2024-08-16 - Version 2

Cloud Control: Why Your NAC Needs a Serious Upgrade

This article was originally posted by VMBlog.

In the ruthless arena of cybersecurity, only the adaptable survive. Traditional methods of network protection are fast becoming obsolete as cyber threats evolve in complexity and cunning. To stay ahead, businesses must embrace a radical shift – moving their Network Access Control (NAC) to the cloud. Cloud-native NAC isn’t just a step forward; it’s a leap into a new era of security, scalability, and efficiency. It’s time to break free from the constraints of the past and future-proof your defenses against the relentless onslaught of digital threats.

The Evolution of Network Access Control

Network Access Control has been a cornerstone of enterprise security for years. Traditional NAC solutions operate within the boundaries of on-premises networks, leveraging a mix of hardware and software to monitor and manage network access. These systems have served their purpose – often clumsily – but as business operations increasingly migrate to the cloud, the limitations of on-prem NAC are becoming apparent. The need for scalability, flexibility, and enhanced security measures has led to the rise of cloud-native NAC.

Why Cloud-Native NAC?

Enhanced Security Against Sophisticated Threats

The cybersecurity landscape is dynamic, with new threats emerging constantly. Traditional NAC systems, rooted in static, perimeter-based defenses, struggle to keep pace with these evolving threats. Cloud-native NAC, however, is built to leverage the dynamic nature of cloud environments.

Cloud-native NAC also benefits from continuous updates and improvements delivered directly by the provider. This ensures that the latest access intelligence and security patches are always in place, future-proofing your network against new vulnerabilities.

Scalability and Flexibility

In today’s digital age, businesses need to be agile. Traditional NAC solutions are rigid, requiring significant hardware investments and complex configurations. Scaling these systems to accommodate growth or changes in network architecture is both time-consuming and costly.

Cloud-native NAC, on the other hand, offers unparalleled scalability. Whether you’re a small startup experiencing rapid growth or a large enterprise with fluctuating network demands, cloud-native NAC can scale up or down effortlessly. This flexibility ensures that your network security adapts in real-time to meet your business needs without the need for extensive manual intervention.

Cost Efficiency

Budget constraints are a reality for most organizations, and traditional NAC solutions can be a significant financial burden. The upfront costs of hardware, ongoing maintenance, and the need for specialized IT staff to manage these systems add up quickly.

Cloud-native NAC operates on a subscription-based model, significantly reducing capital expenditure. There are no hefty upfront costs for hardware, and the service provider manages maintenance. This model not only spreads out costs over time but also offers predictable budgeting, making it easier to manage finances. Moreover, reducing administrative overhead frees up your IT team to focus on strategic initiatives rather than routine maintenance tasks.

Simplified Management and Deployment

Deploying and managing traditional NAC systems can be complex and time-consuming, often requiring specialized knowledge and significant effort to maintain. In contrast, cloud-native NAC solutions are designed for simplicity and can be deployed quickly and managed through intuitive, user-friendly interfaces.

These systems offer centralized management, providing a unified view of network activity and security posture across the entire organization. This centralized approach simplifies policy enforcement, auditing, and compliance, ensuring that your network remains secure and compliant with industry regulations. Plus, network security teams are not burdened by hardware management, but rather given the proper time to focus on what matters – determining security policies and enforcing them.

Improved User Experience

In today’s hybrid work environment, employees expect seamless access to resources, regardless of their location. Traditional NAC solutions can create bottlenecks, leading to frustration and decreased productivity.

Cloud-native NAC leverages the power of the cloud to deliver fast, reliable access to network resources. By integrating with cloud services and utilizing advanced identity and access management protocols, these solutions ensure that users have the access they need, when they need it, without compromising security. This improved user experience translates to higher productivity and satisfaction among employees.

Future-Proofing Your Organization

As we look to the future, it’s clear that the shift to cloud-native solutions is not just a trend but a necessity. The agility, scalability, and advanced security features offered by cloud-native NAC make it an essential component of a modern cybersecurity strategy. By embracing cloud-native NAC, organizations can ensure they are well-equipped to handle the challenges of today and tomorrow.

