CWSI providing security for Bright’s growth journey

CWSI, Ireland’s most experienced mobile and cloud security specialist, today announces that it has successfully delivered a cybersecurity solution for leading payroll software company, Bright. Bright’s award-winning solution, BrightPay, is used to pay 3.5M employees every month and this number is continuing to grow.

Headquartered in Dunboyne, Co. Meath, BrightPay serves small to medium businesses, accountants, bureaus, and sole traders throughout Ireland and the UK. As the company grew, it identified a significant increase in the number of malicious activities on its endpoints and needed to ensure that its data was as secure as possible.

As more and more cyberattacks become automated, the most effective way to combat this is with automated cybersecurity. CWSI implemented SentinelOne’s Autonomous Endpoint Protection, which uses static and behavioural AI together with Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) capabilities to protect its customers, while also saving them time.

The new cybersecurity solution was seamlessly rolled out across 200 devices. It has relieved stress and pressure on Bright’s internal IT team and given them peace of mind that they have a highly secure environment when dealing with sensitive information every day. Prior to partnering with CWSI, Bright had multiple issues with its cybersecurity software, including slow operating times, poor interface, and false positives blocking legitimate users, which was taking the IT team away from their day-to-day core operations.

CWSI engaged with Bright to identify its cybersecurity goals, listen to its unique requirements and find the best fit for Bright’s EDR objectives.

Alan Kelly, IT Manager, Bright Software Group, said“Cybersecurity is massively important to us. It is a fundamental part of our business to make sure that we’re secure, not only for our staff but for our customers as well. We were looking for a solution provider we could trust and CWSI felt like a perfect match right from the start.

“Our objectives and ambitions at Bright are to continue to grow and innovate. To do that we need the right partners and products, and we are confident that we have found both with CWSI.”

Aimee Hall, Customer Success Manager, CWSI, said: “Bright is such an exciting company, and BrightPay such a fantastic solution, and we are excited to be partnering with them to ensure the company can continue to scale at pace, unencumbered by fears around the safety and security of it and its customers’ data.

“Providing that peace of mind and removing those barriers is what we want to do for all of our customers, and to create a situation for them where they are free to achieve their goals.”

Don’t Roll The Dice On Security: Protecting Yourself While Betting Online

The allure of winning big in online betting can be irresistible. However, amidst the excitement of chasing jackpots and placing wagers, it’s easy to overlook the critical aspect of security. The landscape of online betting is expanding rapidly, but so are its associated risks. From scams and phishing attempts to identity theft, the digital realm of online betting poses significant threats to your personal and financial information. This article will examine online betting security, providing valuable insights on protecting yourself while enjoying your favourite games.

Understanding Online Betting Security

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of security measures, let’s take a moment to understand the online betting landscape. Online betting has experienced explosive growth recently, with numerous platforms and services catering to enthusiasts worldwide. However, with this growth comes an increasing need for robust security measures to safeguard your personal and financial information.

The Risks You Face And Staying Safe

As you venture into the world of online betting, you must be aware of the potential risks you may encounter. Scammers and cybercriminals always prowl, seeking opportunities to exploit unsuspecting bettors. Phishing attacks, fraudulent websites, and identity theft are just dangers lurking in the shadows.

Selecting trustworthy betting platforms is one of the first steps in ensuring your online security. Look for sites that hold valid licenses and have a strong reputation in the industry. User reviews and recommendations from fellow bettors can also be invaluable when making your choice.

Securing Your Financial Transactions

When it comes to financial transactions on online betting platforms, security is paramount. Using secure payment methods and encrypted connections ensures the safety of your funds and personal details. Consider using an eWallet, like MiFinity eWallet, to enhance your security further.

An eWallet can offer a convenient and secure way to manage online betting transactions. Not only does it provide a safe and encrypted environment for your financial data, but it also facilitates faster transactions. Additionally, many online casinos offer exclusive bonuses, some of which you find at the MiFinity Bonus, and promotions to eWallet users, giving you added value for your bets.

Creating Strong and Secure Passwords

A strong password is your first line of defence against cyber threats. Whilst it might be easy to go for a password that is easy to remember, a general rule of thumb is to avoid using easily guessable passwords. If you struggle, consider using a reliable password manager to generate and store complex, unique passwords for your betting accounts.

Along with creating a strong password, consider implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) to your account. This is a powerful tool that can help to enhance the security of your online betting accounts. Simply enabling 2FA means that you ca add an extra layer of protection, making it significantly harder for unauthorised individuals to access your account.

