Cybercriminals are relentless in coming up with new ways to steal our personal information and financial data. That’s why it’s more important than ever to take steps to protect ourselves online, and these steps include visiting websites that use HTTPS.

What is HTTPS?

When you visit a website, you may see a padlock icon in the address bar. This icon indicates that the website is using Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS), which is a secure communications protocol that encrypts all data transmitted between your browser and the website.

Without HTTPS, all the data you enter or click on is sent in plain text. This means that anyone who intercepts the traffic between your browser and the website can see everything you do, including the information you enter on the website.

HTTPS also verifies the identity of the website you are visiting, protecting you from cyberattacks involving spoofed versions of legitimate websites that are designed to steal your information.

Compared to the standard HTTP, HTTPS offers a higher level of security, making it essential for online banking, eCommerce, and any other website that handles sensitive data.

How do HTTPS certificates work?

When you go to a website, your device uses an internet directory (i.e., DNS server) to convert the website’s name into a number (i.e., its IP address). This number is saved in a cache so that your device doesn’t have to look it up again every time you visit the website. However, if your computer gets compromised while using an HTTP connection, an attacker can change the directory so that you are redirected to a malicious website, even if you type in the correct address. Victims are usually redirected to spoofed versions of legitimate websites, where they are tricked into entering their sensitive information, such as their login credentials.

To prevent this, internet directories issue HTTPS certificates that transform HTTP into HTTPS. This makes it impossible for anyone to redirect you to a fraudulent website. HTTPS certificates include data about the website, such as its domain name, company name, and location. They also contain a public key for encrypting communication between your browser and the website.

More ways to stay safe online

Here are a few tips for staying safe online, whether you’re just browsing or doing work-related tasks:

  • Think twice before clicking on a website flagged as “unsafe” by your browser. Proceed only if you are sure that no confidential data will be transmitted.
  • Use trusted web browser extensions, such as HTTPS Everywhere, to encrypt your communication, especially when visiting unencrypted websites.
  • Don’t go to websites that don’t use the HTTPS prefix.
  • Be vigilant. Even if a website has HTTPS, it doesn’t automatically mean it’s safe. For example, amaz0n.com (with the “o” replaced with a 0) could have a certificate, but the misspelling suggests that it’s an untrustworthy site. Cybercriminals use similar spellings of real websites to trick victims into believing they’re on a secure site.

While HTTPS is not a silver bullet for online security, it is an essential measure for protecting yourself online. Reach out to us today to learn more about HTTPS and other cybersecurity best practices.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory SOURCE

Adobe has issued a urgent warning to users of its Acrobat and Acrobat Reader PDF editors following the discovery of a zero-day vulnerability of critical severity.

The software company has released a security update for Windows and macOS users, urging them to apply the patch as soon as possible in order to reduce the risk of an attack.

In a statement, the firm said: “Adobe is aware that CVE-2023-26369 has been exploited in the wild in limited attacks targeting Adobe Acrobat and Reader.”

Adobe Acrobat and Reader patch

Details about the vulnerability remain scarce given the fresh nature of the discovery, however the software maker did confirm that: “Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.”

Acrobat DC and Acrobat Reader DC versions 23.003.20284 and earlier have been confirmed to be affected, as have 2020 versions of both software running build 20.005.30516 and earlier for macOS and 20.005.30514 and earlier for Windows.

Adobe’s latest software updates for its PDF programs, which became available on September 12, address a series of security issues. They also introduce some feature changes and enhancements, including the ability to reposition quick tools, new undo and redo options in the top menu bar, drag-and-drop support for combining files, and more.

The San Jose-based company also issued further updates across its range of products, including Adobe Connect and Adobe Experience Manager software, which allowed attackers to gain arbitrary code execution on unpatched devices.

The discovery of vulnerabilities in Adobe’s software is not ideal, but nor is it alarming. Companies release security fixes for their software on a regular basis in order to iron out vulnerabilities and protect users, and the fact that the company responded with speed is admirable.

