Cyber Security for Remote Workers: Best Practices for a Secure Home Office

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During COVID-19, many organisations moved from the office environment to working remotely. Nowadays, employees continue to work in a hybrid or fully remote role due to the many benefits. While most employees agree that working remotely provides flexibility, cyber threats and attacks are more likely to occur than working in a secure corporate office. Luckily, there are ways employees can continue to work remotely and reduce the risk of cyber threats. Continue reading as we explain the best practices for a secure home office.

1) Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Passwords are generally the first line of defence against cyber attacks. You may think your work laptop or computer is fully secure, but work devices can still get stolen and criminals can gain easy access. If your work devices don’t have passwords already, it’s crucial that you set them up. Use strong, unique passwords with a mix of lowercase letters, uppercase letters, numbers and special characters. Furthermore, aim for passwords with at least 12 characters for optimal security. For optimal security, manage your passwords and change them occasionally to reduce the likelihood of data breaches. 

2) Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Remote workers can work from anywhere once they have an internet connection such as cafes and co-working spaces. However, it is advised to avoid using public networks. Instead, work from home and use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your online activity and data. This creates a secure connection between your work devices and your home internet connection. It can also allow employees to access company data outside the office. Using a VPN is vital for remote workers when accessing confidential work systems and sensitive information. 

3) Install Antivirus Software and a Firewall

Antivirus software protects work devices from viruses, ransomware, spyware and other types of malware. It works by scanning your files, detecting any malicious threats, and removing them from your system. It also prevents hackers from infecting your device with malware software by scanning downloaded files. Without antivirus software, your work devices are vulnerable, meaning any hacker can attempt to steal your data. 

Additionally, you should also have a firewall installed on your work devices. A firewall acts as a barrier to block unauthorised access from and to networks and systems.

4) Beware of Phishing Attacks

Research shows that phishing is the most common type of cyber breach or attack (84%) among reported businesses. Phishing is an attempt to steal sensitive information in the form of spam emails, links, pop-up ads, calls or text messages. Many remote workers receive spam emails impersonating their CEO or another senior member. If you receive these emails, do not give any details or click on any links. If the email address looks inaccurate or suspicious, it is most likely a spam email. If your organisation has a protocol for reporting phishing attacks, make sure to utilise it and raise awareness among other employees. 

5) Don’t Use Personal Devices For Work

As a remote worker, it can be tempting to check your emails on your personal computer or mobile phone outside of working hours. As we mentioned earlier, remote workers are more likely to encounter cyber threats. While your work laptop may be secure, your personal computer may not be, making it easier for hackers to gain unauthorised access this way. 

6) Look Into Penetration Testing

One of the best ways to prevent cyber attacks is through penetration testing. This gives both the organisation and its employees a deeper insight into their cybersecurity, highlighting which areas are vulnerable and need improvement. At SYTECH, our penetration testing service involves a simulated cyber attack. Our cyber specialists will use this to identify weaknesses within your system, draw up the findings in an in-depth report and provide you with effective solutions.

Contact Us For More Information

Maintaining cybersecurity is not only the organisation’s responsibility but also the employees’. By following these practices above, remote workers can increase cybersecurity and prevent data breaches or malware viruses within the organisation. For more information on penetration testing, please speak with our cyber specialists today by phone or email. We will be happy to discuss your cyber concerns with you.

Don’t Put Cyber in the Corner: Risk vs Chance

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With the world moving online, businesses face the constant challenge of safeguarding sensitive data from cyber threats. One critical area often overlooked is the risk of employee data theft. As organisations increasingly digitise their operations, the potential for data breaches involving employee information grows considerably. Let’s take a closer look at this issue to understand risk versus chance when it comes to protecting employee data.

Understanding Employee Data Theft

Employee data theft refers to unauthorised access or exploitation of employees’ sensitive information by internal or external parties. This includes personal details such as National Insurance numbers, financial records and health information. Perpetrators can range from disgruntled employees seeking revenge to external hackers aiming for monetary gain or corporate espionage.

The Impact of Employee Data Breaches

The consequences of employee data breaches can vary and sometimes be very severe. Beyond financial losses, companies risk damage to their reputation, legal repercussions and erosion of trust. Identity theft and fraud are common outcomes for affected employees, leading to significant personal and professional disruptions.

Identifying Vulnerabilities

To effectively mitigate the risk of employee data theft, companies must conduct comprehensive risk assessments. This involves identifying potential vulnerabilities in data storage, access controls, employee training and overall cybersecurity infrastructure. Each weakness identified presents an opportunity for threat actors to exploit.

Internal Threats

One of the most challenging aspects of employee data theft is the insider threat. Research indicates that a significant proportion of data breaches stem from within organisations, either intentionally or inadvertently. Disgruntled employees or those seeking personal gain can easily compromise sensitive data if adequate security measures are not in place.

External Threats

External threats, including sophisticated cyber attacks, phishing schemes and malware, pose significant risks to employee data. Hackers target organisations of all sizes, seeking vulnerabilities in networks and software to gain access to valuable information. Employee data, once compromised, becomes a lucrative commodity on the dark web.

