Cybersecurity has become a critical foundation upon which many aspects of business rely. Whether you’re a large enterprise or small business, network security is a must. Cyberattacks can have long-term consequences.The frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks continue to increase. In 2022, IoT malware attacks saw a sobering 87% increase. Attack volume is also ramping up due to the use of AI.It’s essential to shift from a reactive to a proactive cybersecurity approach. One such approach that has gained prominence is "Secure by Design" practices.International partners have taken steps to address commonly exploited vulnerabilities. A recent advisory highlights Secure by Design principles. This collaborative effort underscores the global nature of the cybersecurity threat landscape. As well as the need for coordinated action to protect critical infrastructure.In this article, we'll explore what it takes to put in place Secure by Design principles. And explain why they are paramount in today's cybersecurity landscape.Today’s Modern CyberthreatsCybersecurity threats have evolved significantly over the years. Gone are the days when just…

Imagine you’re working away on your PC and see a Windows update prompt. Instead of ignoring it, you take action. After all, you want to keep your device safe. But when you install what you think is a legitimate update, you’re infected with ransomware.That’s the nightmare caused by an emerging cybersecurity threat.Cybercriminals are constantly devising new ways to infiltrate systems. They encrypt valuable data, leaving victims with difficult choices. Once ransomware infects your system, your PC is pretty useless. You either have to pay a ransom or get someone to remove the malware. As well as install a backup (if you have one!).One such variant that has emerged recently is the "Big Head" ransomware. It adds a new layer of deception by disguising itself as a Windows update. In this article, we'll explore the ins and outs of Big Head ransomware. Including its deceptive tactics. We well as how you can protect yourself from falling victim to such attacks.The Big Head Ransomware DeceptionRansomware attacks have…

Smart homes have become a ubiquitous part of modern living. It doesn’t even seem unusual anymore to tell your refrigerator to add milk to the digital grocery list.Smart homes offer unparalleled convenience and efficiency. You can control your lights and thermostat with a smartphone app. And have a virtual assistant like Alexa at your beck and call. But as we embrace the convenience, it's essential to consider the potential risks. As well as take proactive steps to ensure that your smart home doesn't turn against you.Recent headlines have shed light on the vulnerabilities of smart home technology. Such as the story in the New York Post's article titled "Locked Out & Hacked: When Smart Homes Turn on Owners".The article describes smart home nightmares. Including the new owner of a smart home that unexpectedly got locked in. The prior owner had left preprogrammed settings. Suddenly at 11:30 p.m., the home told him it was time to go to bed and locked every door in the house.Another…

Cybercriminals can launch very sophisticated attacks. But it’s often lax cybersecurity practices that enable most breaches. This is especially true when it comes to small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs).Small business owners often don’t prioritize cybersecurity measures. They may be just fully focused on growing the company. They think they have a lower data breach risk. Or they may think it’s an expense they can’t bear.But cybersecurity is not only a concern for large corporations. It's a critical issue for small businesses as well. Small businesses are often seen as attractive targets for cybercriminals. This is due to many perceived vulnerabilities.Fifty percent of SMBs have been victims of cyberattacks. More than 60% of them go out of business afterward.Cybersecurity doesn’t need to be expensive. Most data breaches are the result of human error. But that is actually good news. It means that improving cyber hygiene can reduce the risk of falling victim to an attack.Are You Making Any of These Cybersecurity Mistakes?To address the issue, you…

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) has revolutionized the way businesses operate. It offers convenience, scalability, and efficiency. No more dragging software from one device to another. Everyone can collaborate easily in the cloud.But alongside its benefits, SaaS brings with it potential threats. When software and data are online, they’re more vulnerable to attacks. One of the latest threats to move from endpoint devices to the cloud is ransomware.Ransomware has been around attacking computers, servers, and mobile devices for a while. But recently there has been an alarming uptick in SaaS ransomware attacks.Between March and May of 2023, SaaS attacks increased by over 300%. A study in 2022 by Odaseva found that 51% of ransomware attacks targeted SaaS data.In this article, we’ll delve into what SaaS ransomware is and the risks it poses. And, most importantly, how you can defend against it.What is SaaS Ransomware?SaaS ransomware is also known as cloud ransomware. It’s malicious code designed to target cloud-based applications and services. These include services like Google Workspace, Microsoft…

