Divya Stuti, Author at IT Solutions & Digital Marketing Company

Divya Stuti

Divya Stuti is a UGC-awarded researcher, writer, poet, and Digital Marketer. She has published multiple poems and short stories- "Pain", and "No Guess" and also contributed to poetry compilations- “Scribbled Perception” and DAFFODILS. She can write technical as well as non-technical contents and optimize them with best SEO practices.

How to Know If Phone is Hacked or Tracked

March 5, 2024Technology

Your mobile phone carries a lot of details about you, your family, your passwords, banking details, personally identifying data, video, and photos, and all of this can be used against you if your phone is hacked. Hacking into a phone is quite simple and is generally done by inserting malicious code through files masked as genuine apps. This code can then log everything you do, corrupt the functioning of the device, or destroy every file. Also, the phone can be employed in a botnet. Fortunately, there are many ways you can identify if your phone is hacked or not. In this article, we will tell you about the signs of a hacked phone, provide a guide on how to remove a hacker from the phone, and will also provide some steps to protect your device and data in the future. What Is Phone Hacking? Phone hacking is simply gaining access to a mobile phone and its personal data without the consent of the owner. This can range from advanced security violations to simply listening in an unsecured internet connection. Also, it can involve physically stealing the phone or forcibly hacking into it via techniques like brute force. Phone hacking can occur on all kinds of phones, including iPhones and Androids. Since anyone can become prey to this, it is important to identify if your phone is hacked or not. When a hacker hacks a phone, they can get access to your personal data, such as banking credentials, contacts, emails, and much more. Cybercriminals can sell these personal details on the dark web, commit other cybercrimes, and can also use it for identity theft. How To Know If Your Phone Is Hacked? There are several signs that your phone is hacked. If your smartphone is showing one of the following unusual behaviors, and especially if it is showing more than one, there is a possibility that it has been hacked. 1. Unrecognized Calls Or Texts A hacked Android phone or iPhone can send text messages to every contact. If someone you know whose phone has been hacked, you can be the next victim. Scan your call logs for any unusual activity. Also, if you see a number you don’t know, consider blocking it and report it as spam. 2. Pop-Ups If you are experiencing a lot of pop-ups on your phone, it might have got hacked. If you have enabled ad-blocking and the problem is still there, that could be a potential sign of hacking. Remember not to click on any of those pop-ups because it can make the situation even worse. 3. Sudden Battery Draining Are you also charging your phone more often? Or is your phone’s battery draining much faster than usual? Your mobile phone might simply be aging, or you could have more than just a battery problem. Unwanted applications installed on your phone through hacking or any other means can seize your phone’s resources and quickly drain your battery. 4. High Data Usage If your activities online have not changed much, but your data consumption has increased, it could be a sign that your phone is hacked. An infected app running in the background can cause unusually high consumption of data usage. Try to review your apps and delete them if anything looks suspicious. 5. Overheating Is your Android or iPhone getting hot and staying hot throughout, even when you are not using it? If you are using your phone for a longer period of time, streaming online, or playing gaming for hours, it can get hot. But if you are not doing any of these, and your phone is still getting hot, malicious software might be there, which is causing it to overheat more than usual. 6. Website Looks Weird A hacked Android or iPhone infected with malicious software can redirect you to infected, unwanted websites. If some websites are looking odd to you, they might have undergone a redevelopment recently, or it may mean you have inadvertently ended up on an unsafe site. 7. Slow Performance Malware and other hacking means in the background while using the smartphone’s battery power and resources. This significantly diminishes the performance. Unexpected restarting of the phone, freezing of apps or crashes, or device heating up can also be signs that you need to keep an eye on. 8. Apps You Don’t Identify Apps that you didn’t install should not end up on your phone. If you notice an app that you haven’t put there, a hacker might be responsible for this. There are some unnecessary apps that come pre-installed on new phones. Those are usually called bloatware. So, if you don’t recognize an app, it does not necessarily mean it is infected or malicious. 9. Unexpected Charges On Your Phone Bill If your phone bills are higher than normal, you could be experiencing unexpected charges from untouched apps spiking your data consumption. Fleeceware apps load your bill with extra charges. Also, if someone has remote access to your mobile phone, they might benefit from your subscriptions and other potential services. 10. Strange Videos or Photos In Your Gallery If your phone is hacked, a hacker might use it to spy on you or take videos or photos without your knowledge. If you keep finding strange videos or photos in your gallery, it could mean your phone’s camera has been tracked or hacked. What To Do If Your Phone Is Hacked? If you are experiencing any of the above signs on your mobile phone, there is a high possibility that your phone is hacked. You need to take the necessary steps to stop the malware that has attacked your device. Some of the steps that you can surely follow include: How To Remove A Hacker From Your Phone? Here’s how you can remove a hacker if your phone is hacked: The Techniques Phone Hackers Use? So, how do these hackers hack your phone in the first place? The most famous and dangerous hackers use a mixture of social engineering

Bitdefender Review – Is It a Good Antivirus?

