Cybersecurity risks Archives

The Role of Technology in Businesses in 2023

glitchbusters on April 25, 2023

Technology has always played a key role in businesses across different industries in 2023. But recently, this role has grown even more because IT is used more and more in businesses around the world. To draw more customers and stay ahead of the competition, you should understand all the changes and use them to your advantage.

Technology Trends in Businesses to Look Out for in 2023

Many trends in technology are useful in growing businesses in 2023, as discussed in our first blog this month, 8 Ways Technology Will Grow Your Business in 2023. You don’t need to use all of them – just take your pick depending on your industry and the nature of your business. There are some kinds of technology, however, that can add value to just about every industry, like the following:

Artificial Intelligence

Commonly used today for online shopping, digital assistants, and fraud prevention, AI can make your operations faster and more efficient while freeing up a lot of time and other resources for your business.

Cloud Computing

Cloud-based solutions virtually take away the boundaries to how you operate your business. It gives you access to software, infrastructure, and other resources you could only dream of before.

Automation

So many processes that used to be done manually are now automated through technology in businesses, especially in 2023. This transition speeds up operations, reduces the risk of human error, and makes for a much better customer experience.

Internet of Things

Now that software, sensors, and other things can connect almost everything, we are living in the age of connectivity. The IoT provides many ways for businesses to save time and increase efficiency, but it also opens up new security risks, so we must exercise due caution.

Vendor Management Technology in Businesses in 2023

Working with vendors is a more complicated task than many assume. To reduce risks, you need to keep costs low and get the most out of your vendors. With the aid of a good VMS, all this is possible without breaking a sweat.

The Importance of Cybersecurity Technology in Businesses in 2023

As technology in businesses advances in 2023, so does the risk of online threats. For this reason, it is more important than ever to protect your business with a dependable cybersecurity solution.

As we talked about in our blog post on week 2, Top 8 Technology Trends and How They Impact Cybersecurity, each current technology trend has its own impact on cybersecurity. Some are good, and some are not so good. You can read more about it by checking out our blog here.

Perks of Working with a Managed Service Provider

Changing your IT provider — Tired Caucasian bearded 40s middle-aged businessman employee man typing laptop feels failure upset with loss of information online error stressed looking at the computer screen suffering from headache pressure. High-quality photo

Staying updated on all the changes in technology in businesses can be tiresome in 2023. Typically, business owners would not have the time to do it themselves. But there is a way to enjoy the benefits of technology for your business—by partnering with a managed services provider.

If you currently already have an IT provider but are not always happy about the service you are getting, it might be time to make a change. Changing your MSP is a bold move that must not be taken lightly. In our week 3 blog entitled When Is It Time to Change Your IT Provider? we list some signs that tell you to find a new provider.

A reliable MSP can give you all that IT offers and make it work for your business, just like we do at Our Company. We can provide everything from simple IT consultation to business automation, vendor management, cybersecurity, and anything technology-related that can help grow your business.

One of our areas of expertise is vendor management. This is quite an underrated aspect of business that needs more attention as it deals with crucial business expenses that impact growth. Click here for more about our vendor management services and how they can benefit your business.

February Recap: Personal Identifiable Information (PII) In Data Security

glitchbusters on February 27, 2023

This month, we focused on a variety of topics regarding personal identifiable information (PII). PII includes an individual’s name, address, phone number, and medical history. In this digital age, PII is increasingly being stolen from unsuspecting individuals and organizations alike. PII allows cybercriminals to easily access financial accounts, and commit identity theft, and other crimes.

You can never really underestimate these hackers and the havoc they can wreak. Just to give you an idea, take a look at some of our latest blogs about PII.

Week 1: Top Data Breaches in 2022

In one of our recent blogs, we enumerate the top 10 data breaches in 2022 so far. These data breaches have resulted in millions of dollars worth of losses and have affected millions of unsuspecting individuals.