Let’s dive into a topic that might give you the chills—cybersecurity skeletons in the closet. You may not have old skeletons hidden away in the basement. But there’s a good chance of cybersecurity vulnerabilities lurking in the shadows. Just waiting to wreak havoc.You can’t fix what you can’t see. It’s time to shine a light on these hidden dangers. So, you can take action to protect your business from potential cyber threats.Let's get started uncovering threats that could leave your business in danger. Here are some of the most common cybersecurity issues faced by SMBs.Outdated Software: The Cobweb-Covered NightmareWe get it; updating software can be a hassle. But running outdated software is like inviting hackers to your virtual Halloween party.When software vendors release updates, they often include crucial security patches. These patches fix vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. So, don't let outdated software haunt your business. Keep everything up to date to ensure your digital fortress is secure.Weak Passwords: The Skeleton Key for CybercriminalsIf your…

As technology continues to advance, so does the need for heightened awareness. As well as proactive measures to safeguard sensitive information.Cybersecurity can seem like an insurmountable task for everyday people. But it’s not only a job for the IT team. Everyone can play a part in keeping their organization’s data safe. Not to mention their own data.October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. It serves as a timely reminder that there are many ways to safeguard data. Following the basics can make a big difference in how secure your network remains.What Is Cybersecurity Awareness Month?Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CAM) is an annual initiative held every October. It promotes cybersecurity awareness and education. It aims to empower individuals and organizations by giving them knowledge and resources. It helps people strengthen their defenses against cyber threats.CAM started as a U.S. initiative, National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Then, it quickly spread around the globe. It’s led by two agencies:National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA)Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)This collaborative effort involves various…

LinkedIn has become an invaluable platform for professionals. People use it to connect, network, and explore business opportunities. But with its growing popularity have come some red flags. There has been an increase in the presence of fake LinkedIn sales bots.These bots impersonate real users and attempt to scam unsuspecting individuals. This is one of the many scams on LinkedIn. According to the FBI, fraud on LinkedIn poses a “significant threat” to platform users.In this blog post, we will delve into the world of fake LinkedIn sales bots. We’ll explore their tactics and provide you with valuable tips. You’ll learn how to spot and protect yourself from these scams. By staying informed and vigilant, you can foster a safer LinkedIn experience.Identifying Fake LinkedIn Sales ConnectionsSocial media scams often play on emotions. Who doesn’t want to be thought of as special or interesting? Scammers will reach out to connect. That connection request alone can make someone feel wanted. People often accept before researching the person’s profile.Put…

Cybersecurity has become paramount for businesses and individuals alike. Cyber threats abound, and data breaches and malware attacks are costly. Attacks come from all sectors, including the cloud tools you use every day.The average employee uses 36 cloud-based services daily. Managing access to sensitive data and resources has become crucial. It's a vital piece to maintaining robust security. One breached account in a business app can lead to significant consequences.Login credentials are lucrative for hackers. Various online accounts can be a goldmine on the dark web. For example, an email administrator login can fetch between $500 to $140,000.You need to ensure you're addressing access management in your cybersecurity strategy. Otherwise, you could suffer serious financial consequences. Not to mention the loss of reputation that comes with a data breach.We’ll look at six reasons access management has become essential to good data security. It plays a pivotal role in safeguarding valuable assets and ensuring data integrity.Why Identity & Access Management (IAM) Should Be a High PriorityMitigating…

In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity threats continue to evolve. They pose significant risks to individuals and organizations alike. One such threat gaining prominence is zero-click malware. This insidious form of malware requires no user interaction. It can silently compromise devices and networks.One example of this type of attack happened due to a missed call. That’s right, the victim didn’t even have to answer. This infamous WhatsApp breach occurred in 2019, and a zero-day exploit enabled it. The missed call triggered a spyware injection into a resource in the device’s software.A more recent threat is a new zero-click hack targeting iOS users. This attack initiates when the user receives a message via iMessage. They don’t even need to interact with the message of the malicious code to execute. That code allows a total device takeover.Below, we will delve into what zero-click malware is. We’ll also explore effective strategies to combat this growing menace.Understanding Zero-Click MalwareZero-click malware refers to malicious software that can do a specific thing.…