Cybersecurity has become an indispensable element of safeguarding industries across diverse sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, and more. As organizations increasingly adopt advanced technologies to optimize operations and enhance efficiency, the need for robust security measures has grown significantly. Among these measures, Operational Technology (OT) Security and Information Technology (IT) Security have emerged as two distinct yet equally vital components of an organization’s overall cybersecurity strategy. While both are essential, each addresses different facets of an organization’s operations and presents unique challenges.

What is IT Security?

Information Technology (IT) Security, often referred to as cybersecurity, focuses on protecting the digital infrastructure and information systems that store, process, and transmit data. IT security is critical for safeguarding an organization’s data, networks, applications, and systems from threats that can compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

The primary goals of IT security include:

• Protecting data: Ensuring that sensitive data, whether stored in databases or transmitted over networks, is encrypted, confidential, and resistant to unauthorized access.
• Network security: Safeguarding an organization’s network infrastructure from attacks such as DDoS, malware, or unauthorized access.
• Endpoint protection: Securing devices such as laptops, mobile phones, and workstations against cyber threats.
• Identity and access management (IAM): Managing and overseeing access to different areas of an organization’s IT infrastructure, ensuring that only authorized individuals can gain entry to sensitive information.

IT security strategies employ various technologies like firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), antivirus software, encryption protocols, and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to prevent and mitigate cyberattacks.

Key Focus Areas of IT Security

• Data Protection: Safeguarding data to maintain its confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
• Network Security: Protecting organizational networks from cyber threats.
• Endpoint Security: Securing devices used by employees and contractors.
• Access Control: Managing who can access critical systems and information.

What is OT Security?

Operational Technology (OT) Security involves protection of physical devices, systems, and networks that control and monitor industrial operations. OT is essential in sectors like manufacturing, energy, transportation, healthcare, and utilities, where systems control critical processes like machinery operation, transportation systems, power grids, and water treatment.

OT security focuses on ensuring that industrial control systems (ICS), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, and other embedded devices used in industrial environments are secure from both physical and cyber threats. In these environments, OT systems are often integrated with the physical world, making them a vital part of a company’s operational success.

Key Focus Areas of OT Security

• Industrial Control Systems (ICS): Protecting SCADA and other control systems used in industrial environments.
• Critical Infrastructure Protection: Securing power plants, water systems, and other critical infrastructure against cyberattacks.
• Process Control and Automation: Ensuring the safety and reliability of automated systems used to control industrial processes.
• Physical Security: Protecting devices and machinery from both cyber and physical tampering.

Key Differences Between IT and OT Security

While both IT and OT security aim to protect valuable assets from cyber threats, the focus, environment, and technologies involved differ significantly. Its important to understand these differences for developing a comprehensive and effective security strategy.

Core Focus

• IT Security: Focuses on the protection of digital assets, including data, applications, and IT infrastructure (e.g., servers, workstations, and networks).
• OT Security: Protects physical systems and devices involved in the operation of industrial control systems, machinery, and other critical infrastructure.

Systems and Devices

• IT Security: Secures general-purpose computing systems such as servers, laptops, desktops, and databases, as well as the networks that connect them.
• OT Security: Focuses on securing purpose-built, often legacy, industrial devices such as PLCs, SCADA systems, sensors, actuators, and industrial networks that control physical processes.

Risk Impact

• IT Security: The risk from an IT security breach generally affects data integrity, financial loss, reputational damage, or operational disruptions.
• OT Security: A breach in OT security can have more immediate physical consequences, such as machinery malfunctions, hazardous environmental conditions, or disruption of critical infrastructure that affects public safety.

Response Times

• IT Security: IT systems are generally designed for quick responses to incidents, enabling rapid updates, patches, and configuration changes to prevent attacks.
• OT Security: OT systems often have longer life cycles and may require more time to patch or update due to legacy hardware, specialized equipment, and the need for minimal disruptions to critical processes.

Network Architecture

• IT Security: IT networks are typically more centralized, with systems and data stored on servers or cloud platforms that can be more easily segmented and monitored.
• OT Security: OT networks tend to be more decentralized and often rely on isolated or "air-gapped" systems for safety reasons, creating challenges for monitoring and securing the infrastructure without disrupting operations.

