Cutting-edge strategies for cybersecurity success
Although cyberattacks on businesses have become increasingly prevalent in recent years, many small-business owners assume that their business is immune to such attacks. This belief often stems from the notion that cybercriminals target larger companies. However, the reality is that cyberattacks are opportunistic crimes, and small businesses often hold a wealth of sensitive data without adequate safeguards. Therefore, it is essential for every small-business owner to have a plan in place to prevent becoming a victim of cyberattacks. This article will outline some effective strategies for deterring cybercriminals and safeguarding your business. Implement password management solutions Deploying a company-wide password management solution is widely considered the most critical measure for enhancing security across all systems and applications. Passportal, for instance, offers various features such as auditing password changes, integrating with multifactor authentication solutions, encrypting passwords both in transit and at rest, and streamlining password updates through automation. These functions are invaluable in protecting your organization’s sensitive information. Back up your data regularly Creating backups ensures that data can be restored in the event of primary data failure. Such failures can occur due to hardware or software malfunctions, data corruption, or human-induced incidents such as accidental deletion or malware attacks. Backup copies enable the recovery of data from a previous point in time, facilitating business continuity in the event of an unplanned disruption. To guard against primary data loss or corruption, it is essential to store backup copies on a separate medium. This can be a simple external drive or USB stick, a disk or tape drive, or cloud storage. These storage mediums can be kept on premises or in a remote location. Making consistent and regular backup copies is crucial for minimizing data loss between backups. The longer the time between backup copies, the greater the likelihood of data loss during recovery. Retaining multiple copies of data provides added security and flexibility to restore data to a point in time unaffected by data corruption or malicious attacks. Keep your system updated Business owners and employees often overlook system updates because of their busy schedules. However, this is a dangerous mistake because outdated systems are more vulnerable to hacking. To avoid this, it is crucial to regularly upgrade and update your hardware and software to close security gaps and make it difficult for hackers to gain access. Implement the principle of least privilege (POLP) Access control is governed by the principle of least privilege, which specifies that a person should possess only the essential access privileges required to accomplish a particular job or task, and nothing else. For example, an employee tasked with processing payroll checks should be granted access only to that specific function in the payroll application. The benefits of POLP include: Minimizing the attack surface – By safeguarding superuser and administrator privileges, the attack surface is reduced, which in turn reduces the number of pathways that a malicious actor can utilize to obtain access to sensitive data or launch an attack. Mitigating the spread of malware – By restricting access to only the necessary resources, POLP can prevent the spread of malware throughout the network, thus preventing it from infecting other connected devices. Use additional security protocols To protect your business against cyberattacks, it’s crucial to deploy multiple security measures. Antivirus protection is a necessary tool that can prevent malware from compromising your devices and data. You should choose reliable programs from reputable providers and use only one antivirus application per device. Nowadays, modern anti-malware protection comes with advanced options that utilize artificial intelligence and detect abnormal device behavior that may signal an attack. In addition to antivirus software, implementing a zero trust policy and next-generation security measures can significantly enhance your business’s cybersecurity. Investing in firewall protection is another effective strategy to safeguard your business against hackers. Firewalls can screen out harmful activities and viruses on the internet and regulate traffic entering your devices. Combined with intrusion detection, firewalls can serve as virtual security guards that can keep potential threats from entering your systems. Train your employees Many employees fall prey to phishing schemes or share passwords without any hesitation. Therefore, the human element is one of the weakest links in any cybersecurity plan. To prevent this, it is essential to educate and train all employees on how to recognize and prevent potential cyberattacks. If you require assistance in enhancing the effectiveness of your cybersecurity, call our security experts today.
