Natural Language Processing and Trends in the Same

Since time immemorial, humans have used language and speech as a medium of communication of thoughts. As computers evolved, they had their own programming languages and codes. Software became advanced over time and coupled with hardware advancements, the potential for computer applications became endless.

The next step in this evolution is the case of Natural Language Processing or NLP for short. It is a field of artificial intelligence (AI), whose aim is to help computers understand and interpret human languages. The understanding and interpretation by computers must be in a way that is useful, and it is possible by advanced models, algorithms and other related developments.

The main applications of NLP include areas like

  1. Machine-based translation
  2. Summarization of information
  3. Generation of text and language in a coherent manner based on various data sources. For example, writing about the performance of a company based on a summary of the balance sheet and other related financial data.
  4. Chatbots and conversational agents

And many more such applications.

As the best software development company in USA and a leading cyber security company in UK, GRhombus Technologies analyses the recent trends in NLP in the below blog.

1. Ethics

As AI gains traction, one of the key areas to address is how NLP models can be trained to avoid bias and remain ethical. There is also an inherent fear of systems acting recklessly to take decisions. This is especially true in the case of customer-facing applications like chat bots.

2. Privacy concerns

Along with ethics, privacy concerns associated with NLP also need to be addressed. This is still a grey area and there are discussions at multiple levels on how various aspects need to be handled.

3. Quick-learning models

Humans have the inherent ability to learn new things even when the data around the project is limited. The aim is to extend this to NLP with few shot and zero shot learning. This also applies to cases where the data set is limited like in low resource languages.

4. Transparency and accountability

As NLP finds a larger scope of applications, it is important for end users to understand how decisions are made. Insights need to be provided on how the model behaves and what its limitations are.

5. Transfer Learning

There are many cases where learning in one task can be applied to a related task. More research is being undertaken in this area to quicken the evolution of NLP.

6. Multilingual capabilities

Language limitations themselves become a barrier sometimes. For example, a person may understand and speak Chinese, but not Spanish. The context also varies between different languages. So, the aim with multilingual capabilities is to bridge the divide and provide better communication and understanding across different languages.

Overall, the focus is on improving the ethical aspects around NLP as well as expanding the application across different verticals.

About GRhombus Technologies

As a leading software development company in USA and a reputed Salesforce CRM customisation company, we understand the tenets of a business and tailor the solution to a required business need. We are also well-versed in the Force.com development platform and can undertake key customisation and advanced automation functions based on the business needs.

We are also one of the leading custom app development company in UK and we offer a one stop solution for developing Web, Mobile and Cloud based applications with a responsive design that suits specific business needs. Are you interested in engaging with us and growing your business to the next level? Contact us to fly on wings of change.

What is Hyperautomation Testing?

It is no doubt that artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have revolutionized different aspects of various industries and business verticals. They have helped create new business models, add efficiency into the system and even understand customer perceptions and interactions better.

One area where AI, ML and Robotic Process Automation (ROPA) can find good applications is in the field of software testing. Oftentimes, one or more such tools can be combined to achieve stellar results. This is where the concept of hyperautomation testing comes in.

In layman terms, hyperautomation testing refers to the use of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and robotic process automation (RPA), to automate and streamline the testing process. The key feature of hyperautomation testing is how it is able to analyze large volumes of data by leveraging various AI and ML algorithms to identify patterns, make intelligent decisions and improve the testing process. It can also be used to validate system behavior, automate the generation of test data, reduce manual effort and perform continuous testing.

As the best software development company in the USA and a leading software development company in UK, GRhombus Technologies has done key work in this area. In our experience, some of the key advantages of hyperautomation testing are:

1. Reduced time to market

Using hyperautomation testing, many manual and repetitive tasks can be automated and this will help in faster time to market of the product. Automated tests can run 24/7 and catch issues early and human resources can focus on other important areas.

2. Increased quality

With automation, the depth of testing and the breadth of testing can be increased. This includes areas like more use cases, browsers, devises etc, which may not be possible in a manual testing setup. This will ensure that quality is built into the testing process.

