How to Protect Your Data: A Practical Guide to Cybersecurity

 In the digital age, cybersecurity is crucial for everyone, from individuals to businesses. Every day, vast amounts of data are transferred online, making it a prime target for cyberattacks. But what exactly is cybersecurity, why is it so important, and how can you protect your sensitive information?

1. What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity refers to the practices, technologies, and processes that protect systems, networks, and data from attacks. These attacks often aim to steal sensitive information, disrupt systems, or exploit vulnerabilities to access personal or business data.

2. The Main Cybersecurity Threats

There are many types of cyberattacks that can compromise your data. Some of the most common include:

• Phishing: Attackers send emails or messages that look like they’re from trusted sources (such as your bank) to trick you into revealing sensitive information (usernames, passwords).
• Malware: This includes viruses, trojans, ransomware, and more. Malware is designed to steal, destroy, or block access to data. Ransomware, for example, locks your files and demands a ransom to release them.
• Brute Force Attacks: Hackers try numerous password combinations until they find the correct one, using automated tools that can test millions of combinations quickly.
• DDoS Attacks: Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks flood a website or service with traffic, making it unavailable to legitimate users.

3. Why is Cybersecurity Important?

Cybersecurity is crucial for several reasons:

• Personal Data Protection: As more of our personal information (bank details, health records, private conversations) moves online, any breach can expose this sensitive data to malicious actors.
• Privacy Protection: Maintaining privacy is a fundamental right. Securing your devices from intrusion ensures that only you control who can access your information.
• Business Security: For businesses, an attack can mean loss of critical data, reputational damage, or even financial losses. Securing systems protects not just the company's interests but also those of its customers.

4. How Next-Generation Firewalls Like Archangel 2.0 Enhance Security

While basic firewalls provide some protection, they often fall short when it comes to modern, sophisticated attacks. This is where a Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) like Archangel 2.0 becomes essential.

• Advanced Threat Detection: Archangel 2.0 offers deep packet inspection (DPI), which analyzes traffic at a granular level, identifying malicious patterns and preventing attacks before they reach your network.
• Application Control: NGFWs can identify specific applications (like social media platforms or file-sharing services) and control which users or devices can access them. This is particularly useful in preventing unauthorized applications from running on your network.
• Intrusion Prevention: With built-in intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS), Archangel 2.0 automatically blocks threats such as malware, DDoS attacks, and zero-day exploits, ensuring your network remains secure even as new vulnerabilities are discovered.
• Prevention of Unauthorized Code Execution: One of the standout features of Archangel 2.0 is its ability to prevent the execution of any unauthorized code, even if an attacker gains access to a privileged account. This feature ensures that only pre-approved programs and commands can run, protecting your system from internal and external threats.

5. Practical Tips to Enhance Your Cybersecurity

Now that you understand the importance of cybersecurity and how advanced tools like Archangel 2.0 can protect your data, here are some additional simple measures you can take to stay safe online:

• Use Strong Passwords: A good password should be long, containing upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information like your birthday or pet’s name.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security by requiring not only a password but also a second method of authentication, such as a code sent to your phone.
• Keep Software Updated: Updates are not just about adding new features—they also fix security vulnerabilities. Ensure your operating systems, apps, and antivirus software are always up to date.
• Be Cautious with Emails and Links: Don’t click on suspicious links or open attachments from unknown sources. Even if an email looks legitimate, verify the sender’s address or contact the organization directly.
• Back Up Your Data Regularly: In case of an attack, such as a ransomware incident, having a backup will allow you to restore your files without paying a ransom.
• Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection, protecting your personal data, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks.

6. Cybersecurity is Everyone’s Responsibility

It’s easy to think that cyberattacks only target large corporations or governments, but in reality, anyone can be a victim. Cybercriminals target individuals, small businesses, and large enterprises alike. Taking preventative measures, including using advanced tools like Archangel 2.0, can help you stay protected against most cyber threats.

