloud security.

       

      Because cloud services are intended to speed up and simplify processes, access to data may not be as tightly controlled as it should be. And this might allow for unwanted access in many different ways.

       

      While working with a cloud provider, some people could believe that the cloud provider is responsible for all aspects of your security. Configuration will, however, frequently depend on the company.

       

      This calls for the IT department of your firm to evaluate all the settings and permissions and make sure that all necessary security measures are taken. This entails limiting access, using multi-factor authentication (MFA), and utilizing any available logging and monitoring tools since they can assist you in keeping tabs on and controlling what’s happening.

       

      It’s also a good idea to frequently review your cloud audits to make sure there haven’t been any suspicious or unusual activities related to incorrectly setup settings.

      2. Poor Data Quality Management

      When your data is stored on the cloud, it might be more difficult to keep track of it all. For this reason, it’s crucial to ensure your data is accurately labelled and organized according to its level of sensitivity.

       

      When you have this knowledge, you may choose appropriate security measures and restrict access to extremely sensitive data.

       

      Data sharing is also made very simple by cloud services, but if not managed properly, this could pose a security risk. It’s a good idea to assess which data should keep these capabilities and which should not because administrators can control data sharing access. Companies frequently forget to restrict the devices that can download their company data; therefore, you should do the same.

       

      Lastly, it is crucial for cloud users to ensure data is as secure as possible while being transferred. Since it is challenging to track or intercept communication in the cloud and this reduces visibility of data transfer, it is crucial to ensure that it is adequately secured. The greatest type of encryption is client-side, which encrypts data on your end before it is sent to cloud servers.

      3. Inadequate Employee Training

      It is crucial to educate personnel about cloud security best practices and fundamentals.

      Some cybercriminals even exploit cloud-based services as the focus of their phishing emails by providing a malicious link that appears to be from Google Drive or OneDrive and then requests confirmation of login information in order to access the document. The staff must be able to recognize these dangers as well as other critical hazards, such as shadow IT, that could hurt the company.

       

      Organizations face a lot of issues when employees utilize unidentified software and devices on a company network because it’s nearly hard to have comprehensive visibility, especially when there are a lot of remote workers involved.

       

      A whopping 80% of employees admit to utilizing cloud-based software as a service (SaaS) application at work without getting IT’s permission. Staff members must be trained to reduce these major potentialities since unsecure equipment and software might result in data loss and vulnerabilities.

      4. Inadequate Security Policies

      Every situation calls for consideration of security, and the cloud is no exception.

       

      Written policies make it easier for users to understand the rules and guidelines that govern how securely they should use cloud applications.

      Specified in a cloud security policy should be:

       

      • Who is able to use the cloud.
      • What information needs to be kept in the cloud.
      • What the best practices and correct processes are for using the cloud securely.

      Each employee should be obliged to read the policies, and they should be reviewed and modified as necessary on a regular basis.

      5. Choosing the Wrong Provider

      Although several cloud service companies are available, selecting one that prioritizes security will be extremely advantageous to both you and your company.

       

      A smart place to start is to determine if the cloud vendor complies with industry-recognized security standards. You should also look for other crucial features and capabilities, including as authentication procedures, data encryption, disaster recovery, and technical support.

      Final Thoughts

      For both large and small teams, working from the cloud may be a significant value. But it’s crucial that security is not sacrificed for convenience as the use of these services increases.

       

      Implementing the appropriate technologies and practices is necessary for robust cybersecurity; doing so enables your company to take advantage of all the advantages cloud computing has to offer while reducing the risk of a cyberattack and safeguarding your company and its employees.

      TAGS

      • Cyber Crime
      • Cloud security

      Recent Blogs

      Share this article

      Ready to Get Started?

      Our specialists are ready to tailor our security service solutions to fit the needs of your organization.


        By submitting the form, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

        7 Important Cybersecurity Trends in 2022
        Posted in Cyber Security

        7 Important Cybersecurity Trends in 2022

        Latest Blogs

        7 Important Cybersecurity Trends in 2022

        By AMSAT July 20,2022

        7 Important Cybersecurity Trends in 2022

        Organizations have increased their cybersecurity spending over the last two decades, and it’s easy to see why: from costly data breaches to crippling malicious attacks, companies are rushing to stay up with the rising complexity and sophistication of cyber threats.

         

        In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses face new cybersecurity challenges in addition to new technology. According to Cisco’s Future of Secure Remote Work Report, 61pc of survey respondents said their firms have seen a 25pc rise in cyber risks since the pandemic started in March 2020.

