Are you sure that your employees can resist threats and prevent cyberattacks?

/in /by

To stay ahead of the competition in today’s business world, you need to know your employees’ strengths and weaknesses. This way, you can identify areas where they may need additional training – like cybersecurity awareness.

Employee cyberthreat traits 

Cybersecurity threats can come from anywhere, and your employees must be prepared to resist them. However, certain behaviors may indicate a lack of knowledge or awareness about cybersecurity risks. For example, if employees regularly click on phishing emails or fall victim to social engineering attacks, they are likely unaware of the dangers these threats pose. Similarly, if an employee does not adhere to cybersecurity best practices – such as using strong passwords – this may demonstrate a lack of awareness or motivation.

If you notice any of these behaviors in your employees, provide them with the latest cybersecurity training and best practices. By doing so, you can help protect your business against the dangers of cyberattacks.

In this blog post, we categorize the most common employee traits so that you can identify individuals who require additional attention.

Traits to watch out for

Although there are numerous ways to classify employee traits, we believe the four listed below cover the most common character traits.

The employee with good intentions
This employee is always aware of the latest cybersecurity threats and takes precautions to avoid being hacked. For example, they use strong passwords and are cautious about clicking on links or opening email attachments. However, even the most security-conscious employees can be targeted by cybercriminals. That’s why providing your team with the latest cybersecurity awareness training is essential.

The naïve

As anyone in the cybersecurity field will tell you, naivete can be dangerous. Unfortunately, those who are inexperienced in cybersecurity might trust too quickly without thinking about the potential risks involved.

Do you know people who leave their computers unlocked when they go out for lunch? Or the remote worker who uses the free Wi-Fi at coffee shops? Some individuals even write their passwords on post-it notes; we’ve all been guilty of doing this at some point.

While it may seem to this type of employee that good people surround them, the threat might be sitting right next to them.

The procrastinator
Procrastinators know cybersecurity is essential, but we often delay taking action. For example, we may put off connecting to a virtual private network (VPN) or deploying a security patch, even though we know it’s critical to preventing hackers from infiltrating systems.

Those with the procrastinator cybersecurity trait also have a love-hate relationship with the dozens of red bubbles on our apps and software. If left unchecked, the situation could quickly spiral out of control. But we prioritize other tasks and wait until “the next day” to take care of the issue.

The skeptic
Some people are skeptical about the idea of a cyberattack happening to them. They don’t think changing their passwords regularly or using two-factor authentication is necessary. However, this carefree attitude is what cybercriminals take advantage of to attack businesses. Without the proper safety precautions, these criminals have a high success rate.

It is important to remember that cybercriminals are experts at hiding and can be challenging to spot if you’re not actively looking for them. So be vigilant and take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your business from these attacks.

Conclusion 

There’s no question that businesses need to know their employees well. After all, they are a crucial part of any company. Moreover, good employees can help a business thrive, while careless employees can hold it back.

It’s essential to keep in mind that each employee is an individual with skills, traits, and motivations. It’s up to you to ensure those individual qualities are applied effectively and that your staff receives regular security awareness training to help them learn and practice good cyber hygiene.

If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry. The experience and expertise of a specialized IT service provider can be valuable.

4 Cyberthreats Businesses Need to Know About

/in /by

As the internet continues to grow and businesses become increasingly interconnected, data breaches have become more common in recent years. According to a new study, the average cost of a data breach increased 2.6% from 2021 to 2022.* Hackers can now access sensitive information much more quickly than before and then sell that information on the dark web or use it to commit other crimes, such as identity theft.

Data breaches can be a significant problem for businesses. However, understanding the threats and taking precautions can help protect your business. In this blog post, we’ll discuss a few of the threats you need to look out for to safeguard your business.

Don’t let these threats get to your business

Here are some lesser known cyberthreats that you need to be aware of:

Using public Wi-Fi without a VPN (Virtual Private Network)

Public Wi-Fi networks are becoming increasingly common. They offer a convenient way to stay connected when you’re on the go. However, many people don’t realize that using public Wi-Fi without a VPN can be a security risk.