Data Breaches to Steal Money

Cryptocurrency websites have been attacked, with about $33 million stolen from Crypto.com in January and $625 million from Ronin Crypto, also within the first quarter of the year. Microsoft and Twitter have also been victims of massive attacks, which they are fortunately able to catch shortly.

Data Breaches to Steal Personal Identifiable Information

Other massive data breaches in the year have involved stolen credit card information sold on the dark web, insurance, and healthcare records stolen from the Australian healthcare and insurance company called Medibank, and data on missing persons stolen from Red Cross.

How Data Breaches Happen

The hacker used someone’s personal information to break into the company’s highly protected network, causing these data breaches.

Week 2: Understanding Personal Identifiable Information

Personal identifiable information or PII refers to any data or detail that can be used to unequivocally identify an individual. Some of the more popularly used PII are a person’s full name, social security number, and biometrics. We talk more about PII in another of our recent blogs.

Because of the power that these bits of information wield, hackers aim to collect them by whatever means necessary. Once they get their hands on this critical data, they will be able to easily gain access to restricted areas of companies, both online and offline.

Securing Information with a Data Privacy Framework

The importance of personal identifiable information is very clear. With this in mind, it is just as important to keep this data as safe as possible. One of the best ways to ensure this is to use a reliable data privacy framework.

There are many existing ones that you can use but for the highest level of protection, it is best that you have your own framework, designed and built specifically for your company. With such a security solution in place, you can be more at ease knowing that you are better protected against potential intruders.

Week 3: Protecting Your Personal Identifiable Information

In week three, we talk about specific things you can do to protect your personal identifiable information. Because no matter how much you trust your data privacy strategy, you should still take all the steps you can to be ahead of hackers at all times. Our guide lists some effective ways to protect your PII both online and offline. Read the full blog here.

Recovering from Getting Hacked

So, you have been very careful and you have done everything that you are supposed to do to keep your PII safe. But despite all this, it is still possible for some really ingenious hackers to get into your system. In case that happens, here is our Free Breach Infographic that tells you how to quickly recover from whatever damage has been done. Want to learn more about PII and how to keep your data safe? Call us today and let’s have a talk!

Top 10 Data Breaches in 2022

glitchbusters on February 6, 2023

Cybersecurity tools and strategies have improved by a huge margin over the years. However, data breaches remain to be one of the biggest online threats. This means you can never let your guard down especially when you are operating online. In fact, even huge global companies with seemingly ironclad security systems can still be vulnerable to these attacks.

Many large companies have suffered massive data breaches this year, leaking confidential data, losing millions of dollars, and other damages. Here are the ten worst cases that have happened so far in 2022.

Crypto.com Theft

In January, hackers were able to find a way around Crypto.com’s 2-factor authentication, getting access to about $18 million in Bitcoin and $15 million in Ethereum.

Red Cross Data Breaches

It was also in January when online attackers breached the Red Cross database, specifically that of their Restoring Family Links Program. Information of individuals and families separated by war and other causes, as well as missing persons, were stolen. The Red Cross was able to stop the attacks by immediately taking their servers offline.

Ronin Crypto Theft

The Axie Infinity game became wildly popular early in 2022 and to accommodate more players, they loosened security protocols. This risky move allowed hackers to move in, who eventually managed to steal $625 million worth of cryptocurrency.

Microsoft Data Breaches

In March, the hacking group known as Lapsus$ managed to infiltrate the very tight defenses of Microsoft, putting several of the IT giant’s products at risk. Within two days, though, Microsoft was able to thwart the attack and reported that no client information had been taken.

Cash App Data Breach

A former employee who had beef with the payment company Cash App took to infiltrating their system in April. The hacker stole reports with names, portfolio values, and brokerage account numbers from over 8 million clients.

Student Loan Data Breaches

Nelnet Servicing, a student loan service provider, suffered a data breach in June that led to the exposure of confidential information of more than 2.5 million accounts, including names, contact details, and social security numbers. It was about a month before the breach was discovered.

Twitter Data Breach

In July 2022, a hacker sold data from over 5.4 million Twitter accounts on a hacking forum. The hacker was asking for $30,000 in exchange for the stolen data.

