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How can businesses best mitigate against ransomware threats?

Ransomware casts a long shadow in today’s digital landscape, threatening businesses of all sizes with data paralysis, operational interruption, reputational damage and severe financial repercussions. The problem is particularly serious for mid-market organizations, with over half (57%) admitting they don’t regularly review and replace legacy systems, and a similar number (57%) failing to patch their systems regularly.

These security gaps create a wider attack surface and additional vulnerabilities that cybercriminals are eager to exploit. Thankfully, with a deeper understanding of ransomware and proactive cybersecurity measures, businesses can significantly bolster their defenses, and reduce the overall risk of data loss.

How does ransomware work?

Ransomware is a malicious software program designed to encrypt a victim’s critical data, essentially locking them out of their own files. Attackers will demand a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key, creating a huge dilemma for businesses. Either pay the ransom, and risk emboldening cybercriminals, or lose access to essential data, halting operations, exposing customers to unnecessary risk and creating significant regulatory and financial headaches.

There are several methods that attackers may employ in an attempt to gain access to a victim’s network. Phishing, and the rise of spear-phishing, looks to target employees with emails containing suspicious attachments or links that, when clicked, can eventually download malware onto a device. It’s reported that 91% of all cyberattacks begin with a phishing email, and 32% of all successful breaches involve the use of phishing techniques. Exploiting known software vulnerabilities and abuse of trust attacks are additional methods employed by attackers to gain entry into business systems. In addition, ransomware operators will also look to identify your backup solutions and will either delete or encrypt these to ensure businesses cannot quickly recover and therefore avoid payment of the ransom.

The evolving threat landscape: New tactics and targets

The cybersecurity threat landscape is constantly evolving. In 2024, both businesses and individuals must be aware of novel and emerging threats, including the risks posed by new ransomware groups. Attracted by the lucrative nature of ransomware, these groups seek innovative ways to gain access to the systems that are crucial in maintaining day-to-day business operations . 

This lucrative nature can be exemplified by recent data which shows payments from ransomware victims exceeded $1bn last year – a record high. And that’s just for the cryptocurrency wallets forensics analysts were able to track. While authorities work together to take down the most prolific groups (such as the recent takedown of LockBit), these victories are often temporary, with new operators quickly filling the void.

Furthermore, attackers are shifting tactics. While data encryption remains a common method, some ransomware variants now steal data and threaten to expose it on the dark web, creating a double extortion threat. Malicious QR codes, a new variant called “Quishing,” are emerging as another potential entry point. Due to shifting tactics, user vigilance is paramount.

The focus is also shifting towards smaller businesses. BlackCat and Lockbit are two ransomware groups specifically targeting SMBs, particularly in growing economies. SMBs often lack the dedicated resources for robust cybersecurity, making them more vulnerable.

Building a fortified defense: Strategies for businesses of all sizes

While there’s no foolproof way to prevent ransomware attacks entirely, businesses can take proactive steps to significantly reduce their risk and limit the impact if an attack occurs. Cloud security solutions can be a powerful ally in this fight.

Building a strong defense against ransomware requires a layered approach. The cornerstone of this defense is a robust backup strategy. Regularly backing up critical data to a secure, offsite location, ideally managed by security professionals in the cloud, provides a safety net in case of an attack. Cloud backups are geographically separate from on-premise infrastructure, offering an extra layer of protection against ransomware targeting local systems. However, backups are only useful if they function correctly. Regular testing and training your team on the restoration process ensures a swift recovery if a ransomware attack disrupts your operations.

Beyond backups, minimizing your attack surface is crucial. This involves security hygiene practices that reduce potential entry points for attackers. Educating employees through regular security awareness training equips them to identify phishing attempts, a common tactic used to deploy ransomware. IBM’s ‘Cost of a Data Breach’ report, suggests that employee training is a particularly effective mitigator against data breaches saving organizations at least $232,867 per attack.

Regularly reviewing and tightening access controls for applications, networks, systems, and data helps minimize potential damage. The principle of least privilege should be followed, granting users only the access they need for their job functions. Taking advantage of built-in security features on devices and operating systems, such as firewalls, malware detection, and automatic updates, further strengthens your defenses. Reputable cybersecurity resources can provide easily digestible, jargon free guidance on establishing best practices for different systems. By implementing these measures, businesses can significantly reduce their vulnerability to ransomware attacks.

