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#Cyber Security Assessment Services
aqss-usa16 · 1 year
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aqtsusa1 · 2 years
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Quality Audit | Quality Auditing Services in Houston | AQSS -USA
With a team of highly qualified and certified auditors from different fields AQSS provide complete Auditing Services to its Clients for their business to maintain Quality Standard.
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networsys · 7 days
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What is Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT)?: Tools, Strategies, and Benefits
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In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, cybersecurity has become a paramount concern for businesses of all sizes. Ensuring that your organization's data and systems are secure from potential threats is not just a necessity but a fundamental aspect of your business operations. This is where Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) comes into play. At Networsys, we understand the critical importance of protecting your digital assets. This comprehensive guide will delve into what Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing entails, the tools and strategies involved, and the significant benefits it offers.
What is Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT)?
Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) is a combination of two crucial security testing processes. While they serve different purposes, together they provide a thorough evaluation of an organization's security posture.
Vulnerability Assessment
Vulnerability Assessment is a systematic process used to identify and classify security vulnerabilities in an information system. It involves scanning the system for weaknesses that could be exploited by attackers. This assessment focuses on detecting known vulnerabilities and providing detailed reports that categorize these vulnerabilities based on their severity.
Penetration Testing
Penetration Testing, also known as ethical hacking, goes a step further. It simulates real-world cyber-attacks to evaluate the security of a system. Penetration Testers, or ethical hackers, use various techniques to exploit vulnerabilities in a controlled manner. This helps organizations understand how a malicious actor could gain unauthorized access and what data or functionalities are at risk.
By combining Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing, organizations can get a comprehensive view of their security landscape, identifying both existing weaknesses and the potential impact of an exploit.
Tools for Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing
Several tools are available to aid in Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing. Here are some of the most widely used:
Vulnerability Assessment Tools
Nessus
Nessus is a highly popular tool for vulnerability assessment. It scans for various types of vulnerabilities, including misconfigurations, default passwords, and compliance issues. Nessus provides detailed reports and prioritizes vulnerabilities based on their potential impact.
OpenVAS
OpenVAS is an open-source tool that offers comprehensive vulnerability scanning. It supports a wide range of tests for detecting security issues and provides extensive reporting capabilities.
QualysGuard
QualysGuard is a cloud-based tool that offers continuous vulnerability assessment. It helps in identifying vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and compliance issues across a range of IT assets.
Strategies for Effective Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing
Implementing Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing requires a strategic approach to ensure comprehensive coverage and actionable insights. Here are some strategies to consider:
Planning and Scoping
Before starting the VAPT process, it is crucial to define the scope and objectives. This involves identifying the assets to be tested, the testing methodologies, and the rules of engagement. Clear communication with stakeholders is essential to align expectations and ensure a smooth testing process.
Comprehensive Coverage
Ensure that the assessment and testing cover all critical areas of your IT infrastructure. This includes networks, applications, databases, and endpoints. Comprehensive coverage helps in identifying vulnerabilities across the entire attack surface.
Regular Assessments
Vulnerabilities can emerge at any time due to new threats, software updates, or changes in the IT environment. Regular vulnerability assessments help in identifying new weaknesses and ensuring that existing vulnerabilities are addressed promptly.
Combining Automated and Manual Testing
Automated tools are effective for quickly scanning large environments and identifying common vulnerabilities. However, manual testing by skilled professionals is essential for uncovering complex and hidden vulnerabilities that automated tools might miss. A combination of both approaches ensures thorough testing.
Prioritizing Vulnerabilities
Not all vulnerabilities pose the same level of risk. It is important to prioritize vulnerabilities based on their potential impact and exploitability. This helps in focusing remediation efforts on the most critical issues first.
Reporting and Remediation
Effective reporting is crucial for communicating the findings of VAPT to stakeholders. Reports should provide detailed information about identified vulnerabilities, their severity, and recommended remediation steps. Implementing the recommended fixes promptly is essential for maintaining a secure environment.
Benefits of Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing
Implementing Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing offers numerous benefits that contribute to the overall security and resilience of your organization. Here are some of the key benefits:
Enhanced Security Posture
VAPT helps in identifying and addressing security weaknesses before they can be exploited by attackers. This proactive approach significantly enhances the security posture of your organization, making it more resilient against cyber threats.
Risk Management
By identifying vulnerabilities and assessing their potential impact, VAPT enables organizations to understand their risk exposure. This helps in making informed decisions about risk management and prioritizing security investments.
