Passwords protect our privacy but don’t offer the most convenient experience. Tech giants like Apple, Google, and Microsoft show that there’s a better alternative: passkeys. They are a different form of login credentials, consisting of two interlocking parts. The first one is kept on a secure device like your smartphone. The second is shared with the website or app you have an account with. You need both components to log in successfully. Your device will use your biometrics to confirm your identity when signing in. The two parts will then create an authentication token. Passkeys offer better security and are easier to use than passwords. More companies are standing behind passkeys hoping to create a password-less future. Here’s how businesses can benefit from passkeys: Airtight Security Passwords don’t provide airtight security, even if you follow best practices. Hackers use various methods to access private data, including brute-force attacks. It is a trial-and-error hacking method that cracks passwords and other login credentials. Passkeys offer excellent protection against these security threats. It is harder for hackers to gain access to sensitive data when you don’t input a password. They can’t use phishing schemes, brute-force attacks, or other methods to steal your personal information. They would need to be in physical possession of your device to hack into your account. With passkeys, businesses have better data protection. Enhanced User Experience Users have to manage various passwords to maintain their accounts. As their list of complicated passwords gets longer, their patience starts running out. That is the start of password fatigue. It is the overwhelming sense of stress and frustration from having to remember too many passwords. With passkeys, your employees and customers don’t have to create and remember complicated passwords. They can easily access their accounts without having to type anything. They also don’t have to go through a tedious recovery process because they forgot their login credentials. Passkeys save time and effort, enhancing the user experience. It can lower drop-offs, boost customer satisfaction, and encourage brand loyalty. Lower Costs The traditional login method requires account lockouts, support calls, and password resets. Businesses have to spend considerable amounts of money on these features. Passkeys are easier on the budget and require less support and maintenance. They only need unique codes and biometrics to work. That allows businesses to save on valuable resources. The Future of Passkeys Passwords aren’t going to disappear overnight. It will take time for websites to adopt passkey support. But we can expect passkeys to become the universal authentication method in the future. Passkeys offer several advantages over traditional passwords in strengthening business security, so business owners must be ready to make the switch.
IT compliance is indeed crucial for organizations to ensure the security, integrity, and confidentiality of their information systems and data. Compliance requirements vary based on industry, geographical location, and specific regulations. While I can provide you with a general overview, it’s important to consult with legal and compliance professionals to ensure accurate and up-to-date information for your specific situation. Here are some common IT compliance requirements: General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): GDPR is a comprehensive data protection regulation that applies to organizations handling the personal data of European Union (EU) citizens. It mandates strict requirements for data protection, consent, breach notification, and data subject rights. Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS): PCI DSS is a set of security standards that organizations must follow if they handle credit card information. It focuses on protecting cardholder data, maintaining secure networks, implementing strong access controls, regularly monitoring and testing systems, and maintaining an information security policy. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA): HIPAA applies to organizations in the healthcare industry and governs the security and privacy of protected health information (PHI). Compliance involves implementing administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect PHI, ensuring patient rights, and implementing proper data breach notification procedures. Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX): SOX is a financial regulation that applies to publicly traded companies in the United States. It focuses on financial reporting and includes provisions to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial information. IT compliance requirements involve maintaining proper internal controls, secure storage of financial data, and data retention policies. Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA): FISMA is a U.S. federal law that establishes security standards for federal agencies and contractors. It requires implementing risk management processes, developing security plans, conducting security assessments, and establishing incident response capabilities. ISO 27001: ISO 27001 is an internationally recognized standard for information security management systems (ISMS). It provides a framework for organizations to establish, implement, maintain, and continuously improve their information security processes. Compliance involves conducting risk assessments, implementing security controls, and establishing a management system to monitor and review security practices. California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA): CCPA is a privacy law that applies to businesses operating in California and handling personal information of California