Jul 20, 2023 | Cybersecurity
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 Protection
The first step is to identify assets that are most critical to the business. This includes sensitive data, intellectual property, or financial information. What is it that cybercriminals will be going after?
Don’t forget to include phishing-related assets. Such as company email accounts. Business email compromise is a fast-growing attack. It capitalizes on breached company email logins.
Identify Potential Threats
The next step is to identify potential threats to these assets. Some common threats could be cyber-attacks such as phishing. Others would be ransomware, malware, or social engineering.
Another category of threats could be physical breaches or insider threats. This is where employees or vendors have access to sensitive information.
Remember, threats aren’t always malicious. Human error causes approximately 88% of data breaches. So, ensure you’re aware of mistake-related threats, such as:
- The use of weak passwords
- Unclear cloud use policies
- Lack of employee training
- Poor or non-existent BYOD policies
Assess Likelihood and Impact
Once you’ve identified potential threats, take the next step. This is to assess the likelihood and impact of these threats. Businesses must understand how likely each threat is to occur. As well as the potential impact on their operations, reputation, and financial stability. This will help rank the risk management and mitigation strategies.
Base the threat likelihood on current cybersecurity statistics. As well as a thorough vulnerability assessment. It’s best this assessment is by a trusted 3rd party IT service provider. If you’re doing your assessment with only internal input, you’re bound to miss something.
Prioritize Risk Management Strategies
Prioritize risk management strategies next. Base this on the likelihood and impact of each potential threat. Most businesses can’t tackle everything at once due to time and cost constraints. So, it’s important to rank solutions based on the biggest impact on cybersecurity.
Some common strategies to consider include implementing:
- Access controls
- Firewalls
- Intrusion detection systems
- Employee training and awareness programs
- Endpoint device management
Businesses must also determine which strategies are most cost-effective. They should also align with their business goals.
Continuously Review and Update the Model
Threat modeling is not a one-time process. Cyber threats are constantly evolving. Businesses must continuously review and update their threat models. This will help ensure that their security measures are effective. As well as aligned with their business objectives.
Benefits of Threat Modeling for Businesses
Threat modeling is an essential process for businesses to reduce their cybersecurity risk. Identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities to their assets and systems is important. It helps them rank risk management strategies. As well as reduce the likelihood and impact of cyber incidents.
Here are just a few of the benefits of adding threat modeling to a cybersecurity strategy.
Improved Understanding of Threats and Vulnerabilities
Threat modeling can help businesses gain a better understanding of specific threats. It also uncovers vulnerabilities that could impact their assets. It identifies gaps in their security measures and helps uncover risk management strategies.
Ongoing threat modeling can also help companies stay out in front of new threats. Artificial intelligence is birthing new types of cyber threats every day. Companies that are complacent can fall victim to new attacks.
Cost-effective Risk Management
Addressing risk management based on the likelihood and impact of threats reduces costs. It can optimize company security investments. This will help ensure that businesses divide resources effectively and efficiently.
Business Alignment
Threat modeling can help ensure that security measures align with the business objectives. This can reduce the potential impact of security measures on business operations. It also helps coordinate security, goals, and operations.
Reduced Risk of Cyber Incidents
By implementing targeted risk management strategies, businesses can reduce risk. This includes the likelihood and impact of cybersecurity incidents. This will help to protect their assets. It also reduces the negative consequences of a security breach.
Get Started with Comprehensive Threat Identification
Wondering how to get started with a threat assessment? Our experts can help you put in place a comprehensive threat modeling program. Give us a call today to schedule a discussion.
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This Article has been Republished with Permission from The Technology Press.
Jul 15, 2023 | Cybersecurity
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 figure increased to $2.4 billion in 2021. These scams can cause severe financial damage to businesses and individuals. They can also harm their reputations.
How Does BEC Work?
BEC attacks are usually well-crafted and sophisticated, making it difficult to identify them. The attacker first researches the target organization and its employees. They gain knowledge about the company’s operations, suppliers, customers, and business partners.
