IT Aduit & Assessment - Case 1

A cross boarder toy firm with head-office in Hong Kong and factory in China

Size
3000+ Employees

Service
IT Audit and Assessment with Follow-up Services

Challenge
In recent years, with the aggressive growth of China’s economy and businesses, many are struggling to cope with oversea management and security. Our client is no other. An out-dated ERP and a handicapped HR system have cost our client direct money lose. An IT team that are too busy fixing endless users’ daily problems, managers find it almost impossible to communicate and express their business directions and objectives. Internal hacking activities with data and network security issues are present. With a continuous reminder from the news of data leakage and loss, managers have turned to our IT audit and service scheme to evaluate in both technical and business aspects.

Solution
Identify numerous network security holes and provide technical recommendations. Evaluation of mission critical ERP on technical architectural analysis specifying potential risks and possible automation strategy. Enhance the network control and monitoring with the consolidation of IT management and policies.

Result
With the submission of the management report of our findings, impacts, severity levels and recommendations, a meeting is held with the management team to run through each finding, some includes:
- Identification of security holes within their multi-sites setup in both network and application aspects.
- Core business ERP system running a 2-tier hierarchy, any users may delete all system data under a press of the delete button.
- Insufficient and ineffective configurations of firewall causing managers’ personal desktops and servers vulnerable to hackers.

Follow-up
Reduce potential security holes with an up-to-date centralized monitoring and administration system. Temporary work around method to protect data. Awareness of new options in ERP systems with pertinent professional advice. Establishment of new policies and procedures in protection of the company.

Our team thereafter, proposes a range of IT services providing a one stop solution of our client. Some of our services include:
•    Immediate handling of high severity objects to minimize risks including firewall configurations and ERP data protection.
•    In-place a centralized administration and network monitoring systems to govern and simplify IT administration.
•    Sources different options of ERP’s providing pertinent professional advice.
•    Establishment of new policies and procedures in protection of the company.

Benefit
After the running of our IT Audit and Services Scheme, the workload is centralized and eased by the new establishment of administration and network monitoring systems. The management team has much of a better overview of IT and the current environment in both security and business growth aspects. With the establishment of policies and procedures, a clear guideline is defined and a regular communication channel between management and IT is established.

More Updates

The recent data breach and ransomware attack on InvestHK highlight the urgent need for organizations to prioritize cybersecurity. In an age where data breaches can compromise sensitive information and damage reputations, having a solid defense strategy is paramount.Implementing ISO 27001 as an Information Security Management System (ISMS) framework is a vital step in governing information processes and establishing robust security controls. This internationally recognized standard equips businesses with the tools to identify vulnerabilities and mitigate risks effectively.Moreover, establishing a well-defined incident response mechanism is crucial for managing crises when they occur. A proactive approach ensures that organizations can swiftly contain breaches, minimize damage, and recover operations seamlessly.About the incident: Click this link

量子計算技術與金融業

量子計算是一種基於量子力學原理的計算技術，能在同一時間處理多種可能性，極大提升計算速度和效率。傳統電腦需要數百萬年完成的運算，量子計算可能在數分鐘內完成。隨著技術領先國家在量子計算領域的突破，這項技術正逐漸從理論走向實用化，並預計在不久的將來對各行各業產生重大影響，尤其是對依賴計算的金融業。 金融業高度依賴複雜的數學模型進行風險評估、投資組合優化及市場定價，而量子計算能快速解決傳統電腦難以處理的問題。例如，它能高效計算金融衍生品的價格模型、模擬市場波動並優化高維度投資策略。此外，量子計算能對海量市場數據進行即時分析，提取模式並預測市場走勢，為交易提供更精準的數據。同時，它能顯著提升演算法交易的效率，幫助機構在短時間內搶佔市場先機。對資產管理而言，量子計算能快速處理多變量的資產組合，找到收益與風險的最佳平衡點，協助投資者實現資本增值。  然而，科技的風險與機遇並存，量子計算也不例外。最大挑戰是傳統加密技術的脆弱性。目前金融機構廣泛採用的加密技術基於數學計算的複雜性，而量子計算能快速破解這些技術。一旦攻擊者利用量子計算破解加密密鑰，金融交易、用戶隱私與系統安全將面臨重大威脅。此外，金融業處理大量敏感數據，如客戶身份、交易記錄和資金流動，若量子計算被惡意使用，可能導致數據洩露或交易遭操控。  一項模擬測試顯示，擁有足夠強大量子電腦的攻擊者可在數分鐘內破解2048位RSA加密技術，從而竊取交易數據或篡改支付內容。這表明量子計算可能引發高額資金損失、影響客戶信任甚至引發系統性金融危機。因此，金融機構需提前採取措施應對量子計算的潛在威脅。  應對量子計算帶來的風險，金融機構應採取以下措施：首先，逐步替換現有的加密技術，採用抗量子加密演算法，這些技術不依賴傳統數學難題，能有效抵禦量子計算的威脅。其次，實施分層次的安全策略，包括數據分段加密、即時威脅偵測和縱深防禦，即便某一層加密被攻擊，仍能限制損害範圍，確保系統安全。最後，模擬量子攻擊場景並測試新型加密方案的有效性，確保在量子計算普及後能迅速切換到量子安全技術。  總之，量子計算的興起為金融業帶來了巨大的機遇，但也伴隨著資訊安全的挑戰。傳統加密技術失效和數據隱私威脅是金融機構面臨的主要風險。然而，透過部署後量子加密技術和強化多層次防禦機制，金融業可有效降低量子計算的潛在風險。在量子時代真正來臨前，提前佈局是確保金融系統穩定、安全的關鍵。 尹展軒 Senior IT Consultant

2024 Annual Dinner

Last week, Ringus, as part of the Hantec Group, joyfully participated in the Annual Dinner, marking the culmination of a successful year and celebrating achievements together. During the event, Mr. Freddy LAU, the CEO of Hantec Group and Managing Director of Ringus shared insights on company growth and outlined plans for upcoming market expansion in the next year. Ringus aligns its mission and vision to enhance satisfaction and achieve new milestones collectively.Moreover, we were thrilled to honor Mr. Freddy LAU and Mr. Steven CHAN for their 20 years of dedicated service to the company. Ringus's accomplishments are a testament to the collective efforts of every member of the Ringus family; our success is a direct result of the contributions made by each of our staff members.Everyone joyfully embraced the moment, savoring delicious food, exciting prizes, and shared laughter in a spirit of gratitude and camaraderie.