Everything You Need To Know About PKI In Cybersecurity

06 April 2021

Cybersecurity is one of the most sought-after academic disciplines in colleges and universities. In today’s world, since there are a lot of cyber attacks, the importance of implementing proper cybersecurity measures has become mandatory.

In this tech-driven day and age, the trend of using Public Key Infrastructure, or PKI, is on the rise. A tech person would easily understand what PKI means, but an average Joe would not know a thing about it. In this article, we are going to delve deep into knowing the basics of Public Key Infrastructure.

There are many tools like Keyfactor that provide Cyber Security certifications. So without wasting any further time, let us take a brief look at what PKI actually is.

What Does The Term PKI Mean?

In simple words, PKI is the term that focuses on everything that establishes and runs public key encryption. Public Key Infrastructure is one of the most common types of Internet encryption that deals with Cybersecurity.

It is actually installed on all web browsers to ensure that the traffic of the website is coming from a secure place. Organizations also use PKI to secure their internal communications.

The whole concept of PKI revolves around cryptography; it ensures that proper security is provided to websites. Keep in mind that these keys are not a part of the process of encryption; they just help to authenticate the true identity of the parties or devices. They are just certificate givers.

What Are PKI Certificates?

PKI certificates are nothing but online documents that work like digital passports. They are basically given to websites or entities that want to join the PKI-secured conversation. PKI certificates are not just some random authentication as they can contain a significant amount of data.

One of the top important pieces of information that a certificate includes is the website’s or entity’s public key; the certificate is only the medium through which the key is shared.

Then comes the part of authentication; the certificate comes with an attestation from a reliable source that the entity or website is who they declare to be. Let us look at some of the key elements of PKI certificates to get a better understanding.

A Registration Authority –

The registration authority is the single most important element in the Public Key Certificate. It confirms the identities of those asking for digital certificates.

A Certificate Authority –

The certificate authority signs the entities with its public key and issues digital certificates.

A Certificate Policy –

This certificate policy outlines all the PKI procedures; it helps outsiders judge the authenticity of the website.

A Certificate Database –

The Database stores the metadata and certificates until the license expires.

Now that you know the basis of PKI and PKI certificates, let us take a look at the uses of PKI.

What Are The Uses Of Public Key Infrastructure?

I am sure you have heard the term SSL before; it is the most common PKI implementation. But PKI is not just limited to SSL. There are a ton of other uses of PKI as well.

Securing Local Networks.
Email Encryption.
Securing IOT Devices.
Securing Internal Communications.
Signing Documents.
Giving Recovery Key For Encrypted Hard Drives.

I hope by now you have understood the uses of PKI, so let us take a look at some of the risks that you may face if you do not execute PKI properly.

What Are The Dangers of Poor PKI Implementation?

The thing is, having PKI does not ensure total security, but IT and Security Professionals take PKI very seriously because they are well aware of the risks. Some of the common risks that you may face due to poor PKI implementation are:

More encryption increases operational costs
Most business organization lack the proper infrastructure to Implement PKI
Unsecured websites undermine trust.

Final Thoughts:

There you have it, above was pretty much everything that you needed to know about PKI, aka Public Key Infrastructure. I hope you have found this article informative and educating. If you have some further queries in regards to PKI, kindly comment them down below.

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Ariana Smith

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

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Top 10 Cybersecurity Features That Are A Must-Have In An Ecommerce Store