3. Consistency

Since there is no fatigue involved like the case of manual testing, hyperautomation eliminates human errors and inconsistencies. Since the breadth and depth of testing is more, it also means that errors can be caught early. The feedback loop is faster and more robust.

4. Ability to scale

With an automated test setup, it is easy to scale without any corresponding loss in quality. The same may not be possible in a purely manual setup.

While we discuss the advantages, it is also important to have a balanced perspective of things. Some of the key disadvantages of hyperautomatino testing are listed below.

5. Investment in time, infrastructure and capital for setup

From the perspective of hyperautomation testing, developing automated test scripts and building out the necessary infrastructure requires significant initial investment in tools and knowhow. Hence, it is necessary to weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision to go in for a hyperautomation setup in the organization.

6. Maintenance

As with all tools, even a hyperautomation testing setup needs maintenance. They have to be updated as the test cases, applications and envionments evolve. Further, when defining automated test scripts, they should be free from bugs. Else, they can lead to false positives/negatives in results. Further, a certain amount of foresight is required as automated tests must me capable of meeting future needs and should not be brittle.

7. Skill

Writing automated test scripts requires skill and deep coding expertise. Further, the modules must be clearly defined and designed and when error messages are thrown, it should be easy to identify the root cause.

Why GRhombus Technologies?

GRhombus Technologies is a leader in offering cyber security solutions and software testing solutions. We are a trusted information security partner for leading companies in Europe and USA.

Apart from cybersecurity and software testing, we are also a leading software development company in UK. Established in 2014, GRhombus Technologies has delivery centres in India at Hyderabad, Chennai and Bengaluru, and partner offices located in the USA and the Netherlands.

For additional details, please contact us.

Machine learning and its applications

Machine learning refers to the concept wherein computers learn to make predictions and decisions without being programmed for the same. Thus, they recognize patterns, sift through data to look for connections and then come to a conclusion. Machine learning is a part of the broad concept of artificial intelligence.

There are different types of strategies for helping machines learn. They include supervised learning where there are defined datasets, unsupervised learning without defined datasets and reinforcement learning based on rewards and penalties. The overall aim is to improve the performance over time and achieve a high level of perfection. Each strategy has different applications, advantages and disadvantages and needs to be carefully chosen based on the project need.

The applications of machine learning include the following areas.

Machine learning has a wide range of applications across various fields. Some of the key areas where machine learning is applied include:

1. Automatic recognition of speech or images

Machine learning algorithms are used to develop systems that can recognize and interpret images, videos, and speech. This has applications in fields such as computer vision, autonomous vehicles, and voice assistants. BY understanding human speech through NLP (natural language processing) techniques, one can achieve applications in chatbots, translation services etc.

2. Logistics

Machine learning is applied in transportation and logistics for tasks such as route optimization, fleet management, and predictive maintenance of vehicles. It helps reduce costs, improve delivery times, and enhance overall logistics operations. Further, additional touchpoints like advance planning based on weather updates etc can be achieved and applied in real time.

3. Fraud and outlier detection

By use of machine learning and datasets, one can look for patterns in cyber-crimes, tax evasion, credit card spending patterns, claims related to insurance etc. In the financial services and stock broking industry also, machine learning algorithms find extensive use. In fact, the enforcement wings of many government agencies use machine learning and artificial intelligence in a very proactive manner to achieve positive outcomes in the above areas.

4. Recommendations in platforms

Many recommendation systems used in areas like streaming services, e-commerce platforms etc are based on machine learning based on the study of human behaviour. Targeted ad campaigns by social media companies are an outcome of machine learning. User behaviour is studied in detail and recommendations are made based on the same.

5. Autonomous Systems

Machine learning plays a crucial role in developing autonomous systems such as self-driving cars, drones, and robots. It enables these systems to perceive and interact with their environment, making decisions based on real-time data. Additionally, machine learning can analyze sensor data and come up with proactive alerts and suggestions for system maintenance, overhaul etc and thus prevent breakdown of autonomous systems or their functions.