When you connect to a public Wi-Fi network, you open yourself up to potential hacking and cybercrime. Without a VPN, anyone on the same network as you can see what you’re doing online. They can intercept your data and even steal sensitive information.

That’s why it’s essential to use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi. A VPN encrypts your data and provides a secure connection, even on public Wi-Fi.

Malware-laden apps

The proliferation of mobile apps has given rise to a new breed of cybercrime: malicious apps that can infect your device with malware. This malicious software can wreak havoc on your device, including stealing your data, vandalizing your files, and causing your device to crash. In some cases, malware even equips hackers to take control of your device remotely.

So, how can you protect yourself from downloading malware-laden apps? The best defense is to be vigilant and research before downloading any app, even from an official store like the App Store or Google Play Store. Check reviews and ratings, and only download apps from developers that you trust.

Juice jacking

As more and more people rely on public charging stations to power their devices, juice jacking has become a serious concern. This type of cyberattack occurs when malware is installed on a charging station, infecting the devices of anyone who plugs in. The attacker can then access the victim’s data.

It’s essential to take some precautions to protect yourself from juice jacking. Only use trusted charging stations and a USB data blocker to keep your device from becoming infected. Additionally, ensure your device is in “charging” mode rather than “data transfer” mode when using a public charging station.

Malicious QR codes

As QR codes become more and more popular, so does the potential for security risks. QR codes offer a convenient way to share information, but attackers can also use them to access your device and data.

Protecting yourself from this attack is vital to be aware of the dangers and take precautions when scanning QR codes. For example, you can use a reputable QR code scanner that checks for malicious content before opening it. You can also avoid scanning QR codes that you don’t trust. By taking these simple steps, you can help keep your data safe from those who would exploit it.

Collaborate to tackle cyberthreats

Partnering with an IT service provider is your best option if you’re looking for comprehensive protection from cyber threats. At Istonish, we offer cybersecurity, backup, compliance, and more to keep your business safe.

We can also help improve your employees’ readiness to deal with cyber threats through security awareness training. This training provides employees with the skills to identify and avoid phishing scams, protect their passwords and detect other types of cyberattacks.

To learn more about our security awareness training program, download our eBook “Security Awareness Training: Your Small Business’s Best Investment” by clicking here.

An important aspects of keeping your business secure is ensuring that your passwords are strong

/in /by

As we all become increasingly reliant on digital systems, ensuring that our online assets are well protected is more important than ever. Unfortunately, poor password hygiene practices by some employees can leave businesses vulnerable to hackers.

Cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to break into business systems, and they often succeed due to weak passwords. Weak or stolen passwords were responsible for nearly 50% of cyberattacks last year.* This highlights the need for small businesses to take password security seriously and implement strong password policies.

Fortunately, there are a few best practices that you can follow to protect your business. Here are the top 10 most common passwords available on the dark web that you should avoid at all costs:

  1. Password
  2. 123456789
  3. Qwerty
  4. 123456
  5. 12345
  6. 12345678
  7. 111111
  8. 1234567
  9. 123123
  10. Qwerty123

Password best practices

When your team is aware of password best practices, they can significantly ramp up your cybersecurity.

Avoid reusing passwords on multiple accounts

There is no such thing as a “safe” password. All passwords are susceptible to being hacked, regardless of how complex or challenging they may be to remember. The best way to protect your accounts is to use different passwords. That way, even if a hacker does gain access to one of your accounts, they will not be able to use that same password to access your other accounts.

Another important tip is to avoid writing down your passwords on paper. If a hacker were to find this piece of paper, they would have access to all your accounts.

Make use of two-factor authentication (2FA)

There are many ways to protect your online accounts, but one of the best is two-factor authentication (2FA). With 2FA, even if someone knows your password, they would still need a code from your phone or another device to hack into your account. 

While 2FA is not perfect, it’s a robust security measure that can help keep your accounts safe. So if you haven’t already, we recommend beginning to use 2FA for all of your accounts. And if you do use 2FA, be sure to have a different and unique password for each account.