residents. Compliance requires implementing data protection measures, providing consumer rights to access and delete their personal information, and disclosing data collection and usage practices. NIST Cybersecurity Framework: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework provides guidelines for organizations to manage and mitigate cybersecurity risks. It includes five core functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. Compliance involves aligning with these functions to improve cybersecurity posture. These are just a few examples of IT compliance requirements. Depending on your industry and specific circumstances, other regulations and standards may also be applicable. It’s essential to conduct a thorough assessment of your organization’s requirements and seek professional guidance to ensure compliance. Love, C. J. (2023, May 24). IT Compliance is Important: Here are Some Requirements You May Need to Know. ShowTech Solutions. https://www.showtechsolutions.com/blog/it-compliance-is-important-here-are-some-requirements-you-may-need-to-know
A computer network streamlines your business operations, boosts productivity, and improves customer experiences. With this reliance comes the need to make sure your network is safe. Let’s explore why Network Security is a top priority for your business. Protect Sensitive Data One important reason to prioritize network security is to protect sensitive data. This includes information about customers, employees, finances, and intellectual property. That’s why cybercriminals are looking for ways to breach network security. You need to secure your network to keep valuable information protected. Data breaches can cause financial and reputational damage. But a strong network security system can prevent this. Maintain Customer Trust Customers prefer businesses that protect their personal information. Investing in security shows you care about protecting their data. This builds customer trust, leading to long-term relationships and more business. Comply With Regulations Cyber threats and data protection laws evolve together. Businesses must follow many industry-specific rules and laws. These include the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).By ensuring your network security is strong, you can stay compliant and avoid fines or other legal problems. Prevent Downtime Cyberattacks can disrupt business operations and cost money. By prioritizing network security, you can ensure your business stays open and continues to serve customers. One example of how network security can prevent downtime is using a strong firewall to protect your network from outside threats. You can find and stop bad traffic, like DDoS attacks, before it gets to your systems. Enhance Employee Productivity A secure network allows employees to work efficiently without worrying about cyber threats. If you provide your employees with a safe workplace, they can focus on their tasks. This, in turn, will increase their productivity. Final Thoughts You should focus on network security to succeed and survive in the digital world. By doing this, you are better prepared against potential cyber threats to your business. Network Security protects sensitive data and reinforces customers’ trust. It also reduces downtime and boosts employee productivity. Investing now will help your business be on par with technology and cybersecurity. This will pave the way for your company’s safety and continued success.
By leveraging new technologies and digital processes, many businesses today can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and better serve their customers. Despite this, implementing the latest technologies and procedures can be a complex and challenging task, especially for businesses lacking in-house expertise and resources. It is here where managed IT services can play a crucial role, providing the knowledge and support required to adopt new technologies and digital processes. Managed IT services provide businesses access to a team of experienced IT professionals who can provide expert guidance and support throughout the digital transformation process. Assessment of the organization’s needs, identification of appropriate technologies, and implementation of these technologies and processes are all part of this process. Digital transformation can be especially beneficial for companies that lack the in-house IT resources or expertise to handle it. A managed IT service can help businesses better address the risks associated with digital transformation and provide expert guidance and support. Assuring that the latest technologies and processes are secure and compliant with industry regulations is one aspect of this, as well as helping businesses recover from potential disruptions and setbacks faster. By providing this level of support and protection, managed IT services can help companies to feel more confident and secure as they navigate the often-unfamiliar waters of digital transformation. Many businesses have benefited from managed IT services in their digital transformation efforts. For example, managed IT services are often used to help implement e-commerce platforms or electronic health record systems in retail and healthcare. Regardless of the scenario, managed IT services providers will work closely with a company to assess its needs, identify the right technology and processes, as well as ensure that the new systems operate smoothly. The adoption of new technologies and digital processes can be greatly enhanced by managed IT services as part of a digital transformation effort. In addition to providing expert guidance and support, managed IT services can help businesses navigate the complexities of digital transformation and drive business growth by minimizing risks.