The move to cloud-native NAC is a strategic imperative for any organization looking to stay ahead of the curve. The benefits are clear: enhanced security, cost efficiency, scalability, simplified management, and improved user experience. By future-proofing your network with cloud-native NAC, you position your organization to thrive in an increasingly complex and hostile digital landscape. It’s time to make the shift – the cloud is calling.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Portnox
Portnox provides simple-to-deploy, operate and maintain network access control, security and visibility solutions. Portnox software can be deployed on-premises, as a cloud-delivered service, or in hybrid mode. It is agentless and vendor-agnostic, allowing organizations to maximize their existing network and cybersecurity investments. Hundreds of enterprises around the world rely on Portnox for network visibility, cybersecurity policy enforcement and regulatory compliance. The company has been recognized for its innovations by Info Security Products Guide, Cyber Security Excellence Awards, IoT Innovator Awards, Computing Security Awards, Best of Interop ITX and Cyber Defense Magazine. Portnox has offices in the U.S., Europe and Asia. For information visit http://www.portnox.com, and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.。

Best web content filtering software for business

Imagine a school facing problems with students accessing inappropriate websites during class. Teachers feel frustrated, and IT admins try to find a solution. This situation is common in many places that need secure and controlled internet access through URL filtering.

Finding the best internet filtering software can seem hard, but the right choice protects against malicious content and data loss. Web content filtering software creates a safe online environment by reducing cyber threats. This guide highlights the top 10 web content filtering solutions that, in our opinion, based on the public sources we analyzed, offer strong features and ease of use. Each solution is evaluated based on user feedback and cost. Explore these options to improve your business’s online security and productivity with URL filtering and a secure web gateway.

How we chose the best content filtering solutions (in our opinion)

We reviewed the websites of various content filtering solutions and read user reviews on platforms like Gartner, G2, and Capterra. We focused on what users mentioned most about value, speed, performance, and cost.

Here are the seven most important characteristics we used to pick the best content filtering solutions.

Key features. Does the DNS layer security providers offer enough capabilities, like specific URL filtering to implement Secure Web Gateway strategies?
User feedback. We paid attention to what users generally liked and disliked. We focused on ease of use, customer support, effectiveness, and reliability.
Cost and business type. We analyzed cost and overall value for different organization types by considering user comments on pricing models and expenses.
Deployment and management. We examined user comments on how easy it was to deploy and manage each solution. We prioritized solutions that users found simple to set up and manage.
Security and compliance features. We reviewed the security features based on user experiences. We looked at threat detection, DNS filtering, deep packet inspection, and compliance with industry standards.
Scalability and flexibility. We evaluated how well each solution scaled to meet the needs of different-sized businesses. We considered user reviews about flexible deployment options and support for various devices.
Performance and reliability. Based on user feedback, we considered performance and reliability and prioritized solutions with robust infrastructure, high uptime, and fast response times.

Top 10 web content filtering solutions

Different solutions suit different business types. Here’s a detailed look at our top web content filtering solutions available today, listed in no particular order.

NordLayer
DNSFilter
ScoutDNS
SafeDNS
Twingate
GoodAccess
Cloudflare
Zscaler
Cato Networks
Netskope

NordLayer

NordLayer provides advanced DNS filtering, which helps businesses control employee web traffic and protect against unwanted content through URL filtering. This is crucial because unrestricted internet access can endanger the entire network.

DNS filtering by category acts as a gatekeeper, preventing access to inappropriate websites. A specially configured DNS resolver checks requests against a blocklist of unsafe domains. When a domain is flagged, the resolver blocks the request and stops potential cyber threats before they reach the network. This customized filtering allows businesses to block specific categories, such as violence or adult content. It also helps increase employee productivity, maintain business reputation, and boost network performance.

With NordLayer, businesses can easily manage and customize security policies from a single central point, regardless of location. NordLayer’s unique, patented DNS filtering technology ensures reliable and effective categorization and blocking of unwanted content, enhancing compliance capabilities. Multiple DNS filtering options allow the blocking of over 50 inappropriate, distracting, or malicious content categories, helping to maintain a clean, more compliant digital environment.