         

        Below are seven developing cybersecurity trends to be aware of in order to prepare for new cybersecurity risks and stay one step ahead.

        1. New Technologies and Devices

        The reasons for the growth in cyber-attacks—and the increased focus on preventing them—are numerous. The proliferation of new technology and devices is one factor. More than 41 billion Internet of Things (IoT) gadgets will be online and connected by 2027, according to Business Insider. As a result of their expanding reputation as a key target for cyber-attacks, the IoT industry is looking for new ways to defend their devices.

         

        Smart plus, wearable fitness devices, and baby monitors are some of the devices that need to be protected from cybercriminals.

         

        1. Growing Ransomware Attacks

        Another important aspect contributing to the surge in cyber-attacks is monetization. Cybercriminals used to find it impossible to profit from attacks, but that has since changed. Ransomware attacks, in which assailants gain access to and encrypt a victim’s data before demanding a ransom, are becoming increasingly popular.

        As a result, attackers have become more motivated to commit cybercrime in the pursuit of monetary gain, making it more difficult to trace and identify these offenders. Therefore, there is a growing demand for qualified cybersecurity specialists who can develop tactics to prevent these threats.

         

        1. Attacks on Cloud Services

        Many businesses have embraced cloud-based computing services in recent years, which allow customers to access software programs, data storage, and other services over the internet rather than relying on physical infrastructure. Embracing this technology has a number of advantages, including lower operating costs and better efficiency.

         

        Although such systems can be extremely valuable to businesses, they have also become targets for cyber-attacks. Attackers are more likely to be able to exploit flaws in these systems’ security and obtain access to sensitive information if they are not properly setup or maintained. This is especially essential because many modern businesses rely on cloud services because their workers work remotely.

        1. Obsolete and Ineffective Systems

        Finally, linking legacy systems increases the danger of an attack or breach. Security flaws might be generated unintentionally when IT uses patchwork solutions to resolve operational concerns. As cyber-attacks become more devastating and technologies change at a quicker pace, these outmoded and ineffective systems become easy targets.

         

        Due to the constant evolution of cybersecurity threats, experts in the field—and those interested in joining them—must keep up with the latest skills, methods, and career prospects in order to stay competitive.

        1. Risks of Remote Working

        COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a significant increase of remote employees, and remote employment is here to stay. According to an Upwork research, by 2025, slightly over 40.7 million Americans would be working remotely, up 87% from pre-pandemic levels. Unfortunately, many firms are now more vulnerable to cyber-attacks because of this.

        1. Constant Use of Multi-Factor Authentication

        As an additional layer of protection against data breaches and other cyberattacks, many firms have merged the usage of passwords with multi-factor authentication (MFA).

        Multi-factor authentication requires users to validate their identities using two or more devices. An employee wanting to log into their company’s file sharing service on their laptop, for example, uses their laptop to enter their login and password. They then receive a code by text message to the phone number on file (or by using an authentication app on their phone). They’ll need to input this code to finish logging in.

        1. Massive Interest in Data Privacy

        Concerns around data privacy, particularly in the context of consumer and business information, have grown in the cybersecurity industry. Today’s enterprises must abide by a number of federal, state, and international data privacy rules, and consumers are growing increasingly sensitive about how their data is handled.

         

        Cyberattacks and data breaches disclose sensitive personal information, endangering customers and businesses. To strengthen their data privacy, firms of today need to take into account issues like data encryption, password protection, and network security. Businesses should also have a group of highly qualified cybersecurity experts working to secure their data and guard against potentially disastrous data breaches.

        Crucial Cybersecurity Skills for Today’s Experts

        It is not simple to defend an organization’s IT systems and information assets from internal and external attacks. Today’s cybersecurity experts need to be well-versed in the subject, as well as have the required training and work experience.

        Some skills that cybersecurity specialists are expected to have include technical skills, knowledge of major cybersecurity terms and concepts, a logical approach, and soft skills. Professionals in the field of cybersecurity need to grasp the legal and moral ramifications of information security, privacy, and digital rights as well as how to plan and implement security methods to reduce risk and improve protection. and a fundamental understanding of network protocols and computer system security.

        A Positive Outlook for Cybersecurity Jobs

        Professionals choosing this career path have a promising future because cybersecurity is such a highly sought-after industry.

