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Cybersecurity and Technology

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Chika Wonah

Online Resources fo See if You’ve Been Hacked

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On September 28, 2021

In Digital, Internet of Things

How safe are you online, and how do you even know if your security has been compromised? Well, scammers and hackers present constant daily threats to our online presence. Any activity that gets performed online, from social media to email accounts, can get hacked. Operating an old account without an updated feature puts your entire online presence and newer account at risk of getting attacked by hackers. The pertinent question is; how do you tell if you are a victim of these attacks? Luckily, there are signs that, when noticed, are indicative of an online account getting hacked.

One of the tools that one can confidently use to check whether their email addresses have been compromised is known as “Have I been Pwned? This tool is quite effective in checking the security of one email accounts. The platform is quite effective and easy to use as one is only required to visit their platform and check whether their emails have been part of the data breach using the available tools. Also, the platform checks whether your email address has been used in suspicious public online. If the findings on this platform return in affirmation, this indicates that your email address is at risk.

The next step is securing your email accounts by changing their password with a strong password. Using a [password generator is highly recommended. Consequently, it’s important to avoid opening any suspicious-looking emails sent to your mailbox. It’s essential and critical to remain vigilant and look for any suspicious activity around your email account. Having a similar password for more than one account is a security risk, and it’s not advisable; one gets advised to change it immediately.

There is yet another effective and comprehensive platform and tool to check and ascertain whether you have been hacked. The DE hashed is slightly complicated compared to the “I have been Pwned “email check. Dehashed is a bit broad in its coverage as it can cover more than a single email address. Dehashed allows one to dictate the data sets they are looking for online. It will crawl the internet to ascertain whether there is any information regarding the search criteria available. The platform also goes a notch higher as it allows one to remove any data entries containing personal information.

One gets recommended to use Dehashed if they strongly feel compromised or their old username and password are no longer in use. Dehashed allows one to search for phone numbers, legal names, and addresses. The platform requires one first to create an account to search and c check for details regarding their online presence.

Chika Wonah

Common Cybersecurity Mistakes

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On September 16, 2021

In Internet of Things, Technology

Adequate cybersecurity requires organization and leadership from all aspects of the organization. For solid security against most cyber attacks, there are a few basic principles that an organization should follow. The following are the most common mistakes made by organizations regarding their cybersecurity efforts as well as tips to avoid these common mistakes.

1. Having a Sense of False Security

It happens all too often that a company falsely presumes they are not a target due to the type of data they typically handle. Cyber attacks commonly affect credit card data and personally identifiable information. Despite this, every company is at risk of an attack, as all businesses have valuable information and a leak could impact all of your employees and consumers. A solution is to hire experts to determine vulnerabilities within your company and set up security appropriately.

2. Placing Emphasis on the Wrong People

IT is not the only responsible department for cybersecurity. Everyone in the company carries company data and has the responsibility of protecting it. Organizations should obtain policies and processes to help every employee protect company assets. To ensure that your entire organization is protected it is vital to train, educate, and simulate the entire staff for cyberattack scenarios.

3. Misunderstanding Your Network

Another big mistake companies make is failing to understand and update their network. Failing to do so makes a breach simple and almost inevitable. It is impossible to verify network targets, however, there are ways to lessen the probability of an attack. Ensure that IT updates software in a regular and timely manner and knows where company data is.

4. Only Having One Line of Defense

Many companies simply rely on anti-virus software. These technologies are not adequate for advanced attacks. This software work to identify a virus after it has been attacked. The solution to this is in addition to the anti-virus technology, companies should also employ technologies that also work to predict future attacks and their effects.

5. Overlooking Your Endpoints

Most attacks are on those who fail to monitor their endpoints. Today’s hackers can pass endpoints quickly. Appropriate endpoint technology should be used to provide a proactive approach to tracking down attacks and viruses. Proper security requires a proactive approach.

