Tag: #gatekeeper

Review – The Gatekeeper Halberd token. #GateKeeper #Security

The Gatekeeper Halberd token is a proximity-based 2FA technology which is a combination of the security key and password manager. This works on the principle that for a computer that is left unlocked with weak passwords ( in violation of many corporate policies on IT security ) the GateKeeper Halberd token use proximity-based authentication sensors via Bluetooth to Lock or unlock the Computer. This allows the automation of security taking the risk out of the individual user been automated. The Gatekeeper can be configured to one computer or the option to be configured to numbers as per the individual or corporate policies. Web accounts are similar in the passwords are stored on the gatekeeper centralised password manager removing the need to remember numerous passwords for 100’s of sites. The option of one time passwords is available.

Features:

The Gatekeeper can come as an individual service, as a once-off purchase for the hardware/software etc or an enterprise version:

Setup:

The setup involved using 2 different software, one for Proximity and one for the password manager, For individual use – https://gkaccess.com/downloads/ (Mac also available )

The  software is installed  with the dashboard configured,

The token option is ticked, add

Add a new device, which connects to the Bluetooth device and the Halberd token ( no need to manually enter and details )

 

 

 

This can be configured to be set up for a new user via the dashboard,  the user can be given a four to 8 digit code to use the gatekeeper. IT departments have full access to set up individuals to a computer or allow multiple staff to access one computer.

 

In the event of loss / forget a Token,  this can be configured as a loan token or factory reset of the lost token removing the option to access the computer. Additional security can be set up to include proximity & a unique pin code for a user.

 

 

GateKeeper Password Manager

This is set up via the GateKeeper desktop application to provide proximity-based access to web passwords.  This is set up as a new  extension  on the chrome browser to allow OTP to your website,

 

 

A challenge for an individual user is where they use example Facebook,  LinkedIn and require to access this, this may involve info from an OTP which would not be accessible from a temporary computer which is not connected via a Token.

An optional additional USB Bluetooth Proximity Sensor can be supplied to allow proximity set up where the PC USB is inaccessible allowing for extended coverage set up.   

The individual user data is stored locally on the Laptop, in the event of loss of the token, the enterprise is stored on the network with a cloud version expected in the next few months.

 

Company:

Untethered Labs, Inc Gatekeeper is a USA company set up in 2015. They develop advanced wireless proximity access control solutions that act as the first line of defence for preventing unauthorized access to enterprise computers and websites.

They provide automated privileged access management solutions for a wide range of industries including healthcare, MSP/MSSPs, law enforcement, manufacturing, and finance. Their technology increases security and reduces support costs with touchless, proximity-based two-factor computer authentication, centralized enterprise password management, and auditing. They have partners in a variety of countries UK, France, Germany, and  Australia, the individual option can be purchased directly from GateKeeper,  the enterprise option is available directly or via their partner network.

 

 Overall:

The Gatekeeper Halberd token is ideal for those in a highly regulated environment while can be used in any environment which requires good security practice.  ISO27001 requires on leaving a laptop, the laptop should be locked, the proximity sensor is ideal for this as automating the process. Staff should be focussed on the day to day job not focussing on the IT department requirements for security. The ability to configure multiple workstations from one Halberd token is great allowing supervisor access to multiple systems in a controlled environment. Many articles on the web flag passwords are dead,  this product is another nail in the coffin for the traditional password allowing flexibility to use and multiple sites without the need for multiple passwords.  This is a dual-purpose device,  security to lock your PC and password protection for your websites.  Any technology that automates the cybersecurity process improves compliance, reduces support costs,  enhancing security and removing the weaker link of the human intervention is a winner.

 

https://gkaccess.com/store/

Best Tips to Keep Your Mac Safe From Viruses. #Mac #Virus #Security

Macs are fast, efficient, and very sleek-designed computers. For some, they increase work efficiency and productivity; for others – it is a great tool to create, and for some – it is a part of a fashion statement. 

 

As great as Macs could be, they are not automatically protected from malware. There is a belief that Macs are safe computers that can defend themselves, and that is not quite true. Macs are unable to defend themselves against so many types of malware that are created every day.

Today, there are so many new viruses constantly appearing, that your Mac could catch a chrome virus or any other malware easily. The more new viruses there are, the harder it is to defend against them. So if you want to learn some great tips about how to keep your Mac safe from viruses, keep on reading.

 

What Signs Show That Your Mac Might Have a Virus?

 

There are quite a few signs that indicate your Mac might have caught a virus. If you notice a few of these, then it is highly possible that it’s true.  

 

The first thing to keep an eye on is random windows, notifications, and advertisements opening on your screen. This is a pretty clear sign you have a virus because no other technical issue could cause this. Also, if you notice that after you open your browser, it automatically starts opening random websites, it is also a very clear sign of a virus.

Try to notice websites that you used to visit constantly starting to show huge banners with advertisements that didn’t happen before. More to it, if the content that you see in these and all other ads all over the internet are completely unrelated to your interests and search results, this might be a sign of a virus too.

 

What Not to Do When You Get a Virus

The first thing not to do is rush and install any antivirus app that you find. First of all, if you really have a virus on your computer and it is already affecting the ads that you see on your browser, it is highly possible that it can also have an effect on your search results. 

 

For example, if you search for a Mac antivirus on your browser, there’s a big chance you will get fake results. To avoid that, try searching for an antivirus with your phone and only then install it on your Mac. But have in mind that your phone can have a virus too, so if you see clear signs of it, just use any other device.

 

Another thing you should avoid is notifications about the virus that tells you to perform a certain action. If a notification or a window like this asks you to call a certain number or email personal information to solve the issue, never perform this action because it is a clear fraud. If you follow with their instructions, you might end up with even more damage, like permanent data loss, personal data leakage, and even losing money.

 

Do Not Forget to Back up Your Mac Occasionally

 

To prevent the negative impact that a virus could cause, it is best that you develop a habit to regularly back up your data on your Mac. This way, even if you get attacked by a virus, you will be calm about your data not disappearing.

 

The easiest and fastest way to backup your data is by using a Time Machine that lets you boot your Mac into data recovery. 

 

Always Update Your Browser

It is always important to keep everything up to date. Starting with apps, macOS, and ending with the main browser that you use every day. This is important because these updates do not only include all sorts of bug fixes and performance enhancements, but it also updates the information and protection from potential threats, like malware.

 

If you use the default Safari browser that originally comes with a Mac, then you do not need to worry about updating it separately. This is because Safari is a macOS app that updates alongside with your other apps. But if you use a Chrome browser or any other, then you will need to remember to update it separately. 

 

Pay Attention to the Gatekeeper

 

The newest versions of macOS come with great additional tools like Gatekeeper that helps you keep your Mac safe and protected. When you download an app or any software from the internet, you will always see a pop-up, asking if you really want to open the application because it might look suspicious.

 

Gatekeeper will never open an app like this without your permission. Therefore, if you are sure that you want to proceed, you need to click Open to approve this action. This is a great opportunity for you to check if this is really the app that you wanted to download in the first place or maybe you just downloaded a fake install file. After installing an app like this, you might need a sudden help from Mac antivirus to deal with the malware.