         

        The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the cybersecurity sector will expand by 33% between 2020 and 2030, outpacing the overall industry growth rate of 4%. In addition, some projections state that by 2025, there will be more than 3.5 million open positions in the worldwide cybersecurity workforce.

         

        The qualified, seasoned professionals are in high demand, which implies they have a high earning potential. The median annual salary for an information security analyst is about $103,590, according to the BLS. According to staffing data, other job titles including security directors, information systems security engineers, and chief information security officers can fetch more than $200,000.

        TAGS

        • Cybersecurity trends 2022

        Recent Blogs

        Share this article

        Ready to Get Started?

        Our specialists are ready to tailor our security service solutions to fit the needs of your organization.


          By submitting the form, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

          Top-IoT-Security-Threats-in-2022
          Posted in Cyber Security

          Top IoT Security Threats in 2022

          Latest Blogs

          Top-IoT-Security-Threats-in-2022

          By AMSAT July 13,2022

          Top IoT Security Threats in 2022

          The internet of things, or IoT, has made our lives a lot easier in a number of ways. IoT enables electronic devices to connect with one another over the internet without the need for human contact.

           

          IoT technology enables our devices to do more for us and improve our lives more efficient. However, since the internet of things is a relatively new technology, there are certain important security concerns to be aware of. IoT devices might be exposed to cyber-attacks and other security issues if they are not protected.

           

          Here are some of the biggest IoT security threats to watch out for in 2022, as well as tips on how to keep your devices safe.

          What is IoT?

           

          The IoT is a vast network of electronic devices, software applications, and other objects that can connect to the internet and exchange data. Without realizing it, you’re probably already using IoT devices in your daily life. Many modern vehicles, for example, may link over the internet to your smartphone or smartwatch, allowing you to share playlists, position data, and other information between devices.

           

          The Internet of Things (IoT) can connect smart gadgets at home, such as your thermostat, refrigerator, lights, and more, to make your home more efficient. You might see IoT products like smart locks, energy monitoring devices, and even smart scheduling devices in a professional setting.

          Here are some key IoT security threats in 2022.

           

          1. Unencrypted data storage

          Throughout the day, IoT devices collect a massive amount of valuable data, much of which is stored in the cloud. Because this information can make these devices a target for hackers and other cybercriminals, it’s crucial that it’s kept safe. It’s also important that data is transferred between devices in a secure manner, preferably over an encrypted connection.

           

          Unfortunately, many IoT devices lack reliable firewalls and other security features, leaving this data highly vulnerable. Data transfer between a smartphone and other devices is typically done over public WiFi networks, therefore securing a secure connection between devices might be difficult in some cases.

           

          When data isn’t properly saved, you become vulnerable to infection. Malware can degrade the performance of your devices, and in the worst-case scenario, it might lock you out and keep your data for ransom.

           

          1. Unsafe financial information

          Some IoT devices have access to the financial information of their users. When these devices have access to sensitive information such as your credit card or banking account information, they become an easy target for hackers.

          This is an especially concerning issue for financial institutions that deploy IoT devices in the workplace. As IoT and AI technology advances, you’ll be able to use these technologies to manage a variety of areas of your organization. However, if these gadgets have access to indiscreet financial information, it might put your company and your consumers at risk.

           

          1. Access to physical property

          Another major security concern is that IoT devices are frequently linked to physical property in some way. Many houses, companies, and automobiles, for example, now have IoT-connected locks and security systems. This means that if the gadget is hacked, someone could gain access to your physical belongings and potentially jeopardize your physical safety.

           

          1. Weak passwords and ID verification

          Protecting your gadgets requires a strong password. Many IoT devices, however, are not password protected. A number of users choose options that are relatively simple and easy to guess, even on password-protected devices. As a result, your IoT devices are highly exposed to hackers.

          Many IoT devices use different forms of identity verification in addition to passwords. Many devices, for example, use biometric verification such as fingerprints or even facial recognition to verify identity. While this is more secure than simply using a password, it’s crucial that this identity verification data is maintained and managed safely.

           

          1. Botnets and malicious IoT devices

          The Internet of Things (IoT) lets electronic devices connect and communicate with one another, but not all of these devices are made with good intentions. Current IoT devices can be used by cybercriminals to break into secure networks.

          Botnet attacks are particularly vulnerable to IoT devices. Botnets are computer networks that are used to distribute malware and execute harmful bots. Botnets can enter IoT networks and infect safe devices with ransomware, spyware, or other types of malware, jeopardizing your financial and personal security.

