Cyber Security Awareness Month
Cyber Security Awareness Month – Week 2 – Securing your devices at home and work
October 16, 2020The month of October has been designated as 'Cyber Security Awareness Month'.
There are campaigns being run by the Europeans and the US with their own themes.
For the USA, this year's theme is "Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart".
Each week of October there is a different focus as well. This week it is "If You Connect It, Protect It".
This is a good opportunity for families and businesses alike to take a few minutes to have a think about cyber security.
Going by this weeks' theme, let's look at 'If You Connect It, Protect It'.
A cyber attack can be a very costly exercise, and it's a balancing act as to how much time and effort you invest in protection.
Some examples of the dangers of unprotected systems:
- An old internet connected PC running Windows XP can be exploited to gain access to a network and infect machines with a Cryptolocker virus which locks up your files and demands payment.
- The old remote access server that was needed for a small project a few years ago is still open - hackers use this to brute force your password and get access to your network.
- Open ports to a phone system allow an attacker to run up a massive phone bill using your system to dial out to other countries.
- Building Management System with remote access could allow an attacker to turn on/off physical devices in your building. Imagine a hacker taking control of your lifts.
- Gaining access to emails and finding out who all of your customers are, and emailing them with change of bank details.
- A user working from home has their computer infected with a virus, and now with remote working, your business network is compromised.
What devices do you have in your home or business that are connected to a network, and therefore possibly accessible through the internet?
- Televisions/Soundbars/Media Centres
- Video Conferencing Equipment and Cameras
- Servers/Computers
- VOIP Phone Systems
- SCADA Control Systems
- Building Management Systems
- Access Control Systems
- Kids Computers
- Wireless Access
How could they get in:
- Old or weak passwords
- Remote control software
- Old firmware/software which has known 'hacks'
- Out of date computers/servers (Windows XP/7 or older, Windows Server 2008r2 or older)
- Open ports on your firewall that now are insecure
- IP Cameras with default passwords and/or port forwards
Call to action:
Take a moment to think about what devices you have that are connected to your network at home or in the office.
Think about what someone could do if they had control of that device.
What can you do about protecting it?
Share some cyber safety information with your staff, there are plenty of resources below for free.
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