Compliance and Regulatory Requirements
Many industries are subject to regulatory requirements that mandate regular security assessments and testing. VAPT helps in ensuring compliance with these regulations and avoiding potential fines and penalties.
Protecting Sensitive Data
Data breaches can have severe consequences, including financial losses and reputational damage. VAPT helps in identifying vulnerabilities that could lead to data breaches and implementing measures to protect sensitive information.
Cost Savings
Addressing vulnerabilities before they are exploited can save organizations significant costs associated with data breaches, downtime, and recovery efforts. Investing in VAPT is a cost-effective way to prevent costly security incidents.
Improved Incident Response
VAPT provides valuable insights into the attack vectors and tactics that could be used against your organization. This knowledge helps in improving incident response plans and ensuring a quicker and more effective response to security incidents.
Building Trust with Customers and Partners
Demonstrating a commitment to security through regular VAPT builds trust with customers and partners. It shows that your organization takes security seriously and is proactive in protecting its digital assets.
Continuous Improvement
VAPT is not a one-time activity but an ongoing process. Regular assessments and testing help in continuously improving your security posture and staying ahead of emerging threats.
Conclusion
In the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity threats, Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) is an essential practice for any organization aiming to protect its digital assets. By systematically identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities, VAPT provides a comprehensive evaluation of your security posture and helps in mitigating risks effectively. At Networsys, we emphasize the importance of integrating VAPT into your cybersecurity strategy to ensure robust protection against potential threats. Investing in VAPT not only enhances your security but also fosters trust and confidence among your stakeholders, ultimately contributing to the success and sustainability of your business.
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laninfotech · 1 year
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Discover why cybersecurity is crucial for the business to remain technologically sound and still reach its goals. Read more on the LAN Infotech blog.
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bluesteelcyber · 1 year
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Bluesteel Cybersecurity offers cybersecurity assessment services to various firms, allowing them to detect & resolve any Cybersecurity loopholes to protect their data from malevolent actors.
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remsisincca · 2 years
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Understanding Cyber Security Assessment in San Diego, Sorrento Valley, Carlsbad, and San Marcos, CA
Technology remains at the crux of production, operations, and administrative activities today. Thanks to advanced technology, business entities have been progressing rapidly. Unfortunately, there is bound to be a downside, as with all good things too. Well, the threat of the systems being hacked is rife, with cyber-attacks also becoming rampant. The employees are often ignorant of the loopholes and may not be able to read the tell-tale signs of cyber security being compromised. ​ The only way to be on top here is to hire an experienced third party for cyber security assessment in San Diego, Sorrento Valley, Carlsbad, and San Marcos, CA. Once the threats have been mitigated perfectly, the service provider may also be requested to provide the proper support to ensure that there is no compromise of security in the future. Sure, the expert team will go through the tech-enabled systems, devices, and storage to gauge the risks that threaten the leakage of important data. The end-user may also be involved in the process by observing and noting the tasks undertaken by the assessment team. It suffices to learn that cyber security assessment is a standard procedure related to the evaluation of security control and inspection of the infrastructure utilized by the company. The entire procedure includes the following steps highlighting the weak points and allowing the company to remove them effectively. · Threat Source(s) Identification · Identification of Threat Events · Recognition of Vulnerabilities · Possibility of Exploitation · Probability of Destructive Impact · Risk calculation based on all of the above mentioned factors Looking for vulnerabilities is the most crucial test performed by the cyber security assessment team. Although the scope of testing may be limited depending on the resources of the company, an automated test can help the third party to track and identify bugs as well as flaws within the infrastructure, networks, access codes, and data in general. The flaws are noted and categorized according to the risk it projects for the concerned business and company assets. Several types of penetration tests are conducted to pinpoint the risks of data breaches too. The following are checked to find an indication of being accessed by an unknown individual or company:- · Web applications · Mobile Applications · External & Internal networks · Cloud Security · Embedded Devices · IoT/IIoT · Thick & Thin Clients · Virtual Devices Apart from testing the infrastructure and systems plus networks to identify the information breach and hacking, a more extensive compromise assessment is carried out to trace the “Indicator of Compromise (IoC).” The offender is identified by going through the recent history. Securing the vulnerable areas is important to comply with the business standards and regulations essential before a merger and/or acquisition. The old phone systems of yesteryears are redundant now, with the analog system being replaced by business VOIP services in San Diego, Sorrento Valley, Carlsbad, and San Marcos, CA. Regardless of their size, most business entities are eager to make the transition due to improved communication ensured by the voice-over-internet protocol system.
