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Category: Security

  • 3 Steps to Zero Trust Cybersecurity for Small Businesses

    Cyberattacks have become rampant and have also grown in sophistication. A simple lapse in your network security could lead to a chain of events that could prove catastrophic for your business. You can avoid this by implementing a robust cybersecurity framework such as zero trust.

    Zero trust asserts that no user or application should be trusted automatically. It encourages organizations to verify every access while treating every user or application as a potential threat. Zero trust is a great starting point for businesses that want to build formidable cybersecurity. It can not only adapt to the complexity of the modern work environment, including a hybrid workplace, but also protect people, devices, applications and data irrespective of where they are located.

    However, zero trust should not be mistaken for a solution or a platform, regardless of how security vendors market it to you. You can’t just buy it from a security vendor and implement it with a click of a button. Zero trust is a strategy — a framework that needs to be applied systematically.

    Implementing zero trust: Three core principles to remember

    As you begin your journey to implement a zero-trust framework to bolster your IT security, there are three core principles that you must remember:

    1. Continually verify
    You should strive to implement a “never trust, always verify” approach to security by continuously confirming the identity and access privileges of users, devices and applications. Consider implementing strong identity and access (IAM) controls. It will help you define roles and access privileges — ensuring only the right users can access the right information.

    2. Limit access
    Misuse of privileged access is one of the most common reasons for cyberattacks. Limiting access ensures that users are granted minimal access without affecting their day-to-day activities. Here are some common security practices that organizations have adopted to limit access:

    • Just-in-time access (JIT) – Users, devices or applications are granted access only for a predetermined period. This helps limit the time one has access to critical systems.
    • Principle of least privilege (PoLP) – Users, devices or applications are granted the least access or permissions needed to perform their job role.
    • Segmented application access (SAA) – Users can only access permitted applications, preventing any malicious users from gaining access to the network.

    3. Assume breach and minimize impact
    Instead of waiting for a breach, you can take a proactive step toward your cybersecurity by assuming risk. That means treating applications, services, identities and networks — both internal and external — as already compromised. This will improve your response time to a breach, minimize the damage, improve your overall security and, most importantly, protect your business.

    We are here to help

    Achieving zero trust compliance on your own can be a daunting task. However, partnering with an IT service provider like us can ease your burden. Leverage our advanced technologies and expertise to implement zero trust within your business — without hiring additional talent or bringing on additional tools yourself.

    Download our infographic “Why Now Is the Time to Embrace Zero Trust” to learn actionable steps you can take today to build a solid zero trust security framework. Contact us for a no-obligation consultation.

  • Be Aware of These Top AI Cyber-Risks

    Our third installment for Cyber Security Awareness Month focuses on the benefits and risks of AI.

    The rise of AI has sparked a revolution. Everyone, from industry giants to smaller enterprises, is captivated and eager to leverage AI’s endless possibilities.

    However, amid the celebrations of AI’s merits, let’s not ignore its potential risks. A new array of cyberthreats emerges when intricate AI algorithms cross paths with malicious cyber elements. From AI-powered phishing schemes to ultra-realistic deepfakes, these dangers serve as a reminder to stay vigilant and prepared.

    In this blog, we embark on a journey to explore AI benefits and risks. Our aim is to guide you in harnessing AI’s strengths while safeguarding against its potential pitfalls.

    AI’s positive impact on business

    The top benefits of AI include:

    Smart data analysis
    AI’s expertise lies in swiftly deciphering massive data sets to uncover patterns. This ability proves invaluable in traversing through modern markets. The insights derived empower you to make well-founded decisions, steering clear of guesswork.

    Boosted productivity
    AI’s automation prowess liberates your employees from mundane tasks, helping them focus on more critical tasks. Tedious and manual work can now be done seamlessly without human intervention, boosting productivity.

