Tag Archive for: security

Safeguard your SMB from password manager attacks

Staying secure online is becoming trickier by the day, especially for small or medium-sized businesses (SMBs). While tools like password managers are designed to protect sensitive information, cybercriminals are now targeting them. A recent study reveals a startling threefold increase in malware targeting password vaults and credential stores over the past year.

The rising threat of infostealers

Infostealers, also known as information stealers, are a type of malware designed to hijack and transmit sensitive data from a victim’s computer. They can come in many forms, such as keyloggers or spyware, but their main goal is to collect login credentials and other valuable information.

The study by Picus Security uncovered alarming growth in infostealers designed to target credential stores, including password managers. By analyzing one million malware samples, researchers confirmed that 93% of malicious actions use just 10 common hacking methods.

Why are password managers a prime target? Their centralized nature makes them convenient for users but equally appealing to cybercriminals. By breaching just one password vault, attackers can gain access to a wealth of credentials across multiple accounts and platforms.

Malware in action: RedLine and Lumma Stealers

Two notorious infostealers leading these attacks are RedLine Stealer and Lumma Stealer, each targeting victims in unique ways.

  • RedLine Stealer is often spread through phishing attempts or fake websites. It specializes in extracting data from web browsers, email applications, and other credential storage locations.
  • Lumma Stealer operates as a Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS), allowing criminals to rent the malware and use it to steal payment credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, and other sensitive information.

Malware tactics are changing. With operating system defenses improving, old methods such as credential dumping are less effective. Modern infostealers now target weaker but valuable areas, such as password managers.

The dark web surge

The stolen credentials don’t just stop with the initial hacker; they often end up being posted for sale on the dark web. Initial access brokers profit by reselling credentials that give hackers easy access to enterprise systems. These stolen credentials are then used in major ransomware attacks.

Why password manager attacks are increasing

Cybercriminals are adapting their tactics to target password managers for several reasons, including their effectiveness and ease of execution.

  • Minimal skill requirement – Most infostealers only need basic user-level access to scrape stored credentials, making attacks fast and easy.
  • Automation – Many attackers leverage automated tools to extract information, streamlining cyber theft.
  • Password reuse – If businesses use repeated passwords across accounts, stolen credentials can lead to broader credential stuffing attacks, exposing an entire network.

For SMBs, such attacks can be devastating, resulting in operational disruptions as well as financial losses and reputational damage.

Protecting your credentials with secure technologies

SMBs must take decisive action to protect themselves from these growing threats. Here’s how you can stay ahead of attackers and secure your password management systems effectively.

  • Adopt zero-knowledge encryption password managers. With zero-knowledge encryption, even if the vault is breached, no one can read the stored credentials.
  • Enable multifactor authentication. Do this across all user and administrator accounts, making it harder for hackers to gain access.
  • Train your users. Educate employees about phishing attempts and other malware entry points. Teach them to recognize suspicious links and avoid downloading attachments from unknown sources.
  • Regularly update software. Make sure all software, including operating systems, browsers, and password managers, is updated with the latest patches to minimize vulnerabilities.
  • Review logs for unusual activity. Monitor activities in password managers and look for suspicious access or login attempts outside regular patterns.

Password managers are indispensable tools for managing multiple accounts safely, but they’re not invincible. For SMBs, proactive security measures should be part of a broader strategy to strengthen operations against emerging threats.

Safeguard your business from various threats — contact our security experts to get started.

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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AI is great, but it creates a security blind spot

You’re focused on leveraging the latest technology for growth and innovation, but there’s a hidden risk that comes with it. The software, automated systems, and AI tools that power your business each have their own non-human identity (NHI). Managing these digital identities was a significant challenge even before the AI boom, but now, with intelligent agents capable of independent action, NHIs represent a critical threat that demands immediate attention.

Your company’s biggest, most overlooked security risk

Think about every piece of software, cloud application, and automated script your company uses. Each one needs credentials and permissions to access data and perform its tasks. That’s a massive, often invisible, digital workforce.

