Google Chrome is transitioning from supporting older extensions (Manifest V2) to a new standard (Manifest V3). This shift aims to enhance security and performance for Chrome users. However, some developers have raised concerns that Manifest V3 may limit the functionality of extensions compared to their Manifest V2 versions.
Shields Up: Cybersecurity Guidance for Organizations
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) advises all organizations, regardless of size, to adopt a heightened cybersecurity posture to protect their most critical assets. Recognizing the challenge many organizations face in identifying resources for urgent security improvements, CISA has compiled a list of free cybersecurity services and tools from government and industry partners to assist.
The P.R.O.T.E.C.T. Framework for Avoiding Phishing Scams
Phishing is one of the most widespread forms of cybercrime, and its success rate is alarmingly high. Every day, more than 3.4 billion spam emails flood inboxes around the world, targeting unsuspecting individuals and businesses alike. The simplicity and scalability of phishing attacks make them a go-to tool for cybercriminals. And with advancements in AI, like ChatGPT, it’s becoming easier for attackers to craft emails that seem legitimate, increasing their likelihood of success.
The consequences of falling victim to a phishing scam can be severe, ranging from financial loss to reputational damage. In recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, here’s a fresh guide to help you recognize phishing attempts before they wreak havoc on your organization.
Phishing: A Rising Threat to Digital Security!
Ransomware: A Hidden Menace to Your Enterprise
Ransomware is an escalating danger for businesses, regardless of their size. This type of malicious software locks up a victim’s files, rendering them unusable until a ransom is paid. The fallout from a ransomware attack can be severe, causing financial losses, operational halts, and damage to a company’s reputation.
Pennsylvania Healthcare Data Breach Case Settled for $65 Million
Emansrepo Malware: A New Threat Exploiting HTML Files to Target Windows Users
In September 2024, a new and dangerous strain of malware, known as Emansrepo, surfaced as a significant threat to Windows users. What makes this malware particularly alarming is its ability to weaponize a common and widely trusted file type: HTML (HyperText Markup Language), the backbone of the internet. By exploiting HTML files, Emansrepo tricks unsuspecting users into executing harmful code, putting both individuals and businesses at risk.
8 Key Strategies for Safeguarding Your Online Presence
The Hidden Dangers of Storing Passwords in Chrome or Edge
Storing passwords in your browser may seem like a convenient solution, but it comes with serious security risks for businesses. While it saves time, this practice leaves your sensitive information vulnerable to various threats. Here’s why storing passwords in Chrome, Edge, or any other browser is discouraged and what you can do to better protect your data.
Securing the Future: Why Cybersecurity is Critical for Manufacturers
Cybersecurity has become a pressing issue across industries, and manufacturers are no exception. Recent attacks have exposed how vulnerable this sector is, with cybercriminals exploiting weaknesses to disrupt operations and cause financial damage. A striking example is the cyberattack on Clorox in August 2023, which led to significant system shutdowns and an estimated $49 million in recovery costs. Yet, despite such high-profile incidents, many manufacturing companies still treat cybersecurity as a low priority.
Urgent Lessons from Recent Cyber-Attacks: Why Every Business Needs Stronger Cybersecurity
Imagine the software your company relies on to close deals, process payments, and pay employees suddenly crashes with no clear timeline for recovery. Could your business keep running smoothly? How much revenue would you lose? This nightmare became a reality in June for more than 15,000 car dealerships across the U.S. and Canada when CDK Global, a major provider of industry software, was hit by two cyber-attacks.
Vacation Travel Scams Increase by 900%: What You Need to Know
Source: Vector choice - URS Preferred Partner
Summer is a peak time for vacation travel, and if you're planning a last-minute getaway, there's a new scam you should be aware of. With rising costs for everything from food to travel, it's tempting to scour the internet for the best deals to plan a memorable trip without overspending. Unfortunately, cybercriminals are taking advantage of this trend, using sophisticated AI-generated phishing emails that can drain more than just your vacation fund. According to Booking.com’s Chief Information Security Officer, Marnie Wilking, there’s been a staggering 500% to 900% increase in travel-related scams over the past 18 months due to this malicious tactic.
How Are Scammers Pulling This Off?
Phishing emails have been around for as long as the internet, but AI tools like ChatGPT are making them more convincing than ever. In the past, phishing attempts were often easy to spot due to obvious spelling and grammatical errors. Now, with AI, scammers can produce polished, professional-looking emails that are far more likely to deceive even the cautious reader.
Here's their method: Scammers exploit popular platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb, which allow users to list properties as short-term rentals. They send out emails offering amazing deals or urgent discounts on fake listings. Once someone pays, the scammers either vanish with the money, leaving the victim without a place to stay, or they continue to extract additional "fees" through follow-up emails before disappearing.
It's important to note that vacation-related phishing scams aren't new, but the rise of AI has made them more convincing, leading to more victims.
