Tech News Updates

  The OSI model is used to define the functions of networking hardware/software, regardless of equipment, vendor or application. The OSI model is a stack of seven layers. Layers one through three are known as the media layers. They define hardware orientation such as routing, switching and cable specifications. Layers four through seven are known as the host layers. They define software that implements network services. Each of the OSI layers has a broad set of protocols and standards. It is important for techs to know and understand the inner workings of these layers if they are to be serious about working with, and troubleshooting networks, the equipment and services on those networks. Let us take a brief look at the seven layers of the OSI model: 7. Application Layer – This is how the user accesses data on the network via items such as email, FTP file transfer and databases. (Example: One computer requests information from another computer over the Internet using Hypertext Trans...

  The National Cyber Security Centre has stated that cyber attacks, unfortunately, are on the rise. While this alone is an astonishing thought, to make matters worse, it is thought that approximately 31% of businesses do not have any experience in security awareness training nor have any plans to implement cybersecurity precautions. When beginning research into cybersecurity, many are surprised at the number of different types of attacks that can occur; no longer is it merely a case of a computer hack. The most common forms of cyber attacks on businesses are phishing, viruses and ransomware; however, there are tonnes of additional risks such as malware, credential reuse and denial-of-service. For more information on the types of cybersecurity attacks, take a look at Rapid7. Once you have familiarised yourself with the types of security risks your business faces, it is time to implement processes in which you aim to keep the risk of an attack at a minimum. All members of the team, n...

  Network software, which operates over a network rather than on an individual computer, may perform tasks that supplement, enable or replace end-user software. Network-based antivirus software supplements desktop antivirus software. Network messaging server software enables end-user computers to send instant messages back and forth. And server application software, such as Customer Relationship Management software, replaces end-user contact management software. All network software shares the common goal of increasing productivity and improving security for network users. Although computer networks began to emerge in the 1970s, network-based software did not begin to spread widely until personal computers became commonplace in home and office settings in the late 1980s and early 1990s. However, the advent of the visual browser for the Internet in the mid 1990s marked the true turning point for network software because it effectively changed the definition of network from a tool us...

  Local area networks (LAN and Wi-Fi) are decisive factors in the ups and downs of IT performance, alongside the computer center. But running the LAN infrastructure requires considerable staff and financial resources. T-Systems takes over this task on request and guarantees success with its SLA (service level agreement). This arrangement gives companies security and facilitates a high-performing company network IT employees can breathe a sigh of relief. With managed LAN services, T-Systems takes over all tasks around the active components of the company network. T-Systems configures ports and Wi-Fi access points. As well as this, the managed service contractor provides the necessary hard- and software, including IT services. Services like proactive monitoring and technical reporting are of course also included in the agreed all-round and care-free SLA service. Cloud services are also growing in significance. T-Systems has recognized this and offers a network solution controlled com...

  You can’t abolish your biggest mobile security risk, because it’s the people who use the mobile devices. Human nature can cause many problems: Too trusting People fall for flattery, people fall for requests for help, people fall for claimed social connections, people fall for all kinds of insincere requests, including phishing messages. This behavior isn’t limited to mobile devices, but the social nature of the devices combined with small screens make it harder to check out the bonafides of messages. As a result, users are more likely to respond to phishing messages and accidentally reveal account ids, passwords, and other sensitive data. Too scatterbrained Desktop PCs stay on the desk. Mobile devices travel with their owners, until they don’t: careless or rushed travelers can easily leave mobile devices behind in the cab, restaurant, or wherever they were being used. Once the mobile device is lost, all of the data stored on it is at risk. Too lazy Safe computing requires using s...

    Local area networks (LAN and Wi-Fi) are decisive factors in the ups and downs of IT performance, alongside the computer center. But running the LAN infrastructure requires considerable staff and financial resources. T-Systems takes over this task on request and guarantees success with its SLA (service level agreement). This arrangement gives companies security and facilitates a high-performing company network IT employees can breathe a sigh of relief. With managed LAN services, T-Systems takes over all tasks around the active components of the company network. T-Systems configures ports and Wi-Fi access points. As well as this, the managed service contractor provides the necessary hard- and software, including IT services. Services like proactive monitoring and technical reporting are of course also included in the agreed all-round and care-free SLA service. Cloud services are also growing in significance. T-Systems has recognized this and offers a network solution control...