Threat Landscape

• IT Security: The threat landscape in IT security primarily involves cyberattacks such as hacking, data breaches, malware, ransomware, and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks.
• OT Security: OT security faces both cyber and physical threats, with potential risks including sabotage, espionage, tampering with industrial equipment, or malware specifically designed to disrupt industrial control systems.

Why OT Security is More Challenging

OT environments tend to be more complex than traditional IT systems, and OT security comes with unique challenges:

• Legacy Systems: Many OT systems are built on older technologies that may not be compatible with modern cybersecurity measures, making it difficult to patch vulnerabilities or deploy advanced security tools.
• Safety vs. Security: In OT environments, safety and operational continuity are top priorities, often taking precedence over security. This makes integrating security measures without interrupting critical processes a challenge.
• Limited Monitoring: OT networks often have limited monitoring capabilities, making it harder to detect anomalies or malicious activities in real-time.
• Lack of Awareness: OT security is often overlooked in many organizations due to a lack of awareness of its importance and the specialized nature of the technology involved.

How IT and OT Security Work Together

While IT and OT security are distinct, they are increasingly converging as more organizations adopt digital transformation strategies that blur the lines between these two domains. With the advancement of Industry 4.0, the growth of the Internet of Things (IoT), and the increasing integration of OT systems, the security of both IT and OT has become more closely linked

The Convergence of IT and OT Security

As organizations implement more connected devices and systems, OT devices are becoming more vulnerable to cyberattacks. These connected devices create new attack surfaces that can be exploited by cybercriminals. For instance, malware designed to target IT networks can potentially spread to OT systems, disrupting industrial operations.

To address this challenge, a unified security approach is needed. This involves integrating IT and OT security efforts, sharing information about threats, vulnerabilities, and incidents between teams managing both domains. A cross-functional cybersecurity strategy that includes both IT and OT teams can help identify and mitigate risks more effectively.

Key Elements of IT and OT Security Convergence

1. Unified Threat Intelligence: Combining threat intelligence from both IT and OT environments to identify risks and improve defense mechanisms.
2. Incident Response Collaboration: Coordinating between IT and OT teams during a security incident to ensure both digital and physical assets are protected.
3. Vulnerability Management: Applying patch management and vulnerability scanning to both IT and OT systems, where appropriate, to address known weaknesses.
4. Access Control and Monitoring: Implementing comprehensive access control policies and continuous monitoring systems that provide visibility into both IT and OT networks.

What is Active Directory & Why is it Important?

An Active Directory can be defined as a database and identity management system. The directory contains information about the network environment, including details of all users, systems connected to the network, applications, devices such as printers, and shared folders. It further contains details of the level of access for every user.

The Active Directory services also serve the role of user authentication based on the login credentials entered by the user and allow access to the data based on authorization.

The Active Directory stores files at a centralized location, making them accessible to all users and devices across the network as per their access level. Thus, an active directory is essential to ensure that all the users can access network resources required to perform their tasks.

How To Secure Active Directory?

The importance of Active Directory makes it a desirable target for cybercriminals. Here are some expert tips to help you protect the Active Directory:

1. Follow Industry Best Practices: Implementing industry best practices, such as security guidelines laid out by NIST (National Institute of Standards & Technology, USA), is the first step towards securing Active Directory. The guidelines issued by NIST are based on data and statistical analysis, making them highly impactful in preventing cyberattacks.
2. Limit Domain Admins: Privileged groups such as Domain Admins have extensive access authority. The users added to Domain Admins group have deep rooted access across the network, including all systems connected to the network and all data created, stored or shared across the network. In case hackers crack the user credentials of any member of Domain Admins group, they can gain access to all the data and information across the network. Additionally, they can move laterally across the network and gain access to other systems connected to the network. It is important to check the user accounts in Domain Admins group and remove the dead user accounts from the group.
3. Multiple Accounts: Instead of adding all the users to privileged groups, encourage multiple user accounts and provide different privileges. This is referred to as a tiered approach. User accounts can be provided with different access levels, such as a regular account (with minimum privileges), server administration account, network administration account, and workforce administration account. Encourage users to login with a regular account for daily tasks and use privileged accounts for administrative tasks only. This limits the exposure to cyber-attacks.
4. Password Security: Cyber criminals usually employ tactics to steal user credentials such as passwords to gain access to the Active Directory. Implement password strengthening strategies to avoid falling victim to identity theft attacks.
5. Detect Delegation: Delegation allows users to impersonate other accounts on the Active Directory if their unconstrained delegation is enabled. This can lead to security issues if hackers access one account and use delegation to gain further access. The problem is aggravated by privileged accounts with unconstrained delegation. Make sure to regularly check for accounts with delegation enabled and report these accounts. Additionally, make a list of privileged users, delegated admins, and service accounts to help IT professionals keep a check on the potential vulnerabilities and authorization risks.