Cloud’s role in the fight against ransomware

Cloud security services provide additional layers of defense against ransomware. These services can continuously monitor your network activity for suspicious behavior, acting as a vigilant guard that utilizes the power of cloud infrastructure to identify and block potential threats before they can cause damage. Furthermore, cloud providers typically encrypt your data both at rest and in transit, adding an extra shield against unauthorized access. Disaster recovery services offered by cloud providers can also ensure business continuity by minimizing downtime in the event of an attack. Finally, segmenting your network using zero trust principles acts as a series of walls within your digital castle, containing a ransomware attack to the specific compromised segment and preventing it from spreading throughout your entire network.

By understanding how these attacks work and adopting a proactive approach, you can significantly bolster your defences. Regular backups, preferably stored securely in the cloud, are the cornerstone of any ransomware defence strategy. Cloud solutions offer additional benefits like continuous monitoring, data encryption, and disaster recovery capabilities.

However, defense goes beyond technology. Implementing security hygiene practices like employee training and strong access controls significantly reduces your attack surface. Leveraging built-in security features and multi-factor authentication further strengthens your posture. Remember, ransomware is constantly evolving, so staying informed about the latest threats and updating your defenses regularly is crucial. By taking these simple steps, you can transform your business from a vulnerable target and be prepared for and mitigate against ransomware attacks.

Get in touch with one of our experts today and ensure that your business stands resilient in the face of cyberthreats.

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.com SOURCE

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Understanding the role of cyber insurance

The evolving cyberthreat landscape poses a significant risk to small businesses. Cybercriminals often target such businesses due to the valuable data they possess and possibly less advanced security measures. To protect themselves, small businesses often implement safeguards including firewalls, data backups, and ongoing cybersecurity training for employees. However, these solutions alone may not be sufficient to mitigate all cyber risks. Cyber insurance can help you recover financially in the event of a cyberattack.

What is cyber insurance?

Cyber insurance, also known as cyber liability insurance, is a form of insurance that specializes in damages a business incurs due to cyberattacks or data breaches. It can cover losses because of the cyberattack and costs pertaining to the recovery process. By integrating cyber insurance into their cybersecurity strategy, businesses can significantly reduce their overall cyber risk profile.

How cyber insurance benefits your business

There are many advantages to implementing cyber insurance, such as:

Financial loss coverage
Cyber insurance provides valuable financial protection that covers various forms of financial loss, such as legal expenses from customer and employee lawsuits following a data breach, regulatory fines, and loss of income due to downtime. However, you should always check what forms of loss your cyber insurance provider actually covers and to what extent.

Ransomware payment assistance
Consider the unsettling scenario where a cybercriminal uses ransomware to obtain critical data such as your employees’ Social Security numbers or your clients’ credit card details. Recognizing the potentially devastating impact this could have on your business, you’re prepared to spend whatever is necessary to avert such a disaster. However, the amount demanded in the ransom can be steep, and meeting it could have consequences further down the line, such as being unable to purchase assets necessary for growth. Luckily, cyber insurance can assist in covering the costs of such demands.

Notification costs support
In situations where customer information does get stolen, your business has a legal obligation to inform your customers. You may also need to inform your suppliers, business partners, and stakeholders. Depending on the number of notifications and the geographic range of your business (local, regional, national, or international) this can incur significant costs. Fortunately, cyber insurance can potentially help cover the costs of your notifications.

Data recovery services
Should your business find itself the victim of a data breach that has corrupted or destroyed your data, it becomes essential to restore what has been lost. Depending on your coverage plan, your cyber insurance provider might cover the cost of data recovery services. Without the specialized tools and expertise these services provide, recovering your data can take years.

How to get cyber insurance

There is more to getting cyber insurance than simply signing on to a coverage plan. In particular, you must meet an insurance provider’s qualifications. Generally, providers look at two things when considering a client: the strength of their cybersecurity and their adherence to compliance regulations.