    Faster business maneuvering
    In an ever-evolving technological landscape, keeping up to date is paramount. AI empowers you to process and respond to real-time information promptly. This agility enables swift reactions to evolving scenarios, customer demands and opportunities.

    AI’s cyber challenges

    As we delve into the world of AI, we must also acknowledge the potential risks:

    AI-powered phishing scams
    Sneaky cybercriminals employ AI-driven chatbots to create impeccable phishing emails without the usual red flags, such as grammar errors. These attacks exploit human vulnerabilities, luring even the most vigilant to share sensitive information.

    To bolster your defense, exercise caution with emails from unfamiliar sources. Scrutinize sender details, avoid suspicious links and employ anti-phishing tools for added protection.

    Malicious AI-generated code
    Cybercriminals harness AI tools for swift code generation, surpassing manual capabilities. These generated code snippets find their way into malware and other malicious software.

    Defend against these intricate schemes by educating your team about them. Strengthen your defenses through layered security measures, such as firewalls, antivirus software and automated patch management.

    Deepfakes and impersonations
    AI-generated deepfakes can propagate misinformation, deceiving unsuspecting individuals and leading to fraud or character defamation. For example, in the current era, where many banks rely on online KYC (KYC or Know Your Customer is commonly implemented in banks to comply with regulatory requirements and mitigate the risk of financial crimes), malicious actors can create ultra-realistic videos using another person’s voice and image samples to open accounts for illegal transactions.

    Identifying deepfakes necessitates a discerning eye. Among other factors, anomalies in skin texture, blinking patterns and facial shadows help distinguish genuine content from manipulated content.

    Collaborative path to success

    At the crossroads of innovation and challenges, knowledge takes center stage.

    Our comprehensive eBook, “Protecting Your Business – Navigating AI Safety,” stands as your compass in the AI landscape. Delve into AI’s intricacies, uncover potential pitfalls and acquire strategies for responsible and secure utilization in your business.

    If navigating AI on your own seems daunting, don’t worry. Connect with us for a no-obligation consultation. Together, we’ll navigate AI’s realm, harness its power and ensure your organization’s safety.

  • How Social Media Misuse Can Harm Your Business

    Our second installment for Cybersecurity Awareness Month focuses on social media.

    Social media has significantly transformed the way we communicate and do business. However, this growing popularity also comes with potential risks that could cause harm to businesses like yours.

    Unfortunately, many organizations remain unaware of these rapidly evolving challenges. In this blog, we will explore the dangers associated with social media and share practical tips to safeguard your organization’s reputation and financial stability so that you can safely reap the benefits of social media platforms.

    Exploring the risks

    Social media presents several risks that you need to address, such as:

    Security breaches
    Cybercriminals can exploit social media to steal sensitive information by creating fake profiles and content to trick people into sharing confidential data. Social media platforms are also vulnerable to hacking, which can have a negative impact on your business.

    Reputation damage
    Negative comments from dissatisfied customers, envious competitors or even unhappy employees can quickly spread online and cause significant damage to your brand’s image within seconds.

    Employee misconduct
    Certain employees may share offensive content or leak confidential information on social media, which can trigger a crisis that can be challenging for you to handle.

    Legal accountability
    Social media has the potential to blur the boundaries between personal and professional lives, which can, in turn, create legal liabilities for your business. If your employees make malicious remarks about competitors, clients or individuals, the public can hold you responsible for their actions. Employees may also face the consequences if their social media behavior violates the organization’s regulations.

    Phishing threats
    Social media phishing scams can target your business and employees by installing malware or ransomware through seemingly authentic posts.

    Fake LinkedIn jobs
    Cybercriminals often pose as recruiters on LinkedIn and post fake job listings to collect data for identity theft scams.

    Securing your business

    Taking proactive measures is essential to avoid social media risks, including:

    Checking privacy settings
    Set privacy settings to the highest level across all accounts, restricting your and your employees’ access to sensitive information.

    Strengthening security
    Employ robust passwords and multifactor authentication (MFA) to bolster account security.