Medibank Data Breach

In October, a malicious party stole data for 9.7 million past and current customers of the Australian insurance and healthcare company Medibank. The company refused to meet the hacker’s demands, who eventually released the files online in separate batches.

Credit Card Information Leak

Also in October, details of over 1.2 million credit card accounts were posted for free on the BidenCash carding marketplace, where anyone on the dark web can use them to make online purchases. These are all active cards that have an expiry date between 2023 and 2026.

Shein Data Breaches

A third party stole 39 million Shein customers’ payment information and sold it on a hackers’ forum. Shein was fined $1.9 million for failing to disclose the 2018 data breach, which was discovered in October.

What to Do If You Think You Have Been Hacked

As you can see, these are all multimillion-dollar companies, and they can even be vulnerable to online attacks that result in data breaches. This only shows that anyone can be a victim. So if you think you are totally safe with the defenses that you have now, you might want to think again. There is no leeway when it comes to online attacks. You need to constantly reevaluate your cybersecurity strategies and keep them updated so they stay relevant to the changing times.

But in the event that you think you may have been hacked, you can follow our step-by-step guide on what to do in order to recover your data and restore your network security. If you need further assistance in reinforcing your security strategies, just call us and we will be on it right away.

January Recap: All You Need to Know About Social Engineering

glitchbusters on January 23, 2023

This month, we covered a range of topics concerning social engineering. Social engineering is now considered one of the most prevalent risks when it comes to online security. Most hackers rely heavily on social engineering tactics to lure unsuspecting users to divulge information.

It sounds complicated but it’s nothing more than the practice of manipulating people into revealing information through the use of false pretenses. It often creates a sense of urgency, fear or excitement, playing with people’s emotions to get them to do exactly what the hackers want them to do. In case you missed any of them, here is a brief summary.

Week 1: What Is Social Engineering and How Can It Affect Your Business?

We discussed the basics of social engineering and how the different types of attacks are used to exploit unsuspecting victims. We also looked at what makes up a successful social engineering attack and how attackers might use modern technology to increase their reach. Specifically, attackers may utilize deception techniques such as phishing emails or malicious links in order to gain access to personal information or data. Additionally, attackers may use impersonation tactics in order to manipulate their target into giving away information or credentials.

Social engineering is the infiltration of something secure, intending to acquire information or secure access through cunning means. With the use of modern technology, social engineering is now possible with the victims not even knowing. If you are caught unprepared, as a result, this could potentially lead to the downfall of your business. With awareness and the presence of mind, you can easily avoid becoming a victim. One of the commonly used methods is tailgating or entering the premises on the pretense that they are an authorized entity.

Simple practices like refraining from opening suspicious-looking emails and attachments would be very helpful. It is also advisable to implement multifactor authentication in all your systems and to keep your antivirus software updated. Click here to read more of our week-1 blog defining what exactly social engineering is.

Week 2: Where Does Social Engineering Scams Come from?

In order to prevent these attacks from being successful, it is important for users to remain aware and educated about cybersecurity best practices and protocols. This includes implementing strong passwords that include both upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters; avoiding suspicious links through email or messaging services; and utilizing two-factor authentication measures when possible–for example, when accessing accounts online or over public Wi-Fi networks. Users should also use secure VPNs whenever possible to protect their remote data..

There are more than 4.74 billion social media users today. Hackers are using social media to entice unsuspecting users into their traps. They create fake accounts that are used in either of the following four ways:. MIPs are bare profiles, usually with seductive profile photos that are meant to get people interested enough to add them as a contact. A hacker will then use this fake MIP to send malware through messenger or post malicious links on your wall. Fully Invested Profiles are intended purpose of fully invested profiles is the same as those created for MIPs. Click here to read more of our week-2 blog about the origin of social engineering.