Betting Safely

Online betting can be an enjoyable and potentially lucrative pastime, but it’s not without risks. Protecting yourself while betting online should be a top priority. Don’t roll the dice on your online security. Take proactive steps today to ensure a safe and enjoyable betting experience. Your winnings should be a reward for your skills and luck, not a windfall for cybercriminals.

Integrity360 invests €8M in new Security Operations Centre in Dublin and creates 200 jobs

Integrity360, one of the leading pan-European cyber security specialists today announces that it has invested €8 million in its new Security Operations Centre (SOC) facility in Dublin.

As part of its growth plans, the company is also set to create approximately 200 jobs across the group over the next three years, with 50 of those based in Ireland. The majority of these roles will be for cyber security consultants, analysts and architects. Currently, Integrity360 employs circa 100 people in Ireland and approximately 500 across the wider group.

Based in the high-tech, fully secure Termini building in Sandyford, the new facility spans 16,000 square feet. It comprises the SOC and seven customer suites, as well as a training and innovation centre. It is also equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and infrastructure, along with modern collaboration areas, workspaces and meeting rooms.

The purpose-built facility will expand the company’s pan-European network of SOCs and will enable it to drive further business growth and client success in both Ireland and further afield through cutting-edge solutions and services – including Managed Detection and Response (MDR), Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Extended Detection and Response (XDR) solutions, all of which provide for the monitoring and management of customer IT networks on a 24/7 basis for potential cyber attacks and threats.

Furthermore, the Sandyford facility will be the group’s largest SOC utilising the latest technology and secure biometrics systems. The organisation has three other SOCs located in Sofia, Stockholm and Naples. As one of Europe’s leading cyber security specialists, Integrity360 has offices in the UK, Bulgaria, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Lithuania, and Ukraine and serves approximately 2,000 customers across the continent.

This investment follows a number of acquisitions by Integrity360 in recent years. Back in June 2021, Integrity360 received a major strategic investment from leading London-based private equity firm August Equity, operating in partnership with IT and cyber industry veteran Ian Brown who serves as the CEO and Chairman of the group.  Since then, it has acquired Caretower in the UK, Netsecure in Sweden, and Advantio which operates across continental Europe.

Through the rapid expansion of the organisation’s operations across the UK, the Nordics and continental Europe, group revenue is expected to exceed €115 million in 2023. Founded in Dublin in 2005, Integrity360 has built up an impressive customer base over the years which consists of both mid-market and enterprise companies across a wide range of sectors including financial services, insurance, government, healthcare, retail, telecoms and utilities.

The Integrity360 group specialises in and provides a comprehensive range of professional, support and managed cyber security services that identify and assess, protect and prevent, detect and analyse and respond and recover cyber risks and threats. These include incident response, penetration testing, consulting and compliance, cyber infrastructure design and project management.

Speaking at the opening, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney welcomed the announcement: “I am delighted to join the Integrity360 team in their highly impressive new Security Operations Centre. Integrity360 is an Irish indigenous company that has grown and developed to compete on a global scale and the announcement today of 200 new jobs globally with 50 based here in Dublin shows that Ireland is to the forefront of development and innovation in the cyber security space. The Government through Enterprise Ireland looks forward to continued engagement with Integrity360 to support their business development.” 

Ian Brown, Chief Executive and Chairman of Integrity360, said: “We are delighted to have made a further significant investment in Ireland with the opening of our new state of the art facility in Sandyford, which includes our largest SOC. The investment is another significant step in our growth plans as we look to expand our team, and enhance our service offering to help our customers stay ahead of the merging threat landscape. It will allow us to further strengthen our position across Europe and the UK as a leading cyber security specialist.”

Leo Clancy, CEO, Enterprise Ireland, said: “Enterprise Ireland has been working with Integrity360 since 2012 and seen first-hand how this innovative company has gone from strength-to-strength, growing a strong customer base internationally and continuing to recruit here in Ireland. It is a testament to the vision and hard work of the team that this Irish company has grown to be a significant international player in the growing cyber security sector working with global brands. Supporting Irish companies with the ambition to scale globally is a key priority for Enterprise Ireland and we look forward to working closely with Integrity360 to optimise their full international growth potential, creating and sustaining jobs in Ireland.”

Threat Actors Get Creative with Building Block Style Attacks, Finds HP

HP Ireland today issued its quarterly HP Wolf Security Threat Insights Report, showing how threat actors are chaining different combinations of attacks together like toy bricks to sneak past detection tools. It comes as the Government has published the Mid-Term Review of the National Cyber Security Strategy 2019-2024 plan to boost cybersecurity, which includes measures to support the potential growth of the cybersecurity industry.