The ThreatBlock solution extends DNS filtering by blocking malicious domains. Using various malware libraries and deny lists, ThreatBlock continuously updates to recognize and block new threats. Even if an employee clicks on a malicious link, ThreatBlock intercepts the request and displays an error message.

Most mentioned product strengths:

Granular control over categories
Over 50 content categories available
Broad range of topics for restriction

Most mentioned overall product benefits:

Multiple platform support
User-friendly interface
24/7 support team response
Reasonable pricing
Regular updates
Compatible with various infrastructures
Integrates with popular IAM platforms
Scalability
Low latency
Free trial or money-back guarantee

Some complaints:

Need to request DNS filtering by category manually

NordLayer stands out as a solid choice due to its strong filtering software, including DNS security and secure web gateway features.

DNSFilter

DNSFilter helps organizations filter internet content and protect against online threats like malware and phishing through URL filtering. Founded in 2015, the company now supports thousands of brands worldwide.

DNSFilter performs content filtering at the DNS level with its machine-learning engine, Webshrinker. This technology categorizes new and unknown sites, ensuring accurate content filtering. Users can choose from over 35 content categories and 7 threat categories to customize what they block or allow.

Most mentioned product strengths:

Flexible filtering options
Fast logging and reporting
Possibility to import domain names in CSV format
Domain whitelisting
Detailed reports, intuitive layout

Most mentioned overall product benefits:

Multiple platform support
User-friendly interface
Reasonable pricing
Regular product updates
Integration with Active Directory
Simple client setup
Free trial

Some complaints:

Failing auto-updates
Deployment challenges
Blocking legitimate sites
VPN compatibility

Disclaimer: This review is based on information from the DNSFilter website, VPN review sites such as Gartner and G2, and user feedback from Reddit, accessed on June 20, 2024.

ScoutDNS

ScoutDNS is a tool that provides DNS security and URL filtering for organizations. It offers a simple way to manage and protect internet access by controlling which sites can be visited.

ScoutDNS helps organizations with content filtering, DNS layer security, and network visibility. It manages over 67 content categories and allows custom allow/block lists for different needs. Users can add items from logs, block harmful sites like those with phishing and malware, and manage suspicious domains. It provides real-time logs for 30 days, shows detailed activity, and inspects DNS messages for more control.

Most mentioned product strengths:

Whitelist/Blacklist management
Reporting and analytics
Roaming client available
SSL certificate integration

Most mentioned overall product benefits:

Responsive support team
User-friendly interface
Reasonable pricing
Quick issue resolution
Free trial

Some complaints:

Lack of real-time alerts for blocked pages
DNS rerouting can slow down browsing

Disclaimer: This review is based on information from VPN review sites such as Capterra and G2, accessed on June 20, 2024.

SafeDNS

Since 2010, SafeDNS has provided content filtering for thousands of businesses. It helps organizations keep their data safe with reliable web filtering and DNS security services.

SafeDNS offers features that enhance online security and control, such as DNS layer security, content filtering, and app blocking. The AI-powered categorization filters inappropriate content across a vast database and provides detailed reports and analytics for monitoring internet usage. The Anycast network ensures fast and stable performance worldwide, and the solution supports roaming clients and scheduling for flexible management. SafeDNS focuses on content filtering, which makes it ideal for businesses that need to manage web access and online safety, but it is not a comprehensive cybersecurity solution.

Most mentioned product strengths:

Comprehensive category options
Whitelist/Blacklist management
Monthly stats
Wi-Fi network integration

Most mentioned overall product benefits:

Scalability
User-friendly interface
Reasonable pricing
Integration with other tools
Ease of maintenance

Some complaints:

Blocks good websites
Issues with detailed reporting
Inconsistent performance
Support issues
License starting from 15 seats

Disclaimer: This review is based on information from the SafeDNS website and VPN review sites such as Gartner and Capterra, accessed on June 20, 2024.

Twingate

Twingate provides a secure remote access solution designed to meet modern security challenges. Developed in 2019, Twingate aims to address the limitations of traditional VPNs by offering a Zero Trust Network Access model that is both user-friendly and easy to deploy.

