How to Identify Network Security Threats and Vulnerabilities

Anyone who operates a computer network is susceptible to security threats and vulnerabilities. Hackers, criminals, and other malicious actors often exploit these weaknesses to steal data or disrupt service. To protect your network from these threats, it is important to be able to identify them and take appropriate steps to mitigate risks. Here we will provide an overview of some of the most common security threats and vulnerabilities as well as tips on how to detect them.

What Is a Network Threat?

A network threat is when an attacker targets a computer network or the computers and devices connected to it. Network threats can cause significant damage to data, systems, and networks and lead to downtime or even complete system failure. There are many different types of network threats, but some of the most common include:

◉ Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks: A DoS attack is an attempt to make a computer or network resource unavailable to users. They can be carried out using various methods, including flooding the target with requests or traffic or exploiting vulnerabilities in the network or system.

◉ Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks: A DDoS attack is similar to a DoS attack, but multiple computers or devices, known as zombies, are used to carry out the attack. A large number of requests or traffic from the zombies can overwhelm the target, thus denying access to legitimate users. 

◉ Malware: Malware or malicious software refers to any type of software that is designed to damage or disrupt a computer system. Viruses, worms, and Trojans are some examples of malware.

◉ Phishing: Phishing is a type of social engineering attack that attempts to trick users into revealing sensitive information, like passwords or credit card numbers. Such attacks are often carried out by email and may include links to fake websites that look identical to the real website (SecurityScorecard, 2021). 

What Are Network Vulnerabilities?

Network vulnerabilities are weaknesses in a computer network that malicious actors can exploit to gain unauthorized access, launch DoS attacks, or spread malware. While some vulnerabilities are unintentionally introduced during the design and implementation of a network, others may be deliberately introduced by attackers.

Common types of network vulnerabilities include unpatched software flaws, weak passwords, and open ports. To protect a network from attack, it is important to regularly scan for vulnerabilities and take steps to remediate them. Network administrators can use a variety of tools to perform vulnerability scans, including open source and commercial products.

Once a vulnerability has been identified, it is essential to fix the loophole based on the potential impact of an exploit. For example, a vulnerability that could allow an attacker to gain administrative access to a server should be addressed urgently. In contrast, a less critical vulnerability may be patched at a later time.

Network vulnerabilities can have a wide range of impacts, from causing minor disruptions to leading to complete system compromise. In some cases, attackers may exploit vulnerabilities to launch DoS attacks or steal sensitive data. In other cases, they may use vulnerabilities to gain control of systems and use them for malicious purposes such as sending spam or launching attacks against other targets.

What Are the Types of Network Security Threats?

While there are many different types of network security threats out there, some of the most dangerous ones include:

◉ Viruses and Malware: Viruses and malware are malicious software programs that can infect your computer or network and cause serious damage. They can delete important files, steal confidential information, or even shut down your entire system.

◉ SQL Injection Attacks: SQL injection attacks exploit vulnerabilities in web applications that use Structured Query Language (SQL) to communicate with databases. By injecting malicious SQL code into these vulnerable applications, attackers can gain access to sensitive data or even take control of the entire database.

◉ OnPath Attacks: OnPath attacks occur when an attacker intercepts communication between two parties and impersonates each party to the other. This allows the attacker to eavesdrop on the conversation or modify the data being exchanged.

◉ Password Attacks: Password attacks are common types of network attacks because they are very effective. There are many types of password attacks, but some of the most common include brute force attacks, dictionary attacks, and rainbow table attacks (EasyDmarc, 2022).

What Are the Main Types of Security Vulnerability?

In computer security, a vulnerability is a weakness that can be exploited by a threat actor, usually for malicious purposes. Vulnerabilities can be found in many different areas of a system, including hardware, software, networks, and even people.

There are four main types of security vulnerabilities:

◉ Misconfigurations: Incorrectly configured systems and applications are often the weakest links in an organization’s security posture. A poorly configured firewall in cybersecurity, weak passwords, and leaving default accounts active are all examples of common misconfigurations that can lead to serious security vulnerabilities.

◉ Unsecured APIs: Many modern applications rely on application programming interfaces (APIs) to function properly. However, if APIs are not properly secured, they can be a serious security vulnerability. Attackers can exploit unsecured APIs to gain access to sensitive data or even take control of entire systems.

◉ Outdated or Unpatched Software: Software vulnerabilities are often the root cause of major security breaches. Outdated software is especially vulnerable, as attackers can exploit known weaknesses that have already been patched in newer versions. Unpatched software is also a major security risk, as many organizations fail to apply critical security updates in a timely manner.

◉ Zero-Day Vulnerabilities: A zero-day vulnerability is a previously unknown security flaw exploited by attackers before the vendor has patched it. These types of vulnerabilities are extremely dangerous, as there is usually no way to defend against them until after they have been exploited (CrowdStrike, 2022).

So, what can you do to address these types of security vulnerabilities?

Learn More About Risk and Vulnerability Assessment with C|ND

As the world increasingly moves online, the need for network security professionals who are up to date on the latest threats and vulnerabilities has never been greater. EC-Council’s Certified Network Defender (C|ND) program is designed to provide IT professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to protect networks from a wide range of attacks.

As a certified network defender, you can protect your organization’s infrastructure from online threats. The C|ND modules teach you risk and vulnerability assessment to identify potential risks and vulnerabilities in your network, using tools like a network vulnerability scanner and UTM firewall. This knowledge will help you mitigate these risks and vulnerabilities, thereby protecting your organization’s data and resources.

