Businesses Caught in the Phishing Net
Cybercrime is a sophisticated and lucrative business. Hackers have expanded their net with AI tools to catch more businesses off guard using higher-quality phishing email campaigns.
Business owners, managers, employees, teachers, students, parents, and kiddos must know about cyber threats while 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 cyber technology budgets. Misunderstanding the likelihood, frequency, and severity of attacks during the year-end holiday season may cause irreparable harm to your business and customers.
Bad actors are shopping for cyber vulnerabilities while you shop online for gifts.
Cybersecurity Made Simple
You may find hundreds of cybersecurity books online. How do you choose?
If you are not an expert on cyber subject matter, you may want a book to grab a few gems to guide you and then pass the book on to your team, class, or family. If so, consider the eBook version of 33 Ways Not To Screw Up Cybersecurity, available for 99 cents through Cyber Monday.
Of course, you can order the paperback version.
Contact me on my website if you want me to speak to your team or class and distribute the book to attendees.
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