Chika Wonah

Mobile Security Tips

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On September 16, 2021

In Technology

In today’s world, it seems that everyone is always on the go and needs a mobile device to stay connected. With all of this mobility comes new security risks for your data and identity. This post will give you six tips for mobile security to help you keep yourself safe.

1. Keep Your Phone Locked

When you’re not using your phone, lock it. It will make sure that no one can access the information on your mobile device if they gain physical access to it while you are away from it.

2. Add a Security Question

This is helpful if someone else gets hold of your phone and tries to reset the password or get into your account. You can set a security question not easily guessed to help keep your account safe from identity theft.

3. Set a Pin on Your Phone

Similar to locking your phone, setting a pin on it will ensure that no one can access your information without the correct code. This also helps prevent others from reading messages or seeing personal photos on your phone.

4. Be Careful What You Share

Just because you have a mobile device and are staying connected doesn’t mean that you should be careless of who you give data to, especially if it’s sensitive information. If someone has access to your phone or can see what you’re looking at on the screen, they could be able to take your information and use it against you.

5. Connect to Secure WIFI

One of the biggest threats to mobile devices is other people on public networks. Use secure WIFI where possible and avoid using public wifi if at all possible, especially for things like online banking or shopping. This will help prevent others from logging into your connections and intercepting data or personal information.

6. Set App Permissions

When installing an application on your devices, take a moment to review the permissions that the app requests and make sure they are reasonable. If an application requests access to functions that seem suspicious or unrelated, reconsider installing the app.

In Conclusion

Overall, using these tips and keeping your mobile device up-to-date with the latest operating systems can help you stay safe when on the go and reduce the chances of your identity being stolen due to data breaches or security breaches.

Cybersecurity For Nonprofits

Cybersecurity for Nonprofits

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On August 12, 2021

In Blockchain, Chika Wonah, Internet of Things, Technology

If you’re running a nonprofit organization that uses different technology platforms, it’s time to combat any cybersecurity risks. Most nonprofitable organizations use technology in the storage and dissemination of technology in an electronic way—a collection of information and preferences from donors and subscribers as well as the registration of event donators through company websites and business portfolios.

Applying the above channels in your nonprofit organization puts your data at a higher risk of being tapped by unauthorized individuals. This might also put the data of donors in danger, demoralizing the entire operation process. For the security of the users’ data, the United States launched a program that aims to offer total security to the users’ data. This contributed to the formation of the General Data Protection Regulations.

The Risks of Cybersecurity on Nonprofits

Data breaches are a major risk of cybersecurity that can cause the downfall of an entire organization. Note that most nonprofits store sensitive and protected data by the rule of law of the respective organization. When a data breach occurs in that situation, it imposes a high risk to the individual whose data is stored within the system.

This has raised an alarm across nonprofits contributing to developing a distinctive way of managing such issues. This will aid in ensuring that all of your client’s sensitive information is well kept.

The Risk Assessment Process

Assessing your data processing channel is an important way to enhance data security. This should begin by analyzing where all your data inventory is collected and stored. Consider the application of the Nonprofit Technology Network to assess the potential of the template assessment tool. The tool requires to be fed with detailed information regarding the data as the program develops.

Also, it is vital to check if there is data that your organization keeps and it’s not of any assistance. This can force you to limit the amount of data you collect from individuals or eliminate a particular type of data. This will contribute to the proper management of data and efficiency in the organization’s operations.

Cybersecurity has become a rampant aspect within the past few years. Developing a distinctive way of handling this matter places nonprofit organizations on a better side.

Cybersecurity Terms To Understand

Cybersecurity Terms to Understand

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On August 10, 2021

In Blockchain, Chika Wonah, Internet of Things, Technology

If you use the internet, then you need to know about cybersecurity. Cybersecurity is how we keep our information safe and secure online. From your personal email address to your bank account, from your credit card number to your social media passwords – it all needs a layer of protection against hackers and malicious software. Security is an ongoing process; one can never be too careful when it comes to privacy or the security of others. Here are some basic terms related to cybersecurity that you may find helpful in understanding this topic:

A firewall

A firewall is software that protects the security of your computer or network. Firewalls prevent outsiders from accessing private data and networks and keep internal users from accessing unauthorized sites. A firewall can be programmed with different levels of permissions depending on who needs access. It is usually possible to temporarily override a firewall’s restrictions for a limited amount of time.