Adobe or not, anybody using any digital service should keep an eye on software and firmware updates that become available, installing them as soon as possible.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechRadar SOURCE

Phishing is still by far the most popular attack vector out there. Not only that, but its popularity among the cybercriminal community is growing by the day.

This is according to “Phishing threats report”, a new paper just published by Cloudflare. After analyzing more than 279 million detected email threats, 250 million malicious messages, and more than a billion of brand impersonations, Cloudflare found that phishing is the initial attack vector for nine in ten cyberattacks.

As a result, businesses lose more than $50 billion every year.

Two key objectives

When it comes to phishing, cybercriminals are focused on two objectives: to achieve authenticity, and to get victims to click. The goal to achieve authenticity was underscored by the uptick in identity deception threats, which saw an increase from 10.3% to 14.2% year-on-year. That equals 39.6 million total detections.

Furthermore, Cloudflare’s researchers witnessed attackers impersonating over 1,000 different organizations, in more than a billion brand spoofing attempts. Most of the time (63.3%), the attackers tried to ape the same brands. The researchers identified the top 30 most popular brands, which included big names like Microsoft, Google, and Salesforce (all highly trusted organizations). 

Finally, almost all (89%) unwanted messages squeezed through SPF, DKIM, or DMARC authentication checks. “Attackers’ efforts to achieve legitimacy in the eyes of their victims have proven successful, as we have seen email authentication failing to stop threats,” the researchers concluded.

When it comes to the second goal, Cloudflare says users are more susceptible to the click “as an authentic form of communications.” Apparently, hackers know it’s easier for victims to click a link, rather than download a file. Hence, malicious links were the number one threat category, taking up more than a third (35.6%) of all detected threats. 

In almost all phishing attacks, the email will have a sense of urgency to it, forcing victims to react before taking the time to think their actions through. Given that most firms will not require urgent action in the majority of cases, a company asking for something to be done immediately can be considered a red flag.

Cybersecurity is an ongoing process, and staying informed about the latest threats and solutions is essential to keep your business safe in the digital age. Protect your assets, safeguard your customers, and maintain your reputation by talking to our cybersecurity experts today.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechRadar SOURCE

Data loss can lead to financial loss, reputational damage, and legal complications. Therefore, it’s crucial for companies to implement effective strategies to prevent data loss and ensure the safety and integrity of their valuable information. Here are some tips and best practices that businesses can follow to minimize the risk of data loss.

Back up your data regularly

Having robust backup and recovery systems is crucial for data disaster protection. Regularly back up your critical business data to secure off-site locations, such as cloud storage or remote servers. Ensure that backups are automated, encrypted, and regularly tested to guarantee their integrity and accessibility during emergencies.

Implement strong cybersecurity measures

Among the strong cybersecurity measures you should deploy are strong passwords and multifactor authentication for all of your business’s systems. You should also install reliable antivirus and anti-malware software, and regularly scan your network for vulnerabilities.

Physical security and redundancy

Safeguard your physical infrastructure by putting in place measures to prevent or mitigate damage from natural disasters or accidents. This includes installing fire suppression systems and backup power generators, and keeping backups in secure off-site data centers. Redundancy in network infrastructure and data storage helps ensure business continuity even in the face of hardware failures or physical damage to your infrastructure.

Train your employees

One of the most common causes of data loss is human error. This is why you should invest in comprehensive training programs to educate your employees on data protection best practices, including proper handling of sensitive information, recognizing potential threats, and reporting incidents promptly. Conducting training regularly will encourage a culture of cybersecurity awareness, which is key to defending against current and emerging threats.

Create an incident response and business continuity plan

Develop a comprehensive incident response plan that outlines the steps to be taken in case of a data loss incident. Define roles and responsibilities, establish communication channels, and conduct regular drills to ensure readiness.

Additionally, you should create a business continuity plan to minimize downtime and mitigate the impact on your operations. This plan should include procedures for restoring critical systems, prioritizing essential functions, and communicating with stakeholders during a crisis. Review and revise your disaster recovery plans periodically to account for changes in your business environment or technology infrastructure.

