Keeping your computer secure from viruses, malware, and other online threats is essential to staying safe online. With a few steps, you can reduce your risk and keep your personal information safe. Here’s a step-by-step guide to protecting your computer:

1. Install and Regularly Update Antivirus Software

A robust antivirus program is your computer’s first line of defence against malware. Install a reputable antivirus software such as Bitdefender or Malwarebytes to keep your computer safe from threats. For business devices, we offer enterprise-level protection that protects your devices and networks from sophisticated cyberthreats. Contact us now to learn more about our enterprise-level cybersecurity solutions!

2. Keep Your Operating System and Software Up to Date

Regular updates patch vulnerabilities that cybercriminals exploit. Ensure you regularly update your operating system and software to have the latest defences against cyber threats.

How to Update Windows:

1. Click the Start button, then select Settings (the gear icon).

2. Go to Update & Security, then select Windows Update.

3. Click on Check for updates. If updates are available, Windows will download and install them automatically.

4. Restart your computer when prompted to complete the installation.

How to Update macOS:

1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.

2. Choose System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).

3. Navigate to General > Software Update (or directly to Software Update).

4. macOS will automatically check for updates. If updates are available, click Update Now.

5. Restart your Mac when prompted to finalize the update.

3. Be Careful with Email Attachments and Links

Email remains one of the most common ways that viruses and malware spread. Phishing attacks often arrive disguised as legitimate messages, tricking users into clicking harmful links or downloading malicious attachments. Even one careless click can give hackers access to your files, passwords, or personal data.

To stay safe:

• Don’t open email attachments from unknown senders.

• Always hover your mouse over links before clicking to check where they lead.

• Look for common phishing signs like spelling mistakes or unexpected urgent messages.

4. Enable a Firewall

A firewall acts as a digital barrier between your device and the internet, monitoring incoming and outgoing traffic and blocking anything suspicious. It’s a simple but powerful tool that often gets overlooked.

Both Windows and macOS come with built-in firewalls. Make sure yours is turned on by checking your system settings. For added protection, especially on business networks, a hardware firewall or managed firewall solution can provide more granular control and logging. Occasionally review your firewall settings to ensure nothing has been disabled or altered without your knowledge.

5. Regularly Back Up Your Data

Even with the best defenses, no system is completely immune to threats. That’s why backing up your important files is critical. If your system becomes infected or damaged, having a backup ensures you don’t lose valuable data.

Use cloud services like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox for automatic, off-site backups. For added peace of mind, consider also keeping backups on external hard drives using backup tools.

6. Be Cautious on Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks, like those in cafés, airports, or hotels, are convenient, but they’re often unsecured. This makes them a prime target for hackers who can intercept your connection and steal passwords, files, or personal information.

To protect yourself, avoid accessing sensitive information such as banking or email accounts while on public Wi-Fi. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection, making it much harder for attackers to intercept your data. Also, stick to websites that use HTTPS (look for the padlock in your browser). Finally, turn off file sharing, Bluetooth, and automatic Wi-Fi connections to minimize exposure.

7. Watch Out for Fake Pop-ups and Warnings

Cybercriminals often use fake pop-up ads or warning messages to trick users into downloading harmful software. These may look like system alerts or antivirus notifications, but they’re designed to scare you into clicking.

Never trust a pop-up that suddenly appears telling you your computer is infected, especially if it urges you to download a program immediately. Instead, close the window using the taskbar or Task Manager. Only trust alerts that come from the antivirus software you personally installed.

8. Educate Yourself and Others

Cybersecurity isn’t just about tools; it’s about awareness. Understanding how threats work and how to recognize them is one of the best ways to stay protected.

Make a habit of reading trusted tech blogs or security websites to stay informed about new scams and attack trends. If you manage a team or have family members who are less tech-savvy, take time to educate them on basic security practices. The more people in your network who are aware, the safer everyone becomes.

What If You Suspect an Infection?

If your computer suddenly slows down, crashes, or behaves strangely, it could be infected with malware. The best course of action is to disconnect from the internet immediately to prevent the threat from spreading or sending data.

