Guide to Vulnerability Assessment and its Remediation

A vulnerability in your network, as described by NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology, U.S.) is “a weakness in an information system, system security procedures, internal controls, or implementation that could be exploited by a threat source.”

Why is Vulnerability Assessment crucially important for your organization?
Neglecting the cybersecurity of an organization can bring immeasurable consequences, costing them years of efficiency and growth. It’s not just the annual revenue they lose out on, but their reputation in the industry as well as their loyal clientele. Regular employment of vulnerability assessment tools can save organizations not only their funds but their invaluable data and credibility. Once the vulnerability is analyzed, the changes can be implemented to minimize the threat and ensure the complete security of the network. These changes can vary from installing tools to opening new ports, or sometimes even moving the whole network to the cloud.

How do Cyber-Smart companies safeguard their system?
Above all, the first thing that cyber-smart companies recognize is how cybercriminals all around the world see their network loopholes as desserts they can devour. They constantly scrutinize the internet for weaknesses that can also turn out to be a weak spot in your network. Cyber-smart companies understand the value of assessing these vulnerable points before they fall victim to cybercrime. Certainly, there are numerous viruses and vulnerabilities out there that are fully capable of threatening a business’ growth.

As per Gartner “30% of critical infrastructure organizations will experience a security breach by 2025”.
Let’s cut to the chase and see how cyber-smart companies proactively detect their vulnerabilities and take major decisions to remediate their risks.

Choosing Vulnerability Assessment Along with Penetration Test
There is a significant difference between vulnerability assessment and penetration test. Let us explain to you what makes these two processes differ from each other, and why are they both equally important to keep the hackers at bay.

As the name suggests, Vulnerability Assessment is a test for the assessment of vulnerabilities in the network. But what’s the catch? It is a completely automated test that generates a report at the end of its implementation. Whereas, Penetration Testing is a manual process that depends on the knowledge and expertise of the penetration tester. An expert Penetration Tester can identify the vulnerabilities in an organization’s system that an automated Vulnerability Assessment might miss.

When companies combine these two processes, they get the benefit of both automated and manual analysis of their network, helping them elevate their system’s protection to the tee.

Manage Security Threats As Per The Effect They Can Have On Your Organization
Yes, priority is the key here.
We all know that not every organization has the funds to invest in cybersecurity, and one cannot expect small businesses to monitor their IT systems around the clock. Nonetheless, no organization can afford to turn a blind eye to the substantially increasing cyber-threats. Dodging the bullet of serious cyber damage is necessary and protecting some of your assets a little more than others can go a long way.

Let’s determine which assets need remediation to their vulnerability ASAP:

1. Database containing sensitive information about your company.

2. All the internet-facing servers and systems.

3. Your employees’ laptops, especially for Phishing attacks.

4. Applications that directly face your customers.

Prioritizing and remedying can be a bit tricky, but the good part is — you do not have to do everything yourself. You can easily outsource quality service from industry experts. One such expert cybersecurity service provider is Cyberware AI. It is the U.S. military-registered Cybersecurity vendor that offers various services like Vulnerability Assessment, Vulnerability Management, Penetration Test, Phishing Test, and more. Cyberware AI also provides Security Gap Assessment and Security Awareness training for your team. Be it a small business or a large enterprise, their AI-powered technologies offer accurate precautions for organizations of all sizes.

Seamless Integration: Connecting Your Blink Camera to Wi-Fi

Step-by-Step Guide to Wi-Fi Connectivity
To ensure a smooth setup for your Blink camera, follow these detailed instructions:

Power Up Your Camera: Connect your Blink camera to the power adapter provided in the box.
Launch the Blink App: Open the Blink app on your smartphone or tablet.
Access the Menu: Tap the menu icon, which appears as three horizontal lines in the top-left corner, and select “Add Device.”
Choose Your Device: Select “Blink Sync Module” from the list of device types.
Enter Wi-Fi Details: Input your Wi-Fi network’s password and proceed by tapping “Continue.”
Activate Pairing Mode: Press and hold the button on the back of the Sync Module for five seconds until you see a solid blue light, indicating it’s ready to pair.
Troubleshoot Red Light Issues: If your Blink camera is flashing red, consult the troubleshooting guide.
Complete the Pairing: Return to the Blink app and tap “Continue.” Once the app locates your Sync Module, select “Pair.”
Finalize the Setup: Congratulations! Your Blink camera is now connected to Wi-Fi.
Blink Subscription: Is It Necessary?
While a Blink system can function without a subscription, access to certain features will be limited. For full functionality, including cloud storage and live streaming, a subscription is recommended.