Managing an eCommerce store is quite a task these days. Given the fact that cybercrimes are mounting, following cybersecurity best practices is paramount. Back in 2020, cybercriminals cost $12 billion off the table to companies around the world. When it happens, a cyberattack harms a company, directly and indirectly, affects its reputation in its potential customers' eyes. The losses that happen because of this can only be estimated, not counted. A concrete solution is necessary for businesses to keep themselves protected at all times. We have the solution to it but, before we discuss that, let us first understand why we need to safeguard our eCommerce store? Significance of eCommerce Website Security in 2021- In 2021, most businesses are working in the online framework. Their revenues heavily depend on their websites. If they do not emphasize their website's security, their customer base and reputation will get vulnerable. As an eCommerce website owner, you need to comply with certain payment guidelines such as PCI/DSS (Payment Card Industry - Data Security Standard) to ensure smooth payment transactions. Moreover, you need to install security protocols to secure your data integrity. They will not only protect your customer data from hackers but also keep the search engines satisfied. Thus, security is essential for your eCommerce website. 10 cybersecurity features every eCommerce Website Must Have- 1: Employ the two-factor Authentication Method: Does not matter how frustrating it may sound. As long as you are keeping your customer's data secure, every security method is fine. Employing 2-factor authentication may make your customers a bit agitated. They first enter the login credentials and then enter the OTP received on their number to decrease security breaches and hacks drastically. So, employ the process and safeguard your customer accounts. 2: HTTPS Authentication is Must: To obtain HTTPS authentication businesses need an SSL certificate to be installed on a website. Before installation, you need to buy an SSL certificate as they encrypt the data communication between the server and the client. It then passed over a secure network through cryptographic functions (symmetric & asymmetric) so that no cybercriminal can intercept the communication. Out of all the SSL certificates, the EV SSL certificates require a user to undergo a unique validation process to verify his credibility through his name, ID, address, and more. Thus, get an EV SSL to secure your Ecommerce website and obtain the highest validation level. 3: Secure Payment Gateway System by complying with PCI-DSS guidelines: PCI-DSS or Payment Card Industry – Data Security Standard is a body that governs a website's right to maintain an online payment transaction system. If you are a website that sees over six million+ transactions every year, you must be a level 1 compliant but, if your transactions range from 20,000 per year, you are safe as a level 4 client of PCI-DSS. The compliance helps you to secure your payment gateway system and allows you to use a third-party app to accept payments and make refunds on your behalf. 4: A VPN can act as a Night Watchman: When you use public networks such as Wi-Fis to access the site, it is better to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to watch your back and restrict other connections to manipulate the ongoing connection between the server and the client. Without a VPN, hackers can easily manipulate the payment transaction and hack credit and debit card details. VPN will secure your customer's payment transaction even on Wi-Fi and keep their sensitive data safe as houses. 5: Use reCAPTCHA to restrict malicious bots: The reCAPTCHA method is extremely effective in keeping hackers at bay. ReCAPTCHA generates random questions to which a bot cannot answer. There are plenty of malicious bots lurking around the internet in hopes of finding an ideal prey for cybercriminals. When they get access to your account, malicious bots can steal information, leak it, or even bring your site down. ReCAPTCHA adds an extensive layer of security that is impenetrable for a code or a bot. It restricts bad guys' entrance by protecting login pages, signup pages, contact form pages, form submission pages, payment gateway pages, etc. 6: Choose a reliable CMS platform: Choosing the right CMS is important for businesses to determine whether an eCommerce website will stay safe. Mediocre CMSs are a big risk to have. They might help you save a few bucks, but you will always be vulnerable to theft. But, CMSs like WordPress and Joomla are renounced entities having customer bases in millions. Moreover, they are regular in updating security patches and always stay a step ahead of the bad guys. The only thing you need to do is keep them updated. 7: Don't install Unsolicited Extensions and Plugins: Plugins and extensions are necessary to enhance your website's reach. They allow you access to multiple tools and features on the internet. But not all plugins are safe to install. These days due to rising cybercrimes, you must be aware of what you're installing or adding. Cybercriminals can engrave malicious codes in the plugins, and when a user installs it, they get access to his site. Before installing any plugin, make sure that its source is known. Check for its review and ratings across the internet. Also, check its performance reports and badges for further inquiry and self-satisfaction. 8: Site Security Audit: Site security auditing does not interest a lot of merchants but it is essential for their survival. Site security auditing includes checking whether the anti-virus is working appropriately and security protocols are repelling attacks or not. As a merchant, you must initiate site auditing from time to time. It will help you prevent attacks, fix bugs and technical glitches. If detected early, some security issues can be repelled; otherwise, they may harm the website if they stay for longer periods. So, keep auditing your website at regular intervals of time. 9: Install a Firewall: If you own a web application, the firewall can benefit you immensely. Web Application Firewall or WAF protects the website or web app by analyzing the traffic between the application and the internet. A firewall protects the user data, the application from XSS (cross-site scripting), SQL injection and cross-site request forgery, etc. A firewall is the need of the hour to suffice the mounting cyberattacks and help sustain the business. 10: Create Data Backups: In today's tech world, data is more important than cash in your wallet. Cash can be earned by you again but data once lost cannot be retrieved in the same proportion. For businesses, data is their lifeline. They thrive on data and channelize their operations accordingly. Since it is immensely important, protecting it is quite a task for businesses as cybercriminals are always on the lookout for data. The best way to protect your data is by creating a copy of it and save it on the cloud. Cloud allows you to access your data anywhere at any time, making it extremely reliable. To Conclude: eCommerce is booming every day. New ways of marketing, selling, and attracting are getting invented to make life convenient for customers. On the hind side, hackers also build new ways to capture as much data as possible. They employ bots and bugs to do the dirty work. Bots can enter your website and steal customer data, whereas bugs can get attached to plugins and gain access once you install them. Keeping track of what you are installing, where you are visiting, and who you are allowing access to is of paramount importance. But everything can get simple if you follow these ten steps, as they will help you frame a robust website security system. Read Also: Everything You Need To Know About PKI In Cybersecurity Five Tips to Make Sure Your Security Software Is Actually Secure Why DRM Is the New Standard for Document Security Top 10 Computer Security Mistakes