Risk vs. Chance: Mitigating Employee Data Theft

Mitigating employee data theft requires a proactive approach that balances risk management with strategic cybersecurity measures. Here are key strategies to consider:

Employee Training and Awareness: Educating employees about cybersecurity best practices is fundamental. Training sessions on identifying phishing attempts, password management and data handling protocols allow employees to become the first line of defence against data breaches.

Access Controls and Monitoring: Implement stringent access controls to limit employee access to sensitive data based on job roles. Regularly monitor access logs for suspicious activities to detect potential insider threats.

Encryption and Data Protection: Encrypting sensitive data in transit and at rest adds an extra layer of security. Implement robust data protection measures to safeguard against unauthorised access.

Regular Security Audits: Conducting regular security audits and vulnerability assessments helps identify and address potential weaknesses in the cybersecurity infrastructure.

Incident Response Plan: Develop and test a comprehensive incident response plan to swiftly address data breaches if they occur. This includes procedures for containment, investigation and recovery.

Contact Our Experts for Cyber Security Support

Employee data theft poses a significant risk to organisations across all industries. Companies can reduce these risks by prioritising cybersecurity and adopting a proactive risk management approach to protect their employees’ sensitive information. Remember, cybersecurity is not just an IT issue, it’s a critical business matter that requires continuous monitoring and investment. Nobody puts cyber in the corner! 

To arrange a free consultation for cyber security support, contact us today via phone or email and our experts will be happy to help. 

SYTECH Continues to Secure Prestigious ISO Accreditation and adds Graykey ETS

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SYTECH Continues to Secure Prestigious ISO Accreditation and adds Graykey ETS

 

SYTECH, the UK’s longest-established digital forensics consultancy service provider, has successfully undergone a rigorous audit to secure its second UKAS re-certification for ISO 17025:2017.

The international standard, which has been made a mandatory requirement by the Forensic Science Regulators Code of Practice for forensic providers who are putting evidence into the Criminal Justice System, outlines the robust requirements for testing and calibration in laboratories. It sets out guidelines for quality management, technical competence and the ability to produce accurate and reliable test and calibration data.

In securing the coveted UKAS re-certification for the second time, SYTECH has been accredited under ISO 17025 for the previous eight years – a notable achievement in the digital forensics sector.

Significantly, the Stoke-on-Trent and South Wales firm is now also the first UK private-sector company to undergo an extension to its scope, to now have included within its schedule of accreditation the pioneering GrayKey software solution, utilised for full-file system mobile extractions.

In further successes, SYTECH has successfully passed its re-certification audits for ISO 27001, 14001 and 9001.

 

Jessica Clewlow, Operations Director at SYTECH and Senior Accountable Individual (SAI), commented: “We are incredibly proud to be embroiled in several international quality standards, and to have once again met the stringent audit requirements to secure re-certification for ISO 17025 and highlight our commitment to quality and accuracy.

“With an increasing number of businesses seeking ISO 17025 accreditation to demonstrate their competence, and with our significant testing and calibration laboratory experience, our SYTECH consultancy team is honoured to be supporting companies to secure accreditation – and maintain their status thereafter. By helping businesses navigate the complex process to achieve this globally recognised standard of excellence, we can enable more industries to benefit from the bolstered reputation that the implementation of ISO 17025 accreditation provides.”

 

SYTECH is accredited under ISO 17025 and Forensic Science Code of Practice and Conduct (FSR-C-100), and certified for ISO 27001, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.

SYTECH’s schedule of ISO 17025 accreditation can be viewed here: https://www.ukas.com/wp-content/uploads/schedule_uploads/00002/8765Testing-Multiple.pdf

 

 

Achieving Excellence in Information Security: The Role of ISO 27001

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Nowadays, organisations face unexpected and difficult challenges, on top of ensuring smooth-running operations and other concerns. One of those challenges is information security. Protecting sensitive information from cyber-attacks and threats remains a top priority. However, top standards may not be met by all organisations. To achieve excellence in information security, organisations should consider getting ISO 27001 certified. Let’s discuss ISO 27001 in more detail and explain its role in achieving information security excellence.

Defining ISO 27001

ISO 27001, officially recognised as ISO/IEC 27001, is the world’s leading standard for information security. It was developed in collaboration with the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in 2005 and later revised in 2013 and 2022. It contains three main principles: confidentiality, integrity and availability of data and information. The standard can be implemented by organisations of all sizes and sectors. It provides a structured framework for establishing, implementing, maintaining and modifying an information security management system. 

To achieve ISO 27001 accreditation, organisations are required to establish a tailored information security management system (ISMS). This system contains a set of policies, procedures and controls that determine how an organisation manages their information security risks. Other requirements include risk assessment, risk treatment, evaluation, internal audits and continual improvement. 

Why Is ISO 27001 Important?

