Tag Archives: cybersecurity

Addressing the Cybersecurity Risks of Working from Home

Risks of Working from Home
Anti-virus, Cybersecurity, Security, Technology, , , , , ,

A remote workforce has become the norm since the pandemic. Even now that we consider it safe to return to office work, many businesses have maintained the remote work setup because of the advantages. However, the risks of working from home also bring issues that need attention so as not to risk the company’s network and data.

What Are the Cybersecurity Risks That Come with Working from Home?

There are risks when working from home. Workers lack the usual protective measures used in an office network. Many workers use their home networks and may also use the same device for both work and personal things. Because of this, there are a lot of security issues that can arise and possibly cause damage to the company.

The Risks of Vulnerable Personal Networks When Working From Home

You can keep your home network protected by regularly updating your antivirus software. However, most people do not realize there is also a need to update their router software. Without doing this, you will make your home network, and sadly your work data, open to the prying eyes of online criminals. Which can risk your company data when working from home. 

Greater Reliance on Technology

Now more than ever, we rely heavily on online tools for doing all kinds of business. Besides the basic emailing and sending of files, Almost everything else gets done using digital technology, from video calling to banking to fulfilling orders. This widespread use of online tools gives higher risk when working from home. As a result, hackers have more opportunities to hack company records.

Lack of Cybersecurity Awareness

In the office setting, IT people take care of any cyber security issues. Thus, employees do not take such matters too seriously as it is not their primary work, although they are still liable. You must train them in cybersecurity and be sure they are aware of potential issues when working at home. But, this is not the case since most employees still lack adequate skills and knowledge to avoid these cybersecurity threats.

Fatigue and Lack of Focus

Human error is still the most common cause of data breaches, and this is especially true in a remote work setting. Studies have shown that almost 40% of work-from-home employees feel really tired in the remote work setup. In addition, they also need to juggle home chores, which reduces their focus on applying cybersecurity protocols and makes them lax in their judgment. All these things combined can greatly increase the chance of remote employees exposing the company’s confidential files to hackers by accident.

Risks of Weak Passwords When Working From Home

In trying to bypass company networks through remote workers, hackers will try to crack the user’s passwords. It is the easiest method, and it just so happens that many people still use weak passwords, even for sensitive accounts.

The Risks of Using Personal Devices When Working From Home

In the typical office environment, employees will use computers sent by the company with current malware protection. When working at home, however, people use their laptops or smartphones. These are likely to have less than adequate IT security measures installed, like data encryption.

Making Remote Work Safer From Cybersecurity Risks

There are many benefits to working from home. If you feel this is the best strategy for your company, go for it. However, make sure that all remote processes are completely secure. This step is where we can help!

Since we are focusing on cybersecurity this quarter, we have developed a little Quiz for you and your employees to take. Not only is the Quiz fun, but it counts toward your Employee Cybersecurity Training! Access the Quiz Here!

Our cybersecurity experts can equip your company and your remote workers with the skills and technology to stay protected from malware attacks and other online threats. Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive and fully customizable cybersecurity services today!

New Cybersecurity Risks: Are You Prepared?

Cybersecurity risks
Cybersecurity, Malware, Security, Technology, , , , , ,

The ongoing development of digital technology has been highly beneficial for businesses globally. Processing data is faster, reaching customers is much easier, and everything is much more efficient. But with these benefits, there is also a growing cause of concern with cybersecurity risks. Hackers have access to the same advanced tech. They have used it to their advantage to get private information.

What Are the Top Cybersecurity Risks Today?

Each year brings with it new trends in terms of online risks. If you are a business owner, stay aware of the latest threats to keep your business safe and protected. Here are some of the newest threats you should know about.

Vehicle Hacking

Many cars today come with software that makes travel more efficient and safer. It is ironic, though, that these new safety features also bring with them a different safety hazard.

With the wireless tech used in these systems, users can also become exposed to several threats. Hackers will target the most unsecured of these systems to tap into the mic or even secure control of vehicles. If you plan on using this tech, be ready with suitable cybersecurity measures to counter these threats.