    Establishing clear guidelines
    Enforce clear social media rules for company and personal devices, customizing policies to fit your industry’s unique risks.

    Educating your teams
    Educate your team on social media risks, imparting safe practices to thwart scams and phishing attempts.

    Identifying impersonation
    Develop protocols to detect and manage fake profiles and impersonations swiftly. Remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

    Vigilant monitoring
    Set up a system to monitor social media, promptly addressing fraudulent accounts or suspicious activity that could stain your brand image.

    Act now to safeguard your business

    Understanding the risks and adhering to social media best practices are crucial for businesses of all sizes. By following these guidelines, you can reduce your business’s vulnerability while reaping the rewards of social media.

    For comprehensive insights into social media safety, download our eBook “From Vulnerability to Vigilance: Social Media Safety.”

    Navigating the intricate realm of social media threats might seem daunting; however, our expert team stands ready to guide you through the ever-evolving digital landscape. Don’t wait until trouble strikes — connect with us today and fortify your digital presence.

  • A Deep Dive Into Phishing Scams

    Phishing scams remain one of the most prevalent and successful types of cyberattacks today, so being aware of the danger they pose to businesses like yours is extremely crucial. Your business could easily be the next victim if you don’t clearly understand how threat actors leverage phishing emails.

    In this blog, you’ll learn the intent behind phishing emails, the various types of phishing attacks, and most importantly, how you can secure your email and business.

    The goal behind phishing emails

    Cybercriminals use phishing emails to lure unsuspecting victims into taking actions that will affect business operations, such as sending money, sharing passwords, downloading malware or revealing sensitive data. The primary intent behind a phishing attack is to steal your money, data or both.

    Financial theft — The most common aim of a phishing attempt is to steal your money. Scammers use various tactics, such as business email compromise (BEC), to carry out fraudulent fund transfers or ransomware attacks to extort money.

    Data theft — For cybercriminals, your data, such as usernames and passwords, identity information (e.g., social security numbers) and financial data (e.g., credit card numbers or bank account information), is as good as gold. They can use your login credentials to commit financial thefts or inject malware. Your sensitive data can also be sold on the dark web for profit.

    Be vigilant and look out for these phishing attempts:

    • If an email asks you to click on a link, be wary. Scammers send out phishing emails with links containing malicious software that can steal your data and personal information.
    • If an email directs you to a website, be cautious. It could be a malicious website that can steal your personal information, such as your login credentials.
    • If an email contains an attachment, be alert. Malicious extensions disguised to look like a document, invoice or voicemail can infect your computer and steal your personal information.
    • If an email tries to rush you into taking an urgent action, such as transferring funds, be suspicious. Try to verify the authenticity of the request before taking any action.

     

    Different types of phishing

    It’s important to note that phishing attacks are constantly evolving and can target businesses of all sizes. While phishing emails are a common method used by cybercriminals, they also use texts, voice calls and social media messaging.

    Here are the different kinds of phishing traps that you should watch out for:

    Spear phishing — Scammers send highly personalized emails targeting individuals or businesses to convince them to share sensitive information such as login credentials or credit card information. Spear phishing emails are also used for spreading infected malware.

    Whaling — A type of spear phishing, whale phishing or whaling is a scam targeting high-level executives where the perpetrators impersonate trusted sources or websites to steal information or money.

    Smishing — An increasingly popular form of cyberattack, smishing uses text messages claiming to be from trusted sources to convince victims to share sensitive information or send money.

    Vishing — Cybercriminals use vishing or voice phishing to call victims while impersonating somebody from the IRS, a bank or the victim’s office, to name a few. The primary intent of voice phishing is to convince the victim to share sensitive personal information.

    Business email compromise (BEC) — A BEC is a spear phishing attack that uses a seemingly legitimate email address to trick the recipient, who is often a senior-level executive. The most common aim of a BEC scam is to convince an employee to send money to the cybercriminal while making them believe they are performing a legitimate, authorized business transaction.

