Thursday, October 10, 2019

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Monday, October 7, 2019

Cybersecurity Awareness Month



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

Brute Force Attacks are the Preferred Method for Spreading Ransomware



Ransomware attacks are on the rise in 2019, making headlines as they afflict local governments and SMBs with frightening regularity. At the same time, the cost of a ransomware attack is rising precipitously, making these attacks one of the most complicated and feared cybersecurity risks this year. 

However, cybersecurity researchers at F-Secure found that brute force attacks are one of the most prevalent methodologies deployed by hackers, occurring in 31% of ransomware attacks. This approach leverages common or weak passwords to access employee email accounts or company networks where malware can be deployed. 

Consequently, companies can reduce their exposure to ransomware threats by ensuring that employees maintain strong, unique passwords for all their accounts. This simple cybersecurity standard is just one best practice that employers can instill in their employees through comprehensive awareness training that can help thwart cyberattacks.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/ransomware-attacks-weak-passwords-are-now-your-biggest-risk/

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

Friday, October 4, 2019

Data Breaches Put Small Businesses at Risk


Data loss events are a huge risk for any company, but the aftermath of a data breach can be especially problematic for SMBs, a recent study by Bank of America Merchant Services concluded. 

The survey, which included 522 small businesses and 409 consumers in the US, questioned consumers and small businesses about the cybersecurity risks underscoring today’s digital environment. In response, one in five SMBs reported a data breach in the past two years, a 17% increase in two years. Moreover, 41% of small businesses endured a data breach that cost the company more than $50,000. 

This financial component is especially troubling for SMBs, which don’t have extravagant resources that large corporations can use to hasten their recovery efforts. Making matters worse, 30% of consumers indicated that they would never return to a small business that endured a data breach, a 20% increase year-over-year.

These trends are taking place as SMBs are increasingly moving online. 51% of SMBs run their own websites, and 70% have some form of e-commerce component to their business.

In total, it’s evident that SMBs have every reason to prioritize data security protocols as a foundational element of a successful, sustainable business model.

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

Thursday, October 3, 2019