Source: eccouncil.org

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Ethical Hacking in Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is now an IT best practice for businesses of all sizes and industries. Thanks to the cloud, organizations can use a wide range of on-demand IT services delivered remotely over the internet without hosting or purchasing them internally.

Given the widespread adoption of cloud computing, it’s no surprise that the cloud is an appealing target for hackers. To bolster their defenses, companies must include their cloud computing resources as an integral part of their cybersecurity strategy.

That’s exactly where ethical hacking comes in. By scanning cloud computing environments for vulnerabilities, ethical hackers can help businesses patch any security flaws before an attacker can exploit them. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about ethical hacking in cloud computing, from the role of ethical hacking in cloud computing to various cloud hacking methodologies.

What Is Ethical Hacking in Cloud Computing?

Given the diversity of options available, it’s no surprise that cloud computing is now used by 98 percent of companies in some form or fashion (Flexera, 2020). But what is cloud computing in cybersecurity?

The cloud is often seen as more secure than its on-premises equivalent, but it has its share of cybersecurity problems. According to the 2021 Thales Global Cloud Security Study, 40 percent of businesses say they have suffered a cloud data breach in the past year alone (Henriquez, 2021). Given the rising number of cyberattacks on the cloud, businesses need trusted security experts who can help them fix flaws and close any holes through which attackers can enter their systems.

Ethical hacking, also known as white-hat hacking, involves detecting issues within an IT ecosystem through various hacking techniques. Most importantly, this is completed with the full awareness and consent of the target. In ethical hacking, cloud computing resources must be checked for security vulnerabilities, just like the rest of the IT environment.

When it comes to cloud computing, ethical hackers wear many hats. Broadly, the role of ethical hacking in cloud computing is to check for security vulnerabilities and weaknesses in an organization’s cloud infrastructure. Ethical hacking in cloud computing should cover the following concerns:

◉ Finding and fixing broken cloud authentication services

◉ Detecting the unintentional exposure of data and files

◉ Suggesting countermeasures against distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks

◉ Protecting IT systems from ransomware, viruses, and other malware

What Are the Types of Cloud Computing?

There are many different types of cloud computing you can choose, depending on your needs. The first way to classify cloud services is in terms of their physical location:

◉ Public cloud: These cloud services are hosted and provisioned by a third-party vendor and available to the general public.

◉ Private cloud: These cloud services are available only for a single private customer. They may be hosted either internally or by a third-party vendor.

◉ Hybrid cloud: The customer uses multiple cloud services—for example, using general-purpose applications in the public cloud while storing sensitive data in a private cloud database.

Below are just a few examples of cloud computing offerings that ethical hackers should be familiar with:

◉ SaaS: Software as a service (SaaS) gives customers access to software applications, while the cloud provider is responsible for updates and maintenance. One common SaaS business use case is productivity software like Microsoft Office 365.

◉ PaaS: Platform as a service (PaaS) gives customers a platform for developing and running applications. Examples include Microsoft Azure Cloud Services and Google App Engine.

◉ IaaS: Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) gives customers access to hardware resources such as computing, memory, storage, and network. However, customers provide their own software to run on this infrastructure.

◉ Containers: Containers are lightweight, controlled packages that bundle software applications together with their libraries, dependencies, and settings so that the software runs predictably in different environments. Container technology, such as Docker and Kubernetes, is extremely popular.

◉ Serverless: Serverless computing enables developers to build and run applications without manually provisioning the necessary infrastructure. One example of serverless computing is FaaS (function as a service), which automatically executes a given piece of code when an event occurs.

Cloud computing may take multiple formats, depending on the technology required. Below are some examples of cloud computing setups:

◉ Fog computing: Fog computing (a pun on the “cloud”) extends cloud computing infrastructure by placing nodes in distributed locations, closer to the source of the data.

◉ Edge computing: Edge computing occurs even closer to physical data sources than fog computing, using so-called “edge devices” to perform much of the computation while offloading intensive tasks to the cloud.

◉ Grid computing: Grid computing links together multiple distributed computers in a “grid,” pooling their resources in service of a shared task.

6 Essential Cloud Hacking Methodologies

Now that we’ve answered the question, “What is cloud hacking?” we’ll dive deeper into cloud hacking methodology. Below are just a few examples of the types of attacks in cloud computing that ethical hackers should know about:

1. Brute-force attacks: The simplest form of cloud hacking is a brute-force approach: testing different combinations of usernames and passwords. Once inside the system, adversaries can proceed to wreak havoc and exfiltrate data from the cloud as with any other attack.

2. Phishing: Phishing is an alternative to brute-force attacks that attempts to steal user credentials by impersonating a trusted third party. Spear phishing is an even more sophisticated technique that targets a specific individual with a hand-crafted message.

3. Credential stuffing: If employees at the organization reuse their usernames and passwords across multiple services, the business is at risk of a credential stuffing attack. Adversaries can go through lists of user credentials stolen from a previous attack to see if any of them are valid accounts on a different IT system.

4. Exploiting misconfigurations: Without being careful, businesses can leave their cloud assets misconfigured and exposed to the outside world, allowing hackers to enter the network. The issues here may include using default credentials (i.e., not changing the administrator’s name or password), disabled security controls, and granting users too many permissions for their needs.

5. Ransomware transfers: Ransomware can affect cloud storage services just as much as on-premises databases, often leaping from one to the other. For example, if businesses automatically sync local files to the cloud, then a ransomware attack infecting local systems would result in the cloud files being affected as well. The past few years have seen a surge in so-called “ransomcloud” attacks.

