Effective network security solutions for intrusion prevention systems. Zero trust network access to prevent data breaches. Improve the company network security measures with our network security solutions.

Cost vs. Value: Assessing the ROI of Network Security Solutions

Effective network security solutions for intrusion prevention systems. Zero trust network access to prevent data breaches. Improve the company network security measures with our network security solutions. Corporate network policies are becoming more and more important for businesses around the world. Every day, a new and more sophisticated cyber attack can lead to catastrophic losses if carried out successfully. But how can one be sure they are investing in the right email security? This blog post will discuss how the return on investment (ROI) works regarding network security solutions Houston. Read on for more.

Understanding ROI in Security

ROI is used to measure or evaluate the effectiveness of an investment. This conversation is about the ROI of email security, and believe it or not, it can contribute to a company’s main resilience against threats and hacks.

Factors Influencing Cost and Value Assessment

There are a ton of factors to take into account when considering email security. These can include the scale of the network, how sensitive the company’s data is, what the potential cost of a security breach would look like, and demands from the industry or market of what the company deals with on a daily basis with their network devices.

Cost Analysis

Fognigma is a great company to invest in when considering a robust network security solutions company. Two types of costs can go into considering a company like this to protect your data.
  1. Initial Investment: This includes the cost of hardware, software, installation, and training. It is often a significant figure but is essential for establishing a strong defensive baseline.
  2. Ongoing Maintenance and Operational Costs: Regular updates, upgrades, and potential expansions form the ongoing financial commitment necessary to maintain an effective security posture.

Value Assessment

One of the most beneficial things when investing in cyber security is preventing data center breaches and threat intelligence attacks. A single data breach can cause millions in potential losses. If you are preventing it, you can save a ton of money in potential losses. Also, cyber security can make sure your business or cloud environments are compliant with regulations and standards so there are not any fines or penalties you would have to pay as a company. If you improve your network stability, then your overall business operations run even more smoothly. Network security solutions offer critical infrastructure the web security needed for access management. Two factor authentication may be used by email service providers for application security to prevent software vulnerabilities from other threats.

How often do cyber attacks happen?

Emerging cyber threats occur with alarming frequency, impacting businesses of all sizes. Reports indicate that insider threats and attacks happen approximately every 39 seconds, affecting one in three Americans each year. This threat is even more pronounced for businesses, with the potential for disruptions in daily operations, financial losses, and damage to reputation. Given the sophistication and variety of cyber threats, including ransomware, phishing, and zero-day exploits, organizations must fortify their defenses and remain vigilant. Staying informed about the latest security threats, security policies, and threat intelligence trends is essential in developing an adaptive and proactive security strategy. Access control defines the way other security measures work, ensuring legitimate access and network security.

How Important is Network Security?

Security solutions are incredibly important with the rise of network traffic being hacked constantly. Hackers with network access can take control of your entire digital presence. There is a risk of severe financial damage when your cyber security is not up to date. Fognigma has some of the best cyber security services. If you have a business that deals with many sensitive data centers, you should consider investing in some security teams. Once you are involved with a trustworthy team, you can be protected and establish a secure foundation for their digital operations. Long-term sustainability and resilience should be your goals in the ever-connected online world.

What is the difference between secure access and zero trust?

People who specialize in cloud infrastructure are very familiar with secure access and zero trust solution providers, as they are fundamental to the field. However, they actually differ a lot in how they are approached. Secure access refers to networks being heavily restricted and only able to be accessed by users who have a log-in for the service and are authenticated. The general public deals with this daily through usernames, passwords, multi-factor authentication, and so on. Zero trust, however, is a model that is based on what the name suggests… “no trust.” No one is trusted by the system, either from inside or outside the network, and intense verification methods are required by anyone trying to access network resources. Network traffic and network analytics are important to determine user behavior and client data. Security tools can be used to do a risk assessment of your network infrastructure.