           

          How To Secure Your IoT Devices

           

          Although these security threats are ubiquitous for IoT devices, here are a few things you can do to secure them.

           

          Regularly update your systems.

           

          Security threats are rapidly evolving. To get over these security issues, developers must update these systems frequently. It’s crucial to install these updates on your IoT devices as soon as they’re available to avoid risks.

           

          Opt for strong passwords.

           

          Your IoT devices can be particularly vulnerable if you use a weak password. When creating passwords, use a combination of characters, numbers, and symbols that are tough to guess. Furthermore, you should replace your passwords on a regular basis – ideally every few months. If your IoT device supports two-factor authentication, make sure you’re taking use of it.

           

          Be cautious when it comes to WiFi. Connecting your IoT devices to public WiFi networks is not a good idea because they are often insecure. You could also want to set up a guest network for your IoT devices at home, which will add an extra degree of protection.

           

          Final Thoughts

           

          Because the internet of things is still relatively new, at least in terms of consumer IoT devices, security measures are likely to increase as the technology matures. It’s critical to be aware of pertinent security concerns and take precautions to secure your networks before purchasing any new IoT device. While IoT devices are extremely useful, they can also be a huge target for hackers.

          TAGS

           

          • Security Updates

          Recent Blogs

          Share this article

          Ready to Get Started?

          Our specialists are ready to tailor our security service solutions to fit the needs of your organization.


            By submitting the form, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

            cyber security courses pakistan
            Posted in Cyber Security

            Cyber Security Degrees and Courses in Pakistan: Are they worth pursuing?

            Latest Blogs

            cybersecurity courses in pakistan

            By AMSAT May 19, 2022

            Cyber Security Degrees and Courses in Pakistan: Are they worth pursuing?

            In the current volatile security environment, pursuing cyber security degrees and courses in pakistan has become more important than ever. Cybercriminals are employing more ingenious sophisticated ways to exploit individuals, government organizations, and even major corporations in the digital era.

             

            Top companies in Pakistan and elsewhere in the world are willing to pay heavily to cyber security professionals, who can protect their data and eliminate vulnerabilities in order to defend against cyber-attacks and security breaches.

             

            What you can study during a cyber security degrees/courses in Pakistan

             

            Universities and colleges are still working out which technique is ideal for their degrees because cyber security is still a relatively new topic. There are different cyber security study programs and courses.

             

            Some people are more interested in programming, while others are more interested in digital forensics, security regulations, or broad aspects of cyber security. According to the National Security Agency’s 2014 Academic Criteria, IT Security degrees should include courses in:

             

            • Basic Data Analysis
            • Basic Scripting or Introductory Programming
            • Cyber Defense
            • Cyber Threats
            • Fundamental Security Design Principles
            • Information Assurance Fundamentals
            • Intro to Cryptography
            • IT Systems Components
            • Networking Concepts
            • Policy, Legal, Ethics, and Compliance
            • System Administration

             

            Some universities in Pakistan, including the following, offer cyber security courses and degrees.

             

            • The Islamia University of Bahawalpur
            • Air University
            • Comsats University
            • National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences, Islamabad
            • Dawood University of Engineering and Technology
            • Khawaja Fareed University of Engineering & Information Technology

             

            Advanced modules, particularly those at the master’s degree level, can help you specialize in complex fields such as forensic accounting, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and more.

             

            When researching cyber security degrees, paying attention to the curriculum of each program will greatly help. You should ensure that they contain relevant courses, and select those that provide hands-on experience, which benefits both you and potential employers.

             

            “People new to cyber-security now have a lot more possibilities,” Bogdan says, “interactive classes with exceptionally skilled tutors, internships in well-established cyber-security companies, local conferences and cyber-security presentations.”

             

            “Back in my day – and to some extent still now,” he continues, “Cyber Security was not something you’d learn in school.” In terms of teaching algorithms and programming, the curriculum is excellent, but not so much in terms of cyber security and reverse engineering. These are talents I learned outside of the classroom, thanks to the Internet’s power.”

             

            This means that while cyber security degrees are a wonderful place to start, they won’t teach you everything you need to know. Keep an open mind and continue to improve your talents outside of the classroom.

            Duration of cyber security degrees

            • In most countries, bachelor’s degrees take three or four years to complete.
            • Master’s degrees might take anywhere from one to two years to finish.
            • PhD programs last between three and five years. Some just take a year or two, but they are rare.