With the rise in cyber attacks and the emergence of new threats, it can seem impossible for organisations to stay ahead. Thankfully, ISO 27001 plays a critical role in creating security risk awareness, improving information security management systems and reducing risks of security breaches, cyber-attacks and unprecedented threats within organisations. 

The standard also offers the following benefits for certified organisations:

  • Some ISO 27001 requirements cover those of GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and the Data Protection Act, as well as complying with legal and regulatory requirements
  • Builds trust with customers, shareholders and investors in handling sensitive information
  • Gives a competitive advantage by demonstrating that organisations are committed to the highest standards of information security
  • Saves money by increasing efficiency and reduces costs associated with cyber attacks such as legal fees

How To Become ISO 27001 Certified?

Once you understand the requirements of ISO 27001 and your organisation has established an ISMS to meet those requirements, you can proceed to the stages of becoming ISO 27001 certified. Next, the organisation can register for accreditation with a certification body. The certification body will perform a two-stage audit of your ISMS to ensure it meets the ISO 27001 requirements. Once the audit process is successful, your organisation will receive an ISO 27001 certification. 

Achieve ISO 27001 Accreditation With SYTECH

In 2023, 32% of businesses reported suffering a cyber attack or breach. By establishing a robust ISMS and certifying for ISO 27001, you can give your organisation the best possible chance of achieving information security excellence and preventing cyber attacks in years to come.

Before you apply for accreditation, you can prepare your ISMS by working with SYTECH Consultants. We are the UK’s leading digital forensic partner and cybersecurity service company. We are certified for ISO 27001:2013 and have a deep understanding of the accreditation. Through our guidance and support, we have helped many UK organisations in achieving and maintaining their ISO 27001 accreditation. 

How Can SYTECH Help You?

At SYTECH Consultants, we provide organisations of all sizes and types with effective cyber services such as Cyber Essentials, Incident Response and Penetration Testing. For instance, our Penetration Testing is a tailored service that can prepare your organisation to certify for IS0 27001. It involves a simulated cyber attack against your systems. Our cyber experts will attempt to gain access to your systems, identify weaknesses and give you a detailed report on how to correct and enhance your systems against future cyber attackers. 

To book a free consultation with one of your specialists, please get in touch today via phone or email.

Rev up Your Cybersecurity: Why Cyber Essentials Accreditation Is Your Business’ MOT

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You put your car through a MOT as an annual check to keep it operating smoothly, so why not do the same for your business? In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is more important than ever. With the modification of technology and the increase in cyber-attacks, safeguarding confidential and sensitive data is becoming more and more difficult for organisations. Luckily, organisations can undergo a similar MOT by certifying for Cyber Essentials Accreditation to rev up their cybersecurity. Continue reading, as we share a deeper insight on Cyber Essentials Accreditation including how you can benefit from it and explain why it is essentially your business’ MOT. 

What Is Cyber Essentials Accreditation?

If you haven’t heard of Cyber Essentials Accreditation before, it is an internationally verified and government-backed scheme created by the National Cyber Security Centre which protects organisations against the most common cyber attacks. To secure accreditation, an organisation must take an online self-assessment questionnaire to evaluate how the following 5 key cybersecurity technical controls are implemented in their IT infrastructure:

1. Firewalls

A firewall acts as a cyber barrier to prevent access to private networks. When a cyber attacker attempts to gain access to information or data from a private network, it will identify the cyber threat and block them from gaining unauthorised access. This is only effective if the firewall is installed and managed properly. It can also monitor incoming and outgoing network traffic. A firewall can be physical hardware, software, software-as-a-service (SaaS), public cloud or a virtual private cloud.

2. Secure Configurations

Computer networks contain servers that help organise and access information. Another key technical control to effective cybersecurity is secure configurations. When an organisation has secure configurations in place, they help to prevent access where it shouldn’t be granted, reduce network vulnerability and prevent unauthorised actions.

3. User Access Control

Most organisation networks are built with users in mind. They also have network administrators who manage and have total access, ability and control over things within the IT infrastructure. Any organisation has to be mindful about who and how many individuals have administrator privileges. The more people with access, the higher the risk of common cyber attacks. For optimum cybersecurity, organisations will want limited access to computers, applications and networks to anyone without administrator privilege.

4. Malware Protection

Malware is a malicious type of software. It is used by cyber attackers to cause harm to computers and networks within an organisation. It is a criminal offence to install malware as it can damage or lock files, steal or disrupt confidential information and block access. Additionally, it’s not uncommon for cyber attackers to use a type of malicious software called ransomware to gain access to a network and keep it captive until payment is released. Organisations will need to set up their IT infrastructure to prevent such malware attacks. 

5. Security Update Management

Any device that runs software is at risk of security errors, also known as vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities are a potential opening for cyber attacks. All software must undergo regular security updates to spot any errors. As soon as a vulnerability is identified, it must be corrected for it to remain completely secure, this process is called ‘patching’. 