    Angler phishing — Also known as social media phishing, this type of scam primarily targets social media users. Cybercriminals with fake customer service accounts trick disgruntled customers into revealing their sensitive information, including bank details. Scammers often target financial institutions and e-commerce businesses.

    Brand impersonation — Also known as brand spoofing, brand impersonation is a type of phishing scam carried out using emails, texts, voice calls and social media messages. Cybercriminals impersonate a popular business to trick its customers into revealing sensitive information. While brand impersonation is targeted mainly at the customers, the incident can tarnish the brand image.

    Bolster your email security

    Emails are crucial for the success of your business. However, implementing email best practices and safety standards on your own can be challenging. That’s why you should consider partnering with an IT service provider like us. We have the resources and tools to protect your business from cyberattacks, helping you to focus on critical tasks without any worry. Contact us now!

    Meanwhile, to learn how to secure your inbox, download our eBook — Your Guide to Email Safety — that will help you improve your email security and avoid potential traps.

  • Backup Strategies to Prevent Data Loss

    We live in a digital age where data has become one of the most valuable commodities in the world. Businesses collect huge volumes of data every day from their customers, and this data plays a critical role in their day-to-day operations. If business organizations happen to lose their data under any circumstance, the consequences can be quite catastrophic.

    This is the harsh reality of today’s digital business landscape. Businesses can experience data loss in many ways, ranging from natural disasters to cyberattacks. Should you suffer an unexpected data loss, your competitive advantage lies in how quickly you can get your operations up and running without experiencing major downtime.

    In this blog, we’ll take a brief look at the various dangers to business data and how you can prevent them with the right backup. We’ll also look at the different ways of backing up data and the advantages of using a robust business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR) solution.

    Why Do You Need Data Backup?

    Before we look at the different ways of backing up data, you need to know why your business requires data backup. Businesses commonly encounter the following data security threats to data in their everyday operations.

    • Cyberattacks: As technology evolves, cyberattacks continue to evolve as well. The growing threat of ransomware is a testament to that. According to the latest Verizon report, 27 percent of malware incidents can be attributed to ransomware attacks. While antimalware and antivirus programs can certainly offer protection, businesses need to think about what might happen in case of an unavoidable security breach and eventual data loss when formulating a data security strategy.
    • Natural disasters: Natural disasters such as floods, fire, earthquakes and the like pose a big threat to the traditional form of data storage and security. Do you have what it takes to bounce back if these disasters catch you off guard and wipe out your company’s data?
    • Hardware issues: Mishaps originating from hardware issues play a major role in business data loss. With traditional data storage methods, data is stored in a physical location on hard drives and backup appliances. Any hardware issues arising in these devices can pose a serious threat to your valuable data.
    • Human errors: Human errors still play a major role in data loss. According to Verizon, as much as 30 percent of data loss incidents are caused by internal actors. This could be attributed to anything from poor password practices to falling for phishing scams.

    All these factors indicate that data loss can happen to any organization irrespective of their size or the security precautions they take. What you need is a solid data backup solution to make sure that your lost data is not completely unrecoverable.

    How to Back Up Your data

    As you understand the importance of data backup, it’s inevitable that certain questions may spring to mind – What is the best way to store data? How many copies should you take?

    With regards to the best way of storing data, both cloud backup and on-site backup appliances need to be considered. This is because both have their own advantages and limitations. On-storage devices are faster, giving organizations full control over their data. However, they are prone to physical mishaps and hardware issues. Cloud-based backup, on the other hand, is not vulnerable to natural disasters but requires a lot of bandwidth to backup large files.

    The ideal backup strategy is one that combines both these approaches, with multiple copies stored in different locations. When it comes to backing up your data, you need to consider the 3-2-1 rule, which simultaneously answers your questions on what the right approach to data backup is and the number of copies that need to be made.