Cyber Threats Conclusion

Cybersecurity threats become more and more dangerous with every passing day, especially with remote users and remote employees, and as a result, protecting enterprise networks is more important than ever. The return on investment for security analytics can often be incalculable due to the gravity that the right cyber threat could bring to the table. Trying to assess the ROI of network security accurately is a must for any strategic planning committee, and serious investment must be made to avoid disasters to safeguard the future of your business and employees. Companies like Fognigma are at the forefront of providing solutions that protect your digital assets and offer comprehensive value that exceeds their cost. Business owners and enterprise network analysts need to look beyond the surface and recognize a secured network’s benefits. This is the only way that a business can make well-informed, forward-thinking decisions that ensure the long-term safety and success of the company in the ever-changing landscape of cyber threats. Mitigate cybersecurity risks, potential threats and malicious activity by using an antivirus software as a network security solution. Virtual private networks offer network security solutions to prevent online threats and data theft. Network related security is crucial for a strong operating system.
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Building a Resilient and Secure Remote Work Environment

Working in a remote environment used to be somewhat of a rarity, but now, after COVID, remote work is more popular than ever. Collaborating across the world while staying put in your home or personal office space is the new norm. However, with all this flexibility and accessibility, there needs to be more security protocols in these virtual workspaces.

For remote employees, knowing how important it is to have a secure network while maintaining a robust remote business environment can be easier than ever with Fognigma’s secure, traceless, and zero-trust network. Read on for more on how it is done.

Resilience in Remote Work

With the COVID-19 pandemic, the corporate landscape around the world shifted. Most of these companies adopted a remote work environment and realized its benefits, so they stayed the course four years later. While companies saved money on overhead costs and more, there was light shed on the fact that security needs to be amped up from what it was initially. Here is a look at how remote work can make organizations remain resilient in the face of security risks.

Reliable Internet Connectivity for a Secure Collaboration Platform

A fast internet connection is gold for remote employees. It can affect their daily operations, so it is essential to have a primary internet source and an alternative one if a power outage or connection issue occurs. Some find a personal hotspot or even a generator can be good substitutes for home networks.

Mental Resilience Tips

Having to work remotely can be stressful mentally. Resilience can help with your overall mental well-being, so try to set up a regular schedule of online meetings and self-care routines and have organized dedicated workspaces. All of this can help manage stress effectively.

Security Measures for Remote Working


As we have mentioned, security is everything in a remote work environment. Here are some things you can think about regarding remote security.

VPN Usage and Encryption

VPNs are great for every remote worker. They are a secure tunnel that encrypts your data going to and from your device. This way, hackers will take a lot of work to get in. Fognigma’s network solutions can help take security even further with traceless encryption, annual data breach tests, and other access management services that guard your information against the most advanced cyber threats.

Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication or multi-factor authentication is becoming more and more popular with remote workers. It can give the user an extra layer to maintain security that some companies may not already have. It could be in the form of a specific code being sent to the user’s phone when they try to sign in so unauthorized users cannot access confidential information.

Regular Software Updates

Believe it or not, software updates are a big part of being secure. Your computer or smartphone’s software can be upgraded to help protect against any security risks or flaws that cybercriminals might exploit, so make sure you are regularly updating your devices. Regular updates patch vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit.

Data Backup and Recovery Plans

Companies like Fognigma will provide secure data storage systems that ensure your information is backed up securely, so you do not have to worry about losing crucial work during unfortunate situations. It is essential to have a backup and recovery plan, whether through cloud services or external hard drives.

Encrypted Collaboration Tools for Remote Teams


Another important part of remaining secure in a remote work environment is encrypted communications and collaboration programs. Popular cloud communication platforms are Slack, Microsoft Teams, and others that can offer clear communication without the risk of sensitive information being leaked. With Fognigma’s secure network, all communication and file sharing are encrypted, making it virtually impossible for any unauthorized users to access confidential information.

File Sharing Secure Collaboration Tools

Sharing files is a big way for hackers to get into your information. Protected file-sharing programs are a great way to prevent unauthorized data access and potential breaches. Fognigma’s file-sharing solution offers secure, encrypted file sharing on project management that keeps all your sensitive documents safe and secure from third-party access, all to minimize risks.

Training and Awareness

Having employees be aware of how important cybersecurity is the first step in preventing potential risks. Companies should provide regular security awareness training on remote work security teams and the protocols in place, such as password management, malware protection, and phishing scams. This way, everyone is on the same page and understands their role in keeping the team and remote work environment secure.