Conclusion                   

In today’s world, cybersecurity is no longer optional; it’s a necessity. Whether you're an individual safeguarding personal data or a business protecting critical information, implementing good security practices and leveraging the power of next-generation tools like Archangel 2.0 can ensure your data remains safe. Staying vigilant and proactive is the key to staying secure in an increasingly connected world.

#data #Archangel #firewall #cybersecurity #VPN #backup #2FA #IDS #IPS #DPI #PTSYDECO #cyberattack #DDoS #phishing #malware #ransomware #Trojan

 

Cybersecurity: Managing Without Panic

 Cybersecurity is a critical issue in our hyperconnected society. However, amidst the daily reports of numerous threats and attacks, it is crucial not to panic. Staying rational and clear-headed allows you to make informed decisions to effectively protect your data and equipment without overspending on costly solutions.

Indeed, it is unnecessary to invest huge sums of money in security systems, especially when faced with an overwhelming number of solutions, often expensive from the U.S. Before making a decision, it's important to reflect and carefully assess your real needs.

Steps to Effectively Secure Your Systems

1.     Evaluate what needs protection
Identify the critical elements: data, machines, devices. Rank them in order of importance, prioritizing what is vital for you or your business, such as the data or tools without which your operation cannot function.

2.     Geographical classification
After identifying the elements, organize them by geographical location for better protection planning.

3.     Access mapping
Create a list of people or groups who need access to these elements, specifying what they need access to.

Once this mapping is complete, you can design a network architecture that best suits your needs.

Designing a Secure Network Architecture

• Network Segmentation
  Segment your network according to the importance of the elements to be protected and by activity sector. For example, servers should be isolated in a separate network, inaccessible via Wi-Fi, while employees should be grouped according to their departments: customer service, accounting, administration, production, etc.
• Access Management
  Decide on the type of access (Wi-Fi, cable) to assign to each sector. Avoid connections between different networks to prevent lateral virus spread and reduce the potential devastating effects of a cyberattack.

Implementing an Internal Security Policy

A security policy should be established to guide behavior and define access privileges. This should include:

• Security rules to follow,
• Access privileges, specifying:
• What each group of people can access,
• Who has access to these resources.

Choosing the Right Security Tools

When selecting protection tools, focus on your real needs. It is both unnecessary and expensive to try to protect everything. A poorly targeted investment is a waste of time and money.

• The most expensive tool is not always the best.
• Big brands are not always the most secure. Fortinet, for example, was recently hacked.

Your security tools should be adapted to your actual needs, the size of your business, and the nature of your data.

ARCHANGEL© 2.0: A Complete Security Solution

For a tailored security solution, the ARCHANGEL© 2.0 system offered by PT SYDECO provides a comprehensive package including:

• Hardware,
• Servers and programmed routers,
• A next-generation firewall,
• One or more VPN servers,
• A secure online file-sharing system,
• Backup service.

This protection system guarantees the best defense at competitive prices, with total flexibility. PT SYDECO also offers consulting services to help you implement micro-segmentation and establish security policies tailored to your specific needs.

 

#Cybersecurity #micro-segmentation #VPN #Firewall #routers #hardware #Sydeco #network

How ARCHANGEL 2.0 Stops Malware and Protects Your System

 In today’s digital world, cyberattacks have become more sophisticated, with hackers developing advanced tools to steal sensitive information or disrupt systems. Malware, such as the Amadey botnet and StealC, are examples of these dangerous programs that can cause significant harm. These threats exploit weaknesses in a system to gain control and spread further.

However, businesses can protect themselves using ARCHANGEL 2.0, an advanced cybersecurity solution designed to block these attacks before they succeed. In this article, we’ll explain how ARCHANGEL 2.0 keeps your system safe by stopping unauthorized programs (or "code") from running and preventing malware from taking over.

What Happens When Malware Attacks?

To understand how ARCHANGEL 2.0 works, let’s look at how a typical malware attack unfolds:

1.     Initial Infection: Hackers usually trick someone into downloading malware by sending fake emails (phishing) or exploiting software weaknesses. For example, they may use the Amadey botnet to sneak into the system.

