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Spoofing Unveiled: Definition, Mechanisms, and Implications

In the vast landscape of cybersecurity, the term “spoofing” holds a prominent place, representing a technique employed by malicious actors to deceive systems and users. This blog aims to shed light on the definition, meaning, and inner workings of spoofing, unraveling the complexities that surround this cybersecurity threat.  Defining Spoofing:  Spoofing, in the realm of cybersecurity, refers to the act of falsifying data or information to trick systems, users, or networks into believing that the source of the information is legitimate. This deceptive practice is often utilized by cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access, deliver malware, or execute other malicious activities.  Types of Spoofing:  IP Spoofing:  Definition: IP Spoofing involves manipulating the source IP address in a network packet to conceal the identity of the sender or impersonate a trusted entity.  How it works: Cybercriminals modify the source IP address in packet headers, making it appear as if the data is coming from a legitimate source.  Email Spoofing:  Definition: Email Spoofing occurs when an attacker sends emails with a forged sender address, making it appear as if the email is from a trustworthy source.  How it works: By manipulating email headers, cybercriminals deceive recipients into believing that the message is legitimate, leading to potential phishing attacks or the spread of malware.  DNS Spoofing:  Definition: DNS Spoofing involves corrupting the Domain Name System (DNS) to redirect users to malicious websites.  How it works: Attackers manipulate DNS records, associating legitimate domain names with incorrect IP addresses, diverting users to fraudulent sites.  Caller ID Spoofing:  Definition: Caller ID Spoofing occurs when a caller manipulates the displayed phone number to disguise their identity.  How it works: Cybercriminals use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to alter the calling number, tricking recipients into answering potentially harmful calls.  Implications of Spoofing:  The repercussions of spoofing attacks can be severe, ranging from financial losses to compromising sensitive data and damaging an organization’s reputation. Here are some potential consequences:  Unauthorized Access: Spoofing can lead to unauthorized access to networks or systems, enabling attackers to extract sensitive information or disrupt operations.  Phishing Attacks: Email spoofing often serves as a precursor to phishing attacks, tricking users into divulging confidential information or downloading malicious attachments.  Data Tampering: Spoofing can result in the alteration of data, leading to misinformation, compromised integrity, and potential legal consequences.  Understanding the intricacies of spoofing is crucial for individuals and organizations to bolster their cybersecurity defenses. Implementing robust security measures, staying vigilant against phishing attempts, and regularly updating systems are key steps in mitigating the risks associated with spoofing. As technology advances, so do the tactics of cybercriminals, making it imperative for users to stay informed and proactive in safeguarding their digital assets against these deceptive practices.  Explore a wealth of information on our website https://www.hammett-tech.com/our-blog/ Visit our Socials! https://www.facebook.com/HammettTech http://www.linkedin.com/companies/hammett-technologies Hammett Technologies (@HammettTech) / Twitter

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Strengthening Compliance: Key Steps for a Resilient Business