Businesses always look for ways to protect their sensitive data. But have you considered the growing threat of AI cracking your passwords? Recent studies show that AI can crack many passwords in less than a minute. This poses a significant risk to businesses of all sizes. Let’s discuss why you need stronger passwords and offer tips for creating more secure ones. AI Cracking Passwords Faster Than Ever Before Cybersecurity researchers have been testing the capabilities of AI platforms to crack passwords. One of these platforms is PassGAN, which uses machine learning to create guesses. In a recent experiment, researchers from Home Security Heroes input millions of passwords from a leaked dataset into PassGAN. Home Security Heroes wanted to see how quickly it could crack the codes. The results were revealing. 51% of common passwords were cracked in under a minute. PassGan even cracked seven-character passwords in less than six minutes. Why Stronger Passwords Matter for Your Business These findings should be a wake-up call for business owners. Weak passwords can leave your company’s sensitive data vulnerable to cybercriminals. If your employees use easily cracked passwords, it is only a matter of time before a hacker exploits this weakness, leading to potential data breaches and financial loss. Tips for Creating Secure Passwords It’s vital to use strong passwords to protect your business. Experts recommend passwords with at least 15 characters. Mix lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols. These types of passwords would take an estimated 14 billion years to decode, making them virtually uncrackable. Here are some additional tips for creating secure passwords: Avoid using common words, phrases, or patterns. Don’t use personal information in your passwords, such as names or birthdays. Use a unique password for each account. Consider using a passphrase – a series of random words or sentences – instead of a single phrase. Update your passwords regularly and never reuse old ones. Strengthen Your Business’s Password Security In light of the growing threat of AI cracking passwords, it is more important than ever for business owners to focus on password security. Implement best practices and follow the tips above. Doing so can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and protect your company’s valuable information. Remember, a secure password – and your knowledge – is a crucial defense against online threats.
Simplifying Cybersecurity: Microsoft’s Security Copilot AI Assistant Microsoft released a game-changing way to protect against cyberattacks. This AI-powered assistant, called Security Copilot, can find threats faster than ever. It could revolutionize how businesses keep their digital assets safe. Security Copilot uses OpenAI’s GPT-4. Microsoft’s “security-specific” AI model is also part of its structure. Security Copilot is designed to better summarize and make sense of threats than any tool before. How Security Copilot Does Its Job Some elements in Security Copilot come from other Microsoft security tools. With the help of AI, Security Copilot can give customized advice to any business. With Security Copilot, Microsoft aims to simplify identifying and organizing threat intelligence. As a result, analysts will be able to spot malicious behavior more quickly. Through a Chat GPT-like interface, users answer security questions. These interactions provide Security Copilot information to work on. It can be adjusted to fit each business environment and give custom advice. Benefits for Security Microsoft has made Security Copilot work well with cybersecurity teams. It gives defenders more ways to keep track of intelligence. The AI assistant helps them learn from the information they already have and compare the threats they face. This can lead to faster decision-making. This tool aids security teams in many ways: It catches what others may miss by correlating and summarizing attack data. It also prioritizes incidents and recommends the best course of action. This ensures timely remediation of diverse threats. Security Copilot can also learn and improve over time. This ensures that security teams stay up to date. They get the newest information about attackers, tactics, and procedures. Collaboration and Communication Features Security Copilot has features that make it easier for teams to work together. It can track what a user has done in the past to map out potential problems and create summaries. Colleagues can learn about the project and get up to speed. The system can also make presentation materials automatically. Then, teams can share information with people outside of their department. Use Security Copilot to Your Advantage You can use Security Copilot to improve your security. Consider these steps: Keep an eye on the latest advancements in cybersecurity tools like Security Copilot. Check your current security measures. Consider integrating Microsoft’s security ecosystem to enhance protection and threat response capabilities. Encourage training and education on cybersecurity best practices and their benefits. AI tools like Security Copilot help companies identify and address cyber threats. They provide vital threat information so that you can take the appropriate action. In addition, they automate tasks and enable wider collaboration between security teams. What does this mean to you as a business owner? With cybercrime increasing, focusing on security is essential more than ever. AI tools provide another layer of defense against attacks. In this regard, embracing AI tools is a wise decision for any business owner.