Phishing Awareness

Those emails that say, “Click here for a free gift card” are common phishing attacks that can be sent to a company or organization’s entire staff. It is important for your workers to be familiar with these phishing emails and know how to avoid potential hacks or cyber threats. Conducting simulations can be a great way to test employees’ knowledge and educate them on how to spot and avoid phishing attacks.

Secure Password Practices on a Cloud Communication Platform

A unique, strong password is a sure way to hide your information. Even some password manager programs can help fortify the first line of defense against unauthorized access. Also, changing passwords frequently is recommended, and never use the same password for multiple accounts.

Conclusion

Remote work is a popular trend that seems to be staying around for a while. It has many benefits but can also bring potential threats to your online activity, files, communication, and more. It is important to have strategies in place for the best security and resilience for remote employees. Whether it is through secure collaboration tools, end-to-end encryption networks and file sharing, or proper training and awareness, companies can ensure their data and employees are protected while working remotely.

Fognigma’s Zero Trust Network exemplifies the advances in secure networking technology, offering a level of encryption that future-proofs remote work infrastructures against evolving digital threats. By adopting these practices and promoting an organizational culture that prioritizes security, we can safeguard our businesses while reaping the rewards of remote work.

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4 Ways Automation Can Improve Your Organization’s Cybersecurity

The new year is here, and that means new threats. Is your organization prepared?

With the exponential increase in the number and types of cyber attacks, preparation and response are more important than ever. But according to an Enterprise Strategy Group study, IT departments ignore 74% of security incidents or alerts. And that’s not just due to negligence – teams are simply unable to keep up with the number of threats.

Automation is an obvious solution, and with the virtualization of computer systems in the 2010s and more recent technology, it’s far more feasible. Here are 4 four ways automation improves organizational security.

Reduced risk from human error

Even if an IT team has the personnel to manage the volume of threats, that’s only half the issue. The downside of virtualization is that it creates greater complexity – larger networks, Internet of Things devices, digital instances, and more. Networks have become less and les homogenous, and each element composing them is a potential vulnerability. Even the most capable cybersecurity experts are prone to fatigue, carelessness, or other inherent human flaws, but attackers work 24/7, leveraging automation, AI, and other new tech for their attacks. One absentminded misconfiguration can result in millions of dollars of loss.

These instances of human error are what automation seeks to correct, and cloud-based infrastructure makes it accessible at scale. This is what a recent comprehensive study of cybersecurity automation called the “new frontier” – the automation of the design and deployment of security and network architecture, firewalls, VPN gateways, and other cyber defenses.

Increased operational efficiency

When sensitive data or human lives are on the line, every second matters. Automating the deployment and management of resources, administrative tasks, encryption key generation and management, and other elements required for secure communication and collaboration allows agents in the field and at headquarters to be more prepared for sudden changes, new threats, or other risks.

According to Eran Barak, CEO and co-founder of the security firm Hexadite (purchased by Microsoft in 2017), automation goes beyond just prevention and detection of threats. It’s about policy execution, alert monitoring and prioritization, incident response planning, and investigation, action, and remediation. Incorporating automation at every level enables organizations to not only detect threats, but enhance readiness and respond at every operational level.

Reduced cost

Time is money, and that’s especially true for any organization relying on cloud-based infrastructure. There are several commercial cloud providers available, but resources aren’t always needed 24/7/365. On the one hand, constantly running resources even when not in use will accumulate larger costs. On the other hand, it requires significant manual administrative effort to constant destroy and redeploy resources. And this isn’t going to be feasible for some operations that require a fast pace and high level of preparedness.

Automating the deployment of needed resources can ensure you get the best of both worlds, keeping costs down while ensuring resources are always available when needed. This is also true for security automation. In 2018, the Center for Strategic and International Studies estimated that the worldwide cost of cyberattacks was around $600 billion, and was expected to rise to 6 trillion annually in 2021.

Easier integration & collaboration

Collaboration is important, but it comes with security risks. It takes time to integrate new users into a system without compromising security, especially if they’re not necessarily trustworthy. It takes IT and security significant time to manage this, depending on the systems they use. On top of that, fatigue can be a significant issue over time. As incidences increase and operations proceed, this can be a devastating issue. Automating security practices for incorporating and maintaining new users can address these issues, while reducing human error risks like inexperience, fatigue, and carelessness.