Cyber Essentials vs. Cyber Essentials Plus

Once the self-assessment questionnaire is submitted, it will be reviewed by a qualified assessor. When the application is successful, a certificate will be awarded to the organisation. There are two types of certifications – Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus. Cyber Essentials includes an online self-assessment questionnaire and Cyber Essentials Plus includes a technical assessment. This involves a qualified assessor who will verify an organisation’s cybersecurity technical controls to ensure they are correctly implemented. Many organisations prefer to apply for Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation, particularly those that hold a sustainable amount of sensitive data. Cyber Essentials Plus also offers a higher level of assurance than the basic version, Cyber Essentials. 

How Can You Benefit From Cyber Essentials Accreditation?

Any business, no matter the industry or size can apply for Cyber Essentials Accreditation. Not only does it protect against a vast amount of common cyber-attacks, it also has additional benefits:

  • Reassures your customers, investors and shareholders that you are serious about cybersecurity and you are working to secure your IT against cyber attacks 
  • Attracts new business with the promise you have cyber security measures in place
  • Provides better visibility of potential cybersecurity risks and vulnerabilities
  • For some government contracts, a Cyber Essentials certification is required
  • Receive a £25,000 limit of Cyber liability insurance – if the whole organisation is certified and has less than £20m annual turnover (terms may apply).

Get Started With SYTECH Consultants 

If you are thinking about putting your business through a MOT and obtaining Cyber Essentials Accreditation, we can certainly help you. At SYTECH Consultants, we are proud to be an issued certification body for Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus. Our team of cybersecurity analysts provide support and assistance to organisations across the UK on Cyber Essentials. Similar to a vehicle MOT, you will need to complete an annual review of your cybersecurity every 12 months to renew your certificate.

To receive a quotation or to arrange a free consultation, contact us today via phone or email and we will be happy to get you started on your certification. Our qualified assessors are always on hand to answer any questions that you may have along the way.

Essential Cyber Security Best Practices for Small Businesses

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Whether you run a small business or you’ve just started a new starter business, it’s essential to invest in cyber security practices, this is to protect the business from online vulnerabilities.

Due to many opportunities, markets and industries being available online, the online world is a necessity for many businesses to grow and progress. From computer-based tools, emails and website maintenance to complete management systems, many businesses now rely on online systems and softwares, but with these business enhancements comes the responsibility to keep the company’s data, privacy and information safe and secure.

In this blog, we’ll talk you through the best practices for cyber security that could potentially save the business from becoming the victim of a cyber attack that could result in huge financial and data losses.

What is Cyber Security?

Cyber security is how individuals and organisations reduce the risk of cyber attacks and consists of technologies, awareness, processes and controls. Cyber attacks are usually aimed at assessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information. This could be anything from extorting money from users to interrupting normal business processes.

Theft of digital information (another form of cyber attack) has become one of the most common threats to businesses who use online facilities. This is avoidable, but it is up to each business who uses these online facilities to take responsibility for their cyber security.

It is essential that businesses work hard to create a culture of security that will keep the businesses data private and secure, along with securing their staff’s safety. This responsibility can only stand to give clients and customers enhanced protection and confidence in using the businesses service or product.

Cyber Security Best Practices

Protect Your Assets

There are several ways you can protect your computers, networks and information from online threats such as viruses and malware:

  • Install the latest security and antivirus software.
  • Set the security and antivirus software to run a scan after each update.
  • Implement key software updates as and when they are available.
  • Install firewall security for the businesses internet connection.
  • Ensure that systems are protected by a firewall software, whether employees are working from the office or working from home.

Brief Your Employees

It’s important to make sure the businesses employees are trained to understand the importance of cyber security practices. Reiterate the importance of security and data protection policies every few months to ensure all staff are in the know, and make sure to run new starters through your practices so each employee is in the know.

These practices can include:

  • Establishing appropriate internet use guidelines that detail penalties for going against these cyber security practices
  • Implementing strong passwords across all softwares and systems
  • Establishing how to handle and protect customer information and any other vital data each employee may come across

Regarding passwords, employees should be briefed before creating any passwords at the company to only use unique and strong passwords. Passwords should also be changed every three months to avoid vulnerability.

Implementing multi-factor authentication can also help with the businesses level of security. Multi-factor authentication is becoming more and more common to help businesses stay safe and secure. This form of security usually requires additional information beyond a password to gain entry, such as sending a code to your mobile phone device to type into the system to gain access.

Limit Employee Access Where Necessary

It’s important to keep your business as secure as possible, in all areas of the business. Things like company computers should only be used by employees who require them to complete their duties.

If it’s necessary for all employees to use a company computer, ensure each employee has an individual user account and only provide the necessary staff members with access to the specific data systems essential for them to perform their role. It’s also important to limit authority to install software for each employee as this should be something that is permitted when necessary.

Tablets and laptops can be easily misplaced or stolen, so these hardwares will need to be locked up or put somewhere extremely safe when not in use.

Wifi Network Security

Most businesses in today’s digital world will rely on wifi to be able to access the internet and any forms of online systems. It’s important to understand that your wifi is another way for your business to become a victim of cyber attacks.

To ensure that your wifi is protected, you need to make sure your wifi network is secure, encrypted, hidden, and your router is password protected with a strong password.

