As a collective of cybersecurity experts, we understand the unique challenges you face. Let’s embark on a journey through the treacherous terrain of modern cyber threats and equip you with the knowledge to safeguard your digital assets.

The Rising Tide of Phishing Attacks

Imagine receiving an email that appears to be from your bank, requesting urgent account verification. This is a classic example of phishing attacks. These insidious campaigns leverage social engineering tactics to trick unsuspecting employees into divulging sensitive information. Cybercriminals craft emails that mimic legitimate communications, often impersonating trusted entities. We’ve seen a surge in ever more sophisticated phishing attacks, where the language and branding are virtually indistinguishable from the real deal.

To combat this, we recommend implementing robust employee training programs. Educating your team about the telltale signs of phishing — suspicious sender addresses, grammatical errors, and urgent requests — is paramount. Regular simulated phishing exercises can also help identify your vulnerabilities and reinforce best practices.

Ransomware Attacks

Picture this: all your computer screens suddenly lock, displaying a message demanding a hefty ransom in exchange for regaining access to your files. This nightmare scenario is called a ransomware attack. They’re malicious programs that encrypt your data, rendering it inaccessible until a ransom is paid. Small businesses, often perceived as having weaker defenses, are prime targets.

We’ve observed a disturbing trend where ransomware operators not only encrypt data but also threaten to publicly release it if the ransom isn’t paid. This double extortion adds another layer of complexity to the already devastating impact of ransomware.

To mitigate this risk, we emphasize the importance of regular data backups. Implementing the 3-2-1 backup rule — three copies of your data, on two different media, with one copy offsite — is crucial.

Additionally, keeping software and operating systems updated with the latest security patches can prevent any known vulnerabilities from being exploited.

Malware Infections

Malware infections are like a silent invasion, infiltrating your systems and wreaking havoc without your knowledge. These malicious software programs come in various forms, including viruses, worms, and Trojans. They can steal sensitive data, disrupt operations, and even grant unauthorized access to your networks.

We’ve seen a proliferation of sophisticated malware variants, often designed to evade traditional antivirus software. Employing a multi-layered security approach is essential. This includes using next-generation antivirus solutions, implementing intrusion detection systems, and regularly scanning for vulnerabilities.

Weak Passwords

In cybersecurity, a weak password is like leaving your front door unlocked and ajar. Many breaches are due to easily guessable or compromised passwords. We often encounter situations where employees use the same password across multiple accounts, amplifying the risk of a single breach leading to widespread compromise.

We advocate for the adoption of strong, unique passwords for every account. Consider using a password manager to generate and securely store complex passwords. Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security, requiring users to provide additional verification beyond just a password.

Insider Threats

While external threats often dominate headlines, the danger of insider threats should not be overlooked. These threats can originate from disgruntled employees, contractors, even accidental errors. In many cases, employees inadvertently expose sensitive data simply through negligence or lack of awareness.

Implementing robust access controls and monitoring user activity can help detect and prevent insider threats. Regular security awareness training can also educate employees about the importance of data protection and the potential consequences of their actions.

Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks

Your website suddenly becomes inaccessible, leaving customers frustrated and unable to conduct business: This is the impact of a Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack. They overwhelm your servers with a flood of traffic, rendering them unavailable.

We’ve observed a growing trend of DDoS attacks targeting small businesses, often as part of extortion attempts. Implementing DDoS mitigation services can help protect your website and online services from these attacks.

Mobile Device Security

In today’s mobile-first world, neglecting mobile device security can leave your business vulnerable. Employees often use their personal devices for work purposes, creating a potential entry point for cybercriminals.

We recommend implementing mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies and protect sensitive data. Educating employees about the risks of using unsecured Wi-Fi networks and downloading apps from untrusted sources is also crucial.

Neglecting Regular Security Assessments

Just like a physical health checkup, regular security assessments are vital for maintaining the health of your cybersecurity posture. We often find that small businesses neglect to conduct regular vulnerability scans and penetration testing, leaving them unaware of potential weaknesses.