Perform regular audits and updates

Conduct regular audits of your data protection measures to identify vulnerabilities and areas for improvement. Also, make sure to roll out the latest security and software patches as soon as they become available to ensure that your systems are fortified against emerging threats.

Use data encryption and access controls

Implement strong data encryption protocols to safeguard sensitive information both in transit and at rest, as well as access controls and user permissions to restrict access to your data and systems.

Conduct third-party risk management:

If your business relies on third-party vendors or service providers, ensure they have robust data protection measures in place. Contractual agreements must be clearly established so both parties understand their obligations when it comes to data protection. You should also regularly assess and monitor your vendors’ compliance with security standards to mitigate any potential risks they may pose to your business.

By prioritizing data loss prevention, businesses can safeguard their operations, maintain customer trust, and mitigate the potentially devastating consequences of data breaches. If you need a reliable data protection solution for your business, call our experts today.

With its ability to evade traditional antivirus solutions, fileless malware poses a significant challenge to organizations and individuals alike, as it can cause severe damage without leaving any traces behind. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of fileless malware, explore how it works, and discuss effective strategies to protect against this invisible threat.

Understanding fileless malware

Fileless malware is a type of malicious software that poses unique challenges to cybersecurity professionals — it operates without relying on traditional malicious files. By utilizing processes and tools already present on targeted systems, fileless malware can bypass conventional security measures.

One of the key characteristics of fileless malware is its reliance on scripting languages and legitimate software features. Attackers often exploit vulnerabilities in popular applications, such as Microsoft Office or web browsers, to gain initial access to a system. Once inside, they use built-in scripting languages, such as PowerShell or JavaScript, to execute their malicious code directly in the system’s memory, without ever writing files to the disk. This approach allows fileless malware to evade traditional signature-based detection mechanisms, as there are no files to scan for known malicious patterns.

Another technique employed by fileless malware is the abuse of legitimate administrative tools, such as Windows Management Instrumentation. These are powerful and trusted utilities used by system administrators for various tasks. However, cybercriminals can leverage them to execute malicious commands, access sensitive data, or move within a compromised network. By using these tools, fileless malware can blend in with normal system activity, making this threat even more challenging to detect and mitigate.

Mitigating the invisible threat of fileless malware

To effectively protect against fileless malware, organizations need to adopt a multilayered approach that combines proactive prevention, real-time monitoring, and advanced threat detection techniques. The following are some strategies and best practices for mitigating the risks associated with fileless malware.

  1. Endpoint protection and detection – Organizations should implement robust endpoint protection solutions that utilize advanced threat detection techniques, such as heuristics and behavioral analysis. This will help to detect malicious activities, including fileless malware, on endpoints. Additionally, organizations should deploy real-time monitoring solutions to ensure that suspicious activities are identified in a timely manner.
  2. User awareness and education – Cybersecurity awareness training plays a crucial role in mitigating fileless malware threats. Educating users about the risks associated with suspicious emails, malicious links, and untrusted software downloads can help prevent initial infection vectors. By fostering a security-conscious culture and encouraging employees to report suspicious activities, organizations can minimize the impact of fileless malware attacks.
  3. Application whitelisting and privilege management – Whitelisting applications is a powerful security measure that allows organizations to control which programs can run on their systems. By limiting the scope of potentially malicious software, organizations can reduce the risk of fileless malware infiltrating their infrastructure. Similarly, enforcing strict privilege management procedures can limit an attacker’s ability to move within a compromised network.
  4. Patch management and vulnerability scanning – Keeping systems and applications up to date with the latest security patches is another key component of a successful defense against fileless malware. Regular vulnerability scanning enables organizations to identify potential weak spots in their infrastructure before attackers can exploit them.
  5. Network segmentation and monitoring – Implementing network segmentation can restrict movement within a compromised network, limiting the spread of fileless malware. By dividing networks into isolated segments and enforcing strict access controls, organizations can contain and mitigate the impact of attacks. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions that analyze network traffic and detect anomalous behaviors can provide early warning signs of fileless malware activities.