Contact Our Experts for Cyber Security Support

Here at SYTECH, we provide a variation of Cyber Services including Cyber Essentials Certification, Penetration Testing and Incident Response Services. If you’re unsure what your small business needs regarding Cyber Security Support, you can contact our team of specialists to find out more information.

The main Cyber Services we cover are:

We can offer advice and are happy to talk you through the options most suited to you and your business.

If you’d like to contact our team, you can find our phone number and email address via our contact page.

 

Top 10 Cyber Security Threats in 2024

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No matter what size your business is, as long as you use online, computer-based tools, emails, management systems and website maintenance software, you’ll need to be aware of the top cybersecurity threats. It’s essential to keep your business protected by investing in Cyber Security practices to avoid sitting in a vulnerable spot online.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the top 10 Cyber Security threats in 2024, so you know exactly how to protect your business, and how much security you’ll need to invest in. Many companies rely on online software and management systems to carry out daily tasks and important projects which can make your business vulnerable to security issues – this is due to storing data and private information. This is where the responsibility comes in to keep your company’s data, privacy and information safe and secure.

Not only will we talk you through the most common threats, but we’ll also discuss what the best practices are to help you stay protected from them. Cyber Security can save a business from becoming the victim of a cyber attack which could result in private data confiscation and financial losses.

1. Phishing

Phishing is a very common delivery method for ransomware. The harmful links or ‘bait’ could be sent via a suspicious email or even an email that appears to be legitimate or from a ‘trusted’ sender but isn’t.

Phishing is very serious for businesses as it can cause large problems. Not only this, but it only takes an unsuspecting employee who could open the email mistaking it for a genuine one for the worst case scenario to occur. These emails unleash viruses or malware from one click of the email, but many companies make the mistake of believing it to be real due to their lack of protection and awareness ensuring secure practices are in place. Employees should be trained to recognise misleading and ingenuine emails, not open them and report them immediately to the appointed person in the business.

2. Ransomware

Ransomware is malware that is used to lock and encrypt data, devices, files or systems of victims, making them completely unusable and inaccessible. This type of attack is usually held up until the victim pays the attacker a ransom payment to release access.

A ransomware attack is one of the most common among today’s vast variations of cyber attacks. Most ransomware attacks target small to medium-sized businesses, and these attacks continue to target companies worldwide that are not prepared or protected from cyber attacks.

3. Poor Data Management

To avoid practising poor data management, you’ll need to ensure that your storage and organisation systems are managed well and kept up to date regularly.

The amount of data stored online is growing by the day, and it’s crucial to keep the data you hold safe and controlled to ensure maximum data protection. Make sure to only store data that is needed and necessary, and protect this data with appropriate software and practices such as implementing strong passwords and security measures that all staff members follow.

4. Mobile Device Vulnerabilities

Mobile device usage has increased significantly over the last few years. We not only use mobiles more, but we’ve come to depend on them much more too. 

Along with this, mobile wallets and touchless payment technology have increased, meaning that mobile users taking advantage of these easier ways to pay are much more at risk of being the victim of a cyber attack. The more people using devices, the higher target there is for cyber criminals.

5. Cloud Attacks

Cloud attacks involve malicious activities that target businesses that use cloud computing systems and services. Attackers find and target vulnerabilities in cloud infrastructure, user accounts or applications to gain unauthorised access, steal confidential, private and sensitive data, jeopardise data integrity or cause a general disruption to the services.

Cloud computing systems and services are used more commonly as time goes on as they come with many advantages to businesses. They do, however, come with security challenges.

The following cloud-based threats can impact a business while making it vulnerable to cloud attacks:

  • Misconfigured cloud storage
  • Vulnerable cloud applications
  • Incomplete data deletion
  • Compliance issues
  • Reduced visibility and control
  • Incorrect cloud settings

It is crucial for businesses to safeguard their critical data on the cloud services and systems they install across the company.

6. Employee Training

It’s important to ensure your employees are trained to understand the importance of cyber security practices by:

  • Reiterating the importance of security and data protection policies every few months to ensure all staff are in the know
  • Running new starters through your practices so each employee is in the know

These practices can include:

  • Establishing appropriate internet use guidelines that detail penalties for going against these cyber security practices
  • Implementing strong passwords across all software and systems
  • Establishing how to handle and protect customer information and any other vital data each employee may come across

7. Third-Party Exposure

Another way your business can be impacted by cybercriminals is when they outsmart security systems by hacking networks that aren’t thoroughly protected. These could belong to third parties with privileged access to the hacker’s primary target. Businesses can be at a higher risk of this happening by working with independent contractors to complete work rather than in-house employees.

8. Insider Threat

An insider threat is a concerning attack for employers to experience as this involves a level of mistrust from a potential employee, former employee, business associate, or contractor; anyone who has dealt with or currently works for the company who may have or have had access to inside information concerning the company’s security practices, data and computer/online systems.

