Tag Archives: cybersecurity

5 IT Red Flags for Your Business

IT red flags
Data Backup, Security, Technology, , , ,

Companies are increasingly reliant on technology for different aspects of their operations. IT has indeed come a long way and is now instrumental in the growth of many businesses, but it is still far from perfect. The more technology evolves, the more unwanted issues can arise with its use or misuse. So, how will you know these IT red flags if you do not have professional IT training?

As a non-technical person, you might not have the skills to address IT red flags, but you could identify common IT industry warning signs if you knew what they were. By knowing these signs and being extra vigilant, businesses can nip the problem in the bud through early mediation and avoid further issues that are detrimental to business operations. Here are the top five IT industry warning signs businesses should watch out for.

IT Red Flags: Increased Downtime

System downtime can result from a variety of events, some of which cannot always be avoided, like human error or natural disasters. However, if the downtime becomes more frequent or prolonged, this is likely due to IT red flag issues such as operating system bugs, network vulnerabilities, obsolete hardware, and so on.

IT Red Flags: Security Breaches

If a hacker can penetrate your company’s cybersecurity system, it’s a sure indicator of IT trouble. A strong defense now will not remain a strong defense forever. You need to regularly upgrade and update your system to keep up with constantly evolving hacker techniques.

Sluggish Performance

Slow response times and lagging applications may have been commonplace in the 1990s, but it’s now 2024, so these issues can diminish user experience and productivity. When a computer becomes sluggish, there are many reasons, like insufficient memory, outdated hardware, malware infection, or other IT-related red flag matters.

Escalating Costs

Spending on IT makes sense if the expenses result in tangible results. But if the costs keep rising without notable changes in your IT system, then this is a sign of a problem. It might be time to audit your tech team and maybe even switch to a more efficient IT provider.

IT Red Flags: Lack of Scalability

Technology changes rapidly, and businesses should be able to adapt accordingly to keep up with the times and the competition. An inflexible IT solution will prevent you from doing this, limiting your growth potential.

The Best Way to Address IT Challenges in Your Company

Most, if not all, IT industry red flag signs mentioned above can be quickly resolved, or even avoided altogether, if your company has a reliable technical team to count on to take care of your systems. This is why you must choose your IT provider diligently. But how do you know you are making the right choice? Simple—your provider must fulfill all the 7 Components of Auditing an IT Provider. 

Download a copy of the list here and find out exactly what kind of IT provider you need to hire. Make your selection wisely, and you will not have to deal with any kind of IT red flags. Instead, you can dedicate your attention to running and growing your business. If you want to learn more about IT management, just let us know, and we will be happy to set you up for a free consultation!

Hacker AI vs. Security AI: Understanding the Difference

Hacker AI
Cybersecurity, Security, Technology, , , , ,

Artificial intelligence is an incredible kind of technology that simulates human intelligence. Through machine learning, AI acquires information that enables them to perform actions that are traditionally only done by humans. This kind of technology brings vast benefits to just about everyone. But at the same time, it also presents security risks, especially to organizations and businesses. This is because a hacker can use AI and use it to wreak havoc!

It’s quite ironic that the same technology is used to benefit and harm businesses. It is this very nature of AI that makes it confusing as to whether it is good or bad. In this article, we will discuss the differences between AI for hacking and AI for security and ultimately learn how to leverage it to protect your business.

How Hacker AI Works

For hackers, the birth of AI technology has opened a mother lode of cunning tools that are used to make their attacks more efficient. It will take several pages to discuss the many ways they are using AI to facilitate security breaches and so on. For now, let’s list some of the more common techniques these cybercriminals use to give you an idea of how hacker AI works.

Hacker AI Automated Creation of Malware Code

Traditionally, creating malware falls into the hands of highly skilled coders. But today, thanks to AI, practically anyone can generate code for malware. Just tell the machine what you want the program to do, and they will “write” code for it almost instantly. Furthermore, this AI-generated malware is quite stealthy and can efficiently dodge even the tightest security systems.

Advanced Phishing Campaigns

AI-powered chatbots are highly versatile tools, but unfortunately, one of their most frequent uses is for the generation of realistic phishing emails. These emails have a higher level of credibility because each recipient receives a customized message thanks to AI algorithms’ data collection and analysis.

Getting Past Biometric Security Systems Using Hacker AI

Biometric systems’ security is no longer as reliable as it once was because AI can now mimic human intelligence, behavior, and even appearance. AI can duplicate fingerprints and even voiceprints, making it easy for a hacker to gain access to most biometric systems.