2.     Spreading the Damage: Once inside, malware like Amadey downloads more harmful programs, such as StealC, to steal personal data or infect other parts of the system.

3.     Stealing Information: Hackers may use tools to make fake login screens to trick people into entering their passwords, which they then steal.

To stop this process, a defense system must block harmful programs at multiple stages. This is where ARCHANGEL 2.0 comes in.

How ARCHANGEL 2.0 Prevents Malware From Running

ARCHANGEL 2.0 uses several layers of protection to prevent malware from running on your system. Here’s how it works:

1.     Only Approved Programs Can Run

ARCHANGEL 2.0 allows only trusted and verified programs to run. This means that if a harmful program like Amadey tries to start, it’s blocked because it’s not on the approved list. This stops the malware from entering the system in the first place.

2.     Limiting What Accounts Can Do
Malware often needs special permission to make changes to a system. ARCHANGEL 2.0 limits what each user account can do, especially those with lower privileges. Even if hackers break into a lower-level account, they won’t have the power to install or run harmful programs.

3.     Separating Network Areas
ARCHANGEL 2.0 divides the network into separate sections. If malware gets into one area, it can’t easily spread to other parts. The system also controls who can connect to the network through a secure VPN, ensuring only trusted devices have access.

4.     Monitoring for Suspicious Activity
ARCHANGEL 2.0 constantly watches network traffic for signs of malicious activity. If it detects known patterns of malware, like Amadey or StealC, it blocks them immediately. This prevents the malware from communicating with hackers or spreading within the network.

5.     Detecting New and Unknown Threats
Even if the malware is brand new and hasn’t been identified before, ARCHANGEL 2.0 can recognize unusual behavior, such as a program trying to access files it shouldn’t. This early detection allows the system to block threats before they can cause damage.

6.     Ensuring Code Integrity
Finally, ARCHANGEL 2.0 checks that only legitimate, trusted programs can run. If a program isn’t properly signed or fails these checks, it is blocked from running, preventing unauthorized code from taking over the system.

Example: Stopping Amadey and StealC

Amadey is a type of botnet that first appeared around 2018 and is designed to infiltrate systems through various methods, including phishing emails and infected websites. This botnet allows hackers to remotely control infected computers, collect personal data, and install additional malware. Amadey is often used as an "entry point" for other malware, making it particularly dangerous as it can initiate larger, more destructive attacks.

Once Amadey gains access to a system, it downloads additional malware like StealC, which is designed to steal sensitive information such as login credentials, banking details, and other personal data. StealC typically carries out its data theft by hijacking the user's browser session, manipulating login screens, and stealing passwords.

The primary danger of the Amadey and StealC combination lies in their ability to work together. Amadey opens the door, while StealC is responsible for stealing critical data, which hackers can then misuse for further access or sell on the black market. If left unchecked, these attacks can result in massive data breaches, loss of customer trust, and significant financial damage.

 

Let’s see how ARCHANGEL 2.0 would handle a real attack scenario:

• Blocking Amadey: When Amadey tries to run, ARCHANGEL 2.0’s approved list blocks it, stopping the initial infection.
• Protecting User Accounts: Even if Amadey breaks into a lower-level account, it can’t gain the necessary permissions to install other malware like StealC.
• Stopping Credential Theft: Tools that try to steal passwords by creating fake login screens are blocked because ARCHANGEL doesn’t allow unauthorized programs to control your browser.
• Detecting Malware Activity: If malware manages to slip through, ARCHANGEL’s monitoring system detects unusual communication patterns and stops it from connecting to the hacker’s network.

Conclusion

ARCHANGEL 2.0 offers strong protection against malware by ensuring that only trusted programs can run, limiting what user accounts can do, and continuously monitoring for suspicious activity. By adopting ARCHANGEL 2.0, businesses can defend their systems against sophisticated attacks like those involving Amadey and StealC, protecting sensitive data and maintaining the security of their networks.