Password

A password is a word or phrase used to authenticate access to data, devices, and buildings. Passwords are widely used in computer networks because they are relatively easy to implement and can be revoked. They are also harder for someone else to find out than other types of credentials like biometrics. However, passwords are vulnerable to hacking if they are not sufficiently complex.

Authentication

Authentication is validation that an individual can be trusted or that a computer system or network is secure and functioning properly. The authentication process involves the validating party evaluating something the subject brings with them to verify their identity. In computer systems, rather than something physical, a subject is authenticated through passwords or keys.

Data encryption

Data encryption is a process that drives home security by making data unreadable to anyone without authorized access. Encrypting data renders it meaningless to unauthorized users who might intercept it and try to read the contents. Encryption involves using algorithms and cryptographic keys to make data files unreadable.

Debugging

Debugging is checking and fixing errors in computer software or hardware. It can be performed on a live system, usually for testing purposes, but sometimes also when the program is in the maintenance phase or done on a copy of the program (“dummy”) to save time and effort. Debugging is often performed by programmers during the development process.

Malware

Malware refers to any kind of software designed to disrupt computer operation, gather sensitive information from your system, or gain access to private data such as passwords or banking details. Malware is often spread through phishing emails that contain infected attachments or links to compromised websites (also referred to as a watering hole attack).

If we implement preventive measures, such as those I have listed above, we can probably avoid cyber attacks. It will be pretty difficult for hackers to access any of your personal information if you avoid risky behaviors on the internet.

How To Train Your Employees On Cyber Security

How to Train Your Employees on Cyber Security

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On July 13, 2021

In Chika Wonah, Internet of Things, Technology

These days, data breaches and security issues that affect companies negatively are very common. Often, these issues could have been prevented if the employees had been properly trained on cybersecurity. Cybersecurity can best be defined as practices and protocols designed to protect against hacking and other online attacks. This protection should start with employees. They are frequently the biggest risk in the fight against hacking and cybercrime, but with proper training, they can become a great asset.

Enforce Regular Training

First of all, all businesses should require all employees to regularly undergo cybersecurity training. “Regular” is really the key term. As employees get smarter and better armed against cyber-attacks, hackers do too. This is why frequent, up-to-date training is absolutely necessary. The more regularly employees are trained, the better able they are to protect an organization against increasing and increasingly smart cyber attacks

Discourage Photos

It may sound crazy, but discouraging the taking of photos in the workplace can be an effective way to improve cybersecurity.

The thing about photos is that they often get shared online. And, unintentionally, private information could be shared as well. A perfectly innocent photo could accidentally feature a piece of paperwork with should-be-secure information, or it could reveal a computer screen packed with sensitive data.

Smart hackers often look carefully into the background of these types of photos and gain the information they need to attack. By discouraging photo-taking and teaching safe photo-taking protocols, workplaces can reduce the risk of these types of accidental leaks.

Require Strong Passwords

Almost everyone has found themselves frustrated when using sites that require complex passwords. However, these types of passwords are extremely helpful in preventing security issues. Thus, all organizations should require employees to use complex, regularly changed passwords.

Ideally, these passwords should be sufficiently long, should not contain words commonly found in the dictionary, should contain multiple types of characters, and should not be shared or reused anywhere.

Since employees may be tempted to reuse their passwords on non-work-related sites, be sure to educate them on the dangers of doing so and to enforce consequences for those who have been discovered breaking the rules.

Enforcing cybersecurity among employees may not be easy. It may not always be met with positivity either. But, following these and other smart protocols could take an organization from vulnerable to secure.