Next, run a full system scan using your antivirus software. If you’re unsure how to proceed or the problem persists, contact a trusted IT professional. Prompt action can minimize damage and protect your information.

Protect Your Devices from Cyberthreats

By following these simple, proactive steps, you can greatly reduce your risk of malware infections and security breaches. Cyber threats are always evolving, but so are the tools and strategies to fight them. Good habits, combined with the right technology, are your best defense in staying secure, whether you’re working from home, at the office, or on the go.

Need help securing your business or personal devices and networks? Reach out to our team for expert support and enterprise-grade solutions.

The post How to Protect Your Computer from Malware appeared first on Design2Web IT, Inc..

Written by: Jay H.

Nowadays, businesses face an ever-growing number of cybersecurity threats. As technology continues to advance, so do the tactics employed by malicious actors seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in an organization’s security measures. In this landscape, the role of employees in safeguarding sensitive information and digital assets is more crucial than ever. Cultivating a security-conscious workforce through effective cybersecurity training is the cornerstone of any comprehensive defense strategy. Let’s explore some ways you can improve your cybersecurity training for employees and how it can help fortify your organization against cyber threats.

Recognizing the Human Element in Cybersecurity

Despite the implementation of sophisticated cybersecurity protection and technology, the human element remains a significant factor in cyber threats. Cybercriminals often target employees through social engineering tactics, such as phishing emails, to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. By recognizing the impact of employee behaviour on cybersecurity, businesses can address potential weak points in their defence and take proactive measures to mitigate risks.

Here are some tips to strengthen your first line of defense:

• Educate employees about common social engineering tactics, such as phishing emails, pretexting, and baiting, and how to identify and report suspicious communications.
• Conduct simulated phishing exercises to test employees’ awareness and responsiveness to potential cyber threats.
• Encourage employees to adopt a healthy skepticism when receiving unsolicited emails or messages, especially those requesting sensitive information or login credentials.

Raising Awareness of Cyberthreats

Cybersecurity training is essential in raising employees’ awareness of various cyber threats they may encounter in their professional and personal lives. Through interactive workshops and informative sessions, employees can learn to identify suspicious emails, links, and attachments, as well as understand the consequences of falling victim to cyberattacks. By arming your workforce with knowledge, you empower them to become the first line of defence against cyber threats.

Here are some ideas your organization can implement to raise awareness of cyberthreats:

• Provide real-life examples of recent cyber incidents and data breaches to illustrate the potential consequences of cyberattacks on both individuals and organizations.
• Offer engaging cybersecurity training sessions that cover topics such as password security, secure web browsing, and safe use of removable media (e.g., USB drives).
• Reinforce the importance of using strong, unique passwords for each account and implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible.

Fostering a Security-First Culture

By investing in cybersecurity training, organizations can foster a security-first culture that emphasizes the importance of data protection and digital safety. Employees who understand the potential risks and consequences of cyber incidents are more likely to adopt security best practices as a natural part of their daily routines. This cultural shift helps create a united front against cyber threats and reduces the likelihood of security lapses caused by complacency or oversight.

By implementing the following suggestions, you can help integrate a security-first culture into your company:

• Involve senior management in cybersecurity training to demonstrate the organization’s commitment to security and create a top-down security culture.
• Implement a reward system to recognize employees who actively participate in cybersecurity training and adhere to security best practices.
• Encourage employees to report security incidents or potential vulnerabilities through a well-defined and confidential reporting channel.

Nurturing Incident Response Skills

Cybersecurity training not only focuses on prevention but also equips employees with incident response skills. In the event of a security breach, well-prepared employees can take immediate action, reporting incidents promptly and following established procedures to mitigate the damage. A well-drilled incident response team can significantly reduce response time and minimize the impact of a cyber incident.

Here are some ways you can keep your employees’ incident response skills honed:

• Conduct regular tabletop exercises to simulate cybersecurity incidents and allow employees to practice their incident response procedures.
• Establish clear guidelines on how to report security incidents promptly and ensure that employees know whom to contact in case of emergencies.
• Train employees on the steps to take in the event of a data breach, including preserving evidence and notifying the appropriate parties.