Understanding how fileless malware works and implementing effective mitigation strategies are crucial for organizations to stay ahead of this threat. By leveraging advanced security solutions and partnering with a managed IT services provider, businesses can minimize the risk of cyberattacks and keep their systems secure.

Don’t wait until it’s too late — contact us today to learn more about defending against fileless malware.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

As a business owner, you know that data security is paramount. It’s therefore essential to ensure you have taken all necessary steps to protect yourself against potential data loss events, such as data breaches and natural disasters. In this essential guide, we will outline the key steps you should take in creating a disaster recovery plan (DRP). Following these can save your business from an incredibly costly catastrophe.

A DRP is a documented set of processes and strategies that an organization puts in place to be able to recover and restore its critical data and systems in case of a disaster or an unexpected event. The plan outlines the steps to be taken before, during, and after a disaster to minimize the impacts on the organization’s operations and ensure business continuity.

To create an effective DRP, follow these steps:

Conduct a risk assessment

A risk assessment is a critical component of any DRP, as it helps identify potential hazards, vulnerabilities, and risks that could impact an organization’s operations in the event of a disaster. By conducting a risk assessment, you can identify and prioritize the risks your organization faces and develop appropriate strategies and actions to mitigate those risks.

Develop a recovery strategy

Design a strategy to address each risk identified in the assessment phase. This could include developing backups of data or systems, investing in cloud-based services, using redundant hardware, or establishing alternative physical locations for your business operations.

Establish availability requirements

Availability refers to the ability of an organization’s systems, applications, and data to be accessible and functional in the event of a disaster or an outage. To determine your company’s availability requirements, identify the resources (e.g., servers, databases, etc.) and services (email, customer service) that are critical for your business operations and determine how quickly they need to be restored following an incident.

Set up backups

Select the most appropriate backup strategy (i.e., full or incremental) for your needs and devise the best plan for storing your backups safely off site so that you can access them when needed.

Without backups, important data and information can be lost permanently, resulting in significant financial and reputational damage to your organization. Backups are also used to restore systems and data to a state before the disaster occurred, helping ensure business continuity while minimizing the impact of the disaster on your business operations.

Test your plan

Test your DRP periodically to make sure it will work as planned when an incident occurs. A DRP is only useful if it can be executed properly, and testing helps identify and address any gaps in the plan.

Testing a DRP also provides an opportunity to identify weaknesses that could be improved or procedures that need adjustments. It allows you to verify that the plan is complete, up to date, and relevant.

Train your employees

Your employees are often your first line of defense when a disaster strikes, and their actions can significantly affect the outcome of a recovery effort.

Training employees on the DRP helps ensure they understand exactly what they need to do during an emergency. It also provides them with the knowledge and skills needed to carry out their duties effectively, minimizing the risk of errors or delays in the recovery process.

Are you concerned about data safety? Don’t leave it to chance — call us for all your DRP needs! With our cutting-edge technology, dedicated team, and industry-leading expertise, you can rest assured that your data and systems are in expert hands.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

Convenience reigns supreme in the digital age, and password autofill is a major part of that. But what many people don’t realize is that using this feature can actually put their personal data at risk. By understanding why password autofill is so dangerous, you can take steps to safeguard your sensitive information from malicious hackers.

The risks of password autofill

Password autofill is a convenient feature found in most browsers and password managers. This feature allows users to automatically fill out login credentials on websites and applications. While it may seem like a time-saver, it’s crucial to be cautious when utilizing this feature.

Hackers can easily gain access to saved passwords and personal information stored in autofill, leaving users vulnerable to identity theft and other forms of cyberattacks. All they have to do is sneakily place an invisible form on a compromised webpage. When your browser or password manager automatically fills in your login details, then it’s game over for you and hackers win.

Autofill also tracks users

Did you know that the password autofill feature could be used to track your online activity? Irresponsible digital marketers can exploit this tool to keep tabs on your behavior. Similar to how hackers do it, they place hidden autofill forms on their websites and use them to collect your information without your consent, which they then sell to advertisers. While some may claim they’re not after your passwords, there’s still a chance that your sensitive data could be compromised.