9. IoT Device Attacks

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a range of physical objects that are upgraded to include software, sensors, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other online systems. The devices (upgraded from objects) can be used to generate data and transmit them through a communications network, an example of this might be the on-screen device in a car or a fitness watch that can connect to your mobile device.

With devices becoming increasingly required day-to-day, and as they become more common, the risks of security heighten. The interconnected nature of IoT devices creates multiple target points for cybercriminals. It is crucial to ensure that each device you own is protected to avoid data breaches and privacy infringements.

10. Social Engineering

A social engineering attack is when cybercriminals work on manipulating a person or multiple people into exposing sensitive and private information that can compromise a company’s security. Unfortunately, social engineering tactics carried out by cybercriminals are becoming more common and effective as the years go by.

Social engineering can involve cybercriminals sending persuasive and personalised messages or emails to trick individuals or creating a fictional identity to gain an employee’s trust through calls or emails. Being the victim of a social engineering attack can leave companies at a financial loss, reputational damage and sometimes costly legal repair.

Contact Our Experts for Cyber Security Support

If you’re unsure what Cyber Security Support you require, you can contact our team of specialists to find out more information.

All employees should be educated about the different types of attacks that cybercriminals are capable of, and the importance of vigilance. Keeping on top of cyber security practices such as installing and maintaining up-to-date security software, implementing multi-factor authentication, and reviewing and updating security protocols are essential in preventing cyber attacks.

Here at SYTECH, we provide a variation of Cyber Services including Cyber Essentials Certification, Penetration Testing and Incident Response Services.

The main Cyber Services we cover are:

We can offer advice and are happy to talk you through the options most suited to you and your business.

If you’d like to find out more about SYTECH, click here. If you’d like to contact our team, you can find our phone number and email address via our contact page.

 

Mobile Phone Forensics: Protecting Privacy and Safeguarding Digital Evidence

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Mobile phone forensics is vital in a case as the digital evidence that is discovered by our team may be the difference between winning or losing a case. Digital evidence in a mobile phone may be information stored or transmitted in binary form that may be relied on in court. Having an experienced team of mobile forensic experts on your side to protect your privacy and safeguard digital evidence could be the support and strength you need to succeed in the completion of the case you’re involved in.

Our role at SYTECH is to extract and analyse evidential material from mobile handsets. Due to technological advances transforming telephones into computers for your pocket over the recent years, mobiles are how many people browse the internet, access apps, communicate via texts, messages and emails, as well as make and receive phone calls.

If mobile phones are being used as digital evidence towards a case, a mobile phone forensic examination can often reveal crucial evidence for criminal or civil investigations. Because most members of the public now use a mobile phone and carry it with them throughout the day, there is likely to be as much evidence via a mobile phone as a desktop computer.

Continue reading this article to discover what our experts can recover and examine while protecting privacy and safeguarding digital evidence.

Protecting Privacy and Safeguarding Digital Evidence

Because we have the skills and expertise to protect your privacy and safeguard digital evidence, you know you’ll be in safe hands with our team. The information we could find on a device has the potential to be quite sensitive, personal and difficult to process, therefore it’s crucial that you have that all-important discretion and support throughout the proceedings.

Our team of digital forensic experts have the skills to often uncover and examine:

  • Deleted text messages
  • Call logs
  • Social media activity
  • Internet activity
  • Documents
  • Maps & GPS location
  • Emails
  • Images

With specialist skillsets, such as recovering deleted media and messaging, mobile phone forensics often reveal more of the mystery than you might imagine. From this, you can discover important details about relationships, intentions and actions.

Privacy and security during this process are essential, and due to our thorough understanding of this matter, we can investigate a device for you with the utmost professionalism.

Protecting Privacy and Safeguarding

The average person collects a lot of information and media on their mobile device, and your communication with other people can also give our forensic team important and private information such as home addresses or even banking details – these will all be protected during the investigation.

Mobile phone devices leave a digital footprint by storing various kinds of information and data. With our expertise, even altered or deleted files can be detected – even a device with fire or water damage can still contain salvageable evidence inside.

While uncovering this data isn’t easy, our skilled and experienced mobile forensic experts will collect sources of data such as:

  • Deleted and hidden files
  • Media
  • Time logs
  • Metadata
  • Internet history
  • Call logs

Our specialists will then use forensic tools and techniques to secure and examine specific data without altering the source, maintaining its admissibility before presenting and discussing the findings with you.

Regarding the protection of your privacy, it’s vital for us to keep your data safe to ensure complete trust throughout the process. The right privacy protection can provide the thorough security you need to ensure that you feel safe during our forensic investigations from start to finish.

With SYTECH, you’ll gain the helping hand of our dedicated and experienced consultants who can take you through our findings with sheer professionalism.

Why Choose SYTECH for your Mobile Phone Forensics

Here at SYTECH, our experienced and knowledgeable team offers digital forensic services tailored to your individual needs and requirements. And not only are we 27001 & 14001 certified and hold FSR codes of practice and conduct accreditations, but we are also a UKAS accredited testing laboratory: No. 8765 (refer to UKAS website for accredited activities).

The security of your mobile phone forensics and information is at the top of our priority list, and the analysts who assist in police investigations are all security vetted to NPPV Level3. Our power is our strategy, experience, expertise and most importantly, our people. As a company, we nurture the culture of respect and understanding, which helps us go the extra mile when helping our clients with their individual requirements.

We have over forty years of successful outcomes for many prosecution and defence cases, and our team is made up of experienced expert witnesses who are here to help you find the answers to your questions.

Contact Our Team

If you’re in need of a dedicated and extremely skilled team to protect your privacy and safeguard your digital evidence, get in touch with our team today.

You can contact us via phone for free digital forensic consultation advice. Another way to contact us is by emailing or filling in our helpful contact form via our contact page. You also have the option to contact us by writing to us via our full address which is available upon request. We are ready to help you with your case and aim to respond as soon as we can.

Should you have any concerns regarding the services we offer or that we have provided, or wish to begin a dialogue on an issue you require help with, please use the following link and one of our specialists will contact you shortly: feedback@sytech-consultants.com. Your feedback and concerns are extremely important to us as well as helpful, so don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Is Cell Site Analysis Dead?

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There are 118 million active mobile phone subscriptions in the UK. With the rise in mobile technology, it’s no surprise that forensic phone analysis has become an essential tool for uncovering crucial information in investigations.

However, with the advent of new technologies like GPS tracking and location services, some may question whether cell site analysis is becoming obsolete.

Let’s explore the world of forensic phone analysis and discuss whether cell site analysis is truly dead.

Forensic Phone Analysis: Shedding Light on the Truth

Forensic phone analysis is a powerful technique that allows investigators to delve into the depths of a mobile phone’s data. It involves extracting and analysing various types of data, such as call logs, text messages, emails, photos, and even deleted information. By employing advanced tools and techniques, experts can uncover valuable evidence that can make or break a case.

The Rise of GPS Tracking and Location Services

In recent years, GPS tracking and location services have gained popularity among both consumers and businesses. GPS tracking allows individuals to locate their stolen or lost phones, track their children’s whereabouts, and even monitor employees’ activities.

On the other hand, businesses utilise location services to improve their marketing strategies and offer personalised experiences to their customers. These technologies provide real-time tracking capabilities, making them more precise and reliable than cell site analysis.

Is Cell Site Analysis a Dying Technique?

Cell site analysis, once hailed as the go-to method for tracking a phone’s location, is now facing competition in the form of GPS tracking and location services. So, is cell site analysis dead? Not entirely. While GPS tracking may seem like the superior option, cell site analysis still plays a crucial role in certain situations.

Cell site analysis relies on the triangulation of signals between cell towers and a mobile device to determine its approximate location. This technique is especially valuable in cases where GPS is unavailable or unreliable, such as areas with limited network coverage or instances where the device’s GPS functionality has been disabled.

The Benefits of Cell Site Analysis

By analysing the connections between mobile devices and different cell towers, professional investigators can establish timelines, corroborate or challenge alibis, and link suspects to specific locations. This capability is particularly valuable in solving crimes, as it provides tangible evidence that can be presented in court.

Secondly, cell site analysis plays a pivotal role in national security and counterterrorism efforts. Intelligence agencies can leverage this technology to track the activities of individuals associated with potential threats. The ability to identify patterns and connections between mobile devices contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of networks involved in security risks. 

Lastly, cell site analysis has applications beyond criminal investigations, such as in search and rescue operations. When individuals go missing, their mobile devices can serve as a lifeline, helping authorities to locate them. The analysis of cell tower connections aids search teams in narrowing down possible areas, expediting the search process and increasing the likelihood of a successful rescue.

The Limitations of Cell Site Analysis

 

While cell site analysis offers valuable insights, it is not without its limitations. Firstly, the accuracy of location data is contingent on the density of cell towers in certain areas. In urban environments with a high concentration of towers, the precision of location tracking tends to be higher.

However, in rural or remote areas where cell towers are sparse, the accuracy decreases, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact location of a mobile device.

Factors like signal strength, obstructions, and the type of terrain can further impact the reliability of the results. Therefore, investigators must exercise caution and consider these limitations when interpreting cell site analysis data.

Secondly, privacy concerns have become a significant challenge associated with cell site analysis. The extensive tracking of individuals’ movements through their mobile devices raises ethical and legal questions. Striking a balance between law enforcement’s need for investigative tools and protecting individuals’ privacy rights is an ongoing challenge. 

Courts and legislators must grapple with defining clear guidelines and regulations to ensure that cell site analysis is conducted within legal and ethical boundaries, safeguarding the privacy of individuals while allowing for legitimate investigative purposes. As technology evolves, addressing these limitations becomes crucial to maintaining public trust and ensuring the responsible use of cell site analysis in legal proceedings.

Cell Phone Tracking: Embracing a Multi-Faceted Approach

Instead of viewing cell site analysis and GPS tracking as opposing techniques, investigators should adopt a multi-faceted approach to forensic phone analysis. By combining the strengths of different methods, investigators can uncover a more comprehensive understanding of a phone’s location and movements.

For example, using cell site analysis in conjunction with GPS tracking can provide more accurate results, especially in urban areas with multiple cell towers.

Location Services: A Game-Changer in Forensic Phone Analysis

Location services, an integral part of most modern smartphones, have also revolutionised forensic phone analysis. These services collect an array of location data points, allowing investigators to reconstruct a phone’s path and activities. From geotagged photos and check-ins to app usage records, location services offer a wealth of information that can help paint a detailed picture of a person’s movements.

Cell Site Analysis Is One Piece of the Puzzle

In the world of forensic phone analysis, cell site analysis may no longer be the sole solution for tracking a phone’s location. With the rise of GPS tracking and location services, investigators now have access to more precise and reliable methods. However, it would be premature to declare cell site analysis dead.

Instead, it should be viewed as one component of a multi-faceted approach to forensic phone analysis. By combining different techniques, investigators can unlock a greater understanding of a phone’s movements and uncover the truth. So, the next time you hear the question, “Is cell site analysis dead?” remember that it’s just one piece of the puzzle-and it needs other approaches to succeed. 

Ready to unlock the power of forensic phone analysis? Contact us today to talk to some of the UK’s best digital forensic experts and learn more about how we can help you in your investigations.

Exploring Various Cyber Security Tools, Techniques and Risks

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Cybercrime is more prevalent in today’s world than ever before. From 2022 to 2023, 32% of businesses and 24% of charities reported breaches or cyber attacks, and this number grows every year.

These days, almost all businesses use the internet in one way or another, and all of these businesses need to protect themselves. Having a robust cyber security strategy in place will help to keep your business, your employees, and your customers safe. There are various cyber security risk assessment tools that you can use that will help you ensure your system is secure.

Keep reading for a rundown of the different tools and techniques that make up cyber security risk assessment.

What Is a Cyber Security Risk Assessment?

There are a huge number of cyber security risks out there, and a cyber security risk assessment will show you how secure or vulnerable your business is. It will identify any potential threats that may face your systems, networks, or data so you can develop and implement an action plan.

Cyber security threats are constantly evolving, so you should conduct assessments regularly. This is vital if you want to protect business data and keep your company safe.

The average cost of a data breach or cyber attack in the UK is £4200, but it can be much higher than this. In some cases, businesses damage their reputation, suffer from financial loss and downtime, or end up going under as a result of cyber attacks.

Small businesses typically don’t have a suitable in-house team to properly monitor threats and establish security systems. Even in larger businesses, the needs are often greater than what the IT team can deliver. Third-party cyber security companies can help businesses with cyber security risk assessments, and then recommend the best steps to take to ensure their security is as strong as it should be.

Cyber Security Risk Assessment Tools

Due to the variety of threats that exist, there are also multiple types of cyber security tools. You’ll want to make use of all of these to ensure you have the right level of protection.

Security Ratings

Third and Fourth-Party Vendor-Provided Tools

A lot of vendors who provide supply network solutions also offer security tools that you can use to scan their products. It’s always worth asking about these when communicating with your vendors as they’re usually free to use. You can also find a range of tools online that can help in a similar way.

Vulnerability Assessment Platforms

A vulnerability assessment platform will look at your IT infrastructure and take inventory of (and analyse) the current security controls you have in place. They then produce a report that will help you understand the risk of any vulnerabilities it finds in your network.

You can prioritise these threats so that you know how you should proceed. It’s also possible to perform independent vulnerability assessments to evaluate vendor performance. This can help improve third-party relationships.

Penetration Testing

There are various types of penetration testing available, and they help to assess current security systems while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards such as HIPAA, FINRA, PCI DSS, SOC 2, and FFIEC. Some of the weaknesses that penetration testing can expose are:

  • High-risk vulnerabilities
  • Feasibility of a customised set of attack vectors
  • Your network’s attack detection and incident response capabilities
  • The magnitude of potential business impacts from attacks
  • Forensic analysis of post-security incidents

Employee Assessments

Research has shown that 88% of data breach incidents (if not more) are the result of human error. As such, this is arguably the most important cyber security tool available. All it takes is one employee to absentmindedly click on an email link containing malware and your business could become a victim of a cyber attack.

It’s vital that you assess your employees to ensure they’re aware of the potential risks. The results from an employee assessment can show you if you need to conduct any employee cyber security training. Doing so will greatly reduce the level of risk your organisation is exposed to.

Ensuring Your Company Is Protected

At this point, ensuring your company has the right level of security is essential, and this will only become more important in the future. Cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to exploit individuals and businesses. You need to keep your company’s security systems comprehensive and up-to-date through regular testing.

Sytech Digital Forensics is a leading digital forensics and cyber security company. We’ve been in business since 1978; longer than any other cyber security firm in the UK.

Our knowledge, expertise, and cyber security risk assessment tools help us offer the best services available. Get in touch with our team today to find out more about how we can help keep your organisation safe and secure.