Much of this information is freely available online. Scammers can find it on sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, and organizations’ websites. Once the attacker has enough information, they can craft a convincing email. It’s designed to appear to come from a high-level executive or a business partner.
The email will request the recipient to make a payment or transfer funds. It usually emphasizes the request being for an urgent and confidential matter. For example, a new business opportunity, a vendor payment, or a foreign tax payment.
The email will often contain a sense of urgency, compelling the recipient to act quickly. The attacker may also use social engineering tactics. Such as posing as a trusted contact or creating a fake website that mimics the company’s site. These tactics make the email seem more legitimate.
If the recipient falls for the scam and makes the payment, the attacker will make off with the funds. In their wake, they leave the victim with financial losses.
How to Fight Business Email Compromise
BEC scams can be challenging to prevent. But there are measures businesses and individuals can take to cut the risk of falling victim to them.
Educate Employees
Organizations should educate their employees about the risks of BEC. This includes providing training on how to identify and avoid these scams. Employees should be aware of the tactics used by scammers. For example, urgent requests, social engineering, and fake websites.
Training should also include email account security, including:
- Checking their sent folder regularly for any strange messages
- Using a strong email password with at least 12 characters
- Changing their email password regularly
- Storing their email password in a secure manner
- Notifying an IT contact if they suspect a phishing email
Enable Email Authentication
Organizations should implement email authentication protocols.
This includes:
- Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC)
- Sender Policy Framework (SPF)
- DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM)
These protocols help verify the authenticity of the sender’s email address. They also reduce the risk of email spoofing. Another benefit is to keep your emails from ending up in junk mail folders.
Deploy a Payment Verification Processes
Organizations should deploy payment verification processes, such as two-factor authentication. Another protocol is confirmation from multiple parties. This ensures that all wire transfer requests are legitimate. It’s always better to have more than one person verify a financial payment request.
Check Financial Transactions
Organizations should check all financial transactions. Look for irregularities, such as unexpected wire transfers or changes in payment instructions.
If you don’t perform these according to a schedule, it is easy for them to get forgotten. Set up a calendar item for the review of financial transactions. Use a schedule that makes sense for your business and transaction volume.
Establish a Response Plan
Organizations should establish a response plan for BEC incidents. This includes procedures for reporting the incident. As well as freezing the transfer and notifying law enforcement.
Use Anti-phishing Software
Businesses and individuals can use anti-phishing software to detect and block fraudulent emails. As AI and machine learning gain widespread use, these tools become more effective.
The use of AI in phishing technology continues to increase. Businesses must be vigilant and take steps to protect themselves.
Need Help with Email Security Solutions?
It only takes a moment for money to leave your account and be unrecoverable. Don’t leave your business emails unprotected. Give us a call today to discuss our email security solutions.
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This Article has been Republished with Permission from The Technology Press.
Jul 5, 2023 | Cybersecurity
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 Usernames
The first step to secure your home network is to change the default login. This means changing the passwords and usernames of your router and connected devices. Default passwords and usernames are often well-known to hackers. Criminals can easily use them to access your data. Changing these default credentials is an essential step in securing your home network.
2. Enable Encryption
Encryption is a process of encoding information. This is in such a way that only authorized parties can read it. Enabling encryption on your home network is crucial to protect your data. It keeps hackers from intercepting and reading it. Most modern routers support encryption protocols such as WPA2 or WPA3. Ensure that you use the latest encryption standard, which would be WPA3, used in Wi-Fi 6 routers.
3. Update Firmware
The firmware is the software that runs on your router and other connected devices. Manufacturers release firmware updates to fix security vulnerabilities and add new features. Updating the firmware on your router is important to securing your home network. You can usually check for firmware updates from the router’s web interface. You can also find updates on the manufacturer’s website.
This is critical to remember because a lot of people never do this. They only see the router app during setup and rarely go back unless there is a need. Set a calendar item to check your router app at least once per month for updates.
