by Craig Laird Jamieson, CEO of Loop Backup written on 15th December 2022

Are you tired of entering long, complicated passwords every time you log in to your account? Do you want a more secure and convenient way to authenticate your identity? Then look no further than Passkeys – the revolutionary password replacement that is quickly becoming the new standard for online security. With Passkeys, you don’t need to type anything at all; instead, you can authenticate yourself biometrically, giving you an extra layer of protection and peace of mind. In this blog post, we will discuss the advantages of Passkeys, and why they are the best choice for online security. Read on to learn more!

What is a passkey?

A passkey is a type of authentication that can replace passwords. Instead of typing in a password every time you want to access an account or service, a passkey allows you to authenticate yourself biometrically. This could be through your fingerprint, face recognition, voice recognition, or other biometric measures. 

Passkeys provide a more secure and convenient way to access accounts and services, as they require no memorization or manual entry. They also offer greater protection against brute force attacks, which are common methods used by hackers to guess passwords. 

There are various types of passkeys available on the market. Some are physical tokens that you can carry around, while others are software-based solutions. There are even passkey systems that are built into certain smartphones and tablets. No matter the type, passkeys offer an easier, faster, and more secure way to log in to accounts. 

To set up a passkey system for your accounts, you’ll need to find a provider who specialises in this technology. Once you have a provider in place, you’ll need to set up the system and choose the type of biometric authentication you want to use. From there, you’ll be able to enjoy the convenience and security of a passkey.

How do passkeys work?

Passkeys are a modern, secure, and convenient way to log in to your accounts without having to remember and type in passwords. Instead of typing in a long string of characters, you use your biometrics – like your fingerprint, face, or iris scan – to authenticate yourself.

Passkeys work by taking a unique and encrypted code that is generated from your biometric information, and this is what is used to grant you access to your account. This code is unique to you, so it can’t be guessed, stolen, or hacked, meaning that it provides much higher security than traditional passwords.

In addition to being more secure, passkeys are also much more convenient than passwords. Since you don’t have to type anything in, you don’t have to worry about forgetting or mistyping your password. You can also access your accounts faster than ever before as there’s no need for extra steps like setting up a two-factor authentication process.

Overall, passkeys are a great way to improve the security and convenience of logging into your accounts. With the added layer of protection from biometric authentication, you can be sure that your data is safe from unauthorised access. Plus, the ease of use makes it easy for everyone – no matter their technical knowledge – to quickly and securely sign in.

Why are passkeys more secure than passwords?

Passkeys are a new form of authentication that make signing into your account easier, faster, and more secure. Instead of entering a password, you can use biometric data, like your fingerprint or voice, to prove your identity. This type of authentication is much safer than passwords because it’s not vulnerable to brute force attacks or social engineering.

Biometric data is unique to each individual, so it’s almost impossible for someone else to gain access to your account if they don’t have the right authentication credentials. On top of that, you don’t have to remember a password or worry about it being stolen. 

Using passkeys also means that you don’t have to waste time typing in a long and complex password every time you need to sign in. Your device will recognize your biometric information quickly and easily, so you can sign in with just one touch or voice command. 

Overall, passkeys are an incredibly secure and convenient way to protect your online accounts. They provide an extra layer of security and make signing in faster and easier than ever before.

How can I get started using passkeys?

Are you looking for a more secure and convenient way to access your accounts? Introducing Passkeys, the password replacement that takes the hassle out of signing in. With Passkeys, you no longer need to type a password to access your account; instead, you can authenticate yourself biometrically.

So how can you get started using Passkeys? Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Sign up for an account with a Passkeys compatible provider. These providers include select banks, mobile apps, and other services that support this type of authentication. 
2. Install the Passkeys app on your smartphone or tablet. This app stores your biometric data and verifies your identity when logging in.
3. Create an account with the Passkeys provider and follow the instructions to register your device. You will need to scan a QR code or provide some basic information.
4. Once registered, you can use Passkeys to log into your account quickly and securely. Simply launch the app and scan your fingerprint or face to authenticate yourself.