Week 3: The Top 5 Ways Cybercriminals Use Social Engineering

Finally, we presented best practices for staying safe online when encountering suspicious links or other potentially dangerous content. For example, links in messages can lead to malicious sites with malware that could compromise users’ personal information and devices. It is also important for users not to respond immediately if they receive an unexpected message from someone they do not know or recognize – even if it appears legitimate – as this could be an attempt by adversaries to gain access to sensitive data via impersonation techniques.

Cybercriminals use social engineering to play on victims’ emotions and gain their trust. There are a number of different ways that cybercriminals manipulate their victims online. Phishing is by far the most common and most effective tactic that hackers use in social engineering. This is where the hacker pretends to be someone that the victim knows, then asks for their login details. There are so many ways that cybercriminals use social engineering for malicious intent these days. Piggybacking, also known as tailgating, is when someone discreetly follows an authorized person into a restricted area of the building. As a business owner, it is crucial to ensure that you educate all your employees fully when it comes to social engineering attacks and other cybercrimes. Click here to read more of our week-3 blog and the top 5 social engineering threats.

By following these tips and remaining vigilant about potential attacks, everyone can make sure to stay safe online! Give us a call if you think you need help strengthening your business against attacks.

The Top 5 Ways Cybercriminals Use Social Engineering

glitchbusters on January 16, 2023

Advanced technology and cutting-edge hacking techniques have been the main tool that cybercriminals use for online attacks. But did you know that the most effective method that hackers use for enticing victims online is something so much simpler? Cybercriminals use social engineering or in other words, manipulate people by establishing trust and playing on their emotions.

Common Methods of Social Engineering Attacks

There are a number of creative ways that social engineers go about their devious ways. However, there are five ways that stand out on how cybercriminals use social engineering for their personal gain.

Phishing

This method is by far the most common and most effective tactic that cybercriminals use in social engineering. It has been around for years yet people continue to fall for it at an alarmingly high rate. Phishing is common using emails. In fact, anyone who has an email account would likely have received several phishing attempts in their inbox.

Among the earliest phishing emails are those that come from a Nigerian prince who needs your help in getting his inheritance and in return, he will give you a sizable portion of his wealth. Later on, phishing emails became more believable, like an email from what seems to be your bank, asking to verify your account number. Recently, phishing through social media has become rampant, where you would be asked to log in to your account on what seems to be a real social media site but is actually just a clever imitation.

Baiting

Baiting is what cybercriminals use social engineering and is an approach where something is in front of the target victim, hoping to get them to click on a link and fall for the trap. It could be a free movie or song or something that would be of interest to the victim. The link does not give them what was promised and is instead some kind of malware that will cause damage.

Cybercriminals use Social Engineering Pretexting

This kind of social engineering scam is where the hacker pretends to be someone that the victim knows. They might pretend to be the head of IT doing some routine check, then ask for an employee’s login info. Or they might pretend to be a law enforcer or investigator, at which many people would be very cooperative. Because the employee thinks the hacker is a trusted entity, they might willingly give their details.

Quid Pro Quo

This is a type of social engineering attack where the hacker offers you something in exchange for critical information. Let’s say a disgruntled employee has been laid off or had left a company in not so amicable terms. Hackers hunt these disgruntled individuals and offer to buy the information that they can use to attack the company.

Cybercriminals use Social Engineering Piggybacking

Although social engineering these days is through online, there are still plenty of approaches that take place in the physical environment. Piggybacking is one such example. Also known as tailgating, piggybacking is when someone discreetly follows an authorized person into a restricted area of the building. Once they are in, they can easily access computers to steal data.

How to Be Safe from Cybercriminals using Social Engineering Attacks

There are so many ways of how cybercriminals use social engineering for malicious intent these days. However, there are also several things that you can do to keep safe from these attacks.

Many of the preventive measures are actually very simple, starting with never revealing passwords and other sensitive data to anyone. This includes heads of IT departments, people in charge of corporate audits, or even law enforcers.

As a business owner, it is also crucial to ensure that you educate all your employees fully when it comes to social engineering attacks and other cybercrimes. You can check what they already know about the dark web by having them take this 10-question cybersecurity quiz.