The more secure and compliant your business’s IT (especially for highly regulated industries such as finance or healthcare), the more likely a cyber insurance provider will accept you as a client. If it appears that your company takes a lax approach to cybersecurity or fails to comply with regulations, then the provider may reject your application.

How to make cyber insurance affordable

If you are worried about the costs of cyber insurance, there are ways to make you more eligible for a reduced rate.Take proactive security measures such as company-wide employee training, regular assessments of your security posture, and scheduled data backups with recovery plans.Implement and submit incident response reports to prove how well your cybersecurity responds to emergencies.Research the cybersecurity preparedness of any third parties your business regularly interacts with (such as business partners or vendors). Showcasing the strength of their cybersecurity also reflects well on you.

These steps and others make your company appear as less of a risk to insurance providers.

Learn more about cyber insurance and other methods to secure your systems and data by speaking to one of our experts.

We can help you find the best solutions for your business by talking to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

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Key tips for boosting online security

The digital landscape is riddled with threats: malware attacks, phishing scams, and data breaches are just a few. But by taking a proactive approach to cybersecurity, you can significantly reduce your risk and keep your business safe. Here’s a guide to fortifying your online defenses.

Create strong, unique passwords

Passwords are your first line of defense against unauthorized access to your accounts and sensitive information. This is why you should avoid using easily guessable passwords such as “123456” or “password.” Instead, create strong passphrases. A passphrase is a string of four or more random words. This extra length and randomness make them much harder for cybercriminals to crack but still easier for you to remember than a jumbled mess of characters.

For maximum security, use a different passphrase for each of your accounts. This way, if one account gets compromised, your other accounts are still safe.

Tip: Remembering multiple complex passphrases can be a challenge. Consider using a password manager, which stores all your passphrases in one place. This makes your passphrases easily accessible while keeping them safe from prying eyes.

Implement multifactor authentication (MFA)

MFA adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by requiring additional verification beyond just a password, such as a one-time code sent to your phone or a fingerprint scan. By enabling MFA, even if someone obtains your password, they won’t be able to access your account without fulfilling the additional verification requirements.

Tip: Whenever possible, enable MFA on your important accounts, including email, banking, and cloud services.

Keep software and systems updated

Cybercriminals often exploit weaknesses in outdated software to gain unauthorized access to systems. To stay protected, regularly update your software, operating systems, and applications because these updates often include essential security patches that fix those vulnerabilities.

Tip: Set up automatic updates on all your devices so you don’t have to remember to update manually, and your devices stay continuously protected without any extra effort from you.

Use secure Wi-Fi networks

When accessing the internet, it’s important to use secure Wi-Fi networks. Public Wi-Fi in airports or coffee shops can be targeted by cybercriminals. Instead, use encrypted Wi-Fi connections, which require a password and scramble your data, making it unintelligible even if intercepted.

For an extra layer of security, consider using a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN encrypts all your internet traffic, creating a secure tunnel between your device and the internet, regardless of the Wi-Fi network you’re on.

Tip: Configure your devices to automatically connect only to trusted Wi-Fi networks that you know and use. Additionally, disable the option to connect to open networks to avoid accidental connections to unsecured Wi-Fi.

Conduct security awareness training for employees

Employees are often the weakest link in an organization’s cyber defense, as they may inadvertently fall victim to phishing scams or unknowingly compromise sensitive information. However, regular training sessions can empower your employees to recognize and respond to cyberthreats effectively.

Tip: Simulate phishing attacks to test your employees’ preparedness and reinforce training.

By following these simple yet effective tips, you can significantly enhance the online security posture of your business and minimize the risk of falling victim to cyberthreats. Remember, investing in online security is not just about protecting your data — it’s also about safeguarding the reputation and integrity of your business in an increasingly digital world.

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

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SMBs are being hit with more malware attacks than ever, and many can’t keep up

Between infostealers, ransomware, and BEC attacks, SMBs are having a hard time remaining secure

Information-stealing malware, ransomware, and business email compromise (BEC), remain the three biggest cyber-threats small and medium-sized businesses (SMB) are facing, a new report from Sophos has warned.

The company claims almost half of all malware detected on SMB endpoints last year were either keyloggers, spyware, or infostealers – all malicious programs used to steal sensitive data and login credentials. 