Bitdefender released its 2023 Cybersecurity Assessment report Wednesday, which surveyed more than 400 IT and security professionals located in the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, Italy and Spain. The report found that 42% of surveyed respondents said they were told to keep a breach confidential when they should have reported it, and nearly 30% said they had kept a breach confidential knowing it should have been reported. When it comes to U.S.-based organizations, those percentages only increased. The report also addressed the legal backlash of maintaining breach confidentiality. The primary threat concerns for surveyed respondents last year were software vulnerabilities and zero-day exploits, followed closely by phishing campaigns and supply chain attacks. Ransomware came in at No. 4. Bitdefender noted that patching software vulnerabilities in a timely manner is an ongoing problem that attackers increasingly leverage. Bitdefender released its 2023 Cybersecurity Assessment report Wednesday, which surveyed more than 400 IT and security professionals located in the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, Italy and Spain. The report found that 42% of surveyed respondents said they were told to keep a breach confidential when they should have reported it, and nearly 30% said they had kept a breach confidential knowing it should have been reported. When it comes to U.S.-based organizations, those percentages only increased. The report also addressed the legal backlash of maintaining breach confidentiality. The primary threat concerns for surveyed respondents last year were software vulnerabilities and zero-day exploits, followed closely by phishing campaigns and supply chain attacks. Ransomware came in at No. 4. Bitdefender noted that patching software vulnerabilities in a timely manner is an ongoing problem that attackers increasingly leverage. Bitdefender released its 2023 Cybersecurity Assessment report Wednesday, which surveyed more than 400 IT and security professionals located in the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, Italy and Spain. The report found that 42% of surveyed respondents said they were told to keep a breach confidential when they should have reported it, and nearly 30% said they had kept a breach confidential knowing it should have been reported. When it comes to U.S.-based organizations, those percentages only increased. The report also addressed the legal backlash of maintaining breach confidentiality. The primary threat concerns for surveyed respondents last year were software vulnerabilities and zero-day exploits, followed closely by phishing campaigns and supply chain attacks. Ransomware came in at No. 4. Bitdefender noted that patching software vulnerabilities in a timely manner is an ongoing problem that attackers increasingly leverage.
Recently, there was a rise in cybercrime related to the closing of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). Threat actors go after businesses and sometimes use them in their illegal activities. SVB was the 16th largest bank in the U.S. The bank worked with tech giants like Buzzfeed, Roblox, and Roku. However, global inflation and a deposit run caused regulators to close the bank on Friday, March 10, 2023. Hackers are using SVB-related content to manipulate people’s emotions. Analysts are finding more phishing attacks connected to the SVB closure, and new threats appear daily. How Hackers Set Up SVB-related Attacks Cybercriminals started buying fake SVB domains shortly after SVB closed. This is how they set up their SVB-related attacks. The attackers then made and tested phishing flows before starting their campaigns. More than 62 new domains were set up for SVB-related attacks, and there were 200 phishing scams, most of which targeted businesses in the U.S. The public response helped hackers Unfortunately, the public’s response to the SVB crisis may have unwittingly aided cybercriminals. Attackers used websites that listed affected SVB customers to find targets. Also, emails from companies switching to new banks can look like phishing emails, which can cause confusion and increase the risks. Getting Ready for the Wave of SVB Fraud To counter SVB-related attacks and protect your business, you should: 1. Raise employee awareness about phishing and cyber threats. 2. Provide regular security training. 3. Implement email security solutions with anti-phishing features. 4. Use multi-factor authentication. 5. Keep software updated to prevent vulnerabilities. 6. Encourage strong, unique passwords and start using password managers. 7. Monitor the company’s online presence for fake domains or websites. 8. Develop and maintain an incident response plan. 9. Periodically review and update security processes. 10. Collaborate with cybersecurity experts for audits and vulnerability assessments. The recent failure of SVB has given cybercriminals a chance to take advantage of businesses and individuals. To protect yourself from SVB-related attacks and other cyber threats, you need to put cybersecurity at the top of your list of priorities. You can shield your company from these attacks by being proactive, improving security infrastructure, and using your resources wisely.