With networks becoming increasingly complex over time, and cyber attacks becoming more complex and frequent, it’s clear that automation will continue to be a key security tool in 2024 and beyond. Learn more today on how Fognigma can help your networks become automated & secure. 

Biggest Challenge of Working Remotely - Fognigma

Fognigma Solves Biggest Challenge of Working Remotely

Biggest Challenge of Working Remotely - Fognigma

One of the biggest challenges of working remotely is effective collaboration. 

In an office environment, everything is in a single, secured location. We take for granted how easy it is to efficiently communicate and interact with other people, our data, documents, and other files we need each day. 

Remote work introduces several variables that can make secure, effective collaboration a logistical nightmare. Outdated technology and software, unsecured home networks, and limited access to company information can create major security risks and make collaboration a hassle. 

With Fognigma, the biggest challenge of working remotely is solved, organizations can collaborate seamlessly and securely from anywhere – just as effectively as from the office. 

Using Fognigma’s cutting-edge, customizable VPNs, organizations can: 

Communicate face-to-face in a secure video conferencing server: Fognigma’s video conferences are completely encrypted, live on servers entirely owned by your organization, are completely private, and invisible to everyone but the parties involved. 

Safely store and share sensitive company information on a secure file server: With Fognigma, secure file sharing is made easy. Users can download, upload, and share sensitive company information. Furthermore, special links can be created if specific files needs to be shared with outsiders. 

Send messages and files protected with end-to-end encryption to anyone in your organization: Fognigma’s technology simplifies and automates the encryption, allowing users to easily send secure messages and files to anyone in their organization.

Biggest Challenge of Working Remotely Solved With Fognigma

Access company resources and the Internet from traceless, sandboxed VDIs: Using Fognigma’s VDIs, users can anonymously browse the Internet, access company resources and more while appearing to be anywhere in the world. Users Internet activity leaves no footprint of where they went, removing the risk of hackers tracking where they went or what organization they belong to. 

Obscure and misattribute phone numbers to protect calls and texts: With Fognigma, users can text and call without revealing their true numbers or what is said during the conversation. 

Fognigma makes safe, effective remote collaboration easy – for everyone, no matter where they are. With Fognigma, your organizations biggest challenge while working remotely is solved! 

Don’t let remote work hinder your organizations business operations. Solve your organizations biggest challenge with Fognigma. Contact us to learn more. 

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Benefits of Using a Fognigma VPN While Working Remote

Fognigma VPNs While Working Remote

Organizations all over the United States have closed their doors and implemented work from home policies due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic. With that, security is most likely the number one concern in organizations right now. 

Fognigma Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are the ideal solution when it comes to security concerns, especially during this work from home time. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of using Fognigma VPNs and how your organization can benefit from using them while working remote. 

Benefits of Fognigma VPNs

Encryption and Connection Security: Every connection within a Fognigma network features two layers of encryption, using two-separate cryptographic libraries, which means that Fogngima networks are immune to zero-day cryptographic compromises. You don’t ever have to worry about your data being exposed. 

Total Network Invisibility: Fognigma allows your traffic to hide in the vast pool of IP addresses allocated to the millions of people who are using the Cloud at any one time, recycling IPs that have been used by others in the past and will be used by others in the future. All access to the Fognigma network is protected by firewalls, so your networks and nodes do not appear to exist when scanned, probed, or attacked. 

Anonymity Without Compromise: With Fognigma’s technology, no one can trace your networks back to you or your organization. 

Secure Network Automation: Using Fognigma’s built in scheduling feature, you can completely automate production of VPNs and resources, allowing your organization to create secure, fully encrypted networks without the need for dedicated operators. Users can instruct the engine to create, edit, or destroy VPNs and resources automatically at different times on specific days of the week. This streamlines the VPN setup process and allows your organization to accomplish more, while spending less time on the network management. 

How can Organizations Benefit from using Fognigma VPNs While Working Remote?

VPN While Working Remote - Fogngima VPN

Fognigma VPNs are Easily Deployable: Your entire organization can be secured in on-demand networks in just the click of a mouse. This leaves less time for unnecessary security steps, and more time to focus on necessary job responsibilities. 

