When should an organization use an IT support professional?

When should an organization use an IT support professional?

Business Cyber Security General Knowledge

An organization should use an IT support professional when they need technical assistance with their IT infrastructure or software applications. Here are some specific scenarios where an organization may need to use an IT support professional:

  1. Technical Issues: When an organization experiences technical issues with their computers, servers, network, or software applications, an IT support professional can help diagnose and resolve the problem.
  2. System Upgrades: When an organization needs to upgrade their hardware or software systems, an IT support professional can assist with the implementation and configuration of the new systems.
  3. Security Concerns: When an organization is concerned about the security of their IT infrastructure, an IT support professional can help identify vulnerabilities and implement security measures to protect against cyber threats.
  4. Employee Training: When an organization needs to train employees on how to use new software applications or IT systems, an IT support professional can provide training and support to ensure a smooth transition.
  5. Strategic Planning: When an organization is developing their IT strategy, an IT support professional can provide valuable insights and recommendations on the best practices and technologies to support their business objectives.

In general, an organization should use an IT support professional whenever they need technical assistance or guidance related to their IT infrastructure or software applications.

What qualifications and skills do you need to perform IT support effectively?

What qualifications and skills do you need to perform IT support effectively?

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To do IT support effectively, you need a combination of qualifications and skills. Here are some of the qualifications and skills that are important for IT support:

  1. Education and Certifications: A degree or diploma in information technology, computer science, or a related field can provide a strong foundation for a career in IT support. In addition, certifications such as CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ can demonstrate your proficiency in IT support.
  2. Technical Knowledge: IT support professionals must have a deep understanding of computer hardware, software, and networking systems. This includes knowledge of operating systems, programming languages, databases, and security protocols.
  3. Troubleshooting and Problem-Solving Skills: Effective IT support requires the ability to identify and diagnose technical issues and develop effective solutions to resolve them. This requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  4. Communication Skills: IT support professionals must be able to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical users. This includes the ability to explain technical issues in plain language and to listen and respond to user feedback.
  5. Time Management Skills: IT support professionals must be able to manage their time effectively, prioritizing tasks and responding to issues in a timely manner.
  6. Customer Service Skills: IT support is a customer-facing role, and professionals must be able to provide high-quality customer service, including being patient, friendly, and responsive to user needs.

These qualifications and skills can help you become an effective IT support professional, but it’s important to note that IT support is a rapidly changing field, and ongoing learning and development is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and best practices.

What is the difference between Helpdesk and IT support?

What is the difference between Helpdesk and IT support?

Business Cyber Security General Knowledge

Helpdesk and IT support are related, but they are not the same thing. Here’s the difference:

Helpdesk refers to a service that provides technical support to end-users who are experiencing issues with their devices or software applications. The helpdesk is typically the first point of contact for end-users who need assistance with their devices or software applications, and it provides basic troubleshooting and support services. Helpdesk staff are usually responsible for handling routine issues such as password resets, software installation and configuration, and other common technical problems.

On the other hand, IT support refers to a broader range of services that are focused on managing and maintaining IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, and databases. IT support teams are responsible for ensuring the availability, security, and performance of the IT infrastructure. They also provide more advanced technical support services, such as diagnosing and resolving complex technical issues, managing network security, and implementing software and hardware upgrades.

In summary, helpdesk provides technical support to end-users who have issues with their devices or software applications, while IT support provides more advanced technical support services to manage and maintain IT infrastructure.

What are the different types of hardening in cyber security?

What are the different types of hardening in cyber security?

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In cyber security, there are different types of hardening that can be applied to systems, networks, and applications to reduce their vulnerability to cyber attacks. Here are some of the different types of hardening:

  1. System Hardening: This refers to the process of securing a system by reducing its attack surface, such as disabling unnecessary services, ports, protocols, and removing unused software.
  2. Network Hardening: This involves securing a network infrastructure to reduce the likelihood of cyber attacks. This can include implementing firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection and prevention systems.
  3. Application Hardening: This involves applying security measures to software applications to reduce vulnerabilities and protect against exploits. This can include code obfuscation, secure coding practices, and application security testing.
  4. Database Hardening: This involves securing a database to protect against unauthorized access and manipulation of data. This can include encryption of sensitive data, access controls, and regular backups.
  5. Cloud Hardening: This involves securing cloud-based infrastructure and services, including cloud storage, cloud computing, and cloud applications. This can include securing API access, securing data in transit and at rest, and implementing security monitoring and alerting.

These are just some of the different types of hardening that can be applied to improve cyber security. The type of hardening required will depend on the specific systems, networks, and applications being used, as well as the organization’s security requirements and risk profile.