Staying Compliant with Regulations

As cybersecurity regulations become more stringent, organizations must demonstrate their commitment to protecting sensitive information. Cybersecurity training ensures that employees are aware of their responsibilities in handling data and understand the importance of compliance with data protection regulations. This knowledge can help organizations avoid severe penalties for data breaches and maintain a reputation for being trustworthy custodians of customer information.

You can emphasize the importance of compliance

• Tailor cybersecurity training to cover specific regulations that apply to the organization, such as PIPEDA, and emphasize the importance of compliance.
• Provide employees with insights into the potential consequences of non-compliance, including legal penalties and damage to the organization’s reputation.
• Conduct periodic reviews of security policies and procedures to ensure they align with current regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

Adapting to Evolving Threats

The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving, with new threats emerging regularly. Regular cybersecurity training allows employees to stay informed about the latest cybersecurity trends and tactics used by cybercriminals. Armed with this knowledge, employees can adapt their cybersecurity practices accordingly, staying one step ahead of potential threats.

In an era where cyber threats continue to evolve, the significance of a security-conscious workforce cannot be overstated. Cybersecurity training for employees is a critical investment in fortifying your organization’s defenses, reducing the risk of data breaches, and promoting a culture of security awareness. By empowering employees with the tools and knowledge to recognize and respond to cyber threats, you build a stronger line of defense against the ever-present dangers of the digital world.

If you need help securing your organization against cyberthreats, Design2Web IT offers comprehensive managed IT services, including our robust network & cybersecurity solutions. Please contact us for more information on how we can help your business stay secure.

The post Cybersecurity Training for Employees: Cultivating a Security-Conscious Workforce appeared first on Design2Web IT, Inc..

Written by: Jay H.

You may think your small business is an unlikely target for cybercriminals. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. Approximately 43 percent of cybersecurity breaches target small and medium businesses, meaning your organization is in direct sight of attackers. Luckily, you can fight back against hackers and take steps to protect yourself and your organization. Let’s go over the top five causes of data breaches and the actions you need to take to protect your business.

Causes of Data Breaches

1. Compromised Credentials

Stolen credentials account for an astonishing 81 percent of data breaches.

Despite this, poor password practices are widespread.

At least 52 percent of people reuse their passwords across multiple sites, and 13 percent use the same password for all accounts.

Even more alarming, 48 percent of employees use the same passwords for both their personal and work accounts.

Businesses need to do more to combat poor password practices. There are several steps companies can take, including:

• Requiring strong and unique passwords on every account.
• Requiring password managers to store strong credentials.
• Enforcing multi-factor authentication wherever possible.
• Changing passwords regularly and whenever an employee leaves the company.

2. Malware

Malware, short for malicious software, describes software designed to cause harm to computers, data, networks, or systems.

Three common types of malware include:

1. Ransomware: Ransomware is malware that encrypts the victim’s data. Then, the perpetrators demand a ransom from the victim or threaten to delete the data forever or publically publish it.
2. Computer virus: A virus gets onto your computer by downloading a malicious attachment, file, or program. Then, it spreads across a network, infecting other systems it finds.
3. Adware or spyware: Adware or spyware is software that tracks your online activity, including location data, browsing history, passwords, credit card numbers, or other private information. Then, bad actors sell this information to third parties.

Malware can devastate your organization. Proactive approaches businesses need to take to combat malware include:

• Installing antivirus software.
• Patching software with new updates as soon as they are released.
• Ignoring unsolicited emails from suspicious or unrecognized senders.
• Not opening suspicious links or files.
• Downloading reputable software directly from the vendor’s website.
• Backing up all data regularly.

3. Social Engineering

Social engineering is the art of manipulating victims into making handing over sensitive information or making security mistakes. Unfortunately, many users fall victim to social engineering scams. In fact, human error accounts for 95 percent of cybersecurity breaches.