    As per this rule, it is prudent to have at least three copies of data – one production copy and two backup copies on two different media (internal hard drive and removable storage media) along with one off-site copy (cloud) for disaster recovery. Newer variations of this rule suggest having at least two copies (3-2-2 rule) on the cloud depending on the importance of your data. Ultimately, the more copies you make, the higher your chances of recovery after a loss.

    Advantages of BCDR Over File-Only Backups

    In crude terms, data backup is simply the process of making copies of your files and storing them. However, the main purpose of a backup is to get your business up and running in no time following an unexpected disaster. Hence, an effective backup strategy is symbiotic with business continuity as well. Business continuity refers to the ability of your organization to get back in working order as quickly as possible following an unexpected data loss.

    When you think about business continuity, you must think in terms of Recovery Time Objective (RTO) and Recovery Point Objective (RPO). RTO refers to the maximum time an application can be down without affecting the business. RPO refers to the maximum amount of data that can be lost without harming the business.

    A good BCDR solution will provide you with the following benefits:

    • Significant reduction in RTO and RPO
    • Ability to predict business restoration following an unexpected disaster
    • Reduction in downtime and associated revenue losses
    • Lower interruption to critical business processes
    • Avoid compromise to business reputation
    • Ability to customize disaster recovery as per your needs

     

    Best Practices for Data Backup

    While incorporating an effective backup strategy, you need to implement the following best practices to limit data loss:

    • Increase frequency: Digitally-run businesses are required to back up their data multiple times a day. Doing it once a day, at the end of business hours, is no longer sufficient, especially with the number of threats gunning for your data.
    • Use cloud backup: The Cloud has become an indispensable component of data backup in this digital age. Cloud backup comes with a multitude of benefits such as easy recovery, easy scalability, better cost efficiency and more.
    • Use the power of automation: Automation has become a game changer with regards to various IT tasks and backup is no exception. When you automate your disaster recovery process, you can bounce back from serious disasters and continue business operations without suffering too much downtime.
    • Determine your retention span: Retaining all data backup versions forever is not a feasible solution for most small businesses. Due to this, you need to determine the duration for which you will retain your data. This requirement will vary based on your industry, needs and compliance regulations. You need to come up with a solution that ticks all parameters.

     

    To Sum Up…

    Backup should be a part of every organization’s business strategy, irrespective of its size, location or industry. Threats to business data are very real and are happening at an alarming rate. In this scenario, a solid data backup plan could be the preventative measure that saves your business when disaster strikes.

    Talk to us today so we can help you zero in on an effective backup strategy that’s tailor-made for you.

  • Busting 3 Ransomware Myths

    It’s Time to Bust These 3 Ransomware Myths

     In today’s digital age, ransomware attacks are becoming increasingly frequent, sophisticated and costly. With cybercriminals constantly evolving their tactics and targeting businesses of all sizes, organizations like yours must proactively safeguard your data and systems. Unfortunately, many companies fall prey to common ransomware myths, which can leave them vulnerable to attacks and unprepared to respond effectively in the event of an incident.

    In this blog, we’ll debunk three of the most prevalent ransomware myths and provide the accurate information you need to protect your business. Understanding the realities of ransomware and taking proactive steps against it can mitigate the risk and ensure you’re prepared to fight against cybercriminals.

    Top Myths to Bust

    Without further ado, let’s debunk the ransomware myths you should avoid at any cost:

    Myth #1: If my business gets hit with ransomware, I’ll pay the ransom and return to business.
    Many businesses believe that paying a ransom is the quickest and easiest way to recover encrypted data. However, that’s just a dangerous assumption.

    Paying a ransom does not guarantee that the attackers will keep their word and provide the decryption key. Also, paying a ransom only encourages cybercriminals to carry out more attacks in the future.

    The best way to protect your business is to have a solid backup strategy and a comprehensive security plan in place.

    Myth #2: My backups will get me back up and running if I get hit with ransomware. 