6. Environment and monitoring

Machine learning can continuously analyse large amounts of data from sensors, satellites, and weather stations to monitor and predict environmental conditions. It has applications in climate modelling, air quality monitoring, and natural disaster prediction.

Apart from the above areas, machine learning also finds extensive use in agriculture like predicting the best mix of crops and patterns, healthcare like discovery of new drugs etc. The machine learning revolution is only in the early stages and the applications are not only vast but have a huge potential to transform the way we lead life itself!

Why GRhombus Technologies?

GRhombus Technologies is a leading custom software development in the UK and among the reputed cyber security companies in the USA. Driven by passion, we have key partnerships with companies across the globe in different areas and thus have the capability to offer all-around solutions to customers.

Our team of experts serve clients across Europe, UK, USA, Middle East, and we cherish our long-term relationships with them built on values, engaging solutions and trust. GRhombus Technologies Private Limited is a subsidiary of GRhombus Consulting and has offices in Europe, with delivery centres in India. Have some security needs or questions? Contact us now!

Bootstrap Or Tailwind CSS – Who Wins The Battle?

Bootstrap and TailwindCSS are two leading front-end framework tools to help create faster, more efficient websites with less coding. Both of these tools, while similar in many ways, have some key differences that can make them better or worse depending on the specific project you are working on or your personal preference for the finished product. In this article, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both Bootstrap and TailwindCSS so that you can decide which one might be best for your project needs.

What is Tailwind CSS

Tailwind CSS is an open-source framework of utility classes that can be used to style any kind of website. It is a well-documented, easily configurable system for creating consistent, responsive layouts that work across many different devices and screen sizes. The framework includes a modern reset and provides easy ways to create fixed or fluid grid layouts. For example, with one line of code, you can set your column widths (how wide each column should be) for the entire site and easily change them later.

What is Bootstrap

Bootstrap is a popular HTML, CSS, and JS framework for developing responsive, mobile-first web applications. It includes templates for common UI components, such as tabs, navigation bars, pagination, and alerts.
It’s maintained by the open-source community on GitHub. Bootstrap 4 is currently in beta and will be released this summer.

How to use them

Bootstrap is an open-source web design framework that offers a wide range of UI elements, typography, and icons. Bootstrap was originally released in August 2011. It is built to be responsive with the help of CSS3 media queries, with a grid system and Sass variables. Bootstrap is built on LESS and it can be customized to suit your needs using Sass as well.
TailwindCSS is also an open-source web design framework that offers a wide range of UI elements, typography, and icons. Tailwind was first released in November 2017. Like Bootstrap, it’s built to be responsive with the help of CSS3 media queries, with a grid system and Sass variables

Difference between them

Bootstrap is an open-source front-end web development framework that provides a design system for developing responsive, mobile-first projects on the web. Bootstrap includes HTML and CSS-based design templates for typography, forms, buttons, navigation, alerts, and many other interface components. Bootstrap also features several JavaScript plugins that are built on jQuery. These include carousel slideshows, drop-down menus, and tabs.
TailwindCSS is a utility-first CSS framework for rapidly building custom user interfaces that prioritize ease of use and elegant code architecture over all else. Tailwind is made with post-compile optimizations in mind to give you the highest performance possible out of the box with no configuration necessary.

Which one is better

Which one is better, Bootstrap or TailwindCSS? There are many pros and cons to using each. Bootstrap is a more established framework with millions of users and plugins. It’s also easier to learn than Tailwind. However, Bootstrap does not have nearly as much documentation as Tailwind which can make it difficult for beginners to get started. On the other hand, when you’re using a framework like Bootstrap you need to learn how to use the framework and all of its features before getting started with design while with Tailwind you just start designing your pages.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a starter framework that is easy to use and can be customized, Bootstrap might be the right choice. If you’re looking for an advanced, more customizable framework that has a variety of plugins and other features, TailwindCSS may be the way to go. It’s really up to you which one you would rather use when starting your project because they both have their pros and cons.