Phishing attacks are when scammers masquerading as trustworthy entities try to obtain sensitive information from victims. These types of attacks are prevalent and sophisticated. In 2019, 88 percent of organizations globally experienced spear-phishing attempts.

Organizations can prevent most social engineering attacks through education. That’s why employers should teach several tactics to stay cyber smart, including:

• Not opening suspicious emails, links, and attachments.
• Using multi-factor authentication.
• Using antivirus software.
• Being aware of standard social engineering tactics.

4. Insider Threats

Unfortunately, bad external actors aren’t the only threat to your organization. Employees, ex-employees, contractors, vendors, or other trusted third parties with access to your network can accidentally or intentionally harm your business.

Insider threats impact over 34 percent of organizations around the world yearly, so businesses must address these threats. Since the threat originates from inside the organization, prevention and detection can be difficult. To defend against insider threats, organizations should implement the following guidelines:

• Using the principle of least privilege to assign users the least privileges necessary for their job functions.
• Implementing the zero-trust security model to verify everything inside and outside the network.
• Changing credentials regularly and when employees leave the company.
• Removing unused accounts.
• Monitoring network activity.
• Requiring multi-factor authentication.

5. Security Vulnerabilities

Missing operation system patches and application patches are a significant source of data breaches, accounting for nearly 60 percent of attacks. Many people neglect to apply software updates as they are released, which puts them at significant risk. Attackers can exploit security vulnerabilities in unpatched software to install malware and wreak havoc.

Unfortunately, organizations face hurdles in mitigating security vulnerabilities. Patching is expensive for organizations that cannot afford downtime and disruption. Also, patching systems belonging to remote workers is even more difficult.

To better manage security vulnerabilities, organizations should use the following tips:

• Prioritize significant vulnerabilities.
• Test patches before they are applied to all systems.
• Work alongside a reputable managed services provider to provide network security services.

Defend Against Data Breaches

Now that you know the most common causes of data breaches, you need to take action. However, many SMBs do not have the resources to manage their cybersecurity effectively. That’s why partnering with a managed IT services provider like Design2Web IT is one of the best decisions an organization can make to protect itself. If you would like to learn more about how we can defend your organization, contact us today.

The post Top 5 Causes of Data Breaches: Protect Your Organization appeared first on Design2Web IT, Inc..

Written by: Jay H.

Spyware is an umbrella term for a form of malware (malicious software) that bad actors install on a victim’s computer without their consent. It then spies on the user, steals personal information,  including browsing history, login information, and sensitive information, and relays the data to third parties.

Spyware is one of the most common threats online consumers face today. Standard spyware tools include adware, keyloggers, screen captures, and more. Once installed, it can track anything the victim does on the device and collect a myriad of information, including their location, emails, texts, calls, photos, and videos. Usually, however, the primary goal is to steal credit card, banking, and login information.

How Does Spyware Work?

Spyware often makes its way onto a victim’s device because the user installed a malicious file, attachment, or app. Its presence consumes random access memory (RAM) and processing power, so spyware often slows down the device. Much spyware also generates an abundance of pop-up windows, effectively rendering web browsers unable.

In worst cases, attackers use spyware to collect your sensitive information like credit card numbers, passwords, banking information and use it for identity theft or sell to third parties. Bad actors may use keyloggers or screen captures to accomplish this.

How To Prevent Spyware

Like most malware, the best way to prevent spyware is by practicing proper cyber hygiene. Some best practices include the following:

• Do not open or download files and attachments from unknown senders.
• Avoid interactions with pop-up ads, especially those that ask you to call a company like Microsoft to fix your computer.
• Only download software from trusted sources and official websites.
• Check the URL address of the website you visit.
• Install reputable antivirus software like Malwarebytes.
• Use two-factor authentication whenever possible.
• Keep your applications and operating system up-to-date with the latest updates.
• Install a pop-up and ad blocker.

