by Payton | Aug 13, 2018 | General
Botnets are a string of private computers linked together by one server. While some types are legal and serve to run websites, others are malicious. These illegal botnets connect computers through infection by malware, namely Trojan malware. Other less common infections occur through drive-by downloads and spiders. While the owner often doesn’t know that they are infected, the cybercriminals controlling the botnet have full access to their computer and information. Additionally, these criminals can make your computer a zombie to perform tasks for them. Any device that can connect to the internet including PCs, Macs, smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, security cameras, and other smart appliances can be incorporated into a botnet.
How Botnets Work
After downloading infectious software, the botnet contacts its creator, and your computer is now is under his/her control. The creator’s ultimate goal is to incorporate millions of computers into their botnet web or zombie network. This occurs because the more computers there are in a web, the stronger the cyber attacks. Once in control of your computer, these cybercriminals can perform malicious tasks including:
- Sending spam
- Influencing elections
- Using their web to create DDoS attacks where they overload the website with all of their botnets until there is a denial in service
- Creating fake internet traffic for financial gain
- Creating ads for financial gain
- Mining cryptocurrencies
In other cases, cybercriminals create zombie networks to sell to other criminals. This allows more people to have access to your data. Furthermore, these infections are very skilled at hiding themselves. They use minimal power, so they do not disrupt normal computer function. Some botnets even adapt to avoid security software detection.
Different types of Botnets
Client-server model
This type of botnet uses a single master server to transmit information to each member of the web. They do this through command and control servers to effectively relay information.
However, while client-server models are great for conveying information to the zombie network, they are also easily detected and stopped by law enforcement because they use command and control servers. In order to destroy the botnet, one must simply destroy the server.
Peer-to-peer
This structure is similar to the client-server model. However, instead of having one main server to distribute information, each computer in the web acts as both a receptor and a server. Similar to how people communicate peer-to-peer, these computers talk to each other to relay information. This makes it harder for law enforcement to detect because there are many servers and destroying one will not destroy the botnet.
How to protect yourself
Protecting your personal information is pretty straight-forward. Some of the common recommendations to protect yourself from infection and to rid your devices from current botnets are:
- Download and run malware software often
- Update your computer system, applications, and security software often
- Do not click on or download suspicious links and attachments. This includes all links sent from unknown email addresses, websites, and pop-ups.
- Utilize a firewall to ensure security while you browse the internet.
- Avoid suspicious websites
For more information about cybersecurity, visit our website https://dynagrace.com/.
Image Resource: Featured Image https://pixabay.com/en/network-computer-laptop-connection-698598/, https://pixabay.com/en/businessman-internet-continents-2682712/, https://pixabay.com/en/internet-cyber-network-finger-3563638/
Resources: https://us.norton.com/internetsecurity-malware-what-is-a-botnet.html, https://usa.kaspersky.com/resource-center/threats/botnet-attacks, https://www.pandasecurity.com/mediacenter/security/what-is-a-botnet/
by Payton | Aug 6, 2018 | General
Trojan malware was named after the Trojan Horse that ancient Greeks used to infiltrate the city of Troy. The wooden horse was perceived as a gift to the Trojans, but it was a ploy to sneak Greek soldiers behind the Trojan walls and ultimately win the war. Trojan malware works similarly. This malicious type of malware is disguised as regular software. Once downloaded, Trojans survive by remaining unnoticed, which makes it a popular choice for many cyber-criminals.
What Happens When You’re Infected
Instead of spreading and multiplying like other types of malware, Trojans go unnoticed and collect your online information and gain access to your computer system. They also infiltrate your security systems so that hackers and cyber-criminals can gain access to your data. Upon activation, Trojans allow these hackers to have access to your system and data. They also enable them to spy on you and disrupt your computer and network’s performance.
Different types of Trojan Malware
Trojans can take many forms, and they have a diverse range of functions. Some of the more common types are:
- Backdoor Trojan: creates holes in the computer’s security that allows hackers and cyber-criminals access and control over your data and software. These Trojans make it so invaders can send, receive, download malware, and alter files.
- Downloader Trojan: download new malware, Trojans, adware, and other malicious programs onto your computer.
- Spy Trojan: spy on you by tracking your data, passwords, and highly used applications and websites.
- Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attack Trojan: target web addresses from your computer to increase online traffic that eventually overwhelms the network and results in service denials.
- Banker Trojan: Steals online banking data so cyber-criminals have access to your credit cards, debit cards, and electronic payment systems.
How to protect yourself
The best way to protect yourself is by installing anti-malware software and periodically running diagnostic scans. Additionally, be sure that your software is frequently updated because Trojans will take advantage of any security holes caused by outdated software. Trojans can infect all types of devices including PCs, Macs, smartphones, laptops, and tablets, so be sure to use the anti-malware software on all of these devices.
In addition to anti-malware software, you can further protect yourself by avoiding questionable websites, links, and downloads. Trojans are commonly found linked to pirated materials and links in unfamiliar emails. Also, use complex passwords and firewalls to guard your accounts and personal information.
For more information about cybersecurity, visit our website https://dynagrace.com/.
Image Resource: Featured Image https://www.flickr.com/photos/agungordu/8027072165/in/photolist-dejQTX-4mtSuS-h8Tza9-chUzEd-rg8RXc-7nU23o-278PAKf-6VM7yZ-akWWxt-fQRXgN-SPMS47-TDqs9w-jCyLU8-8Zjeqb-5gFgJa-QXhnYo-4kXqAY-cnDaco-zsCwH-22sUP4S-7dRpjn-UkfSpm-cJ4SR-7QMMGR-hQbSW9-6y1okX-85ZK2d-chUzSE-j1hUSJ-dxERdG-dmDPum-9szWNc-DMRPjs-USWRgW-akQCTe-anDES1-amHTC7-36C3ve-TN9xLL-8yh4i7-dQLG1v-fk3wTF-BpWq5-ahUKwV-p6NYnc-dEYL5a-chUzrU-aCkxpU-9szXoX-5xvJb3, https://pixabay.com/en/computer-security-padlock-hacker-1591018/, http://www.flickr.com/photos/bestfeeler/3745313965/in/photolist-6GXHmH-d4FvJj-pkUinY-iRZihN-bFqELx-boQMhi-TpK8SH-p4Vsnp-9yT5S5-24C7iDm-JMMjN-5NoQVW-bMCTW4-hkUUG-C54G-rU5Gz-dV9Moj-o42Hvu-nqxkzs-9Awwzb-q776tA-48un2Y-RYdqgB-48uo8C-bx7247-4HTgd1-a1NMpt-S3vD6L-9nTrJR-5ovQo4-9H21B4-5o2KcX-8Pp9bL-92BbjT-aMdLyD-akHpAX-nhFXbQ-9PtgrN-e8LbEt-6RaLuA-S8N6UT-9KmSgc-7VpYUh-75B6BC-6bJt4d-5MeZjC-9QQWsK-5n6spx-8Syukw-9nuz7m
Resources: https://www.avg.com/en/signal/what-is-a-trojan, https://us.norton.com/internetsecurity-malware-what-is-a-trojan.html, https://www.intego.com/mac-security-blog/whats-the-difference-between-malware-trojan-virus-and-worm/, https://usa.kaspersky.com/resource-center/threats/trojans, https://www.guru99.com/learn-everything-about-trojans-viruses-and-worms.html
by Machelle | Jul 9, 2018 | Business, General
The 21st century has experienced a boom, all thanks to the advancement in technology. The internet has reduced advertising costs on radio, television and other visual platforms by half.
Using Social Media
Social media platforms have gained momentum in the field of advertising, and they have become one of the sought-after tools by marketing maestros. Social media has helped businesses spread their tentacles via digital means. As a business owner, if you have not tapped into this means of marketing, it, means you have been living in a cave. You need to utilize these platforms to create awareness for your brand.
Social media improves your brand awareness
When it comes to brand awareness, the importance of social media is critical. Social media ranks very high when it comes to digital marketing. If you get your business on social media platforms, it makes your business more visible to your target audience thereby increasing brand awareness. If you go the extra mile to boost your business presence online on different platforms, it will skyrocket the recognition of your brand. Surveys show that about 90% of marketers who spent a couple of hours engaging in marketing on their business pages on social media experienced great turnout. No doubts, having a business profile for your brand will be the best decision you ever made in a career.