We have plenty of tools and resources that can help boost your protection against all kinds of cyberattacks. Call us today and we will be happy to put together a strategy that will keep your business and data as safe as can be!

Where Does Social Engineering Scams Come from?

glitchbusters on January 9, 2023

Social engineering scams are so much more rampant these days than ever before. There will certainly be suspicious-looking items in your inbox when you check your emails, which are most likely phishing emails. Many people now know to avoid clicking these malicious emails, which is a good thing. But still, their vast amount makes you wonder, where do social engineering scams come from anyway? The very simple answer to that is social media.

How Social Media Is Used for Social Engineering scams

According to the latest count, there are more than 4.74 billion social media users today. For hackers, each of these users is a potential target. Hackers are using social media to entice unsuspecting users into their traps because there is such a large online population. Specifically, they create fake accounts that are used in either of the following four methods.

Manipulating Public Opinion

People can be very impressionable, especially regarding things they see on social media. Social engineers take advantage of this vulnerability to sway the public’s view on certain things, like politics. Political parties routinely create millions of fake accounts to spread information that could sway voters during elections. Online, posts from phony accounts can spread quickly and have a significant impact on voters for very little money. This is what you call Social Engineering scams.

False Advertising

It is very common to see posts on social media where you can supposedly win a prize if you like or share their page. Or how about those pages that are apparently on the verge of closing down and need to dispose of their inventory quickly, where you can get a chance to get one of their products by simply sharing their page. These are nothing but social engineering scams called false advertising.

After Steve Jobs’ death, a viral post claimed Apple was honoring him by giving away iPhones and iPads.. Millions of people from around the world clicked on the malicious link, thinking they were just entering a raffle. What happened instead was that their devices got infected with a nasty virus.

Minimally Invested Profiles or MIPs

Minimally invested profiles are created en masse and are usually bare profiles, usually with seductive profile photos that are meant to get people interested enough to add them as a contact, typically on Facebook. Once the connection has been established, the hacker will then use this fake MIP to send malware through messenger or post malicious links on your wall. That is when they start the social engineering scams.

Fully Invested Profiles or FIPs

The intended purpose of fully invested profiles is pretty much the same as that of the MIPs, which is to get people to click on certain links. But an FIP involves more effort as it is made to look authentic to the eyes of the target victim. It could imitate the account of real contact, and they might try to add you saying that they created a new account because they were hacked, or they forgot the password, and so on.

You can actually spot these fake profiles easily by practicing due diligence. Check out every account before accepting friend requests. If the account is relatively new and is suspiciously lacking in friends or content, then that is a red flag right there.

Protect Yourself From Social Engineering Scams

Social media may be part of our daily lives, but that doesn’t mean you can use it carelessly. Never be caught unaware when you are online, especially when you are using social media. This goes for both your personal and business accounts. If you use social media for business, it’s best to train all your employees in online attack prevention.

We have prepared a 10-question quiz that you can answer just to see how prepared you are to face social engineering scams or attacks. If you feel there is room for improvement, give us a call and we can step in anytime to boost your defence and increase your protection against online threats.

What Is Social Engineering and How Can It Affect Your Business?

glitchbusters on January 3, 2023

Terms like phishing and malware have become very common terms these days because of their widespread use online. Did you know that these activities are but a small part of a much bigger operation known as social engineering?

Definition of Social Engineering

The term might be new but the practice has been going on for centuries. It’s the infiltration of something secure, intending to acquire information or secure access through cunning means. With the use of modern technology, social engineering is now possible with the victims not even knowing. If you are caught unprepared, as a result, this could potentially lead to the downfall of your business.

External Threats in Social Engineering

Businesses these days rely heavily on technology across all operations and as a result, it makes our life easier. This gives social engineers vast opportunities to trick people into providing all sorts of information, such as the following.

Phishing

Phishing is by far the most prevalent form of social engineering attack. It is a very straightforward kind of trickery, and that simplicity is also the reason why it is so effective. Through an authentic-looking email, the hacker would take victims to websites that look real and ask them to log in, which many people would do without a second glance. Just like that, you would just as well be giving the hackers the keys to your network.

