Protect data against MITM attacks
By admin Cybersecurity • Data Security • 0 Comments

Protect data against MITM attacks

The Man-in-the-Middle attack is one of the most common cyberattacks. It tricks the person and server to think they’re communicating with each other. This malicious cyberattack is also known as eavesdropping as it does the same thing-gathering data from a private source or conversation without getting their consent.  

Online hackers who utilise this type of malware will steal all valuable information from your device without you even noticing it—or not until you get a notification that you have a long list of online transactions or subscriptions from different websites. 

 

Protect yourself from cyberattacks 

While thieves try to make themselves transparent, you can keep an eye out to make sure you’re not being attacked. Here are some precautionary measures that can save you from falling victim to their attack:  

 

Ignore suspicious messages 

Whether for personal or business use, email is one of the most popular platforms for communication over a network. This is also a favourite place for hackers to plot in their traps. 

Email hijacking is a sort of MITM wherein internet hackers attempt to gain access and completely control your personal email. Once they have your valuable information, the hackers will try to manipulate your accounts, including login credentials and bank details to make unnecessary transactions.  

Secure online safety 

Strong cybersecurity and a proper understanding of the risks of engaging with online thieves are your best defences against any type of online threat. Today, hackers continue to evolve new tactics, making it more difficult to monitor your data security on your own.. A managed IT solution can assist in delivering end-to-end encryption, making it more difficult for hackers to intercept and steal your data.  

Encrypt internet connection  

Before giving away your credentials and other valuable details online, you should make sure that your data communication is encrypted. By doing so, you are also preventing other parties from seeing the information that you’ve submitted.

Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) allows you to safely visit and transfer information to a certain page online. On some websites, HTTPS is marked differently, so you might see a padlock instead. The possible damage caused by MITM is terrifying, but practising preventative actions listed above will protect you and your data. 

 

Securing online data with Geelong Technology Group

Geelong Technology Group provides a comprehensive cyber security service including regular phishing simulations that use an advanced tracking engine to report unsafe links and suspicious pages so you can minimise the risk of MITM activity before it could happen.  

If you wish to have a cyber security checkup and completely disconnect from the cyber thieves online, don’t hesitate to contact our experienced IT professionals. Call 1300 GET GTG (1300 438 484) to learn more about our cybersecurity training program for small businesses.    

5 Steps to Strengthen Cyber Security
By admin Computer Security • Data Security • • • • 0 Comments

5 Steps to Strengthen Cyber Security

Cyber security in data management becomes more vital as it involves every record of the whole organization that may be sensitive or confidential. A breach of this information has consequences, including financial losses, reputational damage, and the risk of upholding customers’ trust.  

 

Hackers are just around the corner!

In a nutshell, cyber security, or IT security, plays an important role in every business. It protects the organization and employees from cyber threats such as hacking, malicious software, and ransomware attacks. These days, hackers have also changed their approach, increasingly targeting staff & exploiting human error. Make sure to protect your people so they won’t be the next target as cyber scam victims.  

 

It only takes ONE wrong click. 

Allowing your employees to identify common cyber threats by conducting regular cybersecurity awareness training will help not just the people in the organization but the business in the long run.  

 

Update your anti-virus protection. 

A common lag in your business computer might be a warning sign of weak anti-virus protection, putting your information at risk. Make sure your gadgets are regularly checked and that you have a reliable anti-virus program installed. Consider partnering with an experienced IT team that works with a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions in the digital realm. 

 

Implement strong Password management. 

Having a strong and unique password prevents unauthorized access to sensitive data, financial information, or personal details associated with other accounts. Always keep in mind that passwords must be changed regularly, treated like your own, and be two-factor enabled.  

 

Backup your data 

Backing up business data on a regular basis is a must, especially if your information is confidential. A secure cloud storage service can be of great assistance in ensuring that your data isn’t going anywhere in case of loss due to cyberattacks or natural incidents.  

 

At Geelong Technology, we build IT systems that suit your application by sourcing high-quality components from these reputable manufacturers:  

Take the first step to protect your business —Contact Geelong’s data security experts. 

Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing effort. Stay informed about emerging threats and evolving best practices to continuously improve your defenses. Consider working with trusted IT experts in Geelong that can offer you a complete security awareness solution to test, train, measure, and reduce human risk.  

 

📞 1300 GET GTG (1300 438 484) 

📧 mailto:support@geelongtechnology.com.au 

📍 166 Francis St, Belmont. 

reduce the cost of a data breach with Geelong Technology Group
By admin Data Security • • 0 Comments

Cybersecurity: How your business can reduce the cost of a data breach

In an ideal world, there would be no such thing as a data breach. Try as they might, cybercriminals would be thwarted by your business’ up-to-date cybersecurity strategies, your cybersecurity awareness training and your plugging of all possible cybersecurity holes.

Of course, unfortunately, cyberattacks and data breaches still occur. This isn’t to say that employing the best possible cybersecurity measures isn’t a great idea. It is. But planning should go beyond prevention to mitigation, should the unthinkable occur.