Are you interested in engaging with us and growing your business to the next level? Contact us now!

Fine-Tuning Customer Experience with Adobe and Salesforce

Over the last few months, Adobe and Salesforce have announced updates to their tools that will change the way marketers and sales professionals work with customers and prospects. These updated tools are designed to provide businesses with more data about their customers, allowing them to create truly personalized experiences for each of their customer’s unique needs. Here’s what you need to know about these updates and how they could impact your business.

The role of a CX platform

A CX platform is designed to help businesses identify the customer journey and create personalized interactions that contribute to a positive experience. It’s important for your company to have a strong understanding of what your customers want, which can be difficult without the right software. A CX platform can help you do this by providing insights about customer patterns on a global scale. Data collected on these platforms can be used to make more informed decisions about how to best serve your customers.

Improving internal team collaboration

It’s important that your team can communicate effectively and efficiently. The best way to do this is to bring everyone together in the same place, which can be costly and time-consuming. But there are a few ways you can make it work:
1) Create a collaborative workspace for your team – this might mean installing video conferencing software like Skype for Business or Google Hangouts, or it might mean bringing in furniture that encourages collaboration from day one.
2) Share documents online – use a platform like Box, Dropbox, or Google Drive to share documents easily with your team members at any time of the day.
3) Use email wisely – use email sparingly as an internal communication tool, instead of using it as an alert system when someone needs your attention.

Collect feedback via surveys, email, and more

You can also use surveys to gauge customer experience and satisfaction. You can use SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Google Forms, or a website like SurveyGizmo to create a quick survey. Then you’ll want to find out how people are feeling about your company, products, or services by asking questions like How often do you purchase our products? or What is one thing we could change to make your experience better? Most importantly, be sure the survey is short (five minutes max) because you don’t want to put people off taking it. You can also solicit feedback on social media sites such as Twitter with a simple question like We’re looking for feedback on our product.

Measure success with customer satisfaction scores

To measure success, customer satisfaction scores are tallied. The Adobe Net Promoter Score (NPS) is a way of surveying your customers to ask how likely they would be to recommend you to a friend or colleague. It ranges from -100% (very unlikely) to +100% (very likely). To calculate the score, take the percentage of respondents who ranked between 0%-6%, subtracting it from the percentage of respondents who ranked 7%-10%. The result is your NPS.
The Salesforce Service Cloud Survey measures customer experience via five key metrics: Unmet
Expectations, Emotional Impact, Achieving Goals, Competing on Price and Satisfaction.

Continuously experiment to improve user engagement rates

The key to understanding the customer experience is to always be in the mindset of the customer. Create a list of all the channels you can think of that you would use to reach your target audience, including social media, mobile apps, chatbots, etc. You should also consider testing different messaging strategies for each channel.
The team at Adobe created an account called Your Account where users can update their personal information or preferences without navigating away from their current task on a website or mobile app. For example, if they are browsing products on the website, they can update their shipping address without having to leave that screen. This will make it easier for them to navigate around your site and find what they’re looking for more easily.

Create leads via company websites

Salesforce offers a suite of customer service, marketing, sales, and analytics tools. One of their most popular products is the Contact Manager, which allows businesses to manage leads from all channels in one central location. The app can be configured to integrate seamlessly with other Salesforce products like Marketing Cloud for publishing personalized content to customers or Service Cloud for managing service requests. This integration provides employees with a seamless experience across all departments in the company. In addition to this integration, the Contact Manager includes features such as lead routing, intelligent search, lead prioritization by business rules, and email alerts that provide important information such as when a lead has become inactive.