For the researchers, this makes sense as the abuse of legitimate accounts is more difficult to spot, while opening the doors to many more criminal opportunities.

Ransomware and BEC

“The value of ‘data,’ as currency has increased exponentially among cybercriminals, and this is particularly true for SMBs, which tend to use one service or software application, per function, for their entire operation,” says Christpher Budd, director of Sophos X-Ops.

“For example, let’s say attackers deploy an infostealer on their target’s network to steal credentials and then get hold of the password for the company’s accounting software. Attackers could then gain access to the targeted company’s financials and have the ability to funnel funds into their own accounts.” 

Infostealers may be the most wide-spread threats, but ransomware remains the biggest. Fortunately for SMBs, the number of ransomware attacks “stabilized”, Sophos said, suggesting that growth slowed down. At the same time, ransomware attacks continue to evolve. Between 2022 and 2023, the number of remote encryption attacks rose by almost two-thirds (62%). Remote encryption happens when threat actors use an unmanaged device belonging to the victim organization, to encrypt files on other systems.

BEC attacks are the second-highest type of attack, right after ransomware, Sophos concluded. The attackers engaged in BEC are growing increasingly sophisticated, and often engage in a series of conversational emails with their victims, and sometimes even phone calls, before deciding to strike.

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

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Take control of your identity: 5 proven strategies to prevent identity theft

While all types of fraud pose serious challenges, identity fraud is one of the most potent, and consumers must take extra care to detect and avoid it. People need to educate themselves on protecting their personal information, but many might feel they don’t know where to begin. Five main steps can be taken to guard against identity fraud and stop fraudsters and scammers from obtaining personal information or accessing accounts.

Beware of phishing

Phishing emails are a vital tactic for scammers and have developed beyond the clumsy, poorly written-efforts of the past. However, many still contain tell-tale signs of a scam, such as lousy formatting and unofficial email addresses. Phishing emails are designed to convince consumers to click on a malicious link, so consumers should avoid following links they do not recognize. Pay extra attention to an email that calls for immediate action, such as requiring payment to keep your energy on; scammers know that consumers are more likely to make a mistake if there’s urgency.

The best way to root out the fakes is to independently check the information by logging into personal accounts on the company website—companies will often post a warning on their website if they are aware of the scam email. Smishing, where phishing is conducted via a text message, isn’t a new threat but has evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic and represents another avenue where consumers need to be hyper-vigilant.

Activate two-factor authentication

Many online accounts offer two-factor authentication, which can help to prevent online account takeover. Text messaging is the most popular second factor, but this is also vulnerable to takeover, so individuals should choose an alternative factor if one is available.

Sign up for activity alerts from financial institutions

Signing up for activity alerts with bank or credit card companies can alert consumers to any suspicious activity associated with their accounts. People are notified straight away, and this can prevent any further fraudulent charges or withdrawals. Do not delay reporting suspected fraud to your bank, and ask about the possibility of closing the account in question.

Set up identity and credit monitoring

Individuals can sign up for an identity and credit monitoring service that will warn them if their data is at risk. Due to personal information being traded on the dark web, monitoring services focus on places where data is known to be bought and sold and will send alerts if personal data is identified. Credit monitoring services will notify individuals of any changes to their credit profile, such as new trade lines or hard credit inquiries. If individuals suspect fraudulent use of their information, a professional can assess the extent of the fraud and assist with identity restoration.

Follow password security best practices

There is a lot of advice available on how to create strong, unique passwords for every account. However, with the average person having 70-80 accounts, it can be difficult to remember them all, leading many people to reuse passwords. Installing a password manager can help you generate and store passwords for all your accounts on your devices. Although using common passwords like “QWERTY” or your pet’s name is not safe, it can suggest a nearly impossible alternative to guess.

The most important thing to remember is that there is no single solution to ensure complete protection against identity theft. The best thing you can do is to stay vigilant and use caution. By adopting the layers of security discussed above, you can give yourself the highest level of protection against a threat that is certain to become increasingly dangerous in the future.

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

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Email attacks on business tripled in 2023 — and ChatGPT was often the culprit

Email attacks against businesses have increased dramatically as hackers continually use generative AI tools to optimize their content and streamline malicious campaigns, new research has claimed. 