Effects of a cyber-attack and data breach

The effects of a successful cyber-attack can be catastrophic, particularly for SMBs unprepared for this event. The consequences of a breach can be not only financial, affecting your bottom line (as well as causing downtime, loss of productivity and decreased morale), but also impact your business reputation, reducing trust in your company name. A successful data breach can also leave your business open to legal liabilities.

How to prevent and mitigate cyber attacks

Prevention is, of course, preferable to mitigation. Making cybersecurity an ongoing process is the best way to not only reduce the likelihood of an attack, but may also reduce the damage should an attack occur:

  • Ensure you have a comprehensive cybersecurity plan
  • Keep software updated with the latest security patches
  • Use best-in-class antivirus software
  • Secure devices from hackers with firewalls, complex passwords and multi-factor authentication
  • Educate your employees about the risk of cyberattacks with training and ongoing support

How to reduce the impact of a data breach

The best way to reduce the impact of a data breach is to be 100% ready to contain it. This means not only having a comprehensive incident response (IR) plan, but also practicing it. Having a practised IR plan reduces the cost of a data breach. You and your employees will have a set of instructions should any cybersecurity incident occur, and containment will be a well-rehearsed step-by-step process. (Not a chicken-with-its-head-cut-off chaos!)

Using the right security tools can also reduce the impact of a cybersecurity incident. Tools such as advanced threat protection (ATP) deploy security AI and automate the response to any threats detected (quarantining potentially malicious files, for instance). Using a hybrid cloud approach may also lessen the impact of a breach, offering agility and flexibility should you need to pivot your business following an attack. 

Small businesses must be ready for cyberattacks – contact Geelong’s cybersecurity experts for help

For many small business owners, the threat of a cyberattack may seem remote. Thinking you’re not a target, however, is a huge mistake. Cybercriminals will often attack the weakest targets. And often, the weakest targets are small businesses whose cybersecurity measures are not up to scratch.

Now is the time to review your defences, boost your security and create mitigation plans. For assistance with a multifaceted solution that involves infrastructure assessment, awareness training, cybersecurity measures and IR plan implementation, give Geelong Technology Group a call.

We service Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, the Surf Coast, Golden Plains, Colac, Warrnambool and beyond, so get in contact today!

small business IT challenges
By admin IT Support • • 0 Comments

Five small business IT challenges (and how they can be overcome)

As small business owners know, being a minnow in a big pond poses unique challenges. Without the resources available to larger corporations, small business owners need to navigate rough business waters with ingenuity and creativity. Tech can often play an important role in aiding SMBs, but it can also become a frustrating roadblock if things aren’t going to plan. So what are those tech challenges small businesses face? And how can they be overcome?

Staffing and technology expenses

Specialised internal IT staff are greatly in demand, and having an ‘IT Department’ – even if its a department of one – is out of the question for many small businesses. Technology spend – whether its on upgrades to existing hardware, advanced business products or new systems – can also put a significant strain on an organisation’s IT budget. (Link here to Nov Blog #1)

Too many IT business options, not enough time (or knowledge)

With an ever-growing number of programs and systems available to support and grow businesses, choosing the correct technology solution for your business is an ever-more-difficult and time-consuming proposition. Does the technology have all of the functionality you will require? Or, conversely, a surplus of options that you really don’t need? Will the tech be compatible with your daily operational needs? Is scaling up with the technology in the future going to be possible or problematic? All of these questions and more need to be answered before you invest your hard-earned cash.

Integration issues

Following on from the previous point, the lure of embracing new technology can play havoc with older IT systems, applications and business assets. Certainly, new IT options can help small businesses level the playing field with larger competitors, but only if their integration does not introduce inefficiencies or operational disruptions.

Employee accessibility

As well as working seamlessly with your existing infrastructure, new tech for small businesses also needs to work with – and for – your staff. SMBs may not have the staffing capabilities to ensure that new technology system roll-outs are smooth and timely, keeping downtime to a minimum. The technology vendor will likely provide training videos and tutorials, but a formal induction to become acquainted and comfortable with a new platform may not be possible for smaller organisations.

Data safety and security

Having the right back-up solutions and disaster recovery procedures is imperative for every business, no matter their size. But how many SMBs have these measures ready to go if a server crashes or there’s a power outage? Hackers are also becoming more sophisticated at targeting small businesses, many of whom lack the requisite cybersecurity resources to tackle these looming threats.

Get the right advice to conquer SMB IT challenges

For many SMBs, these five challenges are considered par for the course – a necessary evil when it comes to running a smaller organisation – because they aren’t aware that better IT support results are possible. 

Small business IT systems need regular maintenance to run smoothly and securely. However, keeping on top of things – both of existing structures and emerging technology options – doesn’t all need to be done in-house. If you’re not a tech-driven company, the best way to ensure your business is tech-savvy in the most budget-friendly way is to have highly capable partners that can steer you in the right direction. An experienced IT support partner, such as the knowledgeable team at Geelong Technology Group, can help your business address and overcome all of these challenges. Offering expert advice, tailored to your unique business situation, GTG will help your business take advantage of technology, avoiding its pitfalls in the process.

Give us a call to chat about your IT support needs today. 1300 GET GTG (1300 438 484)