Use data to make smarter decisions

If you’re looking for a way to fine-tune your customer experience, consider these four steps from the Adobe and Salesforce case study.
The first step is to gather customer feedback through surveys, interviews, social media posts, or any other customer touch points you can think of.
Second, analyze what responses were most common across all customer feedback to find areas where customers are experiencing pain points or difficulty.
Third, rank the areas according to how big an impact they have on customers’ overall satisfaction with your service.
Finally, prioritize those pain points that had the biggest impact on customer satisfaction so you know what problem(s) to focus your efforts on solving first.

Are you interested in engaging with us and growing your business to the next level? Contact us now!

Tips to Secure Wireless Networks

Today wireless devices and networks have become the norm rather than an exception. The digital revolution has also been powered to a large extent by the presence of wireless networks and connections everywhere. Many companies like Google are also investing in the public Internet and wireless networks to add strength and dimension to their business presence.

Nefarious elements are always on the prowl to latch on to security flaws and steal information. With good wireless security, any individual or organization can keep unwanted users from gaining access to your network and ensure that it is made accessible only to authorized persons. Hence, it is a critical aspect to try and learn how to maintain Wi-Fi safety and security and prevent a compromise.

GRhombustech, among the best software development companies in USA and among the best cyber security companies in India, has put together some tips in this regard, and they are elucidated below.

1)   Choice of Vendor

Yes. Names and brands are important. In some countries, there is either an explicit or implicit ban on the use of hardware manufactured by some companies. There may be special requirements depending on the nature of the industry and business as well. Similarly, the vendor undertaking the installation must be certified to handle the installations and authorized representatives of the parent company.

Another key point to check is the software used and its associated vulnerability.

2)   Passwords Matter

Nefarious elements can easily (and quickly) figure out the wireless router’s manufacturer default password and use it to wreak mayhem. Have a good password policy in place, change them regularly and maintain high complexity in passwords.

3)   Network Data Encryption

Common sense as it may sound, network data encryption prevents anyone who gains access to the network from viewing any information. Some encryption protocols are WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access), WPA2, and WPA3. WPA3 is the strongest, and hence, using that could be a wise choice. But devices must specifically support the same.

4)   Setup and use a VPN

A VPN helps one communicate securely over an unsecured network. It adds a layer of security as nefarious elements cannot zero in on the activity conducted, location, or other details. It can also alter the IP address.

5)   SSID Protection

When the SSID (Service Set Identifier) is publicized, it makes it easy for any outside party to access the network. Set a unique SSID rather than the one given by the manufacturer. This is because if the router type is known, then it is possible that nefarious elements can figure out the rest and act to penetrate your network.

Why Grhombustech?

Grhombustech is a leader in offering cyber security solutions in USA and is a trusted information security partner for leading companies in Europe. Apart from cybersecurity, we are also a leading software development company in USA. Established in 2014, GRhombustech also brings rich insight to Salesforce products and solutions.

The company has delivery centers in India at Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru, and a staff strength of 200+ employees all around the globe.

For more details, please contact us.

What are the Common Perceptions to Overcome for EdTech Implementation?

Human behaviour is a strange science and often, we feel it difficult getting out of our comfort zone. Imagine going to a restaurant with a set menu in mind and being presented with a menu card with numerous choices. When the initial idea of what we want and what is presented leads to some thinking and confusion, in more complex cases, the outcomes can be much more complicated. The convolution of thinking is again caused by exposure to various personal and professional stakeholders, the media etc.

Based on our deep experience in EdTech, below are some points of the common perceptions to overcome for EdTech implementation.

1. Textbooks and hard materials

It is a common perception that only hard textbooks and physical material will deliver the urge to learn. In many cases, physical books can be expensive and in low-income countries, it can even be a reason for dropping out of school.

2. Closed Mindset

If a question were to be raised as to what can be an alternative to textbooks, the response is either one of silence. Even if there is a formal channel or an activity on a medium like say YouTube, it is still a part of technology that Ed Tech is driving towards. So it is a basic aspect of mindset of what is a ‘proper’ learning material and what is not.