To know more about IT security for businesses, contact Centex Technologies at Killeen (254) 213 - 4740, Dallas (972) 375 - 9654, Atlanta (404) 994 - 5074, and Austin (512) 956 – 5454.

A firewall is a network security mechanism or layer of protection that sits between the internet and computer networks. An internet firewall can be described as a piece of hardware or software that safeguards the computer from unwanted data and viruses.

What is a Hardware Firewall at any NOC (Network Operations Center)?

A hardware firewall is a physical device that filters traffic to a computer, similar to a server. A network cable is generally hooked straight into a computer or server, however, with a hardware firewall, the cable is first plugged into the firewall. The firewall acts as an antivirus solution and a hard barrier against intrusions by sitting between the external network and the server. When put between a modem and wireless router, it helps stop attacks from reaching the devices and appliances.

What is a Software Firewall at any SOC (Security Operations Center)?

A software firewall is a sort of computer program that operates on a computer or server. Its main goal, depending on the software firewall being used, is to safeguard the computer/server from outside efforts to control or acquire access to the system. Any questionable outbound requests can also be checked with a software firewall.

Differentiating Hardware firewalls and Software firewalls based on their advantages

Hardware firewalls let a user use a single physical device to secure the whole network from the outside world. This gadget is connected to the internet through a computer network. A hardware firewall tracks data packets as they go over the network. According to established criteria, the firewall subsequently either blocks or sends the data. Installing dedicated hardware firewalls necessitates significant IT skills, and businesses require dedicated IT staff or department to monitor and manage hardware firewalls. As a result, hardware firewalls are typically used by large businesses or businesses that place a premium on security. Most routers nowadays feature rudimentary firewall functionality, however, these solutions are aimed at home or small business users.

Software firewalls, on the other hand, provide network internal protection. A software firewall is a piece of software that is placed on a single computer and serves to safeguard it. If a business needs to secure many computers, it will need to install the program on each one. A software firewall regulates how certain programs should behave. The administrator can, for instance, restrict access to specific websites or a network printer.

Why do organizations need to deploy both hardware and software firewalls?

A physical firewall protects a network from the outside world, whereas a software firewall protects a specific device from other devices connected to the network systems. If someone tries to access the systems from the outside, the physical firewall will stop them. However, if a user mistakenly opens a virus-infected email that has already entered the system, the software firewall on the workplace network may prevent the virus from infecting other workstations.

In some cases, due to the sensitive data being generated (for example in the healthcare and financial services industries), both firewalls will be used. The PCI DSS also requires both hardware and software firewalls (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards).

In terms of software, one way to think about it is on a spectrum from ease to security. Hardware firewalls prioritize security over convenience in terms of buying, setup, and application. When used correctly, the two can work together to counteract others’ flaws while promoting their positive qualities.

What about tiny businesses that aren't as concerned about security? It's tempting to go with the simplest firewall to set up but it is important to know that firewalls, both hardware, and software, defend against a variety of dangers. Software firewalls evaluate network traffic that gets past the hardware firewall, whereas hardware firewalls prevent malware from accessing your network. Most IT experts believe that all businesses should use a combination of hardware and software firewalls to improve network security.

Centex Technologies provides cybersecurity solutions to businesses. The team also assists businesses in planning a complete computer network and setting up adequate firewalls. To know more, contact Centex Technologies at Killeen (254) 213 - 4740, Dallas (972) 375 - 9654, Atlanta (404) 994 - 5074, and Austin (512) 956 – 5454.

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We are familiar with the term phishing, but cyber-criminals have come up with another new variant. SMS phishing or smishing is nothing but another phishing technique that is undertaken through SMS. It is a mobile security attack. Usually a link is messaged to a user, which when clicked directs them to a site that contains malware and thus injects virus into their mobile phones. This is done to gain access to user’s personal & private information stored on their cellular device.

Nowadays, more & more people are transacting online through their smartphones and many of them might have saved their login credentials on them as well. This fact encourages cyber criminals to attack users & gain sensitive information saved on their hand held devices.

