Cyber Security

In today’s highly digitalised world, it has become essential for businesses to secure their IT systems from potential cyber threats. One way in which organisations can do this is through penetration testing, also known as ethical hacking or white-hat hacking.

Spyware is malicious software that can be installed on your computer without your knowledge. This type of software is designed to steal sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card numbers, and send it back to the hacker who created the spyware.

If you think your computer may be infected with a virus, it is important to take action as soon as possible to try to remove the virus and prevent further harm to your computer. Here are some steps you can take

Ransomware is a dangerous type of malware that works by locking up or encrypting your files so that you can no longer access them. It is often activated by the unsuspecting user clicking a dangerous link in an email or online.

The cornerstone of any cybersecurity review is an Essential Eight assessment. We can then determine what additional steps need to be taken to strengthen your business security.

As a business owner, you know that social media is an important part of your marketing strategy. But what you may not know is that social media can also be a major security risk. It’s important to be aware of the social media security threats that could affect your business to be safe. By being proactive about social media security, you can help protect your business from cybercrime.

As a business owner, when you’re on the go, travelling for work, there are a few simple things you can do to help keep your data and devices safe. As a business traveller, it’s important to be aware of the cyber security risks that come with using public Wi-Fi networks and connecting to unsecured websites.

If you’re reading this, you are probably a laptop owner who relies on it to stay connected and be productive. But with so much personal and work-related information stored on your device, it’s important to take steps to protect it from thieves and hackers. There are ways of keeping your data safe, even if your laptop goes missing. So here is a look at the six most effective laptop security tips every user must know.

Most of us know the story about Mark Zuckerberg covering his laptop’s webcam and mic with tape. Taking the cue, many people started covering their cams and mics – after all, it is a simple and quite effective way to prevent hackers from spying on you. As our Perth cybersecurity team always says, awareness is the first step. So, here’s the first step.

Every business is data-driven. As everything goes digital, data is money. Data loss directly translates into revenue, productivity and reputation loss. Data loss can happen due to various reasons such as cyber-attacks, natural disasters, machine malfunction or even human error. No matter what industry you are engaged in, data loss can be bad news for your business.

Yes, that is right. Some ransomware developers sell malware as a service. As always, when the digital space advances, so do cybercrime. Ransomware attacks are now in the headlines for causing disruptions in various industries and across nations. So, what is Raas? Is it possible to protect your company from it? Read on.

While a few data security steps can help you, a business needs much more than that to prevent and recover from a security incident. Our cyber ninjas from Perth explain all you need to know about cybersecurity risk assessments, why they are important and how they help foolproof your cybersecurity strategy.

While the digital space is beneficial for communication and business growth, it also increases the risks exponentially. One of the first lines of defence is a strong firewall that decreases the chances of data breaches and thefts. Read on to learn more about why is firewall important for your business.

Data security has become vital as newer and more sophisticated digital threats emerge almost every other day. While user-centric data security and privacy regulations are definitely the need of the hour, there are some data security steps that you can follow as an organisation and individual. Our cybersecurity experts from Perth explain seven efficient tips to keep your data secure.

Every constituent of the digital universe has two sides like a coin. As each new technology is introduced to the world, a new digital risk emerges. Whether it’s because of the novel implementation of the technology or the users’ lack of knowledge about it, digital threats cause considerable damage to any business. So, what do you do? Adopt Digital Risk Protection (DRP). What is Digital Risk Protection and why is it important for your business? Our Perth cybersecurity team answers.

If you are surprised by that title, you are not alone. Cybersecurity and Information Security are often treated as synonyms. Even though they differ in the scopes, they are so similar in purpose that these two terms are used interchangeably even by experts in the digital world. To help you out, our experts from Perth have created a simple guide on Information Security vs Cybersecurity, and what does your business need.

It is a well-known fact that websites track you when you browse online. The continuous advertisements that follow you after you search for a similar product just once indicate that something on the web is observing your browsing patterns. This allows for a lot of misinformation and unwarranted fear to spread across the internet. Our Perth cybersecurity team tries to throw some light on the topic.

One main reason for Google’s popularity among internet users is how it seems to know exactly what you need. Whether it’s the news or hotel recommendations, Google gives you what you want without fail. But, how? Our team from Perth are here to give you the answers.

