Device Security

Protecting and securing your IT equipment is as basic as it gets, but complicated to get right and maintain usability.

At Alchemy we can advise on:

Physical Security: protecting the device from physical threats like theft, tampering, or damage. It includes measures like using locks, security cables, biometric access controls, and keeping devices in secure locations.

Operating System Security: Ensuring the operating system (OS) is up-to-date with the latest security patches is critical. Regular updates help to fix vulnerabilities and security loopholes that could be exploited by attackers.

Application Security: This involves securing the applications installed on the device. It includes using reputable app sources, updating apps regularly, and avoiding apps from unknown or untrusted sources.

Data Encryption: Encrypting sensitive data stored on the device prevents unauthorized users from accessing or understanding the information even if they gain physical access to the device.

Ransomware Protection: Installing Enhanced Detection & Response systems on local devices ensure ‘unusual’ events aka “Ransomware Attacks” are shut down before your entire data set is encrypted and you’re subject to an decryption bill from unscrupulous agents.

Email Security

With an estimated 94% of malware being delivered by email (2023) protecting email communication from unauthorised access, data breaches, malware, and other cyber threats is more important than it has ever been.

Key areas of email security covered by Alchemy Systems include:

Authentication: Implementing email authentication mechanisms like SPF (Sender Policy Framework), DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail), and DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) helps prevent email spoofing and phishing attacks.

Anti-malware and Anti-phishing: Utilizing antivirus and anti-phishing tools helps detect and block malicious attachments, links, and content in emails

Data Loss Prevention (DLP): DLP solutions monitor outgoing emails for sensitive data to prevent accidental or intentional data leaks.

Email Filtering: Spam filters and content filters help reduce the number of spam emails and malicious content that reaches users’ inboxes

Mobile Device Security: Ensuring mobile devices used for accessing emails have proper security measures, such as PINs, biometric authentication, and encryption, reduces the risk of unauthorized access if a device is lost or stolen.

Email Archiving: Archiving emails can help retain important communication for compliance purposes and as a backup in case of data loss.

 

User Authentication

One of the most challenging areas, as it needs to be complicated enough to dissuade persistent attackers, but user-friendly enough to allow your people to work without interruption. Alchemy Systems can facilitate:

Authentication and Access Control: Implementing strong authentication mechanisms, such as passwords, PINs, biometrics, or two-factor authentication (2FA), helps to prevent unauthorized access to the device.

Password Management: by supplying centralised password management software to your users, the human desire for simplicity and repetition is bypassed, resulting in better, more secure password habits.

Password Leakage Countermeasures: by monitoring the most likely places that leaked, stolen, or accidentally disclosed passwords will appear for auction, potential security breaches can be fixed before they are negatively exploited by bad actors. Automated ‘Dark Web’ monitoring systems are fast-becoming a must-have for businesses wanting a 360 view of their security posture.

IT Support Services Surrey

Security Testing

Security testing and training are crucial components of an effective cybersecurity strategy. We can assist with:

Vulnerability Assessment: This involves scanning systems or applications to identify known vulnerabilities and misconfigurations. Vulnerability scanners automate the process of discovering potential weaknesses in the infrastructure.

Penetration Testing (Pen Testing): Penetration testers, also known as ethical hackers, simulate real-world cyber-attacks to exploit vulnerabilities and gain unauthorised access. The results help organisations understand their weaknesses and prioritise security improvements.

Software Reviews: Automated scanning of user devices, especially BYOD machines, for out of date or unauthorised software will lead to a more secure, more resilient environment.

User Training

Ensuring your staff are aware of the most common cyber-security ingress methods, what they are likely to look like in their inbox, and how to deal with them when they see them, can save your company from the majority of likely threats. We can provide:

Training Video Library: a online repository of short, relevant videos on many areas of your company’s security stance, continually updated, and refreshed. Can also be used as part of new-user onboarding processes, so that new starters are quickly up to speed with the company’s security posture.

User Testing: putting your user training to the test, anonymously, with bespoke phishing simulation campaigns over email, tailored to your organisation, to keep even the sharpest of your employees on their toes.

Failure reporting: identify the most likely individuals or departments to inject unwanted threats into your systems, with regular reports on how phishing simulations are being handled by your employees. Identify areas for targeting with better accuracy, and motivate your employees to be your BEST line of cyber-defence.