Further, in case of any doubts about the technology system or if any faults are noticed therein, there may not be any ready help available and this will sow discord. Further, any local ‘experts’ available may not really be experts. Similarly, if one is going to ask recommendations about a system to some one else, the message may be positive or negative depending on the bias of the user.

3. Differences in curriculum

There is a perception that EdTech curriculum is different from a standard syllabus or curriculum. A good choice of EdTech will actually bridge this gap and enhance the knowledge take away. The usual perception is that EdTech will have a different curriculum.

4. Competence of Teachers

Teachers will need to be trained in the use of education tools and also have some feeling of confidence about the same. If teachers are not confident, then the full utilization of Ed Tech is not possible. Many do not have the time to read and process the content and hence act as agents of change for the better.

5. Behavioural concerns

Many fear that using technology in education can lead to distractions like the case of children playing games on their mobile phones. In many cases there is the inherent fear that the benefits of technology will be outweighed by the concerns and ill-effects. Many also feel that the children will not be responsible enough or that there will be over-reliance on technology.

6. Hardware/Software Access, Availability

EdTech is dependent on a number of hardware and software tools and they need to be available. Further, in the case of using EdTech, if there is a glitch in any one aspect, then the entire education experience goes for a toss and there is wastage of valuable time. There is also a cost involved in EdTech and not all modules may be free. This is another sticking point to EdTech implementation, especially in low-income countries and households.

Why Grhombustech?

Grhombustech is a leader in offering Edtech solutions in USA. We are also among the leading software development companies in UAE. Apart from these areas, GRhombus has established itself as a pioneer in Data Visualization, IoT Testing, Salesforce Development and Cloud Testing. Driven by the guidance of experts with more than 25 years of industry experience, the GRhombus family now has over 200 employees spread all over the globe.

For additional details, please contact us.

What is the concept of Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)?

While many companies are looking to bring employees back to the office with the easing of the COVID pandemic, it is pertinent to note that it is a gradual process. It is no doubt that a hybrid concept of partially working from home is here to stay. Hence, the concept of endpoint security will continue to remain critical when considering the overall cyber security of an organization.

What is Endpoint Detection and Response?

The end device used by employees to connect to a business network like a mobile phone, laptop, or any other device is an endpoint. The concept of monitoring these endpoints in an automated and real-time fashion, collecting data based on the same, and delivering a threat response mechanism is endpoint detection and response.

The other term used for Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) is Endpoint Threat Detection and Response (ETDR).

There are five basic principles around which this works

1)     Monitor endpoints actively and collect data from any activity that is flagged as a threat.

2)     Analyse data and study for patterns

3)     Go in for automated responses to identify all threats and go on to either remove or contain them

4)     Deliver auto-notifications to security staff regarding the threat

5)     Look for other suspicious activities by utilizing various analyses and forensic tools

From the above, it is evident that the best way to secure a digital perimeter is by the sound implementation of an EDR solution.

Why is Endpoint Detection and Response Important?

EDR is important as the workforce has shifted to be fluid and mobile. The trend is here to stay, and hence, the number of endpoint devices connecting to a business network has drastically increased. This in itself is a security challenge.

Further, any malicious executables must be detected and neutralized, data theft must be prevented, script execution must be controlled, malware attacks and any compromise on the endpoint device must not shift to the network.

So from all the above aspects, as well as preventing larger cases like zero-day attacks, endpoint detection and response is extremely important.

What are the various methods of Endpoint Detection and Response?

An EDR response depends on the organization’s requirements, product capability, and expected sensitivity. It is always better to go in for an integrated EDR solution rather than have a variety of endpoint security solutions. Further, multiple standalone tools may work from different perspectives, and thus decision-making may not be facilitated.

Some of the different components of an EDR system are

1)     Central Hub

All data is collected and analyzed in a central hub. Alerts are also sent from this hub to the relevant stakeholders, and any response is coordinated from here.

2)     Data Collection Agents

These listening posts in various areas collect data, monitor the same, and keep an eye on data transfer limits, among others.