The research has found that by isolating threats that have evaded detection tools on PCs, HP Wolf Security has specific[i] insight into the latest techniques used by cybercriminals in the fast-changing cybercrime landscape. To date, HP Wolf Security customers have clicked on over 30 billion email attachments, web pages, and downloaded files with no reported breaches.

Based on data from millions of endpoints running HP Wolf Security[ii], the researchers found:

  • It’s playtime for cybercriminals using building block style attacks: Attack chains are often formulaic, with well-trodden paths to the payload. Yet creative QakBot campaigns saw threat actors connecting different blocks together to create unique infection chains. By switching up different file types and techniques, they were able to bypass detection tools and security policies. 32% of the QakBot infection chains analysed by HP in Q2 were unique.
  • Spot the difference – blogger or keylogger: Attackers behind recent Aggah campaigns hosted malicious code within popular blogging platform, Blogspot. By hiding the code in a legitimate source, it makes it harder for defenders to tell if a user is reading a blog or launching an attack. Threat actors then use their knowledge of Windows systems to disable some anti-malware capabilities on the users’ machine, execute XWorm or the AgentTesla Remote Access Trojan (RAT), and steal sensitive information.
  • Going against protocol: HP also identified other Aggah attacks using a DNS TXT record query – typically used to access simple information on domain names – to deliver the AgentTesla RAT. Threat actors know the DNS protocol is not often monitored or protected by security teams, making this attack extremely hard to detect.
  • Multi-lingual malware: A recent campaign uses multiple programming language to avoid detection. Firstly, it encrypts its payload using a crypter written in Go, disabling the anti-malware scanning features that would usually detect it. The attack then switches language to C++ to interact with the victim’s operating system and run the .NET malware in memory – leaving minimal traces on the PC.

Val Gabriel, Managing Director of HP Ireland, comments:

In Q2, we welcomed the Government’s plan to boost cybersecurity in Ireland but there is still a long way to go. We have observed that the top threat attack vectors that can be exploited to break into an IT system, is email (79%) and browser downloads (12%). Our research shows that today’s attackers are becoming better organised and more knowledgeable. It’s easier for attackers so exploit any security gaps by knowing the best entry points and how to easily navigate systems. To limit the chances of a security breach, businesses and users should avoid downloading files from untrusted sites or clicking on any suspicious links.

The report details how cybercriminal groups are diversifying attack methods to bypass security policies and detection tools. Key findings include:

  • Archives were the most popular malware delivery type for the fifth quarter running, used in 44% of cases analysed by HP.
  • Q2 saw a 23% rise in HTML threats stopped by HP Wolf Security compared to Q1.
  • There was a 4%-point increase in executables from 14% to 18% from Q1 to Q2, mainly caused by usage of the PDFpower.exe file, which bundled software with a browser hijacking malware.
  • HP noted a 6%-point drop in spreadsheet malware (19% to 13%) in Q1 compared to Q4, as attackers move away from Office formats that are more difficult to run macros in.
  • At least 12% of email threats identified by HP Sure Click bypassed one or more email gateway scanner in Q2.
  • The top threat vectors in Q2 were email (79%) and browser downloads (12%).

Dr. Ian Pratt, Global Head of Security for Personal Systems, HP Inc., comments:

While infection chains may vary, the methods of initiation remain the same – it inevitably comes down to the user clicking on something. Instead of trying to second guess the infection chain, organisations should isolate and contain risky activities such as opening email attachments, clicking on links, and browser downloads.”

HP Wolf Security runs risky tasks in isolated, hardware-enforced virtual machines running on the endpoint to protect users, without impacting their productivity. It also captures detailed traces of attempted infections. HP’s application isolation technology mitigates threats that slip past other security tools and provides unique insights into novel intrusion techniques and threat actor behaviour.

The Importance of Security in Banking and Financial Software Development

One of the key things customers want while working with banks is security. In this article, we’ll look at the reasons why this aspect is so important for modern financial institutions. With the growing threat of cybersecurity threats in the financial sector, one should pay more attention to guaranteeing the safety of the clients. If you’re interested in reading something beyond this article, here’s an example of a company that offers a service with maximal security: https://keenethics.com/services-financial-software-development

The Role of Security in Banking and Financial Software Development

Security plays a critical role in banking and financial software development. It’s essential to protect sensitive financial data and prevent cyberattacks that could lead to financial losses, reputational damage, and customer distrust. Secure software ensures that customer information, such as account details and transactions, remains confidential and safeguarded from unauthorized access. The need for secure software is heightened in the banking and financial sector due to the valuable and sensitive nature of the data involved. Hackers and cybercriminals are constantly targeting financial institutions, making security a top priority. 