With Passkeys, you don’t have to worry about remembering a password or typing it in every time you log in. Instead, all you need is your finger or face, and you’re good to go! So what are you waiting for? Get started with Passkeys today!

by Craig Laird Jamieson, CEO of Loop Backup written on 15th December 2022

In today’s ever-evolving digital landscape, organisations have been forced to grapple with a new reality: the perimeter is now everywhere. The days of simply relying on firewalls and other traditional security measures are long gone. Instead, organisations must now consider how they can protect their data, networks, and applications from the threats posed by our increasingly complex environment. In this blog post, we will explore the challenges associated with securing a multi-hybrid environment, and provide tips on how organisations can protect their data in today’s world.

In a multi-hybrid environment, where the perimeter is now everywhere, security should be able to protect it all.

In the modern age, the perimeter of a network is no longer confined to the traditional four walls of a single physical building. As businesses continue to expand and leverage digital solutions, the concept of the perimeter has moved from a single, fixed location to encompass many virtual boundaries across multiple locations and cloud-based systems.

This new multi-hybrid environment brings with it a plethora of security challenges. While traditional security solutions can help protect the perimeter of a single physical location, they are not equipped to handle the scale and complexity of this new landscape. To protect against threats in this new environment, businesses need a comprehensive security solution that covers multiple networks and devices.

Email and web browsing are two of the most common ways that cyber criminals gain access to corporate networks, so it’s essential that businesses have the right security measures in place to protect against these threats. An effective email security solution should include antivirus protection, encryption, content filtering and threat intelligence. Similarly, web browsing security should include malware protection and URL filtering.

Servers and storage are critical components of any IT infrastructure, and they must be properly secured to ensure that sensitive data is not accessed by unauthorised individuals. The best way to protect server and storage systems is by implementing a strict set of policies and procedures that limit access to certain individuals and monitor activity. Additionally, businesses should deploy solutions such as encryption and multi-factor authentication to ensure that data is safe and secure.

In addition to the core security solutions mentioned above, businesses should consider deploying additional solutions such as cloud access security brokers (CASB), intrusion prevention systems (IPS) and advanced threat protection (ATP). These solutions provide an extra layer of protection and can help detect malicious activity before it has the chance to cause damage.

Securing a multi-hybrid environment is no easy task. However, with the right solutions in place, businesses can ensure that their data is secure and protected from cyber threats. By investing in comprehensive security solutions and following best practices, businesses can ensure that their networks are safe and secure in today’s ever-changing environment.

Email, web browsing, servers and storage are merely the basics,

In today’s multi-hybrid world, the perimeter of an organisation’s security is no longer confined to a physical location. With the increasing prevalence of cloud computing and remote working, the traditional perimeter has extended beyond the boundaries of the office, leaving us with the question: How do we protect all of this?

Fortunately, there are solutions that can help us protect our ever-growing perimeter. Email, web browsing, servers, and storage are just the basics, so let’s look at how we can secure these components.

Email: Email has long been a go-to form of communication in the business world, but it is also one of the most vulnerable elements when it comes to security threats. To mitigate these risks, organisations should consider investing in email protection and monitoring software, which will help detect malicious attachments and other suspicious activity.

Web Browsing: Web browsing also presents a variety of security risks, so it is important to have measures in place to ensure your organisation is not exposed to these threats. Investing in a web application firewall or content filtering solution is a great way to make sure your organisation’s data is safe while browsing the internet.

Servers: Servers are another essential element in any organisation’s security system. It is important to have the right tools in place to protect your server from potential attacks. Solutions such as intrusion detection and prevention systems, endpoint security, and malware protection can help ensure that your server is kept secure.

Storage: Finally, storage solutions should also be secured with appropriate security measures. Cloud storage solutions provide organisations with a secure and cost-effective way to store their data. Encryption tools are also available to help protect sensitive data from unauthorised access.

By putting in place the right measures and technologies, organisations can ensure that their multi-hybrid environment remains secure and safe. So whether you’re dealing with email, web browsing, servers, or storage, make sure you have a comprehensive plan in place to protect it all.