We encourage you to conduct regular security assessments to identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Engaging with reputable cybersecurity professionals can provide valuable insights and recommendations.

The Importance of Incident Response Planning

Even with the best defenses in place, a security incident can still occur. Having a well-defined incident response plan can help you minimize the impact and recover quickly. We’ve seen cases where businesses without a plan suffer significant financial and reputational damage.

We recommend developing a comprehensive incident response plan that outlines the steps to take in the event of a security breach. This includes identifying key personnel, establishing communication protocols, and defining procedures for data recovery and incident reporting.

Intelinet | Crucial Cybersecurity for Small Business

Navigating the landscape of top cybersecurity threats facing small businesses today requires vigilance and proactive measures. By understanding the risks and implementing robust security practices, we can collectively build a more resilient digital ecosystem. We urge you to prioritize cybersecurity and invest in the necessary resources to protect your business.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact us today for a comprehensive cybersecurity assessment and personalized recommendations to safeguard your business from evolving threats. Let us help you navigate the digital minefield and build a secure future.

FAQ

Q. What are the most common phishing tactics used against small businesses?

Common phishing tactics include impersonating trusted entities like banks or suppliers, creating a sense of urgency, and using scare tactics to trick employees into divulging sensitive information.

Q. How can I protect my business from ransomware attacks?

Implementing regular data backups, keeping software updated, and educating employees about phishing and other social engineering tactics can help prevent ransomware attacks.

Q. What is multi-factor authentication (MFA) and why is it important?

MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide additional verification beyond just a password, such as a code sent to their mobile device. This makes it significantly harder for cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access.

Q. How often should I conduct security assessments?

We recommend conducting security assessments at least annually, or more frequently if you experience significant changes to your IT infrastructure or if you handle sensitive data.

Q. What should I include in an incident response plan?

An incident response plan should include procedures for identifying and containing security incidents, notifying affected parties, and recovering data and systems. It should also include contact information for key personnel and external resources.

The post Top Cybersecurity Threats Facing Small Businesses Today appeared first on Springfield I.T. Department.

What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?

Multi-Factor Authentication is a security system that requires more than one distinct authentication factor to verify the user’s identity for a login or other transaction. It’s like adding multiple locks to your front door – even if a burglar has the key to one lock, they still can’t get in without the keys to the others.

MFA typically combines something you know (like a password), something you have (like a security token or smartphone), and/or something you are (like a fingerprint or facial recognition).

Why is MFA Critical in Cybersecurity?

MFA is crucial because it significantly strengthens your security posture. Here’s why:

• Password Breaches: Passwords can be easily compromised through phishing attacks, data breaches, or brute-force attacks. MFA adds an extra layer of security, making it much harder for attackers to gain access even if they have your password.
• Unauthorized Access: MFA makes it significantly more difficult for unauthorized users to access your accounts, even if they manage to obtain your login credentials. This is particularly important for accounts that contain sensitive information, such as financial accounts, email accounts, and social media accounts.
• Cybercriminals: Knowing that an account is protected by MFA can deter cybercriminals. Most attackers look for easy targets, and MFA adds complexity to the breach process, making your accounts less attractive.
• Security Standards: Many industries and organizations have regulatory requirements for data protection. Implementing MFA helps ensure compliance with these standards, such as HIPAA, PCI DSS, and GDPR.
• Peace of Mind: MFA provides the peace of mind of knowing your accounts are better protected from unauthorized access.

Types of MFA

There are several types of authentication factors commonly used in MFA:

• Knowledge Factors: Something you know, such as a password, PIN, or security question.
• Possession Factors: Something you have, such as a smartphone, security token, or smart card.
• Inherence Factors: Something you are, such as a fingerprint, facial recognition, or voice recognition.
• Location Factors: Your physical location, verified through GPS or IP address.
• Time Factors: Restricting access to certain times of day or days of the week.