Strengthening Compliance: Key Steps for a Resilient Business

In an ever-evolving regulatory landscape, businesses must prioritize compliance to mitigate risks, build trust, and ensure long-term success. Strengthening compliance involves adopting a proactive approach, integrating compliance into the organizational culture, and staying abreast of regulatory changes. Explore key steps that businesses can take to fortify their compliance efforts and navigate the complex regulatory environment.  Conduct a Comprehensive Risk Assessment: Before developing or enhancing a compliance program, it’s crucial to conduct a thorough risk assessment. Identify and evaluate potential risks associated with your industry, operations, and geographic locations. This assessment provides a foundation for designing targeted compliance measures and allocating resources effectively.  Establish a Robust Compliance Framework: A well-defined compliance framework serves as the backbone of your compliance program. It should include policies, procedures, and controls that align with applicable laws and regulations. Ensure that the framework is tailored to your organization’s size, industry, and specific risk profile.  Implement Regular Training and Awareness Programs: Employees are the first line of defense against compliance risks. Regular training programs on relevant laws, industry regulations, and internal policies are essential. Promote a culture of compliance by fostering awareness and ensuring that employees understand their roles in maintaining regulatory adherence.  Utilize Technology for Compliance Monitoring: Leverage technology solutions to streamline compliance monitoring and reporting processes. Automated systems can help in tracking regulatory changes, monitoring internal controls, and generating real-time compliance reports. This not only enhances efficiency but also provides a more accurate and timely assessment of compliance status.  Establish Clear Communication Channels: Open and transparent communication channels are crucial for addressing compliance concerns. Establish a mechanism for employees to report potential violations without fear of retaliation. Encourage a culture where employees feel comfortable seeking guidance on compliance-related matters.  Regularly Update Policies and Procedures: Laws and regulations are dynamic, and compliance frameworks must adapt accordingly. Regularly review and update policies and procedures to reflect changes in the regulatory environment. This ensures that your organization remains agile and compliant in the face of evolving legal requirements.  Conduct Internal Audits and Monitoring: Internal audits are instrumental in evaluating the effectiveness of your compliance program. Conduct regular assessments to identify areas for improvement and address any compliance gaps promptly. Monitoring internal controls is an ongoing process that helps prevent and detect potential compliance issues.  Collaborate with Legal Experts: Establish strong collaborations with legal experts who specialize in your industry. This partnership can provide valuable insights into emerging regulatory trends, legal interpretations, and best practices. Legal counsel can guide your organization in navigating complex compliance challenges.  Stay Informed about Regulatory Changes: Regulatory landscapes are constantly evolving. Regularly monitor changes in laws and regulations relevant to your industry. Subscribe to regulatory updates, participate in industry forums, and engage with regulatory bodies to stay informed about impending changes that may impact your business.  Foster a Culture of Ethics and Integrity: Beyond mere compliance, fostering a culture of ethics and integrity is paramount. Emphasize the importance of ethical behavior at all levels of the organization. This not only strengthens your compliance posture but also contributes to building a positive corporate reputation.   Strengthening compliance is an ongoing process that requires commitment, adaptability, and a proactive mindset. By following these key steps, businesses can create a resilient compliance framework that not only meets regulatory requirements but also contributes to long-term success and sustainability. Remember, compliance is not just a checkbox—it’s a fundamental aspect of responsible and ethical business practices.  Explore a wealth of information on our website https://www.hammett-tech.com/our-blog/ Visit our Socials! https://www.facebook.com/HammettTech http://www.linkedin.com/companies/hammett-technologies Hammett Technologies (@HammettTech) / Twitter

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Unlocking Security: Benefits of Biometric Authentication