Artificial Intelligence

For some time now, AI has helped to create security systems, such as face detection. But AI is also being used by hackers in this modern time. Some AI-based malware can bypass advanced security protocols and secure access to private information.

Mobile Malware Attacks

The growth of cell phones in the last decade has been amazing. Today, almost everyone owns a mobile device. Many people even have two or three that they use, not just for personal use but also for work purposes.

Naturally, hackers are taking advantage of this growth. Not only are there millions of prospective victims, but most mobile devices are not even that protected. That is why this community is a gold mine for hackers to collect your data.

Cloud Threats

The cloud is another place for new risks. There have always been strict security measures applied on clouds because they can be risky. But with the increased use of these online comes an increased risk of data leaks or unauthorized access.

Cloud apps come with security protocols. However, as a business owner, you should have your own cyber security measures in place for added protection.

Human Error

Amidst all the new cybersecurity risks, the fact remains that human error is the most common cause of data and network security issues. Even with the most advanced security measures, your company will still be at risk for attack unless you educate your employees.

Businesses must conduct training regularly for their employees. Likewise, it is wise to do constant surprise readiness checks to see how aware and prepared your staff is to handle online threats like phishing and malware attacks.

Preparation is the Best Defense Against Cybersecurity Risks

New cybersecurity risks will always appear, and there’s not much we can do about it. Make sure your business is as protected as it can be from these modern threats.

We can help your defences in multiple ways. Can set up the most secure cybersecurity system for your company. Equip you with the knowledge and skills to protect your data and network. We can train your staff. Turn them into an efficient first line of defence against any online threat.

If you are ready to take your defences to the next level, call us and we will set you up. And you can start your new Employee Training today and have everyone in your office watch our Free Cybersecurity Webinar.

Understanding Why Malware is Such a Huge Threat

Malware
Cybersecurity, Malware, Security, , , ,

Malware has become a familiar term for computer users, and this is not such a good thing. They coined the term back in the 1990s and it is a combination of the English words “malicious” and “software”. As its etymology suggests, it refers to harmful programs meant to deal with damage to systems, often to gain access to confidential data. These threats are very widespread and are becoming an increasingly serious cybersecurity threat.

Common Types of Malware to Watch Out for

Over the years, hackers have developed new types of malware. To stay protected, one of the first things we need to do is to be aware of these threats and how each of them works.

Viruses

Computer viruses work in the same way as viruses that cause people to get sick. When you open a nefarious file, which can happen even with a single unintentional click, the virus that is attached to it will infect your computer. It will replicate itself within your system and attach itself to other programs. Just like a regular virus, it will spread across different computers until the entire network is infected.

Spyware

The purpose of spyware is to peek into confidential data. It attaches itself to legitimately downloaded files, and once it is inside your system, it reports information like passwords, account names, bank details, and so on, to a separate website. Often, you can tell if spyware has infected you if your computer slows down considerably.

Adware

Do you ever notice those annoying pop-up ads that show up while you are using your computer? It’s hard not to. Sometimes they tell you your computer is now infected, or you have won a prize. This malware will start showing up after you have downloaded something from an unsecured website. The adware pop-ups are not dangerous in themselves, but when you click on them, they will get a lot more hazardous quickly.

Ransomware

Ransomware attacks have multiplied tremendously in recent years, along with the rise in popularity of cryptocurrencies. What these do is freeze your network or data without actually causing damage just yet and release it only after you have paid the ransom that the hacker is demanding. But if you refuse to pay the ransom, what usually happens is the hacker will delete all your data from the device that is the hostage.

Botware

A new type of malware that is rapidly becoming quite popular, botware renders your computer immobile by inundating it with denial-of-service attacks. One effect of botware is that it makes your CPU run ceaselessly, causing a noticeable surge in your electricity usage.

Malvertising—A New Type of Malware

Aside from the common malware that we described above, there is also a new type of malware that might be worthy of its own category. This is called “malvertising” today.

Instead of attaching themselves to downloadable programs and such, malvertising piggybacks onto legitimate advertisements. The perpetrators use legit ads to spread malware through auto-redirecting ads. When you come across these redirecting ads, you will find yourself on a phishing website before you know it.