Twingate automatically flags, detects, and blocks malicious web threats, protecting users from malware, phishing, and other online dangers. It blocks malicious websites and thwarts phishing attempts while keeping users’ internet traffic safe with customizable filters for both managed and BYOD items. The platform consolidates tools into a single agent, centralizing management for internet security and remote access without the need for multiple solution-specific agents.

Most mentioned product strengths:

Granular control over categories
Reporting and analytics

Most mentioned overall product benefits:

User-friendly interface
Scalability
Integration with other tools
Great documentation
Lightweight and efficient

Some complaints:

Frequent disruptions
Not cost-effective
Lack of Linux VPN client

Disclaimer: This review is based on information from VPN review sites such as Gartner and G2 and user feedback from Reddit, accessed on June 20, 2024.

GoodAccess

GoodAccess is a startup founded in 2020 and has since developed an affordable Zero Trust Network Access solution.

GoodAccess’ DNS filter, Threat Blocker, prevents ransomware attacks. GoodAccess uses its own DNS system to handle all DNS resolutions for every connected client. Threat Blocker, part of the larger Secure Shield package, combines open-source and commercial lists of malicious domains. It checks every DNS request against these lists. When it finds a match, Threat Blocker redirects the user to a safe website that informs them that an attempt to access a malicious domain was blocked.

Most mentioned product strengths:

Real-time data monitoring

Most mentioned overall product benefits:

Stable and reliable
Multiple platform support
Responsive support team
Reasonable pricing

Some complaints:

Newer versions cause service issues, and updates need manual intervention
High costs when adding more gateways
Limited connections per user
Hard to use for less tech-savvy people

Disclaimer: This review is based on information from VPN review sites such as Capterra, Gartner, and G2, accessed on June 20, 2024.

Cloudflare

Cloudflare One is a web filter and security solution with a secure web gateway. It is from Cloudflare, a well-known and long-standing provider, which has a global presence and higher cost.

Cloudflare One provides an authoritative DNS service, a public DNS resolver, and DNS filtering. It includes Cloudflare Gateway, a secure web gateway that offers DNS filtering, browser isolation, and other technologies. This web filter helps protect internal users and keep data secure. Cloudflare Gateway improves network security and restricts what employees access on the internet.

Most mentioned product strengths:

Customizable filtering options
Whitelist/Blacklist management
Bypass methods control

Most mentioned overall product benefits:

User-friendly interface
Responsive support team
Free trial

Some complaints:

Blocks the right websites and users
Complex setup
Interrupts communication
Customer support issues

Disclaimer: This review is based on information from the Cloudflare website and VPN review sites such G2 as Gartner, accessed on July 3, 2024.

Zscaler

Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) has a web filter designed to improve organizations’ internet security. The tool includes many advanced features to protect users from online threats.

Zscaler offers powerful URL filtering as part of Zscaler Internet Access. It also includes a secure web gateway, data loss prevention, cloud-gen firewall, and more. Zscaler Internet Access is part of the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange platform, which allows fast, secure connections for employees working from anywhere. This filtering software uses dynamic content categorization, integrated browser isolation, and safe search enforcement to control web traffic effectively.

Most mentioned product strengths:

Granular control features
Real-time threat protection
Whitelist/Blacklist management
Reporting and analytics

Most mentioned overall product benefits:

Multiple platform support
Responsive support team

Some complaints:

Complex and time-consuming setup
Managing security policies is complex
Logging for different modules isn’t separate, making troubleshooting hard
Sometimes blocks essential sites

Disclaimer: This review is based on information from the Zscaler website and VPN review sites such as Gartner, G2, and Trustradius, accessed on July 4, 2024.

Cato Networks

Cato SASE Cloud is a comprehensive solution that also provides businesses with web content filtering. It offers a cloud-based service that integrates various features to ensure safe and efficient network management.

Cato’s DNS Security inspects all DNS traffic and blocks requests to malicious destinations before a connection occurs. AI-based DNS inspection delivers in-line phishing protection by analyzing webpage components, domain age, and other factors. This solution blocks malicious domains and command-and-control sites using updated threat intelligence.

