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security questions Entering passwords and PINs Confirming identity with a one-time verification passcode These outdated measures leave you susceptible to security breaches since the information is only sometimes iron-clad.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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Phones and tablets can help your business grow. Mobile tech can boost profits, make work easier, and get your target market interested. Here’s how you can use mobile tech to your advantage. The Global Reach of Mobile Tech All around the world, smartphone use is increasing. This surge in mobile tech applications leads to more mobile apps and mobile-first businesses. Here’s how companies all over the world are adapting to the mobile tech revolution: Mobile Payments: Businesses are adopting mobile payment systems like Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and PayPal to make the buying experience smoother. Mobile Messaging Apps: Customers globally are turning to apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger for communication. Businesses are using these platforms for customer service and to engage their audience. Emerging Opportunities: Mobile tech is opening up ways for companies to connect with customers and increase sales. These include mobile payments and m-commerce. Additionally, companies are using advanced tech like augmented reality and virtual reality to create customized customer experiences. Mobile tech is expected to play an even larger role in the global business landscape in the future. One significant change on the horizon is the broader rollout of 5G technology. This will create new possibilities for businesses to use mobile tech more innovatively. Mobile Tech and Your Internal Processes Mobile tech helps small businesses, especially with internal processes. It lets you do more without spending a ton of money or time. It is also an effective tool to improve your systems. The following are ways you can use mobile tech to improve your systems: Digital Marketing: Use mobile marketing to boost your brand’s reach. It can help you get more leads and make more sales. Automation: Mobile tech can help automate routine tasks. This includes data entry, keeping track of your stock, and sending out invoices. Data Analytics: Use mobile tech to better understand your internal processes and customers. Data analytics can help you improve how your business works. The Power of Mobile Tech in Sales Customers are going mobile for their shopping and purchases. They’re buying more smartphones and using tablets more. Here are a few ways your business can harness mobile tech to improve your sales: Payment Options: Make paying easy for your customers by offering mobile payment options. Mobile Tools for Sales: Give your sales team mobile tools to help them sell more. QR Codes: Use QR codes to get customers interested in your business. You can also use QR codes to help them buy easier. Cloud-Based Software: Use software in the cloud to work better and save money. Embrace the Mobile Tech Movement Mobile tech is a game changer for businesses. It has revolutionized how companies operate and grow. Whether improving customer service, increasing sales, or making operations more efficient, mobile tech has much to offer. Don’t get left behind. Embrace the mobile tech movement and watch your business thrive. 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
Our world is overflowing with data. By 2025, experts anticipate there will be 180 zettabytes of global data. That is an abundance of information. Managing all of this data, however, is a huge responsibility. It could cost a lot of money and even harm the environment if we do not. What Happens When We Waste Data All of this data storage requires energy. That energy is frequently derived from non-renewable sources. Data centers storing all this information are adding to carbon emissions. What’s more, there is not enough accountability for data management. Some businesses are wasting money storing unused and unwanted data. How Business Owners Feel the Pinch For business owners, especially in the IT sector, this is a big problem. Many spend a lot of money storing data they never use again. This waste is increasing as businesses collect more data. This puts a lot of pressure on IT leaders. 75% of them find managing excess data storage a significant stressor. Recognizing When We Waste Data To fix the issue, we first have to recognize the problem. Here are five signs your business might have data waste: If you are not adding the correct metadata. If you think the data has no purpose after you have used it once. If your team does not see value in the data. If there is poor communication between your teams. If your team is finding it hard to interpret the data. Tips for Better Data Management Avoiding data waste is about more than just having good tech. It is about changing how your team thinks about data. It starts with knowing what data you need and how to use it. Here are a few steps you can take: Equip your IT team with the right digital tools to manage data. Make a good plan for how you will handle data. Move your data into the cloud with the help of hyperscale providers. Invest in proper training and best practices. Don’t Drown in Data Managing data properly has become critical. You can make better decisions by understanding what your data is worth and the impact of storing it. Teach your team to understand data. Make a good plan for handling data. Give your IT team the tools they need. Instead of stressing about managing data, turn it into a chance to make your business run smoothly, save money, and protect the environment. 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