How to Implement MFA

Implementing MFA is typically straightforward. Many online services and applications offer built-in MFA options. Here are some common methods:

• SMS Verification: You receive a text message with a one-time code that you need to enter to log in.
• Authenticator Apps: Apps like Google Authenticator or Authy generate time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) on your smartphone.
• Hardware Tokens: Small physical devices that generate one-time passwords.
• Biometrics: Using your fingerprint, facial recognition, or voice recognition to verify your identity.
• Push Notifications: You receive a notification on your smartphone that you need to approve to log in.

Step-by-Step Guide to Enabling MFA

1. Confirm your accounts offer MFA: Most online services and applications have MFA settings within their security or account settings.
2. Choose your preferred MFA method: Select the MFA method that best suits your needs and preferences.
3. Follow setup instructions: Each MFA method will have specific setup instructions. This usually involves linking your smartphone or another device to your account.
4. Test your setup: After enabling MFA, test it to ensure it’s working correctly.
5. Keep your MFA devices secure: Protect your smartphone and other MFA devices with strong passwords and security measures.

Multi-Factor Authentication FAQ

Q: Is MFA completely foolproof?

While MFA significantly strengthens security, no system is entirely foolproof. Advanced techniques like SIM swapping or phishing attacks targeting MFA can still pose threats. However, MFA makes it substantially harder for attackers to succeed.

Q: What if I lose my MFA device?

Most services offer account recovery options, such as backup codes or alternative verification methods, to regain access to your account if you lose your MFA device.

Q: Is MFA inconvenient?

MFA adds an extra step to the login process, but the added security benefits far outweigh the minor inconvenience. Many MFA methods, like push notifications, are quick and easy to use.

Intelinet | Your #1 Cybersecurity Source

In today’s increasingly interconnected world, Multi-Factor Authentication is no longer optional but a necessity. It’s a crucial tool for protecting your online accounts and sensitive information from unauthorized access. By implementing MFA, you significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks and enhance your overall cybersecurity posture. I urge everyone to take advantage of MFA wherever it’s available and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your accounts are better protected.

Take the time to review the security settings of your online accounts and enable Multi-Factor Authentication wherever possible. It’s a simple yet powerful step you can take to safeguard yourself in the digital world. And make sure to contact us at Intelinet for all your security needs.

The post The Critical Role of Multi-Factor Authentication in Cybersecurity appeared first on Springfield I.T. Department.

Think about it… We change the oil in our cars every so often. We get our teeth cleaned every so often. We balance our checkbook every so often… OK, I’m not good about this one, but my point is… Have you done a telecom audit this year?

Did you know, the average Intelinet customer could save between $200 and $500 (or possibly more) each month in telecom services?

That is an average of $5,400 a year in saving!

With Springfield I.T. Department, you have full access to specialists, engineers and all the pricing discounts from over 70 providers! As a trusted provider, we have been serving the globe for Voice, Internet, IT and Cloud solutions, while saving companies just like yours, tons of money.

What’s the Process?
After we perform a comprehensive analysis of your business and technology direction, we audit your current expenses and provide you with proposals from all providers that offer services that would best meet your needs.

How Much Money Can You Save?
For the past 15 years, our consulting team has saved our clients an average of 30% on their telecommunications and bandwidth expenses. We ensure you are getting the lowest price from all providers with our comprehensive analysis. The best part— There’s no cost or obligation to our clients!

What’s the Next Step?
If you thinking about changing, please get a copy of your current phone bill and any agreements you have over to Springfield I.T. Department for a FREE No Obligation Audit.

What Are You Waiting For?
Email me directly and start saving money today! Just send it to jwheeler@intelinetsystems.com We’re looking forward to saving you money and increasing your Internet speeds!

Providing Solutions for Real Results,

Jeff Wheeler
Managing Partner, VCIO

At Springfield I.T. Department our mission is to exceed your technology needs and expectations with our proven solutions, knowledgeable support staff, industry leading consulting and sales services, and skilled technical experts.

The post More Internet Speed For Less $$$ appeared first on Springfield I.T. Department.

IntelinetSystems.com is here to answer any concerns you may have about securing your data. Contact us 972.331.3300 and we will answer any questions, or show you what we can do to address your needs.