Most mentioned product strengths:

Reporting and analytics

Most mentioned overall product benefits:

Multiple platform support
Responsive support team
Integrations with other products

Some complaints:

Few technical documents available for troubleshooting
Need for careful implementation planning
Complex cloud management console navigation
Login issues with the app

Disclaimer: This review is based on information from the Cato Networks website, and VPN review sites such as Gartner and G2, accessed on June 20, 2024.

Netskope

Netskope One SASE provides a web filtering solution for enforcing acceptable use policies (AUPs) in various locations, including headquarters, remote offices, and mobile workers using company-managed devices. Netskope’s NewEdge private cloud network spans over 70 regions.

Netskope’s web filtering software helps organizations enforce AUPs using predefined and custom categories for apps, security risks, YouTube, and silent ad blocking. It covers over 120 categories and supports 200+ countries. The solution includes dynamic web page categorization, custom categories, and API-enabled updates. Netskope uses machine learning to rate new and unknown web content. Netskope Intelligent SSE, built on the Netskope Security Cloud, offers real-time data and threat protection for cloud services, websites, and private apps.

Most mentioned product strengths:

Granular policy controls
Reporting and analytics

Most mentioned overall product benefits:

Responsive support team
Integrations with other products
Low system impact

Some complaints:

Lack of granular threat protection and packet analysis
Syncing issues
Pricing structure
Lack of integration with certain tools
Limited help articles
Regular outages

Disclaimer: This review is based on information from the Netskope website and VPN review sites such as Gartner and G2, accessed on June 20, 2024.

How to choose the best content filtering solution for your business

Choosing the best web content filtering solution involves looking at your specific needs, budget, and the size of your organization. Here are seven steps to help IT admins make the best choice.

Identify your business needs. Assess what your organization requires. A small business with 20 employees might need basic web filtering software to block malicious content, while a large enterprise with over 1,000 employees may need a secure web gateway to manage complex threats and ensure compliance.
Evaluate security features. Look for solutions that provide strong security features. DNS filtering helps protect against malware and ransomware, as well as improves productivity and network performance. Real-time protection against new online threats is also helpful for high security.
Consider ease of use and management. The content filtering software should be easy to set up and manage. Simple deployment and a user-friendly interface are important, especially for businesses with limited IT resources.
Check scalability and future-proofing. Ensure the solution can grow with your business. Choose a tool that is good for scaling: the one that supports flexible deployment and integration with more Security Service Edge (SSE) frameworks like Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS).
Evaluate customization options. Your content filtering solution should allow customization to meet specific business needs. Flexibility is essential for organizations that need tailored filtering policies based on their industry, such as schools needing to block adult content while allowing educational resources.
Consider cost-effectiveness. Budget is a key factor. Look for solutions that provide comprehensive security features at a competitive price. Small businesses with tight budgets can start with minimal filtering capabilities and upgrade to more advanced solutions as they grow.
Assess support and reliability. Reliable customer support and high uptime are crucial, especially during setup and troubleshooting. Responsive support teams and detailed dashboards and analytics help IT admins manage their networks effectively.
Check provider credibility. Choose a trustworthy solution with a good track record. Look at customer reviews and brand awareness to ensure reliability and effectiveness.

Conclusion

Filtering is crucial for many reasons. Security is a major one, but it’s not the only benefit. Even if internet threats aren’t a concern, these tools boost employee productivity, protect business reputation, and improve network performance.

Whether you need comprehensive security, ease of implementation, or scalable solutions, the options listed here offer reliable and effective ways to filter content and ensure secure internet access. Evaluating your specific needs and the features of each solution helps you make an informed decision that enhances your organization’s web security and productivity.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available third-party reviews, user feedback, and online sources as of July 5, 2024. While we strive for accuracy and completeness, Nord Security Inc. and its affiliates make no guarantees regarding the information’s accuracy, completeness, or suitability. The product rankings and comparisons are our opinions, based on our analysis of public sources and publicly described product features, and should not be considered definitive or permanent. We do not warrant or represent that any product is or will remain the best, top, or highest-ranked in any list or rating for any period of time. Product features, pricing, and other details may change, and we advise readers to verify these directly with vendors. We disclaim liability for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on this information. The inclusion of competitor products does not imply endorsement, and all trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. Readers should conduct their own research and seek independent advice before making purchasing decisions.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About NordLayer
NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses – from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security.

