Data security - Aureole Systems

9 Signs That Your Smart Home Device Has Been Hacked

Smart home devices are becoming more popular and convenient. But they also pose some serious security risks. Hackers can target these devices to access your personal information. As well as spy on your activities or cause damage to your home.

Often the dangers of smart home devices fall under the radar. Seventy-five percent of people feel some level of distrust about the use of their data. Yet most people are willing to use smart home technology.

As we enjoy the convenience of smart living, it’s crucial to be vigilant about cyber threats. A hacker may have compromised your smart system without you even knowing it.

How can you tell if a hacker has compromised your smart home device? Here are some signs to look out for.

Online Security: Addressing the Dangers of Browser Extensions

Browser extensions have become as common as mobile apps. People tend to download many and use few. There are over 176,000 browser extensions available on Google Chrome alone. These extensions offer users extra functionalities and customization options.

While browser extensions enhance the browsing experience, they also pose a danger which can mean significant risks to online security and privacy.

In this article, we unravel the dangers associated with browser extensions. We’ll shed light on the potential threats they pose as well as provide insights into safeguarding your online presence.

Examples of How a Data Breach Can Cost Your Business for Years

In the digital age, data is the lifeblood of businesses. It fuels operations, decision-making, and customer interactions. But there is a dark underbelly of this data-centric landscape. It’s the persistent threat of data breaches.

The repercussions of a data breach extend far beyond the immediate aftermath. They often haunt businesses for years. Only 51% of data breach costs occur within the first year of an incident. The other 49% happen in year two and beyond.

We’ll take a look at the long-term consequences of a data breach. As well as examine a real-world example. You’ll see how a single breach can have enduring implications. Ones that impact a business’s reputation, finances, and regulatory standing.

Are Your Smart Home Devices Spying On You? (Experts Say, Yes!)

The integration of smart home devices has become synonymous with modern living. They offer convenience, efficiency, and connectivity at our fingertips.

But a recent study has raised concerns about the darker side of these smart gadgets. It suggests that our beloved smart home devices may be spying on us.

It’s natural these days to invite these devices into your home. Yet there is also the need to scrutinise their privacy implications. We’ll shed some light on the potential surveillance risks posed by smart home devices as well as discuss ways to safeguard your privacy in an era of increasing connectivity.

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Need to Show the Tangible Value of Cybersecurity? Here’s How

You cannot overstate the importance of cybersecurity. Especially in an era dominated by digital advancements. Businesses and organizations are increasingly reliant on technology to drive operations. This makes them more susceptible to cyber threats.

66% of small businesses are concerned about cybersecurity risk. Forty-seven percent lack the understanding to protect themselves. This leaves them vulnerable to the high cost of an attack.

Conveying the tangible value of cybersecurity initiatives to decision-makers can be challenging. The need for protection is clear, but executives want hard data to back up spending.

Top Data Breaches of 2023: Numbers Hit an All-Time High

The battle against cyber threats is an ongoing challenge. Unfortunately, 2023 has proven to be a watershed year for data breaches. Data compromises have surged to an all-time high in Australia. This is based on data from the first 9 months of the year. Meaning that numbers will only end up higher for the year.

The Australian Signals Directorate 22-23 report showed nearly 94,000 reports of cybercrime which was up by 23% from the previous year. This is an average of 1 report every 6 minutes.

What Is the Most Secure Way to Share Passwords with Employees?

Breached or stolen passwords are the bane of any organization’s cybersecurity. Passwords cause over 80% of data breaches. Hackers get in using stolen, weak, or reused (and easily breached) passwords.

But passwords are a part of life. Technologies like biometrics or passkeys haven’t yet replaced them. We use them for websites, apps, and more. So, companies need a secure way to share passwords with employees. As well as help them manage those passwords more effectively.

Cybersecurity threats are rampant and safeguarding sensitive information has never been more critical. Properly managing passwords securely is a top priority. At the same time, employees deal with more passwords than ever. LastPass estimates that people have an average of 191 work passwords.

Since you can’t get around passwords, how do you share them with employees safely? One solution that has gained popularity in recent years is using password managers.

Let’s explore the benefits of password managers next. We’ll also delve into why it’s one of the most secure ways to share passwords with employees.

How to Organise Your Cybersecurity Strategy into Left and Right of Boom

In the pulsating digital landscape, every click and keystroke echoes through cyberspace. The battle for data security rages on. Businesses stand as both guardians and targets. Unseen adversaries covet their digital assets.

To navigate this treacherous terrain takes a two-pronged approach. Businesses must arm themselves with a sophisticated arsenal of cybersecurity strategies. On one side, the vigilant guards of prevention (Left of Boom). On the other, the resilient bulwarks of recovery (Right of Boom).

Together, these strategies form the linchpin of a comprehensive defence. They help ensure that businesses can repel attacks. And, also rise stronger from the ashes if breached.

Choose Wisely: What Smart Home Tech Should You Adopt and Avoid?

In the age of smart home living, our homes are becoming increasingly intelligent. They’re designed to cater to our every need. Smart gadgets are transforming how we turn on the lights, home security, and more. They even help us feed our pets from afar.

But with the rapid evolution of this technology, it’s crucial to make informed choices. To know what to adopt and what to avoid. Every smart technology isn’t as helpful as another.

You also must be careful of things like security and oversharing. Some devices will spread your data far and wide without your realisation.

Here are some tips on what smart home tech to adopt and to avoid.

Why You Need to Understand “Secure by Design” Cybersecurity Practices

Cybersecurity has become a critical foundation upon which many aspects of business rely. Whether you’re a large enterprise or small business, network security is a must. Cyberattacks can have long-term consequences.

The frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks continue to increase. In 2022, IoT malware attacks saw a sobering 87% increase. Attack volume is also ramping up due to the use of AI.

It’s essential to shift from a reactive to a proactive cybersecurity approach. One such approach that has gained prominence is “Secure by Design” practices.

International partners have taken steps to address commonly exploited vulnerabilities. A recent advisory highlights Secure by Design principles. This collaborative effort underscores the global nature of the cybersecurity threat landscape. As well as the need for coordinated action to protect critical infrastructure.

In this article, we’ll explore what it takes to put in place Secure by Design principles. And explain why they are paramount in today’s cybersecurity landscape.