The problem here is that these NHIs are often created for a specific purpose and then forgotten, leaving a digital door wide open for attackers. This oversight leads to several common security gaps:

  • Ghost accounts: These are accounts and app credentials that are never disabled, even after a project ends or an employee leaves. Orphaned accounts like these are prime targets, as they are unmonitored and can provide persistent access to your network.
  • Weak credentials: Attackers use automated tools to constantly scan for easy-to-crack credentials, making them a significant vulnerability.
  • Lack of visibility: Most businesses have no clear picture of how many NHIs exist in their environment or what they have access to. If you don’t know an identity exists, you can’t secure it, monitor it, or recognize when it’s been compromised.

How AI supercharges the threat

If unsecured NHIs are like a key left under the doormat, then AI is like a team of burglars who can check every doormat in the city in a matter of seconds. AI-powered tools allow attackers to find and exploit these forgotten credentials with alarming speed and efficiency, turning a minor vulnerability into a major breach in minutes.

But the risk goes even deeper. The introduction of autonomous AI agents creates a new layer of complexity. AI agents are designed to act independently to achieve certain goals, which means they require broad access to your company’s systems and data. This can lead to:

  • Unpredictable actions: An AI agent given a simple task could find an unexpected and potentially destructive way to accomplish it. In a recent security test, an AI given access to company emails discovered it was going to be replaced. It then tried to blackmail the engineer in charge to save its “job.” Imagine the potential for data leaks or operational disruption if such an agent had access to your critical systems.
  • Shadow AI: Employees are increasingly using new AI tools without company approval or IT oversight. Each of these tools creates a new, unmanaged identity with access to your data, creating security gaps that your team can’t see.

Secure your business for the AI era

The rapid evolution of AI-driven threats can feel daunting, but you can take proactive steps to protect your business. The strategy starts with a few foundational principles:

  • Gain full visibility: You can’t protect what you can’t see. The first step is to discover and inventory every NHI across your entire digital environment. Utilizing specialized tools can help automate this process and provide a complete picture of your NHI landscape.
  • Enforce the principle of least privilege: Ensure every application, script, and system has only the absolute minimum level of access required to perform its function. If a tool doesn’t need access to sensitive customer data, it shouldn’t have it.
  • Manage the full life cycle: Implement a clear, automated process for creating, managing, and, most importantly, securely decommissioning NHIs when they are no longer needed.

Online threats may be sophisticated and constantly evolving, but a strong security plan can still keep them at bay. Our team of cybersecurity experts can help you gain a clear understanding of your current risk posture and develop a robust strategy to secure your business against the latest threats.

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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Think you can spot a phishing email?

This new trick is harder to catch.

Many people are getting better at spotting phishing attacks from outside sources. But what if the attack appears to come from within your own company? A recently discovered vulnerability in Microsoft 365 is being used to bypass traditional security, making it easier than ever for hackers to send you convincing fake emails that slip past your defenses.

The sneaky trick, explained

At the heart of this new threat is a Microsoft 365 feature called Direct Send. It was created for a simple, helpful reason: to allow internal office devices, such as printers and scanners, to send you emails — such as a scanned document — without needing to log in with a password. This feature is designed for convenience and is intended only for internal use.

However, this convenience has created a security loophole. Because Direct Send doesn’t require authentication, hackers have found a way to exploit it to send phishing emails without needing to steal a single password or compromise any accounts. All they need is a few publicly available details and some guesswork to figure out your company’s email address format.

Once an attacker has a valid internal email address, they can use the Direct Send system to send emails that look like they’re from someone inside your organization. And because these emails are routed through Microsoft’s own infrastructure and appear to be internal, they often bypass the very security filters designed to catch suspicious messages.

In a recent campaign that affected over 70 organizations, attackers used this method to send fake voicemail notifications containing malicious QR codes, which tricked users into visiting websites that stole their Microsoft 365 credentials.

What you can do: Stay alert

While the technical fix is up to your IT team, everyone can help prevent these attacks by being cautious.

  • Be suspicious of the sender – Even if an email looks like it’s from a coworker, be wary if the request is unusual.
  • Question internal notifications – Employees are used to seeing notifications from scanners and printers, so they rarely question their authenticity. Think twice before opening attachments or clicking links in automated messages.
  • Beware of QR codes – Be very careful about scanning QR codes you receive in emails, as they may lead you to malicious websites.
  • Report, don’t reply – If you see a suspicious email, report it to your IT department immediately.

