How can you train end-users to protect operating systems from cyber attacks?

To reduce risk, the actions of basic system hygiene (patching and periodic access control) and following a replacement strategy are quite effective when persistently applied.

Up-to-date software and security patches play a critical role in network security. All devices and software should be regularly updated, and security patches should be applied promptly. This minimizes security vulnerabilities and provides more effective protection against potential cyberattacks. Additionally, disabling or shutting down unnecessary or unused services reduces the network's susceptibility to attacks. Therefore, effective management of current software and security patches is an indispensable part of a network security strategy.

Regular OS updates help your systems bug free and reduce the attack surface. Sometimes OS vendors release critical security patches which are highly exploitable, and should be applied as soon as they are made available. Avoid using the end of life obsolete OS as the Software vendor will not provide security patches post extended support and more cost effective to upgrade without ESU. The zero day vulnerabilities with scripting are sold on the dark web and become more dangerous it's easily available to script kides. 2012 Windows server became obsolete 12 October please make a note of it.

Avoid using non-company USB's. Always allow OS updates and restart the PC after the update is completed. Try using private browsing when sharing personal information. Try avoiding HTTP sites and use HTTPS sites.

Effective security is a collaborative effort that involves active participation from end users. In addition to implementing robust configurations and using appropriate security tools, user training is crucial. An effective strategy encompasses awareness of secure practices, such as creating and managing strong passwords, identifying phishing emails, and exercising caution when clicking on unknown links. The harmonization of these elements, combined with well-defined processes, forms the backbone of information security.

Forcing users to change passwords regularly has been considered bad practice for quite some time already. You don’t make security better with such practice, on the contrary, you make it way worse. When you force users to change their passwords they will end up frustrated, tired of having to choose yet another password with such complex requirements that they struggle with it. This is known as password fatigue. Password fatigue leads to poor passwords. Even if we give users the ability to use password managers, we have to accept that the vast majority of people don’t use them, neither to generate nor to even store the passwords. With that in mind, users end up making very poor choices for their passwords when subjected to password fatigue.

For password based systems, users should always have strong passwords and should never transmit or store unencrypted data. Systems should be built to enforce users to change passwords regularly & not allow weak passwords. Use of secure password managers is equally important given they provide flexibility to not remember all the passwords and hence encourages to use strong passwords for systems. I'd recommend use of 2FA and alternatively PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) technique where applicable. While using cloud services to store and process data, its most crucial to have data encrypted. Constant cyber security education should be provided to everyone involved with systems and especially to end users.

I do not agree that passwords should be changed periodically and I have my doubts about storing them in password managers, instead I consider it essential to use MFA for logins.

Strong passwords and encryption are fundamental components of modern cybersecurity. Strong passwords, characterized by complexity and uniqueness, act as barriers against unauthorized access to accounts and devices. Regularly updating passwords and using different ones for various accounts enhances security. Encryption, on the other hand, shields data from prying eyes by transforming it into an unreadable format, ensuring it's only accessible to authorized individuals or systems. Employing encryption for devices, backups, and online activities is crucial in the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.

Update the password policy for your organisation (if an organisational system) or for your personal computer to prompt you to change your password at least after every 30 days. Also ensure that your password length is greater than or equal to 8 and have special characters. Lastly do not share your password or write it down if possible.

The antivirus and firewalls are essential element and many OS provides them natively. Antivirus and firewall applications should include additional functionality like URL Filtering, safety from cryptomining, ransomware protection, use of AI methods like Behaviour analysis. Antivirus definitions should be kept uptodate. I would recommend to chose antivirus from companies which have cyber operation team (like Acronis) that constantly monitor and evaluate new threats and provide quick updates. Regular scanning for virus and suspicious open ports should be conducted. The attacks have become sophisticated and hence latest technologies like Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), Extended Detection and Response (XDR) should be used.

Antivirus and firewall software are essential for OS security, forming a robust defense against cyber threats. Antivirus software scans files and applications for viruses, malware, and spyware, ensuring system integrity. Regular updates and scans are vital. Firewall software serves as a vigilant guardian, monitoring network traffic and regulating connections. Whether using the device's built-in firewall or a reputable software, it bolsters overall cybersecurity. In a world of evolving cyber threats, antivirus and firewall software offer peace of mind, keeping your digital life secure and your data safe from malicious actors.

In addition to antivirus and firewall software, consider utilizing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to enhance your digital security further. A VPN encrypts all the data traffic from your device, providing a secure channel even when using unsecured networks, such as public Wi-Fi. This ensures that your IP address, location, and online activities remain private, shielding you from potential cyber threats like man-in-the-middle attacks. Furthermore, a VPN provides the added benefit of anonymous browsing and secure access to remote networks, further broadening your cybersecurity umbrella and safeguarding digital interactions and data across various platforms and networks.

Antivirus is an important part of any system and is used to detect and respond to Indicators of Compromise, but antivirus alone will have us on our back foot, playing defense. A firewall is a foundational security appliance necessary for taking preventative measures. With the amount of tools available to adversaries, simple stateless firewalls are no longer enough, as packets can be fragmented, modified, and malware can be hidden among legitimate traffic. Next-Gen Firewalls need to be a part of your current solutions.

In addition to the article, I suggest the following: Some antivirus programs are with less features than others. Make a consultation with an expert on what antivirus software to choose from. Be careful with any external devices that you attach to your computer, especially removable storage devices like flash drives, external hard drives, and memory cards. They may contain viruses and other malicious code.

