Web Application threats are becoming more and more of an
issue for businesses and individuals. Luckily, there are many steps to stay
protected and to prevent threats in the future.
Steps to protect/prevent
threats within a business
Employee Training
Having the most secure networks and technology can be
useless if employees do not understand their responsibilities in protecting the
company’s resources. Not all employees will be tech savy, or up- to- date on
the latest online safety procedures. It is the employers’ job to train
employees on understanding the policies and practices that must be followed
regarding online safety. Keeping files backed up, carefully scanning emails,
and following rules on downloading and installing programs, can reduce the
amount of vulnerabilities in your network, but only if employees are frequently
trained on how to do so.
Protecting the
Network
The primary tool for communication for a company is through
email, which is also a primary way for a threat. Daily, many employee email
accounts are flooded with fraudulent emails containing spam, and viruses, which
may sometimes end up in the inbox
instead of the spam folder. Compromising
a company’s web address, and re-directing consumers to a different website is a
way to hijack consumer information. These type of attacks are known as
phishing. To reduce phishing, monitor returned emails, and consumer complaints
pertaining to logins, passwords, and changes. Frequently search for websites
that may have similar spelling to yours, also, search for the usage of your
company’s logo.
Steps to
protect/prevent threats at home
Strong Passwords
I’m sure you’re thinking, “My password is strong enough, no
one knows my birthday!”, but actually you may be wrong. Cracking passwords is a
common security threat among attackers. A strong password does not only consist
of numbers, but also symbols and a combination of upper and lowercase letters.
Having a variety of passwords may be beneficial just in case one of your
passwords becomes compromised.
Anti-Virus,
Firewalls, and Anti-Malware
Viruses and malware can spread in many ways including
through downloads, pop-ups, email attachments, links, and even over networks.
It is very important to keep an anti-virus and anti-malware running on your
computer to ensure protection. There are many times where you may accidentally
click on a pop-up while trying to close it, and if that protection isn’t
running on your computer to fight off the attack, it could cause major damages.
If you are not sure what type of anti-virus/anti-malware to use, there are many
free trials available on cnet.com. Popular anti-virus
software such as McAfee, Norton, and Avast are a few that you can “try before
you buy”. Firewalls on the other hand are already installed on your desktop or
laptop computers. Enabling your firewall protects your computer from network
attacks and threats. If you are a mobile browser such as myself, these software
are available for installation, simply by visiting your mobile’s application
market.
Updates
Using updated software, plugins, and web browsers are critical
to stay protected. By changing user settings to “automatically update”, that will ensure your software is always
up-to-date. Often after an update, the software may prompt you to reboot the
computer so that changes may be applied. Without properly updating software,
plugins, and browsers, that may open up a window for an attack.
Tips
From a business and individual standpoint, it is important
to stay educated. Always pay
attention to the news regarding internet safety and changes. Don’t be afraid to
share tips with family and friends. Browse and download safely from the websites
and applications that you trust. Having control
over your online safety is the way to keep YOUR privacy private.
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