Implement single sign-on (SSO)

There are many benefits to using a single sign-on (SSO) solution for your password needs. With SSO, you only have to remember one set of credentials to access your online accounts, which can be a convenience, especially if you have a lot of different accounts.

However, it’s important to remember that all of your accounts are only as secure as your SSO password. So, using a unique password for your SSO login is vital. That way, even if one of your other passwords is compromised, your other accounts will remain safe.

Don’t use the information available on your social media

Don’t use the information available on your social media

Many people use social media to connect with friends and family, stay up to date on current events, or share their thoughts and experiences with others. However, social media can also provide valuable personal information for criminals.

Avoid using information easily obtainable on your social media accounts when creating passwords. Cyber hackers will guess your passwords by using names, birth dates, and personal details. Taking this precaution can help keep access to your accounts safe and secure.

Use a password manager

Using a password manager is one of the most important things to keep your passwords safe. A password manager helps you create and store strong passwords for all your online accounts. Password managers can also help you keep track of your passwords and ensure they are unique for each account.

An IT service provider can help you

As cyberattacks become more sophisticated, you may be unable to devote sufficient time and effort to combat them. However, as an IT service provider, we can ensure your team creates strong passwords, stores them securely, and changes them regularly.

Schedule a no-obligation consultation with us today to learn more about how we can help protect you from poor password hygiene.

It’s time to bust some myths about cybersecurity

/in /by

As the business world increasingly digitizes, the dangers of online business also increase. Cybercriminals have many methods of targeting organizations, from hacking credentials to launching sophisticated ransomware attacks. Protecting your business means being aware of these dangers and taking steps to mitigate them.

It’s essential to protect your organization from all possible threats. However, if you’re unfamiliar with technology or cyberattacks’ dangers, it can be challenging to know how best to safeguard your company. In addition, with so much information – and misinformation – about cybersecurity, it can be hard to tell what’s true and what’s not.

As a business owner, you must understand the risks associated with current and evolving technologies. This blog can help you gain that understanding and provide direction on securing your business against potential threats. After reading it, you’ll better understand the landscape of risks and how to protect your business.

Four cybersecurity myths debunked

Busting the top cybersecurity myths is essential to keep your business safe:

I’m not responsible for cybersecurity.

As a business leader, you are responsible for providing regular security awareness training to your employees. Employees are often the weakest link to cyber threats, so they must practice good cyber hygiene. While the IT department or IT service provider is responsible for cybersecurity, hackers can still target employees. Therefore, it would be best to educate your employees on protecting themselves and your business against these threats.

Antivirus software is enough protection.

Regarding cybersecurity, relying on antivirus software alone is not enough. Many other potential dangers can exploit your vulnerabilities, so it’s essential to be aware of them and take the necessary precautions. Cybersecurity is more than just antivirus software – it’s about deploying all the appropriate solutions to protect yourself.

Only large businesses become the victims of cyberattacks.

If you’re not careful, believing this myth could seriously hurt your business. The truth is that small business is more likely to be targeted by cybercriminals since their networks are easier to compromise, and they’re less likely to be able to recover from an attack unless they pay a ransom.

Cybersecurity is just one solution.

You can take many steps to protect your business from cyber threats. Employee security awareness training, physical security measures, and a robust network of defenses are all critical components of a strong cybersecurity posture. By considering all of these factors, you can develop a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy for your business.

An IT service provider can help

There are a lot of myths out there about cybersecurity. And unfortunately, these myths can lead businesses to let their guard down, leaving them vulnerable to attacks. That’s where we come in. We’re an IT service provider that can help you separate fact from fiction and ensure your business is as secure as possible.

As your business grows, you’ll need to be vigilant about protecting your data. That’s where we come in. We have the experience and expertise to handle cybersecurity, backup, compliance, and more for our customers. We’re always up to date on the latest security landscape and can provide you with the tools and guidance you need to stay safe. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you secure your business.

Suppose you want to stay ahead of the curve on cybersecurity. In that case, you need to make security awareness training a priority—our eBook outlines the importance of this type of training and how it can benefit your organization. Get your copy today! Download it here.