Most Common Types Of Smishing Messages

Have you ever received text messages with a notification regarding an urgent update, a link that can help you get cash backs & discounts or a deal to get a new credit card? Let’s take a look at the broad category of messages that are usually sent

• General – These types of messages play with your emotions and use a friendly tone to trick you into clicking the link. They may be as simple as, “Get tax refund”, “Checkout our photos” etc.
• Business – They masquerade themselves as a business entity or financial institution. Generally, they send a message such as, “Update your account information or else you would not be allowed to avail online services”, “Click on the link to get a discount coupon” etc. The words are chosen very carefully to stimulate immediate action.
• Contest Winner – This is the most commonly used way to entice innocent users. A malicious link is sent to the user along with an SMS that says, “You have won 1000$” or “You are lucky winner of the contest”. A person tends to click the link out of general inquisitiveness & excitement and loses his/her personal information to the hands of cyber criminals. 

How To Avoid Smishing Scams

• Don’t Click On Any Link In The Message – Try not to be fooled by such messages. Make sure that you do not click on any link sent to you in a message from an untrusted source or unknown number.
• Don’t Reply Or Call Back- If you are wary of the content that has been messaged to you then do not call back or reply on that number. Replying might invite even more spammed message on your number. Also you can block that number for once and all.
• Install An Anti-Virus Software – Always be proactive. The smartest move to avoid a smishing attack is to install an anti-virus software beforehand. This will help in preventing a virus to be injected on your device at the first place.

For more information on mobile security, contact Centex Technologies at (855) 375 - 9654.

Storage virtualization has become a necessity in the IT industry, mainly because of the need to store an extensive amount of data in a safe and secure environment. It not only saves on the costs of physical hardware, but also allows for a better utilization of the available resources and streamlines business operations.

Given below are some factors that need to be considered while choosing storage for virtual environments:

Opt For A Simple Solution

The virtual storage solution you choose should offer simplicity in its usage. All the complex and low-level tasks such as performance testing, updates, data placement etc. should be automated. This will beneficial for the IT professionals as they will be able to focus on other important configuration tasks.

Ease Of Management

Reliability and consistency in performance are other important elements that should be looked for. The virtual machines should support multi-tenancy functionality, so that all the users can individually manage data stored on their systems. Manageability of a virtualized storage should be considered in regard to data flow at three different levels - virtual machine (VM), virtual machine to physical storage and the server to virtual machine.

Performance

All virtual storage solutions are designed to handle a specific amount of data. Therefore, you must analyze your storage requirements, both at present as well in the future, to determine the most suitable type of service. Make sure that all the resources in the virtual environment are utilized to their maximum efficiency. Also, the performance of any application should not be hampered due to lack of storage space.

Customer Support And Service

When you implement storage virtualization in your organization, you need to procure services from multiple vendors so that the entire system can work efficiently. Therefore, constant support is essential to address any issues and ensure non-stop functioning. Without this, you may have to experience extended downtime which can be critical for your company’s reputation.

When choosing a vendor, you should evaluate the level of customer service it provides. Gain complete knowledge of how the virtual environment will fit into and enhance the productivity of your business in the long run.

We, at Centex Technologies, provide comprehensive information security solutions to the business firms in Dallas. TX. For more information, feel free to call us at (972) 375 – 9654.

Continuous network monitoring is one of the core elements of maintaining a secure and efficient IT infrastructure within an organization. As network systems have evolved over the past few years, it is essential to manage the configuration of all the network devices, servers and services to ensure timely detection as well as removal of the potential threats.

Given below are some of the tips for implementing a successful network monitoring strategy:

Note the baseline network performance

In order to identify any problems in the network infrastructure, it is important that you have an idea about its normal performance. Documenting network functionality over a period of time can help you to set accurate thresholds and receive alerts when the network is not performing up to the mark. Base-lining also facilitates proactive troubleshooting and prevention of downtime before it causes problems to the users.

Inventory management

You need to have an in-depth understanding of the IP devices, routers, switches and servers that make up your network. Make a detailed inventory of all the items you need to manage and add them in your network monitoring software. Categorize all devices on the basis of usage, vendor, location, data center and other parameters. Create a map and form connections between the system so that it represents your network architecture. This will give you a visual idea about how the inventory should be maintained.  