Essendant, a Staples-owned wholesale distributor of office supplies and stationery, paused its operations recently because of a multi-day, network-wide outage. The system disruption has prevented customers from placing orders online or contacting the company’s customer care unit. While Essendant has yet to disclose the reason behind the outage, many think someone had hacked into the company’s system. Customers are expressing their frustration over the company’s lack of transparency. Essendant’s Outage Is Preventing Fulfillment of Orders The network-wide outage started on the night of March 6, 2023. Essendant then began notifying customers about it the following day. Because of the disruption, the company can’t accommodate new online orders or fulfill existing ones. Aside from customers and suppliers, the incident also affects freight carriers. The company has told them to postpone pickups for now. Essendant carries more than 160,000 items and caters to around 30,000 resellers. The disruption has a significant impact on its supply chain. What Is Essendant Doing to Address the Issue? Since March 20, 2023, Essendant has taken significant steps to recover its operations. The company has restored at least a hundred systems and performed end-to-end testing. It is currently in the pilot stages of its pick, pack, and ship efforts. Here’s what customers can expect from Essendant at this point of its recovery: Empower users now have new login credentials and can place orders through the portal. Aside from Empower, customers can access other Solution Central applications. That includes List Assistant, ICAPS, Essendant Marketing Studio, and Market Xpert. Essendant’s customer care team is only accessible through email. Request volumes are high, and turnaround time will be longer.There will be longer shipment times because of higher order volumes. The Bottom Line The Essendant outage highlights the importance of data backups. Losing large amounts of information, whether employee, customer, or systems data, can cripple a business. But with a data backup strategy, you have a duplicate of your systems and can recover faster. Secondly, it’s a reminder for business owners to have a contingency plan. If your supplier can’t deliver for whatever reason, having a backup plan will save your business.
The United States government is alerting organizations about the Royal ransomware operation. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) said in a joint advisory that the Royal ransomware gang poses an increasing threat to the critical infrastructure of numerous sectors in the U.S. The Royal ransomware group has been targeting different sectors across the country and abroad. Among its victims are health care, education, communications, and manufacturing organizations. How the Royal Ransomware Gang Operates According to the FBI and CISA, Royal actors use phishing links to access an organization’s network. These links carry a malware downloader. The cyber threat actors then disable the network’s antivirus software, extract large amounts of data, and encrypt systems. Other than phishing links, the Royal ransomware gang also uses these other tools to get into an organization’s network, including: Remote desktop protocol (RDP) Initial access brokers The exploitation of public-facing applications Royal Ransomware Made Rounds Since 2022 The Royal ransomware gang first made rounds in early 2022. It used third-party ransomware like Zeon when it started. But it has since created its own ransomware and has been using it since September. It also uses other malicious tools to gather information and keep victims from restoring their data. In December, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that Royal ransomware targeted the healthcare sector. Royal’s leak page on the dark web listed two healthcare service providers as victims. Royal actors had also made ransom demands in Bitcoin. These demands range between $1 million and $11 million. The ransom notes do not state ransom amounts and payment details. But these contain instructions on how to contact the group. Royal Gang Is a Group of Experienced Cybercriminals Security experts believe that experienced cybercriminals make up the Royal ransomware gang. These cyber threat actors have worked together in previous operations. Cyber security experts noted similarities between the Royal operation and Conti – a Russian hacking enterprise. Conti disbanded in June 2022, giving rise to several cybercriminal groups. These groups applied the same phishing technique that the Royal gang now uses to deploy its ransomware. Organizations Should Have a Data Recovery Plan in Place The U.S. government advises businesses and organizations to have a data recovery plan in place. This plan ensures that organizations won’t lose their data in case Royal ransomware infiltrates their systems. Additionally, organizations can continue their operations in case of a ransomware attack. A recovery plan includes: maintaining multiple backups of data implementing multi-factor authentication securing accounts with unique and strong passwords using monitoring tools to detect suspicious activity in their network implementing network segmentation updating all software and operating systems auditing all accounts disabling unused services The Bottom Line: Businesses Should Be Ready for Ransomware Attacks Businesses and organizations could lose all their data, including customers’ personal information, from a ransomware attack. And this could incapacitate their business or at least disrupt operations. Their customers would also lose trust and confidence in them. As such, businesses and organizations should prepare themselves for possible cyberattacks. It is not enough to put measures in place to prevent it. They should also have a contingency plan in case they fall victim to a cybercrime.