6. Server-side request forgery: A server-side request forgery (SSRF) can occur when a web application fails to validate a URL provided by a malicious user. Attackers can supply a URL that tells the application to make a request or provide data that would otherwise be off-limits. SSRF attacks are growing in popularity among cloud hackers.

The Role of Ethical Hackers in the Cloud Computing Industry

Ethical hackers play a critical role in the cloud computing industry. As cyberattacks on cloud infrastructure continue to rise, ethical hacking ensures that businesses of all sizes and industries have the appropriate defenses in place. 

When it comes to the question of cloud computing vs. ethical hacking for your career, the good news is that you can choose both. If a job in cloud hacking appeals to you, obtaining an ethical hacking certification is an ideal way to get a foothold in the industry while honing your in-demand cybersecurity skills.

EC-Council offers the Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH) program, which has real-world training in the latest enterprise-grade ethical hacking tools, techniques, and methodologies. Click here to learn more about the contents of the C|EH curriculum and start down the path of becoming an ethical hacker.

Source: eccouncil.org

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The Ultimate Guide to Wireless Network Security for Small Businesses

Wireless networks have become an integral part of our lives in the digital age. We use them to stay connected with family and friends, conduct business, and access the internet. A wireless network allows devices to connect to the internet without being physically connected to a router or modem. While this convenience can be a lifesaver when you need to get work done on the go, it can also leave your devices vulnerable to cyberattacks.

This blog post will discuss the different types of wireless networks, how they work, and the security measures you need to take to keep your information safe. So if you’re ready to learn more about securing your data, read on!

What is Wireless Network Security?

Wireless security prevents unauthorized access or damage to computers using wireless networks. The most common type of wireless security is Wi-Fi security, which protects information sent through a Wi-Fi network.

Several different types of security measures can be used to protect Wi-Fi networks. The most common type of security is Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), a technology that was developed in response to the weaknesses of Wire Equivalent Privacy (WEP) (Mitchell, 2021).

WPA3 security is the most recent version of WPA and is the most secure of all Wi-Fi security types. WPA3 uses Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to encrypt data sent over a wireless network.

What Type of Security Is Needed on a Wireless Network?

The type of security you need depends on the type of wireless network you have. If you have a home network, you may only need to use WPA2. However, if you have a business network, you may need to use cloud security best practices and other types of security, such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) or firewalls.

When configuring security for a wireless network, it’s important to use strong passwords and encryption. Changing your passwords regularly and using different passwords for different networks is also important. Avoid using personal information, such as your birthdate or mother’s maiden name, as hackers can easily guess these.

Why Is Wireless Network Security Important?

Wireless network security is vital because it helps protect your data from unauthorized access. Wi-Fi networks are particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks because they use radio waves to transmit data; this means that anyone within range of the Wi-Fi signal can potentially intercept and read the data being sent.

Cyberattacks are becoming more common and can have grave consequences on wireless network security. Hackers may be able to access sensitive information, such as credit card numbers or passwords, or they may be able to take control of devices on the network. This can lead to identity theft and financial loss.

Wireless network security is essential to protecting your data and devices from these risks. By taking measures to secure your Wi-Fi network, you can help to keep your information safe from hackers.

How Do I Secure My Wireless Network?

The best way to secure your wireless network is to use WPA2 security. WPA2 uses AES encryption, one of the most secure types of encryption available. You should also use strong passwords and change them regularly. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency suggests that users of wireless networks, whether individuals or enterprise, must continually change default passwords since they are susceptible to manipulation and only provide marginal protection. Additionally, you should avoid using personal information in your passwords.

If you have a business network, you may need to use other types of security, such as VPNs or firewalls. A cloud network security solution is also recommended to protect your data if your network is hacked. Other practical suggestions include maintaining antivirus software, carefully using file sharing systems, and protecting Service Set Identifier (SSID). You can read more about SSIDs here.

No matter what type of wireless network you have, it’s important to take measures to protect your information. By utilizing wireless security techniques, especially WPA2 security, and strong passwords, you can help keep your data safe from hackers.

What Are the Five Techniques Used for Wireless Security?

There are several different techniques that serve to improve the security of a wireless network. The most common techniques include:

◉ Encryption: This is the process of converting data into a code that authorized users can only decrypt.

◉ Firewalls: A firewall is a system that helps to block unwanted traffic from entering a network.

◉ Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): A VPN is a private network that uses encryption to secure data. VPNs can provide a secure connection between two networks or allow remote users to access a network.

◉ Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): An IDS is a system that monitors activity on a network and looks for signs of intrusion. If an intrusion is detected, the IDS can take action to block the attacker.

◉ Access Control Lists (ACLs): An ACL is a list of permissions that specifies who can access a network resource.

What Are the Three Main Types of Wireless Encryption?

The three main types of wireless encryption are WEP, WPA, and WPA2. WEP is the least secure type of encryption and should only be used if necessary. WPA and WPA2 are more secure, and WPA2 is the most secure type of encryption available. When configuring wireless security, you should always use WPA2 if possible.

What Are WPA and WEP?

WEP is the Wireless Encryption Protocol, considered the least secure type of wireless encryption based on current standards. WEP uses a static key that is shared between all users on a network. This means that if one user’s key is compromised, all users on the network are at risk. WEP also uses weaker encryption than WPA and WPA2; it uses basic (64-/128-bit) encryption, which is hard to configure and susceptible to malicious manipulation.

WPA is the Wi-Fi Protected Access protocol. WPA uses a dynamic key generated and shared between networks. This means that if one user’s key is compromised, only that user is at risk. WPA also uses stronger encryption than WEP.