#malware #Amadey #StealC #archangel #firewall #ngfw #ptsydeco #cyberattacks #cybersecurity

 

Having your own VPN server at home gives you an invaluable advantage

 Improve network security with ARCHANGEL© 2.0 NGFW Zero Trust VPN

In a world where data protection is crucial, virtual private networks (VPNs) are often used to ensure secure access to sensitive information. However, the traditional VPN model has major flaws, both in terms of its infrastructure and its usage practices.

Weaknesses of Traditional VPN

The security flaws of traditional VPN are multiple. On the one hand, trust in the third-party VPN server is a major concern for many establishments, as their strength often remains unknown. Additionally, risks are exacerbated by vulnerabilities in VPN server operating systems, account takeover attacks, and advanced persistent threats, such as denial of service attacks.

On the other hand, weaknesses are also observed on the user side. They can bypass the VPN to access the institution's data or, even worse, compromise their own access, opening the door to security breaches.

ARCHANGEL© 2.0: An Innovative Solution

Faced with these challenges, PT SYDECO has developed ARCHANGEL© 2.0 NGFW, an innovative solution integrating a VPN server secured by the new generation ARCHANGEL© 2.0 firewall, based on the fundamental principle of Zero Trust.

This revolutionary system places the VPN server within the establishment itself, reinforced by the new generation ARCHANGEL© 2.0 firewall. Each element of this architecture and the components used to mount the servers is carefully scrutinized to evaluate and guarantee its security, thus eliminating any dependence on external third parties.

Key Features

The use of the VPN becomes essential within the private network: access to the internet is conditioned by the connection to the VPN server. If this connection is interrupted, external access is immediately suspended. Likewise, access to internal data, servers and communications between users is strictly linked to the presence on the VPN server. Additionally, authentication methods are designed to prevent account takeover, thereby strengthening overall security.

ARCHANGEL© 2.0 goes even further by creating micro-segmentation within the establishment, thus strengthening the security of data and servers. This approach, based on the paradigms of Zero Trust and micro-segmentation, sets a new security standard for enterprise networks.

Conclusion

In short, ARCHANGEL© 2.0 NGFW represents a major evolution in network security. By adopting a Zero Trust VPN model combined with intelligent micro-segmentation, this solution offers an unrivaled level of protection, meeting today's data and network infrastructure security needs.

 

#ZEROTRUST #VPN #microsegmentation #Archangel #FWNG #firewall #PTSYDECO #data #cybersecurity #network

Fortinet, a Cybersecurity Giant, Hit by Data Breach: PT SYDECO Stands Strong

 In an era where cyberattacks are becoming increasingly frequent and even the biggest industry players are vulnerable, protecting sensitive data for businesses, governments, and individuals is more critical than ever. The latest victim of a cyberattack is Fortinet, one of the global leaders in cybersecurity, which recently admitted to a data breach. A malicious actor claimed to have stolen 440 GB of data from the company’s Microsoft SharePoint server.

Meanwhile, PT SYDECO, through its SP-One solution, stood strong, resisting 2,357,251 attacks over a period of 11 months, with none of them managing to penetrate the system. This achievement highlights the effectiveness of our ARCHANGEL© firewall, designed to block attempts to breach the system and ensure maximum protection for critical infrastructure.

Fortinet and the Reality of Cyberattacks

Fortinet’s data breach underscores a significant challenge faced by many companies: despite using well-known cybersecurity solutions, a single vulnerability can expose sensitive data to malicious actors. While the full details of this attack are yet to be disclosed, it serves as a reminder that even industry leaders are not immune to sophisticated threats.

At PT SYDECO, we believe that constant innovation and vigilance are key to countering even the most advanced cyber threats.

ARCHANGEL© 2.0 NGFW: Comprehensive Protection Against Lateral Movements and Privilege Escalation Attacks

Our ARCHANGEL© 2.0 solution, at the heart of SP-One, goes beyond traditional firewalls by not only preventing intrusions but also blocking any attempt at lateral movement within the network. This means that even if an attacker gains entry, they cannot move from one point to another to gain further access.

