Is IT system hardening the same as patching?

Is IT system hardening the same as patching?

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?

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?

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?

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.

What Is The Average Hourly Rate For Remote IT Support In Australia?

What Is The Average Hourly Rate For Remote IT Support In Australia?

The average hourly rate for remote IT support in Australia can vary depending on the level of experience, expertise, and the type of services provided. In general, the hourly rate for remote IT support in Australia ranges from AUD 70 to AUD 150 per hour.

The hourly rate for remote IT support can also vary depending on the type of services provided. For example, the hourly rate for basic remote IT support, such as email and phone support, may be lower than the hourly rate for more complex services, such as remote desktop support or network management.

Additionally, some remote IT support technicians may offer flat rates or packages for their services, which can provide more predictable costs for businesses and individuals.

Overall, the hourly rate for remote IT support in Australia can vary based on several factors, including experience, expertise, services provided, and the pricing model used by the technician or service provider.

Get in touch today to book your free initial consultation.  We can provide affordable remote IT system support making your organization less vulnerable to attack!

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What Skills Should IT Remote Support Technicians Have?

What Skills Should IT Remote Support Technicians Have?

IT remote support technicians require a combination of technical and soft skills to be successful in their role. Here are some of the essential skills that IT remote support technicians should possess:

  1. Technical Knowledge: IT remote support technicians must have a strong understanding of computer hardware, software, and networking concepts, as well as experience with remote desktop support tools and troubleshooting techniques.
  2. Communication Skills: IT remote support technicians should have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively communicate technical information to users with varying levels of technical knowledge.
  3. Problem-Solving Skills: IT remote support technicians must be able to quickly and effectively diagnose technical issues, identify the root cause, and provide effective solutions to resolve the problem.
  4. Customer Service: IT remote support technicians must have a customer-centric mindset, ensuring that users are satisfied with the support they receive and their issues are resolved in a timely and efficient manner.
  5. Adaptability: IT remote support technicians must be adaptable and able to work in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment, as they may be required to work with different technologies and support different types of users.
  6. Attention to Detail: IT remote support technicians should have a keen eye for detail, ensuring that technical issues are accurately diagnosed and resolved to prevent future problems.
  7. Time Management: IT remote support technicians must be able to manage their time effectively, balancing multiple support requests and prioritizing tasks based on their urgency and impact on users.

Overall, IT remote support technicians must have a combination of technical and soft skills to be successful in their role. They must be able to work independently and as part of a team, effectively communicate technical information, and provide high-quality technical support to users.

Get in touch today to book your free initial consultation.  We can provide remote IT system support making your organization less vulnerable to attack!

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What Are The General Duties Of Remote IT Support?

What Are The General Duties Of Remote IT Support?

The general duties of remote IT support technicians include providing technical assistance and resolving technical issues for users and organizations from a remote location. Here are some of the common duties of remote IT support:

  1. Troubleshooting: Remote IT support technicians are responsible for identifying and resolving technical issues that users encounter, such as software errors, hardware failures, connectivity issues, and other IT-related problems.
  2. Technical Support: Remote IT support technicians provide technical support to users and organizations, answering questions, providing guidance, and helping users troubleshoot issues they may encounter.
  3. Maintenance and Updates: Remote IT support technicians may be responsible for maintaining IT systems and ensuring that they are up-to-date with the latest security patches and software updates.
  4. Remote Desktop Support: Remote IT support technicians can remotely connect to users’ computers and IT systems, allowing them to provide assistance and resolve issues as if they were physically present.
  5. Documentation and Reporting: Remote IT support technicians are responsible for documenting their work and providing reports on the issues they resolve, the solutions they provide, and the overall status of IT systems.
  6. Customer Service: Remote IT support technicians must have strong customer service skills, providing a high level of customer service to users and ensuring that their technical issues are resolved in a timely and efficient manner.

Overall, the duties of remote IT support technicians may vary depending on the specific organization and the nature of the IT systems they support. However, they are generally responsible for providing technical support and resolving technical issues remotely, ensuring that IT systems are functioning optimally and users are satisfied with the level of support they receive.

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What Exactly Is Remote IT Support?

What Exactly Is Remote IT Support?

Remote IT support refers to the process of providing technical support and troubleshooting services to users and organizations from a remote location. Instead of an IT technician being physically present on-site, they can connect to the user’s computer or IT system over the internet or a network and provide assistance remotely.

Remote IT support can be delivered in several ways, such as email, phone, chat, or remote desktop access. With remote desktop access, the IT technician can view and control the user’s computer, which allows them to diagnose and fix technical issues as if they were physically present on-site.

Remote IT support is becoming increasingly popular, especially with the rise of remote work and the need for IT support in different locations. Remote IT support allows for quicker response times and faster problem resolution since technicians can provide support from anywhere, without needing to travel to the location. It can also reduce costs since it eliminates the need for on-site IT staff.

Overall, remote IT support is a convenient and efficient way for organizations and individuals to receive technical support and resolve IT issues, regardless of their location.

Get in touch today to book your free initial consultation.  We can provide affordable remote IT system support making your organization less vulnerable to attack!

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