Businesses Caught in the Phishing Net
Cybercrime is a sophisticated and lucrative business. Hackers have expanded their net with AI tools to use higher-quality phishing email campaigns to catch more businesses off guard.
Business owners, managers, employees, teachers, students, parents, and children must be aware of cyber threats when using or sharing online devices in all environments.
Distractions Matter in Cyberspace
In the Blink of an Eye
“Day two of the shutdown. Josh and Dave cannot believe what is happening to their successful medical records business. Despite cybersecurity investments, they are now cybercrime victims. All files are locked, and their business operations shut down. Even worse, the ransomware gang has threatened to disclose sensitive information (double extortion or doxing).
On Sunday afternoon (two days earlier), what seemed right with the world flipped to what seemed wrong. Josh, the diligent advocate for cybersecurity in the company, became distracted while working from home — by the barking dog, the crying baby, and his wife arguing on the phone with their internet service provider.
The hackers entered their company network via one single point of compromise. While distracted, Josh clicked on a malicious link in a phishing email. Josh and Dave had an incident response plan (IRP) tested and ready. They had not counted on double extortion demanding a ransom payment to halt public disclosure of data. This extortion and exfiltration were not in their plan.” — Excerpt from 33 Ways Not To Screw Up Cybersecurity #23 Ransomware (pp. 85-86).
Training, Communications, and Tech, Oh My
Now is not the time to cut cybersecurity awareness training and communications — or cybersecurity technology budgets. Misunderstanding the likelihood, frequency, and severity of cyberattacks may cause irreparable harm to your business, customers, or loved ones.
Bad actors are shopping for cyber vulnerabilities while you shop online for gifts, concert and sports tickets, or a vacation getaway.
Cybersecurity Made Simple
You may find hundreds of cybersecurity books online. How do you choose?
I recommend my book 33 Ways Not To Screw Up Cybersecurity. The eBook version is available for 99 cents through Cyber Monday, December 2nd (end of day). My award-winning book is clear, simple, and concise. Find a few gems and pass the book on to your team, class, or family.
Of course, you are welcome to order the paperback version.
Contact me on my website The Cyber Dawn if you want me to speak to your team or lecture your class on cyber risk awareness and action steps they should take if they suspect a cyber incident, an AI-based cyberattack, or a deepfake scam. Let’s distribute the book to the people who attend!
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