It is often difficult to assess and mitigate risks of cybersecurity at any given time. Threats increase as digital transformation becomes the primary focus of most industries. Unsecured ports of computer and network devices is an example that may pose security risks to any network.
Computer ports or data ports allow easy integration between computers and many peripheral devices. Organizations can have confidential data stored within their computers and share folders across their networks. Interconnectivity between different computers in the network can also be established through ports. As a tool for storing and accessing sensitive information, data ports significantly increase possible cyber attacks.
Organizations and industries should know that it is very important to secure those data ports to prevent potential introduction of viruses and the loss of valuable data. It can be done using two methods: software and hardware. Both are important as they can act as the first or second line of defense once there are security threats.
Software Security
Software security pertains to software programs that can grant and deny access to data ports. Some users want to customize disabling of ports such as all ports disabled at boot or some specific ports only.
Advantages
Can be easily configured (enable/disable specific ports)
Detects unauthorized entry or usage
Provide monitoring and run usage report
Create response rules for whitelisted and blacklisted accounts
Disadvantages
Need highly trained personnel or expert on managing the system
It is dangerous if incorrectly set due to insider threats (negligence of admin or user, malicious employees or even cyber criminals) like leaving all ports open or enabled or disabling unauthorized detection intentionally or unintentionally. As this is software security, it will now be prone to hacking if direct insertion to the unsecured ports happen.
The price of software is high and depends on the complexity of security solutions needed.
Hardware Security
Hardware security is more of preventing or securing ports physically. Some of them are locks for unsecured USB ports that cannot be unplugged without a key.
Advantages
- Some hardware locks prevent devices like computers and server from being stolen
- Inaccessible device ports even after stolen
- Easy to use by anyone
- Price is not expensive compared to software security programs.
- No need update, maintenance, and no error with the system
Protect Unsecured Ports
The easiest way for hackers or anyone having malicious intent in an organization or person’s confidential information is through physical access to their devices. Hackers can use social engineering and be an inside threat to access unsecured ports of your devices. Through this, they can perform malware installation to steal and corrupt confidential data.
As a hardware security, USB port locks can be your first line of defense for such kinds of threats. USB ports will be inaccessible for an unauthorized person and can also prevent your data from being stolen even after you leave your device unattended in your designated work area.
Not only securing empty ports, with cable lock you can prevent unplugging of the USB device from the port so that no one can access it or unplug the USB device from the computer.
Computer Security
Computer security always comes into two forms, software and hardware. Both are a necessity to ensure full security of your devices.
Software security provides barriers and other cyber-tools that protect programs, files, and the information flow in your system. Many of our peripheral devices nowadays are connected to the internet and are very vulnerable to remote access and hacking.
Hardware security protects machines, ports, and peripheral hardware from theft and physical intrusion and damage. Physical access to any device is the easiest way for hackers to do their job. This is where network security starts first and the basic first line-of-defense for any physical access.
With both security forms working in your system, it is safe to say that you and your organization are performing network security correctly. Some organizations are amazed by the advanced features of software-based security solutions.
However, we must not overlook to always protect our devices on a physical level first, performing the foundation of your overall security strategy.
SMARTKEEPER
After performing your software security, you still need to search and think how to get your physical security or make it better.
With SMARTKEEPER, your hardware security will not be an issue anymore. SMARTKEEPER products keep your data secure from unwanted access or physical malicious threats.
Smart keeper offers a variety of products catered towards different needs and requirements.
To ensure network security, some of the products designed by SMARTKEEPER include locks for network ports, LAN cables, QSFP ports, network module locks and more.
They also released a series of products to secure workstations from USB port locks, to secure connectors, CF port locks, HDMI ports link locks and much more.
For more information and details of the product, you can contact us here and we will be happy to assist you.
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