In our digital world, we have multiple devices and accounts to our name. This increases the risk of breaches and gives malicious actors access to sensitive information and account credentials. Biometric authentication revolutionizes how we verify ourselves when opening any secure account or device. This guide uncovers the benefits of biometric authentication and how it can help protect your business. What Is Biometric Authentication? Think of how you must verify your identity when logging into any account. These mostly include: Answering security questions Entering passwords and PINs Confirming identity with a one-time verification passcode These outdated measures leave you susceptible to security breaches since the information is only sometimes iron-clad. Biometric authentication offers a much more secure way of logging in since it verifies users through unique physical characteristics. Using facial or fingerprint recognition is a highly secure method of ensuring only the rightful user can access an account. Behavioral biometric authentication adds another layer of security. Devices can identify key characteristics that match someone using knowledge based on their activity, such as swiping or scrolling patterns. Benefits of Biometric Authentication for Businesses Why are experts recommending this technology for business leaders? Adjusting authentication measures can have a tremendous impact on how businesses operate as well as their reputation. Take a look at some of the biggest benefits biometric authentication offers below. Reduced Cyber Threat Risk By doing away with vulnerable passwords and security question answers, your company can minimize the threat of security breaches. Threat actors will have a harder time trying to infiltrate accounts within your network if you utilize unique physical features as the primary form of user verification. Safeguarding accounts with either fingerprint matching or facial recognition scans makes you less prone to experiencing identity theft, ransomware, and other threats. Improved Customer Loyalty Say you operate a major financial institution and have many customers moving their funds elsewhere due to security concerns regarding your mobile banking app. By implementing biometric authentication to your mobile app, customers now have a safe and efficient way to access and monitor their accounts. This is a great way to instill a customer’s confidence in your brand and increase loyalty. Satisfied customers are a boon to your business, allowing you to expand outreach and operations whenever they recommend others to use your services. Money Savings Having a large, loyal customer base that recommends your business to others means you can save on customer acquisition costs. In addition, the lower risk of cyber threats gives you a chance to cut back on expensive cybersecurity programs and software. Just by adding biometric technology, your business can see savings stack up. Boost Your Business Security With Biometric Technology With so many benefits of biometric authentication, why not take advantage of this technology within your business? You can easily reduce the risk of device hacking with one-of-a-kind biometric identifiers. Consider implementing this technology into your daily life to make sure that only sanctioned users can log in to important devices and accounts. Explore a wealth of information on our website https://www.hammett-tech.com/our-blog/ Visit our Socials! https://www.facebook.com/HammettTech http://www.linkedin.com/companies/hammett-technologies Hammett Technologies (@HammettTech) / Twitter

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Watch Out for Google Chrome Update Malware

As a modern business owner, you’re well aware of all the ways technology benefits your business while also putting it at risk. If you use Google Chrome as your browser of choice, you should be aware of the latest Google Chrome update malware scam. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about this attack campaign, how to determine whether you have a compromised website, and how to protect yourself against security risks. What Is Update Malware? Update malware is the term for any line of malicious code cyber attacks embedded within an update to your computer system, website, or web browser. When you download the update, the code you install puts hidden files on your computer that grant the attacker access to your private information or critical computer systems. How the Scam Works Cybersecurity experts have identified at least four different fake “update your browser” campaigns that can trick you into installing malware on your device. This scam was first detected in February 2023 and since then has evolved to provide the attackers with multiple ways to invade your system. The first way they accomplish this is by gaining access to legitimate websites, which they do in various ways. Once they have access to the website, they modify it to display a pop-up to every user who visits the website. The pop-up informs the user their browser is out of date and requires them to update to the newest browser version if they want to view the website’s content. Once users click on the pop-up, they’ve compromised their computers. Determining Whether You Have Malware You can determine whether you’re a victim of the Google Chrome update error by looking for the following file types: SocGholish NETSupport RAT Lumma Redline Raccoon v2 These files make you vulnerable to more severe cyberattacks like identity theft. You can use a virus scanner to find these files, or your IT services team can find them easily. How To Protect Yourself From Google Chrome Update Malware How can you protect your business from malware? First, educate your users on the best practices for avoiding malware, which include: Avoid phishing scams by never clicking on a link to an unknown site or from an unknown sender. Learn to identify typical phishing attack behavior, such as generic greetings, asking for financial information, or promotional offers that are too good to be true. Use multi-factor authentication on all devices. Invest in high-quality anti-virus protection software. Regularly back up your data to a secure location. Use strong passwords and change them regularly. You can also protect yourself from the Google Chrome update malware scam by practicing good “cyber hygiene” and learning how developers push out updates. For example, Chrome will never prompt you to update the browser through a pop-up. You should only update the browser through Chrome’s settings, which notify you of new updates in the upper right-hand corner of the browser. You should also enable automatic updates. This allows your computer or browser to download safe and secure updates without requiring you to click on anything. Explore a wealth of information on our website https://www.hammett-tech.com/our-blog/ Visit our Socials! https://www.facebook.com/HammettTech http://www.linkedin.com/companies/hammett-technologies Hammett Technologies (@HammettTech) / Twitter

