As cyber threats continue to increase, businesses must take proactive steps. They need to protect their sensitive data and assets from cybercriminals. Threats to data security are persistent and they come from many different places.Today’s offices are digitally sophisticated. Just about every activity relies on some type of technology and data sharing. Hackers can breach these systems from several entry points. This includes computers, smartphones, cloud applications, and network infrastructure.It’s estimated that cybercriminals can penetrate 93% of company networks.One approach that can help organizations fight these intrusions is threat modeling. Threat modeling is a process used in cybersecurity. It involves identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities to an organization's assets and systems.Threat modeling helps businesses prioritize their risk management and mitigation strategies. The goal is to mitigate the risk of falling victim to a costly cyber incident.Here are the steps businesses can follow to conduct a threat model.Identify Assets That Need ProtectionThe first step is to identify assets that are most critical to the business. This…
Nicholas SalemJuly 20, 2023
In recent years, electronic mail (email for short) has become an essential part of our daily lives. Many people use it for various purposes, including business transactions. With the increasing dependence on digital technology, cybercrime has grown. A significant cyber threat facing businesses today is Business Email Compromise (BEC).Why is it important to pay particular attention to BEC attacks? Because they’ve been on the rise. BEC attacks jumped 81% in 2022, and as many as 98% of employees fail to report the threat.What is Business Email Compromise (BEC)?Business Email Compromise (BEC) is a type of scam in which criminals use email fraud to target victims. These victims include both businesses and individuals. They especially target those who perform wire transfer payments.The scammer pretends to be a high-level executive or business partner. Scammers send emails to employees, customers, or vendors. These emails request them to make payments or transfer funds in some form.According to the FBI, BEC scams cost businesses around $1.8 billion in 2020. That…
Nicholas SalemJuly 15, 2023
In today's world, technology is ubiquitous, and connectivity is a must. Securing your home network has become more critical than ever. A secure home network is essential for protecting your personal data from hackers.From phishing to smishing (SMS phishing), it’s getting harder to avoid a breach. Individuals often have fewer safeguards in place at home than at work. Yet many are working from home, which puts both personal and company data at risk.About 46% of businesses saw at least one cybersecurity incident within two months of moving to remote work.The good news is that there’s no lack of materials on home network security. Many of the steps are straightforward and can help you avoid a data breach at home.The National Security Agency (NSA) has provided some best practices. These are for securing your home network. We’ll highlight some of the most helpful tips below.1. Change Default Passwords and UsernamesThe first step to secure your home network is to change the default login. This means changing…
Nicholas SalemJuly 5, 2023
Phishing emails are a common way for hackers to steal personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers. In recent years, there has been a rise in image-based phishing emails, which are more difficult to detect than traditional text-based emails.
Nicholas SalemJune 30, 2023
Cloud account takeover has become a major problem for organizations. Think about how much work your company does that requires a username and password. Employees end up having to log into many different systems or cloud apps.Hackers use various methods to get those login credentials. The goal is to gain access to business data as a user. As well as launch sophisticated attacks, and send insider phishing emails.How bad has the problem of account breaches become? Between 2019 and 2021, account takeover (ATO) rose by 307%.Doesn’t Multi-Factor Authentication Stop Credential Breaches?Many organizations and individuals use multi-factor authentication (MFA). It's a way to stop attackers that have gained access to their usernames and passwords. MFA is very effective at protecting cloud accounts and has been for many years.But it’s that effectiveness that has spurred workarounds by hackers. One of these nefarious ways to get around MFA is push-bombing.How Does Push-Bombing Work?When a user enables MFA on an account, they typically receive a code or authorization prompt…
Nicholas SalemJune 30, 2023
Passwords are the most used method of authentication, but they are also one of the weakest. Passwords are often easy to guess or steal. Also, many people use the same password across several accounts. This makes them vulnerable to cyber-attacks.The sheer volume of passwords that people need to remember is large. This leads to habits that make it easier for criminals to breach passwords. Such as creating weak passwords and storing passwords in a non-secure way.61% of all data breaches involve stolen or hacked login credentials.In recent years a better solution has emerged - passkeys. Passkeys are more secure than passwords. They also provide a more convenient way of logging into your accounts.What is Passkey Authentication?Passkeys work by generating a unique code for each login attempt. This code is then validated by the server. This code is created using a combination of information about the user and the device they are using to log in.You can think of passkeys as a digital credential. A passkey…
Nicholas SalemJune 25, 2023
At BMIT, we understand the growing threat of phishing emails and the potential risks they pose to individuals and businesses alike. That's why we are excited to announce our new free training program.
Nicholas SalemJune 20, 2023
The recent news of several US government agencies being hit by a global cyberattack by a Russian ransomware group called CLOP has raised serious concerns about the security of critical data and systems. The hackers exploited a vulnerability in a widely used file transfer software called MOVEit, which many organizations use to share sensitive information internally and externally. According to the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), hackers could access and encrypt data from various federal agencies, including the Energy Department and state governments, universities, and corporations. The hackers then demanded ransom payments from the victims to restore their data, threatening to leak or sell it otherwise. This attack is another reminder of the growing threat of ransomware, which has become one of the most lucrative and disruptive forms of cybercrime in recent years. Ransomware attacks can cause significant financial losses, operational disruptions, reputational damage, and legal liabilities for organizations of all sizes and sectors. At BMIT, we are committed to helping our clients…
Nicholas SalemJune 16, 2023
Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com A successful business requires seamless IT operations, robust cybersecurity, and efficient network management. However, managing these crucial aspects internally can be overwhelming and costly. That's where a Managed Services IT company (MSP) like BMIT comes in, providing comprehensive solutions tailored to your business needs. In this blog post, we'll explore the key benefits of partnering with an MSP like BMIT and how it can unlock the door to your business's success. 1: Enhanced Cybersecurity for Ultimate Protection In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity threats are on the rise. Capital investment firms, vet clinics, non-profits, and SMBs are all potential targets. BMIT understands the importance of safeguarding your sensitive data and maintaining regulatory compliance. Our MSP services offer advanced cybersecurity solutions, including robust firewalls, real-time threat monitoring, proactive vulnerability assessments, and employee training programs. With BMIT by your side, you can rest assured that your business is protected against evolving cyber threats, ensuring business continuity and peace of mind. 2: Streamlined…
Nicholas SalemJune 13, 2023