Attackers see humans as hackable, manipulating emotions to bypass our 'common sense firewall.' They provoke fear with false allegations, greed with fake prizes, or empathy with charity scams, clouding judgment and prompting rash actions. These tactics temporarily cloud judgment, acting as a sort of psychological malware that disables our 'common sense firewall.' The good news is that our rational thinking can recover quickly. By stepping back and giving ourselves a few minutes after an emotional trigger, we allow our mental defences to kick back in. Recognizing the emotional play and pausing before acting is a critical defence strategy against these social engineering attacks.

No one should ever have to ask an end user for their password. But don't forget the Help Desk. A guy wanted to get back at his girlfriend, who worked for our company. He had her laptop and had his current girlfriend call and pose as her to request a password reset. The scamming couple created a sense of urgency by mentioning deadlines and I bit. My gut said something was off and I followed through with the Server team minutes Server access for that ID was denied, we ultimately retrieved the stolen laptop, and pressed charges. We tracked them down by the phone number that showed up on my Caller ID. No one should be asking for your password. Conversely, somebody should be able to provide ID to retrieve a password.

Avoiding phishing and social engineering is crucial for OS security. Phishing uses fake emails, sites, or messages to disclose personal and financial data or induce clicking on harmful links. Social engineering employs psychological manipulation to make you perform compromising actions. Stay cautious of suspicious communications and be wary of requests for information or urgent actions. Verification of sender identity and links or attachments before opening them is essential.

When it comes to phishing and social engineering, it is imperative to reduce cognitive load on users. Checklists can be used to guide users on assessing the authenticity of communications, be it over email or text messaging. They can include steps such as: 1. Is it from an expected sender? Does the sender's identifier such as email address or mobile number match the identity? 2. Is the communication expected? If a member of the executive team has never sent you a message before, it is wise to be cautious. Technology should be employed to make this easier. For example, for emails, the email client can display if an email address is spoofed or from an unknown domain. AI can also be used to compare the sender's name and the email address.

This one is very much important. Being aware and making others aware with periodical trainings on how to identify phishing mails, what to disclose and what not to in social media. Also periodical surprise assessment tests conducted by system administrators can help identify the knowledge of end users and if required provide indepth training to keep things secure.

Empower yourself and others with knowledge about cyberattacks: 1. Understand the Basics: Start by grasping the fundamental concepts of cyberattacks, such as malware, phishing, and ransomware. 2. Stay Informed: Keep up to date with the latest cybersecurity news, trends, and threats through reliable sources. 3. Protect Personal Information: Learn how to safeguard your sensitive information, including passwords, by using strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication. 4. Recognize Phishing: Familiarize yourself and others with the signs of phishing emails and messages, so you can avoid falling victim to them. 5. Secure Devices: Ensure that your devices are updated with the latest security patches and antivirus software.

Self-education should be the first way to protect users against cyberattacks. Know-how is immunity! This is why: 1. Lack of know-how is the key aspect that attackers are targeting when they forge attacks, especially phishing or fraud. The more gap they find, the better the leverage. 2. Most attacks are from online, and most are not very sophisticated. Even a basic level of Internet know-how will keep you much safer. 3. Even the best tech designed to fight malware is struggling against 0-day attacks. When a new attack spreads, education is the key to a good defense. 4. Lack of education will lead to confusion when deciding how to invest in a security solution, leading you to buy the one with the best marketing campaign.

Moreover, investing in a structured cybersecurity training program for all users can substantially mitigate the risk of a breach. Ensure that the training encompasses various aspects of cyber threats and safe practices, including identifying phishing attempts, managing personal and professional data, and adhering to the organization’s cybersecurity policies. Periodically, refresh this training and test users’ knowledge through simulations or mock attacks to keep them alert and prepared. Creating a comprehensive knowledge base or a go-to guide for cybersecurity best practices accessible to all users can serve as a quick reference in doubt scenarios, ensuring sustained cybersecurity vigilance.

Keep and never late to share knowledge and keep reminds about awareness, even the information already shared. This need to do at least three / fours times a year. " Read and Understand before click "

A fifth way to protect your operating system from cyberattacks is to educate yourself and others about common types, methods, and impacts of cyberattacks. You should stay informed about the latest trends and threats in the cybersecurity landscape and learn how to recognize and respond to them. Additionally, you should share your knowledge and experiences with your family, friends, and colleagues, and encourage them to adopt the best practices and tips mentioned above. By raising awareness and fostering a culture of cybersecurity, you can help yourself and others protect their operating systems from cyberattacks.

From an organizational perspective it is better idea to audit systems security periodically and assess vulnerability reports diligently then take action. Every threat should be considered with utmost importance and priority.

There are two security building blocks that operating systems provide thy tend to be overlooked by IT professionals: Authentication. Access control. By leveraging these 2 security foundations, an IT organization can provide high levels of security to their information assets. Instead of rebuilding and incorporating authentication and access control to applications and services from scratch, using the OS provided security mechanisms allows for a more robust, better monitored and managed security posture.

When it comes to cybersecurity, staying vigilant is key. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and attackers are becoming more sophisticated. It's essential to regularly update not only your operating system and security software but also your knowledge and awareness of emerging threats. Additionally, consider implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible, as it provides an extra layer of security by requiring multiple forms of verification before granting access. Lastly, always have a robust backup and recovery plan in place to minimize the impact of potential cyber incidents. Remember, proactive measures and continuous education are your best defenses in the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity.

Use firewalls to segment network traffic to only allow systems and ports necessary to conduct business. Thus reducing exposure and risk.

Another aspect to consider is having multi factor for authentication and requiring strong authorisation for production access. Vanilla ssh has too many security issues. We also need proper logging and auditing capabilities and host level analytics for the detection and response team. Regular key rotation is another important aspect.