Software and hardware security and privacy are essential for any technical support professional. You need to protect your own devices and data, as well as those of your clients and customers. Here are some best practices to follow to ensure you are using software and hardware tools safely and responsibly.
One of the simplest and most effective ways to secure your software and hardware is to keep them updated. Updates often contain patches and fixes for known vulnerabilities and bugs, as well as new features and enhancements. You should enable automatic updates whenever possible, or check for updates manually on a regular basis. This applies to your operating system, applications, browsers, plugins, drivers, firmware, and antivirus software.
- I had used ManageEngine Endpoint Central. It helped me automatization Windows, third-party software update and BIOS update too with my scripts due BIOS password protected. Additionally it scan for known vulnerabilities and show ways to fix or workaround it.
I am utilizing multiple tools to maintain and enhance security. Here are some of the essential ones: 1- Lenovo System Update: This tool keeps Lenovo devices up-to-date. 2- Desktop Central: A versatile solution for patch management, software installation, and imaging, ensuring all desktops are secure and up-to-date. 3- SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager): Excellent for monitoring, updating patches, and managing Windows updates across the organization. 4- PowerShell Scripts: Custom scripts can be used with the above tools to automate specific tasks, fine-tune update processes, and quickly respond to unique needs. This adds flexibility and control over various aspects of system management.
Another basic but crucial practice is to use strong passwords for your accounts and devices. Strong passwords are long, complex, and unique. They should not contain any personal or common information, such as your name, birthday, or favorite color. You should also avoid using the same password for multiple accounts or devices, as this increases the risk of compromise. You can use a password manager tool to generate and store your passwords securely, and enable two-factor authentication for extra protection.
- LAPS for randomize local admin passwords on endpoints. - User accounts without admin privileges - role-based access - good to implement 2fa, where it is possible. And password management tools to help users with their passwords.
Using 30 Digit Password to Protect mu Servers & All Remote User from Attackers. After that i have low risk to attack my network & Virtual Machines attacke
Encryption is a process that converts your data into an unreadable format, so that only authorized parties can access it. Encryption can protect your data from unauthorized access, theft, or interception, especially when you are using public or unsecured networks. You should encrypt your data both at rest and in transit. This means you should use encryption tools to encrypt your hard drive, USB drives, backup files, and cloud storage, as well as use secure protocols, such as HTTPS and VPN, to encrypt your online communication and browsing.
- Remember to use secure cryptographic algorithms. To implement an encrypting solution using deprecated algorithms like MD5, SHA1, DES and 3DES can put your data in danger.
Another practice to enhance your security and privacy is to limit your exposure to potential threats and risks. This means you should be careful about what you download, install, open, or click on, as they may contain malware or phishing attempts. You should also be wary of unsolicited or suspicious emails, calls, or messages, as they may try to trick you into revealing your personal or financial information. You should also review your privacy settings and permissions for your accounts and devices, and disable or delete any unnecessary or unused features, services, or apps.
Security-wise, the best assumption you can make is that any interaction can be harmful to your company network. - Do not open links or attachments from unknown addresses. - Do not download or install apps from unreliable websites. - Keep email information as strict to the topic as possible. Do not mention more than you need. - If you engage on a third-party infrastructure troubleshoot, hide network devices hostnames, usernames and passwords. The less information outsiders know, the better.
Finally, one of the best practices to safeguard your software and hardware is to backup your data regularly. Backups are copies of your data that you can use to restore your system in case of a disaster, such as a ransomware attack, a hardware failure, or a human error. You should backup your data both locally and remotely, using different media and locations. You should also test your backups periodically to ensure they are working and accessible.
For backup solutions, many options exist, but the best practice is to keep directories organized and update backups at least daily, or weekly if daily isn't possible. A standout solution I've worked with is Veeam, offering robust features and flexibility. Consistency and diligence in backing up data are key to mitigating potential losses from unforeseen events.
- limit user rights by role. Provide vpn, network, file access only to required info. - implement DLP and audit systems and regularity analyzing logs.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is vital for security. It adds an extra layer of protection by requiring users to provide multiple credentials to access an account or system. MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access and enhances overall account security