Cybersecurity And Crypto How They Work Together

Cybersecurity and Crypto: How They Work Together

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On July 12, 2021

In Blockchain, Chika Wonah, Digital, Internet of Things, Technology

The relationship between cybersecurity and crypto is a complicated one. Cybersecurity protects the information that companies collect from hackers, while cryptography ensures that data remains confidential once it has been collected.

Cryptocurrency – What Is It?

Cryptocurrency, or digital currency, is the future of money. It’s an encrypted form of cash that does not rely on a centralized bank to regulate its value. Instead, it relies on encryption and mathematics for security – which are two things cybersecurity excels at!

Cryptography ensures that cryptocurrency transactions remain confidential, while cryptography also helps protect data from hackers by encrypting it with strong algorithms so only you can access your files.

They offer a decentralized global payment system without borders (no national banks needed!) that lets us send money without dealing with all those annoying fees charged by traditional financial institutions.

Cybersecurity and Cybercrime

Cybercriminals have better access to cryptocurrency because of decentralization, which makes it vulnerable to hacking. As a result, billions of dollars in cryptocurrency have been stolen or lost to hackers.

However, with the help of blockchain technology and security protocols such as two-factor authentication (also known as “multi-factor authentication”), cryptocurrency can be more secure. Blockchains are digital ledgers that record transactions in chronological order so that they cannot be modified or hacked without leaving an indelible mark on time itself! The best part about this form of cybersecurity? It’s FREE!

Cryptocurrency Exchanges

Cybercriminals have used them for money laundering, drug trafficking, and, more recently, ransomware attacks. For example, the WannaCry attack relied on a vulnerability within systems at two Russian companies which were hacked last year – they took advantage of this weakness when attackers demanded ransom payments be made in Bitcoin or Ethereum.

Cryptography – The Science of Cryptocurrency Security

When cryptography and cybersecurity work together, we can enjoy the benefits of cryptocurrency without getting hacked!

When these two fields work together, they make some really interesting things happen: in this case, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin offer people something new. They offer a decentralized global payment system without borders (no national banks needed!) that lets us send money without dealing with all those annoying fees charged by traditional financial institutions.

Cybersecurity excels at protecting data from cybercriminals, while cryptography also helps protect our data from hackers by encrypting it with strong algorithms so only you can access your files.

Protecting Your Personal Information On Social Media

Protecting Your Personal Information on Social Media

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On June 18, 2021

In Blockchain, Chika Wonah, Digital, Internet of Things, Technology

People can use these four tips to protect their personal information on social media.

Avoid posting sensitive information

Some people use social media for everything. They send Wi-Fi passwords to their friends. They upload work-related documents to colleagues. Some people even use Facebook to communicate with their accountants during tax season. Using social media to message people is okay. However, do not use the platform as a storage space for confidential documents. Instead, use flash drives. Important issues should be resolved offline.

Use anonymized platforms

People need to question whether it is necessary to use their real name and picture online. Do the pros outweigh the cons? Things can go wrong in a security breach. Identities get stolen. People’s lives get turned upside down. Internet users should consider using Reddit and other anonymized chatrooms. People can still find out about current events on Reddit. There are insightful discussions about various topics. For example, people talk about the latest technological advancements. They also share funny cat videos. People can stay safe on the internet by using fake credentials when signing up for an account. Become anonymous in case anything happens.

Make sure to log out

People stay logged in when they are at home. It is convenient. No one likes to waste time signing in. However, staying logged in is a cybersecurity issue. What happens when someone comes over? That person can easily access the computer when the homeowner is not looking. He or she can impersonate the homeowner on social media and ask friends for strange favors. This is a disaster waiting to happen. Therefore, users should remember to log out when they are finished with their browsing session.

Adjust privacy settings

Social media users have control over the types of people that can see their content. They can let the public see everything. They can also limit viewership to friends or friends of friends. People should become familiar with privacy settings because they can affect all aspects of life. Employers check social media when they screen applicants. Universities also research social media profiles before sending out acceptance letters. People should be mindful of these things when they log in.