4. Enable a Firewall
A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls network traffic. This includes both incoming and outgoing traffic. Enabling a firewall on your router can help protect your network. It defends against malicious traffic and unauthorized access. Most modern routers have a built-in firewall. You can typically enable this through the router’s web interface.
5. Disable Unused Services
Most routers come with a range of services that manufacturers enable by default. These services can include file sharing, remote management, and media streaming. Disabling any unused services can reduce the risk of a hacker exploiting them. They often use these services to gain access to home networks. Only enable services that you need and are essential for your network.
6. Secure Wi-Fi Network
Your Wi-Fi network is one of the most critical aspects of your home network. Securing your Wi-Fi network involves several steps. These include:
- Changing the default SSID (network name)
- Disabling SSID broadcast
- Enabling MAC address filtering
- Disabling WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)
These steps can help prevent unauthorized access to your Wi-Fi network. If you need help with these steps, just let us know. We can save you some time and frustration and ensure your network is properly secured.
7. Use Strong Passwords
Passwords are a critical component of any security system. Using weak or easily guessable passwords can make your network vulnerable. Ensure that you use strong passwords for your router and other connected devices. A strong password should be at least 12 characters long. It should also include a combination of upper and lowercase letters. As well as at least one number and one symbol.
8. Create a Guest Network
Do you have guests, such as your children’s friends, who need to access your Wi-Fi network? If so, create a separate guest network. A guest network is a separate Wi-Fi network that guests can use. This gives them access the internet without accessing your primary network. This can help protect your primary network from potential security threats.
9. Limit Physical Access
Physical access to your router and other connected devices can be a security risk. Ensure that you place your router in a secure location, such as a locked cabinet or a room with limited access. Also, ensure that you disable physical access to the router’s web interface. Especially if you have guests or children who may tamper with the settings.
Schedule a Home Cybersecurity Visit Today
Securing your home network is essential for protecting your personal data from threats. By following the best practices, you can ensure that your network is better protected.
Want to save some time and have us do the heavy lifting? Give us a call today to schedule a home cybersecurity visit.
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This Article has been Republished with Permission from The Technology Press.
Jun 30, 2023 | Cybersecurity
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 of some type. The user enters their login credentials. Then the system sends an authorization request to the user to complete their login.
The MFA code or approval request will usually come through some type of “push” message. Users can receive it in a few ways:
- SMS/text
- A device popup
- An app notification
Receiving that notification is a normal part of the multi-factor authentication login. It’s something the user would be familiar with.
With push-bombing, hackers start with the user’s credentials. They may get them through phishing or from a large data breach password dump.
They take advantage of that push notification process. Hackers attempt to log in many times. This sends the legitimate user several push notifications, one after the other.
Many people question the receipt of an unexpected code that they didn’t request. But when someone is bombarded with these, it can be easy to mistakenly click to approve access.
Push-bombing is a form of social engineering attack designed to:
- Confuse the user
- Wear the user down
- Trick the user into approving the MFA request to give the hacker access
Ways to Combat Push-Bombing at Your Organization
Educate Employees
Knowledge is power. When a user experiences a push-bombing attack it can be disruptive and confusing. If employees have education beforehand, they’ll be better prepared to defend themselves.
Let employees know what push-bombing is and how it works. Provide them with training on what to do if they receive MFA notifications they didn’t request.
You should also give your staff a way to report these attacks. This enables your IT security team to alert other users. They can then also take steps to secure everyone’s login credentials.
Reduce Business App “Sprawl”
On average, employees use 36 different cloud-based services per day. That’s a lot of logins to keep up with. The more logins someone has to use, the greater the risk of a stolen password.
Take a look at how many applications your company uses. Look for ways to reduce app “sprawl” by consolidating. Platforms like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace offer many tools behind one login. Streamlining your cloud environment improves security and productivity.
Adopt Phishing-Resistant MFA Solutions
You can thwart push-bombing attacks altogether by moving to a different form of MFA. Phishing-resistant MFA uses a device passkey or physical security key for authentication.
There is no push notification to approve with this type of authentication. This solution is more complex to set up, but it’s also more secure than text or app-based MFA.