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Phishing Campaign Targeting Dropbox

Beware of the Phishing Campaign Targeting Dropbox

A new phishing campaign is making the rounds in an attempt for hackers to obtain sensitive information from vulnerable users. This campaign, first uncovered by tech researchers at Checkpoint, targets the popular cloud storage platform Dropbox. Learn more about the cybersecurity threat and how you can stay safe. Dangers of Phishing Hackers create ways to trick users into giving out their personal information, such as with deceptive emails or links to fake websites. They use messaging that claims a user needs to act urgently and provide sensitive data, such as credit card numbers or banking information. Once the hackers have this data, they can do with it as they please and wreak havoc on unsuspecting people. The dangers of phishing extend to business owners, their employees, and beyond. Victims must deal with the following issues: Financial loss or identity theft Violation of safety Lack of trust online How the Dropbox Phishing Campaign Works This clever campaign has several parts to it. Let’s review how hackers execute their plans step-by-step. Hackers Host a Document on Dropbox The plan begins with unknown bad actors creating a Dropbox account. They host a benign document that looks like a file from OneDrive and send phishing emails to users. Dropbox users will see a button that says “view document.” If they click, it leads them to malicious links. Hackers can implement the next phase after users end up on this site. Distribution Phase A key part of this Dropbox phishing campaign is getting users to a malicious site to harvest their credentials. Once someone ends up on this page, their information is given to cybercriminals who can use it against them. If you fall for the first part of the plan and have hackers stealing your credentials, it can be challenging to feel secure online again. Why This Attack Is Hard to Recognize Checkpoint reports that thousands of users have fallen victim to this attack. It’s particularly challenging to avoid since hackers use Dropbox’s system to share files and notify other users via email. Since the email comes from a reputable source, hackers can bypass any email scam filters or other protective measures you set up. This ultimately makes you more likely to open malicious links. The best way to keep your information safe from bad actors is to always be on guard. Refrain from assuming every email you receive is secure; report it immediately if something seems a little off. Experts recommend that business owners take the time to educate their employees on safe practices and report any suspicious email to an IT professional. Protect Your Business from Threats Every phishing campaign is different, but the threat remains the same. Keep your business safe from hackers by always staying alert and tracking widespread online campaigns. Explore a wealth of information on our website https://www.hammett-tech.com/our-blog/ Visit our Socials! https://www.facebook.com/HammettTech http://www.linkedin.com/companies/hammett-technologies Hammett Technologies (@HammettTech) / Twitter

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Cybersecurity Safeguard: Navigating the Digital Landscape with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) stands as a cornerstone in the ongoing battle to secure our digital landscape. In today’s interconnected and data-centric world, safeguarding sensitive information and shielding organizations from cyber threats is paramount. At its core, the NIST CSF offers a comprehensive and adaptable approach to managing cybersecurity risks. It provides essential principles, best practices, and guidelines that empower organizations of all sizes and sectors to safeguard critical assets and bolster their overall cybersecurity readiness. Let’s delve into the framework’s fundamental components: 1️⃣ Identify: This initial stage revolves around recognizing an organization’s most valuable assets, such as customer data, intellectual property, and financial records. By understanding what needs protection, organizations can strategically prioritize their security efforts. 2️⃣ Protect: In this phase, implementing safeguards, preventive measures, and security controls is crucial. Activities like access control, employee awareness training, and encryption are key components, helping mitigate potential risks and vulnerabilities effectively. 3️⃣ Detect: Given the ever-evolving nature of cyber threats, it’s vital to establish mechanisms for promptly identifying and detecting potential incidents. Investments in advanced monitoring systems, boundary protection, and intrusion detection tools empower organizations to respond swiftly and effectively. 4️⃣ Respond: In the unfortunate event of an incident, having an organized and well-defined response plan is critical. This stage involves establishing communication protocols, incident reporting guidelines, and threat mitigation strategies to minimize damages and reduce downtime. 5️⃣ Recover: Following an incident, the focus shifts to restoring an organization’s systems, data, and processes to normalcy. Incorporating recovery strategies, backups, and continuous monitoring aids in bouncing back stronger and gleaning valuable insights from the experience. By embracing the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, organizations can: ✅ Foster Common Language: The framework enables the creation of a shared vocabulary around cybersecurity, fostering better collaboration between IT departments and executives. ✅ Assess and Improve: Organizations can assess their current security posture, identifying areas for enhancement and improvement. ✅ Enhance Communication: Clear communication of security efforts to clients, partners, and stakeholders builds trust and credibility. ✅ Strategic Alignment: The framework helps organizations prioritize resources, focus investments, and align cybersecurity initiatives with overall business objectives. However, it’s essential to recognize that cybersecurity is not a one-time event. Regular updates, reviews, and continuous improvement are imperative to stay ahead of emerging threats and maintain a robust security posture. Stay vigilant, stay updated, and stay secure. Explore a wealth of information on our website https://www.hammett-tech.com/our-blog/ Visit our Socials! https://www.facebook.com/HammettTech http://www.linkedin.com/companies/hammett-technologies Hammett Technologies (@HammettTech) / Twitter

