Cynergy Technology

SECURITY HINTS & TIPS: Pretexting Pretexting is when the bad guys create a false scenario using a made-up identity or pose as someone you know. They can even pose as employees of bank or credit card companies to manipulate you into divulging personal or sensitive information. How it Works: Common Tactics of Influence The bad guys will try to persuade you into giving them sensitive information. Oftentimes, the information that they need is not specific to your organization. Below are examples of two common tactics used to influence victims in pretexting scenarios: Pretexting with Authority You receive a call at work from someone demanding immediate assistance. They are speaking in an aggressive and authoritative tone. This person establishes their authority by using an executive-level or official-sounding job title. They may even insult you for not being familiar with “who they are”. These scare tactics often persuade victims into giving away sensitive information or complying with the cybercriminal’s request. It’s human nature to act in a responsive manner around someone of authority, but don’t fall victim to false claims of authority!    Pretexting with Obligation You receive a call from someone posing as a member of your IT department. The bad guy tells you they’ve found malicious activity on your work computer and begin questioning your recent browsing history. The fake IT employee implies that you’ve accessed a malicious website and have put the company in danger as a result. They demand you update your password with a more "secure" password which they provide. Would you feel obligated to comply with their instructions? Many unsuspecting people would, but don’t fall victim to a false sense of obligation! How Can I Avoid Falling Victim to Pretexting Scenarios? Use the tips below to help protect your organization against pretexting scenarios: Never give out sensitive information over the phone, online, or in email, unless you are absolutely sure you know who you’re dealing with, or you initiated contact with the individual. If the caller claims to be an employee but their request seems suspicious, verify their identity through a trusted party and let them know you’ll call them back. If the caller questions the need for your verification efforts, explain that you’re following the process required for sharing the type of information they are requesting. Maintain a respectful but forceful attitude. Make sure you’re familiar with your organization’s protocols for handling requests for information or ask your supervisor if you need assistance.

Critical Business Strategy – Disaster Recovery Disaster recovery protocols are put in place to safeguard a business’s IT infrastructure against unexpected disruptions like cyberattacks, natural calamities, and equipment breakdowns. Disaster recovery is essentially preparing for the worst and having an action plan ready to minimize damage and quickly restore business operations. Read full article here: https://lnkd.in/g9dHH2Qv Constructing and implementing an effective disaster recovery plan is no easy task... That’s where we come in. If you’re ready to start a disaster recovery plan or take the plan you have to the next level, let’s get together and talk through some options. Here’s a link to my calendar: https://lnkd.in/gJRybTim #CynergyTechnology #cybersecurity #ITConsulting #CyberThreats #ITServices #DeviceProtection

10 Common Types of Malware Attacks… Malware represents one of the most insidious threats to an organization’s daily operations. This malicious software is engineered with a singular purpose: to infiltrate, disrupt, and wreak havoc on computer systems and networks. From stealthy spyware that monitors your every action to devastating ransomware that holds your data for ransom, each type of malware presents unique challenges and requires specific strategies for mitigation. As cyber defenses grow more sophisticated, the tactics of cybercriminals evolve in complexity and creativity. Understanding these digital adversaries is essential for safeguarding your enterprise’s network and sensitive data. Read full article here: https://lnkd.in/guMVBdSj Whether you need malware analysis, penetration testing, or security engineering, we can tailor solutions to fit your unique cybersecurity needs. If you want to learn more about our innovative network security solutions, schedule a consultation: https://lnkd.in/gJRybTim #CynergyTechnology #cybersecurity #ITConsulting #CyberThreats #ITServices #DeviceProtection

Cybersecurity Awareness - Email Red Flags... You’ve probably been taught to hover over a link and check URLs for misspellings and dubious domains to avoid phishing. However, even legitimate-looking URLs can be deceptive, as cybercriminals may use compromised or seemingly safe websites and services like Dropbox or Google Drive for phishing. Here are a few other red flags to watch out for in a suspicious email: - Is the body of the email specifically addressed to you? If the email starts with “Dear User” or some other vague term instead of your name, this could be a phishing attack that was sent to several other people. - Are there obvious spelling or grammatical errors? Spell check is typically built into most email clients and mobile keyboards. Obvious spelling and grammatical errors could indicate that the email has been poorly translated from one language to another. - Is there a sense of urgency in the email?  Cybercriminals love creating a sense of urgency to trick you into clicking a link or opening an attachment. Phrases like “ACTION NEEDED” can be a red flag. Hope this helps! Schedule a consultation to learn more about email tactics cybercriminals use: https://lnkd.in/gJRybTim #CynergyTechnology #cybersecurity #ITConsulting #CyberThreats #ITServices #DeviceProtection