The five types of hackers targeting SMBs
Small- or medium-sized business (SMB) owners may think they’re unimportant enough to be targeted by hackers. But the truth is that SMBs are prime targets for hackers since they see these organizations — which have less security and fewer resources compared to enterprises — as easy marks. Fortunately, knowing who these attackers are and what they do can help you better protect your business. Here are the five types of hackers who are most likely to target SMBs. Cybercriminals Cybercriminals use technology for malicious purposes, typically to steal important data or money from individuals and businesses. Cybercriminals often gain access to SMBs through phishing attacks, malware, ransomware, and social engineering tactics. Once inside the network, they can cause irreparable damage to their victim’s finances, data, and systems. Insiders An insider hacker, or malicious insider, is an individual or a group of people with authorized access to a company’s computer systems, either as employees or contractors. Insiders use their privileged status to gain unauthorized access to confidential data, networks, and other corporate assets. As such, they are a growing threat to companies, with the potential to expose sensitive information and disrupt operations. On the other hand, there are some insiders who do what they do in pursuit of what they see as justice. Edward Snowden is a prime example. He famously hacked his employer, the US government, to reveal confidential information about intelligence-gathering practices. Hacktivists Technology has given hacktivists the ability to promote their causes in sophisticated ways. By infiltrating computer systems and networks, hacktivists can anonymously access sensitive data that helps them pursue political agendas or as leverage over entities. While hacktivists usually go after governments and large corporations, they may also target SMBs that they feel aren’t aligned with their views or practices. Script kiddies A script kiddie is a slang term for someone who is not particularly tech-savvy but uses premade scripts found online to carry out malicious activities. Script kiddies often exploit SMBs’ security gaps for notoriety. Script kiddies may lack experience, but they are not to be underestimated. Even amateurs can create devastating pieces of malware, such as the ILOVEYOU worm, which is considered one of the most destructive computer viruses in history. State-sponsored hackers In state-sponsored hacking, government agents gain access to data or networks electronically. Governments do this for a variety of reasons such as to gather intelligence, interfere with political activities, force reform on a particular target, or even cause disruption. State-sponsored hackers are a serious threat to businesses of all sizes and types, with the potential capability to disrupt an entire country’s financial system or commodity supply lines. Tech companies and pharmaceuticals have long been prime targets for these cybercriminals; however, no industry is safe from their malicious actions. SMB owners must remain vigilant when it comes to guarding against devious state-based attacks. These hackers are always looking for new ways to wreak havoc on companies of all sizes. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact us today to discuss your security options and start taking steps toward protecting your business from cyberthreats.
Factors to consider when buying antivirus software
Cyberattacks can come for any business, regardless of size or scope. Small- and mid-sized businesses, in particular, are facing an increasing risk from cybercriminals who know that these organizations often lack sufficient protective measures. With a variety of threats becoming more dangerous, it’s essential to ensure your cybersecurity solutions are up to par. So, make sure to consider these factors when buying antivirus software. Cost While there are free antivirus programs out there, more often than not, these don’t provide the level of protection needed against sophisticated malware. Free antivirus may also contain adware, which can be highly intrusive, as it collects and sells your private data to third parties. To make matters worse, many popular companies offering free antivirus have even begun bundling unwanted software with their packages, all to turn a profit. Speed and performance Many old computers, especially those running on low memory, tend to slow down when antivirus software is installed on them. Incidentally, antivirus programs are notorious for taking up a lot of system memory. This is also one of the reasons why it’s not recommended to use multiple antivirus programs. Thankfully, technology has advanced to the point where newer devices don’t slow down and remain at optimal speed even when processing heavy workloads. In any case, you should never sacrifice safety for speed. So, if you’re still using devices past their prime, consider speed and performance when selecting an antivirus program. Device compatibility If you’re using multiple devices, it should go without saying that all your gadgets must be properly protected against viruses and malware. But instead of buying multiple security programs for each device — be that a laptop, smartphone, or tablet — choose one antivirus solution capable of protecting all devices regardless of their operating system or model. Comprehensive protection Simply put, your antivirus solution should provide comprehensive protection for all your devices and data. It should be able to protect your systems from malicious downloads, phishing scams, cryptojacking attempts, and other cyberthreats, allowing you to stay one step ahead of attackers. Customer support Lastly, when scoping out the best antivirus provider for your business, do your research. You’ll want a provider with an excellent reputation and who can effectively protect your systems against new cyberthreats and zero-day vulnerabilities. Investing in an antivirus product made by a firm that is known to push boundaries when creating cybersecurity solutions and guarantees maximum protection against digital threats now and in the future. For businesses, cybersecurity is no longer a luxury but a vital component for keeping your data secure. Our experts can help you select the necessary antivirus protection to protect both your devices and network from potential threats. Call us today.