Social media is pocket-friendly
Social media will cut back on a lot of costs associated with advertising. It is almost free. All you must do is to create an account by signing up on the social media forum which is usually free. If you want to take things to the next level, you may decide to pay for advertising on these platforms. It is advisable to start out by paying little amounts of money to see if the paid adverts convert into sales. It is always advisable to minimize cost for a maximum profit so that you can get a healthy ROI.
Social media helps you engage your audience
Social media is the perfect tool for engaging your audience. For business owners who are always active on social media, customer interaction is always top notch, and their satisfaction is guaranteed. Customers need to be sure they are not dealing with unscrupulous individuals before they make purchases, by engaging with your potential clients, you will alleviate any form of lack of trust or worry associated with shopping online.
In addition to the above benefits of using social media; you can get high traffic. However, these are some of the things you shouldn’t do in your business’ cyberspace.
What not to do
Do not rush the process
In the bid to get more return on investments, business owners skip many vital aspects of social media marketing. It is essential to learn the ropes.
Do not lie
Do not mislead your audience. Avoid living a fake life on your social media page to improve awareness.
Do not be ignorant
Avoid being nonchalant or a snub. It is important to let your audience have a feel of your warm personality. In addition to the things, you shouldn’t do avoid vulgarity or use of profane words. Do not divulge too much.
Resource:
Image Resource: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1028519; https://pxhere.com/en/photo/816420
Linda Rawson is the CEO, and Founder of DynaGrace Enterprises, (http://DynaGrace.com) which is a Women-Owned, Small Business. She is also the author of The Minority and Women-Owned Small Business Guide to Government Contracts.
by Machelle | Jun 25, 2018 | Cybersecurity, General
The signing of the Modernizing Government Technology Act (MGT) was in December 2017. Federal security operations for several years have been using hardware and software that are needing to be more modern. Obsolete technology has posed challenges in protecting the nation cyberspace and vital national data from cyber-attacks.
Making Room for New Technology
What is the Modernizing Government Technology Act
The government spends about 75% allocation to information technology. This spending is maintaining and ensuring that these outdated information technology systems remain operational. The risks these systems pose are a result of their inability to utilize current security practices. It includes multifactor authentication and data encryption. They are also expensive and always fail to fulfill the mission requirement and vulnerable to malicious software.
Against the backdrop, in a bid to address these issues, the Modernizing Government Technology (MGT) Act was passed by the legislatures. Through this
means, the government can empower federal agencies to effectively discharge their duties with regards to cybersecurity and information technology services.
The primary purposes of the Modernizing Government Technology (MGT) Act are to:
Curtail current and operational risk of the information technology systems of federal agencies by ensuring that they are compliant with recent security technology.
Assist the federal government in cutting cost with regards to information technology via modernization
Hasten the acquisition and application of modernized information technology practices such as cloud computing, data encryption and lots more through the provision of stable funding and transparent acquisition procedures.
Benefits of the Modernizing Government Technology (MGT) Act
Federal IT experts in some quarters are of the opinion that the MGT Act is long overdue. Nevertheless, the law has lots of benefits with regards to operational ease, data security, and investment opportunities. The following are the significant benefits:
Access to capital funds that will boost the modernization of IT systems:
MGT Act gives room for heads of different agencies to access working capital funds. These funds can be used to update or replace existing IT systems with modern state-of-the-art information technology systems. Also to adopt and train their staff on new risk–inclined cybersecurity measures.
The Funds
The funds can be utilized by agencies to ensure a smooth transition from legacy IT systems to cloud. Or, a shared service to boost security and effectiveness in the discharge of their duties serving the American people.
This gesture will empower these agencies to reprogram or transfer funds. This includes those earmarked for the maintenance of obsolete IT systems for other variety of projects or investments which are within its mandate as a federal agency.
However, monitoring the utilization of these funds are required to submit comprehensive reports regarding the expenditures and balances every six months. These reports are made public for the sake of accountability.
Migration to cloud systems:
The MGT Act will hasten up the movement to a Cloud system. This migration is more cost-effective and has access to another realm of innovation that associated with cloud systems. It also offers a more secure means to handle data.
Expect that these agencies will, for the sake of providing better services, jettison the legacy system for more efficient digital technology. A good example is the network modernization that allows Chief Information Officers (CIO) to know what exactly happens in their operations.
Although there are critics of the MGT Act, who say that the Act is a misguided venture, the benefits will improve the lives of the American people.