Providing Solutions for Real Results,

At Springfield I.T. Department our mission is to exceed your technology needs and expectations with our proven solutions, knowledgeable support staff, industry leading consulting and sales services, and skilled technical experts.

The post Security Alert: Rombertik Could Compromise Your Entire Computer appeared first on Springfield I.T. Department.

Uber users have taken to Twitter to reveal that their accounts have been used by unknown, unauthorized people to book and pay for rides. And this could be what’s happening…

• It started with a thread written in December 2014—a configuration file that, when combined with an account cracking program, helps hackers break into accounts on websites.
• The configuration file tells the cracking program how exactly to interact with a specific website, so different login attempts can be made as quickly as possible.
• Computer criminals can get their hands on data dumps of email and password combinations fairly easily.
• Hackers then run the dump list by individual websites and wait for a match.

The easiest thing you can do to protect your account right now is actually to follow Uber’s advice and change your password to something unique, so hackers who have stolen credentials from other services can’t reuse them on Uber.

Keep in mind that using the same email/password combo for your accounts, especially when they’re connected to your bank, credit card or PayPal account is like having a single key to open everything—impractical and unsafe. Treat your email addresses and passwords as you do with your home security. Multiple locks (doorknob, deadbolt, etc.), each requiring their own key, helps keep your valuables protected.

For more information on how to protect yourself and your company from current threats make sure to read this month’s article – IT Lessons From Grandma, A Stitch In Time Saves Nine

The post Security Alert: Are you giving someone a “free ride”?? appeared first on Springfield I.T. Department.

O.k., maybe Grandma doesn’t have a lot of knowledge when it comes to today’s information technology, but that sage advice, a stitch in time saves nine could be the opening line for an IT manifesto.

Bad guys are getting better at disguising phishing scams and malware, and your email account is a vulnerable (and favorite) place for hackers to break in. Threats come in many forms—messages can be intercepted as they bounce from server to server, a simple advertisement can link to dangerous malware, sensitive information can be accessed through your saved or backed up emails, and when using a shared network, anyone can easily capture your email login credentials and any messages you send or receive.

While many companies set up strict policies for their users browsers and invest in advanced network security, there is often minimal protection when it comes to this essential part of your daily communications. Look at what’s happening with the IRS right now—in all, hackers made about 200,000 attempts to access “Get Transcript” from questionable e-mail domains and 104,000 of these attempts were successful. Can’t you just imagine Grandma wagging her finger at Uncle Sam? And guess what she would be saying… Yep, that’s right!

One bad apple can spoil the whole barrel, but you don’t need to get your feathers all ruffled up about how to block spam, phishing scams, malware, and dangerous email content before it reaches your network. Grandma doesn’t need to put in her two-cents for you to understand that your business is only as strong as the people working for you. Don’t waste anymore time—make Springfield I.T. Department and our superior Email Protection part of your team and we will keep your network guarded against all the latest threats, so you can focus on securing your business.

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After July 14, Microsoft will no longer issue security updates for any version of Windows Server 2003. If you are still running Windows Server 2003 your operating system will no longer be protected from outside intruders. This means:

• Compromised Security
• Non-Compliance
• Increased Maintenance
• Increased Costs

Even the Department of Homeland Security issued a warning regarding this expiration and advised that businesses should migrate off of Server 2003.

Avoiding or postponing migration to a new operating system will be putting your business at serious risk!

Don’t delay, call Intelinet at 417-942-5636 and we can develop a custom plan for a seamless migration that will have your organization running even better than before!

For more information on Windows Server 2003 end of support read our latest post.

Providing Solutions for Real Results,

At Springfield I.T. Department our mission is to exceed your technology needs and expectations with our proven solutions, knowledgeable support staff, industry leading consulting and sales services, and skilled technical experts.

The post Security Alert: Windows 2003 Reaches The End of Support! appeared first on Springfield I.T. Department.

Big news and big moves. If you fail (or postpone) migrating to a new system, you are putting your business at risk!