Completed with Secure Communication and Collaboration Tools: Fognigma networks are equipped with all the communication and collaboration tools organizations need to work from home. Video conferencing, encrypted telephony, secure file servers, sandboxed VDIs, and user specific message and file encryption are all components available within Fognigma networks. 

Burned After Use:  When users are done working for the day, Fognigma networks can be destroyed in the click of a mouse leaving absolutely no forensic footprint. Then, spun back up when remote users are ready to start working the next day. 

Fully Encrypted: Every connection within a Fognigma network is encrypted with AES-256 encryption. Whether your users have a team video conference, share sensitive documents in the group chat or browse the internet for company research they are completely secure. 

Networks Are Only On When You Need Them: Fognigma networks are not time consuming, expensive and high maintenance networks, they are on-demand and only exist when users in your organization need them. 

Fognigma networks are the perfect solution when it comes to securing your entire organization while your users are working from home. Fognigma networks are completely private to your organization and invisible to third parties. Everything organization’s need to do their job, whether in the office or at home, are inside of Fognigma networks. 

It’s not too late to secure your organization. Get started with Fognigma VPNs today. 

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Easily Secure Your Organization’s Remote Work Environment

The COVID-19 pandemic has left many companies with little time to prepare for remote working. There is no doubt, this leaves the door open for vulnerabilities when it comes to companies sensitive information. 

During this trivial time, its imperative employees continue to effectively work even remotely. But how can they do so when they work with confidential company information and don’t want to risk potential intrusion? 

With Fognigma, remote work environments are made easy. Your entire company, no matter the size, no matter the location, can have secure remote work environments up and running quickly. 

Fognigma lets you create and deploy custom VPNs in minutes, and is completed with secured communications and collaboration solutions such as: 

Video Conferencing - Fognigma

 

Video conferencing with screensharing and chat features

Users can virtually communicate face-to-face in trusted and untrusted environments. Video conferences are completely encrypted at both ends for total protection, globally accessible, and supported on devices running all major operating systems. 

Private, encrypted telephony networks with conference calling, and chat server integration

Holler is an encrypted telephony service that uses interchangeable SIP numbers from around the world to provide specialized voice calling configurations for any situation. Holler allows users to speak and text with third parties without revealing their true numbers. Holler leverages intermediary SIP numbers to ensure user anonymity. 

Secure File Sharing - Fognigma

Secure file servers

Secure file sharing has never been easier. Users just connect to their enterprise’s secure file share, and then treat is as an extension of their computer’s file system. Drag and drop to copy/move files in the file share. Additionally, special public links can be created if files need to be shared outside of the enterprise. Outside users will only be able to access the files and/or folders that were specifically shared with them. 

 


Sandboxed VDIs with secure local file transfer, file server integration, and more

Fognigma’s VDIs allow users to anonymously browse the Internet while appearing to be in almost any location around the world, can be destroyed within just a few mouse clicks, and can be completely customized to enterprises needs.  

End-to-end, user specific message and file encryption

Communications are protected by cascading AES-256. This chat messaging solution can be used anywhere in the world and works on any device running any major operating system.  Private and public groups can be created and destroyed as needed to ensure messages only get to those intended for. 

Through Fognigma’s user-friendly interface, you can automate and schedule custom VPN production, create and assign users and groups, and more. 

Using simple software or hardware solutions, users can secure their connections and safely access these resources from anywhere – whether at home or traveling. At the end of the workday, VPNs and resources can be destroyed in just a few clicks, ready to be redeployed the next day. 

Fognigma is the ultimate solution for a secure, easy to use, scalable remote work environment. 

Contact Dexter Edward to secure your companies work environments. 

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Communication & Collaboration Solutions for Remote Work

With the recent restrictions on large gatherings in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, companies all over the United States are implementing a work from home policy. With these abrupt changes come new security vulnerabilities – and little time to prepare for them. 

In an office environment, you can manage risks by creating a secure networking environment and implementing and enforcing security policies in your day to day operations. Remote work introduces countless variables – especially on such short notice – with each employee’s home connection creating a potential vulnerability. 