How Security AI Works

Now, it might seem that hackers might have the upper hand in using AI, but that is not necessarily true. The use of AI also strengthens many security solutions currently in use. The same technology that is helping hackers has also proven to be invaluable in many of today’s cybersecurity systems. Here are some of the top ways in which security AI works compared to hacker AI.

Early Threat Detection

Through machine learning, security systems can be trained to detect and respond to threats faster and more efficiently. By analyzing past trends, patterns, and other data, AI algorithms can predict when a threat is about to materialize, even when there are no apparent signs yet.

Immediate Incident Response

AI systems perform non-stop surveillance of your systems and networks. If anything is amiss, the system cannot detect when something is wrong but will launch the appropriate response in real-time, eliminating any security problem before it even arises.

Minimized Human Error

Even the most highly trained or most competent employee can make mistakes, whereas a thoroughly trained AI system can produce perfect or near-perfect results. AI can accurately identify risks and red flags, leaving no chance for threats to go unnoticed.

Security Task Automation

Free up your staff’s time by letting AI handle routine security tasks like network monitoring and data analysis, while they focus on more complex or pressing matters. In this way, AI becomes a vital tool not only for enhanced security but for better work management as well.

Final Thoughts on Hacker AI and Security AI

As a business owner, you have to deal with both the good side and the bad side of AI. Consider using AI technology to stay competitive and improve security in your business. Protect your business from AI-powered attacks.

Now, we understand that this can be very frustrating because, naturally, your primary focus should be on your business. That is why we are prepared to take over everything that has to do with security. Our AI security system ensures complete protection by detecting and monitoring threats.

For more information on this subject, you will discover plenty of useful information in our downloadable Cyber security E-book. Let us know if you are ready to take that step because we are ready whenever you are.

The Steps to Take to Prevent AI from Being Used Against You

Steps to Take to Prevent AI
Cybersecurity, Data Backup, Security, , , ,

Artificial intelligence has dramatically changed how we run our businesses, mostly for the better. Unfortunately, AI has also brought us bigger and far more alarming security risks, since hackers are now using this technology for their nefarious purposes. In fact, there has been a significant jump in the number of data breaches recently. Today we will show you some steps to take to prevent AI from using your business.

From a steady average of 1,105 data breaches annually from 2014 to 2020, the number suddenly escalated to more than 1,800 a year starting in 2021. Analysts attribute this to the now prevalent use of AI tools in cyberattacks.

The numbers are alarming, but the good news is that we can do something about it. Business owners can follow these steps to protect their businesses and employees from AI-powered attacks.

Know What You Are Up Against

One of the steps to take to prevent AI from attacking you is through awareness. Awareness is your first line of defense in cybersecurity. You don’t need to master the techniques that hackers use, but you should at least be aware of the ways they are using AI so that you can understand the risks involved.

Cybercriminals are now using AI algorithms and tools to create malware, automate attacks, generate phishing emails, and avoid detection, among other applications. Many hackers are also taking advantage of the vulnerabilities of AI-based security systems, using them to gain unlawful access and create a security breach.

Keep Your Systems Updated

Hackers are always quick to get their hands on the latest technology, like AI, used for illegal activities. By regularly updating your systems and making sure you have the most advanced security solutions, you can fight off the biggest AI threats that might come your way. You can’t be complacent just because you had a reliable security system installed years ago. Stay at the forefront of security by taking this step and updating your hardware and firmware regularly to prevent AI attacks.

Conduct Employee Training as a Step to take to prevent AI Attacks

The primary target of AI-based cyberattacks is your employees because they are the easiest barrier to get through. This is why it is paramount that you train your staff thoroughly, especially on how to identify the signs of online attacks. They must be prudent when opening messages and watch for unusual social media activity. It is also important to instill the importance of cybersecurity in your workforce, as these attacks can directly affect them and not just the organization.

Fortify Your Security Controls

Cybercriminals have created new threats to security using AI tools, but cybersecurity experts have also developed new security controls that can help businesses like yours keep these threats under control. If you want to prevent AI from being used against you, it is mandatory to implement these superior security controls, which include multifactor authentication (MFA), role-based access control (RBAC), biometrics, data encryption, and many more. Of course, you can’t forget about using anti-malware software, which remains a viable tool for keeping systems free from malicious programs.

Use AI to Your Advantage

Hackers can use AI against you, but you can also use AI to boost your security against hackers. There is a good side and a bad side to AI, and you can leverage the technology for your own benefit. Take advantage of AI features to enhance the different aspects of your security system, such as threat detection, incident response, automated compliance auditing, and many more.