What are the main steps to hardening a server?

What are the main steps to hardening a server?

Business Cyber Security General Knowledge

Here are some of the main steps to hardening a server:

  1. Secure configuration: Ensure that the server’s operating system, network, and application configurations are secure by following industry-standard security guidelines and best practices.
  2. Remove unnecessary software and services: Remove any software or services that are not required for the server’s intended purpose, as they may introduce additional vulnerabilities.
  3. Apply software updates and patches: Regularly apply software updates and patches to the server’s operating system, applications, and firmware to address known vulnerabilities.
  4. Implement access controls: Use strong passwords and implement multifactor authentication (MFA) to control access to the server and its data.
  5. Enable logging and auditing: Enable logging and auditing to monitor server activity and detect potential security breaches.
  6. Implement firewall protection: Use firewalls to restrict inbound and outbound traffic to only authorized traffic.
  7. Encrypt sensitive data: Encrypt sensitive data in transit and at rest to protect against unauthorized access.
  8. Backup and recovery: Implement a robust backup and recovery strategy to ensure that critical data is recoverable in the event of a security breach, data loss, or system failure.

These steps are just some of the many best practices that can be used to harden a server and reduce its vulnerability to cyber attacks. It’s important to regularly review and update the server’s security measures to stay ahead of emerging threats.

Is IT system hardening the same as patching?

Is IT system hardening the same as patching?

Business Cyber Security General Knowledge

No, IT system hardening and patching are not the same things, although they are related.

IT system hardening refers to the process of securing a system by reducing its vulnerability to cyber attacks. This involves configuring the system to remove unnecessary software and services, disabling unnecessary protocols and ports, implementing access controls, and applying other security measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and encryption.

On the other hand, patching refers to the process of updating software or firmware to fix security vulnerabilities and improve functionality. This involves applying updates provided by software vendors or manufacturers to fix security issues that could be exploited by attackers.

While system hardening and patching are not the same things, they are both important components of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. Patching helps keep software up-to-date and secure, while system hardening helps reduce the attack surface of the system, making it less vulnerable to cyber attacks.

What are the 8 main cyber security threats?

What are the 8 main cyber security threats?

Business Cyber Security General Knowledge

Here are eight of the main cyber security threats:

  1. Malware: Malware, short for “malicious software,” refers to any program or code designed to harm or exploit a system or network.
  2. Phishing: Phishing is a type of social engineering attack that uses deceptive emails, messages, or websites to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details.
  3. Ransomware: Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts the victim’s files and demands a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key.
  4. Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs): APTs are long-term, targeted attacks by skilled hackers or state-sponsored groups that are designed to steal sensitive data or cause damage to a network or system.
  5. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks: DDoS attacks flood a network or system with traffic, making it unavailable to legitimate users.
  6. Insider Threats: Insider threats refer to employees or contractors who intentionally or unintentionally compromise the security of an organization’s systems or data.
  7. Internet of Things (IoT) Attacks: IoT devices, such as smart appliances and wearable devices, can be vulnerable to cyber attacks, which can compromise user privacy and security.
  8. Zero-Day Exploits: Zero-day exploits are vulnerabilities in software or hardware that are unknown to the software vendor or manufacturer, and can be exploited by hackers to gain unauthorized access to systems or networks.

These are just some of the main cyber security threats that organizations and individuals face today. It’s important to stay vigilant and take steps to protect your systems, data, and privacy against these threats.

What are the 10 steps to cyber security?

What are the 10 steps to cyber security?

Business Cyber Security General Knowledge

The UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has developed the following 10 steps to cyber security that businesses and organizations can follow to improve their cyber security posture:

  1. Risk Management: Identify, assess, and manage risks to your organization’s information and systems.
  2. Network Security: Protect your networks from unauthorized access, attacks, and disruptions.
  3. User Education and Awareness: Develop a strong security culture in your organization by training employees on cybersecurity awareness.
  4. Malware Prevention: Protect your systems and networks from malware attacks, such as viruses, worms, and trojans.
  5. Removable Media Controls: Control the use of removable media such as USB drives and external hard drives, to prevent data loss or malware infections.
  6. Secure Configuration: Ensure that your IT systems and software are configured securely and patched regularly.
  7. Incident Management: Develop and test an incident management plan to respond to cyber incidents quickly and effectively.
  8. Monitoring: Continuously monitor your systems and networks for suspicious activity or threats.
  9. Home and Mobile Working: Implement policies and procedures to protect information when employees work remotely or use personal devices for work.
  10. Cloud Security: Implement appropriate security measures when using cloud services, such as data encryption and access controls.