The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.

About NordLayer
NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses – from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security.

The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.

Nord Security NordLayer 2024

Scale Computing Pumps Ease of Edge Computing into Convenience & Fuel Retail Industry, Announces New Customer Royal Farms

Scale Computing Pumps Ease of Edge Computing into Convenience & Fuel Retail Industry with Innovative Technology and Ecosystem Partners, Announces New Customer Royal Farms

August 6, 2024 – INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Scale Computing, a market leader in edge computing, virtualization, and hyperconverged solutions, announced today its latest success in the convenience and fuel retail industry, with new customer Royal Farms. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, Scale Computing is revolutionizing the landscape of IT infrastructure in this sector by delivering a single platform for unparalleled performance, reliability, and ease of use for the deployment, management, and growth of on-premises applications like POS, IoT, pump monitoring, video surveillance, and customer experience.

Royal Farms is a renowned operator of fast and friendly neighborhood convenience stores with 260 locations throughout Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and New Jersey. Most locations are open 24 hours, 365 days a year. To keep those stores open and productive at all times, Royal Farms wanted to run their applications in a fully integrated platform with the following industry-leading features:

High Availability: Scale Computing HyperCore (SC//HyperCore) technology ensures uninterrupted operations and optimal performance, introducing high availability even in the most demanding and remote environments.
Ease of Use: Scale Computing Fleet Manager (SC//Fleet Manager) simplifies IT infrastructure management tasks, providing retailers with a centralized interface to oversee their application infrastructure at the distributed edge effortlessly.
Speed of Deployment: Scale Computing Platform (SC//Platform) enables rapid deployment across hundreds and thousands of stores, streamlining operations and driving efficiency.
Scalability: Simply mix and match old and new hardware and applications on the same infrastructure for a future-proof environment that can scale up or down as needed.

Another reason Royal Farms selected Scale Computing is its Scale Computing Fleet Manager, the first cloud-hosted monitoring and management tool built for hyperconverged edge computing infrastructure at scale. It allows customers to quickly identify areas of concern using a single pane of glass, scaling from 1 to over 50,000 clusters. Zero-touch provisioning and Secure Link features allow administrators to centrally and securely monitor and manage hundreds or thousands of distributed edge infrastructure deployments, with few or no on-site IT personnel. This is exactly what Royal Farms needed.

“Our focus is to be available to our customers whenever they need us. Downtime is not an option, nor is having IT personnel available at our sites. We need to be able to centrally monitor and manage the applications at our stores so that we can deliver the experience our customers have come to expect,” said Jesse Wolcott, IT Infrastructure Manager, Royal Farms. “We were challenged with updating outdated IT infrastructures, fragmented systems, and manual processes and wanted a completely modern solution. Scale Computing is helping us optimize operations, enhance customer experiences, and achieve unparalleled scalability and adaptability in a rapidly evolving industry.”

SC//Platform is being delivered across all Royal Farms locations on small form factor NUC hardware provided by Simply NUC. The integration partnership between Simply NUC and Scale Computing provides ease of doing business for distributed enterprises on right-sized hardware for size constrained locations. Simply NUC is the leader in the small form factor hardware industry and continues to innovate alongside Scale Computing for expanded edge computing offerings.

Advancing growth in this industry vertical is Scale Computing’s strategic alliance partnership with Mako Networks to address easier edge networking and PCI compliance challenges for the distributed enterprise. Scale Computing and Mako Networks partner to offer edge computing and edge networking management with strong customer support that fuels bottom line growth for these locations. Mako Networks technologies helps bridge the gap and secure networking with features like:

Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)
Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN)
Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW)
Intrusion Detection and Prevention (IDS/IPS)

Scale Computing has also established OEM partnerships with industry leader DUMAC, who is providing fully virtualized solutions for Point of Sale (POS) systems. With the knowledge, expertise and services teams that understand the convenience and fuel retail market, DUMAC is delivering a fully integrated, easy to use solution that supports thousands of stores and can be managed with minimal IT overhead. DUMAC partners with both Scale Computing and Mako Networks and continues to innovate for leading brands with these strategic technology relationships that have been developed.