For your IT department: The technical fix

This attack exploits a misconfiguration, not an impossible-to-stop, zero-day threat. Your technical team can take several steps to shut this vulnerability down.

  • Implement strict policies – Enforce strict DMARC and anti-spoofing policies to make it harder for fakes to get through. You should also enable “SPF hardfail” in Exchange Online Protection.
  • Disable or reject Direct Send – Microsoft is working to disable Direct Send by default. In the meantime, you can enable the “Reject Direct Send” setting in the Exchange Admin Center to block this type of attack.
  • Flag unauthenticated mail – Set up rules to flag any unauthenticated internal emails for review.
  • Secure your devices – Treat all network-connected devices, such as printers and scanners, as fully fledged endpoints. This means putting them on segmented networks, monitoring their activity, and restricting what they are allowed to do.

Don’t wait for an attack to test your defenses. Contact our cybersecurity experts today for help securing your email systems and for more information on how to protect your organization.

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What if the “unsubscribe” button was a trick?

Experts warn clicking “unsubscribe” on that boring email could actually be a security risk – here’s why

If you’ve received a spam email with an “unsubscribe here” button at the bottom, don’t press it – it could do more harm than good.

This is according to TK Keanini, CTO of DNSFilter, who recently revealed pressing such a button sends the recipient away from the safety of the email client and into the open internet, where potentially malicious landing pages are lurking.

In fact, Keanini claims that one in every 644 clicks can lead to a malicious website.

How to unsubscribe, then?

Even if clicking the button doesn’t lead directly to a phishing page, other, more subtle, risks, are lurking as well.

Keanini says that hackers would often place that button just to see who clicks – which would also help them determine which email addresses are active and thus worth targeting further.

The general rule of thumb seems to be – if you don’t trust the company that sent the email, don’t trust the unsubscribe process, either.

So, what’s the alternative? The alternative is to unsubscribe through the email client itself, rather than through the email’s body.

Most email clients have “list-unsubscribe headers”, which appear as built-in buttons and thus don’t include source code, Tom’s Guide explained. “If your email header doesn’t contain a link, you can reply on your spam filters, or try blacklisting the sender instead,” the publication further explained.

Those who don’t have these options can use disposable email addresses when signing up for different services. Most email service providers allow users to create throwaway email addresses, as well. For example, Gmail has a feature called “plus addressing” or “Gmail aliases”, which allow users to modify their address by adding a + and a tag before the @gmail.com address.

That way, the email address used during registration could be yourname+shopping@gmail.com. Messages will still arrive in the inbox, but they can be easily tracked or filtered.

Still not sure where to start? Contact our cybersecurity experts for personalized advice.

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 The Wall Street Journal  SOURCE

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Use These 5 Rules to Block Phishing Emails From Your Inbox

Your email inbox is likely rammed full of suspicious emails. Despite your best efforts, at some point, you’re bound to click on one; don’t worry, we all do it. However, you can try to keep your inbox phishing-free with a few simple tips and rules.

– Hover Over Links Before Clicking

One of the easiest ways to protect yourself from phishing attempts is to hover over any links before clicking them. This simple action can reveal the actual URL behind the anchor text, giving you a better idea of where it will take you.

When you hover over a link, make sure the URL matches the expected destination. If you expect to go to your bank’s website, but the URL looks unfamiliar or suspicious, it’s best to avoid clicking on it altogether.

Be particularly cautious of shortened links, as they can easily mask the true destination. Scammers often use link shorteners to hide malicious URLs behind seemingly innocuous ones. If you must click on a shortened link, consider using a URL checker to scan for potential threats.

URL checkers, such as VirusTotal or URLVoid, can help you determine whether a shortened link leads to a fraudulent or malicious site. So, just by taking a moment to verify the safety of a link, you can save yourself from potential headaches down the road.

– Set Up Email Rules and Filters

Another effective way to keep phishing emails at bay is to set up rules and filters within Outlook or another email client. These tools allow you to automatically sort incoming messages based on specific criteria, helping you separate legitimate emails from potential threats.

Start by creating rules based on the sender. Suppose you consistently receive phishing attempts from a particular email address or domain. In that case, you can create a rule that automatically moves these messages to a separate folder or marks them as spam.