Would you believe it if we told you “123456” was still the most popular password among internet users? In the 21st century, where everyone grows up on the internet, browsing and typing their way through life, it is hard to believe passwords are still a neglected aspect of cybersecurity. Are you looking for tips to create strong passwords for your digital accounts? Our experts from Perth are here to help you. But first…

You must have come across the term “end-to-end” encryption multiple times while using web applications such as WhatsApp. From the context, it’s often clear it is a privacy and safety feature. But have you wondered what end-to-end encryption actually means? How does it work, and why is it important? Read on to learn what is end-to-end encryption.

The “dark web” is a term that’s often repeated in movies and conspiracy theories. It sounds mysterious and a bit dangerous, right? Should you be scared of accidentally stepping into the dark web when you’re casually browsing the internet? Our cybersecurity ninjas from Perth are here to put your mind at ease. So let’s get right on the topic.

Internet is the lifeblood of the modern era. As the digital space becomes more advanced and integrates further into the day-to-day lives, there arises a question of safety. Cybersecurity acts as the armour that protects your privacy and all personal information. So what exactly is cybersecurity, and why you should care about it? Here’s a comprehensive cybersecurity guide to help you protect your and your customers’ data.

Zero-day attacks are a comparatively lesser-known type of cyberattack that exploits zero-day vulnerabilities in software. These attacks can be dangerous due to their unpredictable nature. In this article, our cybersecurity team explains zero-day attacks and how you can identify and protect yourself from them.

In the next article on the different types of cyberattacks, our cybersecurity team talks about an increasingly common threat – Denial of Service (DoS) attacks. DoS attacks are among the wide range of criminal activities that became more common after 2020. So, what are DoS attacks? How can you prevent them? Let’s find out.

In our latest article on cybersecurity awareness, we talk about an increasingly common cyberthreat – Angler phishing. However, with awareness and good security practices, you’ll be able to combat cyberattacks. What is Angler Phishing? How can you prevent falling prey to it? Read on.

We live in a fast-paced world that becomes more digitally progressive as each day passes. Spear-phishing is a type of phishing- a common cyber-attack that affects around 75% of businesses around the globe every year. The first step to protecting yourself and your business against any cybercrime is awareness. To help you with that, our experts at Perth have created an extensive guide on what spear-phishing is and how you can combat it. Read on.

You’re enjoying a relaxing Sunday afternoon tea after a long, Anonymous callers ring you up to ask you for mailing addresses and credit card details for gifts of competitions you’ve never heard of before. This technique is referred to as smishing and vishing. Our cybersecurity team at Perth has created a guide to protect you from the dangerous traps of cyberattacks

Conducting business activities online opens the doors to a host of risks starting from data theft. There is no alternative to cybersecurity to keep your business protected in the networked world. Here is a glance at all you need to know on what is layered security, compiled by our cybersecurity specialists from Perth.

Cybercrimes are rampant across the world, causing incredible damages to individuals and organisations. There are different kinds of cyber attacks aimed at individuals and groups. They may be perpetrated by groups or individuals who seek monetary benefit or leverage of some sort. They use vulnerability, lack of knowledge, and manipulation as the means to this end. So, what is a cyberattack and what are the most common types?

Many online services and applications require an account set up to use them. Some of them are created on the spur of the moment and may be no more in use. Any such old and forgotten accounts that you are not using may have key information such as your personal data, credit card details, and more. Our IT helpdesk from Perth will help you understand why you should delete these unused accounts and how to do it.

A phone or tablet is a very personal device and contains a lot of sensitive information about the user – from social media to banking applications. Whether you are selling the phone or handing it down to a family member, it’s crucial to wipe every piece of data in your phone. Our IT experts at Perth do a quick round-up of how to clear data from internal and external storage spaces and how to wipe your phone or tablet before you sell it.

Google Chrome is one of the most widely used browsers. Its popularity is mostly due to many of its unique features. Managing and saving passwords to different applications is one such feature. Our IT solution team from Perth has a few tips on how to manage passwords in the Chrome browser.

Antivirus software is no longer a ‘good to have’ option – they are ‘must-haves’ on your device. This recognition has led to a large number of antivirus software available in the market. So how can you choose the most suitable one? Our experts from cybersecurity will help you understand more about what antivirus is and the important things you need to note when buying antivirus software.

Social engineering has got a lot of attention recently. While the term is innocent, it denotes one of the most rampant crimes in the cyberworld. It is not new – the term was, ironically, popularised by a social engineer himself, Kevin Mitnick. He used the word to refer to his criminal activities in the 90s, like hacking and other computer-related crimes.