Additionally, ARCHANGEL© 2.0 neutralizes attacks that seek to exploit privileged accounts, preventing the execution of any unauthorized code, even if a privileged account is compromised.

To learn more about how ARCHANGEL© 2.0 protects against lateral movements and privilege escalation attacks, read our detailed article here:

https://patricien.blogspot.com/2024/09/title-how-to-prevent-lateral-movement.htmlhttps://patricien.blogspot.com/2024/09/why-archangel-20-is-best-defense.html

Conclusion: Security First

Recent incidents, such as the breach at Fortinet, highlight the importance of a proactive approach to cybersecurity. With solutions like ARCHANGEL©, PT SYDECO provides proven and reliable protection. Contact us today to learn how our technologies can defend what matters most: national infrastructure, strategic businesses, and individual security.

PT SYDECO, YOGYAKARTA

info@sydecloud.com

 

#fortinet #sydeco #archangel #firewall #VPN #micro-segmentation #SP-One #cybersecurity

How to prevent Privilege Escalation Attacks?

I recently came across an article in The Hacker News stating: “Attackers think differently than you do. They don’t just target vulnerabilities - they exploit combinations of misconfigurations, permissive identities, and overlooked security gaps to reach their goal: your most sensitive assets.” This resonates deeply with the philosophy behind ARCHANGEL© 2.0 NGFW, a solution developed by PT SYDECO to protect against the inevitable breaches that happen in even the most fortified systems.

We at PT SYDECO understand that no system is impenetrable. When someone is determined enough, they will find a way in, no matter how strong the defense is. That is why we don’t focus solely on the type of attacks or specific viruses that might target a network. Instead, we focus on what happens after the system is breached—because it’s not about if someone will penetrate the system, but when.

Limiting Damage: The Power of Segmentation and Micro-Segmentation

ARCHANGEL© 2.0 NGFW is designed to do more than just stop attackers from getting in; it ensures that even if an attacker breaches a system, their ability to cause harm is severely restricted. As we explained in our previous article, "How to Prevent Lateral Movements Within a Network," (1) lateral movements within a compromised network can lead to devastating consequences. An attacker who gains access to an employee's device could move laterally, gaining access to more sensitive areas of the network. ARCHANGEL© 2.0 stops this through micro-segmentation and secure VPN technology. Each segment is isolated, preventing attackers from accessing critical systems.

What if an Employee’s Privileged Account is Compromised?

Let’s consider the scenario where a hacker successfully compromises an employee’s computer with privileged access. In a traditional system, this could be disastrous, as it might grant the attacker unrestricted movement across the network and control over critical systems. But with ARCHANGEL© 2.0, the story is quite different.

1.     Micro-Segmentation: ARCHANGEL© 2.0 ensures that even with privileged access, the hacker’s movements are restricted. The network is divided into isolated segments, and each one is monitored and controlled. This means that the hacker cannot easily move from one part of the system to another.

2.     No Direct Access to ARCHANGEL© 2.0: Even if the employee’s account has significant access rights, it does not extend to ARCHANGEL 2.0© itself. This firewall remains intact, safeguarding the core system from unauthorized control.

3.     Anomaly Detection: ARCHANGEL© 2.0’s intrusion detection and prevention system (IDS/IPS) constantly monitors the network for abnormal activity. Should any malware or suspicious behavior arise, it triggers alerts for immediate response.

4.     VPN and Access Control: Even if the hacker compromises the employee’s machine, they must pass through the VPN to reach other resources in the network. This layer of security further isolates the attacker, limiting their movements.

Preventing Unauthorized Code Execution

Even more critical is ARCHANGEL© 2.0’s ability to block the execution of unauthorized code, regardless of access privileges. So, if a hacker infiltrates the network, they won’t be able to execute harmful code or install malware.