Implementing language-based filters can also be helpful. Many phishing emails contain poor grammar, spelling errors, or unusual phrasing. By setting up filters that flag emails containing these red flags, you can easily identify and avoid potential scams.

Other filtering criteria might include subject lines containing urgent or threatening language, emails with attachments from unknown senders, or messages from countries where you don’t typically receive correspondence.

– Block Suspicious Email Addresses

If you spot phishing emails from the same sender, it may be time to take a more proactive approach. Most email clients offer the option to block specific email addresses, preventing future messages from reaching your inbox.

Blocking suspicious email addresses can provide extra protection against persistent scammers. Once blocked, these senders can no longer contact you, reducing the risk of accidentally falling for one of their schemes.

However, scammers may try to circumvent these blocks by creating new email addresses. Therefore, you need to consistently block suspicious senders and stay vigilant.

– Report Phishing Emails as Spam

When you come across a phishing email in your inbox, don’t just delete it—besides blocking the sender, take a moment to report it as spam. This simple action can have far-reaching benefits for both you and other email users.

When you report phishing emails as spam, it helps train your email client to recognize and filter out similar messages in the future. Over time, this can significantly reduce the number of phishing attempts that make it to your inbox.

Moreover, reporting an email as spam contributes to improving collective spam detection. Email providers use this feedback to update their algorithms, making identifying and blocking phishing attempts easier for all users.

– Regularly Update Your Email Client

One often overlooked aspect of protecting yourself from phishing emails is keeping your email client up-to-date. Software updates usually include important security patches and improvements that can help detect and prevent the latest phishing techniques.

Just regularly update your email client to ensure you have access to the most recent security features and spam detection algorithms. These updates can be the difference between falling victim to a phishing scam and avoiding it altogether.

Most email clients offer automatic updates. So, it gets easy to stay protected without much effort on your part. However, if you’re prompted to install an update manually, don’t put it off—take a few minutes to complete the process and give yourself that extra peace of mind.

So, by following these simple rules—hovering over links, setting up filters, blocking suspicious senders, reporting spam, and keeping your email client updated—you can significantly reduce your risk of falling for a phishing scam. And if you do slip up, don’t panic; you can still mitigate the phishing damage.

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 MakeUseOf.com SOURCE

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The state of ransomware today and what it means for your business

Ransomware has become one of the most persistent cyberthreats, affecting organizations of all sizes across the globe. These attacks, which hold data hostage in exchange for payment, are evolving rapidly as attackers adopt new tactics that leave businesses scrambling to respond. For business owners and leaders, understanding the current state of ransomware is crucial for protecting their organizations from potentially devastating consequences.

Ransomware today: A shifting landscape

The ransomware threat landscape has never been more dynamic. While joint efforts by law enforcement and security agencies have led to takedowns of major ransomware groups, smaller and more agile gangs have quickly filled the void.

One key trend is the emergence of new ransomware strains, often rebranded or derived from leaked and purchased code. These groups are working faster, starting negotiations just hours after stealing data.

Most alarmingly, “double extortion” tactics have become the norm. Attackers no longer settle for encrypting company data; instead, they also steal sensitive information, threatening to leak it publicly unless their ransom demands are met. This shift has rendered encryption-only attacks nearly obsolete.

Certain sectors have also become primary targets for ransomware groups. Healthcare organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies remain top priorities for cybercriminals due to the sensitive nature of their data and their perceived vulnerability. These industries accounted for nearly half of publicly disclosed attacks in 2024, according to a BlackFog report.

For business owners and leaders outside of these sectors, it’s crucial to note that no industry is truly safe. The rise of Ransomware-as-a-Service, or RaaS, has made it easier for more and less skilled cybercriminals to target businesses of all sizes with advanced ransomware.

How law enforcement and enterprises are fighting back

Despite the growing complexity of ransomware, there is hope on the horizon. Law enforcement agencies and international collaborations have made significant headway in disrupting major ransomware operations. High-profile takedowns, such as Operation Cronos, have resulted in a decline in the overall volume of ransom payments — a promising trend for businesses worldwide.

