A company’s website is its public face and one of its biggest points of vulnerability; this is why IT network health checks are so important. When visitors interact with a business online, they typically go through a website or application first. And if your site is viewed by a malicious visitor, most intrusions are relatively difficult to spot at first, which can be problematic when attackers stay on the network for long periods.
When a site or IT network has been hacked, it will behave in out-of-the-ordinary ways. To detect intrusions, customers should understand how the system normally behaves and monitor it for abnormal activity. Below are several signs that a network system has been compromised, as well as some advice on how to receive regular services to help prevent intrusions with an IT network health check.
Sign #1 Your System Isn’t Fulfilling its Purpose
An IT health check is the best way to stay on top of suspicious activity and ensure network security. Perhaps it takes longer to access a database, or the site is redirecting visitors to the wrong page. Maybe network traffic is increasing with no corresponding marketing efforts. While these do not always indicate unauthorized access, it is always best to investigate these behaviors before a major problem arises.
Sign #2 You Have Unexpected Log Entries
Logs can be a significant source of information if they are set up properly. Looking through database log entries can reveal unexpected queries and info dumps. If the logs show many errors within a short time, it may indicate someone is looking for a way into the system. IT support Houston should find out where the queries originated and ensure the proper handling of input to the application.
Sign #3 Finding New Jobs, Users, or Processes
Personnel should monitor running processes on web servers to determine when they spawn unknown processes or run known processes at unusual times. Unknown processes are a reliable indicator that the application is under someone else’s control. Once an attacker creates a server account, they essentially have unlimited access to the materials on the server. Site owners should investigate each user account creation, and keep an eye out for new jobs and processes as well.
On personal and work computers, users have antivirus software, they’re careful about installing programs, and they regularly update the OS and other software. That advice is equally applicable to IT networks and web applications to ensure vulnerabilities are patched. Knowing the signs of an intrusion and having a periodic IT network health check can help network owners retain control.
Connect with Bluewire Tech today for more information on free IT health checks, and other professional IT services for your Houston business.