Trojan means the malicious software that has waged war in the cyberworld. They are so damaging that they overshadow the legendary wooden horses that they derive their name from. Our cybersecurity pros from Perth unravel the facts about Trojans.

The internet is a trove of useful applications that have changed the very fabric of our life in an amazingly short time.We look in detail at some of the basic ways how the internet has changed our daily lives

Advertisements can be informative and useful for creating product awareness.But what most of us don’t know is online ads are increasingly becoming carriers of malware – malvertising. Our cybersecurity team from Perth have been engaged frequently in the past few months to remediate cyber incidents triggered by such ads. What is malvertising? How can you protect yourself from it? Read on to understand more.

As the world progresses to ensure an easy and smooth flow of day-to-day life, many daily activities are being shifted onto digital platforms. Lack of proper security measures makes it easy for a person’s identity to be stolen and misused. Our cybersecurity team in Perth have listed some simple but effective ways to prevent identity theft.

Employees who are educated and careful about cyber threats are a company’s first layer of defence because most data breaches are caused by human error and negligence. We list here the best cybersecurity practices that every employee and company should implement to protect against cyber threats.

What is ransomware and how can you protect yourself from it? What should you do when faced with a ransomware attack? Here are some tips from our cybersecurity specialists.

Emails have become one of the essential means of communication. We also require an email to log in to social media accounts and many other apps. This popularity makes it popular among hackers also. What to do if your email ever gets hacked? Our cybersecurity specialists from Perth provide you with easy tips.

Internet cookies are one of the most misunderstood characters in the cyber world. They are essential for the smooth functioning of the browsing process and also quite helpful for businesses. So why are they so vilified? Our cybersecurity geeks from Perth answer.

Credit Cards are one of the most convenient methods of online transactions. How to use your credit cards safe online? Our cybersecurity experts from Perth have listed 11 tips to protect your credit card information while you use it online.

A bunch of university students, initially targeted vulnerable IoT devices to create a powerful botnet. But with the code being posted online, other criminal minds are already at work building and modifying the code for bigger and more dangerous attacks. So, what are botnets and how do they work?

Transferring files through unsecured networks can lead to compromising your sensitive data to hackers. So, how can you share files safely online? Our cybersecurity experts from Perth help with some easy tips.

What will you do if you ever lost your phone or if someone stole it? How to protect your sensitive information on the stolen phone? In this article, our IT experts from Perth list some tips on how to disable your stolen smartphone.

Mobile malware is a lucrative venture for hackers. So how do you protect the data on your mobile? Our cybersecurity experts give you a few tips on keeping your mobile data secured.

With computers and the internet becoming a part of everyday life, hard copies are a thing of the past. While digital storage is super easy to store and retrieve, it can also be easily lost. A little effort can keep digital files and photos safe. Our helpdesk expert from Perth will give you a few tips on how to keep your digital memories safe in this article.

Most businesses use automated systems and methods to collect information about their customers. They use this data to create effective and targeted marketing strategies. But some of them might end up becoming malicious.

Social media networks have evolved from just being a platform for connecting with people to a hot platform for doing business. As social platforms become popular, they became one of the common targets of cybercrimes. So, how can we protect ourselves from these dangers?

Can we imagine a day without browsing the internet? No! As the usage of internet increases, so do the security issues. Our cybersecurity experts from Perth give you a few tips on how to browse the internet safely in this article.

We live in a digital world. From a small-scale business to multinationals and Government services, every organisation uses computers and other electronic devices to stay connected. As all these applications and systems run on software, it is crucial that they are updated. In this article, our cybersecurity experts from Perth will discuss why software updates and patches are essential.

There is hardly anyone who is not familiar with online shopping. The huge number of sites that offer online purchases makes it challenging to spot malicious sites. In this article, experts from our cybersecurity team in Perth give a few tips for a safe online experience.

As the number of people shifting to mobile devices is increasing day by day, the risks of mobile threats are also growing. With several businesses permitting employees to use personal devices to access corporate networks, they are more vulnerable to cyber-attacks.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows you to transmit data safely and anonymously. It is no longer just a way for corporates to connect into the network. VPNs are now increasingly used by individuals and small businesses to protect their data from unauthorised access.

Does my computer have a virus? This is the first question that pops-up when your computer starts acting strange. Since computer viruses are diverse, they can affect devices and operating systems in different ways. However, the signs they leave tend to be similar across the board.