“We are excited to bring our innovative technology and strategic partnerships to customers like Royal Farms in the convenience and fuel retail industry,” said Jeff Ready, CEO at Scale Computing. “With our platform’s unmatched capabilities and ecosystem partners, we are empowering distributed retailers to embrace the future of edge computing, driving efficiency, compliance, and profitability.”

For more information about Scale Computing’s solutions for the convenience and fuel retail industry, visit https://www.scalecomputing.com/scale-computing-for-convenience-and-fuel-retail-stores.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Scale Computing
Scale Computing is a leader in edge computing, virtualization, and hyperconverged solutions. Scale Computing HC3 software eliminates the need for traditional virtualization software, disaster recovery software, servers, and shared storage, replacing these with a fully integrated, highly available system for running applications. Using patented HyperCore™ technology, the HC3 self-healing platform automatically identifies, mitigates, and corrects infrastructure problems in real-time, enabling applications to achieve maximum uptime. When ease-of-use, high availability, and TCO matter, Scale Computing HC3 is the ideal infrastructure platform. Read what our customers have to say on Gartner Peer Insights, Spiceworks, TechValidate and TrustRadius.

Scale Computing Scale Computing News 2024

Additional SMS gateways supported in version 2.3.20

Fast and efficient communication between IT systems, devices, and users is very important. To achieve this, integration with SMS gateways is often used. It is essential that the system allows integration with various gateways available on the market, as is the case with the NACVIEW system. In the new version 2.3.20, support for Yeastar and Plus MultiInfo gateways has been added.

Currently, the NACVIEW system can seamlessly integrate with the following gateways:

GSMService
SMSAPI
SmsEagle
Afilnet
aspsms
Clickatell
IntelliSMS
nexmo
NowSMS
swisscom
HostedSMS
SerwerSMS
OVH SMS
Multiinfo
Yeastar

Thanks to the integration of NACVIEW with various SMS gateways, it is possible to send alarms and notifications to network administrators, send information about newly created guest accounts in the Captive Portal, or use OTP functionality to confirm VPN sessions for users connecting to the network.

About NACVIEW
A powerful network access control (NAC) solution designed to provide organizations with comprehensive visibility and control over their network infrastructure. Developed by leading network security company, NACVIEW offers advanced features and capabilities to ensure secure and efficient network access for users and devices.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

2024 NACVIEW

That’s the Real Me: How to Prevent Account Hijacking

Can’t find your emails? Having trouble accessing sensitive documents stored in your cloud drive? There’s a very good chance your account has been hijacked.

In this blog, we’ll break down the main warning signs of a compromised account and what you can do to prevent account hijacking.

What is Account Hijacking?

Account hijacking describes a specific type of cyber attack in which a threat actor gains unauthorized access to someone else’s account. This might take the form of financial fraud, cloud service account takeovers, emails, or social media.

There are different methods of account hijacking, with phishing attacks among the most common. Sophos found that 41% of IT professionals report daily phishing attacks on their environments. More on that later.

MSPs also have to worry about cloud account hijacking. Sharing sensitive documents in the cloud can lead to serious security problems if malicious actors gain access.

Verifying legit cloud accounts becomes exceptionally challenging for any IT professional, especially when managing multiple clients with multiple cloud services and unverified or inactive users. A single compromised account can quickly escalate into a major data breach.

4 Warning Signs Your Account May Be Hijacked

Before you spend all day trying to restore those compromised accounts, it’s important to take note of the warning signs that your account might be hijacked.

Warning Sign #1: Unusual Login Activity – Pay very close attention to any suspicious login activities. This might include logins from unfamiliar geolocations, devices, or unusual login hours that don’t match the user’s normal patterns. If you see IP addresses from unfamiliar locations or multiple failed login attempts within a relatively quick timeframe is a clear indication of an account hijacking attempt. Note how long the suspicious activity has been going on and take immediate action to secure the account.