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Cloud Asset Management

Cloud Asset Management

In the past, companies had to manage extensive computer networks on their own, purchasing servers and networking appliances and allocating physical space for data centers. However, the advent of cloud computing has transformed this landscape significantly. Today, companies can delegate most of their operations to the cloud, retaining only their LANs within their premises. The hybrid approach, where essential parts of the infrastructure remain on-site while other components migrate to the cloud, has gained popularity. Cloud service providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure have played a pivotal role in this shift, offering remarkable agility and flexibility. Cloud computing allows rapid scalability. If a company needs to double its data capacity, a simple adjustment in the subscription plan and some basic configurations can achieve this. Despite these advantages, effective management of cloud assets and cybersecurity remains crucial. Understanding Cloud Asset Management (CAM): When a company transitions its IT assets to cloud networks, these assets, such as hardware, software, and networking entities, become cloud assets. However, ensuring the seamless functioning and security of these cloud-hosted assets require expertise in Cloud Asset Management (CAM). CAM involves meticulous tracking of every aspect of a company’s cloud estate, encompassing maintenance, compliance, upgrading, and disposal of cloud assets. It’s imperative to be aware of the security features offered by cloud service providers and not overlook available security tools, as instances of underutilization have occurred. Challenges and Best Practices in CAM: Visibility into cloud assets presents a unique challenge. You can’t secure what you can’t see, making monitoring a critical practice. Networking monitoring tools become essential for ensuring that cloud providers adhere to Service Level Agreements (SLAs). Monitoring bandwidth and uptime guarantees the reliability of cloud assets, especially when numerous users depend on them simultaneously. Redundancy and automation are key allies in maintaining high uptime. Minimizing single points of failure, having data backups, and employing redundant servers enhance reliability. Automation not only reduces human error but also optimizes efficiency, particularly in repetitive cloud management tasks. A robust risk management plan is vital. Identify potential risks such as natural disasters, cyber attacks, and power outages. Develop specific procedures for each risk and ensure employees are trained accordingly. Security Assurance and Compliance: Critical security measures should be continuously monitored through actionable assessments. Automated systems can rectify vulnerabilities without human intervention, ensuring no security gaps are left unaddressed. Non-compliant cloud resources must be promptly shifted back into compliance, meeting the legal requirements of cloud technology. Incorporating my perspective, effective CAM not only provides security but also offers a strategic advantage. Understanding the nuances of cloud asset management empowers businesses to optimize their cloud usage, control costs, and ensure a seamless migration process. Moreover, it fosters a proactive approach, enabling companies to stay ahead of potential risks and leverage cloud resources to their fullest potential. In conclusion, CAM is pivotal for businesses embracing cloud computing. Remember, your cloud assets deserve the same attention as those behind your firewall. Stay vigilant, stay secure, and leverage the full potential of cloud services for your organization’s growth. Citation: Meena R., Cloud,  Luminis India, October 16, 2023, https://luminisindia.com Explore a wealth of information on our website https://www.hammett-tech.com/our-blog/ Visit our Socials! https://www.facebook.com/HammettTech http://www.linkedin.com/companies/hammett-technologies Hammett Technologies (@HammettTech) / Twitter