How to protect yourself

When it comes to keeping your online accounts secure, you might want to turn off password autofill. This quick solution can help protect your personal information from prying eyes.

Here’s how you can disable this feature on different browsers:

  • Microsoft Edge: Go to Settings and click Profiles. From here, select Passwords and disable Offer to save passwords.
  • Google Chrome: Head to the Settings window and select Autofill. Disable Offer to save passwords and Auto Sign-in.
  • Firefox: Click Passwords from the browser’s menu. Click Options from the logins menu, which will lead you to the “Privacy & Security” panel. Under the “Logins and Passwords” section, uncheck Autofill logins and passwords.
  • Safari: Open Preferences and select the “Auto-fill” tab to turn off any autofill options related to usernames and passwords.

Being proactive and implementing more robust security strategies helps protect your personal data from malicious actors. Reach out to our cybersecurity experts for more information on staying safe online.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

Once upon a time, you could install antivirus software and go about your merry way online and in your inbox, opening, clicking and downloading files without a care.

Today, antivirus alone cannot and will not protect you, especially if you INVITE the hack by downloading a file that is infected with a piece of code designed to circumvent your security protocols. Whether it’s a personal computer, phone or a laptop you use for business, here are 5 things you need to STOP doing now to ensure you don’t get hacked.

  1. STOP downloading apps from unknown sources. There are thousands of free apps available online that are very tempting to download. Hackers are masters at curiosity and “clickbait” designed to nail you in a moment of weakness. To prevent rogue apps and programs from installing, configure your devices to disallow the installation of programs from unauthorized sources. On your phone, ONLY download apps from your device’s respective app store that are tested and forced to meet the store’s security and privacy requirements. Business owners: while I’m sure all of your employees are trusting souls, it IS possible (and recommended) to have business machines locked down, preventing your employees from downloading any applications (or files) that could harm you and compromise your security.
  2. STOP surfing the web unprotected, particularly when accessing downloads. This is particularly true if you are on public WiFi. Starbucks is not going to guarantee your Internet connection is safe, nor is any other business, restaurant or location offering free Internet access. Talk to your IT company (that’s US!) about installing more than just antivirus, but endpoint protection solutions, like a VPN, that will “hide” you from cybercriminals and filter out nefarious websites and attacks so you CAN use public WiFi without the fear of inviting a hack.
  3. STOP opening and downloading files e-mailed to you without extreme caution. Phishing attacks via e-mail are still the #1 way hackers gain access to a network. It’s very common for an attacker to hack into someone’s e-mail and get their list of friends, colleagues, coworkers and their boss to send e-mails that appear legitimate on “their” behalf, even using their actual e-mail – these are are highly sophisticated phishing attacks. So, before you open or download ANY file e-mailed to you, make sure it was one you were expecting. It’s far safer to use IT-managed file sharing like OnDrive, SharePoint or Citrix ShareFile to send attachments. But bottom line, if ANY file “feels” wrong or suspicious about a file download, including a weird extension or suspicious file name, CALL the person who sent it to verify. If it’s important, they can send it again.
  4. STOP downloading “bloatware.” It’s common for legitimate, reputable apps to sneak in other applications or toolbars you don’t need. They sell this as a sponsorship to make more money every time one of their users downloads an app. The best way to spot these is to look for checkboxes when installing that automatically opt you into services by default. So, before you hit “Next” and keep rolling to get your app installed, take a second to really read and review what you’re agreeing to when installing that new app.
  5. STOP downloading music, software, games, movies and the like from websites like BitTorrent, RARBG, 1337x and similar peer-to-peer file-sharing sites. It’s very common for file-sharing networks to be breeding grounds for hackers who post files infected with malicious software for people to download. Some of the ads on these sites are malicious as well. Don’t feel “safe” just because you have antivirus – because you’re not.