The Future of Mobile Technology... From streamlining expenses to scaling business, mobile technology is the wave of the future for ecommerce. Consumer demand for convenient mobile interaction has skyrocketed. Successfully drawing customers through mobile sites or apps is about creating a secure, user-friendly experience. Internet of Things (IoT), Mobile Cloud Computing, Geofencing, Artificial Intelligence, etc., are all factors that will give your company a competitive edge. Read full article here: https://lnkd.in/g-9kX5Yz Is it time to look at your wireless network setup? Wi-Fi 7 is one of the game changers to look out for. If you need some advice on first steps, schedule some time on my calendar: https://lnkd.in/gJRybTim #CynergyTechnology #ITConsulting #ITServices #DeviceProtection #Wireless

Cybersecurity Training – First Line of Defense… Employees and users are the first line of defense in any organization, large or small, when it comes to Cybersecurity. Regular training will empower your team with best practices for protecting endpoints and knowing what threats to look out for. There are several security awareness training programs that provide consistent education to help your team recognize and report potential security threats. Pro Tips: -Conduct regular security awareness training sessions for all employees. -Communicate clear guidelines on recognizing and reporting incidents. -Put your employees’ knowledge to the test with simulations to check the effectiveness of your training. Where do I start? – Schedule some time on my calendar and I’ll walk you through the first step: https://lnkd.in/gJRybTim #CynergyTechnology #cybersecurity #ITConsulting #CyberThreats #ITServices #DeviceProtection

Layers of Cybersecurity... A single line of defense is unfortunately not enough to protect your business from cybersecurity threats. To create a robust security posture, it is necessary to combine firewalls, antivirus software, endpoint detection and response, and intrusion detection. Pro Tips: -A layered defense involves a combination of physical, technical, and administrative security controls. -Look for gaps between system components where a hacker could find their way in. -Consider implementing a managed cybersecurity solution. If you would like to learn more about the layers I mentioned, please book some time on my calendar: https://lnkd.in/gJRybTim #CynergyTechnology #cybersecurity #ITConsulting #CyberThreats #ITServices #DeviceProtection

Security Tip – Implement a Proactive Patch Strategy… Regularly updating your operating system and apps is critical to reducing the risk of your devices being compromised. Implementing a proactive patch management strategy will ensure that known vulnerabilities are promptly addressed. By establishing a regular, systematic patch process, you can ensure that endpoints receive the most up-to-date security updates which can prevent potential breaches that could compromise sensitive data or disrupt business operations. Pro Tips: -Streamline updates with automated patch management tools -Test updates in a non-production environment before rolling out to your entire organization -Book some time on my calendar for pro tips specific to your office environment: https://lnkd.in/gJRybTim #CynergyTechnology #cybersecurity #ITConsulting #CyberThreats #ITServices #DeviceProtection

Security Tip - Know Your Endpoints... Endpoints are devices that connect to a network, such as laptops, desktop computers, mobile devices, servers, printers, etc. Understanding your network's endpoints is the first step to mapping out your cybersecurity strategy. Start by conducting a through inventory of all the endpoints that could potentially serve as gateways for cyber threats. This will help you tailor your defenses to protect you from specific vulnerabilities associated with each device. I have a few more pro tips I'd like to share with you if you're interested. https://lnkd.in/gJRybTim #CynergyTechnology #cybersecurity #ITConsulting #CyberThreats #ITServices #DeviceProtection

Remote Desktop Hack... In this recent scam, cybercriminals will try to get you to download legitimate remote desktop software that they can use to access your computer. You’ll receive a fake email that appears to be from your bank. The email will claim that there is an issue with your account and that they need to investigate. Even though the software you downloaded is legitimate, the person who is asking you to install it is a scammer. If you allow them to access your desktop, they have full control of your computer. They can then request passwords or other login information from you to gain access to your financial accounts and data. Tips to avoid falling victim to a remote desktop scam: -Be suspicious of any unexpected emails claiming that there is an issue with your account. If you have reason to believe the request is genuine, contact your bank using a verified number or email address. -Never give control of your computer to someone who contacts you, even if they claim to be from your bank or tech support. -Never share passwords or login information with anyone. This data is personal, and your bank will never ask you for it. If I can help at all, please grab some time on my calendar: https://lnkd.in/gJRybTim #CynergyTechnology #cybersecurity #ITConsulting #CyberThreats #ITServices #DeviceProtection