Security

Tips To Reduce IOT-Related Risk In The Healthcare Industry

Business, Security, Technology
Most, if not all, cybersecurity experts believe that anything connected to the internet can be hacked. So with the increasing popularity of the Internet of Things (IoT) and IoT devices in the healthcare industry, it’s only wise that organizations understand and address the risks associated with the ubiquity of IoT. Computing devices that contain a treasure trove of patient data are attractive targets for cybercriminals. Healthcare apps, for instance, hold plenty of sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers, prescriptions, and medical histories. Should hackers ever get a hold of this information, they could resell it on the dark web or use it to steal their victim’s identity. They could even use this information to gain direct control over other IoT equipment, which would lead to even bigger consequences. Similarly, hackers could exploit vulnerable medical devices to infiltrate even the … READ MORE »

Don’t Be A Victim Of Watering Hole Attacks

Business, Personal, Security, Technology
With cybercriminals continuously developing new ways to infiltrate networks and steal user data, it is more crucial than ever to stay one step ahead of these perpetrators. Protect yourself from one of the most common methods that cybercriminals use to inject malware into computers: watering hole attacks. The term “watering hole” colloquially refers to a social gathering place where a particular group of people often go to. As internet users, we all have unique “watering holes” or websites that we visit frequently. A financial analyst, for example, is likely to visit websites related to financial investments and market trends. In a watering hole attack, cybercriminals observe the watering holes of a specific demographic and infect their most visited websites with malware. Any user who has the misfortune of visiting any of these compromised sites will then have their computers automatically … READ MORE »

These 5 Types Of Hackers Are A Threat To SMBs

Business, Personal, Security, Technology
Malicious hackers are motivated by different things. Some do it for fun, some want money, and others just want to end your business. Getting to know how they behave and what drives them informs how you must defend your organization against them. Script kiddies In terms of skill, script kiddies (or skids, for short) are at the bottom of the hacker totem pole. Their name comes from the fact that they use scripts or other automated tools written by others. They are often young people on a quest for internet notoriety or who are simply bored and in search of a thrill. Script kiddies shouldn’t be dismissed so easily, however. The ILOVEYOU virus, considered one of the worst malware on the planet, was developed by skids. Hacktivists Hacktivists often hack into businesses and government systems to promote a particular political agenda … READ MORE »

Basic Cybersecurity Terms Everyone Should Know

Business, Cloud, Personal, Security, Technology
If the only cybersecurity terms you know are “virus” and “hacking,” now is the time to expand your cybersecurity vocabulary. This will enable you to better understand the variety of risks in the online world and protect your computers, data, and yourself. Here’s a short yet handy list of cybersecurity terms you should know. Malware For a long time, the phrase “computer virus” was misused to refer to every type of attack that intended to harm or hurt computers and networks. The more appropriate term for these harmful programs and files would be “malicious software” or “malware.” Whereas a virus is a specific type of malware that is designed to replicate itself, any software created for the purpose of destroying or unfairly accessing networks and data should be referred to as malware. Ransomware Don’t let all other cyberthreats ending in … READ MORE »

Protecting Healthcare Providers From Insider Threats

Business, Security, Technology
Many healthcare organizations are at risk of data breaches caused by insider threats. These are security risks within your organization and can be any of your current or former employees, partners, and contractors who have knowledge about your computer systems. Here are five ways through which your healthcare organization can prevent insider threats from exposing your data. Educate All healthcare employees must be educated on patient privacy, data security, and the risks associated with certain behaviors. They must also be aware of allowable uses and disclosures of protected health information (PHI). For example, some healthcare personnel may be tempted to peek into the medical records of a celebrity admitted to their hospital. You must emphasize that such behavior is strictly forbidden and that it carries corresponding penalties. Deter Develop and enforce policies aimed at reducing the risk of data leaks. … READ MORE »

Safeguard Your Social Media Accounts From Hackers

Business, Cloud, Personal, Security, Technology
Social media phishing attacks are on the rise, with Facebook being one of the most commonly impersonated brands. Hackers are now employing more sophisticated tactics to steal personal data from social media users. To keep your data safe from them, heed our reminders and tips to strengthen your privacy settings and keep bad actors away. Lock screens exist for a reason Always lock all your devices as soon as you stop using them. This way, you are safe from the simplest hack of all: someone opening a social media site on your browser while you’re still signed in. In case you didn’t know, here’s how to lock your computer: On Macs: Press Ctrl+Command+Q. Click the Apple logo on the top left corner of the screen, and click Lock screen. On Windows devices: Press Windows key+L. If there are multiple users using the device, … READ MORE »

5 Most Common Security Breaches

Business, Security, Technology
From attacks on mobile devices to ever-increasing types of malware, cybersecurity has never been more challenging. One of the best ways to stay protected is to be aware of cybersecurity threats. To that end, here are five common ways your IT systems can be broken into. 1. You are tricked into installing malicious software There are countless ways you can be tricked into downloading and installing malware. One is by downloading software from torrent websites. When you visit these sites, you are told to download software in order for the site to load properly. Once downloaded, the malware that came with the software infects your system. In other cases, hackers send emails with a malware-infected attachment. Luckily, there are steps you can take to avoid accidentally installing malware: Never download files from an untrusted source. If a website is asking … READ MORE »

Is Your Cyber Security Policy (Or Lack Of One) Leaving You Wide Open To Attacks?

Business, Cloud, Mobility, Security, Technology
Every business, big or small, should have a cyber security policy in place for its employees. Employees need to know what’s acceptable and what isn’t when it comes to all things IT. The policy should set expectations, lay out rules and give employees the resources necessary to put the policy to work. Your employees represent the front lines of your business’s cyber security defense. You may have all the antivirus software, malware protection and firewalls in the world, but if your employees aren’t educated about IT security or don’t understand even the basics, you’re putting your business at MAJOR risk. What can you do to remedy that? You can put a cyber security policy in place. If you already have one, it’s time to update it. Then, once it’s ready, put it into action! What does a cyber security policy … READ MORE »

Boost Your Cybersecurity With Security Audits

Business, Cloud, Personal, Security, Technology
Are your organization’s cyber defenses enough to protect it from a cyberattack? Unfortunately, just incorporating the latest antimalware software or firewall to your system won’t guarantee your company’s safety. Conducting a security audit will give you a complete picture of your company’s data integrity, giving you a greater chance of successfully meeting your cybersecurity goals. Auditing and the security strategy Audits are necessary to ensure and maintain system quality and integrity. These system checks help identify security gaps and assure business stakeholders that your company is doing everything in its power to protect its data. An audit is usually made up of three phases: assess, assign, and audit. Having a methodical way of auditing helps you avoid missing important details. It is also crucial that each stage is treated with the same level of importance to ensure thorough and comprehensive … READ MORE »

3 Questions You Should Ask Any IT “Expert” Before Letting Them Touch Your Computer Network

Business, Personal, Security, Technology
There are seemingly countless IT service providers to choose from these days, and it can be challenging to tell one from another. However, not all IT service providers are created equal. Some offer independent services, while others are part of larger firms. Some are new to the field, while others have been around for years. There are also companies that put out slick marketing to grab your attention but make it hard to tell if they really live up to the hype. Well, we’re here to help you cut through the clutter. You want to hire someone who knows what they’re doing and is going to take care of your business the right way. To do that, there are a few questions you should ask every IT expert before you let them anywhere near your network to ensure you’ll be … READ MORE »