How To Remove Spyware

The first step in removing spyware is recognizing that your device is infected. Spyware indicators include the following:

• Your device is running slower than usual.
• Your device crashes often.
• You are bombarded with pop-up ads or redirected to ads in your browser.
• You are running out of hard drive space.

If you suspect that spyware may be on your device, take the following steps:

• Disconnect your Internet connection.
• Check your device’s programs to see if any unfamiliar software is listed. If so, click it and uninstall the program, then reboot your system.
• Run a scan using a reputable antivirus to check your systems for malware.
• If the above steps fail, you should bring your device to a reputable IT company such as Design2Web IT to assist you with malware removal.

Concerned about spyware or other malware on your device? Please contact us today for assistance.

The post What Is Spyware And How Does It Work? appeared first on Design2Web IT, Inc..

Written by: Jay H.

Cyber attackers are successfully breaching organizations through brute force attacks, software vulnerabilities, and malicious emails, according to a new report from Kaspersky.

Almost 90 percent of the incidents Kaspersky’s team responded to involved these three factors, providing insight into which attack vectors hackers are successfully using. Brute force attacks and software vulnerabilities each accounted for 31.58 percent of the cases, while 23.68 percent of incidents were from malicious emails.

Once the attackers breached the victim organizations, they wreaked havoc through ransomware and data theft. In most cases, the attacks went unnoticed for weeks or months, demonstrating just how long hackers can be in your system without you even knowing!

Moreover, of the incidents involving software vulnerabilities, only a few vulnerabilities were discovered in 2020. In most cases, the vulnerabilities were several years old, suggesting that timely security updates could have prevented a tenth of the investigated incidents. The lesson learned: you need to ensure that you keep your software up to date and install security updates as they are released to prevent these attacks.

The report also suggested that attackers were switching from targeted attacks to instead going after the “lowest-hanging fruit” – organizations with low levels of cybersecurity. Indeed, organizations that regularly updated their software were 30 percent less likely to become victims, while robust password policies reduced the likelihood by 60 percent.

Don’t be the lowest-hanging fruit

The war against cybercriminals is neverending. Is your organization doing everything it can to avoid becoming a victim to costly ransomware and data loss?

If you cannot confidently say “yes”, then you need to fix that right now. Our managed IT services including network security can protect your business from the devastating effects of a data breach. Contact us today to learn more.

The post Brute Force Attacks, Software Vulnerabilities, And Malicious Emails Behind Most Attacks appeared first on Design2Web IT, Inc..

Written by: Jay H.

Cybersecurity is critical for your business operations. Without proper procedures in place, you risk exposure to costly ransomware, data theft, and data loss. However, while most worry about external bad actors threatening their organization, your employees could be posing just as big of a risk. A new survey by HP Wolf Security found that many remote employees are putting their businesses at risk by trying to circumvent security measures.

Remote Employees’ Frustrations Mounting

In a global survey of 1,100 IT decision-makers (ITDMs), many reported security challenges caused by the shift to remote work. Nearly half (48 percent) of employees under the age of 24 are frustrated with security getting in the way of deadlines, leading almost a third (31 percent) to try to bypass security controls. Over half (54 percent) of this same age group were more concerned about meeting deadlines than exposing their organization to a data breach and 39 percent didn’t even know what their security policies say.

Remote employees are unhappy with security controls while working from home, creating frustration and tension with IT teams and compromising business security. As a result, 83 percent of the IT teams surveyed believe that the increase in remote workers has created a “ticking time bomb” for network breaches. Eighty-three percent of IT teams said trying to set and enforce cybersecurity policies is impossible because the lines between personal and professional lives are so blurred.

“If security is too cumbersome and weighs people down, then people will find a way around it,” said Ian Pratt, Global Head of Security for Personal Systems at HP, Inc. “Instead, security should fit as much as possible into existing working patterns and flows, with technology that is unobtrusive, secure-by-design and user-intuitive. Ultimately, we need to make it as easy to work securely as it is to work insecurely, and we can do this by building security into systems from the ground up.”