Don’t overlook your business printers’ security
The security of business printers is often overlooked by small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). This can prove to be a big mistake because printers can be just as vulnerable to cyberattacks as other devices. Follow these security tips if you want to protect your business printers from cyberattacks. Vulnerabilities of business printers Printers are considered indispensable business tools, but their core functions can make them irresistible targets for cybercriminals. These devices process a plethora of valuable data such as tax forms, employee information, financial statements, medical records, and the like. And did you know? Even if you cancel print jobs, these data are still stored within printer hard drives. Without proper security measures, valuable data can fall into the wrong hands. Organizations also need to take a closer look at their network printers since these are connected to the web. With the right tools and opportunities, hackers can easily intercept sensitive data traveling through open network ports. Printer vulnerabilities can open unknown backdoors that can give criminals an opportunity to launch far-reaching cyberattacks from within your network. Such attacks are difficult to stop once they’ve been launched. Ways to protect your business printers Keeping business printers secure should be an essential step when developing a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. To ensure your print devices aren’t vulnerable to attacks, following these best practices will safeguard them from potential threats. Keep an eye on your network and make sure to install printer software updates and patches right away. Update printers with web management capabilities by modifying their default passwords and administrator login credentials. Only company-owned devices should be permitted to connect to your printing network. Always use secure connections and avoid accessing your printer through a public internet connection. Maximize your network security by using a firewall to limit printer access. For improved security and to prevent unauthorized access, activate the PIN/password feature of your wireless printer to ensure that only authorized users are able to print documents on your device. Disconnect the printer from its main network and turn off out-of-network printing if you don’t use it for faxing or email purposes. Protect classified data by connecting printers directly to computers or using a thumb drive. Use your printer’s manual feed settings. This feature allows you to feed paper into printers manually, making sure that printed materials don’t end up in the wrong hands or left lying around for anyone to see. Furthermore, working with an IT specialist can provide peace of mind when it comes to managing your printers. Trusted IT experts can make sure that any potential attack vectors are closed off while also helping you lower management costs and keep your devices at peak performance. If you have any questions about securing your business printers, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Cybersecurity trends that will shape the future of business
Businesses of all sizes can fall prey to cyberattacks that can cause major financial losses and even put companies out of business. And with more numerous and sophisticated threats like these expected in 2023, it’s more critical than ever for business owners to stay ahead of the latest cybersecurity trends and protect their organization from potential threats. Pay attention to the following trends to help keep your data safe this year and beyond. Further emphasis on data privacy As countries implement tougher data protection laws and the number of privacy regulations rises, organizations will be driven to adopt a privacy-first mentality out of necessity. For instance, Google has already taken a big leap in this direction by ending its use of third-party cookies and creating Privacy Sandbox. Apple has also included App Tracking Transparency as part of iOS 14.5 onwards, providing another layer of protection for their customers’ sensitive online information. Although these measures may not be flawless solutions yet, they’re still progressive strides being made toward greater security. Expect other companies to follow suit. A harmonized global framework to govern the protection of information, privacy, and data In 2023, countries around the world will strive for international cohesion regarding data privacy regulations. Standardizing security frameworks is expected to deliver better information and data privacy for all organizations and governments, as well as enable global commerce. Consistent data protection strategies and processes reduce risk while facilitating trust across supply chains and borders. Interoperable architectures that prioritize privacy and security can also help ensure the effective protection of information, which ultimately reduces the probability of a data breach or compromise. A passwordless future Passwordless security frameworks provide a real chance at fighting phishing while enhancing protection, privacy, scalability, and convenience. They not only improve overall organizational security by eliminating potential password breaches or credential stuffing attacks, but they also enable users to access services without worrying about forgotten usernames or passwords. However, note that while passwordless authentication offers many advantages, it isn’t without risk. To ensure better security, you should also adopt a zero trust model along with identity access management practices and stringent safety measures. This will make the transition to passwordless authentication much smoother and more secure. Growing Internet of Things (IoT) risks Over the past decade, the IoT industry has been on a steady upswing, and is projected to remain so well into 2023. Unfortunately, as companies rely more heavily on this technology for efficiency and profitability, they will face a higher risk of cybersecurity breaches. If you use IoT, then you should safeguard your connected devices by actively developing or revising relevant cyber strategies, maintaining device catalogs, and continuously patching endpoints. This will help secure your networks from potential threats and allow for more efficient monitoring practices. The future of cybersecurity is ever-evolving. But by learning about the latest cybersecurity trends, companies can implement comprehensive approaches and protect themselves against malicious actors or incidents. If you want to learn more about 2023 cybersecurity trends or if you have any questions about technology, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Our IT experts are ready to help.
