hack Archives – Sterling IT

2015 Top 25 passwords used – how to protect yourself on mobile and computer.

Posted on January 20, 2016 by Mark Pace

If you cannot remember a complex password or more than one password, ask Sterling IT how we can assist you with a password manager that is secure.

Internet users continue to put their security at risk by using generic passwords such as “123456” and “password”, despite widespread advice to create more unique and secure codes.

Both “123456” and “password” have held the top two spots on SplashData’s annual list of leaked passwords since the first list in 2011 and data released by SplashData yesterday shows 2015 was no different.

The top 10 passwords on the 2015 list are dominated by numerical passwords, with football, baseball and ‘qwerty’ also among the least secure passwords being used online.

Go to Smart Company to READ MORE

Sterling IT have the solution to protect your passwords securely on phone and computers.

Contact us for more info

Source: smartcompany.com.au – Recommended by Sterling IT for all good businesses.

Encrypted password creator and storage – Adobe password hack check – Password strength test

Posted on December 4, 2013September 20, 2017 by Mark Pace

Do you use the same password on multiple sites and/or applications?

If so, PLEASE STOP. With many websites getting hacked such as Sony and recently Adobe, using the same password on multiple sites is becoming extremely dangerous.

You can test the strength of your password by visiting GRC.COM . A trusted and brilliant website.

One step better than making your own passwords is use a trusted application called LASTPASS.
You only need to remember ONE password, that’s it. This is also FREE, however if you want to use it on your mobile, its $1 per month. (thats right $1).
For business where you want to have encrypted secure passwords, its $2 per month.

You can double secure this by using a USB key so even if someone was to get your username and password, without the USB key, a hacker will still not be able to access.

Contact Sterling IT for an online demo. We can also assist in setting up but more importantly, customise your lastpass for additional security.

Want to check if your email was hacked at Adobe? Click Here

You ask then HOW can I remember so many passwords?

A couple of ways of doing this is create passwords based around the website you are using, however if there is a pattern, a hacker will still work out your passwords

Prices correct at time of publishing 3.12.2013

WEP wireless security

Posted on June 9, 2013 by Mark Pace

View Online

Alert Services (Advisory)
7 June 2013

Australians continue to use out dated encryption

Businesses and home users are advised to avoid using the Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) security protocol for wireless connections.

Once commonly used, the WEP security protocol is today considered broken and should not be used.

Although most router/modem manufacturers and Internet Service Providers currently supply and support devices with higher levels of encryption, many computers and networks continue to maintain wireless connections via WEP.

If you still currently use WEP, your wireless connection is vulnerable, information you send via this method is easily accessible via sniffer tools downloaded from the Internet.

You should check your current settings and if you currently use WEP, choose an alternative security protocol for your wireless connections.

How to find your wireless security settings:

Windows
For Windows based computers, you can check the level of security being used on a wireless network by viewing Network Options in the Control Panel. From here, select your wireless network and open the Properties for that connection. The exact name and location of these options will vary between versions of Windows. A security tab or menu should offer a choice of security protocols for your device.

Apple
For Apple based computers, you can check the level of security being used on a wireless network by clicking the Network icon in the System Preferences. Select your connection on the left hand side and the security level will be listed next to the network name.

How to update your wireless security:

Updating wireless security varies depending on the make and model of your wireless device. Refer to your manual for individual product details.

Modern modems, routers and wireless devices typically offer a range of encryption protocols. Wireless encryption should be set to WPA2 if available (or WPA if not).

There can be various types of WPA2 encryption, with the simplest version being WPA2-PSK. This uses a network name and requires a password. Most computers and smartphones can connect to WPA2 networks with minimal reconfiguration.

If your wireless device does not support any encryption other than WEP, it is strongly advised to update your equipment.

More information

More tips are available here (PDF).

The information provided here is of a general nature. Everyone’s circumstances are different. If you require specific advice you should contact your local technical support provider.

Information provided by the Internet Commerce Security Laboratory, www.icsl.com.au

Disclaimer
This information has been prepared by Enex TestLab for the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy (‘the Department’). It was accurate and up to date at the time of publishing.

This information is general information only and is intended for use by private individuals and small to medium sized businesses. If you are concerned about a specific cyber security issue you should seek professional advice.

The Commonwealth, Enex TestLab, and all other persons associated with this advisory accept no liability for any damage, loss or expense incurred as a result of the provision of this information, whether by way of negligence or otherwise.

Nothing in this information (including the listing of a person or organisation or links to other web sites) should be taken as an endorsement of a particular product or service.

Please note that third party views or recommendations included in this information do not reflect the views of the Commonwealth, or indicate its commitment to a particular course of action. The Commonwealth also cannot verify the accuracy of any third party material included in this information.
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