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thesecureradius · 2 years
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aligncompliance · 2 years
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HITRUST Updates Scoring Rubric in Support of i1 Assessment
In January of 2022, HITRUST released an advisory for their updated Control Maturity Scoring Rubric, which was immediately enforced for the i1 assessment. For any organization undergoing the r2 assessment, the new rubric was enforced on May 1, 2022. This updated rubric assists assessed entities and their external assessors in assessment scoring to ensure they are implementing maturities at an appropriate level.  
Scoring Rubric Key Changes 
The scoring rubric has been updated by HITRUST to provide a more streamlined approach. Designed as a reference aid, this has frequently become a tool that organizations use to determine their scores across the various levels of control maturity. 
Key changes to the HITRUST Control Maturity Scoring Rubric include: 
A reduction in the tiers for Policy and Procedures maturity levels from five to three. Please note the levels of coverage remain the same, ranking from ‘very low’ to ‘very high’. The new tiers are as follows: 
Tier 0 = No documented Policy and/or Procedure 
Tier 1 = Undocumented Policy and/or Procedure 
Tier 2 = Fully documented Policy and/or Procedure  
Organizations will now have to address the illustrative procedures for all of the control requirements and policy statements.  Previously, organizations only addressed the requirements they met. They will now need to go a step further and look at illustrative procedures within the policy and procedure documents to address all elements for that requirement.  
The addition of evaluative elements into the rubric. Organizations are now required to address evaluative elements in the policy document and in the procedure document for every requirement for the policy maturity and procedure maturity. 
In addition to these key changes, HITRUST also made minor adjustments to the scoring rubric. 
HITRUST reformatted the guidance for supporting documentation to qualify as a measure by clarifying the metrics and adding context. 
The timeframe table was revised to note if the information refers to r2 or i1 as previously there was no delineation.  
The addition of the current Bridge Certificate timing guidance into the rubric and sampling guidance as a visual. 
Although guidance was not modified, several sections were removed from the timeframe table in order to streamline the presentation of key timeframes. 
HITRUST added and updated links on the rubric where additional guidance can be located. 
How Organizations Can Prepare 
To ensure organizations aren’t caught off-guard it’s important that they continuously ensure that the controls that could impact their compliance score have been properly implemented. A-LIGN can conduct a HITRUST Gap Assessment to help organizations benchmark the implementation of their controls to the updated scoring rubric to ensure certification will be achieved or maintained. In addition, A-LIGN can help identify any gaps and recommend new controls that will need to be implemented. 
A-LIGN is one of only a few globally recognized cybersecurity and privacy compliance providers that offer a single-provider approach for organizations. A-LIGN is a HITRUST CSF Assessor firm, Qualified Security Assessor Company, Accredited ISO 27001 and ISO 22301 Certification Body, Accredited FedRAMP 3PAO and licensed CPA firm. 
Source: A-lign
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gavstech · 2 years
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Security Service Edge (SSE) is an emerging cybersecurity concept that plays a pivotal role in defending IT Security. Read this blog by the leading IT infrastructure managed services provider in the USA, GAVS Technologies to know its crucial role for global IT security.
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apptechbuilders · 10 months
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Custom Mobile App Development Services: Enhancing Business Potential
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In today's digitally driven world, mobile applications have become an integral part of businesses across various industries. Custom mobile app development services have gained significant momentum as they allow companies to create tailored solutions that address specific business needs and provide a seamless user experience.
With the growing demand for mobile apps, businesses are realizing the importance of having a strong mobile presence to engage with their customers effectively. A customized mobile app can offer numerous benefits, including increased brand visibility, enhanced customer engagement, improved operational efficiency, and higher revenue generation.
The Power of Custom Mobile Apps
Custom mobile apps provide businesses with a competitive edge by offering unique features and functionalities tailored to their requirements. Unlike off-the-shelf solutions, custom apps are designed to align perfectly with the business processes and goals, ensuring optimal performance and user satisfaction.
Here are some key advantages of opting for custom mobile app development services:
1. Tailored User Experience:
Custom apps are built with a user-centric approach, considering the target audience's preferences and behaviors. This allows businesses to create a seamless and personalized experience, resulting in higher user engagement and satisfaction.