By following these 10 steps, organizations can improve their cyber resilience and reduce the risk of cyber attacks.

Where do i report cyber crimes in Australia?

Where do i report cyber crimes in Australia?

Business Cyber Security General Knowledge

In Australia, you can report cyber crimes to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) which is the primary agency responsible for cybersecurity in Australia. The ACSC is a part of the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), which is an intelligence agency responsible for foreign signals intelligence and information security.

You can report cybercrime to the ACSC by visiting their website at www.cyber.gov.au and clicking on the “Report a Cyber Security Incident” button on the homepage. You will be directed to a form where you can provide details of the incident, including the type of attack, the impact on your systems, and any other relevant information.

If the cybercrime involves the theft or loss of personal information, you may also need to report it to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) which is the agency responsible for protecting personal information in Australia. You can report the incident to the OAIC by visiting their website at www.oaic.gov.au and clicking on the “Report a Data Breach” button on the homepage.

Additionally, if you have been the victim of cybercrime, you may also want to contact your local police station or the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to report the incident.

Prevent ‘Use this account everywhere on your device’ – M365 Apps

Prevent ‘Use this account everywhere on your device’ – M365 Apps

azure, IT Cyber Security Technical Knowledge, licensing, m365, microsoft, o365

When you install Office 365 ProPlus / M365 Apps, you may be presented with a screen which says ‘Use this account everywhere on your device’.

Below is how to prevent that screen appearing, and prevent the Azure AD device registration that may result from pressing yes.

All goes well, until they get presented with this, at which point in a state of confusion they likely either just press yes, or possibly another option as we will see below:

Hide this screen by preventing Azure AD registration

This screen can be hidden by editing the registry as per https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/devices/hybrid-azuread-join-plan#review-things-you-should-know:

You can prevent your domain joined device from being Azure AD registered by adding this registry key – HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WorkplaceJoin, “BlockAADWorkplaceJoin”=dword:00000001

This registry key takes effect immediately and does not require a reboot. You won’t see the screen again. Note that you can still use Hybrid join via AD Connect.

 

Bypass Windows 11 Network Setup to create a local user account

Bypass Windows 11 Network Setup to create a local user account

microsoft, networking, windows 10, windows 11

Bypass Windows 11 Network Setup to create a local user account.

Whether you are turning on your new device for the first time or performed a clean installation of Windows 11, say are always prompted to join a WiFi Network if you are not using an Ethernet cable to connect to the internet, follow the steps below to bypass this network setup so you can create a local account without needing a Microsoft account.

On the “Let’s connect you to a network” page, use the Shift + F10 keyboard shortcut.
In Command Prompt, type the OOBE\BYPASSNRO command to bypass network requirements on Windows 11 and press Enter.

bypass win 11

 

The computer will restart automatically, and the out-of-box experience (OOBE) will start again.

Quick note: You will need to select the region and keyboard settings one more time to get to the network connection page.

Click the “I don’t have internet” option.

win 11 i dont have internet

Click the “Continue with limited setup” option.

bypass win11 network

You have now bypassed the Windows 11 Network Setup menu and create a local user account.

 

5 Essential Elements To A Cyber Security Report

5 Essential Elements To A Cyber Security Report

Business Cyber Security General Knowledge

Here are five essential elements of a cybersecurity report:

  1. Executive Summary: A brief overview of the report’s findings, including the organization’s current cybersecurity posture, key areas for improvement, and recommendations for reducing risk.
  2. Scope: A clear definition of the scope of the report, including the systems, processes, and policies analyzed, as well as the methodology used to assess the organization’s cybersecurity posture.
  3. Vulnerability Assessment: An assessment of the organization’s vulnerabilities, including weaknesses in its cybersecurity systems, policies, and practices.
  4. Threat Assessment: An analysis of the potential cyber threats that the organization may face, such as malware, phishing attacks, or social engineering.
  5. Recommendations: A list of recommendations for improving the organization’s cybersecurity posture, including steps to address vulnerabilities and reduce risk exposure. Recommendations should be actionable and prioritize improvements based on their potential impact on the organization’s cybersecurity posture.

Overall, a well-written cybersecurity report should provide decision-makers with a clear understanding of the organization’s cybersecurity posture, identify potential vulnerabilities and threats, and provide actionable recommendations for improving the organization’s cybersecurity posture. By following these essential elements, a cybersecurity report can help organizations reduce the risk of cyber attacks and protect their sensitive data and assets.

Get in touch today to book your free initial consultation.  We can provide you with a professional cyber security report making your organization less vulnerable to attack!

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