Friday, May 29, 2020

IT Leaders Recognize the Risks of Remote Work

   

The cybersecurity risks of remote work have received center-stage in light of the workplace restrictions in place because of COVID-19. However, these risks were well-known, even before COVID-19. According to a recent study, in 2019, nearly half of IT leaders admitted that remote workers had intentionally or accidentally put data security at risk. Most prominently, apathy or a failure to take security seriously was identified as one of the most substantial risks associated with remote work. 
Simply put, many remote workers are not attuned to the data security risks experienced when working from home. In some cases, murky technology policies contribute to the risk, but other factors, like being unprepared to identify and respond to phishing scams, pose a significant threat to data security. Fortunately, companies can move the meter in this regard, as intentional strategies, like comprehensive employee awareness training, can equip employees to be a prominent defender of data security. 
We have created a toolkit to help you secure your remote workforce quickly and affordably. Please don’t hesitate to contact my team to find out more about how our cybersecurity suite can help mitigate the risks of remote work.

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5863

Thursday, May 28, 2020

Real examples of phishing emails - Beware of what you click.











Bit by Bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5863

Many Employees Feel Vulnerable to Cyberattacks

  

A survey of more than 1,500 UK employees found widespread fear of becoming the victim of a cyberattack following the national order to impose social distancing and transition to remote work. 49% of respondents indicated that they lack confidence in their computer hardware, and 42% reported receiving a suspicious email while working from home.  
Notably, 18% indicated that they’d experienced a cybersecurity event while working from home, and more than half of breach victims indicated a malicious email was to blame. Phishing attacks have soared, up over 600% in the wake of COVID-19.  
While some participants felt that their employers provided helpful defensive tools, like antivirus software or access to a VPN service, only 28% received specific training for the endpoints and applications that comprise their workflow.  
The risks of remote work are well-documented, and with this arrangement likely to continue for the foreseeable future, now is the perfect time to ensure that your employees have the tools necessary to protect your valuable data.   

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5863

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

BBB Newsletter: What Have We Learned IT-Wise from COVID?

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CONTACT US
 
What Have We Learned IT-Wise from COVID & Where Do We Go from Here?
Thank you to Jeff Miller from our partner Arctic Wolf Network for this guest blog on the state of IT during COVID and how we can adapt to the...
 
Are Your Zoom Credentials for Sale on the Dark Web?
With all of us on Zoom these days, hackers are having a field day stealing credentials and selling identities on the Dark Web. 
How do you know...
 
Website Security: Don't Just Assume
Thank you to GreyBox Creative for this guest blog on the state of website security.
We're keeping our Bit by Bit website secure, are you?
 
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Twitter
LinkedIn
 
 
Coming in June:
Microsoft Virtual TEAMS WORKSHOP
Time/Day to be posted on our Events page soon.
 
Questions?
Get in touch with us today!   

 CONTACT US   SUPPORT CENTER
 

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5863

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

5 Ways an IT Service Provider can Help You Avoid Scams


Many businesses face scams on an almost daily basis. These IT scams come in all shapes and sizes, whether it is a phishing email or a social engineering scheme. Understanding how to identify these scams is essential in staying a step ahead of these criminals. An IT service provider can play a key role in keeping your organization well-protected against these ever-evolving schemes. Here are five ways a managed IT service provider can help your business avoid scams in the workplace.

#1 IT Security Awareness Training
One of the most effective ways to avoid these scams is to enroll in IT security awareness training from a managed service provider. These IT training courses educate employees on the latest cyber schemes that target businesses. One cyber attack can devastate any company, but these IT training classes can be scheduled on an ongoing basis to give you the ultimate protection from these threats.

#2 Password Management
Creating strong passwords is essential in keeping your data safe and secure. A managed service provider can help your employees develop effective passwords to maximize security. A few traits of a strong password is that it consists of multiple lowercase and uppercase letters, symbols, and numbers. These passwords should never contain common phrases or any personal information. An IT service provider will ensure that each employee follows these password protocols to maximize data security in the workplace.

#3 Access to Latest Security Updates
Keeping all of your software updated is critical in enhancing cybersecurity for your company. An IT service provider will automatically download these updates to give your business the best protection against cyber threats. These security updates play a crucial role in patching any potential software vulnerabilities and is just one more layer of protection against cybercriminals.

#4 Download Advanced Malware Protection
Advanced malware protection is critical to combat the ever-growing number of cyber threats that businesses face each day. Advanced malware protection differentiates itself from traditional malware protection by providing continuous analysis and retrospective IT security. Advanced features also include outbreak control, global threat intelligence, file trajectory, and much more. An IT service provider will also monitor your business at all times to identify any unusual activity that may compromise your organization.

#5 Upload Data Backups on the Cloud
Many times cybercriminals attempt to hold your data hostage by requiring you to pay a large amount of money to regain access to these files. These ransomware attacks can devastate your entire business and lead to many hours of downtime. However, a managed service provider can help you avoid these attacks by uploading all of your critical data on to the cloud each day. These data backups allow you to easily access your information at any time without giving in to the demands of cybercriminals.

Understanding how to avoid these scams is essential in today's work environment. Focusing on IT security awareness training, password management, and access to the latest security updates play a big role in keeping your business protected against scams. A managed service provider will also give you access to advanced malware protection and data backups to help you avoid being a victim of cyber crimes. These cyber attacks will continue to pose major threats, but an IT service provider is one of the most effective ways to keep your company secure.

Robert Blake   Director, Bit by Bit Computer
photo Phone: 877.860.5831 x190
Mobile: 972.365.7010
Email: Robert.Blake@bitxbit.com
Website: www.bitxbit.com/texas
Address: 721 N Fielder Road, Suite B Arlington TX 76012
Blog: www.3boffice.com
Request meeting: https://calendly.com/robertblake
"A true friend is one who overlooks your failures and tolerates your success!" - Doug Larson.

Bit by Bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5863

IT Leaders Recognize the Risks of Remote Work

   

The cybersecurity risks of remote work have received center-stage in light of the workplace restrictions in place because of COVID-19. However, these risks were well-known, even before COVID-19. According to a recent study, in 2019, nearly half of IT leaders admitted that remote workers had intentionally or accidentally put data security at risk. Most prominently, apathy or a failure to take security seriously was identified as one of the most substantial risks associated with remote work. 
Simply put, many remote workers are not attuned to the data security risks experienced when working from home. In some cases, murky technology policies contribute to the risk, but other factors, like being unprepared to identify and respond to phishing scams, pose a significant threat to data security. Fortunately, companies can move the meter in this regard, as intentional strategies, like comprehensive employee awareness training, can equip employees to be a prominent defender of data security. 
We have created a toolkit to help you secure your remote workforce quickly and affordably. Please don’t hesitate to contact my team to find out more about how our cybersecurity suite can help mitigate the risks of remote work.


Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5863

Monday, May 25, 2020

Many Employees Feel Vulnerable to Cyberattacks

   

A survey of more than 1,500 UK employees found widespread fear of becoming the victim of a cyberattack following the national order to impose social distancing and transition to remote work. 49% of respondents indicated that they lack confidence in their computer hardware, and 42% reported receiving a suspicious email while working from home.  
Notably, 18% indicated that they’d experienced a cybersecurity event while working from home, and more than half of breach victims indicated a malicious email was to blame. Phishing attacks have soared, up over 600% in the wake of COVID-19.  
While some participants felt that their employers provided helpful defensive tools, like antivirus software or access to a VPN service, only 28% received specific training for the endpoints and applications that comprise their workflow.  
The risks of remote work are well-documented, and with this arrangement likely to continue for the foreseeable future, now is the perfect time to ensure that your employees have the tools necessary to protect your valuable data.   

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5863

Thursday, May 21, 2020

DarkWeb Trends

phishing scams compromise patient data, ransomware disrupts remote work, the sale of the world’s largest whiskey collection is thwarted, and employees struggle to deter cybersecurity threats while working from home.
  • Top Source Hits: ID Theft Forums
  • Top Compromise Type: Domain
  • Top Industry: Education & Research
  • Top Employee Count: 1-10

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5863

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

50,000 Companies Send Employees Home with Infected Devices

 

In a rush to enable employees to work remotely, many companies unknowingly sent staffers home with compromised devices. A recent study found that as many as 50,000 companies issued already-compromised devices that were protected at the office by company firewalls and other in-house defensive measures but not outside of it.  
These compromised devices are now operating on lightly-secured home or public Wi-Fi networks in an unmoderated environment, and that brings a deluge of cybersecurity risks. At ID Agent, we’ve compiled several resources to help mitigate risks like this for your remote workforce including a guide for addressing remote work vulnerabilities
Adding an extra layer of protection for access to your data and systems is crucial. That’s why we’re excited to be able to provide you with a cutting-edge secure identity and access management solution that was designed with remote workers in mind – at an excellent value.
Passly is perfect for securing company data when workers and administrators are away from the office. Scalable and quick to deploy, Passly provides a single sign-on Launchpad tailored for each user and integrates seamlessly with the applications that your staffers use every day. Multifactor authentication means that even if passwords are compromised, an extra credential is needed to access your data and systems. 
We’re here to help as your company adjusts its cybersecurity strategy to meet the new challenges of our changed world and shifting threat landscape. If we can support your efforts during this tumultuous time, please contact us today. 