March 4, 2024Technology

Investing in a good quality antivirus does a lot to keep you and your system safe. However, it can’t protect you from all the cyber threats out there. Bitdefender antivirus is an all-around security suite that takes the company’s reliable antivirus engine, adds a variety of crucial extras, and expands its protection to cover Android, Mac, and iOS devices, as well as Windows. In this Bitdefender review, we will tell you about the whole package. We will examine its security features, pricing plans, test results, and many more things. Finally, you will get the verdict of whether this is an antivirus worth taking a look at or not. So, let’s not waste any more time and get started! Overview: Bitdefender is one of the market’s top-rated antivirus providers in 2024. It continuously returns exceptional results at independent lab tests. Also, it is not as pricey as its opponents, and it includes effective security features. Bitdefender operates a cloud-based engine that uses machine learning along with traditional signature-based scanning to offer exceptional malware detection. Additionally, it offers great web protection, comprehensive system tune-up tools, a fast VPN, a safe browser, and some of the finest parental controls in the market right now. Alongside the free plans for Mac and Windows, this antivirus provides multiple premium options, including: For all of Bitdefender’s plans, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee that you can try out without risking yourself. Although this antivirus provides various amazing features, but there is still room to grow. Most of the tools are efficient and great, but, for instance, the VPN has a limitation of 200MB of data per device only unless you upgrade to the Bitdefender Premium Security Plan. Also, features like web protection could be more effective. Therefore, to help you make a decision intelligently, this Bitdefender review will explore its protection capabilities and features, review its pricing plans, and compare it with its competitors. Bitdefender Security Features: Bitdefender is a go-to antivirus because of its outstanding performance in several areas. Regarding its paid vs free plan, the software uses the same malware database to detect potential threats. So, regardless of the budget, you will receive the same exceptional level of malware removal. However, there are some additional subscription benefits to keep in mind: Here is a list of some of the most amazing features included in the Bitdefender antivirus package: Firewall: Bitdefender’s firewall is a security feature that safeguards the device from unauthorized access. It is done by blocking outbound and inbound connections, both on the Internet and on local networks. The firewall utilizes a set of rules to detect which connections to block and which to allow. These rules are automatically generated for legitimate, known applications. Also, you can manually generate rules for applications that you trust. This feature can also be used to protect your device from a variety of threats, including data snoops, hackers, and malwares. Anti-theft: The anti-theft security feature of Bitdefender helps protect a lost or stolen device. It includes a list of functionalities, such as: Malware Scanner: Bitdefender has a reliable and efficient virus scanner. It is based on machine learning and malware directory, so it is effective in detecting unknown and known malware threats. The scans usually happen in the cloud therefore, they have less impact on the device system. There are four scan types to choose from: Real-time Protection: Bitdefender’s real-time protection is also known as Bitdefender Shield. This feature is continually scanning all of the downloaded threats or files. If a threat is identified, then it is placed in quarantine or is deleted. Before you open a malicious file, a real-time protection feature catches the malware. This feature is extremely effective in offering the best protection since it works with Bitdefender’s Global Protective Network closely. It scans more than 500 million machines to extract the latest malware models. That is how this feature can ensure that you are heavily protected against the very latest and poorly documented malware threats and phishing attacks. Ransomware Remediation: Bitdefender’s ransomware remediation tool is designed to safeguard your files automatically from ransomware threats. This feature generates a backup of your files (like music, images, videos, and documents) so that they won’t get affected in case there is a ransomware attack. Additionally, Bitdefender detects when ransomware is trying to encrypt files, blocking every malicious process before it can cause some fatal issues. AntiSpam: The AntiSpam feature is quite easy to understand by its name, but it is a bit more complex than it looks. This feature is created to work with any mailbox, offering active protection for the entire email channel. To accomplish that, it utilizes a White-list, learning modules, and a heuristic filter. For every received mail, Bitdefender analyzes the metadata, message content, and header. It is done to find our specific telltale spam attributes. You can also toggle blocks for emails encoded in Asian or Cyrillic characters. The learning module operates in conjunction with this filter, collecting statistical information about spam messages and genuine email frequency. With appropriate adaptation, this module can identify spam messages faster than any skilled cybersecurity professional. Anti-tracker: Bitdefender’s anti-tracker feature provides solutions to premium users who want to prevent extreme tracking by web services. It is no secret that many websites are tracking each click you make via third-party cookies, scripts, and other ad tech marvels. The anti-tracker feature is an add-on that you can set up on Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome. Once enabled, it will prevent malicious scripts from collecting your data when you are surfing the web. Additionally, you can manage which categories of tracking you would like to disable or allow. Bitdefender VPN: One of the major differences compared to several other antivirus service providers is that Bitdefender provides a VPN as part of the application. This is highly effective because some antivirus charge an extra fee for their VPNs or even add them as additional products when purchasing the most pricey packages. However, you can also purchase the

What Is Metasploit In Cybersecurity?

March 1, 2024IT Solutions

As the threat of cyberattacks increases rapidly, it’s crucial to equip ourselves with the knowledge of how to maximize security in the business realm. Penetration testing, a key aspect of this, allows us to assess the overall security of our IT infrastructure. And when it comes to penetration testing, one framework stands out: Metasploit. This powerful tool enables businesses to identify and fortify system vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them. In essence, it’s hacking with consent. Throughout this article, we will explore Metasploit’s meaning, history, how it works, tools, uses, and many more important aspects to help you understand about more clearly. So, let’s dive into this crucial topic without wasting any more time! History Of Metasploit: In October 2003, Metasploit was designed and developed by H D Moore as a Perl-based portable tool network for the development and creation of exploits. The framework was completely rewritten in Ruby by 2007. In 2009, Rapid7 formulated the project. After that, the framework achieved huge popularity as a growing information security tool to test computer system’s vulnerabilities. In August 2011, Metasploit’s version 4.0 was introduced, which includes tools that uncover software vulnerabilities other than exploits for known bugs. Developed by Boston-based enterprise Rapid7, the project introduced Metasploit Pro and Express, proprietary versions to improve its offerings. What Is Metasploit? What does Metasploit do? It is a computer security project that delivers data about security vulnerabilities and helps to assist in penetration testing. A US-based cybersecurity firm, Rapid7, owns it. The open-source Metasploit Framework is a notable subproject. This tool is also used to create and run exploit code on remote target systems. The project includes remediation and anti-forensics tools, some of which are built into the framework. It comes pre-installed on the Kali Linux operating system. The framework makes hacking easy for both defenders and attackers. The multiple tools, user interfaces, libraries, and modules permit a user to configure an exploit module, point at a target, pair it with a payload, and launch it at the target system. Metasploit’s extensive and large database houses multiple payload options and hundreds of exploits. Who Uses Metasploit? With the huge range of applications and open-source availability that Metasploit provides, the framework is used by experts in security, development, and operations to hackers. The framework is famous with hackers and is available easily, making it an easy-to-install, trustworthy tool for security experts to be familiar with, even if they don’t want to use it. How Does Metasploit Work? A Metasploit’s pen test begins with the information-gathering phase, wherein it integrates with multiple reconnaissance tools like Nessus, Nmap, Windows patch enumeration, and SNMP scanning to find the vulnerable spot in the system. Once the weakness is determined, select an exploit and payload to penetrate the area in vulnerability. If the exploit is successful, the payload will get executed at the target, and the user will get a shell to interact with the payload. One of the most famous payloads to attack Windows systems is Metasploit Meterpreter, an in-memory-only interactive shell. Once on the target machine, It provide multiple exploitation tools for packet sniffing, privilege escalation, keyloggers, screen capture, pass the hash, plus pivoting tools. Also, users can set up a persistent backdoor if the target machine gets restarted. What Is The Purpose Of Metasploit? Metasploit is an effective tool used by network security experts to do penetration tests. This powerful tool is used for the following purposes, including: What Is Metasploit Used For? Metasploit’s central goal is to allow users to identify, exploit, and fix various vulnerabilities in the target system. The framework consists of multiple precompiled exploits, modules, and also helper payloads that can be used to stimulate attacks and test applications and systems security. Metasploit is extensively used by ethical hackers, security professionals, and penetration testers to: Metasploit Benefits: It is an effective open-source framework offering a huge range of benefits for ethical hackers, security professionals, and also for penetration testers. Here are some of the essential benefits or it, including: What Are The Tools Of Metasploit? Metasploit is basically a modular exploitation framework providing an extensive range of modules and tools for exploit development, penetration testing, and vulnerability assessment. Some of the primary tools and modules available in this are: Metasploit Framework: The following are the filesystems of Metasploit Framework (MSF): Metasploit Shell Types: There are two main types of shells in Metasploit: attacking or interacting with the target system. Metasploit Commands: Some primary commands of Metasploit are banner, msfconsole, connect, search, back, cd, jobs, grep, load, kill, show options, info, check, set, exploit, use, edit, help, exit, and others. Here’s how you can utilize Metasploit to protect a system from cyber threats: How To Download and Install Metasploit? Metasploit is preinstalled in the system if you are operating Kali Linux for penetration testing. So it is not necessary to download and install it. On the other hand, the GitHub repository helps to download and install it on both Linux and Windows systems. It is also available in the GUI version, but you have to buy for full access to the Metasploit licensed version. Final Line: The Metasploit framework is a potent tool that cyber criminals, as well as ethical hackers, can use to analyze systematic vulnerabilities on servers and networks. Because it is an open-source framework, it can be customized simply and used with most of the operating systems. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What Is Aircrack-Ng And How It Works?