            Pursuit of online cyber security degrees: A great option

            Prospective students with other responsibilities, such as a part-time or full-time job, should consider an online cyber security degree. You can learn at your own speed from anywhere in the world.

             

            You can also re-watch courses as many times as you need to and communicate with your peers via discussion boards or social media groups. While you will have some freedom, exam and project deadlines will still be set, and you must meet them.

             

            The possibility to take an online short course in IT Security before deciding whether to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate courses is a huge plus. Cyber security short courses start at $100 (nearly PKR 20,000) at many universities and online platforms. They typically last 1-3 months and give you an introduction to online learning.

             

            You can also save money on tuition by pursuing an online cyber security degree. Tuition is cheaper, starting at $300 (nearly PKR 59,000) per academic year, and you won’t have to pay for transportation, rent, or other living expenses in another country. However, due to the technological nature of these degrees, you may need to invest in your classroom or virtual lab hardware or software.

             

            Before enrolling in an online bachelor’s or master’s in IT Security, make sure the program is accredited. While the majority of online degrees are real, you don’t want to waste your money and time on a forgery. Being conned while attempting to learn how to avoid cybercrime isn’t exactly a plus on your resume, is it?

            Cyber security internships

            Internships are an excellent way to get experience and prepare for a career, providing with the opportunity to collaborate with IT Security experts and learn from real-world problems and scenarios. Internships are a great way to put what you’ve learned in cyber security studies into practice and identify where you can improve.

             

            Internships can be found on sites like Glassdoor and LinkedIn. Apply if you meet the prerequisites and are satisfied with the duration and compensation. Lists of IT Security internships can also be found on the internet. Although not all of them are up to date, they save you the time of searching for each program separately.

            Jobs and salaries

            The world desperately needs IT security experts, more so in today’s precarious security environment. ISC2 suggests a staggering 2.93 million cyber security specialists are needed globally, with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimating that employment in this profession will grow by 28% in the next 4 years.

             

            While security specialists are required in various types of businesses, their need is more pronounced in key areas such as finance, healthcare, and education where people’s transactions, assets, and health information must be protected.

             

            You can seek a number of positions in the field of cyber security—and virtually all of them command considerable salaries, perks and massive demand for technical skills, attention to detail, problem-solving attitude, and the ability to evaluate risks. Here are some of the best cyber security jobs and the average yearly salaries:

             

            • Cryptographer – 100,000 USD (PKR 20,000,000)
            • Information Security Officer – 91,000 USD (PKR 18,200,000)
            • Security Assessor – 90,000 USD (PKR 18,000,000)
            • Security Engineer – 88,000 USD (PKR 17,600,000)
            • Penetration Tester – 81,000 USD (PKR 16,200,000)
            • Forensics Expert – 71,000 USD (PKR 14,200,000)
            • Security Administrator – 65,000 USD (PKR 13,000,000)

            TAGS

            • Cyber security courses
            • Cyber security degrees

            Recent Blogs

            Share this article

            Ready to Get Started?

            Our specialists are ready to tailor our security service solutions to fit the needs of your organization.


              By submitting the form, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

              how-to-perform-it-risk-assessment
              Posted in Cyber Security

              How to Perform IT Risk Assessment

              Latest Blogs

              how-to-perform-it-risk-assessment

              By AMSAT Feb 11,2022

              How to Perform IT Risk Assessment

              How to Perform IT Risk Assessment

              Understanding, monitoring, controlling, and minimizing risk to your organization’s essential assets is at the heart of cybersecurity. If you work in security, you tend to, by default, engage yourself in the risk management business. No wonder you take every trick in the book to ensure your organization is highly protected against all manner of cyber-attacks, including the service of some well-known external threat protection detection service providers.

              What is a security risk assessment?

              The process of identifying and analyzing risks for assets that could be harmed by cyberattacks is known as cybersecurity risk assessment. Essentially, you examine both internal and external threats, evaluate their potential effect on data accessibility, privacy, and integrity, and estimate the costs of a cybersecurity event. Using this information, you can tailor your cybersecurity and data protection rules to your organization’s actual risk tolerance.

              To begin assessing IT security risks, you must first answer three key questions:

              • What are your company’s important information technology assets, or the data whose loss or exposure would have a significant impact on your business?
              • What are the key business processes that utilize or require this information?
              • What threats could jeopardize those business functions’ capacity to function?