  Physical Security You might not chart physical security on a technical diagram, but physical security policy needs to be as specific as possible and communicated broadly – especially when the policy changes. Organizations should set terms for accessing physical assets (stationary like servers or mobile like cell phones and tablets). Policy documents should be tailored to those employees that have a need to access the hardware. Non-eligible employees should be alerted by emphasizing consequences for non-compliance. Technologies that enhance physical security include RFID cards, premium locks, fingerprint reading devices, PIN pads and retinal scanners. Management may need to be advised that the company should not skimp on purchasing quality devices to enhance physical security. Not to be overlooked: Any physical protection guarding sensitive areas around servers that hold critical business data. If servers are off-site, the facility should provide documents containing their most re...

  Digital transformation has increased the importance of the network, particularly the edge, where customers, employees, cloud applications and IoT devices connect to the enterprise. The legacy static and non-differentiated network edge of years past is no longer sufficient for many reasons, so as companies embark on digital-transformation plans, their networks must evolve. Networking pros should be looking at, among other things, improving security and embracing software-defined networking (SDN) that supports propagating changes quickly across the network in order to accommodate the many challenges digital transformation creates. The internet of things (IoT) has moved out of the operational-technology shadows and has become a core component of most businesses’ digital-transformation strategies. As IoT adoption increases, so will the number of connected endpoints. Almost all of these devices connect at the network edge, so problems at the edge could significantly impair IoT applica...

  The OSI model is used to define the functions of networking hardware/software, regardless of equipment, vendor or application. The OSI model is a stack of seven layers. Layers one through three are known as the media layers. They define hardware orientation such as routing, switching and cable specifications. Layers four through seven are known as the host layers. They define software that implements network services. Each of the OSI layers has a broad set of protocols and standards. It is important for techs to know and understand the inner workings of these layers if they are to be serious about working with, and troubleshooting networks, the equipment and services on those networks. Let us take a brief look at the seven layers of the OSI model: 7. Application Layer – This is how the user accesses data on the network via items such as email, FTP file transfer and databases. (Example: One computer requests information from another computer over the Internet using Hypertext Trans...

  The software development security domain focuses on the systems development life cycle (SDLC) from system conception through its design, development, deployment, operation, and eventual retirement from service. Information security and privacy professionals must be involved in all phases of SDLC to ensure the overall effectiveness of security controls and that privacy concerns are addressed. The proliferation of personally-owned mobile devices (e.g, smartphones, tablets, and laptops) as well as the wide variety of vulnerable mobile apps creates a higher risk of exposing confidential and business-related information in the workplace. This can occur when such information is stored on personally-owned devices. Cyber-attacks often exploit the vulnerabilities inherent in applications and operating systems. That is why frequent updates and patches to software are necessary. Additionally, special care must be taken when developing internal Web applications that are externally accessed t...

  If you have trouble accessing the Boot Manager during your computer's startup process, you can access the Windows 10 Boot Manager through your Settings menu after your computer loads your default Windows installation. To do this, click the gear for "Settings" inside your Start menu, then click "Update & Security" in the window that appears. In the menu on the left side of the window, click "Recovery," then under the "Advanced Startup" heading click "Restart Now." Your computer will restart and give you access to the Boot Manager. Boot Manager on Windows 8.1 You can also access Windows Boot Manager directly through your Windows 8.1 install by following roughly the same procedure. From your Start menu, open "Settings," then click "Change PC Settings." Open the "General" settings menu, then click "Restart Now" under the "Advanced Startup" heading. In the menu that appears after yo...

    The National Cyber Security Centre has stated that cyber attacks, unfortunately, are on the rise. While this alone is an astonishing thought, to make matters worse, it is thought that approximately 31% of businesses do not have any experience in security awareness training nor have any plans to implement cybersecurity precautions. When beginning research into cybersecurity, many are surprised at the number of different types of attacks that can occur; no longer is it merely a case of a computer hack. The most common forms of cyber attacks on businesses are phishing, viruses and ransomware; however, there are tonnes of additional risks such as malware, credential reuse and denial-of-service. For more information on the types of cybersecurity attacks, take a look at Rapid7. Once you have familiarised yourself with the types of security risks your business faces, it is time to implement processes in which you aim to keep the risk of an attack at a minimum. All members of the ...

  There are three major reasons for network monitoring: security threats, performance, and maintenance. The number and types of malware and network attacks continues to increase, and there’s no reason to think it will ever stop. Users expect high performance from applications and have little tolerance of network bottlenecks. Monitoring also provides status about the health of network devices, allowing preventative or just-in-time maintenance that minimizes impact. Make Monitoring Easier You can make monitoring easier and minimize the number of tools you need to use by: 1.Understanding your current network architecture. It’s impossible to monitor effectively if you don’t understand your network design. You should have inventory lists and network diagrams for both physical and virtual links. 2.Understanding your reasons for monitoring. Everything can be monitored, but everything doesn’t need to be monitored. You may want to focus on collecting data about the health and performance of...