Other Findings

• 76% of IT teams polled admit security took a back seat to business continuity during the pandemic, while 91% felt pressure to compromise security if it benefitted business continuity.
• 48% of office workers surveyed agreed that seemingly essential security measures result in a lot of wasted time – rising to 64% among those ages 18-24.
• 80% of IT teams experienced objections from users who do not like controls being put on them at home; 67% of IT teams said they experience complaints about this weekly.
• 80% of IT teams said IT security was becoming a “thankless task” because nobody listens to them.
• 69% of IT teams said they feel like the “bad guys” for imposing restrictions.

Recommendations

“To create a more collaborative security culture, we must engage and educate employees on the growing cybersecurity risks, while IT teams need to better understand how security impacts workflows and productivity,” said Joanna Burkey, CISO of HP, Inc. “From here, security needs to be re-evaluated based on the needs of both the business and the hybrid worker.”

Cybersecurity teams need to open lines of communications with end-users and provide compelling and engaging training and education. To build these bridges, companies need to onboard diverse and multi-talented teams that can inspire cybersecurity.

Need help securing your organization and preventing costly network breaches? Learn about how our network security solutions can protect your firm from ransomware, hackers, viruses, and more by contacting us today!

The post How Your Remote Employees Could Be Threatening Your Business appeared first on Design2Web IT, Inc..

Written by: Jay H.

If it’s not broken, why fix it? That’s certainly the attitude of many hackers, who are successfully exploiting software vulnerabilities that are several years old and have security updates long available. These attackers then deploy ransomware on victim businesses ‘ networks, encrypting their data, and halting business operations.

Researchers at Qualys analyzed the most common Critical Vulnerabilities and Exploits (CVEs) used in ransomware attacks. They discovered that many vulnerabilities were years old and had software updates available. Yet many organizations still haven’t applied the updates, leaving them highly vulnerable to ransomware. If they had updated their software, it would have given attackers one area less vulnerability to work with and likely prevented the attack from happening.

Most of the 110 vulnerabilities researchers analyzed had security updates available. In fact, the average CVE has had a software update available for five years! The message is clear: Organizations need to prioritize updating their vulnerable software, especially on Internet-facing and critical assets.

Organizations Struggle With Patch Management

Despite the urgency to keep software up-to-date, most businesses struggle to uphold patch management. Keeping every machine updated every time developers release a security update is challenging. Companies not only have to identify vulnerabilities but also apply the fixes for them. And for small businesses without the budget for IT and security personnel, this is especially difficult.

Recommendations For Mitigating Ransomware Risk

There are many ways you can mitigate the risk of ransomware infections, including:

• Use antivirus software at all times.
• Keep your computer fully patched, including running scheduled checks to keep everything up-to-date.
• Block access to known ransomware sites with security products.
• Allow only authorized apps from trusted developers, like Microsoft and Google.
• Restrict access to official networks from personally-owned devices.
• Use standard user accounts versus administrative accounts whenever possible.
• Use a backup system that allows multiple iterations of your data.
• Have an incident response plan, including how to respond to ransomware.
• Disable macro scripts.
• Keep all system patches, meaning all devices facing the network. These include all hardware, mobile devices, operating systems, software, and applications.
• Use a VPN or proxy when accessing the internet.
• Apply the principles of least privilege and network segmentation.
• Vet and monitor third parties with remote access to your network, including vendors.
• Attend cybersecurity information-sharing programs and webinars and stay up-to-date on cybersecurity news.

Patching New And Old Vulnerabilities

So, there’s no doubt combating ransomware is a highly monumental task. However, you don’t have to take ransomware on alone. Businesses can significantly reduce their risk by partnering with a managed IT service provider such as Design2Web IT. Our managed IT services for small-medium firms include network security to keep your organization safe from attackers. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your organization’s security strategy.

The post Hackers Still Exploiting Years-Old Vulnerabilities appeared first on Design2Web IT, Inc..

Written by: Jay H.

Ransomware is every organization’s worst nightmare. A new study from Telus unveils how ransomware is impacting Canadian businesses and how firms can protect themselves from this ever-evolving threat.

