Helpful Ways For Securing Your Technology Stack

If you're a business owner or manager, having a well-secured tech stack is essential to ensure that your computers and data remain safe. Without proper security measures in place, your system could be vulnerable to malicious attacks and data breaches. As such, staying up-to-date with the latest technological advancements and best practices is important to ensure that your stack remains secure. In this article, we'll look at some helpful ways to secure and keep your tech stack safe. Let's get started.

Helpful Ways For Securing Your Technology Stack

Use Cloud-Based Security Solutions

One of the best ways to protect your tech stack is to use cloud-based security solutions. With a cloud-based solution, you can easily control and monitor access to your data from any device. For instance, cloud native security solutions can provide you with real-time monitoring, notifications about suspicious activity, and access control tools that allow you to manage who has access to what. Additionally, these solutions are often more secure than traditional on-site solutions as they incorporate advanced encryption techniques that make it difficult for hackers to gain access to your data.

In addition to security, cloud-based solutions can also help you save money on hardware and IT resources since most of the work is done remotely in the cloud. So, no matter what type of business technology stack you use, explore cloud-based solutions as a great way to protect it.

Use Antivirus/Anti-Malware Software

Another important way to secure your tech stack is to use antivirus/anti-malware software. This type of software scans incoming data and files for malicious programs that could potentially damage or steal information from your system. It's important to note, however, that different levels of security are offered by different antivirus software. Be sure to do your research and find one that offers the right level of protection for your specific business needs.

Additionally, set it up to run regularly so that you can stay ahead of any threats. If a threat is detected, the software may alert you or automatically block the malicious program from entering your system. For instance, you can use antivirus software to identify and remove any malware, viruses, or other malicious programs that could compromise your tech stack.

Keep Your Software Updated

It's also important to keep your software up-to-date to ensure your tech stack's security. Outdated software can be vulnerable to attack since hackers are constantly looking for new vulnerabilities to exploit. Be sure to regularly check for updates on all of your software, including operating systems and browsers, and install any necessary patches. Additionally, stay informed about the latest threats so you can be prepared if a security breach occurs.

If you're unsure how to update your software, it's best to consult a professional specializing in information security. They can provide guidance on the best practices for updating and securing your tech stack. Additionally, they can conduct regular scans to detect any vulnerabilities and recommend solutions to ensure your system is safe.

Update Your Passwords Regularly

Regularly updating your passwords can help keep your tech stack secure. It's important to choose a strong password that is difficult for hackers to guess, such as one with upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. You can also update your passwords regularly and use different passwords for each account or website. This way, if one of your accounts is compromised, the others remain secure.

Additionally, you should consider enabling two-factor authentication for added security. Two-factor authentication requires a code and your password for login access and can help protect against unauthorized access. With these simple steps, you can reduce the risk of someone gaining access to your data and using it for malicious purposes.

Use a Threat Detection Software

You can also use threat detection software to help protect your tech stack. This type of software is designed to monitor suspicious activity on your system, such as unusual logins or data transfers. If any suspicious activity is detected, the software can alert you so that you can take immediate action. Threat detection software can also detect and block malicious programs from entering your system and can help you respond quickly to cyber threats.

To get the most out of your threat detection software, it's important to ensure that it is regularly updated with the latest security patches and tuned to detect the newest types of cyber threats. With regular updates, your threat detection software will be better equipped to protect your system from new cyber attacks. Additionally, it's important to make sure you have the right staff trained on using the software and responding appropriately to cyber threats.

Use a Firewall

It's important to have a firewall installed on your tech stack. A firewall monitors traffic from your system and blocks any malicious communications or programs from entering. It can also help you identify suspicious activity that could indicate an ongoing attack. Additionally, firewalls provide user authentication capabilities so that only authorized personnel can access the network.

This additional layer of security helps keep your data safe and secure. It's also a good idea to regularly update the firewall settings so they comply with industry standards and protect against any new threats. Moreso, if you're using a cloud-based system, ensure that your firewall is compatible with the platform to ensure the highest level of security. Taking these steps can help ensure your tech stack remains safe and secure.

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Enforce Email Security

You can also help secure your tech stack by enforcing email security protocols. This includes using strong spam filters, preventing phishing scams, and monitoring outbound emails for malicious content. You should also ensure that any emails sent from your system are encrypted to prevent unauthorized access or interception.

Additionally, you can monitor employee emails to ensure they don't contain confidential information or sensitive data that could be used to harm your business. Furthermore, you should limit the ability of employees to send emails from your system so that unauthorized third parties can't misuse it. Finally, you should regularly update and patch your email service to ensure its security is up-to-date. Taking these steps will ensure that your email system is protected from malicious actors.