2. Enhanced Security:
Off-the-shelf mobile apps often come with pre-built security features, leaving businesses vulnerable to cyber threats. Custom mobile apps, on the other hand, can be equipped with robust security measures to protect sensitive data and mitigate potential risks.
3. Scalability and Flexibility:
Custom apps are designed to scale and adapt to the evolving needs of a business. They can accommodate increasing user demands, integrate with existing systems, and easily incorporate new features and functionalities as required.
4. Integration with Existing Systems:
Custom mobile apps can seamlessly integrate with existing software applications and systems used by a business. This integration streamlines processes, eliminates data silos, and improves overall operational efficiency.
5. Competitive Advantage:
By offering unique features and functionalities, custom mobile apps can give businesses a competitive edge. They enable companies to differentiate themselves from competitors, attract and retain customers, and establish a strong brand identity.
Choosing the Right Custom Mobile App Development Partner
When it comes to custom mobile app development, selecting the right development partner is crucial. Here are a few factors to consider:
1. Expertise and Experience:
Look for a development team with a proven track record and extensive experience in building custom mobile apps. They should have expertise in the latest technologies, app development frameworks, and a solid understanding of various business domains.
2. Collaboration and Communication:
Effective collaboration and communication are vital for successful app development. Ensure that the development team is responsive, understands your requirements, and keeps you updated throughout the development process.
3. Portfolio and Client References:
Review the development company's portfolio to assess the quality and diversity of their past projects. Additionally, ask for client references to get insights into their client satisfaction and the overall experience of working with them.
4. Post-Development Support:
Maintenance and support are essential aspects of mobile app development. Inquire about the post-development support and maintenance services offered by the development partner to ensure smooth functioning and timely updates for your app.
Unlocking Business Potential with Custom Mobile Apps
Custom mobile app development services have revolutionized the way businesses operate and engage with their customers. By harnessing the power of custom apps, companies can unlock their true potential, drive growth, and stay ahead in today's competitive marketplace.
Investing in custom mobile app development allows businesses to create tailored solutions that cater to their unique requirements, streamline processes, enhance customer experiences, and achieve their strategic goals. With the right custom mobile app development partner by their side, businesses can embark on a transformative journey towards digital excellence and make a lasting impact in the mobile-driven world.
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aqtsusa1 · 2 years
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managedserversus · 11 months
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Small Business Website Hosting and Management Services
Running a small business in today’s digital age requires having a strong online presence. One crucial aspect of establishing that presence is having a well-designed and functional website. However, building and maintaining a website can be a daunting task, especially for small business owners who may not have the technical expertise or resources to handle it themselves. That’s where small business website hosting and management services come into play.
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What is Small Business Website Hosting?
Website hosting is the process of storing and making your website accessible on the internet. Small business website hosting services provide the infrastructure and technology needed to keep your website up and running smoothly. They offer server space, domain registration, email accounts, and other essential features to ensure your website is available to visitors around the clock.
Choosing the right hosting service for your small business is crucial. Factors to consider include reliability, speed, security, customer support, scalability, and affordability. Small business website hosting services understand the unique needs of small enterprises and offer plans tailored to their requirements.
Benefits of Small Business Website Hosting Services
1. Technical Expertise: Small business website hosting services have a team of professionals who possess the necessary technical skills and experience to handle website management effectively. They take care of tasks such as server maintenance, software updates, and security patches, allowing you to focus on running your business.
2. Reliability and Uptime: Small business hosting services ensure that your website is always available to visitors. They have robust infrastructure and backup systems in place to minimize downtime and provide a reliable online experience for your customers.
3. Scalability: As your small business grows, so does your website’s needs. Hosting services offer scalable solutions that can accommodate increased traffic, storage, and functionality requirements. This flexibility allows your website to expand alongside your business without disruptions.
4. Security: Website security is of paramount importance in today’s digital landscape. Small business website hosting services implement robust security measures to protect your website from hacking attempts, malware, and other cyber threats. They often provide SSL certificates, regular backups, and firewall protection to safeguard your data and your customers’ information.
5. Support: Small business hosting services offer dedicated customer support to assist you with any technical issues or questions you may have. This ensures that you have reliable assistance whenever you encounter challenges with your website.