How to choose the right VPN for your business
If you want to stay secure while using the internet, it’s not enough to simply rely on anti-malware software and a firewall. Nowadays, hackers can read data sent to and from your device and steal the information inside them. This is why your business needs a virtual private network (VPN). What is a VPN? A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, keeping you safe from hackers looking to intercept your data and any third parties that want to monitor your online activities. Moreover, VPNs can disguise your location by masking your IP address. Once you’ve connected to a VPN server, your device acts as if it’s using the same local connection as the VPN. Therefore, websites will tag your browsing location as the server’s geographical area, not where you actually are. What are the benefits of using a VPN? Connecting to public Wi-Fi networks — like those in coffee shops, libraries, and airports — isn’t advisable since any data sent through these networks isn’t encrypted and could be stolen. But if you must use public Wi-Fi, make sure to turn on your VPN first. The VPN will encrypt your data, ensuring that no one can access the information without authorization. This improves your online security. What’s more, a VPN also increases anonymity and privacy by hiding your IP address from trackers, making it nearly impossible for anyone to track what you’re doing online. This feature can be especially handy when you’re traveling abroad and you find that your company network or US websites are geo-blocked in your current location. By connecting to a VPN server in the United States, you can regain access to these networks and websites. What should you consider when choosing a VPN? When picking a VPN, take into account the following factors: Cost Though there are free VPN services, they usually either keep logs of your internet activity or bombard you with ads. This is why it’s better to invest in a paid service like NordVPN or ExpressVPN. These paid options also have a huge list of available servers and configurations that improve data security. Location There are several reasons why the location of your VPN’s servers matters. For one, if you’re connected to a server that’s far away, you’re more likely to suffer latency issues. To enjoy a smooth surfing experience, it’s best to connect to the closest available server. Moreover, if you want to avoid geo-restrictions, connect to servers in the same location as the content you want access to. So, if you want access to research published in Canada, be sure your VPN has servers located in that country. Capacity Find out how much data you’re allowed to use by asking the VPN provider or reading their terms of service. If you need extensive online resources for your tasks, then opt for a VPN with high data allocation. What’s more, determine how many servers the VPN provider has online. In general, the more online servers there are, the more capable the VPN is of supporting resource-intensive tasks. Device compatibility If you use your laptop, tablet, and mobile phone for work, then invest in a VPN that’s compatible with all these devices. IP leak Not all VPN tunnels offer the same level of security. Some could leak your IP address, allowing third parties to track your online activities. So before purchasing a VPN, test the service out by using their free trial (if available). Once you’ve activated the VPN, visit IP Leak to see if your activities are being monitored. If they are, choose another VPN provider. Having difficulty picking a VPN service for your business? No problem, our security experts are here to help. We also provide cybersecurity services to prevent hackers and other third parties from accessing your data.
Top tips to protect yourself from holiday hackers
As you focus on meeting the needs of holiday shoppers or taking time off to be with loved ones, hackers are looking to exploit any vulnerabilities in your business’s system. Keep these tips in mind to ward off hackers so you can fully enjoy this festive season. Change passwords frequently Change your business passwords every three months, at the bare minimum. Make sure these passwords are complex and not connected to any timely or popular events, occurrences, people, and activities that are easy to guess. If you find it difficult to manage multiple passwords, try using a secure password manager. It will help you create strong passwords and keep track of all of them. Use multifactor authentication (MFA) Use MFA, especially during the holidays when business spending using company credit cards is more common. You can set up MFA on your eCommerce accounts to better protect your business credit card information from being hacked or stolen. Be wary of email scams Watch out for emails from unknown sources that promise astronomical discounts, like 90% off on products or services, or contain suspicious links or attachments. These are fake emails created by scammers to collect your personal banking information or passwords. Do not click on any links or attachments in these types of email messages. If you want to check the legitimacy of the message, you can check the site directly. Use virtual private networks (VPN) Public Wi-Fi is a big security risk, which is why you should avoid using it. However, if you have no other choice but to use public Wi-Fi while traveling or working remotely over the holidays, use VPN software before connecting to a public Wi-Fi network. VPNs can encrypt your data and prevent hackers from monitoring your online activities. Make sure to update your software The best way to protect your business from online threats is to make sure you have the latest security software, web browser, and operating system. If you don’t update your software regularly, you fall behind in terms of security and miss out on new features that could help streamline your cybersecurity measures. Work with a trusted managed services provider (MSP) When you work with a managed services provider (MSP), you can rest easy during the holiday season. MSPs will see to it that your VPN connections are in place and that backups, antivirus software updates, and network monitoring are done frequently. Furthermore, an MSP will provide you with secure productivity tools to keep all documents and files safe in the cloud. They’ll also ensure that your files are backed up and accessible at any time. By following these tips, you can have a carefree holiday season while keeping your business safe from cyberthreats. For more information on how to keep your business safe from cybercriminals, call us today.