The need for a new approach to security is becoming more urgent every day

As businesses and organisations move to a multi-hybrid environment, the perimeter is now everywhere. This means that the traditional methods of security may no longer be enough to protect our data and systems from malicious actors. It’s becoming increasingly important for businesses and organisations to consider adopting a new approach to security that can adequately protect their data and systems in this new environment.

The first step towards this new approach should be understanding the types of threats that can affect a multi-hybrid environment. The primary threats to consider include data loss, system outages, malicious software, and distributed denial of service attacks. Once these threats are understood, organisations must then look at the type of security measures they should use to protect themselves against them.

These measures can include implementing cloud-based security solutions such as firewalls and antivirus software, using identity and access management (IAM) tools, strengthening authentication processes, and regularly monitoring logs. Additionally, organisations should take steps to educate their employees about cybersecurity best practices and make sure all devices used within the network are properly secured.

By taking these measures, organisations will be well on their way to creating a secure multi-hybrid environment that is able to protect its data and systems from malicious actors. As security threats become increasingly sophisticated, it’s essential for organisations to stay ahead of the game by taking proactive steps to ensure their data and systems are protected.

A multi-hybrid approach to security is the best way to protect your business

As businesses move to a multi-hybrid environment, it is essential to secure the entire perimeter. With threats coming from every direction, security must be able to protect web browsing, email, servers and storage in order to keep sensitive data safe.

A multi-hybrid approach to security is the best way to protect businesses in this new landscape. This requires a combination of technologies, including endpoint protection, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems. Each technology should be used to complement the other and provide complete coverage against any potential threat.

Endpoint protection is designed to protect devices from malicious software, preventing them from being taken over or breached by external attackers. Firewalls provide a barrier between trusted and untrusted networks, blocking malicious traffic and preventing unauthorised access. Intrusion detection systems use machine learning and artificial intelligence to detect suspicious activity and respond accordingly. 

By utilising a multi-hybrid approach to security, businesses can ensure they are protected against the ever-evolving threats in the digital world. Additionally, a comprehensive security plan should include security training for employees to help ensure that their actions do not inadvertently cause problems. By taking a proactive approach to security, businesses can ensure their data remains safe and secure.

Implementing a multi-hybrid security approach is not as difficult as you might think

When it comes to securing a multi-hybrid environment, many organisations feel overwhelmed. After all, the perimeter is everywhere now, from email and web browsing to servers and storage. It can seem daunting to protect all of these different points of entry.

Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to help secure your environment. By implementing a multi-hybrid security approach, you can reduce your risk and give yourself peace of mind. Here’s what you need to know about this type of security solution.

1. Establish a Security Architecture: A multi-hybrid security approach needs to have a clearly defined security architecture in place. This should include an assessment of existing IT infrastructure, existing security policies and procedures, and current compliance requirements. This will help you identify the areas that need to be secured and ensure that they are properly addressed.
   
   
2. Utilise Endpoint Security: Endpoint security solutions can provide an added layer of protection for your organisation. These solutions can be used to protect devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones from malicious attacks, as well as detect suspicious activities on the network.
   
   
3. Use Firewall Solutions: Firewalls are essential for keeping attackers out of your system and allowing authorised users to access the network. When selecting a firewall solution, look for one that offers robust security features such as intrusion prevention systems, malware protection, and user authentication.
   
   
4. Implement Network Security Solutions: Network security solutions can help protect your organisation from data loss, malware attacks, and other threats. They can also help ensure that your sensitive data is kept secure. When selecting a network security solution, make sure it provides comprehensive protection and supports all the latest technologies.

By taking the time to implement a multi-hybrid security approach, you can rest assured that your organisation’s data and assets are safe. With the right solutions in place, you can keep the perimeter safe and secure no matter where it exists in your environment.

by Craig Laird Jamieson, CEO of Loop Backup written on 15th December 2022

For over a week now, customers of Rackspace have been locked out of their email and data hosted on the service due to a ransomware attack. With no timeline for recovery of their data and no access to their emails, customers have been stranded in a difficult and frustrating situation for 12 days and counting. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing the impact of the ransomware attack on Rackspace customers, how they’re coping without access to their data, and what options they may have for recovering their data.