1.     Execution Filtering: ARCHANGEL© 2.0 blocks any execution of code that doesn’t adhere to predefined security policies. This means that even if malicious code is introduced into the system, it won’t run unless explicitly authorized.

2.     Privilege Control: Having privileged access doesn’t mean that execution controls are bypassed. ARCHANGEL© 2.0 scrutinizes every attempt to run code, ensuring only verified and authorized processes are executed.

3.     APT and Malware Protection: Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) and other sophisticated malware are often designed to hide within a system. ARCHANGEL© 2.0 neutralizes these threats by preventing the installation of rootkits or any malicious software at the kernel or process level.

Conclusion: The Power of Preventing Unauthorized Execution

No matter how skilled or well-resourced an attacker is, if they cannot execute any harmful code, their hands are tied. They may have access to the system, but they will be powerless to harm it. This is the key principle behind ARCHANGEL© 2.0: it doesn’t just keep attackers out—it neutralizes them if they get in. Whether you are defending against lateral movements or the more insidious threat of privilege escalation, ARCHANGEL© 2.0 offers unmatched protection. With this level of defense, your most sensitive data remains secure, even in the face of modern, sophisticated attacks.

 

Patrick HOUYOUX LL.M

Yogyakarta 11 September 2024

(1) https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/5648903104029498550/2933221092468520415

 

#archangel #pt Sydeco #IDS #IPS #VPN #APT #malware #firewall #priviledge #escalation #micro-segmentation #the hacker #rootkit 

American laws in the service of economic warfare

I would like to share with you all this video clip entitled "American laws in the service of economic warfare" by Alain Juillet, former Director of Intelligence within the General Directorate of External Security (DGSE) France. read more

 

 

Improve network security with ARCHANGEL© 2.0 NGFW Zero Trust VPN

In a world where data protection is crucial, virtual private networks (VPNs) are often used to ensure secure access to sensitive information. However, the traditional VPN model has major flaws, both in terms of its infrastructure and its usage practices.

 

Weaknesses of Traditional VPN

 

The security flaws of traditional VPN are multiple. On the one hand, trust in the third-party VPN server is a major concern for many establishments, as their strength often remains unknown. Additionally, risks are exacerbated by vulnerabilities in VPN server operating systems, account takeover attacks, and advanced persistent threats, such as denial of service attacks.

 

On the other hand, weaknesses are also observed on the user side. They can bypass the VPN to access the institution's data or, even worse, compromise their own access, opening the door to security breaches.

 

ARCHANGEL© 2.0: An Innovative Solution

 

Faced with these challenges, PT SYDECO has developed ARCHANGEL© 2.0 NGFW, an innovative solution integrating a VPN server secured by the new generation ARCHANGEL© 2.0 firewall, based on the fundamental principle of Zero Trust.

 

This revolutionary system places the VPN server within the establishment itself, reinforced by the new generation ARCHANGEL© 2.0 firewall. Each element of this architecture and the components used to mount the servers is carefully scrutinized to evaluate and guarantee its security, thus eliminating any dependence on external third parties.

 

Key Features

 

The use of the VPN becomes essential within the private network: access to the internet is conditioned by the connection to the VPN server. If this connection is interrupted, external access is immediately suspended. Likewise, access to internal data, servers and communications between users is strictly linked to the presence on the VPN server. Additionally, authentication methods are designed to prevent account takeover, thereby strengthening overall security.

ARCHANGEL© 2.0 goes even further by creating micro-segmentation within the establishment, thus strengthening the security of data and servers. This approach, based on the paradigms of Zero Trust and micro-segmentation, sets a new security standard for enterprise networks.

 

Conclusion

 

In short, ARCHANGEL© 2.0 NGFW represents a major evolution in network security. By adopting a Zero Trust VPN model combined with intelligent micro-segmentation, this solution offers an unrivaled level of protection, meeting today's data and network infrastructure security needs.

 

#ZEROTRUST #VPN #microsegmentation #Archangel #FWNG #firewall #PTSYDECO #data #cybersecurity