3)     Response Automation

Any threat that is recognized as an automated response based on preset configurations. The data pattern is also studied to trigger such an action.

4)     Analytical and Forensic Tools

In the case of new threats that do not match existing configurations or when there is a need for real-time analytics of threats, such tools are a great help in overcoming challenges. From the perspective of future-proofing an organization also, such tools play an important role and help in analyzing the anomalies and vulnerabilities better.

What makes GRhombustech Unique?

Grhombustech is among the leading cyber security companies in US and among the top cyber security companies in UAE. With over 200 employees and a footprint of serving clients across the Middle East, US, and Europe, we are dedicated to ensuring an uninterrupted flow of delivery and service all the time.

GRhombus has also established itself as a pioneer in data visualization, IoT testing, Salesforce development, and cloud testing.

For more details, contact us!

What are the Top Areas to Focus in Achieving Good Endpoint Security?

With an explosion in the use of personal devices and the COVID pandemic adding to the pandemonium, the line between what is allowed at work and the BOYD (bring your own device to work) concept has become very thin.

Further, many companies like Microsoft deliver mobile-friendly apps and versions of the same software. When balanced against the convenience of work and quick response expected, organizations have to make a trade-off in security, albeit grudgingly!

Endpoint security refers to the end-user devices like tablets, laptops, desktops and mobile devices that connect to the business network. Looking at the latest series of attacks on various companies and networks, it becomes evident that a centralized security solution alone is neither all-encompassing nor enough. Endpoint protection is now one of the key areas as it is a readily identified threat and an easy vulnerability in any condition.

GRhombustech, among the leading cyber security companies in India, has compiled a list of some of the top areas to focus on endpoint security. It is to be noted that this is just a general list and is not comprehensive in any manner. For specific cases and discussions, the readers can contact us.

1. Awareness creation

Yes. People are the biggest assets, and constant reminders, awareness drives and poster campaigns on cyber security will help achieve an incident-free workplace. Not all employees are on the same level or carry the same mindset. Hence the constant reiteration of concepts by various creative means is required.

2. Antivirus solutions

Antivirus solutions are still a strong and dependable bulwark against any kind of local threat to devices, including malware infections. Files can be scanned against threat intelligence databases, and antivirus companies constantly deliver product updates and monitor the Internet ecosystem.

However, an antivirus is not a standalone security solution in itself and are not very useful in the case of advanced attacks or threats.  But when combined suitably with other means of protection, it is a good choice.

3. Endpoint detection and response (EDR)

Being proactive is the key in cybersecurity, and EDR offers an excellent detection-mitigation model compliant with the principles of modern cybersecurity. EDR solutions give granular visibility and help monitor any files entering the various endpoints in a business. Further, proactive alerts to various teams in suspected and potential cases help nip any evil in the bud!

4. Application control

In the age of cloud computing, many businesses use third-party applications for various activities. Controlling application permissions, controlling what rights they are entitled to, identifying and vetting applications before installing are all some of the methods to ensure security. A ready list of white-listed, black and greylisted applications is also useful, and organizations can monitor based on the same. 

5. Encryption

If data is encrypted in the endpoint, even if there is any known or unknown compromise, the data will remain safe. Provisions are made to ensure that any data transferred to and from the endpoint device is secured.

6. Sandboxing

Sandboxing refers to the concept of having an isolated and secure digital environment. Here, potential threats can be observed. Further, a sandbox is usually an exact replica of the typical end-user system, and hence, the behaviour observed will be authentic. With this solution, the IT team has a powerful tool to access the threat and vulnerability before it strikes.

7. IoT Security

Many IoT devices have default passwords and settings for user and connection ease. However, that by itself is a vulnerability. By ensuring that software updates and patches are rolled out regularly, changing passwords and other associated maintenance activities, IoT devices can also be secured and another gateway for compromise blocked.

Why GRhombustech?

