Information Security

Archive for Information Security

SonicWALL Releases new Content Filtering Service

Posted by Cameron Gracie on September 3, 2016

SYGNET has standardized on SonicWALL firewalls to protect our client’s networks for years. One of the capabilities we have relied on to provide extra security for the network and risk control regarding employee surfing, is the Internet Content Filtering Service (CFS). We configure the CFS on our client networks to block access to hacking websites, and other undesirable categories such as proxy avoidance. This helps boost the security of the network as a whole. Further to that, some of our clients want to block employee access to sites categorized as Pornography, Violence/Hate/Racism, Gambling, and others. We have had good success with the SonicWALL CFS in the past, and now they have released version 4.0 in the latest updates to their firewalls. This update, which is free to clients with active support, will allow for more granularity in the filtering policies, and more options on the actions to take within the policies. This combined with faster performance should increase our client’s satisfaction with this great service from SonicWALL.

SYGNET will be rolling out CFS 4.0 to Active Network Management service clients in October and November of this year.

This is what Proactive Managed Services looks like.

Posted in: Information Security, Proactive Managed Services

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Good Article on why 3rd Party Patching Matters

Posted by Cameron Gracie on August 10, 2016

SYGNET has always regarded timely patching and updating of systems as a serious part of overall security. So often we read of data breaches where hackers took advantage or one or several known vulnerabilities in the target systems that could have been blocked through proactive patching. There are some hacks that take advantage of unknown vulnerabilities, however those are actually the minority. Most people of familiar with the need to patch their Operating System, such as Microsoft Windows or Apple Mac, however it is just as important to consider other commonly attacked software. Hackers tend to focus where they get the most bang for their effort, hence they will target common 3rd Party Software, such as Adobe Reader, Adobe Flash, Java, and VLC Player. A good article covering 3rd Party Software can be seen here. SYGNET’s Active Network Management service covers the patching of all the software mentioned in this article. Further to that, SYGNET will help clients by uninstalling software they do not need, thereby reducing the possibility of attack.

This is what Proactive Managed Services looks like.

Posted in: Information Security, Proactive Managed Services, Security Response

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Good Article on the Potential Security Risks from Free Software Bundles

Posted by Cameron Gracie on August 10, 2016

There is a good article here that outlines the potential security risks from free software downloads or bundles. There is some great free software available over the Internet, and there are numerous titles we recommend to clients. However, users need to be careful on what titles they select, and where they download them from. Per the article, a poor download choice can leave a system or network with unintended security vulnerabilities. Companies should encourage their users to seek advise from IT in vetting new software they are interested in. Further to that, IT should configure systems to block the installation of unapproved software. SYGNET’s Active Network Management service provides controls for software control and deployment.

Posted in: Information Security, Proactive Managed Services

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Interesting Article on How Much Money Hackers Make

Posted by Cameron Gracie on July 15, 2015

Over the years, clients have asked us why Hackers do what they do. In the early years of computers and networks, they mostly did it for notoriety or personal interest, though some wanted to uncover Government or Corporate malfeasance. Initially there was not much focus on financially benefiting from hacking. That all changed with the growing popularity of the Internet and eCommerce, leading to a rise in hacking for financial benefit. The Business Insider has a really interesting article on how much money Hackers make here.

Posted in: Information Security

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Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

Posted by Cameron Gracie on March 25, 2015

Canadian companies and citizens should bookmark the webpage for the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). This website is maintained by the Government of Canada to provide companies and citizens with information on current frauds and scams. The site has numerous tips on how to avoid becoming a victim, and has instructions to report suspected fraud. SYGNET came across the website while assisting a client in reporting attempted fraud that was perpetrated against them.

Posted in: Information Security, Security Response, Tech Tips for Business Owners

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Executives in Asian Luxury Hotels Fall Prey to Cyberespionage

Posted by Cameron Gracie on November 19, 2014

This article featured on the Globe and Mail website should be an eye opener to all executives not to blindly trust the networks they come across in their travels. It also highlights the importance of maintaining the security posture of the laptops and mobile devices that are used outside of the office.

Posted in: Information Security, Tech Tips for Business Owners

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