December 2024 - Page 4 of 8 - Version 2 Limited

How to remember your password: 8 different ways

SIDE NOTE: The techniques we’re about to share will help you remember your passwords, but just a heads up—many of them aren’t the safest ways to STORE your passwords, so keep that in mind.

1. Check your browser’s saved passwords

If you’ve ever clicked “Save Password” on a login screen then you know that Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and other popular browsers can save passwords for your convenience (if you allow them to). So, if you can’t remember your password but know you saved it in your browser, just go to your browser’s settings, find the “Saved Passwords” or “Password Manager” section, and you’ll be able to see your password. It’s quick, easy, and often overlooked. Remember, though—using your browser for password storage isn’t the most secure option. A dedicated password manager offers better security and organization.

2. Search through old notes, documents, or emails

If you’re someone who writes everything down—whether in a notebook, on sticky notes, or in your phone’s Notes app—there’s a good chance your password is somewhere in your archives. Don’t stop there, though! Dig through your old emails for account setup confirmations or past password reset requests—they might also hold the clues you need.

3. Try commonly used passwords

Do you have that one password (or a slight variation of it) that you lean on a little too often for “less important” accounts? Think back: is it that go-to password with a familiar number combo at the end? Maybe you just added an exclamation mark to your usual choice. Try a few of your staples—but proceed carefully if the account has lockout limits for failed attempts.

4. Try your other passwords

A lot of people reuse passwords—it’s convenient and reduces the chance of forgetting them. If this sounds like you, try using a password from one of your other accounts to see if it works.

If it does, make sure to change it immediately. Cybercriminals know that people often reuse passwords, so if they gain access to one account, they will try the same password to compromise others. Updating your password ensures better security and minimizes the risk of further breaches.

5. Try your name or other personal details

Sometimes, people get sentimental when creating passwords. Names of pets, children, partners, or even favorite fictional characters often make the cut. Maybe you threw in a birthday or anniversary date for good measure. For instance, if you’re a fan of coffee and your dog’s name is Charlie, maybe the password is “CharlieLatte123.”

Start by thinking about when you created the account—were there specific events, places, or phrases in your life that could have inspired your password? Try brainstorming combinations of hobbies, favorite words, or recurring themes in your life at the time. If you used a password hint, revisit it with a fresh perspective—it might just click! Just don’t share this guessing game with friends because they might crack it faster than you can!

6. Use the “Forgot Password” option on websites

This method feels like a lifeline when you’re locked out. Simply click the “Forgot Password” link on the login page and follow these steps: check your email or phone for a reset link or verification code; follow the instructions provided in the link to create a new password; and ensure your new password is both strong and unique (think random combinations of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.)

Keep in mind that the reset link might expire, so act quickly. And don’t forget to double-check your spam or junk folder if you don’t see the email right away.

7. Contact support

When all else fails, it’s time to call in the professionals. Customer Support teams are trained to help you regain access while keeping your account secure. You’ll need to verify your identity, so have information like your email address, recent transactions, or security answers on hand. They’ll work their magic and get you back in. However, make sure you’re reaching out to the official support channels to avoid phishing scams.

8. Use a password manager to never forget your passwords again

Here’s the ultimate solution to avoid ever forgetting a password again: using a password manager. Tools like NordPass are designed to store, organize, and even generate passwords for you. NordPass offers secure storage for all your login details, encrypted and accessible only to you. It also comes with the autofill functionality, so you’ll never have to type in passwords manually again

Best of all, you only need to remember one Master Password. With the NordPass password manager, you’ll save time and avoid stress the next time you’re faced with a login screen.

About NordPass
NordPass is developed by Nord Security, a company leading the global market of cybersecurity products.

The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

Storware Backup and Recovery 7.0 Released – Check out what’s new!

e-newsletter 2024 edm

Virtual private cloud vs. private cloud: What’s the difference?

Summary: Virtual private clouds and private clouds differ in cost, flexibility, and security, helping you choose the best option for your organization.

Private or public? Virtual or local? Cloud deployments come in many varieties. Choosing the right model is critical to performance, ease of use, cost, and security.

This article discusses the two main private cloud solutions: virtual private cloud and private cloud models. Each deployment type has strengths and potential drawbacks. Choosing the right type influences security, cost, and performance. It’s an important decision.

What are the two types of private cloud, and which one should you choose? This article will explain everything you need to know.

What is a virtual private cloud?

A virtual private cloud (VPC) is a virtualized multi-tenant cloud deployment hosted on public cloud infrastructure.

A cloud provider sells public cloud space, and users apply logical segmentation to create a virtual network. This separates the VPC from other resources without needing extra hardware or separate server space.

After that, the VPC functions like a private cloud domain. Users can install applications, create data storage containers, and manage cloud computing as needed.

Virtual private cloud users determine internal routing via IP address subnetting and network access control lists (NACLs). Network gateways enable secure connections from external resources. Users can also connect many VPCs via VPC peering.

Unlike private clouds, VPCs require a direct connection to the public cloud. This potentially makes it accessible to other public cloud users. However, subnetting IP addresses reduces this access risk.

Under the VPC model, users and cloud vendors share responsibility for security. Cloud vendors operate and secure the underlying infrastructure. VPC users must regulate access to resources via tools like security groups, access control lists, subnets, firewalls, and identity and access management (IAM).

Advantages of virtual private cloud architecture include:

Flexibility. VPCs can scale rapidly as companies grow or contract.
Cost-effectiveness. VPCs are cheap to set up and deploy because the cloud provider handles infrastructure.
Low maintenance overheads. Companies can run cloud deployments without large IT teams.
Sophisticated internal security. VPC users can segment deployments. It’s easy to separate financial data, sales platforms, and DevOps environments.