However, the fight against ransomware doesn’t solely rest on external actors. Enterprises are adopting the following proactive measures to safeguard themselves:

  • Implementing zero trust architecture – Zero trust is a security model that assumes that threats exist both outside and inside an organization, requiring strict verification for all users and devices attempting to access resources.
  • Adopting endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions – EDR tools provide real-time visibility into the devices connected to a network, enabling businesses to detect, investigate, and swiftly respond to threats before they can cause significant damage.
  • Conducting regular cybersecurity drills – Simulating an attack can help identify weaknesses, prepare employees, and ensure the organization can respond quickly and efficiently in the event of a real breach.
  • Maintaining immutable backups – If ransomware infiltrates your system, immutable backups provide a secure way to restore operations without paying the ransom.
  • Staying vigilant with patches and updates – Attackers cannot take advantage of outdated technology when you regularly update your software and systems.
  • Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) tools – Just as attackers are exploring AI-based methods to enhance their operations, businesses can use AI for advanced threat detection and automated responses to preempt attacks.

Our security experts can help you build a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that includes proactive measures and rapid incident response capabilities. Contact us today to learn more about how we can protect your business from ransomware attacks.

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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How to pick the right antivirus software for your SMB

When running a small or medium-sized business (SMB), security should never be an afterthought. With cyberattacks becoming more advanced, having reliable antivirus software is one of the most effective ways to protect your sensitive data. However, choosing the right antivirus software isn’t as simple as picking the first one you come across. The wrong choice could lead to poor performance, unnecessary expenses, or, worse, vulnerabilities in your defenses. Here are five key factors to consider before purchasing antivirus software.

Cost

Sticking to a budget is essential, but cost should be more than just the sticker price when evaluating antivirus solutions. Instead, think of it in terms of value for money.

What to consider

  • Free vs. paid versions – While free antivirus software might seem like a cost-effective solution, it often lacks features such as advanced threat detection, multidevice support, or customer service.
  • Pricing plans – Does the software offer flexible pricing plans that scale with your business? Many antivirus providers offer packages designed specifically for SMBs, with options for a limited number of devices.
  • Hidden costs – Watch out for hidden costs such as additional fees for technical support, upgrades, or advanced features not included in the basic package.

Speed and performance

Slow, resource-heavy software can cripple productivity. Antivirus software is meant to protect your system, not bog it down.

What to consider

  • System impact – Will the antivirus software slow down your devices? Some solutions are notorious for eating up processing power, making simple tasks like opening applications painfully slow.
  • Scan speeds – How fast can the software run a full system scan? It should strike a balance between thoroughness and efficiency, ensuring minimal disruption to your team’s workflow.
  • Smart scanning options – Look for features such as scheduled scans or smart scanning, which allow the program to run background checks during low-usage times.

System compatibility

Every business uses a mix of devices to operate, which can include PCs, Macs, tablets, and smartphones. The antivirus software you choose should be compatible with your setup.

What to consider

  • Operating systems – Does the software support the operating systems your team uses? Some antivirus programs are optimized for Windows, while others are better suited for macOS or Linux environments.
  • Device coverage – How many devices can you protect under a single license? Keep in mind that many SMB packages allow for a specific number of installations, so ensure you have enough to cover your team’s equipment.
  • Mobile compatibility – With employees often working on the go, your antivirus software should extend its defense to mobile devices.
  • Cross-platform protection – If your office uses a mix of operating systems, look for an antivirus solution that offers protection for all of them.

Comprehensive protection

Antivirus software should do more than just scan for viruses. It should also defend against evolving cyberthreats.

What to consider

  • Features – Look for features beyond basic virus detection, such as ransomware protection, phishing prevention, and firewall integration.
  • Real-time monitoring – Does the software constantly monitor threats, or does it only check during scheduled scans? Real-time monitoring is crucial for businesses that need 24/7 defense.
  • Web protection – With so much business conducted online, antivirus software should be capable of safeguarding your web browsers against malicious sites and downloads.
  • Cloud-based updates – Threats evolve daily. Ensure the software offers automatic, cloud-based updates to keep your protection current.

Customer support

Even the best antivirus software can run into hiccups, and when that happens, having access to reliable customer support can make all the difference.

What to consider

  • Documentation – Check if the antivirus provider offers detailed user guides, FAQs, or video tutorials to help your team use the software effectively.
  • Support channels – Does the company offer support via email, phone, or live chat? 24/7 availability is ideal if you operate outside traditional business hours.
  • Response times – How quickly does the support team resolve issues? A delayed response during a real security incident can be catastrophic.