Demystifying the common GDPR Myths

As one of the most common discussions around the internet today, data protection has seen huge changes in 2018. Indeed, the introduction of the European Union’ General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) program is making companies finally face up to their corporate responsibilities. While this has been more than a long time coming, it has not been dealt with well for the most part in the recent decades. This step from the EU is a merciful way to help make the regulation change as soon as possible. However, like all major regulatory changes, some half-truths and full-blown myths have emerged. What are some of the common tall tales told about GDPR that you need to look out for? 1. GDPR is just a mechanism to fine companies! Absolute hogwash, to put it bluntly. GDPR is a mechanism to send data protection back to the people who the data actually is about, not the company. A company can be fined as much as £17m, or 4% of their annual turnover, by the GDPR. However, this isn’t some committee looking to pay for their holidays and Christmas party: this is here to stop citizens being ripped off any longer by companies. 2. GDPR fines are handed out without warning We don’t know where these kinds of ideas come from, but it’s just not true in any capacity at all. fines in GDPR will be proportionate to the issue at hand: a small company with a GDPR breach will be fined a reasonable amount. Also, you are given two – almost three – warnings about GDPR compliance failure. You won’t just find a team of armed guards in EU flags turning up, don’t worry! 3.GDPR came from nowhere For years, GDPR was reported on and discussed at length. It was not a surprise. Companies were given the best part of a full calendar year to get their systems into spec before the May 2018 roll-out. Companies that missed the GDPR call-out would simply have not been paying attention to data protection policy changes. This was not a surprise for anyone who followed the industry. If you were a business that did not see GDPR coming, then we recommend that you spend some more time looking at European law changes: this was not a surprise! 4. GDPR is constraining businesses Again, not true – GDPR merely makes businesses take responsibility for the data that they have. GDPR is making it harder for consent to be presumed, and instead, it has to be clearly provided. The days of pre-ticked boxes for consent are gone. It’s also going to be much easier for people to withdraw their consent if they so choose. This is not constraining businesses, it’s merely making a part of the web that was thoroughly amateur in its people protection a bit more stringent in the way that you think and acts like a business. 5. GDPR was not necessary This is also quite untrue: GDPR was absolutely necessary. It’s simply putting in place a foundational program that reinforces key terms such as the Data Protection Act, and also makes companies more likely to care for the data they hold instead of using it recklessly. This myth, that GDPR is not necessary and was just added in to add more ‘red tape’ is not the case at all. All of the data breach stories of the recent years would have been almost impossible under GDPR: in a bid to give people back power over their own data, GDPR was essential. GDPR compliance is a fixed process This has been around for some time and is not the case at all. While it may have rolled out in 2018, the EU is fully aware that getting ready for it will take some time and effort. While the two years to get ready was more than enough, with ICO regulation kicking in as of May ’18, there is going to be change to it as time goes on. This is not like the Y2K bug; out of all the painful misconceptions about GDPR, this may be among the worst. You might not like the need to be more specific with data regulation, but GDPR is a good thing – the myths make it sound like the end of the world. All it is, in reality, is an end to lawlessness in data protection and regulation. Final Take Away Hence, these are some of the crucial facts that you have to take care of while you want to improve your business in the correct order at the correct point in time. Do not make your choices in grey while you want to develop your current business in the right direction. Read Also: 4 Secret Ways To Help You Download Torrents Safely Top Cloud Security Controls You Should Be Using