Virtual private clouds also have negative aspects. Most importantly, VPCs can experience outages and downtime. While VPCs are flexible, users of private cloud systems may have more customization options.

Security is another issue. VPC users must connect to gateways before accessing cloud resources, and this connection can raise security risks. Reliable access controls and multi-factor authentication (MFA) mitigate these risks. Virtual private network (VPN) protection also helps secure the VPC perimeter.

Note: Many users confuse VPC and VPN technology. The key difference is that VPNs encrypt data flows over the public internet. VPCs are virtualized cloud deployments. They complement each other, enhancing overall security.

What is a private cloud?

A private cloud is a standalone cloud solution with a single tenant. Under the private cloud model, users own and manage their cloud computing infrastructure, including data storage and networking solutions. Control is centralized, and users take responsibility for cloud security.

Typically, private clouds reside in data centers managed by the user organization. On-site hardware creates a physical network perimeter. Endpoints on the private cloud perimeter enable access control. Managers can filter inbound and outbound traffic, ensuring a high level of security.

Private clouds have many benefits:

Support for legacy applications. Ensuring access to legacy applications that do not function well on the public cloud (if at all).
Enhanced integration management. Managing integrations to ensure operability and maintain security.
Granular visibility of network access and user behavior.
Resource segregation and control. The ability to segregate resources and have full control over the underlying infrastructure.
Robust privacy protection for sensitive information via tight access controls.
Complete customization. Users have total freedom to design private cloud architecture.

There are also downsides. Private clouds are complex and expensive to implement and maintain. They scale poorly compared with VPCs. Users require extensive expertise and may see IT costs spiral.

Differences between virtual private clouds and private clouds

VPCs

VPCs tend to be more affordable. Users can also purchase the capacity needed, keeping costs as low as possible.

Availability

Private cloud

Private clouds are generally very reliable and deliver high levels of availability.

VPCs

VPCs rely on cloud providers to keep systems operational and available. Users can leverage redundancy to hedge against downtime or cyberattacks.

Security

Private cloud

The private cloud model is extremely secure. Organizations can limit external access across the network perimeter and deploy internal segmentation to regulate lateral movement.

VPCs

VPCs are more secure than public cloud solutions but less secure than private clouds. Network access controls and segmentation protect critical data. However, unsecured access points can expose data to the public cloud.

Virtual private cloud vs. private cloud vs. hybrid cloud

Before we discuss how to choose cloud solutions, we need to talk about another issue: hybrid cloud deployments.

Hybrid cloud solutions mix different technologies. The most common type combines public clouds and private cloud services.

This type of hybrid cloud suits businesses that need to cut costs, host large amounts of non-critical data, or regularly experience traffic spikes. However, hybrid cloud security is a critical factor to consider, as securing data and workloads across diverse environments requires careful planning.

For instance, space on public clouds is usually cheaper than private alternatives. You might secure confidential data in VPC containers while keeping low-risk assets public.

Another form of hybrid cloud combines private clouds and VPCs. In this scenario, users might reserve sensitive data in a private cloud service. VPCs can handle other workloads. This suits remote workforces and reduces cloud computing costs.

Choosing the right cloud for your business

Let’s return to the main question: should you choose a private cloud or a VPC-based solution? Here are some factors that influence the decision to choose private cloud vs public cloud technologies:

Complete data protection

In the comparison between private cloud vs. public cloud security, VPCs, and private clouds easily beat shared public cloud solutions.

Private clouds are slightly more secure than VPCs, as users have more control over how and where their data is stored. This makes them a better choice for organizations like healthcare bodies or financial data processors.

In general, organizations in highly regulated sectors should consider a private cloud model. They might also segregate sensitive data within private clouds and use public or VPC solutions for other assets.

Simplicity and ease of use

Virtual private cloud solutions suit smaller companies without dedicated cloud maintenance teams. Private clouds require extensive maintenance and are relatively hard to scale.

A VPC solution lets small businesses benefit from cloud computing, secure data, and adapt their deployment as their needs change. Setting up a VPC is also much easier than a private cloud.

Keeping costs low

Think about the cost of your cloud hosting solution. Private clouds have high upfront costs, while VPCs are very affordable. They lock down confidential data or workloads without needing huge capital investment.

Private clouds may have long-term advantages as the operational costs fall over time, especially for larger organizations.

Flexibility

VPCs are more flexible than private clouds. You can spin up virtual servers and storage capacity as needed. For example, you may need a temporary DevOps environment to test code before using it elsewhere.

VPCs can also reside closer to customer communities. If you serve clients on other continents, regional VPCs cut latency and may aid compliance by separating customer data sets.

Private clouds are easier to customize but less flexible. Scaling is complex, making VPCs a better option if your computing or storage needs are uncertain.

Availability

Companies using the cloud to host websites or customer data need high availability. Downtime, which disables web services and workloads, costs money.

VPCs solve the availability issue via redundancy. You can use peering or availability zones to keep systems running, even if part of your deployment fails.

Private clouds are generally reliable but present a single point of failure. Using multiple virtual servers may be a safer option.

Performance

Properly designed private cloud systems perform well because they dedicate resources to essential tasks such as processing AI data sets or video rendering.

VPCs share space with cloud provider customers, leading to variable latencies. Virtual private cloud data centers could also be distant, causing speed issues.