               

              You can start building strategies once you know what you need to safeguard. However, before you spend any amount of your budget or an hour of your time putting in place a risk-reduction solution, be sure you know which risk you’re dealing with, how significant it is, and whether you’re handling it in the best possible manner.

              Significance of regular IT security assessments

              Conducting a thorough IT security assessment on a regular basis helps organizations develop a solid foundation for ensuring business success.

              • It enables them to do things like:
              • Identify and fix IT security flaws
              • Prevent data breaches
              • Select appropriate protocols and policies to limit risks
              • Protect the asset with the highest value and risk as a top priority.
              • Evaluate possible security partners
              • Establish, manage, and confirm regulatory compliance
              • Accurately estimate future demands
              • Eliminate unneeded or outmoded control measures

               

              What is cyber risk?

               

              A cyber risk, according to the Institute of Risk Management, is “any risk of financial loss, interruption, or damage to an organization’s reputation as a result of some sort of breakdown of its information technology systems.” “The possibility for an unanticipated, negative business result involving the failure or misuse of IT,” according to Gartner.

               

              The following are some examples of cyber risk:

               

              • Information that is sensitive or controlled is stolen.
              • Data loss as a result of hardware failure
              • Viruses and malware
              • Credentials in jeopardy
              • Failure of the company’s website
              • Natural calamities that may cause server damage

              When assessing cyber threats, it’s critical to consider the specific financial harm that they could cause, such as legal bills, operational disruption, and associated profit loss, and lost revenue due to customer cynicism.

               

              IT risk assessment elements and formula

              The four key components. There are four main components to an IT risk assessment. We’ll go into how to evaluate each one later, but first, here’s a quick rundown:

               

              Threat — This constitutes any event that could inflict damage on a company’s people or assets—such as natural calamities, website failures, and corporate spying.

               

              Vulnerability — This is any potential weak point that allows danger to cause harm. Antivirus software that is obsolete, for example, is a weakness that can allow a malware assault to succeed. Having a server room in the basement is a vulnerability that increases the risks of equipment being damaged and downtime being caused by a tornado or flood. Discontented personnel and aged hardware are two further examples of vulnerability.

               

              Impact — The complete damage an organization would suffer if a vulnerability was exploited by a threat is referred to as the impact. A successful ransomware assault, for instance, could result not only in missed output and data recovery costs, but also in the revealing of customer data or trade secrets, which could result in lost business, legal bills, and compliance penalties.

               

              Likelihood — This is the likelihood of a threat occurring. It is usually a range rather than a specific number.

              TAGS

              • Cyber Crime
              • Security Updates

              Recent Blogs

              Share this article

              Ready to Get Started?

              Our specialists are ready to tailor our security service solutions to fit the needs of your organization.


                By submitting the form, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

                private cloud virtualization
                Posted in Cloud Security

                Advantages and Drawbacks of Private Cloud Virtualization

                Latest Blogs

                private cloud virtualization

                By AMSAT Feb 03,2022

                Advantages and Drawbacks of Private Cloud Virtualization

                In today’s age of cloud, organizations have an assortment of options: public, private, or hybrid. Each choice boasts its own unique set of upsides and downsides, leaving businesses to navigate a complex landscape before deciding which fits their needs best. This blog post will explore the world of private cloud virtualization, examining its strengths and weaknesses.

                Advantages of Private Cloud Virtualization:

                • Security Fort: Public clouds, while convenient, pose major security risks due to shared infrastructure. Private clouds, conversely, offer an enclosed space where your data and applications reside exclusively within your control. This enhanced security is a godsend for businesses dealing with sensitive information or operating in heavily regulated industries.
                • Customization Flexibility: Unlike the “one-size-fits-all” approach of public clouds, private virtualization allows you to tailor the environment to your specific needs. From configuring hardware and software to crafting granular security policies, you have complete independence, ensuring top performance and resource allocation for your unique workload.

                private cloud virtualization icon

                • Unsurpassed Agility: If you need to scale up an application for a sudden rise in traffic, private clouds give you the agility to vigorously adjust resources to match your changing demands. This removes the potential holdups and service disruptions often encountered in shared public cloud environments.
                • Seamless Compliance: Certain industries face strict compliance regulations for data storage and processing. Private clouds offer the flexibility to build a setting that seamlessly integrates with your compliance frameworks, providing peace of mind and avoiding heavy fines.
                • Performance Hub: Dedicated hardware and software resources translate to foreseeable and steadily high performance compared to shared public clouds. This is vital for mission-critical applications and real-time data processing, where even minor latency glitches can be disastrous.