Business owners: after showing this to your team for both their work and personal devices, click here to schedule a quick 10-minute call to find out how we can implement security systems that will give you stronger protections against hackers and against employees who accidentally click on or download a malicious file.

If you need professional solutions and expertise to keep your devices safe, we can help. Contact us today to learn more about our security services and get the peace of mind you deserve.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

Many see security as a barrier, not a business enabler

Despite news of devastating cyberattacks breaking almost daily, many business leaders still fail to see the full value a strong cybersecurity posture brings to their organization, new research has found

This is according to Risky Rewards, a new report published by cybersecurity experts Trend Micro polling more than 2,700 business decision-makers in companies with 250+ employees across 26 countries, finding that around half (51%) see cybersecurity is a “necessary cost but not a revenue contributor”.

At the same, a somewhat similar percentage – 48% – claim cybersecurity’s value is “limited” to attack and threat prevention. For nearly two-fifths (38%) cybersecurity is a barrier, not a business enabler.

Winning new clients

“If organizations want to make the most of their security investments, business leaders must reframe their view of cybersecurity – to think more broadly about how it can positively impact the enterprise,” commented Jon Clay, VP of threat intelligence at Trend Micro.

“This research shows it’s clearly a critical component of winning new business and talent. At a time when every dollar/penny counts, it’s concerning to see stereotyped views of security persist at the very top.”

Further in the report, Trend Micro claims 81% worry that a poor cybersecurity posture could hurt their ability to close new clients. In fact, for 19% this already happened. What’s more, 71% of business decision-makers are being asked about their cybersecurity posture in negotiations with potential customers and suppliers, with 78% admitting the questions are getting more frequent.

Cybersecurity has also become pivotal for talent acquisition. Almost three-quarters (71%) said remote and hybrid working offerings are now essential for talent acquisition. For 83%, current security policies affect remote employees’ ability to do their jobs, with 43% saying current security policies prevent employees from working remotely. Also, 54% said their policies restrict what devices and platforms employees can use for work.

Finally, two-thirds (64%) of business decision-makers confirmed they’re planning on increasing their security budgets this year.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechRadar SOURCE

November 30th — is National Computer Security Day, an annual event observed since 1988 to help raise awareness worldwide of computer-related security issues. It should also serve as a reminder to small business owners to protect their computer networks from hackers, fraudsters and identity thieves.

Computer security is sometimes referred to as cybersecurity or IT (information technology) security. It applies to the protection of computer-based equipment, the information stored on and services related to it from unauthorized and unintended access, change or destruction, including unplanned events and natural disasters.

Recently, the public opinion research company Ipsos Reid released the findings of a survey of U.S. small businesses revealing that many of them do not fully comprehend the impact a data breach can have on them. As a result, they take a passive approach to safeguarding sensitive information that leaves them vulnerable not only to a breach but potentially devastating financial and reputational damage as well.

The survey also found that:

  • Sixty-nine percent of small business owners are not aware or don’t believe that lost or stolen data would result in financial impact and harm to their businesses credibility.
  • Forty percent have no protocols in place for securing data.
    More than one-third of the respondents report that they never train staff on information security procedures.
  • Forty-eight percent have no one directly responsible for management of data security.
  • Just 18 percent would encourage new data privacy legislation requiring stricter compliance and penalties to information security threats.

Computer Security Day is an excellent time to ensure that your company is following best practices to protect yourself from data breach and identity theft. They include:

  • Analyzing possible security gaps in your organization and within your supply chain.
  • Implementing ongoing risk analysis processes and creating a security policy specifically designed to limit exposure to fraud and data breaches.
  • Regularly training employees in proper document management and encouraging their adoption of security best practices.
  • Implementing a “shred-all” policy for unneeded documents and keeping sensitive materials under lock and key until they are destroyed.
  • Paying particular attention to hard drives on computers or photocopiers. The only way to destroy data stored on hard drives is physical destruction.
  • Installing and using effective computer network protection such as anti-virus software and a firewall.

To learn more about how to safeguard your business, or if you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment.