When it happens, you feel powerless. You get an email or letter from a business saying someone breached your data. It happens all too often today.Data breaches happen at banks, online sites like Facebook, and ecommerce stores. Not only that, but governments are also victims. This leaves things like your address, SSN, and credit card details exposed to thieves. A business getting hacked is something you have little control over. But you can take important steps afterwards. We’ve outlined the most important things to do below. These steps can help you mitigate the financial losses.Change Your PasswordsThe very first thing you should do is change your passwords. Change the password for the service that sent you the breach notification first. Then, change it for any logins using the same password. This is one of the reasons it’s a best practice to use unique logins for every site. Many people get in the habit of using the same password in several places. This leaves more than the single…

There are many types of malware. One of the most common is called “malvertising.” It crops up everywhere. Including social media sites and websites. You can also see these malicious ads on Google searches.Two things are making malvertising even more dangerous. One is that hackers use AI to make it very believable. The other is that it’s on the rise, according to Malwarebytes. In the fall of 2023, malvertising increased by 42% (month over month).It’s important to inform yourself about this online threat. Knowledge is the power to protect yourself. Especially when it comes to malicious cybercriminals. Below, we’ll help you understand malvertising. We’ll also give you tips on identifying and avoiding it.What Is “Malvertising?”Malvertising is the use of online ads for malicious activities. One example is when the PlayStation 5 was first released. It was very hard to get, which created the perfect environment for hackers. Several malicious ads cropped up on Google searches. The ads made it look like someone was going to…

Today’s businesses are no stranger to the word cybersecurity. They are facing a growing wave of cyberattacks. These come from ransomware to sophisticated phishing schemes. How do you stand ahead of these threats? A strong cybersecurity strategy is essential. One crucial component of this strategy is event logging. It’s one that not every business owner is aware of.Think of event logging as a digital detective. What does tracking activities and events across your IT systems do? It helps you spot potential security breaches and respond swiftly. As your managed IT service provider, we're committed to helping you. We can help you understand the importance of event logging as well as how to put in place best practices to safeguard your network.What Is Event Logging?Event logging is the act of tracking all events that happen within your IT systems. “Event” can be many different things, such as:Login attemptsFile accessSoftware installsNetwork trafficDenial of accessSystem changesAnd many othersEvent logging means to track all these and add a time…

Email is a fundamental communication tool for businesses and individuals alike. But it’s also a prime target for cybercriminals. Cyberattacks are increasing in sophistication. This means enhancing your email security has never been more critical.Ninety-five percent of IT leaders say cyberattacks have become most sophisticated. Over half (51%) have already seen AI-powered attacks in their organization.By taking proactive measures, you can protect your sensitive information as well as prevent unauthorized access and maintain communication integrity. Here are six simple steps to enhance your email security.1. Use Strong, Unique PasswordsPasswords are the first line of defense for your email accounts. A weak password is like an open invitation for cybercriminals. To enhance your email security, use strong, unique passwords. Ones that are difficult to guess.Create Complex PasswordsA strong password should include a mix of:Letters (both uppercase and lowercase)NumbersSpecial charactersAvoid using common words or phrases. Also, avoid easily guessable information like your name or birthdate. A complex password makes it harder for attackers to gain access to…

Your smartphone is a digital wallet, communication hub, and personal assistant. All rolled into one portable device. It’s packed with sensitive data, from financial information to personal photos. This makes it a prime target for cybercriminals. Mobile malware is often overlooked. People focus on securing their laptops or desktops. But they don’t pay as close attention to smartphone and tablet security.In 2023, attacks on mobile devices increased by 50% over the prior year.The fact is that hackers haven’t overlooked mobile devices. They set many traps to get users to infect their devices with malware. We’ll uncover common mobile malware traps and tell you how to avoid them.Common Mobile Malware TrapsMobile malware is just like its computer counterpart. It is malicious software designed to harm your device or steal your data. It can arrive in various forms, from sneaky apps to deceptive links. Ignorance is not bliss here. Understanding the common traps is your first line of defense.Phishing Attacks: These are the most common. You receive a…

Traveling with technology has become a necessity. Whether for work, communication, or entertainment, we rely heavily on our devices. But traveling exposes these gadgets to various risks. Theft, damage, and loss are common concerns. We’ve put together some helpful tips to mitigate the risk of any tech mishaps on your next trip. Follow these eight best practices to ensure your devices remain safe when traveling.1. Use Protective CasesInvest in quality protective cases. They shield your gadgets from bumps, drops, and scratches. Look for cases that are sturdy and provide a snug fit. For laptops and tablets, consider hardshell cases. For smartphones, use cases that cover the edges and have raised bezels. This simple step can save you from costly repairs.2. Leverage Tracking AppsInstall tracking apps on your devices. These apps help you locate your devices if they are lost or stolen. Many operating systems have built-in tracking features. Enable them before you travel. For example, use "Find My" for Apple devices or "Find My Device" for…

Phishing has always been a threat. Now, with AI, it's more dangerous than ever. Phishing 2.0 is here. It’s smarter, more convincing, and harder to detect. Understanding this new threat is crucial. A recent study found a 60% increase in AI-driven phishing attacks. This is a wake-up call that phishing is only getting worse. Here’s how AI is amplifying phishing and what you can do to protect yourself.The Evolution of PhishingPhishing began simply. Attackers sent out mass emails. They hoped someone would take the bait. The emails were often crude, using poor grammar and obvious lies were common. Many people could spot them easily.But things have changed. Attackers now use AI to improve their tactics. AI helps them craft convincing messages. It also helps them target specific individuals. This makes phishing more effective.How AI Enhances PhishingCreating Realistic MessagesAI can analyze huge amounts of data. It studies how people write and speak. This helps it create realistic phishing messages. These messages sound like they come from a…

The rise of remote work has redefined the modern workplace. Gone are the days of rigid office schedules and commutes. But with this flexibility comes a new set of challenges – cybersecurity threats. Remote work environments often introduce vulnerabilities to your organization's data and systems. 73% of executives believe that remote work increases security risk.But this doesn’t mean you can’t mitigate that risk. Below, we’ll equip you with essential security practices for remote teams. You’ll learn how to keep company data safe and secure, no matter your location.1. Securing Home NetworksStrong Wi-Fi EncryptionEnsure that your Wi-Fi is encrypted with the latest security protocols, such as WPA3. This is a foundational step in securing a home network. This prevents unauthorized users from accessing your network and intercepting data.Changing Default Router SettingsMany routers come with default usernames and passwords. These are well-known to cyber criminals. Change these to unique, strong credentials. This helps prevent unauthorized access to your network.Regular Firmware UpdatesRouters, like any other digital device, need updates…

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries. It offers businesses innovative solutions and automation capabilities. But with this progress comes a growing concern: AI data breaches. As AI becomes more integrated into our systems, the risks increase. The data it collects, analyzes, and utilizes becomes a target.A recent study on AI security breaches revealed a sobering truth. In the last year, 77% of businesses have experienced a breach of their AI. This poses a significant threat to organizations. A breach can potentially expose sensitive data as well as compromise intellectual property and disrupt critical operations.But wait before you hit the panic button. Let's explore why AI data breaches are on the rise and what steps you can take to safeguard your company's valuable information.Why AI Data Breaches are Growing in FrequencySeveral factors contribute to the increasing risk of AI data breaches:The Expanding Attack Surface: AI adoption is increasing fast. As it increases, so does the number of potential entry points for attackers. Hackers can target…