How VPN works on Windows and how you can benefit from it

Windows is one of the most widely used operating systems in the world. It is estimated that there are more than a billion Windows users worldwide. This extensive usage means that the amount of data available on Windows systems is enormous making them a target for hacks and other kinds of cyberattacks. A recent article published by Forbes reveals that unsigned firmware in laptop cameras, network interface cards, Wi-Fi adapters, and USB hubs puts millions of Windows users at risk of data theft and ransomware attacks. These threats and vulnerabilities make the use of a VPN for Windows imperative. Here’s how a VPN for Windows works and how people can benefit from it: How a VPN for Windows works A VPN for Windows 10 works by plugging the source of all hacks. The user's IP address, while they are connected to the internet, is what leads cybercriminals to their position and allows them to initiate attacks. VPNs masks this IP address to minimize the ability of any cyber attacker to track and infect the system. The service will effectively eliminate any chances of malware or other bugs being able to reach the system software or hardware. Did you know that Windows 10, the latest version of the operating system comes with its VPN client too? Windows acknowledges the prevalent threat from cybercrime and provides users with the option to enable data security from within the system. This VPN client can serve as a great complimentary service to a comprehensive VPN but it limits functionality because you can only connect to specific servers and this restricts internet access to a great extent. The benefits of a VPN for Windows There are several benefits of a VPN and these go beyond just allowing internet freedom without any restrictions. The main features that a VPN offers revolve around providing elaborate cybersecurity. Cybercriminals and their tactics are constantly evolving and this trend is expected to continue for several years. Here are some of the advantages that a VPN brings when it comes to providing protection against a variety of threats. Comprehensive cybersecurity VPNs offer a wide range of options to protect Windows systems against malicious elements online. These include secure servers spread across the globe and state-of-the-art AES encryption services which makes it hard for hackers to steal data emerging from the system. Most leading VPNs have over the top features like public Wi-Fi security, secure DNS, dedicated IPs, internet kill switches, DDoS protection and a lot more besides. All these features are effective in protecting a Windows system against cybercrime threats. Advanced encryption protocols Encryption is a vital pillar of cybersecurity and the more elaborate it is the better. Highly rated VPNs make sure that they provide additional encryption protocols for users to support themselves and the protection of their online presence effectively. These advanced protocols can be added on top of the standard features so that the overall strength of encryption can be increased. Some security steps to help you protect your data online It is important to note that a VPN alone can’t provide complete cybersecurity. The biggest loophole at times in the protective guard is the user themselves. There are tools and measures that are imperative to be taken in order to ensure that the threat is minimized to a level where it becomes insignificant. Here are some of the most effective tips in this regard: Use antivirus A VPN is good at detecting threats that may be incoming but users need something that can deal with elements that have already made their way into the system. This is where a good antivirus comes into play. It screens the device on a regular basis to make sure that no harmful malware is hiding inside the device because viruses have the ability to sit in a device for a long period of time and the user only gets to know about them after it’s too late. Update all software regularly Software that is out of date is much more vulnerable to cyberattacks because the development team has stopped working on protecting it. This means that if your software is not updated you are a greater risk of hacks and other attacks as compared to when your applications are up to date. Install a secure browser like Tor Tor is one of the browsers that hide user IP addresses as default. The IP originally is public but when you use a browser like Tor, it is masked, to begin with. Tor is not a complete of an alternative of a VPN though because the latter provides a lot of extraordinary features whereas the browser is just a basic service that is not adequate on its own. Always keep strong passwords Many of us shy away from strong passwords because they are hard to remember especially since there are so many of them. This is one of the biggest mistakes to make. There are several secure password managers out there which can hold all passwords, auto-fill them when necessary and take the burden of remembering them off your shoulders. Stay vigilant Vigilance is one of the most crucial factors because scams like phishing, man-in-the-middle or other similar ones have nothing to do with VPN. Protecting from these all comes down to being aware and careful of the existence of these threats. Conclusion While a VPN has become a necessary tool to have these days, it is more important to have knowledge about the threats and being vigilant to protect against them. Recommend Post: 8 VPN Facts – You Should Know About Top 7 Torrent Applications with VPN Support Five Tips to Make Sure Your Security Software Is Actually Secure

Everything You Need To Know About PKI In Cybersecurity

What Does The Term PKI Mean?