Collaborate with Other Entities

There is strength in numbers, and this particularly rings true in the fight against AI-based attacks. First, you must partner with a trusted security expert, like an MSP specializing in cybersecurity solutions. They can make sure your business is protected against AI and ML threats from all fronts. Also, you can collaborate with other businesses like yours so you can share ideas and create viable solutions to mitigate the risks created by AI.

Conclusion on The Steps to Take to Prevent AI From Using You

There are already so many changes in society, both positive and negative, brought about by developments in artificial intelligence and machine learning. But the fact is that these technologies are still in their infancy. As AI continues to present new benefits for society at large, it will also bring with it a new range of risks, and businesses must prepare, starting by following the steps we have listed above.

It can be overwhelming, but that is what we are here for. If you need to learn more about AI and its role in cybersecurity, our on-demand webinar can help. You can also discover plenty of information in our Cybersecurity E-book by downloading it HERE. If you are ready to discuss making upgrades to your current security system, we can arrange a consultation. Whatever you need, we have your back, and we will make sure that AI technology works for you and not against you.

Real-Life Examples of How AI Was Used to Breach Businesses

AI to Breach Businesses
Anti-virus, Cybersecurity, Data Backup, Malware, Security, , , , ,

There has been a lot of talk recently, about how hackers are leveraging AI to breach businesses. Hackers can sneak their way in more easily with these new algorithms used in social engineering.

Unfortunately, these are no longer just theoretical discussions. We have reached a point where AI-powered data breaches are actually a reality. In fact, they are among the most rapidly growing threats to businesses everywhere. Today, we will talk about some real-life examples of recent data breaches made possible through AI.

TaskRabbit Data Breach

IKEA’s well-known online marketplace TaskRabbit was one of the targets of hackers using AI to breach businesses in April 2018. TaskRabbit’s primary goal is to match freelancers (Taskers) in housekeeping, moving, delivery, and similar industries with local demand (Clients). It operates on a large scale, and when the breach happened, the site had millions of registered users.

The company has found out that over 3.75 million records of Taskers and Clients were affected in the breach. Personal information and financial details were stolen. The website and the mobile app had to be shut down and taken offline for a while as the company dealt with the damage. According to investigations, the distributed denial-of-service, or DDoS, attack used an AI-enabled botnet.

Yum! Brands Data Breach

Yum! Brands, was the victim of hackers using AI to breach businesses in January 2023. Initially, management thought that corporate data was the sole target of the attack, but it turned out that employee information was also compromised. An unidentified malicious actor launched a ransomware attack that led to the breach.

Many ransomware attacks that took place after the creation of AI tools leveraged AI technology to automate decisions on which data to take, as some brought more damage potential to the target business. It proved to be a good tactic, as Yum! was forced to close nearly 300 of their UK branches for several weeks.

AI used to Breach Businesses like T-Mobile

This wireless network operator is no stranger to data breaches, having survived nine separate attacks in the last five years. Early this year, T-Mobile revealed that 37 million of its customer’s records were stolen in a breach that began in November 2022.

According to the company’s AI analysts, the threat actor used an application programming interface or API equipped with AI capabilities and could secure unauthorized access. This ultimately led to the theft and exposure of sensitive client information, including full names, contact numbers, and PINs.

AI used to Breach Businesses like Activision

In December 2023, hackers launched a targeted phishing campaign against Activision, the company that created the Call of Duty games. Hackers used AI to breach businesses like Activision and created the SMS messages used for the phishing attacks, which ultimately proved successful as one HR staff member succumbed to the bait.

But we all know that one click is all it takes because, immediately, the hacker gains access to the complete employee database. This included email addresses, phone numbers, work locations, salaries, and more. However, they were able to find a solution since Activision could find the breach early.

Don’t Be the Next Victim of Hackers using AI to Breach Businesses!

Because of AI tools, data breaches have become much more far-reaching today in terms of business damage as compared to years past. The total cost is also much higher, with an average expense of $4.45 million for each breach. Although hiring an AI cybersecurity expert and upgrading your system would cost money, it wouldn’t come close to the expense of the harm a cyberattack would cause.

The examples above are all real, and as you can see, they have happened to large companies. All these companies thought they had reliable security systems, or so they thought. The point is that any of us, including you, could experience a data breach, especially one that uses AI. To learn more about how hackers use AI technology, download our FREE eBook, “The Growing Role of AI in Security – The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.”

Would you take the risk and just cross your fingers that you don’t become the next victim, or would you take proactive measures right now to boost your defenses and maximize your company’s protection? If you choose the latter, we are here to provide all the services you need. Just contact us so we can make sure your system is safe from AI attacks.