Here are a few actionable steps you can take in the meantime.

1. Temporarily lock the account

2. Notify the user

3. Analyze recent account activities for any unauthorized actions or changes

4. Check if any of the user’s devices have been compromised

5. Monitor all activities until the instance has cleared security

Warning Sign #2: Missing Emails and Files – Is your inbox completely empty all of a sudden? Have you checked the spam folder lately with no luck? Emails that have been marked as “read”, moved to different folders, or deleted without your consent might be a tell-all sign that a threat actor has gained access to your account. But it gets worse, unfortunately. Deleted emails present other concerns, such as customer data privacy and the loss of sensitive documents.

Data taken from the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) showed that the average cost of a successful business email compromise (BEC) attack is more than $125,000. Ouch. A BEC attack is a type of account compromise where threat actors typically leverage spear phishing to target organizations and impersonate C-level execs or other groups within the organization.

If you’ve noticed any suspicious inbox activity, take proactive security measures by notifying any affected parties to avoid data privacy issues and ensure that no unauthorized filters or forwarding rules have been set up to divert your emails internally.

Warning Sign #3: Unknown Devices in Account Settings – Do you recognize that iPad with the unverified IP connected to your cloud environment? Something as simple as installing the latest Windows OS update can prevent a threat actor from compromising your accounts or from a catastrophic breach, as we saw with the recent CrowdStrike incident.

Unmanaged devices connected to your cloud environments can pose serious risks that can ripple across your organization. BYOD? An even bigger headache for IT managers.

Here are a few steps to effectively manage unknown devices.

Identify unauthorized devices connected to your cloud environments
Disable any devices that you do not recognize
Patch, Patch, Patch!
Continuously monitor all devices for unusual behavior
Conduct routine cybersecurity risk assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of your device management practices

Warning Sign #4: Strange Account Recovery Requests – There is almost nothing as frustrating as being locked out of your account. Despite your best efforts to recall every single password you’ve ever used, there is a certain limit to logging back in before being timed out. Normally, this issue would be resolved by resetting a password or submitting a ticket, but not if your account has been compromised.

What are the signs?

Unfamiliar attempts to reset your account password or unlock your account may be another indicator that your account has been hijacked. Attackers often use stolen credentials to reset passwords and gain control over accounts. Research from the 2023 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR) found that 83% of breaches involved external actors, with nearly half (49%) involving stolen credentials.

Pay attention to any suspicious emails asking you to reset your password or account recovery notices that you didn’t request. Those are common phishing tactics that attackers use to lure you into a trap and provide them with your personal information. The big “payday”.

Don’t click on those suspicious account recovery links, no matter how tempting it might be.

How to Defend Against AI-Generated Phishing Attacks & Malicious LLMs

Phishing attacks are the main primers of account hijacking, and they are becoming harder to detect by the day.

AI-generated phishing attacks have made organizations rethink their email security strategy altogether. Threat actors are leveraging smart prompts to carry out the attacks using out-of-the-box malicious AI-generated LLMs such as FraudGPT.

FraudGPT has gained traction in the dark web and among hacking communities as the “ChatGPT for malicious actors” as it features advanced algorithms that can manipulate human-generated content. This further complicates the email security game as threat actors can easily create phishing pages from a set of templates without the heavy lifting.

By the way, in case you were wondering, subscriptions begin at the “low cost” of $200 per month with annual plans reaching $1,700.

So, how can you spot these advanced phishing attacks and prevent account hijacking?

There is a way with Guardz.

Prevent Account Hijacking with AI-Driven Multilayered Phishing Protection

Protect yourself from account hijacking and email security threats with Guardz. Guardz offers AI Multilayered Phishing Protection which includes automated email detection and threat quarantine capabilities and fully integrates with your cloud workspaces.

Secure your client inboxes and cloud-based accounts from advanced phishing attacks and other social engineering tactics with Guardz. Schedule a demo today

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Guardz
Guardz is on a mission to create a safer digital world by empowering Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Their goal is to proactively secure and insure Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) against ever-evolving threats while simultaneously creating new revenue streams, all on one unified platform.

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