The survey included 463 responses from key decision-makers in Canadian businesses. While the study encompassed all industry verticals, there was a particular focus on eight sectors: financial services, municipal government, education, health, agriculture, oil and gas, retail, and utilities.

Ransomware growing as a threat

Ransomware is emerging as one of the biggest threats for Canadian organizations, especially over these past couple of years. Why is ransomware so rampant? Well, the emergence of COVID-19 forced many businesses to quickly transition into remote (at-home) environments. This left many organizations “adopting first and securing later”, resulting in increased vulnerabilities and cyber risk.

Also, more and more businesses are adopting digital technology, increasing their attack surface with more endpoints and blind spots.

Moreover, ransomware is a very low-risk and profitable endeavour for threat actors who can easily and quickly use ransomware-as-a-service products. And with businesses unwilling to endure costly downtimes, they are often willing to pay the ransom for the (oftentimes false) promise that threat actors will restore their data.

Organizations not getting what they paid for

Eighty-three percent of Canadian organizations reported attempted ransomware attacks, and 67 percent experienced a ransomware incident. Of those impacted, 44 percent paid the ransomware – and shockingly, only 42 percent had their data fully restored! Hackers are increasingly not keeping their word and restoring business data like they promise to, and many firms are finding themselves out of their data and their money.

Unfortunately, for many firms, the ransomware attack did not end after the ransom payment. 15 percent of Canadian organizations who suffered from a ransomware attack experienced the same ransomware after recovery! This could be because hackers know these organizations are willing to pay, or because they still have access to their network and can easily strike again.

The cost of ransomware

Businesses that want to negotiate with hackers are going to have to cough up a hefty payment. The average ransom paid by Canadian organizations is $140,000 per attack, with this number significantly increasing for major organizations.

Image: Telus

However, organizations impacted know that the real cost of ransomware goes beyond the ransom payment.

“According to survey respondents, the costs associated with downtime account for an average of 16% of the total direct cost of the incident,” explained the authors. “This is much worse for industries like Financial Services, where downtime accounts for an average 22% of the direct costs incurred.”

In addition to downtime costs, attack mitigation and recovery also added significant costs. On average, mitigation costs accounted for 16 percent of direct costs firms incurred.

Image: Telus

In addition to these monetary costs, the effects of a ransomware attack on customer trust and brand reputation are difficult to quantify, but they can be enormous. In fact, some reports estimate that 60 percent of small companies go out of business within six months of falling victim to a data breach or cyber attack. Clearly, it’s time for organizations to get their head out of the sand and start taking cyber security seriously now.

Protecting your business

Your organization needs to take a proactive approach to ransomware and develop a multilayered ransomware defence strategy. Telus provided several recommendations for fortifying your ransomware defence:

• Implement a formal vulnerability management program to discover and remediate gaps and vulnerabilities in your organization’s security.
• Review your incident response plan at least once a year and update it as necessary.
• Leverage ransomware defence controls, including:
  • Strong email filtering to defend against phishing attacks.
  • Endpoint protection for every endpoint on your network.
  • 24 x 7 monitoring and response so that swift, automatic responses are taken when threats are detected.
  • Routine security awareness training so your users know the role they play in keeping themselves and your firm safe.
  • Threat intelligence monitoring to increase your visibility into the threat landscape and discover sensitive data threat actors may use to compromise your systems.
  • Multi-factor authentication wherever possible to have strong, unique credentials for every account.

The best way to protect your organization from ransomware is to work alongside a managed IT service provider such as Design2Web IT to implement the above recommendations and more. Our comprehensive IT services ensure your firm is secure from ransomware, viruses, hackers, and other threats. In addition, we help ensure your employees are safe from the effects of phishing, social engineering and other cyber attacks. For more information on how we can keep your organization safe and secure, please contact us today.

The post Ransomware: Under Half Of Companies That Pay Ransom Recover Data appeared first on Design2Web IT, Inc..

Written by: Jay H.