A new report from Acronis based on data collected from more than a million unique endpoints across 15 countries, found AI-powered phishing affected more than 90% of organizations last year, and that AI helped email attacks grow by 222% between the second half of 2023, and today.

“There’s a disturbing trend being recognised globally where bad actors continue to leverage ChatGPT and similar generative AI systems to increase cyberattack efficiency, create malicious code, and automate attacks,” said Candid Wüest, Acronis VP of Product Management. “Now, more than ever, corporations need to prioritize comprehensive cyber protection solutions to ensure business continuity.”

Leveraging Chat-GPT

Email attacks, mostly phishing, remain the primary vectors of infection, the report further states, with organizations experiencing a notable 54% increase in the number of attacks, per firm. Most of the attacks happened in Singapore, Spain, and Brazil, and Acronis identified a third of emails (33.4%) as spam. An additional 1.5% contained malware, or phishing links, it said.

Phishing is the primary infection vector for a number of reasons: email is omnipresent, it’s simple to use, and it’s cheap. It’s also easy to automate. Finally, victims overwhelmingly trust their email service providers to keep them safe from threats, often clicking on links and downloading attachments without second-guessing their good nature. 

In the pre-ChatGPT era, the easiest way to spot a phishing attack was to just use common sense and read the email message. Hackers are rarely English majors (many don’t live in English-speaking countries), and their messages were full of spelling and grammar mistakes, as well as clumsy wording and different inconsistencies. However, since the introduction of generative AI tools, email messages have become significantly more convincing. 

“The Acronis Cyberthreats Report H2 2023 highlights the continued threats faced by businesses of all sizes worldwide,” said Michael Suby, Research VP, IDC. “Unfortunately, bad actors continue to profit from these activities and are leveraging AI-enhanced techniques to create more convincing phishing schemes, guaranteeing that this problem will continue to plague businesses.”

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

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Emerging trends in data breaches and how to address them

Now, more than ever, it is crucial to prioritize investments in advanced threat intelligence, monitoring systems, and ongoing employee training.

In 2023, there has been a concerning surge in data breaches. During the second quarter of 2023, over 110 million accounts were compromised, a staggering 2,6 times more than in the first quarter of the year. Recent findings reveal that the average cost of a data leak has reached $4.45 million, including both direct costs, such as fines and legal proceedings, as well as indirect like reputational damage.

The good news is that the causes of such breaches are often trivial and are under your control, like neglecting to change passwords or using overly simplistic ones, or overlooking the deactivation of access by a fired employee. Businesses can readily mitigate risks to safeguard themselves from both data and the subsequent financial losses. So, what are the most common reasons for data leaks, and how can they be effectively handled?

Cloud misconfigurations

According to IBM, 82% of breaches involve information stored in the cloud. Cloud misconfigurations can lead to data exposure or even compromise entire environments. They take various forms, including improperly configured storage buckets, insecure access controls, and mismanaged encryption settings. These errors often stem from a lack of understanding of the cloud service provider’s security features or oversight during the configuration process. Attackers exploit these vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Solution:

– Adhere to recommendations from your cloud service provider, such as AWS, Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud. This includes configuring security groups, setting up proper identity and access management, and implementing encryption for data both in transit and at rest.

– Implement automated tools for configuring and enforcing security policies. For example, in Kubernetes clusters you may use Gatekeeper or Kyverno. They can significantly reduce the risk of human error.

– Additionally, look for software solutions and scripts to regularly check your cloud configuration against best practices and compliance standards.

Lack of permissions control

The human element remains a significant factor in 74% of data breaches, and the common reason is the lack of proper permissions control. It means that users may have access to data and systems beyond what is necessary for their roles.

The primary issues associated with this challenge include overprivileged accounts, with users having more permissions than necessary, thereby expanding the attack surface. Additionally, there is a concern about proper segregation of duties. For example, a single user may have the right to both create and approve transactions. This leads to an increased risk of fraudulent activities. Outdated settings also contribute to the problem. Imagine a fired support employee still having access to the company’s database. They could potentially download and sell sensitive data to competitors.