Virtual vs. private cloud: Securing access to both

Whether you choose a virtual private cloud or private cloud solution, security is a top priority. VPC best practices like encrypting data and applying security groups help but are not comprehensive solutions.

Secure cloud access controls are critical to minimize data breach risks. Malicious actors pounce on vulnerable devices and endpoints. There is no room for complacency, no matter what assurances your cloud provider offers.

NordLayer is compatible with the most popular VPC solutions. It can enhance your security by protecting who can access the data stored in the cloud. To secure your VPC, consider these steps:

Secure Remote Access: Use NordLayer’s Site-to-Site VPN to create an encrypted tunnel, allowing safe access to the VPC without exposing data to public internet risks.
Prevent unauthorized access: NordLayer’s Cloud Firewall helps you control who can access the VPC. You can limit access to authorized users, reduce the chance of data leaks, and use extra security layers like SSO and MFA to double-check identities before granting access.
Device Posture Security: NordLayer’s Device Posture Security ensures that only approved devices that meet company security standards can connect to the VPC. It helps prevent compromised or non-compliant devices from accessing sensitive data.

To find out more, contact the NordLayer sales team and discuss your cloud security needs.

If you serve security-conscious clients, why not take a look at our MSP partner program as well? As a cybersecurity partner, you can earn revenue and secure your cloud assets with support from our experts.

About Nord Security
The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.

About NordLayer
NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses – from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security.

The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

Nord Security NordLayer 2024

Autumn in NACVIEW was full of events

It was an time with plenty of conversations about cybersecurity and cooperation, all of which solidified our belief that Network Access Control solutions are now in demand by customers like never before. The interest is primarily caused by new regulations, a better understanding of a holistic attitude to security, and a growing number of incidents..

New customers, new partners, and new friends – thanks to all organizers for the opportunity to present NACVIEW and meet great people.

it-sa Expo&Congress 2024 – Nürnberg

Technology Lunch with VERISM – Warsaw

Black Hat MEA 2024 – Riyadh

About NACVIEW
A powerful network access control (NAC) solution designed to provide organizations with comprehensive visibility and control over their network infrastructure. Developed by leading network security company, NACVIEW offers advanced features and capabilities to ensure secure and efficient network access for users and devices.

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

2024 NACVIEW

Conditional Access Unplugged: Tapping into the Power of Human Experience

Organizations face unprecedented challenges as cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, enabling sensitive data protection more critical than ever. Conditional access is at the helm of this security effort, utilizing tailored permissions based on criteria such as user identity, device trust, location trust, and contextual factors.

But what if optimizing conditional access hinges not only on technology but also on understanding human behavior?

Empowering Teams: Human Factors in Conditional Access Management

Establishing a strong human-centric conditional access strategy

Access management and its purpose

Access management encompasses the processes and technologies that allow organizations to control who can access their systems and data. It includes identity management, authentication, authorization, and auditing. The primary goal is to ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive information, reducing the risk of data breaches and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Take solutions like OneIDP as an example to incorporate access management frameworks, organizations can achieve more seamless identity verification and robust security protocols, ensuring that only authorized users gain access to sensitive data.

Understanding Conditional Access

Conditional access is a security approach that dynamically adjusts access permissions based on conditions like user identity, device status, location, and behavior. Unlike traditional static controls that rely solely on user credentials, this method allows organizations to adapt their security posture to the current context, enhancing protection against unauthorized access while ensuring legitimate users can easily access necessary resources.

Key Components of Conditional Access

User Identity: Knowing the user is fundamental to any access management strategy, utilizing methods like Single Sign-On (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and biometric scans. Modern solutions such as OneIDP streamline user identity verification by providing a unified platform for managing access across various applications and systems, enhancing security while simplifying the user experience.
Device Trust: Assessing whether a device meets security standards—such as having up-to-date antivirus software and a secure operating system—is critical for establishing trust.
Location: Geographic context, including preferred locations or geofencing, helps determine risk. Accessing sensitive information from a known corporate location may warrant fewer controls than from an unfamiliar area.
Behavioral Context: User behavior analytics (UBA) is vital for shaping effective security practices. Understanding users’ interactions with systems can inform conditional access policies and help eliminate unknown malicious activity.

The Role of Zero Trust in Conditional Access

Integrating Zero Trust Access with conditional access can phenomenally enhance security by safeguarding sensitive data and enabling organizations to respond effectively to evolving cyber threats. Zero Trust Access is a critical framework that enhances conditional access strategies, providing a protected security posture for organizations.

Here’s how Zero Trust plays a vital role:

Never Trust, Always Verify: Challenges the notion of default trust, aligning seamlessly with conditional access policies that continuously verify users and devices before granting access to sensitive resources.

Granular Access Control: Think of Zero Trust like a high-security club where everyone is checked at the door, and conditional access ensures they only enter the areas they’re authorized to, minimizing risk.

Contextual Authentication: Emphasizes using real-time data to evaluate the context of each access attempt, ensuring additional authentication is triggered if a user accesses sensitive data from an unfamiliar device or location.

Continuous Monitoring and Response: It continuously monitors every movement, allowing conditional access to detect and respond to potential security threats in real-time.

Bridging Technology and Human Behavior

To create a strong conditional access framework, organizations must align technological capabilities with user behavior and needs. This includes designing user-friendly policies and leveraging data analytics to better understand and adapt to user actions. OneIDP simplifies the authentication process while aligning with user behaviors, making it easier for organizations to implement security policies that are both effective and user-friendly. Regular user feedback helps identify pain points and refine the user experience.

Designing User-Friendly Policies: Focus on simplifying authentication and providing clear guidelines that support productivity while maintaining security. User feedback is essential for identifying issues and improving the process.

Implementing Adaptive Security Measures: Adaptive security protocols adjust based on user behavior and risk levels. For instance, logging in from an unusual location can prompt additional authentication, maintaining security without burdening users.

The Benefits of a Human-Centric Access Management

Enhanced User Experience: Balancing security with usability minimizes friction, allowing legitimate users to access resources more easily.
Increased Compliance: A user-centric approach aids in meeting regulatory requirements, as informed and engaged users are more likely to adhere to access policies.
Reduced Risk of Insider Threats: Understanding user behavior and establishing clear access policies can help identify unusual patterns that may indicate insider threats.

Building an Ethical and Strong Security-Aware Culture

Creating a robust security-aware culture goes beyond strong policies and the latest technology. While technology provides essential protection, users remain the weakest link—phishing attacks, poor password hygiene, and careless handling of credentials can still compromise even the best systems. Therefore, prioritizing the human factor is critical for effective conditional access, integrating both technical skills and ethical decision-making into daily operations.

Employees need to understand the impact of their actions on security and feel empowered to make ethical decisions, while leaders set the tone by prioritizing transparency, explaining security measures, and establishing clear, rights-respecting access guidelines. This fosters a shared sense of responsibility, crucial to both the organization’s mission and customer trust.

Inclusivity is essential to an ethical security culture. Conditional access guidelines should provide alternative authentication methods, such as multifactor authentication (MFA), to accommodate diverse needs. Access policies must be flexible enough to address cultural and geographic differences, offering multiple secure authentication options (e.g., biometrics, PINs, or two-factor authentication) to respect regional preferences without compromising overall security. This ensures that security measures are not perceived as unfair or invasive.

Fairness in access control is critical to prevent discrimination based on location, device, or behavior. Policies must be free of bias to avoid unfairly targeting specific user groups. For instance, a potential issue can arise when an access control system uses behavior analytics to identify suspicious activity. If the system monitors login times and flags accounts with irregular login patterns, a user who occasionally logs in at unusual times—perhaps due to working late or traveling—could be incorrectly marked as a security risk.

To avoid such bias, policies should be designed to assess security risks based on a user’s actual behavior and risk profile, rather than making assumptions based on factors like location or device. Additionally, clear communication regarding the criteria for access decisions, along with an accessible appeals process, is essential for maintaining fairness. This ensures users feel heard and helps preserve trust in the system.

Creating a security-aware culture starts with comprehensive, ongoing training to ensure employees understand their critical role in access management and data protection. An informed workforce is more likely to follow best practices, reducing the risk of breaches and protecting both organizational assets and individual privacy.

To help organizations align security practices that are essential for the successful implementation of a conditional access strategy, here’s a 7-Point Checklist for Implementing Human-Centric Conditional Access.

7-Point Checklist for Implementing Human-Centric Conditional Access

By adopting this streamlined checklist, organizations can successfully implement a human-centric conditional access strategy that enhances security while empowering employees to actively protect sensitive information.

Engage Stakeholders: Involve key departments in policy development and gather feedback through workshops.
Implement Analytics: Use behavioral monitoring tools to establish user behavior baselines and detect anomalies.
Establish Reporting Protocols: Create clear channels for reporting suspicious activities and ensure employee awareness.
Review and Adapt Policies: Regularly assess and update access policies based on user feedback and evolving threats.
Promote Security Awareness: Conduct training sessions and awareness campaigns, recognizing employees who practice good security.
Document Access Policies: Write clear, accessible policies and integrate training into onboarding and ongoing education.
Monitor Compliance: Set metrics for policy adherence and conduct regular audits to identify areas for improvement.

Tracking regular updates will help ensure that this approach remains effective against the ever-evolving cyber threats.

Final Thoughts

As organizations prioritize the human factor in their conditional access strategies, they will be better equipped to navigate the evolving threat landscape, ultimately leading to a more secure and resilient digital future. Integrating the human element is essential for effective security in today’s complex environment. Organizations can enhance their access management frameworks by understanding user behavior, developing user-centric policies, and fostering a culture of security awareness.

OneIDP can empower your organization by streamlining identity management with comprehensive capabilities, including Single Sign-On (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and seamless integration with existing systems. This holistic approach not only strengthens security but also enables users to confidently access the resources they need while protecting sensitive information. Discover how OneIDP can transform your access management strategy today!

About Scalefusion
Scalefusion’s company DNA is built on the foundation of providing world-class customer service and making endpoint management simple and effortless for businesses globally. We prioritize the needs and feedback of our customers, making sure that they are at the forefront of all decision-making processes. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive customer support services, and place emphasis on customer-centric thinking throughout the organization.

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

Scalefusion 2024

What is an insider threat?

Today, we’re taking an in-depth look at insider threats, offering you an overview of identifying and preventing these risks to keep your organization secure.

What’s defined as an insider threat?

The concept is fairly simple—an insider threat is a risk posed by someone within the company, like an employee, contractor, or partner, who has access to the company’s sensitive data, networks, and systems. This risk arises when that person, whether on purpose or by accident, misuses their access, putting the company’s digital resources at risk.

So, why do insider threats happen? There are a lot of reasons, and it really depends on whether the person meant to cause harm. Some insiders might act maliciously, wanting to hurt the company for personal gain or out of resentment. On the other hand, some are just negligent, causing harm unintentionally, simply because they’re careless or don’t fully understand cybersecurity. Whatever the reason, intentional or not, insider threats can cause significant damage to a company, both financially and to its reputation.

For many, this idea can be hard to accept because we naturally want to trust our team members and find it difficult to believe they’d harm the company. As a result, many organizations focus on external threats, overlooking the fact that insiders—armed with a deep understanding of systems, processes, and policies—can exploit vulnerabilities from within. What makes this even trickier is that sometimes, the actions of insiders are so subtle it’s tough to tell what’s normal and what’s actually harmful. That’s why cyber insider threats are often more difficult to detect than external ones.

Types of Insider Threats

It’s important to understand that insider threats are not monolithic—as briefly stated above, they fall into two main categories: malicious and negligent. This distinction is crucial for developing targeted strategies to effectively mitigate each type of risk.

Let’s first talk about malicious insider attacks—these are caused by individuals within the organization who intentionally seek to cause harm. Their motives could be personal gain, revenge, or even espionage. Malicious insider threats might involve stealing sensitive data to sell to competitors, sabotaging systems, or committing fraud. In short, these actions are deliberate and meant to hurt the organization, whether through financial loss or reputational damage.

On the other hand, negligent insider threats are caused by individuals who don’t intend to cause harm but still put the organization at risk due to carelessness or lack of awareness. Negligence often stems from failing to follow security protocols or making poor decisions, like using weak passwords to protect business accounts or falling for phishing scams and creating openings in the company’s protective layer. While these individuals aren’t trying to harm the organization, their lack of attention or poor judgment creates vulnerabilities.

There are also a couple subtypes of insider threats worth mentioning. One is the accidental threat, which is caused by human error. These are typically rare but can still cause significant damage, such as when an employee forgets to log out of a system or uses unauthorized software by mistake (also known as shadow IT).

And then we have the so-called third-party internal threats, the name of which sounds a bit contradictory. But that’s because it describes threats caused by external entities, like contractors, partners, or service providers, who aren’t full-time employees but still have access to the organization’s resources. Therefore, their actions—whether malicious or accidental—can also pose significant risks to the company.

Increase your online security

Identify breaches before they harm your business

Insights from the frontlines: Insider threat examples

Moving from the theoretical to the tangible, let’s anchor our understanding of insider threats in the reality of actual incidents. These examples serve as critical lessons in the multifaceted nature of insider threats. Each incident sheds light on different aspects of insider actions, whether driven by malicious intent or accidental negligence, which can lead to significant security breaches.

The Morrisons data leak

Back in 2014, in an alarming display of malicious intent, a disgruntled employee at Morrisons supermarket exploited his access to confidential employee data. He leaked personal information, including bank details and salaries, of nearly 100,000 employees to the internet and newspapers. This breach not only exposed employees to potential financial fraud but also proved the critical need for stringent internal access controls and the ability to quickly respond to insider threats.

Anthem data breach

Anthem’s data breach is a stark reminder of the consequences of negligent insider actions. Attackers used a clever phishing scheme to get hold of the credentials of several key employees, which eventually led to unauthorized access to the personal information of 78.8 million individuals. This incident highlights how important is employee training on cybersecurity best practices and the implementation of robust security tools.

Edward Snowden NSA leak

Edward Snowden’s disclosure of classified NSA documents to the public is perhaps the most infamous and controversial example of an insider threat. The incident highlighted the profound implications that insider threats can have on national security. Snowden’s actions, driven by a belief in the public’s right to know about government surveillance programs, illustrated the potential for significant ideological motivations behind insider threats and the necessity for comprehensive vetting within organizations that have implications nationally and even globally.

These real-world examples emphasize that insider threats are not a monolithic problem but rather a spectrum of risks that require a nuanced approach to mitigation. They illustrate the necessity for organizations to develop insider threat programs that address both intentional and unintentional risks.

Insider Threat Prevention and Detection: Fortifying Against the Invisible Enemy

As organizations increasingly recognize insider threats as potentially organization-ending incidents, the imperative shifts to understanding these risks and actively implementing strategies to prevent and detect them.

Insider threats, by their very nature, require a nuanced approach. Here, we look at the cornerstone practices for bolstering your defenses.

Insider Threat Prevention

Prevention is the cornerstone of a robust security posture. Effective prevention combines early intervention with a comprehensive strategy, focusing on:

Access control and management: Employing strict access controls and regular reviews to make sure that employees only have the necessary privileges to perform their duties, thus minimizing potential abuse.

Security awareness and training: Developing an ongoing education and awareness program that highlights the importance of following the organization’s security policies, helping to prevent negligent behavior by making employees aware of the risks and how they should act in the face of those risks.

Regular audits and compliance checks: Conduct periodic audits of systems and practices to ensure compliance with security policies and identify potential vulnerabilities.

Reporting mechanisms: Creating reporting systems and fostering an environment where employees feel safe to report suspicious activity without fear of reprisal is critical for the early detection of potential threats.

Insider Threat Detection

Detection strategies are critical for identifying threats that prevention measures may not have fully mitigated. Effective detection is predicated on the ability to identify anomalies and act swiftly, involving:

Behavioral analytics: Implementing user and entity behavior analytics (UEBA) to monitor for unusual activity patterns that may indicate malicious or negligent insider actions.

Incident response and management: Developing a clear, efficient incident response plan that enables quick action to mitigate the impact of detected threats.

Technology and system monitoring: Utilizing advanced monitoring tools to continuously observe system and user activities for signs of insider threat, including unauthorized data access.

Feedback loops for continuous improvement: Creating mechanisms for feedback on the effectiveness of detection strategies, allowing for continuous refinement and improvement of security measures.

Harnessing password managers to combat insider threats

Among the tools available to protect organizations against insider threats, password managers emerge as a utility for convenience as well as a critical line of defense. Let’s explore how enterprise-grade password managers, such as NordPass Enterprise, can bolster an organization’s security posture against insider threats.

Centralized control over access

Password managers offer centralized control mechanisms that significantly streamline the management of user access to sensitive systems and information. By centralizing password storage, organizations can enforce company-wide password policies, ensure the use of strong, unique passwords across all accounts, and rapidly revoke access when a user’s relationship with the company changes or suspicious activity is detected.

Enhanced security features

Enterprise password managers come equipped with advanced security features such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), biometric access controls, and secure password and item sharing. These features add layers of security that make it significantly more challenging for malicious insiders to gain unauthorized access to critical systems. MFA, in particular, is a powerful deterrent against unauthorized access attempts, ensuring that even if a password is compromised, the additional authentication layer provides a formidable barrier.

Audit trails and monitoring

One of the key advantages of using an enterprise password manager is the ability to generate comprehensive audit trails and engage in proactive monitoring. Enterprise-grade password managers, such as NordPass, log user interactions with the stored credentials, providing security teams with valuable insights into access patterns and behaviors that may indicate a potential insider threat.

Educating and Empowering Employees

Beyond the technical benefits, password managers play a crucial role in fostering a culture of security awareness within an organization. They relieve employees of the burden of remembering complex passwords for every account and reduce the temptation to reuse passwords or resort to easily guessable ones. This, in turn, empowers employees to embrace security best practices without compromising productivity or ease of use.

A foundation for secure collaboration

In today’s collaborative work environments, such as IT security departments, the secure sharing of access credentials is critical but poses significant security challenges. Fortunately, tools like NordPass, a password manager for IT teams, address this challenge by enabling the secure, controlled sharing of credentials and access rights. This ensures that sensitive information remains protected, even when access is extended across teams or departments, mitigating the risk of insider threats related to shared credentials.

By integrating a robust password management solution into their cybersecurity strategy, organizations can significantly enhance their defenses against insider threats. Password managers provide a comprehensive suite of tools designed not only to secure passwords but also to enforce access policies, monitor user behavior, and promote a culture of security awareness.

About NordPass
NordPass is developed by Nord Security, a company leading the global market of cybersecurity products.

The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

Nord Security NordPass 2024

NordLayer feature release: Download Protection

Summary: NordLayer’s new Download Protection feature protects your organization from hidden threats. It scans files in real-time and blocks malicious downloads to keep your system secure.

Every download presents a potential risk, but now there’s a powerful new way to stay ahead of threats. NordLayer is proud to introduce Download Protection, a game-changing feature built on the reliable technology behind NordVPN Threat Protection Pro—trusted by millions of NordVPN users worldwide. By bringing this proven solution to NordLayer, we’re not only enhancing your organization’s defense but also strengthening our Secure Web Gateway (SWG) offering with a proactive, real-time malware detection tool.

With this feature, your business gains a robust layer of protection, capable of scanning and blocking malicious files before they reach your system. Together, we’re making it easier than ever to safeguard your network and users from evolving cyber threats.

How does it work?

Once Download Protection is activated, every file downloaded from the web—whether through the browser or any other network app (Slack, Outlook, etc.)—is immediately scanned by the NordLayer Windows application. The file is removed if a threat is detected, and the user and the organization admin are alerted.

Key highlights include:

Uninterrupted protection: Works at all times, even without an active VPN connection
Seamless integration: No workflow disruption; security is enforced in the background
One-click activation: Admins can enable this feature in seconds, ensuring organization-wide protection

Administrators retain complete control, with the option to apply Download Protection to all organization members or specific teams only. They can further customize the settings while individual users remain safeguarded without the ability to modify configurations.

Feature characteristics: what to expect

File types covered: Download Protection covers a wide range of file types commonly used in cyberattacks, including executable files (e.g., .exe, .bat), document formats (e.g., .pdf, .docx), scripts (e.g., .js, .vbs), and more.
Analytics and reporting: Admins gain visibility into file download activity through the Control Panel. Reports include scanned files, detailed logs of threats detected, and actions taken, offering actionable insights to mitigate risks.
Advanced threat detection: Intelligent Malware Detection leverages machine learning to identify unknown malware and suspicious files, such as those with double extensions (e.g., filename.pdf.exe).

For comprehensive guidance on formats and reporting, refer to our Help Center article.

Why Download Protection matters

Downloading files remains a daily necessity for most users, but each download introduces potential risks. The emergence of new ransomware groups in 2024, with 27 new groups identified by Q2, further complicates the ongoing threat. Many of these groups utilize sophisticated social engineering tactics to trick users into downloading malware-laden files.

Download Protection addresses these risks by acting as a crucial first line of defense.

For IT admins:

Mitigate threats: Protect your organization from malware, ransomware, and other attacks executed via malicious files
Enhanced visibility: Monitor and analyze file downloads, identifying risk factors to prevent exposure
Centralized insights: Access detailed scan event data and threat reports via the Control Panel

For team members:

Immediate protection: Automatically block malicious files, preventing accidental downloads from compromising the system
One-click safety: Enjoy seamless, hassle-free security without interrupting daily operations

What sets Download Protection apart?

At NordLayer, we take a security-first approach. Built on the reliable technology that powers NordVPN Threat Protection Pro, Download Protection improves your organization’s cybersecurity by adding a proactive defense mechanism that complements your existing tools and security stack.

Download Protection adds a responsive layer of defense by actively detecting and responding to potential threats during file downloads, seamlessly integrating into your current setup without additional configuration or cost. This feature strengthens your organization’s overall security posture.

Scan every download and stay one step ahead

Download Protection is available to all customers across every subscription plan, reinforcing our commitment to delivering enterprise-grade security without added complexity. This feature, released in November 2024, ensures proactive protection for organizations of all sizes.

Cyber threats are evolving, but with Download Protection, your organization is equipped with seamless, always-on security. Activate this feature today and experience the next level of cybersecurity, all in just one click.

About Nord Security
The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.

About NordLayer
NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses – from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security.

The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

Nord Security NordLayer 2024

EasyVista Releases Latest Version of EasyVista Platform 2024.3

NEW YORK – EasyVista, a global SaaS provider for comprehensive IT service management (ITSM), IT monitoring , Enterprise Service Management, and Remote Support, is proud to announce that it has been named a Leader in the 2024 SPARK Matrix™: IT Service Management Tools by QKS Group (formerly known as Quadrant Technologies) for the second year in a row. The EasyVista Platform stood out for its advanced features, low total cost of ownership (TCO), built-in customization options, and comprehensive end-to-end service experience.

2024 EasyVista

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Continuous Data Protection

Businesses and organizations need to store, back up, and protect data. The data and information generated must be backed up and protected from loss and cyber threats. Hence, every organization strives to find the best method for protecting and backing up data.

Over the years, organizations have employed several conventional methods to back up data. One common issue they pose is the backup window–the time frame in which a backup is scheduled. Since these methods preschedule backups, there could be a significant data loss if a data-loss incident occurs between two back-ups.

The best way to reduce data loss is through continuous data protection. Continuous data protection (CDP) backs up data in real-time, ensuring that there is little to no loss of information in the face of a failure or disaster. This post delves into continuous data protection, how it works, its advantages and disadvantages, including how it differs from other backup methods.

What is Continuous Data Protection?

Continuous data protection, also known as continuous backup, is a backup method that stores data in real-time. It immediately saves every change to the original backup, reducing the backup window.

As a result, you won’t lose your data if there is a failure or natural disaster. You can restore your data to where it was before the failure occurred. Hence, there is little to no loss of information.

How Does Continuous Data Protection Work?

Continuous data protection, patented by British entrepreneur Pete Malcolm, provided a solution to the problem of shrinking backup windows in previous backup methods.

Former backup software only allowed users to store data in a strict backup window. Thus, backing up large data amounts was challenging, even with the available ways of speeding up tape backup. There was a limit to how much data you could back up within a specified period.

CDP sought to correct this problem by backing up data in real time. After it backs up the initial, the server runs in the background. Once there are changes to the information, it immediately backs it up, syncing it to the original backup file. It keeps monitoring changes made and new data created and backs them up.

This method reduces the amount of data backed up at a time as storage occurs almost every minute. At the same time, traditional methods do backups once a day. Thus, once there is a failure or disaster, like powering off your computer, you will lose the day’s data. However, CDP preserves every data backed before the failure gets saved.

The server also captures the various changes made, recording every version of the saved data. These records are saved in separate storage, so you only need to roll back the data to the specific date and time whenever you want to review previous data.

True Continuous vs. Near Continuous Data Protection

True continuous and near-continuous data protection are similar backup methods. However, near-continuous data protection does not capture data in real time. Instead, it works by scheduling a backup time. At the specified time, the server backs up data changes. The scheduled time could be an hour or as short as 20 minutes.

True-continuous data protection offers real-time data backup, ensuring no information gets lost due to backup windows. On the other hand, when using near-continuous protection, you will lose data changes between the last and the next scheduled time if a failure occurs. But it still reduces the potential data loss you will experience using traditional backup methods.

Near-continuous data protection can provide sufficient protection for businesses with less complex needs. However, establishments processing large amounts of data every minute may need a better solution. Hence, they should go for true-continuous backup.

Advantages of Continuous Data Protection

CDP offers many benefits for data backup and cybersecurity, which is why it’s one of the most popular data backup methods. Here are some perks to note:

Significantly Reduces Backup Window

Continuous data protection closes the backup gap, ensuring there is little data backup window. CDP saves data almost every minute, bridging the time gap and shortening the recovery point objective (RPO), which is the maximum acceptable amount of data lost after recovery from a data loss incident. With this backup method, you can store data every minute instead of the daily backup that traditional methods offer.

You can rest assured there will be little data loss thanks to the continuous backup process. Typically, the data lost will only be a few minutes worth of backed data, preventing massive data loss that may occur when data is backed up less frequently.

Saves Disk Space

CDP supports minimal use of disk space. The full backup only happens once. After that, the server adds new information to the already backed-up data. CDP also provides a history log that captures the changes made instead of using snapshots. This saves disk space.

Records Multiple Versions of Data

A separate storage captures data changes in real-time, providing multiple versions of the modifications made over time. Thus, you can always roll back to recover information from any date and time of backup. This facility is most helpful when multiple users assess the records because it ensures they can all find past information without impacting the other user’s activities.

Constantly Syncs Data

Continuous backup enables constant syncing of data. Hence, it reduces the potential data loss by syncing data streams as they are backed up.

Doesn’t Slow Down the Server

When using the CDP method, your system doesn’t have to go through all backed-up data every time. Instead, it only reads the current changes made. Hence, the backup process won’t hugely impact your server’s performance, ensuring a speedy process.

Supports Faster Disaster Recovery Time

You can always roll back to recover data, so if a cybersecurity attack takes place, leading to data loss, you can always recover them. Also, you can duplicate the CDP storage to an offsite storage facility to protect the data. Doing so enables you to recover quickly from crashes, data corruption, infrastructure failure, and other causes of data loss.

Disadvantages of Continuous Data Protection

Despite the benefits, CDP has some drawbacks. They include:

High-Cost Investment

CDP uses physical disk storage, so any organization looking to employ this method must invest in disk drives. These disks must be efficient and fast enough to keep up with the high-performance rate. Thus, they usually require heavy investment, leading to increased operational costs.

CDP Servers Could be Your Single Point of Failure (SPOF)

Although continuous backup reduces the risk of data loss, it is still fragile. Your CPD server can be your single point of failure because damage to the server will mean a total data loss. Thus, your organization must have a secondary means of data-protecting backups to prevent loss. One way to do so is to have a secondary CDP server.

Compatibility and cloud issues

Incompatibility is also a challenge. If your application and operating system are incompatible with CDP, it won’t work. Hence, you must consider compatibility when deciding on which backup method to adopt.

Increases Data Volume

CDP backs up data in real-time, doubling your throughput. The rapid increase in data volume can cause performance issues for data resources.

Comparing Continuous Data Protection with Other Data Backup Methods

Besides CDP, there are other methods used to back up data. This section will explore how each of them differs from continuous backup:

Continuous Data Protection vs. Traditional Backup

Traditional backup methods are the earliest ways to store data. They specify a data backup timeframe, usually by the end of the day. So, unlike the continuous backup technique, they schedule backup time. The true CDP eliminates the need for scheduling by writing the data to a disk and also writes it to a second location.

With traditional backup methods, you cannot restore data from any point in time. You can only restore data up to the last backup schedule. Hence, there is a higher risk of data loss, and recovery also takes longer when there is a data loss or corruption.

Continuous Data Protection vs. Snapshot-based Technologies

Snapshot-based technologies work with schedules, while CDP doesn’t. When using this system, you must schedule a backup time. Before the scheduled time, the system takes snapshots and saves them to the original network.

These snapshots take up much storage space, making this method less efficient than continuous backups. Snapshot-based backups use about two times that of CDP. The continuous backup technique also reduces data loss to seconds instead of minutes, making it a better option for data protection.

Continuous Data Protection vs. Mirror Backup

Mirror backup is a fast backup method that mirrors data from your computer system to a separate disk. It creates an exact copy of the backup data. Mirror backup only saves the most recent version of the stored data.

Hence, you cannot recover data from any point in time. Conversely, continuous data protection is a better backup method because it captures data changes, allowing you to recover the data fully.

To Sum it Up

Continuous data protection (CDP) is a technique that backs data up in real time. It saves every data change as it occurs, eliminating the backup window. CDP also saves disk space, syncs data, provides multiple versions of the data, and supports fast recovery. It offers optimum protection against data loss due to natural failures or cyber-attacks.

CDP provides the highest advantage when compared with other available backup methods. However, businesses and organizations with less complex needs can use near-continuous data protection methods. Those with simple needs may choose more straightforward techniques, like traditional backup solutions.

About Storware
Storware is a backup software producer with over 10 years of experience in the backup world. Storware Backup and Recovery is an enterprise-grade, agent-less solution that caters to various data environments. It supports virtual machines, containers, storage providers, Microsoft 365, and applications running on-premises or in the cloud. Thanks to its small footprint, seamless integration into your existing IT infrastructure, storage, or enterprise backup providers is effortless.

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

2024 Storware

Keepit recognized for its green data centers by Business Awards UK, 2024 Corporate Sustainability Awards

Keepit has been awarded “Best Green Initiative” by the Business Awards UK, 2024 Corporate Sustainability Awards.

Copenhagen, Denmark – November 29, 2024 – Keepit, a global provider of a comprehensive cloud backup and recovery platform, today announced it has been awarded “Best Green Initiative” by the Business Awards UK, 2024 Corporate Sustainability Awards. Keepit’s data centers in the Americas and EMEA have been powered by 100% renewable energy since 2023.

Headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, with offices in the US, Germany, and the UK, Keepit counts The National Gallery and Oxford University Innovation Ltd among its UK customers.

“Keepit prides itself in having built its whole operation efficiently, with sustainability in mind. Providing our customers with the ability to secure their data on our platform, knowing we’re also doing our part to reduce environmental impact, is important to us as a company”, says Michele Hayes, CMO at Keepit.

Keepit’s continuing commitment to sustainability

Since 2023, all Keepit’s data centers in the Americas and EMEA have been powered by 100% renewable energy. Keepit reached this important green energy milestone ahead of other cloud-based backup vendors.

Keepit constructed its technology stack from the ground up, specifically designing it to efficiently address data storage challenges. This approach reflects a commitment to optimizing resource utilization and delivering a service that is not only effective but also resource efficient. Read more about Keepit’s commitment to sustainability.

Keepit platform was also named “Best Cybersecurity Backup Service” by Business Awards UK, 2024 Cybersecurity and Resilience Awards.

About Keepit
At Keepit, we believe in a digital future where all software is delivered as a service. Keepit’s mission is to protect data in the cloud Keepit is a software company specializing in Cloud-to-Cloud data backup and recovery. Deriving from +20 year experience in building best-in-class data protection and hosting services, Keepit is pioneering the way to secure and protect cloud data at scale.

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

Keepit 2024