For companies that have implemented a work from home policy, sensitive data is more vulnerable than ever. Without the protection and convenience of a singular secured networking environment, cybersecurity measures for remote workers must be adaptable, easy to implement, and user-friendly. 

Dexter Edward specializes in cybersecurity solutions that allow users to communicate and collaborate securely and seamlessly, whether in the office, at home, or traveling for work. With a wide variety of products for any networking environment, Dexter Edward provides solutions to protect remote workers and company communication and collaboration from attackers. 

Fognigma Virtual Private NetworkNETWORK ANONYMITY

Fognigma VPN

Fognigma VPN is a specialized, customizable virtual private network (VPN) that provides streamlined, user-friendly access to protected communication and collaboration services, including file servers, chat servers, VDIs, and more. Fognigma provides anonymity without compromise, offering complete network control and management, total network invisibility, encryption and connection security, advanced firewalling, and secure network automation. 

Wicket

A Wicket is a small, portable misattribution device that connects to a Fognigma VPN and protects single users and small groups, as well as IoT and other network-enabled devices. Wickets are easy to use, making them ideal for securing a home environment – users connect their device to the Wicket, and it automatically creates a secure connection to a Fognigma Network, allowing them to freely access protected resources without risk. 

ENDPOINT-TO-ENDPOINT CONTENT ENCRYPTION

Content Encryption - Fognigma

Conclave

Conclave is an encrypted communication solution featuring end-to-end message and file encryption. Your team can send messages and share files, and Conclave automatically completes end-to-end encryption, so correspondence never exists in the clear outside of the users devices. This prevents eavesdroppers from accessing information while it’s in transit. Conclave works with all major operating systems and mobile platforms, providing seamless, secure access to messages and shared files from smartphones, laptops, or desktops. 

With Conclave, your team can communicate and collaborate quickly and securely – without the need for complicated, time-consuming encryption steps or additional security training. 

 

 

UNTRACEABLE CONNECTIONS AND RESOURCE OBFUSCATION

Portal Proxy

Portal Proxies are instantly generated PaaS instances that disguise the location of important resources and act as intermediaries for Fognigma engine requests to cloud providers. When users access a Portal Proxy, the Internet provider receives a request for the users to access a third-party PaaS provider website, and the destination website receives a request from the PaaS provider website. The true destination is hidden to any external observer, and it never links back to users. 

Portal Proxies can be used to hide Fognigma engines, sensitive resources, and more. This allows you to grant users access to needed resources without revealing their IPs. Portal Proxies prevent malicious users from compromising the locations of sensitive resources such as file servers, and can be deleted in seconds from the Fognigma web console. With Portal Proxies, your most sensitive data is safe from internal and external attacks. 

These are just a few of the solutions in the Fognigma product line. We offer additional solutions related to Internet misattribution, persona-based sandboxed VDIs, call and text misattribution, and more. 

Protect your sensitive data and company communication and collaboration. Contact us to learn more about how our products can help secure your company – no matter where you work. 

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The Telephony Solution Your Organization Needs

It wasn’t that long ago that email was the standard communication tool for businesses, primarily due to its convenience, popularity, and accessibility. In the United States, 76% of adults use email. Globally, nearly half of the population uses email, and it’s easy to see why. It’s straightforward, user-friendly, and requires little technical knowledge.

But as technology continually shifts and creates new cybersecurity threats, email correspondence is no longer a reliable solution for secure communication. With the increase in phishing scams and other email attacks, organizations must respond with a new communication solution.

Phone calls and text messages remain popular due to their convenience, but like email, they lack essential protection against popular attacks. When your organization’s private information is on the line, a secure communication solution is essential.

Fognigma’s cutting-edge secure telephony solution can protect your organization’s users and data.

HOLLER

What is Holler?

Holler is a fully encrypted telephony service within Fognigma that uses interchangeable SIP numbers from multiple providers around the world to disguise your users’ numbers and provide specialized voice calling and SMS configurations for any situation.

The best part? Holler doesn’t require any specialized, complicated software. All Holler features are configured through the user-friendly console with just a few clicks.