Could your company use something like Windows Server 2012 R2? This new system brings Microsoft’s reliable experience—delivering global scale cloud services into your infrastructure with new features and enhancements in virtualization, management, storage, networking, virtual desktop infrastructure, access and information protection, the web and application platform, and more. Or maybe your organization will benefit more from Microsoft Azure and its open and flexible cloud platform that enables you to quickly build, deploy and manage applications and services.

Securing your business with a new operating system will bring both peace of mind and better efficiency into the workplace. Now is the time to make a move and Intelinet’s top-rated IT staff and first class customer service team are ready to support you. Call 417-942-5636 today.

Providing Solutions for Real Results,

At Springfield I.T. Department our mission is to exceed your technology needs and expectations with our proven solutions, knowledgeable support staff, industry leading consulting and sales services, and skilled technical experts.

The post IT Highlight: No More Support for Windows Server 2003 appeared first on Springfield I.T. Department.

Cryptolocker

There’s been a lot of news surrounding network security in the last month. Cryptolocker-variant ransomware is one of the biggest threats at the moment. If you aren’t familiar with this malware, it’s a type of software that once installed, begins digitally locking all of your files. It notifies you once it has completed encrypting all the data it can find – and then requests a ‘ransom’ sum of between $200-$600 to un-encrypt (unlock) your data!

The worst part about Cryptolocker is that as of today, there is no way to decrypt your data once the malware has run its course. The only current “fix” is to have good backups. Since the malware keeps changing variants every few weeks, it is incredibly difficult to prevent in advance, but fairly simply to recover from, if you have regular backups!

Superfish

Another headline in news lately has been the discovery of spyware shipping pre-installed on IBM/Lenovo systems. This particular spyware breaks secure HTTP/Web connections, and can potentially be used easily by hackers to spoof security certificates when visiting legitimate websites. You are most likely only at risk if you’ve purchased a Lenovo system recently. If you are at all concerned that you might be at risk, please contact us and we can evaluate your systems for threats.

Phishing

Phishing attacks are even more popular than usual lately. Phishing generally refers to an email or website impersonating another legitimate site, person or sender in an attempt to obtain some of your personal data. Generally, this includes asking for you to log in before obtaining a file, requesting you send your passwords to your “IT administrator”, or for credit card/social security information to “confirm your identity”.

If you ever receive a suspicious email, don’t open it! Please forward it to one of our techs at kjayne@intelinetsystems.com. Let us check it out and save you the potential risk and worry of exposure. *For more information on protecting your business from potential threats like these, read our latest post on disaster prevention.

The post Security Alert: The Newest Viruses Threatening Your Company! appeared first on Springfield I.T. Department.

In case you haven’t, it’s the biggest security vulnerability since the birth of the Internet.

While most companies have already updated their systems, you should always get into a good habit of changing your passwords on a regular basis.

I know this is harder said than done. Most of us are guilty of using the same, simple passwords on multiple websites and don’t bother to ever change them unless it’s forced upon us.

And who can blame us? My brain isn’t capable of remembering hundreds of passwords (the number of saved passwords I have on Lastpass is 567).

Lastpass itself was potentially affected by Heartbleed as well.

What you can do right now

Use this convenient tool https://lastpass.com/heartbleed/to check if the websites you use were affected.

If so, change your login password for that site immediately.

Fortunately, virtually all banks seem to be clear. But it’s probably wise to change the passwords you use for your financial institutions anyway.

Is Your Company Safe?

If you’d like, feel free to contact Intelinet if you think you were affected by Heartbleed, or if you’re not sure.

Open Source to blame?

No, no, and no.

There are a lot of people pointing the blame at open source, but I think that’s irresponsible.

If we’re to truly learn from this, it’s the policies and our own security processes that need to be investigated.

For more information

http://heartbleed.com/

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2456884,00.asp

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/21/heartbleed-bug-poll_n_5175663.html

http://mashable.com/2014/04/09/heartbleed-bug-websites-affected/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heartbleed

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