Resources: https://www.fedscoop.com/trump-signs-mgt-act-law/; https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/the-legislative-branch/; https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/capital-funding.asp; https://www.techopedia.com/definition/635/legacy-system
Images by: Business Technology – Cyber Security [www.bluecoat.com/; https://www.flickr.com/photos/111692634@N04/]; US Capital https://pxhere.com/en/photo/738025
by Machelle | Jun 18, 2018 | Business, General, Information Technology
Website design is one of the most dynamic concepts in the digital world. As the year progresses, there is an increase in the technical challenges web designers face.
Made in Canva by Machelle L.
The Art of Web Designing
However, these challenges have been better with the advent of more creativity into the art of web designing. This creativity has given rise to more innovative websites. Creating a more user-friendly interface, compatible with any digital device, high aesthetics and still compliant with corporate needs.
2017 witnessed lots of innovation about web designing and anticipates that more creativity will trend in the year 2018. Some of them have already begun manifesting the websites that have fantastic mobile functionalities. Some others are still in the process. The following are remarkable trends to grace the web designing landscape in the year 2018:
Animation, Motion graphics
In the year 2018, this will be one of the significant changes that we will experience. An animation is believed to make a lasting impression just as the famous quote says, ’a picture is worth a thousand words.’
Animations in web pages include particle backgrounds, animated thumbnails images, as well as virtual or augmented realities. These motion graphics are of a JavaScript design to move naturally in the web background without delay while loading. Some of them are used in the social media for different purposes already.
Web schemes with superb colors
Due to the advent of computer monitors and device screens with improved picture quality, web designers are becoming bolder in their color selections. Being bolder has led to websites with supersaturated colors, dominant shades, contrasting colors yet producing beautiful blends. These varieties ensure that web pages are looking good. This sort of improvement is to attract visitors’ attention and sell the brand or the idea on the websites. Web designers will go beyond the conventional, really think out of the box for high colors in 2018.
Asymmetric or Broken Layouts
Made in Canva by Machelle L.
Asymmetric Layouts were first introduced in 2017 but will attract more attention in the web designing space in 2018. It is a shift from the conventional grid-based web layouts. Its attracting factor is that it provides a unique aesthetic experience for a web page visitor. Many brands may still want to stick to the conventional layouts because they consider this asymmetry a luxury. Others, especially more prominent companies, may find it a perfect means to sell their brand to the public.
Flexible fonts
The fonts of a web page are more than just a visual tool. It also plays a huge role in creating a lasting impression and provoking an emotional response. Also, fonts serve as a medium of communication on any website. In 2018 there will be devices with outstanding resolutions and screen characters that get sharper. There will also be a concomitant rise in different fonts used in web pages. This trend aims at creating a better user experience, ensuring that web users aren’t bored being on your websites.
Active gradients
In more recent times, developers are gradually adopting gradients for their web designs. An active gradient is already a trend that has come to stay as they are progressively replacing the flat designs. They are often used to make images on a web page more captivating with colors of various dimensions. Most web designers used this gradient as an alternative when there are a few images. These alternatives are usually conspicuous and rich in color.
Priority of mobile devices
Websites designed in the year 2018 will have mobile devices that will have the utmost priority. Expect that Google will rank websites on mobile compatibility and user-friendly interface. Since almost everyone has a smartphone, the prioritization of mobile devices by web designers will be a priority. These devices will also trigger other mobile-friendly initiatives tools and apps shifting from desktops in 2018.
The concept of web designing is an ever-changing one that necessitates severe changes in our web designing approach. These trends trigger the need for new skills, newer ideas, and a different approach.
Linda Rawson is the CEO, and Founder of DynaGrace Enterprises, (http://DynaGrace.com) which is a Women-Owned, Small Business. She is also the author of The Minority and Women-Owned Small Business Guide to Government Contracts.
Resource: https://www.usability.gov/what-and-why/user-interface-design.html; https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/a-picture-is-worth-a-thousand-words.html; https://www.canva.com/learn/website-color-schemes/; https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2011/10/asymmetrical-balance-in-web-design/; https://creativemarket.com/blog/types-of-fonts-for-professionals; https://www.awwwards.com/gradients-in-web-design-elements.html
Image Resource: Canva creation by Machelle L.; https://pxhere.com/en/photo/750606