Secure software development involves implementing robust security measures throughout the software development lifecycle. This includes secure coding practices, vulnerability testing, and regular security audits. Encryption techniques, authentication mechanisms, and access controls are utilized to protect data integrity and ensure authorized access. In addition to protecting sensitive financial data, secure software also helps institutions comply with regulatory requirements such as data protection and privacy laws. By prioritizing security in banking and financial software development, institutions can mitigate risks, maintain customer trust, and establish a strong foundation for a resilient and secure financial ecosystem.

Security Threats in Banking and Financial Software Development

Common security threats faced by banking and financial software development companies include:

1) Phishing and Social Engineering: Attackers deceive individuals into revealing sensitive information by posing as trustworthy entities. This can lead to unauthorized access to financial accounts, identity theft, and financial fraud. Financial institutions and their customers may suffer financial losses and damage to their reputations.

2) Malware and Ransomware Attacks: Malicious software can infiltrate banking systems, compromising data integrity and confidentiality. Ransomware attacks can encrypt valuable data, demanding a ransom for its release. This disrupts operations, causes financial losses, and can erode customer trust if personal and financial information is compromised.

3) Insider Threats: Insider threats involve malicious actions or unintentional mistakes made by individuals with authorized access to systems or data. This includes employees, contractors, or business partners. Insider threats can result in data breaches, financial fraud, and reputational damage to financial institutions.

These threats can have severe impacts on financial institutions and their customers. Financial losses, compromised customer data, regulatory penalties, and legal consequences are common outcomes. Customer trust can be eroded, leading to a loss of business and reputation damage. Additionally, regulatory compliance may be compromised, exposing institutions to legal and financial risks. It is essential for banking and financial software development companies to implement robust security measures to mitigate these threats and protect the integrity of their systems and the trust of their customers.

Best Practices for Ensuring Security in Banking and Financial Software Development

Best practices for ensuring security in banking and financial software development include:

1) Implementing strong authentication and access control measures: This involves utilizing multi-factor authentication, strict password policies, and role-based access controls to ensure only authorized individuals can access sensitive data and perform critical functions.

2) Using encryption to protect data in transit and at rest: Encryption techniques should be employed to encrypt data during transmission and while stored in databases or other storage systems, safeguarding it from unauthorized access and mitigating the risk of data breaches.

3) Conducting regular security audits and penetration testing: Regular assessments of software systems and infrastructure help identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses. Penetration testing simulates real-world attacks to uncover potential security gaps that could be exploited by attackers.

4) Establishing incident response plans and procedures: Having a well-defined incident response plan in place ensures a timely and coordinated response to security incidents. This includes steps for identifying, containing, and resolving security breaches, as well as communication protocols to keep stakeholders informed.

Final Thoughts

To summarize, the importance of security in banking and financial software development is high. Without it, you risk undermining the customers and encountering massive reputation losses. The more you invest in security, the better the chances your business will be able to stay stable. If you want to work with a company that knows how to deliver financial security, we have an interesting option. Meet Keenethics: this company has multiple years of experience when it comes to developing financial products. Their specialists can consult you on the key security features and guide you toward high-quality solutions.

Useful Information You Should Know About Cloud Security

Cloud computing has become a popular way to store and access data remotely. However, this ease also necessitates the use of robust security measures. As more businesses move their operations to the cloud, it is essential to understand the basics of cloud security and how it can benefit your organization. 

In this blog post, we will explore several crucial aspects of cloud security that every business owner should know about. From protecting your information from unauthorized access to ensuring regulatory requirements are met, read on for useful insights into cloud security!

Understanding the Basics and Benefits

When it comes to cloud security, understanding the basics is essential. The cloud refers to a network of remote servers where data and applications can be stored and accessed online rather than on local devices. Cloud security involves protecting this data from threats such as unauthorized access or hacking attempts. When talking about the benefits of cloud security for your data and its accessibility and reliability we can see that with data stored in the cloud, you can access it from any device or location, and it is typically more reliable than data stored on local devices. 

Another benefit is scalability. As your business grows and needs more storage space and resources, cloud providers offer flexible plans that allow you to adjust accordingly without needing to invest in additional hardware.