Website Management Services
In addition to website hosting, many small business hosting services also offer website management services. These services take care of the day-to-day tasks involved in maintaining and updating your website, freeing up your time to focus on your core business activities.
Website management services may include:
– Content updates and modifications
– Regular backups and data protection
– Performance monitoring and optimization
– Search engine optimization (SEO)
– Design and layout enhancements
– Integration of new features and functionality
– E-commerce solutions
By outsourcing website management to professionals, small business owners can ensure that their website remains current, engaging, and fully functional without the need for in-house technical expertise.
Choosing the Right Small Business Website Hosting and Management Service
When selecting a small business website hosting and management service, it’s essential to consider your specific needs and goals. Evaluate factors such as pricing, features, customer reviews, and the provider’s reputation in the industry.
Additionally, assess the scalability of the service to ensure it can grow with your business. Look for a service that offers reliable customer support and has a track record of high uptime and security. Ultimately, the right service will empower your small business to establish a strong online presence and thrive in the digital marketplace.
In conclusion, small business website hosting and management services play a vital role in helping small enterprises establish and maintain a robust online presence. By providing reliable hosting, technical expertise, security, and website management solutions, these services enable small business owners to focus on what they do best while leaving the website-related tasks to professionals. With the right hosting and management service, small businesses can compete effectively in the digital realm and reach their target audience with a compelling and functional website.
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rahilatach · 24 days
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Advantages of Electronic Insurance
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Electronic insurance, also known as e-insurance, revolutionizes the insurance industry by leveraging digital technologies. In today's fast-paced world, where convenience and efficiency reign supreme, electronic insurance offers a myriad of benefits over traditional methods. Let's delve into the advantages of embracing electronic insurance in our lives.
Convenience
Embracing electronic insurance grants policyholders unparalleled convenience. With electronic insurance, individuals can conveniently access their policies anytime, anywhere, through online portals or mobile applications. Managing insurance portfolios becomes a breeze with just a few taps on a smartphone.
Cost-Effectiveness
One of the most appealing aspects of electronic insurance is its cost-effectiveness. By eliminating the need for physical infrastructure and streamlining administrative processes, insurers can offer lower premiums to policyholders. Additionally, electronic insurance reduces paperwork, saving both time and resources for insurers and policyholders alike.
Coverage
Electronic insurance offers comprehensive protection tailored to individual needs. Policyholders can choose from a wide range of flexible policies that suit their lifestyle and preferences. Whether it's health, life, auto, or property insurance, electronic platforms provide diverse coverage options to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances.
Quick Processing
In today's fast-paced world, time is of the essence. Electronic insurance ensures swift processing from policy issuance to claims settlement. With automated systems and digital workflows, policyholders can obtain insurance policies instantly and experience expedited claims processing, minimizing downtime during critical situations.
Customization Options
Electronic insurance empowers policyholders with customization options, allowing them to tailor policies according to their specific requirements. Additionally, individuals can opt for add-on benefits such as roadside assistance, travel insurance, or cyber protection for enhanced coverage.
Risk Management
Digitalization enhances risk management strategies for insurers and policyholders alike. By harnessing data-driven insights and analytics, insurers can assess risks more accurately and offer proactive solutions. Moreover, electronic platforms enable robust fraud detection mechanisms, safeguarding policyholders against potential threats.
Accessibility
Electronic insurance transcends geographical boundaries, offering accessibility to a broader demographic. Whether you're a frequent traveler or an expatriate, electronic platforms ensure global coverage, providing peace of mind wherever you go. Moreover, digital accessibility promotes financial inclusion by reaching underserved communities.
Security
Security is paramount in the realm of electronic insurance. Digital transactions are encrypted to ensure secure exchanges of sensitive information. Additionally, stringent privacy measures safeguard policyholders' personal data from unauthorized access, instilling confidence in the digital insurance ecosystem.
Environmental Impact
Electronic insurance champions eco-friendly initiatives by reducing paper consumption through paperless transactions. By embracing digital documentation and communication, insurers contribute to environmental conservation efforts while enhancing operational efficiency.
Customer Service
Exceptional customer service is a hallmark of electronic insurance. With round-the-clock support and online assistance, policyholders can address inquiries, file claims, or request assistance conveniently. Responsive customer service fosters trust and loyalty, ensuring a positive experience for policyholders.
Competitive Advantage
For insurers, embracing electronic insurance offers a competitive edge in a crowded marketplace. By differentiating themselves through digital innovation and enhanced customer experience, insurers can attract and retain customers effectively. Electronic insurance opens new avenues for growth and prosperity in the digital age.