What is ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that is designed to block access to a computer system until the victim pays a sum of money, or ransom, to the attacker. Once activated, the malware will either lock down a computer system by encrypting files and data or by blocking user access to the system entirely. It is typically spread through malicious websites, email attachments, or by exploiting security vulnerabilities in a system.

Ransomware can have a devastating effect on businesses and individuals alike, as any important data held in a system could be lost forever if the ransom isn’t paid. The attackers are typically very well-organised and sophisticated, making it difficult for victims to gain back access to their systems without paying the ransom. As such, it’s important to keep your systems updated and secure, as well as maintain regular backups of important data, in order to avoid falling victim to ransomware attacks.

How did this happen to Rackspace?

Rackspace, one of the largest cloud hosting providers in the world, was hit with a ransomware attack 12 days ago on their hosted Exchange email service. The attack locked customers out of their accounts and prevented them from accessing their data, causing major disruption.

Unfortunately, while Rackspace has made significant efforts to respond to the incident, they have not been able to give any indication of when the service will be restored. This has left many customers feeling helpless and frustrated, unsure of when they’ll be able to get back to work. 

The ransomware attack was particularly destructive because it was tailored for Microsoft Exchange servers, the technology that powers most hosted email services. As a result, it was able to bypass traditional security measures, leaving all users vulnerable.

As of now, it’s unclear exactly how the hackers managed to gain access to Rackspace’s systems. What is clear, however, is that this incident highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity protocols. Despite the best efforts of companies like Rackspace, cyber-attacks can happen to anyone at any time – and it’s essential that businesses take steps to protect themselves. 

While there are still many unanswered questions regarding this particular attack, it serves as an important reminder that no one is immune from cyber threats. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it’s more important than ever for companies to invest in robust security measures and ensure their data is safe.

What does this mean for the customer?

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a user’s data and holds it for ransom, demanding payment in exchange for unlocking the data. It’s an increasingly common form of cyber attack, and unfortunately it can be very difficult to recover from.

That’s exactly what happened to Rackspace customers on day 12 of the ransomware Exchange email incident. It’s been more than two weeks since their data was locked away and they still haven’t been able to get access to it.

So what does this mean for the customer? Well, they’re left in a tricky situation. On the one hand, they have to pay the ransom in order to get their data back. But on the other hand, there’s no guarantee that the criminals will actually give them back the data even if they pay.

The best option for Rackspace customers is to try to find other ways to recover their data without paying the ransom. This could involve restoring from backups or using data recovery software, but these methods can be time-consuming and expensive.

The takeaway here is that ransomware is a serious problem and it’s important for businesses to take steps to protect their data from it. This includes having regular backups in place and training staff on how to spot and avoid malicious emails. Taking these measures can help protect your business from falling victim to ransomware like Rackspace customers did.

What are some steps that can be taken to prevent this from happening again?

With the recent news of Rackspace customers dealing with 12 days of ransomware-induced data loss, it’s important to understand the best ways to prevent this type of issue from occurring in the future. While some businesses may think that their data is safe due to measures such as firewalls and antivirus software, it’s essential to take additional steps in order to protect yourself from ransomware attacks. 

The first step you should take is to back up your data. This should be done regularly, ensuring that a recent version of your data is stored on a device not connected to the internet. This will allow you to recover quickly in the event of a ransomware attack.

The second step is to ensure that all systems are kept up to date with the latest security patches. Software companies often release updates to patch security holes, so it’s important to keep your systems up to date to minimise potential threats.

Finally, it’s important to educate your employees about cybersecurity best practices. Make sure they know not to open emails from unknown sources and not to click on suspicious links. Additionally, teach them how to identify phishing attempts, which can lead to a successful ransomware attack.

By following these steps, businesses can help protect themselves from ransomware attacks and prevent the kind of data loss experienced by Rackspace customers. Regularly backing up data, maintaining updated systems, and educating employees can go a long way in preventing these incidents.