Spear Phishing

This kind of social engineering attack is a highly targeted version of phishing. It is directed at specific victims and involves a great deal of preparation, making use of contacts and references very familiar to the targeted victim, making the scam almost imperceptible.

Baiting

Just as the term suggests, this strategy is all about enticing the victim to fall for the bait. There are many approaches to this, like telling them they won something then asking to click on a link to claim the prize, or letting them know that their computer has been infected and again, getting them to click on a link that will supposedly fix the problem.

Internal Threats in Social Engineering

Once a hacker is in the system, there are countless ways that they can steal information or wreak havoc on your business. So getting their foot in the door is of the utmost priority for many of these devious social engineers.

Doing this physically is not as difficult as it might seem. One of the commonly used methods is tailgating or entering the premises on the pretense that they are an authorized entity. Many hackers also take advantage of what they can glean from public information, which is surprisingly a lot, especially if they have the patience to do a regular observation of the target area, or are willing to go dumpster diving.

How to Keep Your Business Safe from Social Engineering Threats

It’s quite scary to think that many use social engineering tactics today, but with awareness and the presence of mind, you can easily avoid becoming a victim. Simple practices like refraining from opening suspicious-looking emails and attachments would be very helpful. It is also advisable to implement multifactor authentication in all your systems and to keep your antivirus software updated.

In conclusion, as a business owner, it would be in your best interest to have all employees undergo training that will equip them with the tools and skills needed to circumvent any social engineering attack. You can find out just how much your staff knows about social engineering and other online threats by having them take this free cybersecurity quiz.

We can help bolster your company’s defenses against online threats of all kinds. From training your employees to updating your network, we can cover for you. Just let us know when you are ready and we will be happy to be of service!

Quiz Time: Can You Handle Social Media Phishing Attacks at work?

glitchbusters on November 21, 2022

Our last three blogs have discussed cybersecurity threats and how they affect businesses. We have talked about the dangers that stem from various types of malware. We have warned about the newest cybersecurity risks expected to wreak havoc on businesses soon. And in the face of the continuously growing popularity of remote work setups, we have delved into the cybersecurity threats associated with working from home.

The common denominator of all these discussions is that they are all linked to phishing. A successful phishing attack can make a network susceptible to the online threats that we have talked about. Thus, you and your employees must know how to handle social media phishing attacks at work. To find out just how prepared your staff is to circumvent phishing attacks on social media, you can have them take the following quiz.

A Brief Quiz on Social Media Phishing

Here are ten statements that have to do with phishing in social media. Read each one carefully and decide whether it is TRUE or FALSE.

It’s safe to click on social media links and messages at work.
A lot of phishing attacks use publicly available information.
Social media phishing attacks target only individuals, not organizations.
A cybersecurity risk assessment reveals the weak areas in your company’s security strategy.
A ransomware attack occurs once every 40 seconds.
Smaller businesses have a lower risk of being attacked by hackers.
Malware and virus protection is more important than employee cybersecurity training.
Cybersecurity insurance can save your business.
Two-factor authentication is better for account logins.
Working from home and working from the office are equally safe.

Quiz Answers

False

Even if your company has a reliable cybersecurity system in place, it’s never 100% certain, so be conscious and vigilant if you want your data and network to stay secure.

True

Most of the time, cybercriminals use information already available to the public. We should be prudent in revealing information, even if it seems harmless. Hackers might use anything that is made public as a tool for infiltrating your confidential files.

False

Phishing attacks used to target individuals, but the hackers that use this method have now leveled up and are also targeting organizations, even multinational companies.

True

You don’t have to wait for an actual phishing attack to gauge the strength or weakness of your defenses. An MSP can give you a thorough cybersecurity risk assessment to identify the weak spots you need to work on.

True

Ransomware attacks are much more frequent than people realize. Most businesses are on a hacker’s hit list, but they have not launched an attack yet.