Enforce Strong Password Policies
For hackers to send several push-notifications, they need to have the user’s login. Enforcing strong password policies reduces the chance that a password will get breached.
Standard practices for strong password policies include:
- Using at least one upper and one lower-case letter
- Using a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols
- Not using personal information to create a password
- Storing passwords securely
- Not reusing passwords across several accounts
Put in Place an Advanced Identity Management Solution
Advanced identity management solutions can also help you prevent push-bombing attacks. They will typically combine all logins through a single sign-on solution. Users, then have just one login and MFA prompt to manage, rather than several.
Additionally, businesses can use identity management solutions to install contextual login policies. These enable a higher level of security by adding access enforcement flexibility. The system could automatically block login attempts outside a desired geographic area. It could also block logins during certain times or when other contextual factors aren’t met.
Do You Need Help Improving Your Identity & Access Security?
Multi-factor authentication alone isn’t enough. Companies need several layers of protection to reduce their risk of a cloud breach.
Are you looking for some help to reinforce your access security? Give us a call today to schedule a chat.
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This Article has been Republished with Permission from The Technology Press.
Jun 25, 2023 | Cybersecurity
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 allows someone to authenticate in a web service or a cloud-based account. There is no need to enter a username and password.
This authentication technology leverages Web Authentication (WebAuthn). This is a core component of FIDO2, an authentication protocol. Instead of using a unique password, it uses public-key cryptography for user verification.
The user’s device stores the authentication key. This can be a computer, mobile device, or security key device. It is then used by sites that have passkeys enabled to log the user in.
Advantages of Using Passkeys Instead of Passwords
More Secure
One advantage of passkeys is that they are more secure than passwords. Passkeys are more difficult to hack. This is true especially if the key generates from a combination of biometric and device data.
Biometric data can include things like facial recognition or fingerprint scans. Device information can include things like the device’s MAC address or location. This makes it much harder for hackers to gain access to your accounts.
More Convenient
Another advantage of passkeys over passwords is that they are more convenient. With password authentication, users often must remember many complex passwords. This can be difficult and time-consuming.
Forgetting passwords is common and doing a reset can slow an employee down. Each time a person has to reset their password, it takes an average of three minutes and 46 seconds.
Passkeys erase this problem by providing a single code. You can use that same code across all your accounts. This makes it much easier to log in to your accounts. It also reduces the likelihood of forgetting or misplacing your password.
Phishing-Resistant
Credential phishing scams are prevalent. Scammers send emails that tell a user something is wrong with their account. They click on a link that takes them to a disguised login page created to steal their username and password.
When a user is authenticating with a passkey instead, this won’t work on them. Even if a hacker had a user’s password, it wouldn’t matter. They would need the device passkey authentication to breach the account.
Are There Any Disadvantages to Using Passkeys?
Passkeys are definitely looking like the future of authentication technology. But there are some issues that you may run into when adopting them right now.
Passkeys Aren’t Yet Widely Adopted
One of the main disadvantages is that passkeys are not yet widely adopted. Many websites and cloud services still rely on passwords. They don’t have passkey capability yet.
This means that users may have to continue using passwords for some accounts. At least until passkeys become more widely adopted. It could be slightly awkward to use passkeys for some accounts and passwords for others.
Passkeys Need Extra Hardware & Software
One thing about passwords is that they’re free and easy to use. You simply make them up as you sign up for a site.
Passkeys need extra hardware and software to generate and validate the codes. This can be costly for businesses to put in place at first. But there is potential savings from improved security and user experience. These benefits can outweigh the cost of passkeys.
Prepare Now for the Future of Authentication
Passkeys are a more secure and convenient alternative to passwords. They are more difficult to hack, and they provide a more convenient way of logging into your accounts. But passkeys are not yet widely adopted. Additionally, businesses may need to budget for implementation.
Despite these challenges, passkeys represent a promising solution. Specifically, to the problem of weak passwords. They have the potential to improve cybersecurity. As well as boost productivity for businesses and individuals alike.