Ramp up your defenses with proactive cybersecurity
Cyberthreats are becoming more sophisticated every day, and if your business isn’t taking steps to protect itself from these threats, it faces a high risk of falling victim. This can cause you to lose valuable data or even go out of business. In this blog post, we will discuss what proactive cybersecurity is and how it can help protect your business against ever-evolving cyberthreats. Benefits of proactive cybersecurity Proactive cybersecurity is a strategic approach to protecting computer systems and networks from cyberthreats. It involves identifying potential vulnerabilities before cybercriminals can take advantage of them and implementing measures to prevent these vulnerabilities from being exploited. This approach is in contrast to reactive cybersecurity. Rather than attempting to prevent cyberattacks, reactive cybersecurity focuses on responding to and recovering from attacks that have already taken place. Having proactive security measures can provide your business with the following advantages: Avoid playing catch-up with threats Taking action every time there’s a threat can be exhausting for your security team and your other resources. If you’re always playing catch-up with threats, you’ll never be able to get ahead. By utilizing both preventive cybersecurity strategies alongside reactive measures, you will be able to best protect your data and networks. Improve security compliance Proactive cybersecurity measures can help you root out threats to your data and your clients’ data. This, in turn, enables you to meet data compliance requirements. Boost business reputation Customers are more security-conscious today than in the past. With many data breaches impacting companies, your customers will want assurance that you have measures to safeguard their personal information in place. Having a proactive cybersecurity culture will demonstrate your commitment to keeping customer data safe and give your business’s reputation a boost. Showing that you can be trusted with clients’ sensitive data will also give you a leg up over your competitors. Implementing proactive cybersecurity To effectively implement a proactive cybersecurity strategy, follow these steps: Determine the threats Work with your in-house IT staff or managed services provider (MSP) to identify the types of attacks that are most common in your industry. By being aware of the threats out there, you can take steps to protect your business and keep it running smoothly. Assess your resources After you identify the primary cyberthreats to your company, prioritize them by determining how each security issue can damage various parts of your network. You can start by listing company devices that connect to the internet. Check the security measures these devices have and the type of data (regulated, mission-critical, low-importance, etc.) each device has access to. Implement proactive cybersecurity measures Your IT team or MSP may recommend these security measures based on the risks and assets identified in steps 1 and 2: Proactive measure What to expect Conduct security awareness seminars Educate every employee about security best practices, including spam awareness, password management, proper mobile device usage, and the like. Regularly update anti-malware software or cloud-based services Keep your data and systems safe from the newest malware threats. Establish schedules dedicated for software patches and upgrades Patches and upgrades decrease the chances of someone getting unauthorized access to your network by exploiting software vulnerabilities. Recommend web filtering services Keep your network safe by blacklisting dangerous and inappropriate sites. Set up perimeter defenses (e.g., intrusion prevention systems and hardware firewalls) Watch out for anything and everything that tries to access your network. Initiate policy of least privilege Provide users access only to the data they need to complete their tasks. Determine data segmentation Assess and establish micro-perimeters to protect high-value data. Run full-disk encryption Encrypt data on electronic devices to prevent unauthorized access in case the devices are ever misplaced or stolen. Secure virtual private networks Encrypt data transmitted across unsecured connections to make it impossible to read if intercepted. Provide strict access controls Secure accounts from unauthorized access by using stronger passwords combined with multifactor authentication and automated screen locks that engage after a period of inactivity. Utilize AI-powered network monitoring Be on the lookout for suspicious user and software behaviors, like when employees access files outside their departments. Proactive cybersecurity is critical for businesses of all sizes. By taking steps to understand the threats your business faces and implementing measures to protect yourself, you can keep your data and your business safe. If you need help getting started, contact us today and our team of cybersecurity experts will be happy to guide you through the process of implementing proactive cybersecurity. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Update your passwords now
If you’re like most people, you probably have passwords that are easy to remember or use the same one for multiple accounts. But by doing either of these, you could be putting yourself at risk to cyberattacks. To ensure the security of your online accounts, follow the latest password guidelines from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which we’ve outlined for you in this blog. Outdated practices The previous NIST guidelines on password creation followed a conventional approach to password security. The guidelines recommended regular password resets and the use of long, complex passwords (i.e., required minimum number of characters, use of special characters and numbers, etc.). But these guidelines unintentionally led to people making weakening passwords using predictable capitalization, special characters, and numbers. And though users changed passwords on a regular basis, many assumed that they could simply add or change one or two characters in their password. These practices proved to be ineffective and resulted in the creation of passwords that hackers could easily crack via brute force. Stronger password for