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Ways To Protect Your Business and Make Social Media Safe for Your Company

Ways To Protect Your Business and Make Social Media Safe for Your Company

Social media is used by everyone these days, even hackers. Hackers often try to steal your information from social media sites. Even though social media is a useful tool for businesses, it’s important to know what security risks it poses. We’ll show you how to keep your business safe and use social media in a way that doesn’t hurt your business. Why Hackers Target Social Media Accounts Cybercriminals still use phishing emails with malware to attack users. But comments on social media are much more appealing for several reasons. Think about how many people follow a well-known brand. Hackers want to take over the account because they think they can use it to trick many people. The more people who follow a company, the more likely a hacker will steal information from innocent users. Other malicious reasons hackers target social media accounts include: Attempting to tarnish a brand’s reputation Taking advantage of users who lack security awareness Making money from selling personal information How Cybercriminals Attack Social Media Accounts What do these hackers do when they access a business’s social media account? Account takeover is one of the most common threats. The hacker gets your login information and then uses your account to pretend to be you or spread dangerous content. Social media users who are easy to trick are at risk of phishing scams, malware like NodeStealer that targets social networks, and clickbait posts that lead to dangerous websites. Best Ways To Protect Your Business and Make Social Media Safe for Your Company If you’re careful, you don’t have to worry about hackers getting into the social media accounts of your business. These tips can help you protect your business without giving up your use of social media: Be careful when posting pictures: Hackers don’t care about your privacy online, so be careful when posting to a photo-sharing app. It’s best not to let the photo show where you are and to use filters that hide any private information that might be in the photo. Use multi-factor authentication: Experts recommend turning on multi-factor authentication to stop hackers from getting into your account. This is a great way to verify the account owner’s identity by asking you to answer security questions or enter a one-time verification password. Be aware of strange phone calls: Businesses often post their phone number on social media. If someone calls you and says they are from your bank, tell them you need to check the information and will call them back. To avoid a scam, check to see if the caller’s number is the same as the bank’s. It is important to take steps to make sure your business’s social media accounts are safe from hackers to prevent cyber-attacks. Explore a wealth of information on our website https://www.hammett-tech.com/our-blog/ Visit our Socials! https://www.facebook.com/HammettTech http://www.linkedin.com/companies/hammett-technologies Hammett Technologies (@HammettTech) / Twitter

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Tactics To Fight Distributed Spam Distraction and Protect Your Productivity