Key Features of Holler:

Fognigma Holler - Telephony Solution

  1. Voice Call & SMS Dissociation: Holler routes voice calls and text messages through multiple intermediary SIP numbers. This allows users to speak with and text third parties without revealing their true numbers, preventing any association between the true caller and destination numbers. These call chains can be modified or removed at any time in just a few seconds.
  2. Obfuscation and Global Misattribution: With Holler, a user’s true number is never revealed to a third party. Holler supports up to three different SIP providers, allowing you to configure Holler features with numbers from countries all around the world. This obfuscation is twofold: it hides user numbers and allows you to maintain a regional appearance anywhere.

Holler makes secure, simple, and user-friendly calling and texting a reality. All communications are end-to-end encrypted. Third parties are unable to find where a call originates, where it ends, or what’s said during it.

With Holler, your organization’s private conversations stay private.

Want to learn more about how Fogngima’s telephony solution works? Contact us to schedule a demo at our headquarters or have us come to you.

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Why Two-Factor Authentication is Important

Today, more and more of our lives are happening on mobile devices, laptops and computers. So it’s no wonder why our digital accounts are the prime target for cyber criminals. 

Attacks against the government, companies and individuals are happening every day. High profile data breaches and password leaks are becoming more and more common. Cyber criminals are continuously developing more sophisticated hacking methods, making some security practices obsolete. 

Fortunately, for any organization, one simple method for protecting digital accounts remains effective: two-factor authentication (2FA). Learn more about why two-factor authentication is important. 

What is two-factor authentication?

Two-factor authentication is the method of verifying your identity by adding a second factor of authentication to your account. Incorporating 2FA adds an additional step to the login process. After users enter their credentials, 2FA prompts users to enter an additional code before they can access their account. 

Types of two-factor authentication

There are many types of 2FA available. Some are more secure than others, but all provide improved protection for digital accounts. 

Here are a few of the most common forms of 2FA: 

Software Tokens: 

Software tokens are the most popular form of two-factor authentication and requires software that generates a time-sensitive, single use passcode to use to access an account. The user must download and install a 2FA app on a smartphone or desktop, such as Google AuthenticatorAuthy, or Microsoft Authenticator. These applications are compatible with a variety of websites. 

Once the user configures the application with the account, it will begin generating and cycling through time-sensitive codes. 

To access the account, the user must use the code provided by the 2FA application to access the account. These passcodes are usually only valid for less than a minute. 

SMS or Voice-based Messages: 

SMS Message Two-Factor Authentication - Dexter Edward

In an SMS-based 2FA environment, a user attempting to access an account will be sent an SMS message containing the 2FA code. 

Similarly, voice-based 2FA automatically dials the user’s phone and verbally delivers the 2FA code. 

SMS and voice-based authentication is one of the least secure methods of 2FA.

Push Notifications: 

A user with a smartphone or computer can receive notifications when an authentication attempt is taking place. The user can view details related to the request and can approve or deny access through the provided link. 

Push notifications provide a more user-friendly form of security. 

Other forms: 

In Biometric 2FA, user identities are verified via fingerprints, retina patterns, and facial recognition. 

These types of authentication are in development and are sure to become more popular within the next few years. 

Why use two-factor authentication? 

Passwords, no matter how complex, are no longer as infallible as they once were. Cyber attackers can test billions of passwords in seconds. Furthermore, it’s extremely common for users to use the same password across multiple accounts, meaning once hackers have access to one account, they can gain access to other accounts with relative ease.

2FA provides additional protection to accounts that is independent of password strength, and more secure than traditional security questions, which can be guessed by hackers who can view public social media profiles. Dexter Edward incorporates 2FA support into several of their solutions that can help your organization be secure, encrypted, and traceless. 

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Online Privacy Methods

Protect your Online Privacy

As you venture out on the Internet, reaching and searching for information or as a portal for communication, one thing is clear: privacy is key. Because without privacy, anyone can intercept, analyze, and exploit your communications—and, eventually, the odds are someone will. It behooves you to take proper steps to ensure your online activities and conversations remain only between you and your intended parties.

There are many methods to remaining private online, some more powerful than others. Examining all your options will help guide you to make the best decision for your online security.

Private browsing is the minimal you can do to protect your online privacy

Private Browsing

Perhaps the easiest way to ensure some privacy online is flip that little switch and use a private browser window. Sometimes called incognito mode, private browsers hide some of what you do online, but only some. While exactly what they conceal varies from browser to browser, private browsers do have some aspects in common.