Choosing antivirus software may feel like a chore, but investing a bit of time upfront can save you from major headaches and even bigger losses. Focus on these five factors, and you’ll be set to find a solution that’s tailored to your SMB’s needs.

Still not sure where to start? Contact our cybersecurity experts for personalized advice.

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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The 5 most common security risks to your IT and how to address them

Security breaches often stem from a handful of common threats, both internal and external. Identify the five most IT security risks and learn how to address them effectively to keep your systems safe.

Accidental malware installation

Malware, also known as malicious software, is software created that causes damage to computers, servers, or networks. It ranges from viruses and worms, to ransomware and spyware, and is capable of stealing sensitive data or causing significant harm to systems. Malware can be inadvertently installed through various means, often by downloading software from untrusted sources. For example, torrent websites may prompt users to download software for proper functionality, only to include malware as part of the installation. Additionally, hackers may send emails with infected attachments or links to malicious websites disguised to look official.

You can avoid malware installation by implementing the following best practices:

  • Download only from trusted sources: Ensure that any software is from a reputable website. Be vigilant about the URL, as cybercriminals often create fake sites with slightly altered addresses, such as “www.g00gle.com” instead of “www.google.com.”
  • Inspect file names: Malware often masquerades as legitimate files, using similar names with slight variations. If in doubt, do not download the file and, if it’s from someone you know, verify its authenticity.
  • Scan before opening: Scan all downloaded files with antivirus software before accessing them.
  • Avoid risky websites: Steer clear of torrent sites, adult content, or platforms that stream pirated videos, as these often harbor malware.

Unauthorized admin access

Many users operate their computers with administrator privileges, allowing them to install software and change settings. If a hacker gains access to an admin account, they can control the system entirely, potentially exposing sensitive data and network integrity.

There are two key ways to mitigate this risk:

  • Restrict admin rights: Grant administrative access only to users according to their responsibilities. By restricting admin privileges, you can minimize the impact of a compromised account.
  • Integrate antivirus software: Utilize antivirus software and regularly update it to recognize new threats. Furthermore, routine scans can help recognize potential threats early, providing an additional layer of security against malware that may exploit admin access.

Physical access to your computer

Allowing physical access to your computer can lead to serious security issues, such as malware infections or data theft. For example, if you leave your computer unlocked, someone could easily insert an infected USB drive or even reset your password, exposing your system and sensitive information.

To enhance your computer’s physical security, consider these practices:

  • Use strong passwords: Always secure your computer with a strong, unique password.
  • Lock your computer: Make it a habit to lock, turn off, or log off your device whenever you step away, preventing unauthorized access to your files.
  • Disable unused drives and ports: If you don’t use certain drives, such as CD/DVD or ports like USB, disable them in your system settings. This reduces the risk of someone using removable media to introduce malware or steal data.

Insider threats

Insider threats are internal security risks that most often originate from employees. These risks can arise from malicious intent, such as a disgruntled employee deleting crucial data, or from negligence, where a worker inadvertently introduces malware. Both scenarios can lead to significant damage to your IT systems.

To mitigate insider threats, you should restrict access to files and systems based on each employee’s role, similar to addressing unauthorized admin access. For example, there is no reason a member of the marketing team should have unrestricted access to confidential financial data. Additionally, regularly review and revoke any unnecessary access rights (such as when an employee transfers to another department or leaves the company) to further minimize potential harm.

Compromised passwords

Weak passwords are a leading cause of security breaches, with 35% of respondents in a Forbes Advisor survey identifying them as the source of their data breaches. Beyond setting easily guessed passwords, individuals often recycle them across several accounts, increasing their vulnerability to a major security breach.

To strengthen password security, follow these recommendations:

  • Create strong, unique passwords: For each account, choose complex passwords that include a combination of capital and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Also, consider using passphrases instead of passwords. Passphrases are easier to remember than complex passwords but are significantly harder to crack, providing enhanced security without the burden of memorization.
  • Implement multifactor authentication (MFA): Enhance your security by requiring verification methods in addition to your password, such as a fingerprint or a one-time code.

