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The Human Firewall: Why Employee Training is the Cornerstone of Modern Cybersecurity

For decades, cybersecurity was viewed as a purely technical challenge, solved by deploying increasingly sophisticated hardware and software—firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and antivirus programs. While these tools remain essential, the landscape has dramatically shifted. Today, the greatest vulnerability in most organizations is not a flaw in its software, but the individual using it. Over 90% of successful cyberattacks begin with a phishing email, a cleverly disguised message designed to trick an employee into clicking a malicious link, downloading an infected attachment, or divulging sensitive login credentials. No firewall can block a user who willingly invites an attacker inside the network. This reality has forced a fundamental rethinking of security strategy, elevating the concept of the “human firewall” from a buzzword to a critical business imperative. Investing in continuous, engaging cybersecurity awareness training is no longer optional; it is the first and most important line of defense against an ever-evolving threat landscape.

Effective cybersecurity training moves far beyond annual, checkbox-compliance videos that employees quickly forget. Modern programs are engaging, continuous, and simulate real-world threats. This includes deploying simulated phishing campaigns that send fake (but safe) phishing emails to staff, providing immediate, constructive feedback to those who click. Training should be role-specific; a finance employee needs to recognize invoice fraud and CEO impersonation attempts, while an HR specialist must be an expert in protecting sensitive personal data. Gamification, using quizzes and rewards, can dramatically improve engagement and knowledge retention. The goal is to cultivate a sustained culture of security mindfulness, where employees instinctively question unexpected requests, verify identities through a second channel (like a phone call), and understand the “why” behind security policies, transforming them from potential vulnerabilities into proactive guardians of corporate data.

The return on investment for a robust human firewall program is immense. It directly reduces the risk of catastrophic incidents like ransomware attacks and data breaches, which can result in millions of dollars in recovery costs, regulatory fines, and irreparable reputational damage. Furthermore, a security-conscious workforce improves overall operational resilience. Employees become adept at identifying and reporting potential threats early, allowing security teams to respond before significant damage occurs. This cultural shift also fosters a sense of shared responsibility, where every individual understands their role in protecting the organization’s assets, customers, and reputation. In an era where a single click can cause a corporate crisis, empowering employees with knowledge and vigilance is the most cost-effective and powerful security control any organization can implement.

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Secured Key-Generation and Signing Through XML Signing Server and XML Signature


Companies use two types of key generation procedure to guard their digital transactions, ids, documents and other dealings and use this key generation to encrypt and decrypt authenticated data. One is Private-key and other is public-key system, both are different in their ways of working. The Private-key uses the single secret key and on the other hand public-key uses the pair of private and public keys. Secret keys involve DES and AES while Public-keys involve RSA algorithms. XML Signing Server use to provide the simplified key management and key generation system which supports all type of internet browsers and make friendly-user environment for all type of operating systems. XML Signing Sever uses different windows servers for proxy settings as SP1 and SP4, Sp1 is used with the server 2003 while sp4 is used with the server 2000. It also requires the software NET Framework which could either 3.0 or 3.5. This software provides help to send your desired data towards the signing server for applying requests. XML Signing Server offers the protected dealings and signing documents online securely by using XML Signature service.

Online signatures are the right choice to sign your documents digitally by having the surety of not being forged during the process of transferring the data from sender towards the receiver. There are many online signatures but not all signature types are secured enough to tackle the problems of document’s tempering. XML Signature provides the best solution to handle this state of security problems. It works to provide the integrity of massage during the whole phase of massage transfer from encoder towards the decoder. It starts from the creation of message when the sender encrypt a message by using the public key and continuous during the signing and transfer of message towards the receiver where it ends with the decryption of message by using private key. XML signature provides help to sign relevant elements of an xml document which is ready to process. It also offers working in many types of server encoded-data either it is xml-encoded, binary-encoded or character-encoded. While signing the xml documents and preceding the transactions it is necessary to not to forget the validation of these signed documents.