Blink Subscription Costs
A Blink subscription is priced at $3 per month or $30 annually. However, it’s possible to operate your Blink camera without opting for a subscription plan.

Advantages of a Blink Subscription
Subscribing to Blink unlocks a variety of features:

Live video streaming
Cloud storage for video recordings
Motion detection alerts
Optional 24/7 professional monitoring
These benefits enhance the functionality and convenience of your Blink camera system.

Wi-Fi vs. Sync Module: What’s Required?
Your Blink camera requires a Wi-Fi connection to function. The Sync Module is optional but necessary for features like motion detection and live streaming. If these aren’t critical for you, you might save by skipping the Sync Module.

Verifying Wi-Fi Connection
A solid blue light on your camera indicates a successful Wi-Fi connection. A flashing light suggests the camera is attempting to connect. No light means the camera isn’t powered—check the power source and ensure the camera is switched on.

Troubleshooting Wi-Fi Connection Issues
If you encounter issues:

Restart your router and modem to resolve temporary glitches.
Ensure your router operates on the 2.4 GHz band, as Blink cameras are incompatible with 5 GHz networks.
Reduce the distance between your router and camera to strengthen the signal.
For persistent problems, Blink’s customer support is available to assist you.

Sync Module Power Connection
A solid blue light on the Sync Module indicates a proper power connection. A flashing light means it’s attempting to connect to power. No light suggests no power—verify that the Sync Module is on and the power connection is secure.

Conclusion
To connect your Blink camera to Wi-Fi, ensure your camera’s firmware is up to date. Open the Blink app, navigate to the Menu, select “Set up a new device,” and follow the on-screen prompts. Enter your network credentials and wait for the camera to establish a connection. Once connected, you can enjoy live footage from your camera.

We hope this guide has been informative and helpful. For any further assistance or inquiries about connecting your Blink camera to Wi-Fi, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Understanding Your Credit Score: The Key to Financial Opportunities

The Essence of a Credit Score
A credit score is akin to a financial report card, reflecting your credit behavior and financial responsibility. Unlike academic grades that typically range from 0 to 100, credit scores have varying scales depending on the credit bureau. In India, the most recognized credit score is provided by CIBIL (Credit Information Bureau India Limited), with a range from 300 to 900. A score above 750 is generally deemed excellent, signaling to lenders that you’re a low-risk borrower.

India’s Credit Rating Bureaus
In India, credit scores are calculated by three primary credit rating agencies: CIBIL, Equifax, and Experian. Each bureau has its own scoring model and range, but CIBIL’s score is the most widely utilized by lenders. A CIBIL score below 750 may suggest potential issues with creditworthiness, prompting lenders to scrutinize the application more closely.

Credit scores are a relatively recent phenomenon in India, but they have been integral to lending decisions in many other countries for a longer period. Over time, credit scores encourage responsible credit use among consumers and enable those with stellar credit histories to access a broader array of financial products and potentially more competitive rates.

How Lenders Leverage Credit Scores
Lenders use an individual’s credit score to gauge the “probability of default,” which indicates the likelihood of a borrower failing to repay a loan based on their past credit usage and repayment history. The data used to calculate credit scores is provided by banks, non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), and other lenders. The CIBIL score, in particular, is a critical tool for lenders when making credit decisions.

The Advantages of a Good Credit Score
Before applying for a loan or any new credit, it’s wise for consumers to understand their credit score. Improving your score can lead to better loan rates and a wider selection of lender offers, enhancing your borrowing power. Conversely, if your credit score isn’t strong, it may be beneficial to focus on building it before seeking new credit accounts.

In India, several institutions offer credit analysis and improvement services. Creditmantri, for example, is one such service that can assist individuals in enhancing their credit scores.

For those seeking advice on credit scores or looking to improve their CIBIL score, resources like the Knowledge Base at Creditmantri can provide valuable information and guidance.

Interesting Statistics and Facts
While the concept of credit scores is well-established, there are intriguing statistics that often go unnoticed:

According to a TransUnion CIBIL report, as of 2020, India had over 220 million credit-active consumers, with the number growing annually.
A study by Experian India revealed that only 15% of Indian consumers frequently check their credit scores, which is low compared to other countries.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has mandated that all credit bureaus, including CIBIL, provide one free credit report per year to individuals, encouraging credit awareness.
Understanding and managing your credit score is crucial for financial health. By staying informed and proactive, you can ensure that your credit score works in your favor, unlocking the full spectrum of financial opportunities available to you.