Understanding the most common security risks and incorporating the right security strategies will help secure your business IT against both external and internal threats.

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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You’re Not Imagining It: Phishing Attacks Are Rampant

Does it feel like your inbox is constantly bombarded by phishing scams? You’re not imagining it; phishing emails saw a dramatic uptick in the first half of 2024, a trend expected to be matched in the second half of the year.

Phishing Emails Are Laying Siege to Your Inbox

A report from security research firm Egress found a massive 28 percent increase in phishing emails between April 1st and June 30th, 2024, compared to January 1st and March 31st, with millennials being the most targeted demographic.

The constant rise in phishing emails is likely not a surprise to you, even considering seasonal phishing trends that attempt to use specific events to trick us. But what might be more of a surprise is that in some phishing campaigns, a malicious attachment is no longer the preferred method of catching you out.

Egress found that the number of phishing emails using a malicious attachment dropped by around 30 percent from 2021 to 2024 while phishing hyperlinks grew to become the most popular phishing method. The research puts this change down to a few key changes in security practices, but in short, most folks know about malicious attachments, and organizations have gone to great lengths to block them. Whereas it’s easier to mask a malicious hyperlink and slip through malware and phishing detection tools.

Impersonation Phishing Scams Are Also Rampant

My inbox receives its fair share of faceless, nameless phishing attempts, but there are also slightly better-quality impersonation phishing attempts. Egress calls these impersonation phishing attacks “commodity” attacks, but it’s just a new name for the same threat: “mass-produced, malicious campaigns that typically mimic spam by impersonating brands on a large scale.”

Between January 1st and August 31st, 2024, over a quarter of phishing emails impersonated brands, with a further 16 percent attempting to impersonate the recipient’s company (as part of spear phishing campaigns). As you might expect, the most impersonated brands are the biggest in the world, with Adobe, Microsoft, DHL, and others topping the lists.

But scammers are taking impersonation phishing to the next level, too. Instead of firing out millions of emails and hoping for a hit, some use multi-channel attacks to create a stronger illusion. In one example, Egress found scammers sending a phishing email impersonating Evri (a UK courier service), then following up the email with a malicious SMS (known as a smishing attack). The combination of messaging from a single source using related terms, tracking numbers, and so on is much harder to ignore than a random phishing email or SMS.

How to Spot Phishing Emails and Keep Your Inbox Safe

Egress’ findings are backed up separate research from Abnormal Security, who’s H2 2024 Email Threat Report saw a bonkers 350 percent increase in phishing attacks from 2023 to 2024.

And with the majority of these phishing scams attempting to exploit legitimate domains and email services and impersonate global businesses, it’s important to take a moment to familiarize yourself with how to spot a phishing email.

  • Unofficial Email Addresses That Look Legitimate: Phishers often use email addresses that closely resemble those of reputable organizations. For example, they might use “support@yourbank-secure.com” instead of the official “support@yourbank.com.” Always verify the sender’s address carefully.
  • Generic Greetings and Lack of Personalization: Legitimate companies usually address you by name. Phishing emails often use generic salutations like “Dear Customer,” indicating they don’t have your personal details.
  • Urgent or Threatening Language: Scammers create a sense of urgency to prompt immediate action, such as claiming your account will be suspended unless you verify the information. Be cautious of emails pressuring you to act quickly.
  • Suspicious Links or Attachments: Phishing emails may contain links that appear legitimate but direct you to fraudulent websites. Hover over links to see the actual URL before clicking, and avoid downloading unexpected attachments.
  • Poor Grammar and Spelling Errors: Many phishing emails contain noticeable grammatical mistakes or awkward phrasing, which can be a red flag. Professional organizations typically proofread their communications.
  • Unsolicited Attachments: Be wary of unexpected email attachments, especially if they prompt you to enable macros or contain executable files, as they may install malware on your device.
  • Mismatched URLs: Ensure that the URL in the email matches the legitimate website’s address. Phishers often use URLs with slight misspellings or additional words to deceive users.

With these tips, you’ll spot heaps more phishing emails and boost your security.

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 MakeUseOf.com SOURCE

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5 ways to improve email security

With email being the biggest business productivity tool out there, it’s no surprise that it’s also the main vehicle for cybercrime. Email phishing is the most common type of online exploitation, which grew by 173% in Q3 of 2023 compared to the previous quarter of the same year!