GRhombustech is a leading custom software development in the UK and among the reputed cyber security companies in the UK. Driven by passion, we have key partnerships with companies across the globe in different areas and thus have the capability to offer all-around solutions to customers. Our speciality lies in delivering tailor-made solutions for organizations, and we take pride in our collaborative approach and holistic thinking.

Our team of experts serve clients across Europe, UK, USA, Middle East, and we cherish our long-term relationships with them built on values, engaging solutions and trust. GRhombus Technologies Private Limited is a subsidiary of GRhombus Consulting.

Have some security needs or questions? Contact us now!

Why is Endpoint Security Important and Challenges in Maintaining Endpoint Security?

With the Internet ruling our lives, the security of devices and information transfer across the Internet is of paramount importance. Even a minute opening or weakness is enough for cybercriminals to make a breach, and the results can be disastrous. In a business scenario, especially with remote working picking up during the COVID pandemic times, cyber security has become all the more important.

What is an Endpoint?

Employees use various devices to connect to a business network. These may include but not be limited to laptops, tablets, IoT devices, etc. These devices are called endpoints. From a process, cyber security, and business perspective, every device is a potential risk since it offers a path for cybercriminals to steal data.

According to research by the Ponemon Institute, in 2020, the average cost of endpoint attacks has increased from $7.1 million to $8.94 million, and attack frequency has also increased.

Why is Endpoint Security Important?

Endpoint security is important because it is needed to prevent the following

1)     Loss of productivity

Any loss in individual, departmental, or team productivity translates to lost revenue. This will have a direct impact on the top and bottom lines of organizations. Further, there is always the feeling of insecurity even after things are set back to normal and additional resources may be required to monitor and prevent an endpoint attack.

2)     System downtime

Total downtime is the worst that can happen to organizations, crippling their services and operations. Further, a security compromise can also lead to missed deadlines.

3)     Reputation Loss

Any security compromise or cyber attack can have a hugely adverse effect on brand value and reputation. Further, with a background of cyber-attack, any acquisition of new clients also becomes a challenge.

4)     Legal cost

Any security compromise or data breach can open up Pandora’s box. Depending on the contract terms and conditions, there may be penalties, legal action from clients, and even regulatory oversight and intervention.

The below are some of the challenges in maintaining endpoint security include but are not limited to

5)     Remote Working

With the pandemic setting the tone for remote working, there is no doubt that it is here to stay. Hence, one cannot completely prevent employees from accessing business networks through various devices. However, what can be done is to educate employees and also ensure strong protection of devices and networks, as well as limit the number of devices.

6)     Applications

The various tools and applications used themselves can be an avenue for cyber-attacks. Before onboarding various essential or non-essential tools, it is important to judge what these tools are capable of and how they operate. Many of these tools freely communicate backend data to their own servers and have provisions to analyze and utilize it.

7)     Overall visibility

A company can have multiple avenues to access its networks and multiple touchpoints to interact with other third parties and services. Sometimes, work locations and employees may be spread across various geographies and time zones. Considering the above, it is difficult to bring overall perspective and visibility to any endpoint. Sometimes, some malware may be present undetected in the network and suddenly spring a surprise. Such cases have also been recorded.

8)     Shortage of Skilled Personnel

Cyber security is a specialized field and requires a good understanding of all aspects of a business. It is rapidly evolving and requires personnel to update themselves on various aspects continuously. Since this is a niche field, the availability of skilled and experienced resources is also a challenge. It is only by a combination of the right tools and competent people that any organization can successfully maintain high levels of cyber security.

What makes GRhombustech Unique?

Grhombustech is among the top pen testing companies in the UK and brings the ability to offer custom security solutions to any organization. With advanced analysis tools, mapping, testing, and documentation, we deliver a comprehensive solution to any project.  Our team of experts serves clients across Europe, UK, USA, Middle East, and we are committed to nourishing long-term relationships with them. GRhombus has also established itself as a pioneer in data visualization, IoT testing, Salesforce development, and cloud testing.