Need Help Improving Your Identity & Account Security?
Take advantage of the new passkey authentication by exploring it now. It’s the perfect time to ease in and begin putting it in place for your organization.
Give us a call today to schedule a consultation.
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This Article has been Republished with Permission from The Technology Press.
Jun 10, 2023 | Cybersecurity
Many people worry about someone hacking their computer. But they’re not really thinking about their wireless printer getting breached. It’s a tool that most individuals use sporadically. For example, when you want to print out tax forms or mailing labels.
Printers tend to be out of sight, out of mind. That is until you need to print something and run out of ink. Well, they’re not out of the mind of hackers. In fact, unsecured printers are a classic way for criminals to gain access to a home network.
To illustrate this point, Cybernews purposely hacked printers. It hijacked nearly 28,000 unsecured printers globally. The success rate was 56%. What did it do once it gained access? Ironically, it made the printers print out a guide on printer security.
Are you wondering how exposed your network is from your printer? We’ve got some security tips below to help. These tips can enable you to better secure your network, which keeps data on all devices more secure.
1. Change the Default Login Credentials
When you buy a new printer, it will likely have included default information. Manufacturers give you a way to connect and set up your device. This usually involves default login information.
Immediately change that information during set up. Hackers use a master list of all these defaults. They plug it into an automated script and just keep trying them all until they get a hit. Change these, and make sure you create a strong password.
2. Keep Printer Firmware Updated
Keeping firmware updated is vital to keeping your printer secure. Hardware needs updating just like computers, software, and apps do. Those updates often contain important security patches.
Firmware updates aren’t usually as visible as software updates. Software and OS updates usually give you a popup notification. But updates to the drivers and firmware that run printers, aren’t so visible.
Some of the places you can check for firmware updates are:
- The PC manufacturer’s utility app on a connected device
- The printer’s information panel
- The printer manufacturer’s app installed on a PC
3. Use a Network Firewall
A network firewall is important to ensure the monitoring of traffic. Firewalls can block suspicious activity to keep hackers out of your network. You should configure the firewall to watch incoming and outgoing printer traffic.
4. Put Your Printer on a Guest Network
Most of today’s home routers allow you to set up a guest network. This is a separate Wi-Fi that runs from the same router you use for your main network. It’s harder for hackers to get from one network to another.
Keeping a less secure device separated from computers and phones improves security. You can still print to your printer from devices on another network. You just need to have things configured correctly. If you need help with that, just let us know.
5. Disable Unused Ports or Services
IoT devices, like printers, often have many ways to connect. You may not need all the ports or services that come with your printer. These ports are risk areas where hackers could find a way in.
It’s best to disable any ports and sharing features that you don’t need. This reduces the risk of a breach.
6. Unplug It When Not in Use
Most home printers aren’t used as much as work printers. People may only use them once a month or a few times a year. If you’re not using your printer constantly, unplug it when not in use.
One surefire way to cut off a hacker’s access is to unplug the device. When it’s shut down, no access is available at all.
7. Teach Your Family Cybersecurity Best Practices
Your printer is one device on your network. Most families connect several devices to their home Wi-Fi. In 2022, the average number of connected devices per U.S. household was 22.
Families need to know and adopt good cyber habits. This keeps everyone’s data more secure. It also helps you avoid costly identity theft breaches. Or the takeover of things like baby monitors.
Some standard best practices to follow for good cyber hygiene are:
- Always use strong passwords. (at least 10-12 characters & include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols)
- Keep software & firmware on devices updated
- Use multi-factor authentication wherever possible
- Enable device firewalls & other protections
- All devices that should have a good antivirus installed
- Never login to an account from a link you receive via email or text
- Learn how to identify phishing & get a second opinion before clicking
- Get a security checkup from a pro at least every year or two
Get Some Help Keeping Your Family’s Data Secure
IT pros don’t only work with businesses. We also help families ensure their data is safe & devices are running smoothly. Give us a call today to schedule a home security checkup.
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This Article has been Republished with Permission from The Technology Press.