    While backups are essential to ransomware prevention, it’s a myth that backups will always save the day. Cybercriminals have upgraded their tactics to compromise backup files as part of their attack strategy.

    With the rise of double extortion attacks, cybercriminals not only encrypt data but also steal it. This means that even if you have a backup strategy in place, your data may still be at risk if attackers threaten to leak sensitive data unless a ransom is paid.

    Myth #3: My antivirus software (or any other security solution) provides complete protection from ransomware attacks. 

    Antivirus software is essential to a comprehensive defense against ransomware, but it’s not enough. Relying on a single security product to defend against ransomware is a mistake. There’s no silver bullet solution to ransomware. However, implementing a defense-in-depth strategy can help your business build the most.

    Partner to succeed

    While it’s true that no security measure is foolproof, taking proactive steps to secure your data and systems can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to a ransomware attack. We can help ensure your organization is well-prepared to fight against ransomware and other cyberthreats. Feel free to reach out to us for a no-obligation consultation.

    To learn more about ransomware criminals and how to defend your business, download our infographic “The Anatomy of a Ransomware Attack.” It’s a valuable resource that can help you increase your basic understanding of ransomware, identify the signs if you’ve fallen victim and prepare you to defend against these attacks.

  • OneNote Being Used to Spread Malware

     

    With Microsoft disabling macros by default on Office documents, cybercriminals are left needing another means to launch malware that’s victim-supported by default.

    We should expect nothing less of threat actors; when pushed up against a wall with their most powerful asset – Office macros – taken away from them, the most cunning of them will find alternative methods. The challenge for the most sophisticated of cybercriminals is to ensure that the greatest number of potential victims have the application needed that acts as the launcher.

    According to a recent tweet from email security company Prevention Point, a new method involving weaponized OneNote attachments has been spotted in the wild. The initial phish looks relatively standard for a socially-engineered email.

    With the OneNote execution looking somewhere between unexpected (after all, who ever needs to double-click a button within an application to see a supported document?) and sort of brilliant (I would assume that most knowledge workers haven’t interacted frequently with OneNote, so, “maybe this is how it works?”).

    And to boot, the default installation of Office 365 (that is, the software installed on a Windows endpoint) includes OneNote.

    The takeaway here is this is downright dangerous – threat actors have found yet another new way to engage with users in a way that helps move their attack forward with a double-click. This example of the constant evolution of the phish perfectly justifies why organizations need to keep users continually enrolled in security awareness training so that Joe User is always kept up on their toes with security top of mind.

  • U.S Government Issues Advisory on Texting Scams

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued an advisory about a substantial increase in Robotext scams via automated smishing attacks.

    These attacks involve unsolicited and automated text messages impersonating entities such as government agencies or familiar businesses.

    Verizon’s 2022 Mobile Threat Index reports 45% of organizations have suffered a mobile compromise in 2022. That number increased 50% from 2021, and users using mobile devices in 53% of organizations have access to more sensitive data than a year ago.

    It shouldn’t come to any surprise that the FCC has put out an advisory warning about the increased use of robotexting-based phishing scams targeting mobile users, commonly called smishing. The FCC noted that unwanted text messages include false but believable claims about unpaid bills, package delivery snafus, bank account problems, or law enforcement actions.

    According to the Federal Trade Commission, Amazon is the most impersonated brand in smishing attacks. Apple, Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo are also common in robotext scams.

    Some malicious SMS’s may also contain links aimed at stealing personal information for use in subsequent attacks or sale to other threat actors. Cybercriminals such as FluBot operators also leveraged smishing attacks to spread malware.

    Warning signs of malicious robotexts or smishing messages include:

    • Unknown numbers
    • Misleading information
    • Misspellings to avoid blocking/filtering tools
    • 10-digit or longer phone numbers
    • Mysterious links
    • Sales pitches
    • Incomplete information

     

    Being proactive is key

    Here are some simple steps you can use to combat smishing attacks:

    • Avoid responding to unsolicited text messages even with the word “STOP” or “NO.”
    • Do not click on any links included in such SMSs. If your contact sends a link via text, confirm that they have not been hacked.
    • Avoid sending sensitive information via text messages
    • Report texting scam messages to SPAM (7726) and file a complaint with the FCC
    • Check for misspellings and text messages from email addresses
    • Delete all malicious texts from your phone
    • Update your device’s operating system and security apps

     

    Knowledge is power

    NTELogic has partnered with KnowBe4, the world’s leading provider of cybersecurity training, to bring organizations like yours a tailored security awareness training platform without the hassles of doing it yourself. Contact us today to learn more or to register for our free phishing test offer.

  • Does Your Organization Need Cybersecurity Awareness Training?

    Cybercriminals are getting smarter and more savvy with their attacks nowadays. Even the best security solutions in the world would not do any good if users are not cyber-aware and know what to do when they encounter suspected cyberthreats.

    Most cybercrime incidents begin on a smaller scale and do not become a full-blown data breach until it’s too late. 95% of cybersecurity breaches are caused by human error, and firewalls cannot keep a staff member from succumbing to a phishing email.

    According to data collected by the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, phishing attacks accounted for over half of all reported cybercrimes in 2021, and losses from phishing attacks topped $2.4 billion. In fact, phishing attacks increased by 280% in 2020 alone, and human-caused data breaches topped 82%.

    Email attacks almost always involve some sort of phishing. Phishing is the fraudulent practice of sending emails posing as a legitimate source to compel victims to reveal sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card numbers. You may have seen phishing emails before, offering you a free TV or asking you to change your password. While an email spam filter will catch many of these, some will still occasionally make it through to your inbox.

    Defending against phishing and social engineering attacks ultimately comes down to knowing what you’re up against. These can come in several forms, but the most common cyber-attacks are phishing emails that ask you for usernames, passwords, and personally identifiable information (PII). A good rule of thumb is to have healthy skepticism whenever an email asks for personal information—especially emails from an unexpected sender.

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    Register today for your free phishing security test and find out how many of your employees are phish-prone.

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    This can sound like quite the daunting task for any company, let alone a small business. The reality is that the opportunity cost of not training your employees is too high to ignore. According to IBM, the average cost of a data breach last year was $4.24 million. Thirty-eight percent of companies lost business because of a breach, which accounted for over half of the total financial losses.

    While cybersecurity awareness is the first step, employees must willingly embrace and proactively use cyber-secure practices both professionally and personally for it to truly be effective. This is known as a culture of security or security culture. Security culture is defined as an organization’s collective awareness, attitudes, and behaviors toward security.

    For security culture to be most effective, it’s important to make security training not only engaging but also relevant to employees so they understand how cybersecurity impacts them in and outside of work. The best part about cybersecurity training is that it can be customized to your organization’s needs. From a formal security awareness training program to a monthly email with cybersecurity tips and tricks, any cybersecurity awareness and training can significantly impact employee behavior.

    Our training platform consists of built-in phishing training and comes with the option of letting your organization create its own training courses and upload/deploy them internally. This can include, but is not limited to, employee safety, conduct (anti-harassment) and more. It could even be used for human resources (HR) training such as employee onboarding, policy training, etc.

    Contact us today to learn more or to register for our a free demonstration.

  • What Is Email Security, and Why Should You Care?

    Email is one of the most often used communication channels in business. It’s a fundamental part of modern communications. Email is also a medium that’s “always-on,” and people have access to it from anywhere. While it’s a necessity, it’s also a channel ripe with risk. That’s why email security is so critical.

    In this post, we’ll define what email security is, discuss the risks it presents, and provide you with best practices.

    What Is Email Security?

    Email security describes a variety of tactics, including:

    • Applying technology tools to inspect incoming emails for potential malicious threats
    • Encrypting or securing outbound email traffic to protect inboxes, data, users, and organizations from cybersecurity threats.