However, with these benefits come risks if proper security measures are not taken into account. That’s why understanding the basics of how cloud security works is crucial for anyone who uses it regularly – whether for personal or professional purposes.

Clarifying Roles and Responsibilities in Cloud Security

In cloud security, it’s important to understand the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved. The cloud service provider (CSP) is responsible for securing the physical infrastructure of the data center, including servers, storage devices, and networking equipment. 

They are also responsible for ensuring that their platform is secure from external threats. However, it’s important to note that while CSPs provide a level of security, they cannot protect against all threats. Organizations must take responsibility for securing their applications and data within the cloud environment.

Cloud customers have a shared responsibility model with their CSPs when it comes to security. This means that customers are responsible for securing their virtual machines (VMs), applications running on those VMs, user access management, and network traffic coming into or going out of their environment.

To ensure clarity on each party’s responsibilities in cloud security, it’s crucial to establish Service Level Agreements (SLAs) between your organization and your CSP. SLAs should outline any areas where the customer assumes responsibility for security controls beyond what is provided by the CSP.

Protecting Your Information from Unauthorized Access

Protecting your information from unauthorized access is one of the most critical aspects of cloud security. With cybercriminals becoming increasingly sophisticated, it’s essential to have robust measures in place to prevent them from gaining access to sensitive data, such as using HIPAA compliant forms.

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to protect your information in a cloud environment. Firstly, be sure to use strong passwords and two-factor authentication for all user accounts. This will help prevent unauthorized users from accessing your cloud resources.

Secondly, ensure that all data stored in the cloud is encrypted both at rest and in transit. Encryption makes it much harder for hackers to intercept or steal your data.

You should also regularly monitor your network activity and look out for any unusual behavior or suspicious logins. If you do detect any potential threats, make sure you act quickly and investigate further.

Always keep up-to-date with the latest security patches and software updates as they become available. This will help ensure that known vulnerabilities are addressed promptly before they can be exploited by attackers.

Managing User Permissions in Cloud Environments

Managing user permissions in cloud environments is crucial to maintaining the security and integrity of your data. It’s important to ensure that only authorized users have access to sensitive information while limiting the risk of accidental or intentional breaches.

To effectively manage user permissions, it’s essential to understand the different roles and responsibilities within your organization. This includes identifying who has administrative privileges and ensuring that these individuals have undergone proper training on how to handle sensitive data.

Another key consideration is implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA), which can greatly reduce the risk of unauthorized access by requiring additional verification beyond a simple username and password.

It’s also important to regularly review and update user permissions as needed, especially when employees change roles or leave the company. This helps prevent former employees from retaining access to confidential information after they’ve left.

Effective management of user permissions requires ongoing vigilance and attention to detail. By taking proactive steps such as implementing MFA and regularly reviewing user access rights, you can help minimize potential risks and protect your valuable data in the cloud. Another alternative is to use private cloud.

Ensuring Regulatory Requirements in the Cloud

Ensuring regulatory requirements is crucial in cloud security. Companies must comply with regulations and laws for data protection, such as the GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI DSS. These regulations require companies to securely store and manage sensitive information to avoid data breaches or misuse.

To ensure compliance with these regulations, companies can implement various measures such as encryption of sensitive data, implementing access controls, and monitoring user activity. Additionally, they should regularly review their security policies and procedures to ensure compliance.

In a cloud environment where multiple parties are involved in managing the infrastructure (e.g., cloud providers), everyone must understand their roles and responsibilities for ensuring regulatory compliance. This includes conducting regular audits of the systems used by cloud providers for storing company data.

Ensuring regulatory requirements in the cloud requires a multi-faceted approach that involves understanding specific requirements based on industry standards or governing bodies while also implementing stringent security protocols to protect against unauthorized access or misuse of information.

Cloud security is a vital aspect that every organization should focus on. With the increasing reliance on cloud technology and the growing sophistication of cyber threats, protecting sensitive information has become more important than ever before.

By understanding the basics and benefits of cloud security, clarifying roles and responsibilities in your organization, managing user permissions effectively, and ensuring regulatory requirements are met, you can safeguard your data from unauthorized access.

Moreover, partnering with a reliable cloud service provider who puts security at the forefront can give you peace of mind knowing that your valuable data is secure. One way to enhance your security is by exploring solutions like Cloud Security solution, which specialize in safeguarding your data in the cloud. By taking these steps seriously, businesses can minimize risks associated with cybersecurity breaches and foster trust among their customers by ensuring their personal information remains confidential.