Hacked Off with Hackers?

01 July 2010 - Leading IT and data security specialists Network Defence has hosted a ‘Hack the Lab’ workshop to show businesses how to protect their network and data against hackers, avoid damaging data leaks and safeguard systems against malicious content.

Recent studies show that cyber attacks such as computer hacking cost businesses around the world an average of £1.2 million last year, with 75% of businesses polled having experienced some kind of cyber crime in the past 12 months.

By adopting a hands-on approach to illustrate the ease with which hackers can breach company networks to gain access to sensitive data or deploy malware or spyware, Network Defence demonstrated how easily unsecured company systems can become compromised, highlighting the importance of using an effective and up-to-date well-managed intrusion prevention system (IPS).

As part of the workshop attendees were shown how to penetrate deep into a company’s network using hacker tactics such as port scans and web application attacks to gather credit card numbers and discover trade secrets. The participants then used the same hacking techniques on PCs protected by IPS software from Stonesoft, to highlight its effectiveness in preventing intrusion and protecting company networks.

Dave Beesley, Managing Director for Network Defence, said: “Hackers seem to be getting increasingly clever and are finding new ways to penetrate company networks to access sensitive data or deploy malicious content. This is why it’s crucial for businesses to keep one step ahead and ensure their systems are ‘hacker-proof’ by implementing a well-managed IPS.

“Our ‘Hack the Lab’ seminars are designed to highlight the key issues surrounding illegal, unauthorised access, demonstrate to businesses how easy it can be for a hacker to gain access to their sensitive information and how they can counteract this by ensuring effective security systems in place.”

If you would like to find out more about Network Defence’s ‘Hack the Lab’ workshops please contact Network Defence on 01925 272000.