Solution:

– Implement least privilege concept to ensure that users and applications have only the minimum level of access required to perform their tasks.

– Utilize role-based access control to assign permissions based on job roles. This way your team members will only see resources and data necessary for their specific responsibilities.

– Implement multi factor authentication by requiring users to provide multiple forms of identification before gaining access. Even if login credentials are compromised, MFA adds an additional security barrier.

Infrequent software updates

Outdated software often contains known vulnerabilities. When businesses fail to regularly update, they leave a window of opportunity for cybercriminals. An illustrative case is Memcached, a widely utilized distributed memory-caching system for enhancing the performance of dynamic, database-driven websites. Vulnerabilities in this software were uncovered in 2016, however, it wasn’t until 2018 when a novel method for DDoS attack amplification using Memcached was exploited in notable network incidents.

Solution:

– Update at least once in half a year. Ideally, implement a patch management policy that outlines procedures for identifying, testing, and deploying software updates in a timely and systematic manner.

– Utilize automated tools to streamline the process. Automation helps to guarantee that patches are deployed consistently across all systems.

Insufficient perimeter control

This risk refers to a situation when an organization’s network boundaries are not adequately secured, allowing for potential unauthorized access to critical information or systems. The network perimeter serves as the first line of defense against external threats. Today, it extends to cloud services, remote users and mobile devices. The attack surface has expanded even further with the proliferation of the Internet of Things. From smart thermostats to industrial sensors, these gadgets often become attractive targets for hackers. Recently, it was reported that the number of IoT devices involved in botnet-driven DDoS attacks had risen from around 200,000 a year ago to approximately 1 million.

Solution:

– Deploy firewalls (such as Web Application Firewall) at network entry points to control and monitor incoming and outgoing traffic. Configuring them correctly allows only authorized and necessary communication.

– Implement Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS) to detect unusual or suspicious activities within the network. They can automatically respond to potential threats, mitigating risks in real-time.

– Add encryption for data transmitted over networks, including local networks, for an extra layer of protection. This way, intercepted data remains unreadable without the proper decryption keys.

Other emerging threats

Among other emerging threats is the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. Cybercriminals use it to assess attack strategies, significantly increasing their chances of success. It is also used to amplify the speed, scale, and reach of their attacks. For example, hackers now use cutting-edge AI to create convincing phishing campaigns in nearly any language, even those with fewer historical attack attempts due to their complexity.

While there are also other cyber threats, in reality, businesses rarely face them as they are typically targeted at large corporations, government systems and critical infrastructure with top grade security. These include advanced persistent threats (APTs) orchestrated by well-funded and persistent criminals and characterized by their long-term presence within a target network. Usually, these are state-sponsored cyberattacks driven by political, economic, or espionage motives.

Safeguarding your business: universal tips

Apart from all the measures already listed, there are a few general rules to keep your business protected. First of all, conduct regular security audits and assessments, whether they concern cloud infrastructure, the status of software updates, user permissions or the overall effectiveness of perimeter control. External audits or penetration testing can also help in evaluating the organization’s security posture.

Second, invest in advanced intelligence and monitoring solutions. They can detect threats and respond in real-time. Such systems can use machine learning, behavioral analytics, and pattern recognition to establish a baseline of normal network behavior and detect deviations. Upon identifying a potential threat, the system will automatically trigger response mechanisms: block suspicious traffic, isolate compromised devices, or alert security personnel for further investigation.

Third, regularly train your employees to recognize and counteract threats, especially phishing. The latter remains one of the most common methods used by cybercriminals to gain access to sensitive data.

The effective employee training comprises two key elements, which I refer to as the “stick” and the “carrot.”

The “stick” involves educating all team members on the company’s security policies and legislative initiatives, such as GDPR. It emphasizes the collective responsibility in safeguarding confidential data, which extends beyond the information security department’s duty. Training sessions should explain the consequences of breaches, including potential fines and even dismissals. It is important to conduct these events at least once in two years, if not more often. Moreover, businesses should incorporate them into the onboarding process for new employees.

The “carrot” aspect involves workshops, meetups, and webinars focused on various cyberattacks and the latest advancements in information security. This facet of training is designed to be more engaging and enjoyable. It may include some interactive activities, such as online games and simulations. Guest speakers can take part in these events, for example, employees from the IT department, representatives from other divisions sharing insightful cases, and external market experts.