better security NIST eventually admitted that their initial recommendations only caused more difficulties than it resolved. In 2020, the organization updated its guidelines. Among the most notable changes are: Frequent password resets are no longer required. Resets are now only required in case a password is compromised or forgotten. Password complexity requirements have been dropped in favor of construction flexibility — NIST recommends the use of long passphrases instead of long, overly complex passwords. Mandatory screening of new passwords against lists of common or compromised passwords is highly recommended. The use of nonstandard characters, such as emoticons, is now allowed. The implementation of multifactor authentication (MFA) is encouraged. MFA has many advantages, which is why most cybersecurity experts advise businesses to adopt it in their login policies. By requiring multiple sources of authentication, MFA helps prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information and systems. Other password security solutions to consider Lastly, you should implement the following security solutions throughout your company: Single sign-on – enables users to access multiple accounts with one set of credentials, so they don’t have to remember numerous passwords and usernames Account monitoring tools – designed to automatically detect and prevent suspicious activity, keeping your network safe from potential hackers Updating your passwords may seem like a hassle, but it is one of the most important things you can do to boost your cybersecurity. By following the updated guidelines and making sure your passwords are secure, you can help protect yourself and your business from identity theft and other cyberthreats. If you need help creating a strong password or want more tips on how to improve your cybersecurity, call us now. Our team of experts is ready to answer any questions you have and help you create a plan to keep your business safe from cyberattacks. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
7 Ways to keep your email account safe
Email is one of the most essential business tools today. It enables swift, efficient communication within a company and with their customers and partners. Email’s popularity among businesses is what makes it a target for hackers looking to get ahold of critical business and client information. It’s therefore crucial to safeguard your email account, and in this blog post, we’ll discuss seven ways to help you do so. Use strong passwords Many email users fail to realize how important it is to have a strong password. A large number of people still use weak passwords, such as “123456,” “qwerty,” or even just “password.” What’s worse, they often reuse these same passwords for multiple accounts. To keep all password-protected accounts secure, utilize strong passphrases that are unique to each account. Enabling multifactor authentication (MFA) for your email account is also a good security measure. With MFA, a user would have to verify their identity by providing their username and password as well as a valid fingerprint scan or an answer to a security question. This makes it more challenging for malicious actors to access your account. Encrypt emails Email encryption is a process that transforms readable text into unreadable code. This code can be read only by someone who has the corresponding decryption key, keeping your email safe from unauthorized access. Don’t ignore security updates Always install the most recent updates for your antivirus, firewalls, and email security software. Doing so can protect you from cyberattacks, as it enables these cybersecurity solutions to detect and filter out even the newest email-based cyberthreats. Installing these updates also fixes software vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers. Do not click on suspicious links and email attachments Refrain from downloading or opening files and links in emails if you’re not 100% certain they are safe. These links may direct you to fraudulent websites or these email attachments may install malware on your computer. Beware of phishing scams Phishing is an online scam in which criminals pose as legitimate businesses or individuals to obtain personal information, such as passwords or credit card numbers. Phishing scams can use different communication platforms, but they often involve fake emails that contain links to spoofed websites. When unsuspecting users input their personal information into these fake sites, criminals can use that information to commit identity theft or fraud. Phishing scams are becoming increasingly common, so it’s important to be aware of how they work. Take note that reputable companies would never ask for such sensitive data via email. If you believe that the email you received might be from a phishing attempt, contact the company directly using the contact details on their official website. Don’t use the contact details in the dubious email as these might be fake too. Regularly monitor account activity Monitor for any suspicious behavior, which involves checking your logs for things like unusual devices or IP addresses that have accessed your account. Such activity could indicate a security breach. If you think your account was hacked, sign out of all web sessions and immediately change your password. Use different email accounts Don’t use one email account for everything. Otherwise, if someone gains access to that account, they could also easily steal any stored information or connected online accounts associated with that email. This could lead to hackers using your account for fraud and other illegal activities. That’s why you should create separate email accounts, such as a personal account dedicated to communicating with your friends and family, and a professional account for work-related tasks only. You can also create another email account for miscellaneous things, such as online shops, gaming sites, newsletter subscriptions, and the like. As we become increasingly reliant on technology, the importance of email security grows even more. To protect yourself and your loved ones, you must take steps to secure your email account. If you have any other cybersecurity concerns, contact us now and our IT experts will be glad to help you. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.