Monitor and Analyze Network Traffic

You should also monitor and analyze network traffic on your tech stack. This will enable you to detect any suspicious activities or malicious communications that may be taking place. Additionally, it can help you identify any weak points in your system, such as unsecured ports or protocol vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit. This information can help you quickly address any issues before they become a bigger problem.

Network monitoring and analysis should be an integral part of your overall security strategy, so make sure it’s included in your IT budget. By investing in this type of security measure, you’ll be better equipped to protect your data from potential threats. Furthermore, it can help you identify and respond to any suspicious activity quickly, which could save your business a lot of time and money in the long run.

Evolve Your Endpoint Tools

You should also ensure that your endpoint tools are up-to-date and secure. Endpoint tools such as antivirus software can help detect and block malicious programs from entering your system. Additionally, they can be used to monitor activities on endpoint devices, enabling you to quickly spot any suspicious activity.

To get the most out of your endpoint tools, it is important to regularly update and upgrade them. Keeping your system up-to-date with the latest security patches will reduce the risk of malware or unauthorized access.

You may also want to consider investing in additional third-party security tools, such as firewalls, antivirus programs, patch management software, encryption tools, and data loss protection. These tools can help protect your system from external threats and provide extra layers of defense against malware and other malicious activity.

Safeguard Protected Data

Another way to protect your tech stack is to safeguard any protected data you have. This includes ensuring that all sensitive information is stored securely and access is restricted to only those who need it. You should also ensure your system complies with relevant security and privacy regulations, such as GDPR or HIPAA.

Make sure you have processes in place to protect against threats such as data breaches, malicious insiders, and identity theft. Consider implementing encryption technologies for added security. Regularly assess your system for weaknesses and address any issues immediately. Finally, keep an eye on best practices in the industry and update your security policies accordingly.

Invest in Employee Training

Finally, it is important to invest in employee training. Regular security training can help ensure your employees understand the importance of protecting your system and its data. It should include topics such as identifying phishing scams, recognizing cyber threats, understanding password protocols, and following best practices for secure access.

Having a well-trained team of employees who understand the importance of data protection is essential for maintaining the security of your tech stack. Investing in employee training will help ensure that you have a team who understands the risks and are well-equipped to protect your system from potential threats. Ensure that you keep your team up-to-date on the latest security trends and best practices so that they can stay one step ahead of attackers.

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Image Source: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/cyber-security-protection-secure-4502881/

It is essential to invest in the right measures to protect your tech stack from potential threats. Network monitoring and analysis can provide insights into malicious activity and help you quickly identify and address any issues. Additionally, regularly updating and upgrading endpoint tools, safeguarding protected data, and investing in employee training are all important steps for ensuring that your system is secure and remains so for the long term. Implementing these measures can go a long way toward protecting your tech stack from malicious activity.

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Online Threat Alerts Security Tips

Pay the safest way

Credit cards are the safest way to pay for online purchases because you can dispute the charges if you never get the goods or services or if the offer was misrepresented. Federal law limits your liability to $50 if someone makes unauthorized charges to your account, and most credit card issuers will remove them completely if you report the problem promptly.

Guard your personal information

In any transaction you conduct, make sure to check with your state or local consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the seller, charity, company, or organization is credible. Be especially wary if the entity is unfamiliar to you. Always call the number found on a website’s contact information to make sure the number legitimately belongs to the entity you are dealing with.

Be careful of the information you share

Never give out your codes, passwords or personal information, unless you are sure of who you're dealing with

Know who you’re dealing with

Crooks pretending to be from companies you do business with may call or send an email, claiming they need to verify your personal information. Don’t provide your credit card or bank account number unless you are actually paying for something and know who you are sending payment to. Your social security number should not be necessary unless you are applying for credit. Be especially suspicious if someone claiming to be from a company with whom you have an account asks for information that the business already has.

Check your accounts

Regularly check your account transactions and report any suspicious or unauthorised transactions.

Don’t believe promises of easy money

If someone claims that you can earn money with little or no work, get a loan or credit card even if you have bad credit, or make money on an investment with little or no risk, it’s probably a scam. Oftentimes, offers that seem too good to be true, actually are too good to be true.

Do not open email from people you don’t know

If you are unsure whether an email you received is legitimate, try contacting the sender directly via other means. Do not click on any links in an email unless you are sure it is safe.

Think before you click

If an email or text message looks suspicious, don’t open any attachments or click on the links.