By taking these actions, people can navigate social media without compromising their safety.

2021 Cybersecurity Career Trends

2021 Cybersecurity Career Trends

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On June 16, 2021

In Blockchain, Chika Wonah, Digital, Internet of Things, Technology

Technology is evolving rapidly, and businesses are changing how they operate with the emergence of new technologies like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and automation. It is creating opportunities for companies to think beyond the everyday operations and development of recent career trends. The world is relying on technology, and with this, there is a need to enhance cybersecurity. Taking up a career in cybersecurity is lucrative because it guarantees full-time employment. Let us brush over some of the emerging cybersecurity career trends this year.

Blockchain developer

Developers create innovative systems to conquer hacking, which is a common cybersecurity threat. They often operate on multiple systems and are familiar with several programming languages. It is the job of blockchain developers to ensure the security of transactions by using secure methods such as cryptography.

Network engineer

The network engineers are responsible for dealing with computer networks. Network engineers perform installations and maintenance of components such as routers and cables. In addition, these professionals monitor network configuration and installation of firewalls to prevent cybersecurity threats. The salary average is about $158,213 for this profession.

Cybersecurity project manager

It is an excellent opportunity for any cybersecurity professional seeking a leadership role. The position gives you an upper hand to manage teams. It is the job of project managers to ensure that the different targets of the project are met within the specified time. In addition, they are charged with providing cybersecurity measures after the analysts have determined the various security measures. Most cyber project managers work with large teams and a budget, so the job demands are at a higher stake.

Information security analyst

The analysts are charged with the responsibility of creating plans and strategies to prevent cyber-attacks. They protect the entire infrastructure by monitoring networks, assessing threats, and protecting them from all types of cybersecurity threats. Once they have identified a treat, they can opt to work on it or escalate the issue depending on the complexity.

Ethical hackers

It is an excellent way of learning how cybercriminals operate. They are responsible for testing out a weakness or any breach in the security system. They create preventive measures even before hacking happens. One way of getting certification is through online learning, which makes you be certified.

Final thoughts

The careers mentioned above are trends that are emerging and evolving. Some of the professions may require you to go through the education system and get the certification. More cybersecurity careers will be on the rise this year and beyond as there is an increasing demand to maintain proper data security measures.

How Students At Home Can Practice Safe Cybersecurity

How Students at Home Can Practice Safe Cybersecurity

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On May 11, 2021

In Chika Wonah, Technology

With the rise of social media, its become second nature to share every single thought we have on the internet as we chase internet fame. No one can guess what just might take off and make them famous, so people have become more bold and open with strangers with the assumption that everyone will appreciate their transparency.

 

This clearly isn’t safe for anyone but especially for the younger generation. The previous generations are now reaping what they’ve sown when it comes to internet transparency as many of them realize that there is no way to fully erase their actions online. It’s because of this notion that it’s important to teach kids how to navigate the internet safely, and it’s a lot easier than one might think.

 

Social Media

 

When using social media, keep in mind that every platform has built-in security features, most of which are turned off when an account is first made. Take some time to familiarize yourself with every platforms’ security features, and use them. Here are some of the main ways to stay safe when using social media:

 

  • Set accounts to private and be choosy about who is let in
  • Never post anything that would give away an address, phone number, name, or social security number
  • Never post any financial information such as bank account numbers or show off a new card
  • Remember that everything posted has the chance to be screenshot, so even if a post is deleted it could still exist somewhere

 

Websites in general

 

  • Try to stick to encrypted websites if possible. the Url will have ‘HTTPS and a padlock next to it, which means data is safe even if it’s leaked
  • Use a VPN if possible, but make sure the VPN doesn’t store personal information either.
  • Make sure any usernames and passwords chosen can’t be easily guessed

 

These are just a few ways to stay safe online, but the world within the internet is always shifting and changing. The best mindset is to be vigilant and not overshare. If something seems too easy or too good to be true it usually is.

 

For more helpful tips, click here.

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