False

Smaller businesses are at a greater risk because they often have weaker defenses against online threats,

False

Both are very important and go hand-in-hand with an effective cybersecurity strategy.

True

Some business owners forego getting cybersecurity insurance, thinking it is unnecessary and expensive. But if you fall victim to a security breach, it can cost you upwards of $50,000, and cyber insurance can help cover such amounts.

True

Two-factor authentication is much harder for hackers to penetrate than single-step login, making it more secure.

False

While there are plenty of things we can do to make working from home safer, it is still not nearly as secure as working from the office, where software updates and router upgrades are easily done.

Evaluating the Results

Did you get a 10? If so, you are equipped with the knowledge and skills to deal with any online attack! Warding off phishing attacks on social media will be a cinch!

A lower score means more training is needed, which is something that we can do for your company. As a comprehensive managed services provider, we have a highly competent cybersecurity team that can train your entire staff and get your company ready to face cybersecurity risks. Contact us today to learn more!

If you want to be more thorough with testing your Phishing knowledge, we have another quiz for you to take! After taking your quizzes, if you feel you need to learn more about cybersecurity please watch our cybersecurity webinar, so you can better protect yourself and your business!

Addressing the Cybersecurity Risks of Working from Home

glitchbusters on November 14, 2022

A remote workforce has become the norm since the pandemic. Even now that we consider it safe to return to the office work environment, many businesses have maintained the remote work setup because of the advantages. However, working from home also brings cybersecurity issues that need attention so as not to jeopardize the company’s network and sensitive data.

What Are the Cybersecurity Dangers That Come with Working from Home?

When working from home, employees lack the usual protective measures used in an office network. Many workers use their home networks and may also use the same device for both work and personal transactions. Because of this, there are a lot of security issues that can arise and potentially cause damage to the company.

Vulnerable Personal Networks

You can keep your home network protected by regularly updating your antivirus software. However, most people do not realize there is also a need to update their router software. Without doing this, you will make your home network, and ultimately your work data, susceptible to the prying eyes of online criminals.

Greater Reliance on Technology

Now more than ever, we rely heavily on online tools for doing all kinds of business procedures. Besides the basic emailing and sending of files, practically everything else gets done using digital technology, from video conferencing to banking to fulfilling orders. This widespread use of online tools gives hackers more opportunities to hack company records.

Lack of Cybersecurity Awareness

In the office environment, IT people take care of any cybersecurity issues. Thus, employees do not take such matters too seriously as it is not their primary responsibility, although they are still liable. You must train them in cybersecurity and be sure they are fully aware of potential issues when working at home. Unfortunately, this is not the case since most employees still lack adequate skills and knowledge to circumvent these cybersecurity threats.

Fatigue and Lack of Focus

Human error is still the most common cause of data breaches, and this is especially true in the remote work environment. Studies have shown that almost 40% of work-from-home employees feel exceptionally tired in the remote work setup. In addition, they also need to juggle home chores, which reduces their focus on implementing cybersecurity protocols and makes them lax in their judgment. All these things combined can significantly increase the chance of remote employees inadvertently exposing the company’s confidential files to hackers.

Weak Passwords

In trying to infiltrate company networks through remote workers, hackers will try to crack the user’s passwords. It is the easiest method, and it just so happens that many people still use weak passwords, even for sensitive accounts.

Use of Personal Devices

In the typical office environment, employees will use company-issued computers with current malware protection. When working at home, however, many people use their laptops or smartphones, which are likely to have less than adequate IT security measures installed, like data encryption.

Making Remote Work Safer From Cybersecurity Risks

There are many benefits to working from home. If you feel this is the best strategy for your company, go for it. However, make sure that all remote processes are completely secure. This step is where we can help!

Since we are focusing on cybersecurity this quarter, we have developed a little Quiz for you and your employees to take. Not only is the Quiz fun, but it counts toward your Employee Cybersecurity Training! Access the Quiz Here!

Our cybersecurity experts can equip your company and your remote workers with the skills and technology to stay protected from malware attacks and other online threats. Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive and fully customizable cybersecurity services today!