Verify urgent requests or unsolicited emails, messages or phone calls before you respond

If you receive a message or a phone call asking for immediate action and don't know the sender, it could be a phishing message.

Be careful with links and new website addresses

Malicious website addresses may appear almost identical to legitimate sites. Scammers often use a slight variation in spelling or logo to lure you. Malicious links can also come from friends whose email has unknowingly been compromised, so be careful.

Secure your personal information

Before providing any personal information, such as your date of birth, Social Security number, account numbers, and passwords, be sure the website is secure.

Stay informed on the latest cyber threats

Keep yourself up to date on current scams by visiting this website daily.

Use Strong Passwords

Strong passwords are critical to online security.

Keep your software up to date and maintain preventative software programs

Keep all of your software applications up to date on your computers and mobile devices. Install software that provides antivirus, firewall, and email filter services.

Update the operating systems on your electronic devices

Make sure your operating systems (OSs) and applications are up to date on all of your electronic devices. Older and unpatched versions of OSs and software are the target of many hacks. Read the CISA security tip on Understanding Patches and Software Updates for more information.

What if You Got Scammed?

Stop Contact With The Scammer

Hang up the phone. Do not reply to emails, messages, or letters that the scammer sends. Do not make any more payments to the scammer. Beware of additional scammers who may contact you claiming they can help you get your lost money back.

Secure Your Finances

  • Report potentially compromised bank account, credit or debit card information to your financial institution(s) immediately. They may be able to cancel or reverse fraudulent transactions.
  • Notify the three major credit bureaus. They can add a fraud alert to warn potential credit grantors that you may be a victim of identity theft. You may also want to consider placing a free security freeze on your credit report. Doing so prevents lenders and others from accessing your credit report entirely, which will prevent them from extending credit:

Check Your Computer

If your computer was accessed or otherwise affected by a scam, check to make sure that your anti-virus is up-to-date and running and that your system is free of malware and keylogging software. You may also need to seek the help of a computer repair company. Consider utilizing the Better Business Bureau’s website to find a reputable company.

Change Your Account Passwords

Update your bank, credit card, social media, and email account passwords to try to limit further unauthorized access. Make sure to choose strong passwords when changing account passwords.

Report The Scam

Reporting helps protect others. While agencies can’t always track down perpetrators of crimes against scammers, they can utilize the information gathered to record patterns of abuse which may lead to action being taken against a company or industry.

Report your issue to the following agencies based on the nature of the scam:

  • Local Law Enforcement: Consumers are encouraged to report scams to their local police department or sheriff’s office, especially if you lost money or property or had your identity compromised.
  • Federal Trade Commission: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or use the Online Complaint Assistant to report various types of fraud, including counterfeit checks, lottery or sweepstakes scams, and more.
  • Identitytheft.gov: If someone is using your personal information, like your Social Security, credit card, or bank account number, to open new accounts, make purchases, or get a tax refund, report it at www.identitytheft.gov. This federal government site will also help you create your Identity Theft Report and a personal recovery plan based on your situation. Questions can be directed to 877-ID THEFT.

How To Recognize a Phishing Scam

Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could get access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers. Scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks like these every day — and they’re often successful.

Scammers often update their tactics to keep up with the latest news or trends, but here are some common tactics used in phishing emails or text messages:

Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. You might get an unexpected email or text message that looks like it’s from a company you know or trust, like a bank or a credit card or utility company. Or maybe it’s from an online payment website or app. The message could be from a scammer, who might

  • say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts — they haven’t
  • claim there’s a problem with your account or your payment information — there isn’t
  • say you need to confirm some personal or financial information — you don’t
  • include an invoice you don’t recognize — it’s fake
  • want you to click on a link to make a payment — but the link has malware
  • say you’re eligible to register for a government refund — it’s a scam
  • offer a coupon for free stuff — it’s not real

About Online Threat Alerts (OTA)

Online Threat Alerts or OTA is an anti-cybercrime community that started in 2012. OTA alerts the public to cyber crimes and other web threats.

By alerting the public, we have prevented a lot of online users from getting scammed or becoming victims of cybercrimes.

With the ever-increasing number of people going online, it important to have a community like OTA that continuously alerts or protects those same people from cyber-criminals, scammers and hackers, who are every day finding new ways of carrying out their malicious activities.

Online users can help by reporting suspicious or malicious messages or websites to OTA. And, if they want to determine if a message or website is a threat or scam, they can use OTA's search engine to search for the website or parts of the message for information.

Help maintain Online Threat Alerts (OTA).

Helpful Ways For Securing Your Technology Stack