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5863

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Hackers Use Stolen Credentials to Attack Hospitals with Ransomware

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals, and healthcare facilities have dealt with a deluge of cyberattacks, and ransomware has been especially pernicious. According to the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), hackers infiltrated many of these organizations using stolen credentials obtained from a known vulnerability in their Pulse Secure VPN servers.  

This threat was first identified in October 2019, with the CISA and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation both issuing subsequent alerts in January and April of 2020. Unfortunately, even after repairing the vulnerability, the agencies have seen examples of cybercriminals using compromised credentials to access company networks. 
The incident is a reminder of the importance of acting swiftly to address cybersecurity vulnerabilities but also of maintaining insights into the Dark Web, where stolen login information can quickly circulate and create chaos for your IT infrastructure.  
COVID-19 is creating a more perilous digital environment for companies, making now the right time to double-down on cybersecurity initiatives that can prevent a breach.  

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5863

Friday, May 15, 2020

Dark Web ID Trends:

phishing scams continue to inundate healthcare providers, malware steals SMB customer data at checkout, and thousands of companies send employees home with compromised devices. 
  • Top Source Hits: ID Theft Forums
  • Top Compromise Type: Domain
  • Top Industry: Manufacturing
  • Top Employee Count: 51-100

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5863

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

COVID-19 Treatment Centers Targeted by Cybercrime

    

This week, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) issued a warning that hackers are increasingly targeting companies pursuing treatments for the novel Coronavirus. As a result, the FBI warned, “Now is the time to protect critical research you’re conducting.”   
Of course, it’s not just researchers experiencing a surge in COVID-19-related cyberattacks. Other healthcare facilities, including hospitals, testing facilities, and specialty care units have experienced a barrage of phishing scams, ransomware attacks, and other cyberattacks. This activity is part of a concerted effort by cybercriminals to take advantage of this scary and destabilizing moment to steal valuable company and customer data. 
Consequently, now is the time for every company to reassess its cyber preparedness in light of the new realities posed by COVID-19. If we can support these efforts in any way, please don’t hesitate to contact our team! 

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5863

Monday, May 11, 2020

Thousands of Zoom Credentials Available on Dark Web

     

As we recently reported in our blog, Zoom and other video conferencing services have soared in popularity, but their convenience can come at a steep cost to cybersecurity. Unfortunately, these services have been subject to a litany of cyber threats. Terms like “Zoom bombing” are now part of our vernacular as Zoom takes the most heat for cybersecurity weaknesses, but other services have faced privacy concerns of their own.  
This reality was underscored this week when cybersecurity researchers discovered more than 2,300 Zoom credentials for sale on the Dark Web. In addition to potentially embarrassing drop-ins, this information could allow hackers to execute a number of cybercrimes, including phishing scams, that could cause real problems for Zoom users.
Ultimately, it’s a reminder that this new remote reality is fraught with cybersecurity concerns that companies need to address. Being aware of potential threats through ongoing Dark Web monitoring is one way to stay ahead of the game during this critical time. 


Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5863

Thursday, May 7, 2020

Dark Web ID Trends:

compromised email accounts expose customer data, ransomware disrupts remote work, and the FBI releases a new warning about COVID-19 related healthcare cybercrime.    
  • Top Source Hits: ID Theft Forums
  • Top Compromise Type: Domain
  • Top Industry: High-Tech & IT
  • Top Employee Count: 11-50

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5863

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

North Texas Giving Day

Thanks to you, River Legacy Foundation has been helping people fall in love with nature for more than 30 years.  With your help, we have guided hundreds of thousands of students and guests into the woods to experience the wonder of the outdoors. 
We invite them to be part of something bigger than themselves. 

COVID-19 restrictions prohibit these vital Field Investigations. River Legacy Nature Center is closed temporarily. Animal explorations and discovery learning classes are shut down. Fundraisers and festivals are cancelled. 

We pivoted our outreach efforts to virtual environmental education!  We started providing environmental education on Facebook and Instagram the first week of COVID-19 restrictions and we continue to provide it every weekday! Please help deliver Nature to phones, tablets and computers in our community.

Today on North Texas Giving Day Now, we invite you to be a part of something great. The joy that nature brings is more important than ever, and we need your help.

Can you help us continue to provide environmental education to these hundreds of thousands of students?

 Can you help us deliver Nature to people in need in our community?

Can you help us continue to give the best quality care to the over 80 animals that live in our Nature Center?

Can you help us spread the joy of the outdoors?

Your donation will help TWICE as many people DISCOVER NATURE.
River Legacy Board of Directors will DOUBLE your DONATION through a Matching Grant. 

River Legacy Foundation reply@riverlegacy.org | www.riverlegacy.org

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5863