Many disable the browser’s history and web cache, hiding the record of what you are doing online. Often autofill will be disabled, preventing the risk of accidentally storing login credentials. Along that same thought, many private browsers will prevent you from remaining logged in to online accounts once you close the browser window.

So that’s all you need to be totally secure, right? Unfortunately, no. Though most private browsers clear your browsing history in the browser, a portion of it might remain on your computer or your ISP—bits that could be used to reconstruct your online activities. Also, a lot of their functions rely on you closing the tab when you are done. If you don’t close the window, the caches aren’t erased. As Hana Habib, a doctoral student at Carnegie Mellon, points out, “A lot of people use private browsing just to hide their activity from other people who might use their computer later. . . [a]nd for that, private browsing does a pretty good job of protecting users against that particular threat.”

VPNs are one method of online privacy

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Another option for online security is using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs take your traffic and passes it through a VPN provider’s server on its way to your destination. With a VPN, your traffic and IP address are obscured, and your communications are encrypted. To an outside observer, you will appear to exist where the VPN server is, which is why VPNs are popular in countries with censor-loving governments (or for people trying to circumvent geo-specific website restrictions).

VPNs are much safer than relying on private browsing, but even they can have their drawbacks. For one, you are relying on the VPN service’s security choices. The big drawback of VPN services are their terms and conditions, specifically in regard to logging. TheBestVPN recently updated their survey of over 300 VPN providers’ privacy policies to see if their advertising claims were matched by their policies.

The good news is this analysis shows that only about 8% keep logs of your browser history (with another 9% aggregating your browser history with all their other users). The bad news is when those VPN services who log your IP address and timestamps (the where and when of your browsing activity). 40% of the VPNs analyzed log your IP address and 38% log timestamps of your activity. For a service claiming to keep your anonymous, those statistics are striking (and should remind you to really read all the fine print when trusting another company with your security).

Onion routing is another method to preserve your privacy online

Onion Routing

Onion routing is similar in some respects to a VPN in that your traffic and communications pass through another remote server. But, in Onion routing, everything passes through multiple servers with a new layer of encryption added for each server passed through. Each server only knows of the servers on either side of it, so, for example, the second server in a 3-server chain (that is, 3 servers between you and your destination) will not have any record of your IP address (or other particulars) or what your final destination is. Onion routing takes your online anonymity and security up to another level.

Unfortunately, Onion routing has a few drawbacks. First, because your traffic is passing through various servers in various parts of the world, it can be slow. This isn’t any fault of the Onion routing method, mind you, but rather the varying Internet speeds in different locations. Another drawback is, again, not due to the Onion routing method, but rather to those who use it to hide their activity. Because of some users using Onion routing to commit illicit or illegal acts, the whole system echoes with negative overtones for some. That is, people might suspect or associate users who just want privacy with users who are doing all the illegal things.

Fognigma Provides the Best Online Privacy

Fognigma

Fognigma is a patented enterprise software solution that gives organizations the power to build their own secure, encrypted and traceless networks and communications systems. Fognigma works by strategically leasing virtual machines over eight commercial cloud providers which function as one gestalt network. Inside this invisible, on-demand network are various communication components (VoIP, file share, messaging, video conferencing, and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) which are afforded the same protection as the Fognigma network itself: FIPS 140-2 validated, cascading AES-256 encryption with two distinct encryption libraries.

Like Onion routing, the parts of a Fognigma network only know of their immediate neighbors, so even if one part could be found, it couldn’t compromise the whole network. Also, like Onion routing and VPNs (which makes sense, since Fognigma is a virtual private network), where you exit the network to the rest of the Internet is where it appears you are located. However, Fognigma takes that to the next level by giving organizations the power to create multiple exit points almost anywhere in the world and users the ability to dynamically switch exit points (and their perceived location) with just a few mouse clicks.

Fognigma takes all the best privacy features, wraps them in a massive level of encryption, and gives them to organizations to build and run their own invisible networks, never having to worry about the privacy policies of a distant VPN provider or the ofttimes stigma of Onion routing. To learn more about Fognigma and how it can help your organization (or to schedule a demonstration), contact us today.