Tactics To Fight Distributed Spam Distraction and Protect Your Productivity

You check your inbox daily for important emails that help move your business operations forward. But what happens if you’re the target of a distributed spam distraction attack? This common cyber threat floods your inbox with thousands of emails that contain different spam messages. Read on to learn how to fight distributed spam distraction threats and go about your daily routine with greater peace of mind. What Is Distributed Spam Distraction? Distributed spam distraction is an online attack that hackers use to take over your email account. You’ll get tens of thousands of spam emails in a short time. The content of these messages is safe, unlike phishing emails that lead to viruses or the dark web. Your personal information is the main thing that is at risk here. If you start getting strange messages from people you don’t know, someone has hacked into your email account. The tactic of filling your inbox with spam makes it harder for you to see valid emails containing personal information. How To Fight Distributed Spam Distraction Distributed spam distraction is one of the most challenging cyber-attacks to deal with. It requires a multifaceted approach that involves the following tactics. Use Advanced Email Filters Your email already has a spam folder, but when it comes to a distributed spam distraction attack, hackers know how to get around it. Instead, the spam messages will go to your main email, making it hard to find important messages. The problem with this attack is that each email will come from a different sender, so you can’t just block them to stop getting spam. Instead, you should use advanced spam filters with machine-learning algorithms to find trends in spam emails. These filters become more accurate as they adapt and learn new techniques with every message in your inbox. Implement advanced filters throughout your organization to protect your employees from distributed spam distraction, phishing emails, and other cybersecurity threats. Cautiously Share Your Email Be wary of any site that requests your email information. If it doesn’t seem like a safe or reliable source, keep your email address private. Make sure that all of your workers know and follow the best security practices. For example, they shouldn’t open emails from people they don’t know or click on suspicious links or attachments. The following are some practical steps you can take to protect yourself from threats: Regularly update your passwords Set up text or email alerts whenever there’s an online purchase in your name Enable multi-factor authentication for extra security Update your security software Your business can stop distributed spam distraction and other cyber-attacks by updating its security software. If you don’t do this, you leave yourself open to attacks, which could lead to serious security problems and financial loss. Keep your security software updated to give yourself the best chance to fight hackers. Explore a wealth of information on our website https://www.hammett-tech.com/our-blog/ Visit our Socials! https://www.facebook.com/HammettTech http://www.linkedin.com/companies/hammett-technologies Hammett Technologies (@HammettTech) / Twitter

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Staying Safe from Phishing Scams

Hackers steal personal information from people who are vulnerable by making fake websites and sending phishing emails. If you fall for a phishing scam, private information like your credit card number could fall into the wrong hands. You can protect yourself from hackers in several ways, which is good news. Hackers can send phishing emails to business employees when they get their email addresses. They do this to get the workers to give out personal information. Most of the time, hackers want money and will try to get the person they are communicating with to send them their credit card number or information about their bank. If you fall for this scam, your sensitive information is at risk, and you need to move quickly to stop identity theft.   How To Protect Yourself From Phishing Scams Phishing is one of the most common cyber-attacks impacting businesses. In a phishing email, the hacker will pretend to be a trusted person, like a bank representative or fellow employee, to trick the receiver into sending sensitive information. Use these tips to stay safe from phishing scams. Recognize the Signs of a Phishing Email Phishing emails are relatively easy to detect since most of them contain the same elements. Look out for any of the following items that are common in phishing emails: Unusual greetings Messages demanding urgent action Content featuring many typos and grammatical errors Strange senders asking you for login credentials or payment information Unknown attachments that use files like .zip, .scr, or .exe If you receive an email that raises your suspicion, don’t click on any links or open any attachments, as they may contain malware. Report the email to an IT professional who can mitigate the threat of further cyber attacks. Set Up Email Filters Your spam folder may automatically fill up with suspicious phishing emails, but savvy hackers are always looking to find ways to avoid the spam filter and get their emails to your inbox. You can set up additional email filters to protect you from scams, such as blocking the sender or flagging emails with strange attachments. Perform Regular Data Backups Protect your data by frequently backing it up to a hard drive or cloud service. If you access your business email on your phone, it’s also wise to back up your mobile data. This ensures that you can access data even if your device is compromised. Install Security Software  Boost your protection against phishing scams by using security or antivirus software that guards against hackers and cyber security threats. Make sure that you program automatic software updates so the program actively prevents new threats that may occur. Use Multi-Factor Authentication One of the best ways to protect your accounts from phishing scams is by setting up multi-factor authentication for your email account and any sensitive accounts, like your login to your banking website. You’ll benefit from having additional security since your account will require another form of verification besides your password. This can be a one-time verification passcode, PIN, or correct answer to a security question. Explore a wealth of information on our website https://www.hammett-tech.com/our-blog/ Visit our Socials! https://www.facebook.com/HammettTech http://www.linkedin.com/companies/hammett-technologies Hammett Technologies (@HammettTech) / Twitter