Adobe Flash Exploit Highlights the Need for Strong Network Security

Earlier this year, flaws were discovered in Adobe Flash Player that could allow malicious banner ads running on legitimate websites to infect unwitting computer users.

These “malvertising” exploits have been shown to produce a variety of consequences; some install malware that illicitly inflates ad click numbers, while others can immediately encrypt all files on a user’s local and network drive. In a worst-case scenario such as that one, cyber criminals can then demand thousands of dollars for a decryption key to retrieve a user’s data, similar to the CryptoLocker and CryptoWall ransomware viruses that made headlines last year.

Flash is a popular target for hackers because it runs across nearly all operating systems and browsers. Adobe responded to the exploit by releasing a critical patch last week, but there’s no telling how many users the zero day flaw affected before it was fixed. And the fact that something as benign as visiting a website without even clicking on anything could infect a computer is quite disturbing.

So what can you do to keep your computers secure?

Here are 3 ways to avoid computer virus exploits and keep your network safe:

1. Anti-virus is important.

But many hackers are changing their tactics faster than even the best software can keep up. A good anti-virus solution deployed properly by an IT provider can provide a certain level of security, but…

2. Comprehensive network security can make the difference.

CMIT Solutions has the ability to deliver heightened security that analyzes Internet traffic for malware, botnets, and phishing attempts before they affect your system. By identifying targeted attacks, blocking threats both on local networks and mobile devices, and enforcing acceptable use policies through content filtering, the proactive monitoring or “umbrella” approach can deliver an unprecedented level of security. Of course, no one layer of security provides surefire protection, which is why we also specialize in…

3. Critical backup and disaster recovery.

In a worst-case scenario, the only way to prevent data loss is if your information is backed up by a remote, regular, and redundant solution — and easily retrievable. Those users who are infected by ransomware viruses and don’t have a solid backup and disaster recovery plan in place are then forced to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars to retrieve their data.

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Feel powerless in the face of an endless stream of cyberattacks, exploits, and other security compromises? Luckily, implementing elite levels of security lies directly within your control. At CMIT Solutions, we consider proactive services, backup and disaster recovery, business continuity, data encryption, email archiving, and a host of other services crucial to surviving (and thriving) in today’s complicated IT world.

We defend your network, secure your data, and empower your staff to be more productive. Contact CMIT Solutions today so that we can worry about your IT — and you can worry about growing your business.