How Can You Protect Yourself?
Here are some crucial steps to avoid falling victim to these scams:
Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Whenever possible, use two-factor or multi-factor authentication. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a confirmation code sent to your phone each time you log in, helping to prevent phishing attacks and credential theft.
Avoid Clicking on Email Links: If you receive an email offering a deal that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Instead of clicking on the link, visit the website directly and search for the offer. If you can’t find it, you might have just dodged a scam.
Verify Before Booking: Before booking any property online, ensure that contact information and reviews are easily accessible. Look for verified reviews from other users who have stayed at the property; this reduces the likelihood of falling for a scam.
Use Credit Cards for Online Purchases: Credit cards offer an extra layer of protection compared to debit cards, which are linked directly to your bank account. If your debit card is compromised, recovering stolen funds can be difficult, if not impossible. Credit cards provide greater security against fraudulent charges.
Stay Vigilant
The key to protecting yourself is vigilance. Scrutinize every email offer you receive and adhere to cybersecurity best practices. While standard security software can catch some scam emails, it won't catch them all, so it's crucial to remain cautious and alert to potential red flags.
A personal scam might ruin your vacation, but a breach of your business could have far-reaching consequences for you and your family. Stay informed and protect yourself from these evolving threats.
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Beware of Sneaky Software: Protecting Your Business from Browser Threats
Running a business involves managing countless tasks, and cybersecurity shouldn't add to the burden. Yet, in our increasingly digital landscape, even minor threats can have major consequences. This article highlights two common browser-based attacks that target businesses like yours and provides straightforward steps to protect your data.
LinkedIn Impersonation in Phishing Attacks: A Growing Threat
A recent report from Check Point Research revealed a startling statistic: LinkedIn, the Microsoft-owned business platform, is impersonated in nearly half of all phishing attacks globally.
Common Phishing Tactics on LinkedIn
Phishing Emails: Scammers often target job seekers with emails that mimic LinkedIn notifications, such as "You have 1 new invitation" or "Your profile has been viewed by 63 people." While these messages can appear authentic, it's crucial to verify the sender's email address to ensure it's genuinely from LinkedIn. These fraudulent emails often contain links to fake LinkedIn pages designed to steal your personal information.
Fake Profiles and Job Offers: Cybercriminals create fake LinkedIn profiles to message users about job opportunities. Once engaged, they may ask for a small payment to process the application or direct you to a phishing link disguised as a form to fill out.
Steps to Take During the CrowdStrike Outage
As organizations work to remediate affected systems, it's crucial to stay alert to phishing campaigns and spoofed domains set up by threat actors attempting to exploit the outage.
CrowdStrike's Remediation Measures
CrowdStrike has provided a solution utilizing the Falcon sensor’s built-in quarantine functionality to remove the problematic channel file causing Windows systems to crash. According to CrowdStrike, when a Windows system with Falcon installed contacts the CrowdStrike Cloud, a request is issued to quarantine the faulty file, visible in the Falcon UI. If the file does not exist, no quarantine occurs, and systems operate normally. The solution may require two or three reboots to take effect due to a timing issue between the file's quarantine and activation. For best results, CrowdStrike recommends using a wired network connection to minimize latency.
FTC to Investigate Data Privacy Practices of U.S. Car Dealerships
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced plans to investigate the data privacy practices of car dealerships across the United States. This initiative represents a significant expansion of the FTC's oversight into an industry that has traditionally operated with less regulatory scrutiny compared to others.
CrowdStrike Update Causes Global IT Outage and Security Concerns
On July 19, 2024, at approximately 1:00 a.m. ET, a widespread IT outage began due to a defect in a single CrowdStrike content update. This outage affected numerous Windows hosts globally, including critical U.S. State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial (SLTT) government systems. CrowdStrike has since isolated the issue and deployed a fix.
Recap of the Microsoft Outage on July 19th, 2024: Essential Insights for Businesses
Major Software Outage on July 19th, 2024
On July 19th, 2024, a significant software glitch caused major disruptions for businesses worldwide. This outage affected Microsoft 365 services, including essential applications like Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive, leading to substantial challenges across various industries. As a Managed Service Provider (MSP), we understand the importance of staying informed and prepared for such events. Here’s a detailed look at what happened, who was impacted, and the current status.
US Department of Energy Unveils Energy Supply Chain Security Principles
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has released a comprehensive set of Supply Chain Cybersecurity Principles. These guidelines aim to ensure robust cybersecurity measures across the global supply chains involved in constructing energy automation and industrial control systems (ICS).
Protect Your Dental Practice and Patients from Cybercriminal Attacks
The American Dental Association (ADA) is calling on all dental practices, especially oral and maxillofacial surgeons, to remain vigilant against cyberattacks. On May 6, 2024, the FBI informed the ADA and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) of a credible cybersecurity threat targeting these practices.