Validation process involves the surety that either the documents were really signed by authenticated resources or not. This process of core validation involves two further procedures to be followed which are Validation of References and the other is Validation of Signature. In this validation procedure companies ensure that the signed data is as same as it was during the encryption and the sources are also legal. All this procedure is important to make the truthful and legal environment of companies over web interfaces. It is a flexible and easy way to ensure the integrity of online business by having the ability to bind keys or sign documents while using many ways of working. In the growing era of working over web interfaces XML Signature is the right choice to minimize the security issues and to tackle the secure signing of online documents over by using protected xml signing server.

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The Importance Of Security Training Programs


It is quite evident that many people today use the Internet. There are many people doing online banking, purchases, wire transfers and such stuff. It is evident that the world is a much better place with the help of the Internet. Nonetheless, the Internet comes with its cons.Over the years, cyber crimes have been on the increase and it is evident that they are not going to go down any time soon. The risk of being swindled online is a reality that many people are living with.There are many who have lost their money to swindlers and many more are still going to for the simple fact that they do not know of even the simple security measures. Even those that know of the measures, the cyber criminals are getting smarter by the day and they are taking down even some of the trusted firewalls that companies and organizations use.With this in mind, there is urgent need for one to equip themselves with the right tools. There are online programs that can help you with the same. There are many Security+ training schools on the Internet.

In fact, a good school will have options available for you. For instance, you can get Security+ class Maryland, Security+ course Virginia. These are just some of the packages that you can find in a good online school.A good school will demand you have some prior knowledge on other basic computer courses before you enroll for the Security+ training course. The good thing is that the program is easy for one to follow online.Normally, your course will cover areas like general computer security, infrastructure security, communications security, cryptography among others. Nonetheless, depending on the school, other courses that you will learn for include hardening, protocols, hacking, topologies, and management among many others.Since you can do the training online, there is a lot of convenience for you to enjoy. Online schools will just need you to register with them and you will be on your way to taking your deserved course. Make sure you only use a school that is licensed to offer the courses. There are certain schools that offer the course at relatively cheap prices and you later realize that you have been offered with a certificate that is not recognized.Always have your first rule as research.

You need to know more about the school. Check out the certificates they offer. Are they certified to operate? More so, you need to make sure they give you value for your money. You need to check the courses that they offer.Your course should make you better at security measures. In fact, at the end of the course, you should be able to note security threats, check on external attacks, and have cryptography and authentication controls at your fingertips.With Security+ training you can also offer your services for hire. Many companies, organizations and even small business need frequent security checks and you can be the man for the job whenever you have the certificate showing your qualifications.

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Norton Scientific Reviews Symantec Source Code Leaked by Hackers


A group of hackers who call themselves the Lords of Dharmaraja, (and is associated with Anonymous) have published the source code of Symantec, a digital security firm know for the Norton antivirus program and pcAnywhere, raising concerns that others could exploit the security holes and try to control the users computer.The release of the source code came after the ‘extortion’ attempt failed as Symantec did not comply with their numerous deadlines.Negotiations through email messages between a representative of the hacker group, YamaTough, and someone from Symantec were also released online. The exchange of messages are about Symantec’s offer to pay USD 50,000 for the hackers to stop disclosing the source code and announce to the public that the whole Symantec hack was a fake, which made them a subject of mockery for appearing to buy protection.

Both sides admitted that their participation was just a trick.The hackers denied any extortion aim, saying that they never intended to take the money and were going to publish the source code whatever happens; they simply want to humiliate them so they played along. While Symantec said that they are not actually the one in communication with the hacker, but a law enforcement agent.The long negotiation worked to the favor of Symantec as they have been able to come up with patches to theirNorton and pcAnywhere programs. Symantec has advised their users to stop using the softwares in the meantime until they have issued more patches for them.Symantec released a statement saying that they have always been prepared for the leak of the source code so they’ve made and distributed hotfixes on January to secure their users.The drawn-out negotiation is an obvious sign of a law enforcer on the other line. Delaying tactics is one of their assets to obtain insight into the enemy. More importantly, it will create more transactions where paper trail will be left along the way — utilizing persons who have been involved in the process and the records themselves to trace the suspects.

It has been a common ploy of investigators like the FBI who deal with kidnappers or extortionists to break down the amount into several smaller payouts.Since 2006, Symantec has already suspected there has been a network breach but they were not able to verify any data pilfering until recently when the hackers threatened them to release the source code of Norton. There are further reports saying that the source code of Symantec was stolen from servers of India’s intelligence and military department. (They alleges that Symantec has previously given India the code to guarantee the government that they contain no malicious program.) However, this was denied by Symantec — they have already admitted that the theft happened in their own servers and network.The security firm formerly said that the Indian group was also the one responsible for the 2006 breach but retracted it today. They are now saying they’re not sure who stole the source code in 2006 and how they managed to get their hands on it.

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CIOs Are At The Corner Of Innovation And Security, But Is Security Their Job?


CIOs are continuously innovating and improving their technology, but is cyber security their job?
In nowadays digital disruption is definitely an ever-present occurrence in nearly every sector, and it is this proven fact that earned some CIOs the title of Chief Innovation Officer’s. But with an enormous focus on innovation some areas operational usually suffer, and among the worst hit is cyber security.

“We can’t speak on innovation without referring to cyber security. It might be scary, but to maneuver forward we have to never go mad the gloom,” said Kendi Nderitu, Check Point, Country manager, Kenya, throughout the CIO IoT and AI Summit being held on the Crowne Plaza, Nairobi, Kenya.

According to a recent Harvey Nash/KPMG CIO Survey, 89pc of chief information officers said these were maintaining or increasing investment in innovation, yet only one in five claimed these folks were able to handle a cyber security attack “very well”.

As CIOs come to grips with these harsh realities. The question then shift to, is security the Chief Information Security Officer’s (CISOs) job? By dictionary definition, a CISO may be the senior-level executive in a organisation accountable for establishing and looking after the enterprise vision, strategy, and program to be sure information assets and technologies are adequately protected.

The CISO directs staff in identifying, developing, implementing, and processes across the enterprise to cut back information and IT risks. They react to incidents, establish appropriate standards and controls, manage cyber security technologies, and direct the establishment and implementation of policies and procedures. The CISO is additionally usually to blame for information-related compliance.

The CISOs role is starting to become more vital inside the connected world. During the Summit Michael Michie, CISO, M-Orient Bank, asserted securing the smart infrastructure is starting to become essential for businesses, especially businesses that have countless sensors and so have numerous potential points of attack.

“The role from the CISOs is starting to become extremely complicated since the skills that CISOs have recently is part of your private network who have specific connections to some larger network. But right this moment, the planet we have been dealing with, everything must be connected for things to be cheaper, faster plus more reliable each will need to be connected. Essentially you’re told to shield the entire world but you help one organisation only,” he added.

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Five Most Tasks You Need to Execute to Ensure Windows Security


Cybersecurity vulnerability is extremely common in Windows-based systems nowadays; user negligence or lacks of info of Windows security factors are responsible for this issue in fact. Using networked based computers for private or corporate reasons is the main reason for this vulnerability. At first, you need to understand some basic but advanced functions of your respective Microsoft Windows system that are often unknown for your requirements. I am sharing some important issues below that you can mitigate by creating an Access Director on your Windows system.

File Sharing Permissions: This is such a local administrative privilege on all kinds of Microsoft versions that you should considered as vulnerable while letting go of your details to everybody! According to the cybersecurity analyst more often than not it has created either by the careless habit in the administrator or by mistake. Admin can mitigate this ‘Everyone Group’ issue by starting an Access Director to safeguard this id theft issue along with data.

Deficiency of Malware Protection: Most in the Microsoft Windows users neglect this problem always and ultimately their windows home security system is under completely threat that they can’t realize. Malware can damage your system in numerous risky levels and may destroy important computer data security too. Antivirus & Antispyware are recommended to setup properly in user computers.

Illiteracy about Personal Firewall Protection: Most of the workstations at the same time as servers haven’t any Firewall Protection create as a result of illiteracy of admin or users. Windows security may be highly vulnerable for this matter. We should apply our sound judgment that Microsoft created a firewall protection feature because it has an natural part to be sure Windows security.

Incapable Drive Encryption: Most in the users or organizations are not using drive encryption system and as a result if a selection of their laptop or desktop computers accidentally lost, they won’t protect their hard drive from password cracking by burglars to gain complete access to information; encrypting all information by specific passphrase could only make it happen. This can be a high threat to windows security.

Lack of Security Standard: Wireless network users should prepare and use a safe and secure user policy, like employing an SSL for Microsoft Outlook Web Access or even a PPTP VPN link with connect any remote network or using WPA-PSK having a strong passphrase ensuring that cybersecurity of the strategy is working well. A Network Access Control (NAC) system based on a well-organized workstation is mandatory to the.

I hope the points depicted above will make you sense and you will start to see the result yourself if you apply those. Happy Computing.

Tanmay Samajder can be a Physical Security & Cyber Security Protection practitioner, at the moment taking care of Basic Bytes [https://basic-bytes.com/], a Denmark based Microsoft Certified Trainer & Software Company.

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5 Reasons Why Businesses Need Ethical Hackers


Hacking, which has been an integral part of computing for upwards of 50 years, is definitely an broad discipline, which covers a wide range of topics. The first reported hacking what food was in 1960 at MIT along with the term ‘Hacker’ was used.

For non-geeks, this is a short introduction. Computer software is made up of computer programs, which give instructions on how the hardware should perform certain tasks. These softwares are often prepared by programmers, who’ve full entry to your entire programs. The programs are then sold to users with strict rules or protocols by which they are available only to certain authorized persons (usually with passwords) for reasons of security. Theoretically, nobody except these authorized persons have usage of utilize these.

How can others obtain unauthorized access?

  1. The original programmers, who have prepared the foundation code, and possess invariably provided their very own entry ways trap-doors and passwords.
  2. Earlier users who’re don’t authorized users, but whose passwords have not been deleted.
  3. Other unscrupulous persons who would like to access the machine for ulterior motives.
  4. Since there is a great deal activity and business run by computers, and many computers are connected from the Internet, these are ready to accept be accessed by various persons over the internet.
  5. Computers are also vulnerable to attack by malicious software (mal-ware) and virus attacks, which leaves them available to attack by hackers and mal-ware. These ‘virus infections’ and ‘worms’ are designed by persons who would like to hack into the device and steal information or make entire systems crash or destroy the complete data stored.
    Just as virus attacks in computers are prevented by anti-virus software like MacAfee, etc. companies protect themselves from hacking by employing ethical hackers. EC Council defines an ethical hacker as ‘an one that is generally employed with the organization and that can be trusted to undertake an attempt to go into networks and/or pcs utilizing the same methods and techniques being a malicious hacker.’

It means act of locating weaknesses and vulnerabilities laptop or computer and information systems by duplicating the intent and actions of malicious users.
It can be called penetration testing, intrusion testing, or red teaming. It requires them take a look at client network as potential malicious attackers, then devise the correct safeguards to shield clients from attacks. |

So what makes ethical hackers needed?

  1. They are required to identify and seal all possible points of access by hackers, which may be individuals or sophisticated software, including ‘worms’.
  2. In simple language, an ethical hacker thinks and works such as an unethical hacker to discover and exploit vulnerabilities and weaknesses in various systems, and exactly how they can be breached.
  3. Then he devises methods to guard the vulnerable points by erecting firewalls, stronger passwords, frequently changing passwords, using iris scans or fingerprints together with passwords, encryption, etc.

4 They also must prevent ingress (entry) from the original programmers who come up with software by persons who’re no more authorized to log into the system.

  1. They may also suggest VPN (Virtual Private Network), a safe and secure tunnel from your computer and destinations visited online. It utilizes a VPN server, which is often located from any location, and gives privacy. VPN will perform the work to prevent someone snooping your browsing history, or spying for you. VPN could make you browsing through the server geo-location not your computer’s location so we will continue anonymous.

With most private data being released today over the Internet for a price, Data Privacy can be a serious concern; hackers can certainly purchase private data and steal your data using your passwords for other sites (as most folks have the same weak passwords for several applications and rarely change passwords). They will educate users on how to choose difficult passwords, where to record or not record the passwords, and exactly how frequently you need to change passwords.