Through the combined “stick” and “carrot” measures, team members cultivate a collective immunity to information security issues, fostering a culture of mutual accountability.

And, of course, always keep abreast of the latest cyber trends to develop countermeasures in time.

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

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Is your password strong and secure?

A password is more than just an assortment of characters you’re required to enter in order to access your accounts. It is the first line of defense against potential threats and attacks. A weak password makes it easier for hackers or cybercriminals to gain access to your personal information, such as financial details or sensitive data. But there are many people who are completely misguided about what a strong password actually is.

The importance of secure passwords for your business

While many personal accounts are password-protected, securing your business accounts is equally critical. This applies not just to you but to your entire company. Every employee should use strong passwords to safeguard sensitive business data. Imagine the potential harm a cybercriminal could cause if they gained access to your data and systems. It could tarnish your business’s reputation and jeopardize both your employees’ and customers’ private information.

What makes a password strong? (Hint: It’s not about complexity)

Contrary to popular belief, the strength of a password is not solely determined by its complexity. While including a combination or letters, numbers, and symbols can enhance password security, it’s not as effective as using a longer sequence.

A long password is far stronger because it increases the number of possible combinations that an attacker needs to guess. This means that even if your password contains common words or phrases, it will still be significantly more difficult to breach if it’s longer. In fact, a lengthy passphrase consisting of a series of unrelated words can often be stronger than a shorter password filled with complex characters. For instance, “PurpleBananaSunsetRiver” is not only easier to remember but also more secure than something like “P@ssw0rd1” because of its length and randomness.

Furthermore, longer passwords are more resistant to brute force attacks, which involve using automated programs to guess different password combinations until the correct one is found. The longer the password, the more time and computational power it would take for an attacker to crack it, making it a far less appealing target. So, when creating strong passwords for your business accounts, prioritize length and complexity to bolster your online security effectively.

Educating your team on password security

If you manage a team, it’s crucial to educate them on the significance of strong, lengthy passwords. Ensure your team receives training on cybersecurity practices, including password creation. A single weak password could open the door to a cyberattack, emphasizing the importance of collective diligence.

Simplifying strong password creation

Creating robust and lengthy passwords doesn’t have to be a tedious process. If you struggle to create or remember them, consider using a password manager. This tool can generate long and unique passwords for each account based on your preferences. It will then store them securely so that you only need to remember one master password to access all your accounts.

Passwords are often the easiest to overlook when it comes to online security, but they are also the most critical. If you need further guidance or assistance in enhancing your cybersecurity practices, get in touch with us. Our team of experts is ready to help you navigate the digital world securely.

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

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Why HTTPS is essential for online security

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

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Managing cloud cyber security

As cloud computing continues to reshape the business world, the need to ensure the security of this complex new environment is more important than ever. This comes with its own significant challenges. Increased cloud adoption is bringing increased exposure to cyber threats, leaving businesses vulnerable to ever-evolving forms of attack.

With cyber threats showing no sign of slowing down, organizations cannot afford any gaps in their cloud infrastructure. Fortunately, there are concrete actions every company can take to strengthen their security stance. To find out more, Scott Nicholson, Co-CEO of Bridewell, shared his thoughts.

Why is cloud cybersecurity so crucial?

Traditional cybersecurity was built around on-premises infrastructure to manage on-premises threats. But the landscape looks very different today. The rise of cloud computing has made the digital world more interconnected and accessible than ever before, as data and applications have moved outside the traditional perimeter. This change has rendered most legacy network security controls obsolete, so it is essential that cybersecurity methods evolve to keep pace with accelerated cloud adoption.

At the same time, these increasingly complex IT and networking infrastructures are bringing new opportunities for cyber criminals, due to the expanded attack surface. We need only look at recent news headlines to recognize the threats. The Russian-backed hackers behind the Sunburst cyber attack managed to exploit cloud vulnerabilities to pilfer emails and files from over 100 companies around the world. We are also seeing cloud-based systems, services and data being targeted by ransomcloud – attacks that take advantage of weaknesses or legitimate functionality in cloud resources to deploy malware, encrypt data, and extort money from businesses.