February 28, 2024IT Solutions

With the expansion of wireless networks, ensuring security has become the top priority. Aircrack-ng is an effective tool specially designed for auditing wireless networks. Aircrack-ng is a suite of tools to determine WiFi network security, which includes testing, monitoring, attacking, and cracking. The suit helps to test the strength of wireless network passwords. Every tool is a command line, allowing for heavy scripting. Get ready to dive into the world of wireless network security and auditing with this suite. Also, discover how you can fortify your WiFi security against possible threats. Aircrack-ng is a complete suite of tools to assess WiFi network security. Overview Of Aircrack-ng: Aircrack-ng is a suite of tools that comes pre-installed in Kali Linux. It is basically used for WiFi network hacking and security. This all-in-one packet sniffer includes a WEP and WPA/WPA2 cracker, a hash-capturing tool, and an analyzing tool. Aircrack helps capture the package, crack those hashes with multiple attacks with dictionary attacks, and even read the hashes out of the package. This tool is a wifi password hacker and supports almost all the newest wireless interfaces. Aircrack identifies vulnerabilities, assesses the security posture of a wireless network, and tests the network encryption’s strength. Additionally, Aircrack-ng determines rogue access points, performs penetration testing tasks, and simulates multiple attack scenarios. It mainly focuses on 4 areas of WiFi security: All tools in Aircrack-ng are command lines, allowing for heavy scripting. Many of the GUIs have taken benefit of this feature. It works mainly on Linux. However, it also works on Windows, FreeBSD, macOS, NetBSD, OpenBSD, as well as eComStation2, and even Solaris. Aircrack-ng Tools: Utilizing the Aircrack-ng suite comprises employing various tools within the suite, depending on the task. Every tool has a distinct purpose. These tools can be used independently or in combination with other tools present in the Aircrack-ng suite to perform a broad range of wireless network security tasks. How Aircrack-ng Works? The suite comprises attacks known as PTW, FMS, and KoreK. The Aircrack-ng identifies some of the network packets and sees for any vulnerabilities using other tools, such as Nikto or Metasploit. This tool depends on other tools, and after identifying vulnerabilities, it becomes wireless attack-ready. Specifically, the FMS attack is utilized against Rivest Cipher 4 (RC4) encrypted keys. The KoreK attack is employed against WEP-encrypted keys. Most public WiFi will have WEP-encrypted passwords. PTW attack is employed against WPA and WEP encrypted keys. The Aircrack-ng tool can be utilized in several ways, such as making a wireless attack, creating a fake access point, monitoring the WiFi network, and so on. How to use Aircrack-ng on Windows 10 Aircrack-ng is a powerful tool that helps in assessing Wi-Fi network security. Before using Aircrack-ng in Windows 10 and 11 you need to install it. Let’s look at the steps on how to Install Aircrack-ng on Windows 11 and 10: If you fail to run the command then follow the following steps: You have successfully installed Aircrack-ng in Windows 10. Using Aircrack-ng in Windows 10 in GUI mode You either use it in GUI or CLI mode. Let’s take a look at how you can use it in GUI mode. How To Use Aircrack-ng In Kali Linux? Learn how to use Aircrack-ng in Kali Linux with our step-by-step guide. We will explain how to crack WPA/WPA2 passwords, capture packets, and scan WiFi networks using the wireless hacking tool Aircrack-ng on Kali Linux. Make sure to have these things in place before getting started. Now, let us look at the step-by-step guide on using Aircrack-ng in Kali Linux: Open A Terminal Launching a terminal on your Kali Linux system is the first step. Having it open is important because you will be running the Aircrack-ng commands from the terminal. Put The Wireless Card In Monitor Mode Monitor mode allows the wireless adapter to capture all the wireless traffic in the area. Use the Airmon-ng command to put the wireless card in monitor mode. Replace wlan0 with the wireless interface name, and it may vary. This command will generate a fresh interface, typically named wlan0mon. This interface enables you to monitor and capture packets. Scan For Wireless Network To scan for available wireless networks and to gain information about them, use the Airodump-ng command. Replace wlan0mon with the monitor mode interface. You will notice a list of nearby WiFi networks, each known by its encryption type, ESSID (network name), BSSID (MAC address), and channel. Pay close attention to the network you want to assess, as you will need its channel and BSSID for further steps. Capture Data Packets Open a new terminal tab or window and again use the Airodump-ng command to capture data packets from the target network. Now, specify the channel and BSSID of the target network and select an output file name. Deauthenticate A Client You can deauthenticate a client device linked to the target network using the command Airplay-ng to accelerate the process of capturing a WPA/WPA2 handshake for password cracking. This particular command sends de-authentication packets to a specific client, causing it to potentially trigger and disconnect a reconnection, which may result in capturing the WPA/WPA2 handshake. Capture The WPA/WPA2 Handshake A WPA handshake message will pop up in the top right corner while monitoring the Airodump-ng window from step 4. This means the capturing of the handshake is successful. Crack the WPA/WPA2 Key To crack the passphrase WPA/WPA2, you will need a wordlist, including potential passwords. Kali Linux contains various wordlists in /usr/share/wordlists/. To perform the cracking, you can use the Aircrack-ng command. Aircrack-ng will attempt to crack the passphrase by using the provided wordlist. It will show the WPA/WPA2 key in the terminal if successful. Examine The Results After successfully interpreting the WPA/WPA2 key, carefully examine the results. Ensure you document the key and any other suitable information for your security assessment report. Final Line: Aircrack-ng is an effective suite of tools for wireless network security assessment. Its capabilities in analyzing, capturing, and, in a few cases,

Can Python Be Used For Game Development?

February 26, 2024Software Development

Python’s popularity is rising in developing games and other industries. Python has multiple benefits for game development due to its strong community, user-friendly syntax, and vast library environment. This article will look at Python’s suitability for developing games and assess its pros and cons. Additionally, we will share some advice and insights for effectively using Pygame and other game development tools. Understanding its advantages and concerns will help you make strong decisions and fully use the language’s potential to create intriguing games, whether you are a beginner or a pro programmer. Let’s delve into this topic without wasting any more time! Is Python Good For Game Development? Due to its straightforward syntax, abundant libraries and frameworks, adaptable object orientation, strong community support, dynamic typing, and compatibility with AI integration, game development using Python is a popular choice. It is perfect for game development and Software Product Development, enabling more efficient and faster game production. Advantages Of Python For Game Development: Python is a great choice for game development when the project aligns with its strengths, such as rapid prototyping, 2D games, and casual games. It offers an accessible entry point to developing games and is also favored by developers striking a balance between game creation capabilities and ease of use. Python is an amazing choice for game development due to multiple reasons, including: Clear and Simple Syntax: For novices, Python is user-friendly and enables developers to create code quickly and effectively because of its simple and clear syntax. This simplicity fosters development iterations and lessens the learning curve. AI Integration: Python is an excellent option for building game AI features because of its uniformity and simplicity with AI packages. Developers can easily include Artificial Intelligence algorithms in their games to enhance gameplay and develop clever characters or adversaries. Flexible Object Orientation: Python’s support for flexible object-oriented programming allows programmers to divide their work into reusable, modular parts. This facilitates scalability, code reuse, and maintainability, which makes managing complex game projects easier. Gaming-based Frameworks and Libraries: Panda3D, Pygame, and Pyglet are just a few of the gaming frameworks and modules available in Python. These libraries provide pre-built functions and tools for game creation, allowing designers to create games more efficiently and quickly. Significant Community Support: Python has a vibrant and sizable developer community that contributes and share expertise to open-source projects. This community support makes sure game makers can access guides, materials, and answers to issues they could encounter when developing games. Dynamic Typing: Python’s dynamic typing is a useful asset in developing games, as it eradicates the requirement to declare variable styles in advancement. This feature lets developers prototype, experiment, improve efficiency, and test ideas swiftly in the game development process. Cost-effective Development: Python’s cost-effective feature is a notable advantage in game development. Python, as an open-source language, is freely available. It allows developers to harness its effective capabilities without the burden of licensing fees. This essential benefit contributes to significant cost savings throughout the game development process. Cross-platform Compatibility Python’s cross-platform feature is a useful asset in game development, as it permits developers to develop games on one system and easily transfer them to some other platforms. This particular feature decreases development costs and especially broadens the potential player base. Strong Efficiency Python’s powerful efficiency, simplified by its module importation capability, plays a vital role in game development. This feature allows developers to import only the important modules from outer sources, optimizing resource management and memory usage. As a result, games that are Python-powered can efficiently handle a high volume of coexisting inputs without experiencing freezing or lag, a critical requirement for action-packed games made with Python. Disadvantages Of Developing Games In Python: Why is Python not used for games? Despite its benefits, Python has some limitations and considerations which are vital for game development. Here are some of the few drawbacks: Frameworks Of Python Game Development: In this article, we have prepared a list of the top Python frameworks for game development one must know about, including: Pygame An open-source Python library is Pygame, which is used to make multimedia applications like built-in games on top of the excellent SDL library. This library is a mixture of OpenGL, C, Native, and Python. Pygame allows users to build games that are fully featured with multimedia programs using Python’s programming. It is extremely portable and runs on almost every platform and operating system. Some of its features are: Pyglet Pyglet is an open-sourced multimedia library with cross-platform windowing for Python. It is an effective Python library that can be used to develop games and other visually rich applications on Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X. Pyglet supports Joysticks, windowing, OpenGL, loading videos and images, user interface event handling, and playing music and sounds. Pyglet runs under 3.5+ Python and also works on other Python’s interpreters such as PyPy. Some of its features are: PyKyra Pykyra is one of the Python’s fastest game development frameworks. Also, it is based on both software and documentation localization (SDL) and the Kyra engine. Additionally, it supports MPEG video, sounds such as Ogg Vorbis, MP3, WAV, direct image reading, and more. Kivy Kivy is equipped with novel user interfaces like multi-touch apps. It is a cross-platform and open-source Python library for the fast development of applications. Kivy runs on Windows, iOS, Linux, OS X, and Raspberry Pi. It can also natively use most protocols, inputs, and devices, including Linux Kernel HID, WM_Touch, Mtdev, Mac OS X Trackpad and Magic Mouse, WM_Pen, and TUIO. Its library is GPU-accelerated, and it also comes with more than twenty widgets that are all very extensible. PyOpenGL One of the most common cross-platforms is PyOpenGL, with Python bindings to OpenGL and related APIs. In PyOpenGL, the binding is made using the standard types library. It corresponds with an extensive number of external GUI libraries for Python, including PyGT, Raw XLib, and PyGame, among others. Panda3D Written in C++ and Python, Panda3D is completely free-to-use and an open-source engine for

What Is A Phishing Attack?

February 22, 2024IT Solutions

Phishing is a type of cyberattack that uses masked email to deceive the recipient into downloading malware, giving up information, or taking other preferred actions. The purpose of a phishing attack is to steal sensitive information like login and credit card details or install malware on the victim’s machine. Phishing is a common cyberattack type that everyone should know about in order to protect themselves. Today, we will delve into this sensitive information of what it is exactly, how it works, its types, techniques, and many more crucial aspects. So, let’s not waste any more time, and let’s get started! Overview: What Is A Phishing Attack? Phishing is basically a deceitful practice in which the attacker disguises as a reputable entity or person through an email or other form of communication. Attackers normally use phishing emails to spread malicious attachments or links that can extract account numbers, login credentials, and other personal data from victims. Deceptive phishing is a famous cybercrime, as it is more effortless to trick someone into clicking on a mischievous link in an apparently legal phishing email than it is to break through a computer’s securities. Knowing more about a phishing attack is crucial to help users detect and prevent it. How Does Phishing Attack Work? A phishing attack is a type of cybersecurity and social engineering attack where the attacker imitates someone else via email or other types of electronic communication, including SMS text messages and social networks, to reveal personal information. Phishers can use public sources of information, such as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook, to gather the victim’s personal data, activities, work history, and interests. These resources are usually used to unveil information such as email addresses, names, and job titles of potential victims. An attacker can then use the information to make a believable phishing email. Generally, a victim receives a message that seems to have been sent by a well-known institution or contact. The phishing attack is then carried out either when the victim clicks on an infectious file attachment or clicks on a hyperlink linking them to a malicious site. In both cases, the attacker’s goal is to install malware on the victim’s device or direct them to a faux site. Fake or faux sites are up to trick users into revealing financial or personal data, such as credit card details, passwords, or account IDs. Although many phishing emails are clearly fake and poorly written, cybercriminals are using AI tools such as chatbots to make phishing attacks look more authentic. Several other phishing attacks can be made through phones, where the attacker poses as an employee phishing for personal data. These notifications can use an AI-generated voice of the user’s manager or other authority for the attacker to trick the victim further. Types Of Phishing Attacks: Cybercriminals continue to sharpen their existing phishing mastery and develop the latest phishing scams. Some common types of phishing attacks are: Spear Phishing Attack These attacks are directed at typical companies or individuals. These types of attacks usually employ collected information particular to the victim to more successfully present the message as being true. Spear phishing emails may include references to executives or co-workers at the user’s organization, as well as the use of the user’s location, name, or any other personal data. Whaling Attacks These are a kind of spear phishing attack that precisely targets senior executives within a company with the goal of stealing large sums of personal data. The attackers research their victims in detail to develop a more real message. Using information specific or relevant to a target expands the chances of the attack being successful. Because a specific whaling attack targets an employee who can permit payments, the phishing message often seems to be a command from an executive to permit a huge payment to a vendor when, in fact, the payment would be made to the phishing attackers. Clone Phishing Attack Clone phishing uses formerly delivered but authentic emails containing either an attachment or a link. Attackers make a clone or copy of the legitimate email and replace the attached files or links with malicious ones. Victims are often fooled into clicking on the infectious link or opening the attachment. Attackers who have taken control of another user’s system often use this technique. In this case, attackers use their control of a system within an organization to send emails from a real sender who is known to the user. Pharming This is another type of phishing attack that makes use of the domain name system cache poisoning to redirect victims from a legitimate site to a fake one. Pharming attacks try to fool users into logging in to the fraudulent website using their personal information. Voice Phishing A voice phishing attack is a type of phishing that occurs over voice-based media, including voice-over IP. It is also known as vishing or plain old telephonic service. This type of phishing scam uses speech synthesis software to leave voicemails informing the victim of malicious activity in a credit or bank account. The call demands the victim to respond for identity verification, thus compromising their account details. Evil Twin Attacks This type of phishing attack occurs when attackers try to fool the victims into connecting to a fake Wi-Fi network that looks like an authentic access point. A duplicate hotspot is created by the attackers, who send out their own radio signals and use the same exact name as the true network. When the victim connects to the malicious twin network, attackers gain access to all the transmissions to or from the user’s devices, including user passwords and IDs. Smishing or SMS Phishing Smishing or SMS phishing is a mobile device-oriented phishing attack using text messages to convince users to disclose account details or install malware. The victim is usually asked to call a phone number, click on a link, or send an email. Then, the attacker asks the user to offer private data. This attack can’t be identified easily, as

What Is a Test Plan In Software Testing?

February 19, 2024Software Development

Learning How to Create a Test Plan in software testing is important to ensure that the software meets all the needs and works efficiently. A test plan is a kind of document that helps to explain how you will test the software. Also, when it should be done and what resources you will need are also included. Creating an effective test plan is crucial to spot any issues. A software test plan demonstrates and evaluates that a software function or product performs as intended. Software test training has several benefits, such as improving performance, preventing problems, and lowering development costs. In this complete guide, we’ll give you step-by-step instructions on how you can create a practical test plan so that the process of testing the software will be a successful one. Overview: What Is A Test Plan? A test plan in software testing is basically a document outlining the resources, schedule, objectives, and strategy of a software testing method. The plan will generally include details like the number and type of tests that need to be conducted, how test results will be reported and analyzed, the required tools, and the purpose of every test. Throughout the testing process, it is updated regularly to reflect any changes or discoveries in strategy. The test plan template is for conducting testing of the software activities as a defined method that is completely controlled and monitored by the testing manager. The test plan is designed by the Test Lead (60%), the Test Engineer (20%), and the Test manager (20%). Importance Of Test Plan: An effective test plan in software testing is a game-changer. It not only helps to make an approach and addresses several challenges but also facilitates communication between the team and stakeholders. Let’s uncover the importance of a test plan: Types Of Test Plans In Software Testing: There are mainly three types of test plans, including: 1. Master Test Plan The master test plan document goes into greater depth on the management and planning of testing at different test levels. It offers a bird’s eye view of the tactics used, important choices made, and the testing efforts that have been made in the project. The master test plan in software testing includes various tests. There is test coverage, a relation between multiple test levels, connected code tasks, test executing strategies, and more. 2. Phase Test Plan The test plans that are important to follow for every test level or periodic test type are mentioned in detail at this level. The level test plan in software testing generally includes information on the levels enlisted in the master test plan. They will provide testing templates, schedules, activities, benchmarks, and other key information that is not covered in the master plan. 3. Specific Test Plan Plans for conducting specific testing, such as security and performance tests. Performance testing is software testing aiming to find out how a system performs and responds under a particular load. Security testing is software testing that focuses on discovering the system’s issues and whether its resources and data are safe from possible intruders. Components Of The Test Plan In Software Testing: Exploring the components of a test plan in software testing is crucial for a deep understanding of the process. Let us now dive into the important component that forms the backbone of an efficient test plan: Objectives Of Testing: When it comes to developing a test plan for software testing, it’s important to know its objectives. Let us now explore the essential reasons that make a test plan important in software tests: Who Needs Test Planning? A test plan in software testing is a crucial artifact that acts as a mentor for the development process of the product. So, let’s find out who needs a test plan: How To Create A Test Plan? When creating a test plan in software testing, it is important to address its key sections to make sure it works effectively. Let us now cover the important components that should be covered for an effective and successful test plan. Analyzing the Product Before creating an effective test plan in software testing, you need to examine the product first. This means how the product works, what it does, and what its potential will want to use. This analysis will help determine the specific areas that require testing and the test types that will be most effective. After understanding the product, you can begin to uncover those areas where issues can occur. By figuring out potential areas creating issues, you can create a plan for testing the product. Create A Test Plan Strategy The next step in developing a test plan in software testing is to create a test strategy. A number of several factors need to be taken into consideration when developing a test strategy. The schedule for testing, the type of testing, and the resources required are some of them. This test strategy should be modified to the particular project, and the overall risks, scope, and objectives should be considered. Explain The Scope Of Testing: First, identify the goals of testing. Secondly, figure out the areas of the application in which testing is needed. This also includes figuring out the functional areas, several features, and components that need to be tested. Lastly, determine the types of testing to perform. Identify The Test Type: There are multiple kinds of testing that can be executed on software, and every type has its own pros and cons. When creating a test plan, it is crucial to identify the type that is more accurate for AUT. The types of testing are: Document Issues And Risks: A test plan is a document outlining the issues and risks associated with a software project. The test plan in software testing communicates the issues and risks to the project management and team. These can be technical issues, such as problems with the architecture or code, or some non-technical ones, including changes in the business environment. Creating Test Logistics: Creating test logistics is an

How To Become A Software Engineer With No Experience?

February 19, 2024Software Development

Software engineers are the heroes of the digital sector. A software engineer develops, designs, and tests computer systems and software applications. They possess a deep knowledge of programming languages, software development methodologies, and algorithms, allowing them to develop effective solutions for multiple applications. Software engineering can be both challenging and fun, with possibilities to work in any industry, including small and large businesses, healthcare facilities, government agencies, and more. And as technology evolves, the need for software engineers also grows. Today, we will share how you can be a software engineer without a degree, its benefits, salary, and many more important aspects. What Is A Software Engineer? A software engineer is a computer science professional who uses programming languages and engineering principles to develop software products. An engineer develops mobile and web applications and also runs network control systems. In addition to building their own systems, a software engineer also improves, test, and maintain software built by other engineers. There are several benefits of studying software engineering, including opportunities for growth, good salaries, high demand, flexible schedules, and many more. Their roles, responsibilities, and day-to-day tasks include: Types Of Software Engineer and Salary: The field of software engineering is vast, with different roles based on the complexity of applications. Engineering functions have various types of software engineers in their teams. Some of the most famous types of software engineer roles are: Front-End Engineer A front-end developer is one who has a specialization in the development of the UI (User Interface). A front-end developer deals with cross-browser compatibility and fixes bugs to ensure an outstanding visual presentation of the user interface. Skills: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, TypeScript, cross-browser compatibility, Testing and debugging, frameworks and libraries, and APIs. Average Salary: $120,632 per year Back-End Engineer Any software engineer who specializes in the underlying logic and performance of the app is known as a back-end engineer. They usually design and execute the core logic, keeping scalability in mind. Skills: JavaScript, HTML5, NodeJS, jQuery, CSS3, JS, ReactJS, AngularJS, VueJS, ES2015+. Average Salary: $147,662 per year Full Stack Engineer A software engineer who can manage both back-end and front-end work is called a full-stack software engineer. They have all the skills that are needed to develop a fully functional web application. Skills: UI and UX frameworks, JavaScript, Java, CSS, C, C++, HTML, Python, Ruby, Scala, Perl, Kubernetes, Go, Apache Mesos, Docker, Jenkins, HashiCorp stack (Vault, Nomad, Terraform, Consul). Average Salary: $170,000 per year DevOps Engineer Software engineers who have knowledge of the technologies needed for the development of systems to deploy, build, integrate, and administer back-end software and distributed systems are known as DevOps engineers. Skills: Python, PHP, Ruby, Perl, C++, Java, Apache Ant, Apache Maven, Jenkins, Git, GitHub, Bash, Shell, Node.js. Average Salary: $133,115 per year Data Engineer Data engineers handle operations like Data Mining, ETL, Database Management, Data Warehousing, and many more. They help developers and test engineers with the data infrastructure used to ensure the application’s seamless functioning. Skills: SQL, NoSQL, Python, AWS, Kafka, Hadoop, Data Warehousing, Database Management, ETL, Apache Spark, Google Cloud Platform, GCP Data Engineering Skills. Average Salary: $151,425 per year Security Engineer A software engineer who is a professional in creating procedures, systems, and methods to test the security of a software system and fix any flaws is known as a security engineer. Skills: Python, Power Shell, Java, Go, Nord, Ruby, C++, Penetration and vulnerability testing, MySQL, UNIX, Windows, and Linux operating systems. Average Salary: $152,773 per year Cloud Architect Platforms and applications move into the cloud servers, and cloud architects are the ones who manage the cloud-based infrastructure and its operations. From Cloud Management and Monitoring to Migration, a cloud architect takes care of everything. Skills: Java, C#, Python, Data Storage Expertise, Cybersecurity, AWS service selection, cloud-specific technologies and patterns. Average Salary: $175,453 per year Software Development Engineer in Test Software Development Engineers in Test (SDET) are developers who are professionals with testing skills. They are also responsible for testing along with development. Skills: Exposure to BDD, Agile+ DevOps exposure, Testing methodology, programming, designing, time management, and organization skills. Average Salary: $137,448 per year Software Engineer in Test (QA Engineer) A QA Engineer creates manual tests, test plans, and automated tests using frameworks and tools to ensure that processors and products run as expected. Skills: Node.js, PHP, Java, Python, Ruby, Functional testing, unit testing, UI testing, Cross-browsing testing, JUnit, TestNG, Scrum and Agile. Average Salary: $95,168 per year How To Become A Software Engineer Without A Degree? There are some steps you can take to become a software engineer without a degree. If you are also thinking of starting your career in software engineering from scratch, follow the steps below: Get Certified: Step 1 Web development Bootcamp programs can fulfill your requirements without having a degree. You can opt for a short-term software engineering beginner course that will help you start your software engineering career with a decent salary. Additionally, boot camps normally range from 6-7 months. There are many boot camps where you enroll yourself, including full-stack developers, IT support professional certificates, coding courses, etc. Learn Coding: Step 2 C++, Java, Python, and JavaScript are some software development programs in high demand nowadays. Along with CSS and HTML certifications, these are some of the coding software that can help you to have new career opportunities. It’s an ever-growing dimension of software programming in which most software development organizations and corporations are interested. Find Projects: Step 3 Practicing what you have learned is the key to leave a long-lasting impression on employers. Practicing and implementing the programs will help you to have a better command of a specific topic. Working on projects is equal to applying those skills gained through the courses. Some of the certificate courses offer these benefits along with their learning schedule. Create A Portfolio: Step 4 Now, it is the time to create and work on your portfolio. Build a resume and start grabbing the best software engineer jobs. Your portfolio must include

What is Integration Testing in the Software Development Life Cycle?

February 14, 2024Software Development

In software development, ensuring that individual components or modules work seamlessly together is as important as perfecting them in isolation. This is where integration testing, a key phase in the Software Development Life Cycle, comes into play. But what exactly is it, and why is it so important in the software testing process? Let’s dive deeper into this essential testing phase to understand its purpose, methodologies, and benefits. Understanding Integration Testing Integration testing is a type of test where individual units or components of an application development are combined and tested as a group. The main goal of this testing is to identify any discrepancies, defects, or issues that exist between integrated units. By doing so, developers can ensure that the software components interact with each other correctly and as expected. This phase of testing follows unit testing — where individual components are tested in isolation — and precedes system testing, where the entire system is evaluated. It helps in detecting problems that occur when units are combined, such as issues related to data format, interface mismatches, faulty interactions, and more. Types of Integration Testing Integration testing can be conducted in various ways, depending on the approach and strategy chosen by the test team. Some of the common types include: Big Bang Integration Testing: This approach involves integrating all the modules at once and testing the complete system in one go. While it’s straightforward, it can make isolating and identifying specific faults challenging. Advantages Disadvantages Incremental Integration Testing: Unlike the Big Bang approach, incremental testing combines and tests two or more modules step by step. This approach can be further divided into: 1. TopDown Integration Testing: Testing takes place from top-level units to lower-level units, using stubs (temporary modules) for lower levels that are yet to be developed or tested. Advantages Disadvantages 2. BottomUp Integration Testing: This starts from lower-level units and moves up, using drivers (temporary calling programs) to simulate higher-level units. Advantages Disadvantages 3. Sandwich/Hybrid Integration Testing: This integration testing is an approach that combines both top-down and bottom-up approaches. Hence it has the features of both of them. Advantages Disadvantages Continuous Integration Testing: In modern Agile and DevOps environments, continuous test involves regularly integrating and testing code changes, often multiple times a day, to detect and fix integration issues early. Purpose of Integration Testing Integration Testing is mainly focused on validating various software components, subsystems, and applications that work in a combined manner to enhance performance. Integration testing is intended to solve the error that comes up when components are integrated. Some of the common errors that can be resolved using integration testing are performance issues, incorrect communication, and data corruption. Integration testing is very important for the overall software development life. Some of the main purposes of integration testing are: Benefits of Integration Testing It offers numerous benefits, ensuring the software application functions smoothly as a whole. Here are some key advantages: The Importance of Integration Testing in SDLC Integration testing is important in the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), ensuring that different parts of a software system work together seamlessly. This step is vital for several reasons: 1. Verification of Functional Requirements: Integration testing checks if the software meets its functional requirements by assessing how different components interact. This ensures that the software aligns with the specified initial development criteria. 2. Early Issue Detection: Integration testing identifies and addresses issues early in development, preventing them from becoming complex and costly challenges later on. Early detection saves time and resources, promoting a smoother development process. 3. Quality Improvement: By uncovering and resolving compatibility issues, data flow problems, and communication glitches between components, integration testing significantly improves the overall quality and reliability of a software system. 4. Increased Confidence in the System: Verification of component collaboration brings confidence in the system’s functionality. This assurance is crucial for developers, testers, and stakeholders, ensuring that the software operates as a unified system rather than a collection of independent parts. 5. Different Integration Types, Different Benefits: Recognizing that different integration types offer distinct benefits in SDLC is essential. Whether it’s top-down, bottom-up, or a combination, each approach addresses specific aspects of the software architecture based on project requirements and complexity. 6. Critical for Delivering HighQuality Software: Integration testing is not a mere checkbox; it acts as a gatekeeper to deliver high quality, reliable software. It ensures all integrated elements work together harmoniously, contributing collectively to the success of the software application. Top 9 Tools for Integration Testing Integration testing ensures the seamless collaboration of various components in a software system. To execute this process efficiently, choosing the right integration testing tools is essential. Here is a list of the top 9 tools for Integration Testing: 1. Citrus Citrus is a versatile integration testing tool based on Java, offering a seamless testing experience for diverse applications and data formats. Its open-source nature, advanced data and header validation, and compatibility with various protocols such as SOAP, JMS, and HTTP make it a preferred choice for integration testing. Features: Pros: Cons: 2. SITA (Smart Integration Test Accelerator) SITA stands out as a widely used integration testing tool with a business-centric approach, simplifying the complexities of testing through bottom-up approaches. Its features include streamlined process flows, easy test data generation, automation of test design activities, and seamless integration with tools like HP ALM and IBM Rational. Features: Pros: Cons: 3. LDRA Dominating the software testing market for over 40 years, LDRA is a top-notch integration testing tool that ensures the best possible software quality. Known for its TBrun and LDRAunit components, it provides a compact and dynamic solution for integration testing, tailored to specific software requirements, and offers cost-effective solutions for unit testing and overall software functionality. Features: Pros: Cons: 4. Rational Integration Tester (Green Hat) Formerly known as Green Hat and now part of IBM, Rational Integration Tester excels in integration testing for use cases like SOA messaging tests. With features like scripting-free environment creation, reusable stubs, Agile development support, and time-efficient

Can I Learn Software Development On My Own

February 13, 2024Software Development

Do you want to learn software development from scratch? Our way of working and living is changing, with 90% of business operations supported by software. The fourth Industrial Revolution and digital-first transformation have led to a raised demand for software developers fueling this technology. In this blog, we will discuss how to learn software development from scratch and break into this productive field. This includes a basic understanding of programming, different slides, and capitalizing on the multiple resources available for aspiring coders. What Is A Software Developer? A software developer researches, designs, and develops software and applications using various programming languages. While developing these programs, they are also accountable for testing the software to make sure it works. After the project goes live, it’s the developer’s job to make updates, refactor old code, make updates, and more. There are different types of software developers, including: Software developers write codes for computer applications and programs. Although that sounds uniform and simple, it is actually varied and broad. A software developer might do any of the following and many more: Why Learn Software Development? It’s common to choose your career based on salary offers and availability. When it comes to software engineering, you will not be disappointed in those aspects. Software development is an ever-growing industry and offers a career path with limitless opportunities and progression. However, if you want to learn software development, know several reasons why choosing this career is good, including: High Number Of Job Openings Across every industry, companies are continuously searching for software developers, and there is no end for now. Software developers’ employment is projected to grow a massive 22% from the year 2020 to 2030, much higher than the average for other occupations. High-Income Salary There are nearly 2 billion websites in presence and more than 4 billion internet users worldwide, and these numbers are only increasing. With this extensive need for web-based programming development, it is no wonder that software development is one of the high-income jobs, even for the beginner level. Whether you choose to pursue full-stack, back-end, front-end development, or one of the many other routes, you can count on frequent promotions and competitive salaries in your career. Flexible Work Environment Mostly, a software developer’s work is online, providing them with a flexible work environment, from working location to working hours. As a remote worker, you are not restricted to applying only in your area but also across the country. If you prefer to work in an office setting, there are plenty of options available. Several Career Advancement Opportunities Along with several types of software development careers, there are equally as many career advancement chances. If you want to learn software development, there are skills, including coding, creative thinking, and problem-solving, which will surely benefit you in the long run. A Well Respected Profession Being a software developer means a high salary and a reputable name. Furthermore, after gaining enough knowledge, you will have a vast range of job opportunities. You can either start your own company and also design products from scratch. Additionally, you can start providing other aspiring developers with the knowledge to guide them for a better future. How To Learn Software Development From Scratch? Becoming a software developer on your own won’t happen overnight. Before you start your career as a software engineer, it can take several months or even years to learn software development tools, languages, API design, and much more. Here are some steps that will help you to learn about software development if you are starting from the beginning. 1st Step: A Strong Educational Foundation The first step is to lay a strong educational foundation. Many software engineers hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science or in a related field. 2nd Step: Master In Programming Languages Programming languages are the heart and soul of software engineering. Depending on your career plans, you must become masterful in C++, Java, Python, JavaScript, etc., start to learn software development by mastering the basics, and slowly move on to more advanced topics. 3rd Step: Delve into Algorithms and Data Structures These are the building blocks of software development. These concepts are vital for solving difficult problems efficiently. Spend your time knowing how data structures work, practicing how to implement algorithms, and finally, learning how to analyze their time and space difficulty. 4th Step: Create Personal Projects Creating personal projects is vital in software engineering. You can start with manageable yet small projects and slowly go on to more complex ones. Creating your own websites or applications will improve your skills. Additionally, it will provide you with a portfolio to showcase to likely employers. 5th Step: Collaborating On Open Source Contributing to open-source projects is an incredible way to gain real-world knowledge, work with skilled developers, and give back to the community. It is a chance to excel in your coding skills, learn from others, and create a reputation in the software engineering area. 6th Step: Internships And Co-ops Programs Co-op programs and internships with tech companies offer invaluable hands-on knowledge of the industry. Apply for these chances to gain experience in real-world software engineering projects and learn from experts. 7th Step: Grow Your Network and Connect Growing your network is a crucial part of any career. Attend tech meetups and join online forums to connect with experts in your field. Use platforms like LinkedIn to develop your professional network and stay up to date on industry trends. 8th Step: Keep Learning The world of technology is constantly evolving, so staying up with the trends is vital. Consider seeking certifications, online courses, or any other additional degrees to boost your knowledge and skills. 9th Step: Prep Yourself For Technical Interviews Prepare yourself for technical interviews when you think you are ready to join the job industry. Learn software development coding languages, algorithm questions, and system design forms. Several resources like websites, books, and coding platforms, including HackerRank and LeetCode, are there to help you prepare. 10th Step: Begin Your

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