Cybersecurity is a hot topic nowadays. Seemingly every day, there are new headlines of businesses and websites getting hacked. However, did you know your phone is also susceptible to hackers and malefactors? Luckily, you can take steps to improve your device’s security. Here is how to secure your mobile phone.

Lock Your Device

If your phone makes it into the wrong hands, you can prevent unauthorized access by locking down your device. This includes setting a PIN/passcode or biometrics like fingerprint or facial scan. Moreover, set the time the phone can idle before locking to the shortest time. So even if someone steals your phone, they won’t be able to access your data without knowing the passcode.

Back-Up Your Data

Many people store important data on their devices without ever backing up their devices. This means they are at risk of losing business files, photos of important events, and more if they lose their device. To preserve your data if your phone breaks or gets lost, you must back up the data from your device.

Keep the OS Up To Date

Phone developers regularly release updates for security improvements, added features, and bug fixes. In fact, some updates patch critical security flaws that severely endanger your device. In order to maximize your mobile security, you must keep your phone’s operating system updated to the latest version.

Use Secure Wi-Fi

While connecting to public Wi-Fi can be tempting, you may actually be putting your mobile device at risk by joining. Unsecured public Wi-Fi can expose your activity to bad actors and malware. If you absolutely must connect to public Wi-Fi, please read our post about staying safe on public Wi-Fi and use a VPN.

Download Reputable Apps

Just like how you shouldn’t download emails from unknown senders, you should also only install mobile apps from well-known developers. Cybercriminals develop harmful apps to display harmful advertisements or harvest personal information. To help avoid this, read about the developers and check the reviews.

Staying Secure

Your smartphone holds a lot of your important and personal information. By taking these steps to secure your mobile phone, you can help defend against hackers and other threat actors looking to do harm. If you need help securing your mobile devices, computers, or business devices, please contact us today.

The post How To Secure Your Mobile Phone appeared first on Design2Web IT, Inc..

Written by: Jay H.

Scammers successfully steal $80 million per month through fake giveaways and surveys, a new report from Group-IB finds. Fraudsters targeting victims in over 90 countries worldwide, including Canada, the United States, Italy, and South Korea, impersonate popular brands to steal users’ personal and payment data. An estimated 10 million people are victims of a single scam network and the potential damage totals about $80 million per month.

Personalized Scams

These fraudsters rely on personalized scams to trick users into falling victim. They typically invite users to participate in a survey, after which the user would supposedly receive a prize. Then, the scammers send the victims through a long chain of redirects, collecting personal information about their session, including country, time zone, language, IP, and browser. The final page is then tailored according to the personal information gathered, with scammers trying to make the bait as enticing as possible for their victims. Each final scam link is specifically customized for the user and can only be opened once, making tracking these scams difficult.

To “claim” the prize, the user must answer questions asking for their personal data, including full name, email, postal address, phone number, and credit card information, including expiration date and CVV.

Unsurprisingly, the scammers then take advantage of the victim’s provided personal information. Cybercriminals commonly use the stolen data to buy goods online, open fake accounts, or sell the information on the dark web. Sometimes, they may even ask the victim to pay a tax or test payment before they can “receive” the prize.

Global Scam Coverage

According to analysts, this scam impacts 91 countries, with scammers impersonating at least 121 brands. Among the regions most targeted include Europe (36.3%), Africa (24.2%), and Asia (23.1%). As for which type of companies scammers exploited, schemers mostly impersonated telecommunications companies, consisting of more than 50 percent of the schemes, followed by e-commerce and retail.

Be Scam Aware

Scams can be devastating for their victims. Luckily, there are precautions you can take to avoid falling for scams.

Always check that the email account and links actually come from the official domain of the brand. You should also be able to find details of any giveaways or prizes on the brand’s official channels, including their website or social media. You can also view our blog post about how to spot a phishing email for more tips on staying safe when navigating your email inbox.

If you believe you’ve fallen victim to a scam email, you should contact your financial institutions and the police and report the scam to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

The post Scammers Steal $80 Million Per Month Through Fake Giveaways, Surveys appeared first on Design2Web IT, Inc..