Cybercriminals are using the COVID-19 pandemic situation of fear and confusion to their advantage. Scamwatch has reported over 5170 scams with over $6,280,000 amount lost since the outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus). It is, therefore, essential to be aware of scams that are out there and how to avoid them. Codesquad’s cybersecurity team in Perth will help you understand what the different types of COVID-19 scams are and how to protect against them.

People are away from their workstations and are generally inattentive to securing their devices and accounts. Our cybersecurity team from Perth list some useful tips on how to secure your data during the holiday season.

With evolving technologies, hospitality industries are now reliant on the use of internet and electronic devices for the daily functioning of the business. This convenience also comes with vulnerabilities. Being online means, you may be open to cyber-attacks. Our cybersecurity team in Perth has years of experience in helping hospitality businesses stay secure.

Report Cyber was introduced on July 1, 2019, to enable Australian SMBs to report cyber issues (it replaced ACORN – Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network). If you thought you would never use Report Cyber, have a look at the statistics for SMBs in the first quarter of its operations.

In a previous post, we have spoken about how employee mobiles can pose a security risk. But what about ex-employees? They are one of the biggest threats to small and medium-sized businesses. Ex-employees can cause threats to your business unknowingly or with malicious intent. It is important to understand how to prevent ex-employees from compromising your business to keep your business secure.

Mobile phones are no longer just phones; they are constant companions. For most people, it is the last thing they look at before going to sleep, and the first thing their eyes seek when they wake up in the morning. Smartphones are not used for just personal purposes; they are increasingly involved in the workplace too.

Studies on cybersecurity events show that between 70 and 90% of data breaches are caused by simple human error. Shocking information, right! Recently the huge hike in cybercrime rates also proves that no business is immune to the risk of a cyber-attack. That is why cybersecurity training is vital for employees. Training your employees is a great way to provide an extra layer of resilience to cyber-attack.

The SSL encryption can defend against hackers who’re trying to intrude on your internet activity and also protect your data. But that doesn’t mean all the SSL certified sites are safe; even cybercriminals use encryption now. They use SSL to hide malware, and if your firewall isn’t scanning SSL-encrypted traffic, then your network is vulnerable.

We all lock our houses when we are not home, and these days we add an extra layer of security like a card or thumbprint reader that must be used in combination with the key for unlocking. It’s the same for your personal data stored in your device or online. With cybercrime events on an increasing trend, it’s essential to take extra measures to protect your data from criminals.

Hackers are always trying to find weaknesses in your business, and when found, they will attack. A cyberattack causes immense loss to a business – time, money, goodwill, trust of customers and for small businesses, sometimes the loss of business itself.

USB devices are external hard drives and flash drives that are small, inexpensive, and portable, which are used widely for storing and transferring files from one device to another. However, the same features make them attractive and popular among cybercriminals. They use USB devices to distribute malicious and spreadable malware onto your devices.

Phishing is one of the most common means of email scams. In 2019, 25168 cases of phishing were reported where 513 of them resulted in a financial loss, valued at AU$1.5 million. Moreover, there were more than 167, 000 scamming cases reported to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) controlled Scamwatch.

Cybercrimes are ongoing threats that continuously evolve as technology evolves. You can never predict when your account will be attacked by a cyber-criminal. Cyberattacks are no longer limited to big corporations or government sites. Small businesses and individuals are not safe from cybercrimes. A small business may find it harder to recover from a security incident. As an SMB it is important to understand how to protect your accounts from cybercriminals.

In recent months we are witnessing a sharp uptick in the number of cybersecurity events all over Australia. In September, this year, Defense Minister Linda Reynolds warned that we are facing a “new normal”, as Australia released its first cybersecurity threat report which indicated 4,500 hacking attempts in a day. While we may have thwarted many hundreds of direct attacks both locally and overseas, we must remain vigilant.

As businesses rely more on technology and are increasingly more “internet facing”, solid cybersecurity measures are important. Businesses are under constant attack from everyone – governments, criminals, hackers and even teenagers. Phishing is one of the most common tools used by those who try to get access to your systems. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable, as they feel cybersecurity is costly, and consequently don’t have robust security in place.

Do you share passwords with your friends? Friends are at the apex of the sharing chain. You can share anything with them. From your clothes to the deepest secrets. One thing it isn’t cool to share though are your passwords, yet this is what people do every day by storing passwords in unsecured text files, in emails, or sharing them with friends via chat, email, text etc.

Ransomware attacks have increased exponentially, causing loss to businesses worth billions of dollars each year. Though there are ways to recover from a ransomware attack, “Prevention is better than cure” is the best way to minimize financial loss and damage to your company image.