WPA2 is the most recent version of the Wi-Fi Protected Access protocol. WPA2 uses a dynamic key that is generated and shared between users on a network. WPA2 also uses stronger encryption than WEP and WPA.

Which Is the Strongest Wireless Security?

Presently, WPA3 is the strongest wireless network security system. It supersedes WEP, WPA, and WPA2, in providing security upgrades and wireless network security protection. WPA3 has better data encryption and key sharing capabilities than its predecessors (Sagers, 2021).

What Is the Difference Between WPA2 and WPA3?

WPA2 is the second most recent version of the Wi-Fi Protected Access protocol. WPA2 uses a dynamic key generated and shared between users on a network. WPA2 also uses stronger encryption than previous versions, including WEP and WPA.

WPA3 is the most recent generation of Wi-Fi security, offering more robust protection against potential threats. WPA3 uses enhanced encryption methods, making it more difficult for attackers to access data on a network.

WPA3 has additional security protocol features, including individualized data encryption, which encrypts each user’s data with a unique key. This means that even if one user’s data is compromised, the rest of the users on the network will remain safe. Others include greater protection for passwords and more security for enterprise networks. When configuring wireless security, you should always use WPA3 if possible.

What Is Enterprise Wireless Security?

Enterprise wireless security is securing network or providing wireless network security protection in an enterprise environment. Enterprise wireless networks are typically more extensive and complex than home networks, requiring more sophisticated wireless network security mechanisms. For instance, enterprise wireless security secures a network that connects systems, mainframes, and personal devices within organizations such as Government institutions, schools, and companies.

Enterprise wireless security measures include firewalls, access control lists (ACLs), intrusion detection systems (IDS), data leak prevention systems, and virtual private networks (VPNs). ACLs are often referred to as Identity and Access Management, especially in the business world. You can read more about these measures here. When configuring enterprise wireless security, you should always use the most secure methods possible to help protect your network from potential threats.

Why Are Enterprise Companies So Concerned About Wireless Network Security Threats?

Enterprise companies are genuinely concerned about wireless network security threats because they have sensitive data they need to protect. They hire wireless network security experts to help secure their data from potential security threats. Credible certifications for wireless network security experts like the Certified Network Defender (C|ND) show that an expert has the skills and knowledge needed to help secure an enterprise network.

Credible certifications make potential employers confident and comfortable with your competencies and your ability to deliver. C|ND certification assures your client that you know how to use the most secure methods to secure their enterprise networks.

Source: eccouncil.org

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What Is Ethical Hacking, and Why Is It Important?

Though it may seem like it at first, ethical hacking isn’t a contradiction. While some individuals use their hacking knowledge for ill, others use it to help companies detect flaws in their IT environment. (Think of the difference between a burglar and a home security consultant: both are looking for vulnerabilities, but they do very different things with this information.)

But what is ethical hacking, exactly, and why is it such an important part of an organization’s IT security posture? This article will cover everything you need to know about ethical hacking, including how to become an ethical hacker.

What Are Ethical Hackers, and Why Are They Useful?

The term ethical hacking, also called white-hat hacking, refers to the use of hacking skills and techniques with good intentions and with the full consent and approval of the target. Ethical hackers use their tools and knowledge to probe an IT system, database, network, or application for security vulnerabilities. They then inform the target of any flaws they find and provide recommendations for patching them.

Both parts of the definition above—good intentions and the target’s consent—are necessary to be an ethical hacker. If one or both parts are missing, the individual is known as a black hat or a gray hat hacker, depending on the motivation:

◉ Black hat hackers are malicious, lacking both good intentions and the consent of their targets. These individuals are what the term hacker means in the popular imagination. They break into IT environments, steal confidential data, or install ransomware that charges a fee for users to regain access to their computers. These individuals often have self-serving motivations, such as money or fame, and may work for political activism or government entities as part of a cyber warfare team.

◉ Gray hat hackers occupy a morally gray area between black-hat and white-hat. Their activities are often technically illegal, probing systems for vulnerabilities without the consent of their targets. However, gray hat hackers are motivated by passion or curiosity rather than the intent to exploit their findings for financial gain.

For individuals to be ethical or white hat hackers, they must obey a few key concepts:

1. The activities of ethical hackers must be with the target’s full knowledge and consent and always remain within legal boundaries.

2. They should work with the target to define the scope of their activities and must not go beyond this scope unless otherwise agreed upon.

3. They must report all the vulnerabilities they discover during their work and offer their best advice for fixing them.

4. They must respect the target’s privacy and security, including any sensitive or confidential information.

Ethical hackers are useful because they help organizations identify vulnerabilities in their IT environments before black hat hackers can exploit them. Businesses usually employ ethical hackers on internal IT teams or external contractors. The designation of an ethical hacker is usually not an official job title; instead, ethical hackers occupy roles such as security analysts, security engineers, and penetration testers.

What Are the Uses of Ethical Hacking?

Ethical hackers have many use cases within an organization. Depending on their skills and specializations, ethical hackers may work on detecting vulnerabilities in one or more of the following ways:

◉ Social engineering: Social engineering refers to manipulating targets through social or psychological means rather than technical ones, tricking them into revealing sensitive information. For example, employees might be fooled into divulging their login credentials after they receive a phishing email.

◉ Web application hacking: Many web applications have hidden security flaws that attackers can exploit. These vulnerabilities may include failure to sanitize user input (such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting) and issues with authentication and user credentials.