Cybercriminals that use malvertising prefer larger ad networks because they distribute a higher volume of ads. It is very difficult for these networks to keep a very close eye on every single ad they display. That is what the malvertisers are banking on. If no one notices they were able to infiltrate the script of ads and add their encrypted code, they can easily use this to install more dangerous malware into the victim’s network.

Final Thoughts On Malware-

Eradicating malware is an impossibility because there are always new ones being developed. But the good thing is that we can stay protected by being vigilant and prudent in all our online dealings.

If you want to learn more about malware and how to protect your business from it, just give us a call. We can give you a full lecture on online threats, conduct employee training, and bolster your defenses against all kinds of malware. Start your new Employee Training today and have everyone in your office watch our Free Cybersecurity Webinar. It’s a great first step in protecting your data.

Quiz Time: How Protected Is Your Business against the Threat of Phishing?

Phishing
Cybersecurity, Security, Technology, , , ,

Have your employees take this simple quiz and find out if they have what it takes to keep your company safe from phishing attacks-

Blog
In the last three weeks, we have been discussing phishing attacks. We have talked about what they are, the different forms they take, the telltale signs of an impending attack, and specific steps you can take to protect your business. Given everything you now know, you should be able to tell if your employees can protect your business.

Having the right information is very important indeed. But often, the level of what you know has nothing to do with how you will react when hypothetical situations become reality. Take your employees, for instance. Let’s say you have trained them repeatedly on how to handle phishing attacks. If you want to find out if they can apply what they have learned, the simplest thing to do would be to test them and have them answer the following questions.

 

A Brief Quiz on Phishing

The following are some statements that have to do with phishing. Consider each one carefully and identify whether the statement is TRUE or FALSE.

  1. If you feel that you have been a victim of phishing, it is best to keep it to yourself.
  2. Incredible prize offers and deals that appear to be too good to be true are likely to be scams.
  3. Almost 88% of data breaches result from human error.
  4. Cybercriminals collect about $1.5 billion through phishing annually.
  5. Spam messages full of grammar and typo errors have consistently made good business sense for scammers.
  6. Sending millions of emails is an expensive task.
  7. You can protect yourself from phishing by validating emails before reacting to them.
  8. In managing your company’s social media accounts, accepting friend requests from anyone will help you generate more business leads.

Quiz Answers

  1. False

It’s quite surprising to know that a lot of employees feel embarrassed if they feel they have been phished. They probably think that it is their fault and that someone might blame them for exposing the rest of the company to online threats. It is necessary to report any phishing threat to your supervisor and the IT department so that they can take measures to remedy the situation and minimize further risk.

  1. True

Greed is one of the most effective ways to lure people into making poor decisions. If you get an email or text message saying you won something, think twice before clicking the link to claim the prize.

  1. True

It’s alarming to know that this number is increasing every year. The good news is that we can easily prevent these errors with sufficient employee training and education on phishing attacks and other online threats.

  1. False

Unfortunately, the number is even bigger. Phishing scams collect approximately $1.5 trillion dollars every year!

  1. True

Strangely, the poorly written emails that hackers send, which are riddled with all kinds of errors, have worked very well for them for many years.

  1. False

Online criminals can afford to send out email blasts to millions of recipients because it is very cheap for them to do so, costing just a few dollars for the entire batch.

  1. True

Before opening each email, you need to check the email address of the sender. If it’s someone you don’t know or if the domain looks suspicious, it’s best to just ignore the email.

  1. False

It’s tempting to accept friend requests from anyone because the more followers your company has, the better it is for marketing, right? Not necessarily, especially with the rampant online attacks that are going on these days. You should only accept requests from users validated by someone from within your company.

 

Evaluating the Results

After gathering your employees’ responses to the quiz, you will have a better picture of how they would react in the event of an attack. If they got a perfect score, then your business is in good hands! If the score is not so good, it simply means there is a need for more intensive training, and that is something we can help you with.

We conduct full-scale employee training to protect businesses like yours from phishing and other kinds of online threats. Start your new Employee Training today, and have everyone in your office watch our Free Cybersecurity Webinar.

If you feel you need to boost your defenses, give us a call. We will schedule a free consultation right away to discuss what we can do for your company.