                Drawbacks of Private Cloud Virtualization:

                • Cost Challenge: Setting up and maintaining a private cloud requires substantial upfront investment in hardware, software licenses, and skilled IT personnel. This hefty price tag can be a deterrent for smaller businesses or those with less resource-intensive workloads.
                • Management Dilemma: Running a private cloud is no piece of cake. It demands a team of skilled IT professionals to handle infrastructure management, maintenance, security patching, and software updates. This ongoing operational burden can be a drain on internal resources and expertise.
                • Scalability Saga: While private clouds offer some scalability, it’s not as seamless and effortless as public clouds. Adding new resources often requires physically expanding the infrastructure, leading to longer provisioning times and potentially hindering agility.
                • Skill Shortage Threat: Finding and retaining the talent needed to manage a private cloud can be a significant challenge. The demand for skilled cloud professionals remains high, and the cost of acquiring and retaining them can add to the overall expenditure.

                cloud virtualization icon

                Finding the Best Cloud Solution: Your Key to Success

                It’s important to carefully assess your unique requirements, financial situation, and available resources when selecting a cloud solution. Unrivaled security, control, and customization are provided by private cloud virtualization, but it is expensive and requires a high level of internal expertise. These trade-offs are justifiable for some businesses, but others can benefit from a hybrid approach or the shared environment of public clouds.

                 

                Before embarking on your cloud journey, determine the sensitivity of your data and your internal expertise to manage a cloud. Also find out if you can effectively handle the upfront and ongoing costs. 

                Conclusion

                There’s no one-size-fits-all solution in the world of cloud. Assess the merits and demerits carefully, and opt for the choice that strengthens your organization to achieve even greater success in today’s fast-changing business landscape.

                TAGS

                • Cloud Computing
                • Cloud Virtualization

                Recent Blogs

                Share this article

                Ready to Get Started?

                Our specialists are ready to tailor our security service solutions to fit the needs of your organization.


                  By submitting the form, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

                  cloud-virtualization-and-its-main-types
                  Posted in Cloud Security

                  Cloud Virtualization and Its Main Types

                  Latest Blogs

                  cloud-virtualization-and-its-main-types

                  By AMSAT Jan 26,2023

                  Cloud Virtualization and Its Main Types

                  Cloud virtualization is based on the idea that a piece of software can act like a physical item, which allows it to perform all of the functions of a piece of hardware even if the hardware is not there. As a result, the software runs on a server as if it were a desktop PC.

                   

                  And that is exactly what a cloud-based IT service provides: a location where business processes can take place and be stored without the need for on-premises hardware.

                   

                  Virtualization software enables different operating systems and applications to operate on the same server at the same time, lowering costs and increasing the efficiency of current hardware.

                  The Main Types of Virtualization

                  Virtualization is classified into numerous types based on the elements it is used on.

                  1. Server Virtualization

                  Consolidating many machines into a single server, which then runs multiple virtual environments, saves server space. It’s a method for companies to run identical programs on numerous servers in order to have a “foolproof” position. Because each server is self-contained, software installed on one will have no effect on the other. Another emerging topic in server virtualization is migration. While a secure network migration may be needed in some situations, it comes with its share of potential drawbacks for which organizations ought to be prepared. A server environment can be moved from one location to another, even if the computers have different operating systems. The obvious benefit is the reduction in hardware costs.

                  2. Storage Virtualization

                  Storing data on a hard drive used to be a simple undertaking: a company could simply buy a larger disc drive if it required more. However, storage requirements continue to expand, making management considerably more difficult. Virtualization is a fantastic solution. It inserts a layer of software between computers and servers, removing the requirement for programs to know where certain data is stored. It’s treated as if it’s just one resource. The virtualization layer will appear to servers as a single storage device, and each storage device will see the layer as its lone server.

                  3. Network Virtualization

                  Network virtualization makes it possible to control and supervise an entire network as if it were a single entity. It is primarily intended to automate administrative operations while masking the network’s complexity. Each server (and service) is part of a single pool of resources that can be exploited without regard for their physical components.

                   

                  Appreciating the Benefits of Virtualization

                  Understanding the difference between private and public clouds is the best method to think about the role of virtualization. In a private cloud setting, a company owns or rents both the hardware and software that supports service consumption.