To manage such a complex web of risks, companies need to review their own cloud security posture today and put in place measures to boost visibility, cyber maturity and resilience.

How can companies tackle the problem of skills gaps when it comes to cloud security?

There’s no denying that the skills gap is a growing challenge. Unfortunately, a lot of organizations started their cloud transformation journey on the back foot, implementing remote access tech without the skills needed to secure and manage cloud environments on an ongoing basis. This has led to a skills, transformation, and burnout cycle: IT teams are being asked to do more with less people to support transformation, heightening the risks of human error, data breaches, and the cycle getting underway again.

But there are ways that companies can break through the cloud security skills gap. Education is key to mitigating threats in the cloud, so all IT, security, and end users need to be fully informed and trained on a range of basic cyber hygiene practices and how these translate into cloud environments, covering areas such as controls testing, configuration hardening, network segmentation and incident response capabilities in the cloud.

Also, organizations shouldn’t be afraid to expand their talent pool by recruiting people from other backgrounds. Too many organizations focus purely on cyber talent and could be missing out on many great candidates with transferable skills. Here at Bridewell, we have taken on a lot of IT engineers and trained them up to be penetration testers and these are now some of our best people.

Companies also have the option to partner with a trusted managed security services provider with expertise in cloud security solutions. Outsourcing addresses the cyber security skills gap by providing ongoing expertise and support, which is very difficult to achieve in-house.

What challenges are preventing organizations from gaining the visibility needed to detect and respond to threats in the cloud?

There are a number of reasons why organizations may struggle to gain a detailed view of all activity in the cloud. In today’s diverse digital landscape, it’s common to see the convergence of traditional enterprise IT infrastructure with public cloud in a hybrid deployment. Businesses are also now integrating their operations with multiple cloud providers, which adds an extra layer of complexity. This means that some traditional security operations centers (SOCs) are having to juggle around 40 different tools to cover the cloud and every other possible vulnerability, each of which needs to be configured, supported, and monitored 24/7. This is a huge ask, and resources will be stretched further as OT and IT continues to converge.

Organizations can improve their cloud visibility today by having a multi-cloud security strategy and aiming to move towards having a full Extended Detection & Response (XDR) capability to help detect and respond to security threats in a more holistic and efficient manner.

How can companies better balance operational uptime and security requirements?

Of course, every organization wants to have effective security in place but without hindering and negatively impacting business operations. This is absolutely critical for some Operational Technology (OT), where it is performing critical functions that have a health and safety consequence.

Context in these scenarios is king. Understanding what risks are faced, the threat actors and the various methods in which a cyber attack could occur will enable informed decisions to be made regarding the application of cyber security controls and risk mitigation activity. Threat modelling is a very good methodology to structure and deliver this type of approach, which should include security professionals, engineering teams and any other key stakeholders.

There are also security technologies that provide non-intrusive network based detection capabilities to aide visibility, which is a great starting point for security improvements. Having a development environment or being able to replicate segments of an environment to test the application of security controls, will all aide understanding and decision making.

What does a proactive cyber security posture look like, and how can organizations achieve it?

Organizations with a proactive cyber security posture take the initiative to drive long-lasting security improvements from within, rather than waiting for the next big breach to happen. This involves moving away from traditional reactive security techniques – which focus simply on detection and notification of attacks – towards a more intelligent stance that gives a clear, holistic view of cyber security across IT, OT, cloud, and end user devices. As both cloud adoption and cloud security risks continue to grow, this proactive approach is critical to business continuity.

To build a proactive stance, businesses need to understand the threats they’re likely to face – past, present, and future. Threat intelligence is vital in enabling IT teams to quickly detect and respond to active threats in the cloud. With the right strategy, based on threat intelligence linked to managed detection and response (MDR) and supported by ethical hacking techniques to test defenses, companies can ensure they are fully armed in the face of evolving cloud-based threats.

Organizations that have a proactive cyber security posture also understand that attacks are inevitable, they focus on how quickly they can identify, detect and respond to those attacks in addition to compartmentalizing any successful attacks and having confidence in their ability to resume systems in a timely manner if negatively impacted.

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

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