Google’s Chrome Gets a Major Security Boost with Data Loss Prevention Features

by Teknita Team | Apr 28, 2023 | Security

Google has recently announced six new features for its Chrome browser that aim to enhance the security and privacy of enterprise users. These features include data loss prevention (DLP), protections against malware and phishing, and the ability to enable zero-trust access to the search engine.

Data loss prevention (DLP)

DLP is a set of policies and tools that help prevent unauthorized access, use, or transfer of sensitive data. Google has added three new DLP features for Chrome that extend beyond its existing DLP capabilities:

• Context-aware DLP: This feature allows administrators to customize their DLP rules based on the security posture of the device being used. For example, admins can allow users to download sensitive documents if they are accessing them from a corporate device that is up to date on security patches or has endpoint protection software installed. However, the feature will block users from downloading sensitive documents on personal devices or devices that do not meet the security criteria.
  
• URL filtering: This feature allows administrators to block or warn users about visiting websites, or categories of websites, that breach the organization’s acceptable use policies. For example, admins can restrict access to popular file sharing websites, while still allowing file sharing via the corporate file-sharing site.
  
• DLP for print: This feature allows administrators to stop users from printing files that contain confidential data.
  

Extension security

Extensions are small programs that add functionality to the browser. However, some extensions may pose risks to users or request permissions that are not aligned with the organization’s policies. Google has added two new features for Chrome that help assess and manage extension security:

• Extension risk assessment platforms: Google has integrated two browser extension risk assessment platforms, CRXcavator and Spin.AI Risk Assessment, into Chrome Browser Cloud Management. These platforms provide risk scores for extensions based on various factors such as permissions, code quality, privacy practices, and more. Administrators can view the risk scores of the extensions being used in their browser environment and take appropriate actions.
  
• Browser security event notifications: Google has added two new browser security event notifications for Chrome that alert IT and security teams when an extension is installed or when a browser crashes. These notifications can help jumpstart investigations and identify potential threats or vulnerabilities.
  

Zero-trust access

Zero-trust access is a security model that assumes no trust between users and resources, and requires verification for every request. Google has enabled zero-trust access for Chrome through BeyondCorp Enterprise, its zero-trust solution. BeyondCorp Enterprise provides continuous authentication and authorization for users and devices accessing web applications and services. It also offers protection against malware and phishing attacks by isolating risky web sessions in a secure sandbox.

Google’s new features for Chrome are designed to help enterprise users work securely and productively on the web. By implementing advanced DLP and gaining more visibility into extension security and critical security events, organizations can reduce the risk of data loss and take a more proactive approach to cybersecurity.

You can read more about Secure Enterprise Browsing here.

Teknita has the expert resources to support all your technology initiatives.
We are always happy to hear from you.

Click here to connect with our experts!

VPN Importance: Why You Need a VPN in 2023

by Teknita Team | Apr 13, 2023 | Security

If you are an internet user, you probably care about your online privacy and security. You may also want to access content that is not available in your region, or bypass censorship and geo-restrictions. Or you may simply want to enjoy a faster and smoother browsing experience. If any of these scenarios apply to you, then you need a VPN.

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a technology that provides online security, privacy, and other benefits by encrypting your data traffic and hiding your IP address. A VPN can prevent websites, apps, ISPs, and others from tracking your online activity and accessing your personal information. A VPN can also help you access geo-restricted content and make safe digital payments. A VPN is especially useful when you use public or shared Wi-Fi, which can expose your data to hackers and malicious parties.

Here are some of the benefits of using a VPN that you might not know about:

• Protect your identity: A VPN works by hiding your IP address, rerouting your connection on a different server. In this way, your online activities will be virtually untraceable and anonymous.
• Secure your data: A VPN encrypts your data with military-grade 256-bit encryption, making it unreadable for anyone who intercepts it. This protects your sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, and personal messages.
• Access geo-restricted content: A VPN allows you to change your virtual location by connecting to a server in another country. This way, you can access content that is not available in your region, such as streaming services, websites, games, and apps.
• Bypass censorship and firewalls: A VPN can help you overcome internet restrictions imposed by governments, ISPs, schools, or workplaces. You can access any website or app without being blocked or monitored.
• Save money online: A VPN can help you find better deals online by changing your IP address. You can compare prices for flights, hotels, car rentals, and more across different regions and countries.
• Improve your gaming experience: A VPN can improve your gaming performance by reducing lag and latency. You can also access games that are not available in your region or join servers that are closer to your location.
• Enhance your streaming experience: A VPN can improve your streaming quality by avoiding bandwidth throttling by your ISP. You can also access more content libraries from different streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more.
• Download torrents safely: A VPN can protect your anonymity and security when downloading torrents and other files from the internet. A VPN can also improve your downloading speed and avoid ISP interference.
• Make secure digital payments: A VPN can protect your financial transactions online by encrypting your data and hiding your IP address. You can also avoid currency conversion fees and fraud risks by using a VPN.

As you can see, a VPN is not only a tool for online privacy and security, but also a tool for online freedom and convenience. With a VPN, you can enjoy the internet without limits or worries.

If you want to get a VPN for yourself, you need to choose the one that suits your needs and preferences. There are many factors to consider when choosing a VPN, such as speed, security features, server locations, compatibility, customer support, price, and more.

According to various sources, some of the best VPNs in 2023 are:

• ExpressVPN: This is often considered the best overall VPN, with great performance in speed, security, and price123. It has over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, supports up to 5 devices simultaneously, and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee1. It can also unblock many streaming services, such as Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+2.
  
• NordVPN: This is a popular and reliable VPN that offers a lot of features and add-ons124. It has over 5,400 servers in 59 countries, supports up to 6 devices simultaneously, and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee1. It also has strong security and privacy features, such as AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, a no-logs policy, and a Double VPN option that routes your traffic through two servers for extra protection2.
  
• Surfshark: This is a budget-friendly VPN that does not compromise on quality or performance123. It has over 3,200 servers in 65 countries, supports unlimited devices simultaneously, and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee1. It also has some unique features, such as CleanWeb that blocks ads and malware, Whitelister that allows you to bypass the VPN for certain apps or websites, and MultiHop that lets you connect to two servers at once for more security2.
  
• Private Internet Access: This is a highly customizable VPN that gives you a lot of control over your settings and preferences13. It has over 30,000 servers in 77 countries, supports up to 10 devices simultaneously, and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee1. It also has a dedicated IP address option that can improve your online security and access to certain websites1.
  
• CyberGhost: This is a user-friendly VPN that is ideal for international server locations13. It has over 6,800 servers in 89 countries, supports up to 7 devices simultaneously, and offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee1. It also has a streaming mode that automatically connects you to the best server for your chosen streaming service1.

Teknita has the expert resources to support all your technology initiatives.
We are always happy to hear from you.

Click here to connect with our experts!

Discover How AI is Shaping the Future of Cybersecurity at Microsoft Secure.

by Teknita Team | Feb 27, 2023 | Security

Mark your calendar for March 28, 2023, and be part of Microsoft Secure, the empowering annual security event tailored for the Microsoft community.

By launching the inaugural edition of Microsoft Secure, company aims to establish an annual tradition that celebrates the innovative spirit of Microsoft community. Microsoft specialists will showcase latest product updates across security, compliance, identity, management, and privacy in Microsoft Secure innovation sessions. Later, you can attend breakout sessions, hands-on workshops, and product deep dives centered around four key themes:

1. Explore cutting-edge technology such as cloud security, security information and event management, extended detection and response, and threat intelligence, powered by AI.
2. Enable smarter, real-time access decisions for all identities and cloud-managed endpoints.
3. Minimize insider risk and protect sensitive information across platforms, applications, and clouds.
4. Safeguard against threats like ransomware with Zero Trust architecture and built-in security.

For a more interactive learning experience, you’ll be able to participate in live open discussions and engagement opportunities, including: Ask the Experts, Table Topics, and Connection Zone forums. Furthermore, Microsoft team will be available to provide real-time insights and answer your questions in the event chat throughout the day.

Joining inaugural Microsoft Secure event means six hours of fresh announcements, innovations, and comprehensive security strategies. By participating, you will:

• Get a first look at how AI is shaping the future of cybersecurity, empowering you to protect more effectively with fewer resources.
• Gain valuable insights from industry experts to help you defend against current threats and shape the security landscape of the future.
• Explore technical content in-depth during breakout sessions, featuring topics such as extended detection and response, multicloud security, cloud-managed endpoints, Zero Trust, built-in security configurations, and more.
• Connect with fellow attendees in live question-and-answer sessions and receive expert guidance from Microsoft security professionals on your most pressing security concerns.

Our experts will be there too!

Teknita have one of the best security experts – contact us to hear all about Microsoft Secure features!
We are always happy to hear from you.

Click here to connect with our experts!

What is Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

by Teknita Team | Feb 13, 2023 | Security

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a type of security vulnerability that affects web applications. XSS allows attackers to inject malicious code into a web page viewed by other users, allowing them to steal sensitive information such as user credentials, manipulate the appearance of the web page, or perform other malicious actions.

There are two main types of XSS: stored XSS and reflected XSS. Stored XSS occurs when an attacker injects malicious code into a web page that is then stored on the server and served to all users who visit the page. Reflected XSS occurs when an attacker injects malicious code into a web page by sending it as a request to the server, which then reflects the code back to the user’s browser.

How does an XSS attack work

An XSS (Cross-Site Scripting) attack works by exploiting vulnerabilities in a web application to inject malicious code into a web page viewed by other users. The attacker’s goal is to steal sensitive information such as user credentials, manipulate the appearance of the web page, or perform other malicious actions.

Here is a general overview of how an XSS attack works:

1. The attacker identifies a vulnerable web application and a web page that is vulnerable to XSS.
2. The attacker crafts a malicious script that takes advantage of the vulnerability in the web page. The script is designed to execute when the web page is loaded by a user’s browser.
3. The attacker injects the malicious script into the web page, either by sending a specially crafted URL to the web page that contains the malicious script, or by finding a way to store the malicious script on the web server so that it is served to all users who visit the page.
4. When a user visits the infected web page, the malicious script is executed by the user’s browser. The script can steal sensitive information such as user credentials, manipulate the appearance of the web page, or perform other malicious actions.
5. The attacker can then use the stolen information or perform other malicious actions as desired.

The consequences of an XSS (Cross-Site Scripting) attack can be serious for both the web application and its users. Some of the most common consequences of an XSS attack include:

1. Stealing sensitive information: XSS attacks can be used to steal sensitive information such as login credentials, payment information, and other personal information from users.
2. Manipulating web pages: Attackers can use XSS to manipulate the appearance of a web page, adding false information, or altering the functionality of the page.
3. Spreading malware: Attackers can use XSS to spread malware, such as viruses and Trojans, to the users of a web application.
4. Damaging reputation: XSS attacks can damage the reputation of a web application, leading to a loss of trust among users.
5. Legal consequences: In some cases, XSS attacks can result in legal consequences, such as lawsuits or government fines.
6. Loss of data privacy: XSS attacks can result in the loss of data privacy for users, as attackers can steal sensitive information and use it for malicious purposes.

How to prevent XSS attacks

It’s important for web developers to be aware of the potential consequences of XSS attacks and to take the necessary steps to prevent them, such as validating and sanitizing user input, avoiding using unsanitized data in web pages, and encoding user input properly when displaying it in web pages. Additionally, users can take steps to protect themselves from XSS attacks by keeping their web browsers up-to-date and being cautious when visiting unfamiliar websites.

By following these best practices and taking steps to prevent XSS attacks, web developers and users can help ensure the security of their web applications and protect against the potential consequences of an attack.

Where do XSS attacks most often occur

XSS (Cross-Site Scripting) attacks can occur in any web application that allows user input, but they are most commonly found in web applications that do not properly validate or sanitize user input. XSS attacks are especially prevalent in web applications that allow users to post or share content, such as forums, blogs, and social media platforms.

Other common places where XSS attacks occur include:

• Search engines: Attackers can inject malicious scripts into search results pages, allowing them to steal sensitive information from users who click on the infected results.
• Online shopping sites: Attackers can inject malicious scripts into product descriptions or reviews, allowing them to steal sensitive information from users who view the infected pages.
• Online banking and financial services: Attackers can inject malicious scripts into web pages that process financial transactions, allowing them to steal sensitive information such as login credentials and payment information.
• Web-based email services: Attackers can inject malicious scripts into emails, allowing them to steal sensitive information from users who view the infected messages.

Teknita has the expert resources to support all your technology initiatives.
We are always happy to hear from you.

Click here to connect with our experts!

The Dangers of SQL Injection

by Teknita Team | Feb 8, 2023 | Security

SQL Injection is a type of security vulnerability that occurs in web applications when user-supplied input is not properly validated or sanitized before being used in a SQL database query. This can allow attackers to inject malicious SQL code into the database, potentially compromising sensitive information and impacting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the data stored in the database.

How SQL Injection attacks are made

SQL Injection attacks are made by exploiting security vulnerabilities in web applications that interact with a SQL database. Here is the basic process of a SQL Injection attack:

1. Input injection: The attacker provides malicious input to a web form or URL parameter, which is then incorporated into a SQL query executed by the application.
2. Exploitation of vulnerability: The attacker’s input is used to modify the structure of the original SQL query in a way that allows the attacker to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or to manipulate the data stored in the database.
3. Execution of malicious code: The attacker’s modified SQL query is executed by the application, and the malicious code embedded in the query is executed on the database.
4. Data theft or manipulation: The attacker can use the results of the SQL injection attack to steal sensitive information, modify data, or even take control of the database server itself.

Damages SQL Injection can cause

SQL Injection can cause significant harm to organizations and individuals by compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data stored in a database. Some of the damage that can result from a successful SQL Injection attack include:

1. Data theft: The attacker can access sensitive information, such as confidential user data, passwords, financial information.
2. Data manipulation: The attacker can alter, modify, or delete important data from the database.
3. Database server compromise: The attacker can gain unauthorized access to the underlying operating system and potentially take over the entire server.
4. Denial of Service (DoS): The attacker can cause the database to crash, leading to denial of service for legitimate users.
5. Reputation damage: A successful SQL injection attack can lead to negative publicity and loss of trust in the affected organization.

How to prevent SQL Injection attacks

To prevent SQL Injection attacks, it is important to validate user input, use parameterized queries, and follow other secure coding practices to ensure that user-supplied data is not directly incorporated into SQL queries.

There are several ways to protect against SQL Injection:

1. Input Validation: Validate all user-supplied input to ensure it is of the correct type, length, format, and range before using it in a SQL query.
2. Parameterized Queries: Use parameterized queries (also known as prepared statements) instead of dynamically building SQL queries using string concatenation or string substitution.
3. Escaping Special Characters: Escape special characters in user-supplied input before using it in a SQL query.
4. Stored Procedures: Use stored procedures to encapsulate complex business logic in the database, reducing the risk of SQL injection attacks.
5. Least Privilege: Use the principle of least privilege by granting the minimum permissions necessary to the database users and applications.
6. Regular Patches and Updates: Keep the database management system and all related software up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates.
7. Network security: Implement strong network security measures, such as firewalls and secure authentication mechanisms, to protect the database from unauthorized access.
8. Monitoring and Logging: Monitor the database for suspicious activity, and regularly review logs to detect any signs of a SQL injection attack.

By following these best practices and being vigilant about security, you can reduce the risk of a SQL injection attack and protect your database and its sensitive information.

Teknita has the expert resources to support all your technology initiatives.
We are always happy to hear from you.

Click here to connect with our experts!