                  The Private Cloud

                  A private cloud is its own virtualized world. It allows customers more autonomy and flexibility in managing their own systems while maintaining all of the cloud’s benefits. Furthermore, the owner does not have to be concerned about coexisting “bad neighbors” or potential performance slowdowns. The following are some of the advantages of virtualization:

                   

                  Virtualization allows a user to keep physical systems to a bare minimum, allowing them to get more value out of existing servers.

                   

                  Using the same hardware to run numerous apps and operating systems. All management, administration, and other costs are covered by the in-house IT budget.

                   

                  When deciding whether or not to adopt virtualization (a private cloud), a company must examine who will provide support and how it will be linked with other internal systems. Cost (operating expenses) is, of course, a factor to consider. What level of management is a company willing to undertake? What are the requirements for scalability and security?

                   

                  Virtualization is likely to be preferred by firms that require better control and security and have substantial IT staff for these purposes.

                  TAGS

                  • Cyber Crime
                  • Security Updates

                  Recent Blogs

                  Share this article

                  Ready to Get Started?

                  Our specialists are ready to tailor our security service solutions to fit the needs of your organization.


                    By submitting the form, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

                    an-overview-of-network-security
                    Posted in Cyber Security

                    An Overview of Network security

                    Latest Blogs

                    By AMSAT Jan 20,2022

                    Dealing with cyber-threat: a complex challenge

                    an-overview-of-network-security

                    The term “network security” refers to a wide range of technology, devices, and processes. Most essentially, it is a set of rules and configurations that use both software and hardware technologies to secure the integrity, privacy, and accessibility of computer networks and data. Every organization, irrespective of size, area, or infrastructure, needs network security solutions to defend itself from the potential threat of cyber threats that have become a norm in today’s precarious business milieu.

                     

                    Today’s network architecture is multifaceted, and it must deal with a constantly changing threat environment and threat actors who are constantly looking for and exploiting flaws. These flaws can be found in a variety of places, including devices, data, apps, users, and geographic locations. Consequently, a slew of network security management tools and apps are being used to address specific threats and exploits, as well as regulatory non-compliance. When even a few minutes of outage may cause widespread inconvenience and significant damage to a company’s financial line and reputation, these safeguards must be in place.

                    How does network security work?

                    When it comes to network security in an organization, there are several layers to consider. Since attacks can take place at any layer of the network security layers model, your network security hardware, software, and rules must be built to encompass all of them.

                    Physical, technological, and organizational controls are the most common types of network security controls. The key methods of network security and how each control works are described briefly below.

                    Physical Network Security

                    Unauthorized personnel gaining physical access to network components such as routers, cabling cabinets, and so on is prevented by physical security mechanisms. In any organization, controlled access, such as locks, biometric authentication, and other devices, is critical.

                    Technical Network Security

                    Data that is stored on the network or that is in transit across, into, or out of the network is protected by technical security mechanisms. It is necessary to protect data and systems from unauthorized personnel as well as malicious activity by staff.

                    Administrative Network Security

                    Security rules and processes that manage user behavior, such as how users are verified, their level of access, and how IT staff members apply changes to the infrastructure, are referred to as administrative security controls.

                    Types of network security

                    We’ve discussed the many types of network security controls. Now let’s look at some of the various methods for securing your network.

                    Network Access Control

                    Comprehensive access control policies for both people and devices are required to ensure that potential attackers cannot infiltrate your network. Network access control (NAC) can be configured to the nth degree. You may, for example, give administrators complete network access but prohibit them access to certain confidential folders or prevent their personal devices from connecting to the network.

                    Antivirus and Antimalware Software

                    Viruses, ransomware, worms, and trojans are all examples of dangerous software that antivirus and antimalware software protect against. The finest program not only scans files when they first connect to the network, but also scans and tracks them over time.

                    Firewall Safety

                    True to their name, firewalls operate as a barrier between untrusted external networks and your trusted internal network. Typically, administrators put up a set of established rules that prohibit or allow traffic onto the network.

                    Virtual Private Networks

                    Virtual private networks (VPNs) establish a network connection from a remote endpoint or location. Users working from home, for example, would normally connect to the company’s network over a VPN. Data between the two places is encrypted, and the user must authenticate in order for their device to communicate with the network.

                    TAGS

                       
                    • Security Updates
                    • Network Security

                    Recent Blogs

                    Share this article

                    Ready to Get Started?

                    Our specialists are ready to tailor our security service solutions to fit the needs of your organization.


                      By submitting the form, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy