Peter Mason, Lead Tutor at Tavcom Training brought his many years of experience and knowledge of cyber crime and cyber security to provide the tools for protecting systems from attacks.
“Cyber security is not optional,” said Peter Mason as he addressed the Future of Security Theatre at IFSEC 2018. “A truly secure computer is buried many meters underground with no wired or wireless connection and turned off, but unfortunately this is not a feasible option for anyone.”
Hacking, denial of service attack, phishing, software piracy, virus dissemination, credit card fraud…the list of cyber crimes is endless and anyone who does not take the correct precautions is at risk.
Cyber-crime is also costly and cyber security is big money. In 2011, the UK published its cyber security budget and since then the budget has almost doubled from £10bn to £17bn and has 100,000 people working towards it.
“The scariest thing of all is the IoT,” added Peter Mason.
If your device has an IP address it can be compromised from webcams and smart TVs through to internet connected fridges, there are well documented recent attacks. Hackers recently took control of a Tesla Models S from 12 miles away and interfered with all the features that were electronically controlled including the brakes and door locks.
What can you implement at home and at work?
Learn about IPv6
Only IPv6 networks can be secure at all times because it had in built security from the start. Every electronic conversation is therefore free from hacking. Most networks are actually on IPv4 which means they are more open to compromise because this did not have security inbuil from the the beginning.
Upgrading to IPv6 is the best way to ensure all the networks connected to the devices that are being relied upon are protected. This is of course costly, but investment is worth considering for the ultimate protection from cyber attacks.
Install a VPN
A VPN will encrypt all the data leaving a device until it reaches its destination.
Firewalls
Having an up to date firewall might seem like cybersecurity 101 but this advice is often ignored with troubling consequences.
Use strong passwords
People should vary their passwords and use a mix of characters and numbers to make them much harder to guess. Don’t reuse passwords on different sites and try to use two factor authentication where possible.
Keep all your software updated and apply the necessary patches
The Wannacry attack on the NHS could have been prevented with basic applications of cyber security and by applying the necessary patches to the system’s networks.
Listen to the IFSEC Insider podcast!
Each month, the IFSEC Insider (formerly IFSEC Global) Security in Focus podcast brings you conversations with leading figures in the physical security industry. Covering everything from risk management principles and building a security culture, to the key trends ahead in tech and initiatives on diversity and inclusivity, the podcast keeps security professionals up to date with the latest hot topics in the sector.
Available online, and on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts, tune in for an easy way to remain up to date on the issues affecting your role.
The coments in this article are extremely wrong. You can start by looking here: https://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/tip/IPv6-myths-Debunking-misconceptions-regarding-IPv6-security-features
The commens about IPv6 security are extremely wrong.