Monitor and report at every level

Every element in diverse corporate network operates on a separate layer to contribute to its overall functionality. In the event of a system failure, it is critical to identify the layer at which the data connection has been interrupted. Therefore, your network monitoring system should focus on observing and reporting problems at all layers. This will make it easy for you to detect if the issue has been caused due to malfunctioning of hardware, router, bandwidth or any other component.

Prepare for network expansion

With the expansion of your organization, your network also needs to evolve and incorporate new technological upgrades. This, in turn, will also increase the number of devices, network bandwidth and storage space required. Therefore, make sure you choose a scalable monitoring system that allows you to include more devices and interfaces as and when they are added to the network.

We, at Centex Technologies, provide comprehensive network security solutions to the business firms in Dallas, TX. For more information, you can call us at (972) 375 – 9654.

Mobile security is one of the top priorities for business organizations. With the increasing adoption of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) culture, it becomes even more important that employees are familiar with the best security practices to safeguard the information they access or share through their device. However, there are many misconceptions when it comes to mobile security, which ultimately makes your corporate data vulnerable to hacking.

Given below are some of the common mobile security myths and why they need to be addressed cautiously:

iPhones are safe from viruses

It is a common fallacy that Apple devices are completely protected against viruses and malware but this is not completely true. Though Apple’s stringent policies minimize the threat to some extent, there is still need for proper security measures to ensure safety of your device. Malicious websites, spam links, fake websites and malware ridden email attachments pose a serious threat to your data.

It is safe to connect Wi-Fi if sensitive data is not accessed

Mobile users are familiar with the fact that conducting financial transactions and logging into personal accounts through open Wi-Fi networks is not safe. However, even if you are not accessing any sensitive information, connecting to an unsecure Wi-Fi hotspot can jeopardize your online security. Hackers may use packet sniffers to steal or modify the information you share. They may also infect your device with a malware and record keystrokes to collect your usernames as well as passwords, which may lead to identity theft.

Mobile apps from reliable vendors are safe

Renowned developers conduct extensive testing to ensure that the apps they release are secure and bug free. However, there are many fake and malicious versions of the popular applications available on the app stores. You should know which apps you should download and from where. The best way to check this is to read reviews posted by users who have already downloaded the app. You should also be careful while allowing any app to access your personal information.

Text messages are completely secure

In reality, text messages are one of the major vectors of malware to mobile devices. Hackers use phishing techniques by sending messages that claim to be from a bank or other legitimate source to extract sensitive information from the target user. SMSs may also contain links to a fake website that may download a malware to your mobile device.

Centex Technologies, a leading IT company in Dallas, TX, can help you improve mobile security practices in your organization. For more information, you can call us at (972) 375 – 9654.

Since inception of Virtual Private Network (VPN), the technology is widely used in business firms to provide a secure and convenient way to connect distant employees and remote offices. VPN makes it easy for the users to share files, folders and other important data over the internet, without any form of protocols or permissions required.

If you are planning to use virtual private network for your business, given below are some of the pros and cons that you should consider:

Security

• Pro: VPN offers a high level of security while accessing the internet. It uses advanced authentication and encryption protocols to safeguard your data from unauthorized access by the hackers.
• Con: Deployment of a VPN technology can be quite complex for any business. You need to hire a dedicated IT staff who has complete knowledge of VPN configuration, network or security issues that may arise and the best way to deal with them.

Scalability

• Pro: Virtual private networks are quite scalable when it comes to accommodating the growing demands of a company. As your business expands and opens offices in multiple locations, you do not need separate lines to connect all of them. You simply need to connect to the already configured VPN to access the corporate network.
• Con: If you need to add infrastructure to the VPN, it may lead to certain technical issues, particularly if you switch to another service provider. Combining VPN products from two different vendors may cause problems in compatibility while using equipment from the same provider may increase your expenses.

Remote Connectivity

• Pro: Virtual private networks allow employees and business partners to communicate easily over the internet, irrespective of their geographical location. Expenses related to international calling and long distance communication can be considerably reduced.
• Con: The use of improperly configured internet networks and unsecure devices to connect to the VPN can compromise security of all the connected computer systems. Employees may also connect through wireless hotspots which increases the risk for a potential data breach.

Despite these pros and cons, VPN offers the most viable solution for remote users to communicate securely. However, businesses need to focus on addressing the minor glitches in order to capitalize on this technology.

If you are planning to configure VPN in your company’s internal network, Centex Technologies can provide complete IT support. For more information, you can call us at (972) 375 – 9654.