Google blocks about 100 million phishing emails every single day. That’s a huge number for just one platform. Most of us suffer from email overload, but it’s also the medium which feels safe and secure. There’s something about email that feels personal, it’s addressed to us and is now in our virtual – and physical – space. Which is probably why it’s such a successful tool for phishing.

Often we’re responding or taking action on an email in a rush. A quick email reply before lunch break, or rushing to a meeting. It’s those that catch us unawares. Various recent studies have looked into what causes the bulk of data breaches, and unfortunately, it’s us, users. Some say it’s about 88%, whereas others put the number closer to 95% of data breaches are caused by human error.

Here are five tactics and tools to help strengthen your organization’s IT security on the email front:

1. Employee education

Most of us are generally overwhelmed with emails. And often we respond in a rush, trusting that the email is from a reliable source, bearing honest information. Taking that for granted is exactly what cyber-criminals rely on. This is why an employee education and awareness program is absolutely crucial when it comes to internet security. Even the most savvy technology users get caught out, because criminals have one job, and that’s to catch us in a brief moment of unawareness or to make victims of the ignorant.

While it seems insignificant, it’s things like checking sender email addresses, opening attachments with caution, or checking links before, that could halt a data breach. Seemingly obvious, it’s those things that are at the heart of email phishing scams.

2. The wolf in CEO’s clothing

More and more, the Chief Executive of a company is targeted by hackers. Often, the CEO’s IT profile has access to all data systems, so it’s the most valuable access point. When executives are used for phishing, it’s known as ‘whaling’. Impersonating the CEO or top brass is also a brilliantly simple method to trick employees into providing information and access. Who’s going to say no to the CEO? Hackers will create a fake email account and request information from appropriate staff members.

Making employees aware of this sort of thing should form part of an education program, but it’s also a good idea to grant limited access to key systems. Creating silos of users who use a particular system is recommended, or allowing system access for a limited period. Allowing one profile (or more) complete access to all systems all the time is creating a massive platform for risk. Limited access protects the user and the organization. 

3. Cyber threat intelligence in cybersecurity

In cybersecurity, the evolution of algorithmic approaches and the integration of cyber threat intelligence have become essential in combating sophisticated hacker tactics. Modern algorithms now focus on core characteristics rather than just content, employing AI to identify impersonations in writing style and language. This is combined with pattern analysis to block malicious emails. Concurrently, cyber threat intelligence, which analyses the motives, targets, and methods of attackers, has become a crucial defense layer. 

As attackers use advanced methods like legitimate domain emails and clean IP addresses, it’s vital to have robust security systems that blend advanced algorithmic analysis with continuous threat intelligence, and human experts still play a huge role here, to effectively detect and counter hacker activities.

4. View email as just one piece of the security puzzle

While email is a useful tool to access an organization’s assets, it’s not the only one. But it’s important to ensure that all avenues are coordinated to block threats, from cloud applications, to websites accessed by employees. And technology systems are also only one aspect of cybersecurity. Much of an organization’s protection lies in ensuring staff is vigilant and educated. Email security should not be a silo, but rather it should be integrated into the bigger picture of the entire technology environment, which should be integrated into the company culture.

5. A multi-layered approach with emphasis on attachment scanning

In enhancing email security, a multi-layered approach is paramount, with a significant emphasis on the vigilant scanning of attachments. These attachments are often the carriers of malware and other cyber threats. Advanced scanning techniques are crucial, utilizing not only traditional malware signature detection but also heuristic analysis to identify new, unknown threats. This involves examining attachments in a controlled environment, or ‘sandboxing’, to detect any malicious behavior.

Additionally, this multi-layered strategy should integrate robust phishing detection, continuous cyber threat intelligence updates, and stringent access controls, ensuring a comprehensive defense against the diverse and evolving nature of email-based threats. 

Attackers excel in presenting an innocent front in a phishing email, and it requires not only smart systems in place, but human smarts at every level to keep a company’s data assets secure. Cybersecurity walks the fine line between maintaining efficiency and avoiding user frustration, while also keeping an organization’s key assets safe.

Contact our team of experts to learn more about developing a comprehensive cybersecurity training program for your business.

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.org SOURCE

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