◉ Web server hacking: Servers and databases are also subject to various problems that ethical hackers can detect. For example, a server might inadvertently expose sensitive information or be vulnerable to denial-of-service attacks that seek to overwhelm it with too much traffic.

◉ Wireless network hacking: Networks, too, are susceptible to unauthorized entry by black hat hackers, and it’s up to their ethical hacker counterparts to stop them. Potential network vulnerabilities include password and encryption issues, rogue access points, and even lost or stolen company devices.

◉ System hacking: Last but not least, attackers may try to exploit individual systems or machines within a company network and install viruses, trojans, ransomware, spyware, keyloggers, and other malware. Ethical hackers look for system flaws, such as password cracking and privilege escalation.

Advantages of Ethical Hacking

Both the number and the intensity of cyberattacks are increasing rapidly—and there’s no sign that they will slow down any time soon. According to IBM, for example, the average data breach cost for companies now stands at $4.35 million, the highest figure ever on record (IBM Security, 2022).

Given the tremendous business risk of suffering a cyberattack, organizations must be proactive in defending against black hat hackers. Working with ethical hackers is an excellent way for companies to use black hat tools against them. Institutions as important as banks, the military, and national intelligence services all rely on ethical hackers as crucial parts of their cybersecurity strategies.

When starting their work, ethical hackers perform a vulnerability assessment of the client’s IT environment, including networks, databases, servers, applications, and endpoints. This may include the use of automated tools and manual checks and verifications. At the end of the assessment, ethical hackers produce a report listing any vulnerabilities detected, their severity, and recommendations for fixing each one.

As part of their work, ethical hackers may also help with training and education programs for employees. Even basic cybersecurity practices, such as choosing stronger passwords and using multi-factor authentication, can go a long way to help strengthen an organization’s IT security posture.

How to Become an Ethical Hacker

Being an ethical hacker can be a tremendously rewarding position. Ethical hacking enables you to satisfy your curiosity, use problem-solving skills and technical knowledge, and help organizations protect themselves against dangerous cybercriminals. This brings us to the question—how do you become an ethical hacker?

Getting an ethical hacking certification is an excellent start if you’re looking to begin a career as an ethical hacker. Ethical hacking certifications prove you have the knowledge and experience to start helping companies patch their security vulnerabilities.

EC-Council offers a Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH) certification to help jumpstart your IT career. This certification verifies that the recipient is a skilled professional who understands and knows how to look for weaknesses and vulnerabilities in target systems and uses the same knowledge and tools as a malicious hacker, but in a lawful and legitimate manner to assess the security posture of a target system(s).

Taking a C|EH course and passing the C|EH certification test is the perfect way to show businesses that you have the skills for an ethical hacking job. Want to learn more about how to become an ethical hacker? Check out EC-Council’s page on the C|EH certification.

Taking a C|EH course and passing the C|EH certification test is the perfect way to show businesses that you have the skills for an ethical hacking job. Want to learn more about how to become an ethical hacker? Check out EC-Council’s page on the C|EH certification.

Source: eccouncil.org

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Everything You Need to Know About Endpoint Security

Endpoint security is a critical component of any organization’s cyber security strategy. Endpoints are devices that connect to and interact with your networks, such as laptops, desktops, smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices. They can be vulnerable to attack if they are not properly protected. This blog will discuss endpoint security and how you can protect your endpoints from cyberattacks.

What Is Endpoint Security?

Endpoint security is a term used to describe various security measures that protect computers and other devices from malware, unauthorized access, and data theft. Cybercriminals are always coming up with new methods to exploit endpoint systems vulnerabilities, so businesses need to deploy effective endpoint security solutions.

Endpoint security is important because it helps to protect sensitive data from being accessed by unauthorized individuals. Endpoint security solutions typically include features such as system endpoint detection and response, which can help to identify and respond to threats. Companies can protect against internal and external threats by consolidating multiple cutting-edge security technologies in a single, easily installed solution (Comodo, 2021). Endpoint protection is a key part of endpoint security and can help to prevent malware from infecting devices.

What Is an Endpoint Security Example?

Some examples of endpoint security solutions include:

◉ Firewalls: Firewalls can control traffic between endpoint devices and the network. They can help to block malicious traffic and protect endpoint devices from attackers.

◉ Anti-malware: Anti-malware software can be used to detect and remove malware from endpoint devices.

◉ Encryption: Encryption can protect data stored on endpoint devices from being accessed by unauthorized individuals.

◉ Access control: Access control measures can restrict access to endpoint devices and their data.

Importance of Endpoint Security

Endpoint devices are often the weakest link in an organization’s network, so it is essential to deploy endpoint security solutions to protect them. Endpoint security is vital for businesses as it helps to protect against data breaches.

Endpoint security solutions can help to detect and prevent malware from infecting endpoint devices. They can also control traffic between endpoint devices and the network and encrypt data stored on endpoint devices. By taking these measures, businesses can help to protect their endpoint devices from being compromised by cybercriminals.

What Are the Types of Endpoint Security?

There are many different types of endpoint security. Some of the common types include:

◉ Mobile endpoint security: Mobile endpoint security solutions protect mobile devices from malware and other threats. They typically include mobile device management, mobile application management, and mobile data protection.

◉ Symantec Endpoint Protection: Symantec Endpoint Protection is a security solution that provides endpoint protection, detection, and response. It includes features such as firewall, intrusion prevention, and malware protection.

◉ Microsoft defender for endpoint protection: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Protection is a security solution that provides endpoint protection and detection. It includes features such as malware protection, application control, and device control.

◉ System endpoint detection and response: endpoint detection and response solutions are designed to detect and respond to security threats. They typically include intrusion detection, incident response, and forensics.

How Does Endpoint Security Protection Work?

Endpoint security protection typically works by combining several different security measures. These might include firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, antivirus software, and more. Risk information databases are combined into the cloud-based threat information databases to give security managers immediate access to the most up-to-date threat intelligence. The goal is to create a layered approach to security that will make it more difficult for attackers to penetrate a system.

Are Endpoint Security and Antivirus the Same?

No, endpoint security and antivirus are not the same. As mentioned above, endpoint security usually includes a combination of different security measures. Antivirus is just one component of endpoint security. Antivirus software is designed to detect and remove malicious software from a system. It can be used as part of endpoint security, but it is not the only thing needed.

Is Endpoint Security the Same as Cybersecurity?

Endpoint security is an important part of cybersecurity. Endpoint cybersecurity proactively protects an organization’s devices and data that connect to its network. This type of security is critical in today’s business environment, as more devices connect to corporate networks. Endpoint security aims to protect devices from cyberthreats (Canner, 2019).

How Do You Secure an Endpoint?

There are several different ways to secure an endpoint. A layered approach is often used. Multiple security measures make it more difficult for attackers to penetrate a system. Some measures include firewalls, intrusion detection, and prevention solutions, and antivirus software.

Organizations should also have policies and procedures that govern how devices are used and accessed. For example, they might require that all devices are password protected. They might also limit what type of data can be stored on devices. By having these policies in place, organizations can help to reduce the risk of a breach.

What's the Difference Between Consumer and Enterprise Endpoint Solutions?

Consumer endpoint solutions are typically designed for personal use. They might include things like antivirus software and a firewall. These types of solutions can be effective for protecting against mobile device threats. However, they are not typically as comprehensive as enterprise endpoint solutions.

Enterprise endpoint solutions are designed for businesses. They often include various security measures, such as intrusion detection and prevention systems, application control, and more. Enterprise endpoint solutions are designed to protect against a wider range of threats (Balaban, 2021). These threats range from operating systems to big data protection. They are also typically more scalable, which implies that they can protect a larger number of devices.

How Do you Implement Endpoint Security?

Several steps need to be taken to implement endpoint security properly. First, businesses need to assess their risks. You need to identify the types of devices that must be protected and the threats they face. Once you identify the security risks, choose the appropriate security measures. It would help if you also create policies and procedures that govern how devices are used and accessed. And finally, you need to deploy the chosen security measures.

Endpoint Security Components: How to Implement Endpoint Security Solutions

Several components must be in place to have a comprehensive endpoint security solution. These include:

◉ Anti-malware software, which scans computer systems to detecting and remove malware

◉ Firewalls, which serve as a barrier between a private internal network and the public Internet

◉ Data encryption, which enhances data security

◉ Device management to ensure that only authorized devices can access your network.

◉ User training so users can learn to keep their devices secure

Implementing an endpoint security solution can be a complex process. However, it is important to ensure that all components are in place to keep your network and data safe.

Source: eccouncil.org

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Free Cybersecurity Courses for Beginners and Educators – Break Into Cybersecurity

Students who want to break into the cybersecurity realm stand a lot to gain from exploring free cybersecurity courses. You can acquire fundamental knowledge and skills in the information security domain and hone your skills while only paying through your time and effort.

Read More: EC-Council Certifications

The cybersecurity job market is projected to grow quickly over the next few years. Cyberattacks are a matter of concern for both private organizations and government bodies, increasing the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals. Despite this demand across multiple domains, there is a widening skill gap and many unfilled job positions due to the lack of trained personnel.

Why Choose the Essentials Series? Free Cybersecurity Courses for Beginners

According to a study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), 82% of employers face a cybersecurity talent pool shortage in response to the growing talent drought.

EC-Council’s Essentials Series was launched to tackle this crisis—this is a cybersecurity workforce development initiative. Experts have designed the free 3-course series to offer baseline knowledge certifications for ethical hacking, digital forensics, and network security. As part of its first MOOC series, EC-Council makes cybersecurity learning and training accessible for all.

The Essentials Series was developed to help students, early-career professionals, beginners, and educators acquire entry-level cybersecurity skills and build strong foundations to start their cybersecurity careers. These free cybersecurity courses for beginners are designed by experts to enable you to acquire the most in-demand skills in the domains of:

◉ Ethical Hacking

◉ Network Defense

◉ Digital Forensics

The Essentials Series: An Overview

The Ethical Hacking Essentials (E|HE), Digital Forensics Essentials (D|FE), and Network Defense Essentials (N|DE) are foundational courses. However, each of these courses comes with an optional hands-on lab upgrade. Learners stand to gain a range of tactical cybersecurity skills across industry verticals, such as ethical hacking, penetration testing, threats and vulnerabilities, web application attacks, IoT and OT attacks, conducting forensic investigations, information security, data security, and more. Each course comes with a detailed course manual and expert videos that complement the curriculum. With the optional upgrade for labs, students receive the hands-on, practical experience required to prepare them for industry-ready job roles such as a cybersecurity technician. The Essentials Series courses contain:

◉ 36 expert-designed modules

◉ 40+ hours of premium, self-paced learning videos

◉ 30+ add-on labs mapped to the course curriculum

◉ Certificate of Achievement

Table of Contents

1. Ethical Hacking Essentials (E|HE)

2. Digital Forensics Essentials (D|FE)

3. Network Defense Essentials (N|DE)

Ethical Hacking Essentials (E|HE)

With this free cybersecurity course, you will gain strong foundations in ethical hacking and penetration testing that will help create your pathway to an entry-level career in cybersecurity.

◉ 12 learning modules

◉ Official eCourseware

◉ 15+ hours of premium, self-paced video training

◉ 11 lab activities in a simulated lab environment (optional add-on)

Course Modules:

1. Information Security Fundamentals

2. Ethical Hacking Fundamentals

3. Information Security Threats and Vulnerabilities

4. Password Cracking Techniques and Countermeasures

5. Social Engineering Techniques and Countermeasures

6. Network-Level Attacks and Countermeasures

7. Web Application Attacks and Countermeasures

8. Wireless Attacks and Countermeasures

9. Mobile Attacks and Countermeasures

10. IoT and OT Attacks and Countermeasures

11. Cloud Computing Threats and Countermeasures

12. Penetration Testing Fundamentals

Tools You Will Learn and Use:

L0phtCrack, Netcraft, SQL Injection Detection Tool, Web Application Security Scanner, and ARP Spoofing Detection Tools

Get Started for Free!

Enroll Now

Job Roles:

Cybersecurity Specialist	Cybersecurity Technician
Helpdesk Technician	Cyber Operations Technician
Technical Support Specialist	Intelligence Operations Specialist
Systems Specialist	IT Security Specialist
Computer Support Specialist

Network Defense Essentials (N|DE)

With this free cybersecurity course, you will build strong foundations in network defense and information security facets that can help prepare you for a career in cybersecurity. N|DE highlights the fundamentals of network security and protocols, network security controls, understanding identity and access management, and more.

◉ 12 learning modules

◉ Official eCourseware

◉ 14+ hours of premium, self-paced video training

◉ 11 lab activities in a simulated lab environment (optional add-on)

Course Modules:

1. Network Security Fundamentals

2. Identification, Authentication, and Authorization

3. Network Security Controls: Administrative Controls

4. Network Security Controls: Physical Controls

5. Network Security Controls: Technical Controls

6. Virtualization and Cloud Computing

7. Wireless Network Security

8. Mobile Device Security

9. IoT Device Security

10. Cryptography and PKI

11. Data Security

12. Network Traffic Monitoring

Tools You Will Learn and Use:

Docker Bench for security, AWS, Miradore MDM, HashCalc, MD5 calculator, HashMyFiles, VeraCrypt, Data Recovery Wizard, and Wireshark

Get Started for Free!

Enroll Now

Job Roles:

Network Security Analyst	Local Area Network Specialist
Network Technician	Technical Support Specialist
Network Administrator	Cybersecurity Technician
Network Coordinators

Digital Forensics Essentials (D|FE)

The D|FE was designed to help beginners grasp the foundations of digital forensics with hands-on skills and validate their knowledge as information security professionals. This free cybersecurity course will teach learners the steps, practices, and methodologies to follow during a digital forensics investigation.

◉ 12 learning modules

◉ Official eCourseware

◉ 11+ hours of premium, self-paced video training

◉ 11 lab activities in a simulated lab environment (optional add-on)

Course Modules:

1. Computer Forensics Fundamentals

2. Computer Forensics Investigation Process

3. Understanding Hard Disks and File Systems

4. Data Acquisition and Duplication

5. Defeating Anti-forensics Techniques

6. Windows Forensics

7. Linux and Mac Forensics

8. Network Forensics

9 Investigating Web Attacks

10. Dark Web Forensics

11. Investigating Email Crime

12. Malware Forensics

Tools You Will Learn and Use:

Linux, Windows, Sleuth Kit, Wireshark, Splunk, TOR browser, and ESEDatabaseView

Get Started for Free!

Enroll Now

Job Roles:

Cybersecurity Technician	IT Security Specialist
Cyber Forensic Specialist	Helpdesk Technician
Cyber Operations Technician	Technical Support Specialist
Intelligence Operations Specialist

How You Can Earn the Certifications

EC-Council’s Essentials Series is an initiative to boost cybersecurity skills to meet industry demands across every spectrum. This introductory series launched as a part of EC-Council’s MOOC certification courses to offer free cybersecurity training to students, professionals, and beginners through a comprehensive curriculum in a blended-learning environment. Everyone is welcome—there are no eligibility criteria for the Essentials Series. You can get started for free through EC-Council’s CodeRed platform and start your learning journey today.

CodeRed’s Certificate of Achievement:

Exam Length: 2 Hours

Exam Format: Multiple-Choice Exam

Platform: ECC Exam Center

No. of Questions: 75

Certification: Course Specific (N|DE, E|HE, and D|FE)

 

According to recent data by Cybersecurity Ventures, by 2025, there will be 3.5 million job positions seeking cybersecurity skills. These three free cybersecurity courses for beginners provide comprehensive and structured learning on cybersecurity skills to meet enterprises’ job-role requirements across the globe.

Earn the right qualifications and step into the cybersecurity career of your dreams!

Get Started for Free!

Enroll Now

Source: eccouncil.org

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The Ultimate Guide to Cloud Security Best Practices

Cloud-based services have evolved significantly in recent years. So, as more businesses transition to a hybrid environment or adopt a cloud-first model, those in the industry must stay on top of the latest cloud security best practices. Here’s what you should know.

Why Is Cloud Security Important?

While the public is gradually becoming more aware of the importance of cloud security, there is still a lingering misconception that cloud security isn’t essential. Many businesses assume that security is up to the cloud service provider.

No matter how secure a cloud platform is, securing a business’s devices, data, and everything held within (and connected to) the cloud is a must-do. Fortunately, every cloud security engineer is aware of that. Still, it can make your job a bit tougher when you have people at your organization that aren’t familiar with the need for cloud security.

When cloud security is brought into question, you must remind your team members that:

◉ Cloud providers are not responsible for securing a business’s data or connections.

◉ Lack of cloud security can lead to outages and downtime that impact operations.

◉ Failing to govern cloud security properly can lead to significant compliance issues.

◉ Designing security into cloud architecture from the start ensures resilience.

With those things in mind, the next question that always comes up is logical but not so easy to answer. That is: How exactly do you achieve cloud security? It’s time to step back and review cloud security best practices.

5 Cloud Security Best Practices

Whether you are thinking about becoming a cloud security engineer for the first time, reskilling after taking a break from your career, or upskilling so you can continue advancing, reviewing the best practices is always worthwhile.

Here are five essential cloud security best practices you need to keep at the forefront of your planning:

1. Categorize Your Cloud Locations and Service

Before improving cloud security, you must first map out where everything is and determine whether things are in the best place. More specifically, this means choosing the right cloud location (public, private, or hybrid) and the best service (SaaS, IaaS, PaaS, or FaaS).

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when figuring out how to best use the cloud for your project. Choosing the appropriate cloud location and service will require an in-depth review of the assets, information, users, and use cases of whatever it is you’re trying to store.

If you’re working with an organization already using the cloud, you can simplify things by mapping out where things are now. Once you have a complete picture, you can decide if and when things need to move around.

2. Understand the Shared Responsibility Model

Cloud service providers never accept full responsibility for securing your data. It simply wouldn’t be feasible to work with every client to ensure their connections and devices are secure. Nor could they follow each unique security procedure when encrypting, storing, and accessing their data.

Often, the contract with a cloud provider will limit their responsibility to host infrastructure, network controls, and the physical security of the servers where the cloud lives. As such, cloud service providers have what’s known as a shared responsibility model. This means the provider takes on some of the responsibilities. The client (you or your business) then agrees to handle the rest.

Depending on your business’s needs, you might try negotiating with a cloud provider to get more or less responsibility. In most cases, this leaves the client to handle other security responsibilities, such as access management and when, if, and how you store certain types of data. But remember, the more responsibility you take on, the more control you’ll have, which is a good thing for today’s businesses.

3. Create an Access Management Policy

Access management is always in the hands of the client. One critical cloud security best practice is learning to create an access management policy and handle it as the organization changes and grows. To put it simply, the purpose of an access management policy is to:

◉ Define all users in your organization.

◉ Determine what rights each user should have.

◉ Control when rights are granted and revoked.

On paper, it sounds simple, but it can be more difficult in practice. You might decide that a user’s privileged access to a particular system should be revoked if they hand in their resignation or if they are terminated. But it takes automation or manual input to achieve that promptly.

Moreover, access management requires an increasingly flexible approach. For proper security, you’ll need to determine if a user truly needs to be granted privilege access to a system indefinitely when they only need that access for an hour. Automating privilege escalation and de-escalation requires the right tools and a strategy in and of itself. Still, it’s worth pursuing (and may be required for some cloud use cases).

4. Perform Penetration Testing and Create a Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) Plan

One of the most crucial activities a cloud security professional can invest in is continuous monitoring and regular testing, such as pen tests. This allows you to find new vulnerabilities as they appear and ensure that you always resolve risks of the highest priority first. As you go along with your testing, you’ll use that information to help inform the creation and management of a BCDR plan.

A BCDR plan is essential to ensuring uptime and resiliency. Many scenarios will need to be factored into your BCDR plan. In addition, your plan should be informed by real-world threats and vulnerabilities, like those detected by pen tests.

How often you conduct pen tests and utilize other assessments depends on your organization and the available resources. Still, your BCDR plan should be continuously reviewed and updated as things change. Additionally, someone should ensure relevant employees are aware of their responsibilities under the BCDR plan. That way, everyone can act quickly if the plan needs to be activated.

5. Use Log Management and Continuous Monitoring

Finally, in addition to regular testing, constant monitoring of your cloud environment is necessary to ensure secure operations. Your exact monitoring tools depend on your selected cloud services, industry, and unique business use cases. Still, several recommendations exist to help guide the way.

One of the ways to help prepare yourself for making such selections is to invest your time into becoming a certified cloud security professional. This will give you the foundation to confidently approach any cloud environment and ensure that the proper cloud security best practices are followed.

Become a Certified Cloud Security Engineer with EC-Council

With more businesses choosing hybrid cloud and cloud-first models, there is a growing market for those interested in becoming certified cloud security engineers. If you’d like to do the same, the best place to start is with a certified cloud security professional program, like the Certified Cloud Security Engineer (C|CSE) course from EC-Council. As part of the C|CSE online course, you’ll learn how to strategize and implement a BCDR plan as it applies to cloud environments. You’ll also become confident in conducting thorough cloud security audits and penetration tests to ensure a comprehensive cloud security plan. In addition to obtaining a wealth of cloud security knowledge, the C|CSE course also stands out for its applicability in vendor-neutral environments while offering vendor-specific lessons pertaining to the most prominent cloud service providers, including AWS, Azure, and GCP. As a result, you will be prepared to tackle and resolve cloud security concerns in any environment you face. If you’d like to explore the robust curriculum in the Cloud Security Engineer certification, we welcome you to do so.

Source: eccouncil.org

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