    Both inbound and outbound email are subject to security measures. Security measures can also relate to compliance checks for regulated data exchanges.

    Since the massive adoption of cloud-based email, the ecosystem has become more complex. As such, security tools and protocols have become more advanced to ensure the integrity of every message.

    So, what are the biggest threats to email security?

    Email Security Threats

    Email represents a means for cybercriminals to infiltrate a network. The most common way they do that is with phishing attacks. Phishing attacks are the practice of sending communications that are fraudulent but look like they’re coming from a reputable, known source. Phishing can lead to several adverse events.

    Recipients may click on a link and reveal sensitive information like credentials, allowing unauthorized persons to breach a network and gain access to confidential data.

    Phishing emails can also be carriers of malware or ransomware, which can also cause breaches or other failures.

    While phishing has been part of the hacker’s playbook for some time, it’s still a leading cause of cyber incidents, with 36 percent of all breaches tied to phishing. And email is the favorite option, with 96 percent of them arriving via email.

    In addition to phishing, access to a business email account by anyone outside of the owner could result in the compromise of proprietary information or intellectual property.

    Protecting email accounts is paramount to any company’s data security policies. The risk of breaches or other losses can be significant, financially and reputationally.

    To prevent as much of this as possible, you’ll want to follow best practices regarding email security.

    Email Security Best Practices

    Creating a robust email security posture is critical for your business. You’ll want your provider to offer multiple layers of protection, including monitoring and encryption. Training and educating staff is important as well.

    Here are the best practices that provide the most protection.

    Use multi-factor authentication

    Should a password be stolen, you can still keep unauthorized persons out with multi-factor authentication. Legitimate users will need more than just their password to “authenticate.”

    Add link protection tools

    Unfortunately, some phishing emails will still get through filters. If they do, the last thing you want is for a user to click that link. Link protection prevents users from accessing sites blacklisted as known phishing sites or having malicious code. Should someone click on it, the technology gauges the page’s reputation. If it’s unknown, a scan of it occurs in real time. If it’s not above board, a warning message appears.

    Deploy targeted attack protection

    The ecosystem of targeted attacks is growing, especially those that involve social engineering. In such cases, the email seems legitimate because the recipient was expecting it. It could be a receipt or a confirmation of a meeting. These can even include employee impersonation. With AI tools, email security rises to a new level. Such functionality flags suspicious emails, delivers insights into threat signals, and automatically remediates based on actions you’ve preconfigured.

    Protect outbound emails

    It’s not just emails your employees receive that need security; outbound emails also do. In many cases, you may be sending confidential attachments intended only for the actual recipient. That’s especially true for communication that’s subject to regulations like HIPAA. To adhere to these rules, you’ll need compliance templates with preconfigured code sets, keywords, and policies when sending PHI.

    Further, you also need safety nets in place should an employee inadvertently or negligently release sensitive data. With email encryption, you have a safe, secure, and reliable way to share this type of data and prevent data leakage.

    Keep software up to date

    Make sure that your administrator or provider auto-updates your email exchange. Failure to do this could leave you open to attacks. With auto-updates, every account or device gets the upgrades needed.

    Run phishing attack simulations

    Employees and their ability to respond correctly to phishing are critical in your defense posture. In addition to regular training and education on email and data security, you should also deploy phishing exercises. This helps them build awareness and be more cognizant of possible threats.

    Give administrators full visibility

    The final piece of the email security puzzle is providing administrators control and visibility across the entire enterprise. Security controls should be easy to understand and change as required. Administrators will have the necessary access to settings that ensure the safest email environment.

    How Secure Is Your Email Exchange?

    Does your current email exchange offer you all these protections? Are you concerned about what could happen without more rigorous features? Then you’ll want to know all about NTELogic Email Protection. Explore all it can do and why so many businesses trust it and us today!