Future Trends
The future of insurance lies in seamless integration with emerging technologies. Electronic insurance is poised to embrace advancements such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) to offer personalized services and predictive analytics. As technology evolves, electronic insurance will continue to evolve, providing innovative solutions to meet evolving needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the advantages of electronic insurance are undeniable. From convenience and cost-effectiveness to enhanced security and environmental sustainability, electronic insurance offers a plethora of benefits for insurers and policyholders alike. Embracing electronic insurance paves the way for a digitally empowered future, where insurance becomes synonymous with efficiency, innovation, and peace of mind.
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xcoderagnecy1 · 3 months
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Software Security Testing Services
Guard your digital assets with Xcoder is the leading name in the realm of software security testing services. Our expert team meticulously evaluates and fortifies your software against potential vulnerabilities, ensuring a robust defense against cyber threats. Our comprehensive approach covers penetration testing, code review, and vulnerability assessments, providing you with a thorough analysis of your software's security posture. Secure your software with Xcoder and fortify your digital presence. To know more kindly visit https://xcoder.agency/services/software-security-testing/
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beardedmrbean · 3 months
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The Federal Bureau of Investigation is warning secretaries of state nationwide of "extremely alarming" threats in anticipation of the elections taking place across the country.
Election security has become a significant issue since the 2020 presidential election between Donald Trump and Joe Biden. The close election that took days to officially call in Biden's favor led to a litany of lawsuits and accusations by some conservatives, including Trump, that the results were compromised, eventually leading to the riot at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Trump awaits a criminal trial after being indicted on four counts in Washington, D.C., for allegedly working to overturn the results of the 2020 election in the run-up to the Capitol riot. Charges include conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding.
Last August, Trump and 18 others were indicted by a Georgia grand jury for allegedly attempting to overturn the state's 2020 results. The Republican front-runner for the 2024 nomination has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
"The threat environment, unfortunately, is very high," Timothy Langan, executive assistant director for the Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch of the FBI, said last week at the winter conference of the National Association of Secretaries of State in Washington, according to Stateline. "It is extremely alarming."
Newsweek reached out to the FBI via email for comment.
Langan reportedly advised caution to gathered secretaries of state and election officials about familiar and new cyberattacks, including an urging of vigilance in the face of violent threats that may affect their safety.
Election officials were also reportedly told that voter databases could be targeted via phishing or ransomware attacks conducted by domestic or foreign individuals or entities who want to sow doubt in the electoral process. That includes spreading misinformation and disinformation and addressing rapid technological changes spurred by artificial intelligence (AI).
"You need to conduct assessments and there are groups out there to assist [the process], whether at state or county levels because unless you understand what your vulnerabilities are, you can't do anything about it," Aaron Thacker, spokesperson for Democratic Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, told Newsweek on Wednesday.
"We can't just be afraid of these threats; we have to act on them," he added. "And that means to prepare."
Thacker said that Fontes and the state of Arizona, whose election officials were present at last week's conference, have been working in various facets to show the public that its elections are fair.
That has included updating an elections procedure manual approved in December by Governor Katie Hobbs and Attorney General Kris Mayes, correcting misinformation about ballot drop boxes, the successful completion of a "rigorous" certification and recertification training program for election workers, and multi-day "tabletop" exercises educating citizens and stakeholders in over a dozen counties on "deep fakes" and AI-related disruptions.
He said that future outreach will involve educating both the media and members of law enforcement on election-related protocols—saying the American public also needs to be critical thinkers and understand how elections actually work, as those who do not may spread conspiracy theories, which hurts overall confidence in institutions.
"At the end of the day, we have an elections process that works, and it has worked for a long time...Quite frankly, so much of this is less about actual manipulation of actual elections and ballots than themes people are buying into. So, we have to communicate that. We have always had free and fair elections."
Even as recent as last August, a CNN poll showed that 69 percent of Republicans and Republican-leaning independent voters viewed Biden's victory as illegitimate—an increase from 63 percent who thought the same in early 2023.
Dominion Voting Systems is one of the privately-owned voting equipment companies that received financial restitution after suing Fox News for $1.6 billion for defamation due to statements made by Fox News hosts regarding the legitimacy of the 2020 election. They ultimately settled out of court for $787.5 million.
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