November Newsletter

Inside the Newsletter | November 2023

Watch Out for Ransomware Pretending to Be a Windows Update!

“Secure by Design” Cybersecurity Practices

WATCH OUT FOR RANSOMWARE PRETENDING TO BE A WINDOWS UPDATE!

Imagine you’re working away on your PC and see a Windows update prompt. Instead of ignoring it, you take action. But when you install what you think is a legitimate update, you’re infected with ransomware. Cybercriminals are constantly devising new ways to infiltrate systems. They encrypt valuable data, leaving victims with difficult choices. One such variant that has emerged recently is the “Big Head” ransomware.

The Big Head Ransomware Deception

Big Head ransomware presents victims with a convincing and fake Windows update alert. Attackers design this fake alert to trick users. They think that their computer is undergoing a legitimate Windows update. The message may appear in a pop-up window or as a notification. The deception goes even further. The ransomware uses a forged Microsoft digital signature. The attack fools the victim into thinking it’s a legitimate Windows update. They then unknowingly download and execute the ransomware onto their system. From there, the ransomware proceeds to encrypt the victim’s files. Victims see a message demanding a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. Here are some strategies to safeguard yourself from ransomware attacks like Big Head:

Keep Software and Systems Updated Big Head ransomware leverages the appearance of Windows updates. One way to be sure you’re installing a real update is to automate.

Verify the Authenticity of Update Genuine Windows updates will come directly from Microsoft’s official website or through your IT service provider or Windows Update settings.
Backup Your Data Regularly back up your important files. Use an external storage device or a secure cloud backup service. Backups of your data can allow you to restore your files without paying a ransom.
Use Robust Security Software Install reputable antivirus and anti-malware software on your computer.
Educate Yourself and Others Stay informed about the latest ransomware threats and tactics. Educate yourself and your colleagues or family members.
Use Email Security Measures Put in place robust email security measures. Be cautious about opening email attachments or clicking on links.

Enable Firewall and Network Security Activate your computer’s firewall. Use network security solutions to prevent unauthorized access to your network and devices.
Disable Auto-Run Features Configure your computer to disable auto-run functionality for external drives.
Be Wary of Pop-Up Alerts Exercise caution when encountering pop-up alerts especially those that ask you to download or install software. Verify the legitimacy of such alerts before taking any action.
Keep an Eye on Your System Keep an eye on your computer’s performance and any unusual activity. If you notice anything suspicious, investigate immediately.
Have a Response Plan In the unfortunate event of a ransomware attack, have a response plan in place. Know how to disconnect from the network. Report the incident to your IT department or a cybersecurity professional. Avoid paying the ransom if possible.

KEEP YOUR SMART HOME FROM TURNING AGAINST YOU

Smart homes offer unparalleled convenience and efficiency. But as we embrace the convenience, it’s essential to consider the potential risks. Recent headlines have shed light on the vulnerabilities of smart home technology. Such as the story in the New York Post’s article titled “Locked Out & Hacked: When Smart Homes Turn on Owners.” The article describes smart home nightmares. Including the new owner of a smart home that unexpectedly got locked in. The prior owner had left preprogrammed settings. Suddenly at 11:30 p.m., the home told him it was time to go to bed and locked every door in the house. Another technology victim was a woman terrorized by lights and sounds at home. Her ex-partner was maliciously manipulating the smart technology. As homes get smarter, how can you avoid a similar experience? We’ll explore some key strategies to protect your home and your privacy.

Smart Home Safety Tips You Need to Use

Secure Your Network – The foundation of any smart home is its network. Just as you wouldn’t leave your front door wide open, you shouldn’t neglect Wi-Fi security.
Strengthen Device Passwords – Avoid using easily guessable information like “123456” or “password.” Use a combination of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – Many smart home device manufacturers offer 2FA as an extra layer of security. This helps keep unwanted people out.
Regularly Update Firmware – Firmware updates are essential for fixing security vulnerabilities in your smart devices. Make it a habit to check and apply firmware updates regularly.
Vet Your Devices – Look for products that have a history of prompt updates and robust security features. Avoid purchasing devices from obscure or untrusted brands.
Isolate Sensitive Devices – Consider segregating your most sensitive devices onto a separate network, if possible.
Review App Permissions – Smart home apps often request access to various permissions on your devices. Before granting these, scrutinize what data the app is trying to access.
Be Cautious with Voice Assistants – Review your voice assistant’s privacy settings. Be cautious about what information you share with them.
Check Your Devices Regularly – Regularly check the status and activity of your smart devices. Look for any unusual behavior.
Understand Your Device’s Data Usage – Review your smart device’s privacy policy. Understand how it uses your data.
Stay Informed – Finally, stay informed about the latest developments in smart home security. Subscribe to security newsletters.

WHAT IS MICROSOFT SALES COPILOT & WHAT DOES IT DO?

Microsoft is a pioneer in the tech industry and this new AI era. Its newest innovation is Microsoft Sales Copilot. It represents a significant leap forward in leveraging AI and machine learning. It’s designed specifically to enhance sales processes and customer engagement. This groundbreaking tool is built on the foundation of Dynamics 365 Customer Insights. This is Microsoft’s platform for unifying customer data and delivering actionable insights.

WHAT CAN MICROSOFT SALES COPILOT DO?

Personalized Customer Insights Personalized customer insights is one of the core features of Microsoft Sales Copilot. It analyzes a wide range of data sources. This includes:

• Customer behavior

Buying history
Customer interactions

By aggregating and processing this data, Sales Copilot saves salespeople time. AI-Driven Recommendations The tool can suggest things like:

The most appropriate communication channels
Timing for follow-ups
Tailored, client-specific content recommendations

Enhanced Collaboration

Sales Copilot improves collaboration among team members. It keeps sales teams aligned in the approach to engaging with customers.

Predictive Analytics

The tool analyzes historical data and customer behavior patterns. This allows it to predict future customer actions and trends.

Seamless Integration

Sales Copilot seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft tools and services. This creates a unified ecosystem. This integration allows for a smooth flow of data between applications.

10 BIGGEST CYBERSECURITY MISTAKES OF SMALL COMPANIES

Cybercriminals can launch very sophisticated attacks. But it’s often lax cybersecurity practices that enable most breaches. Small business owners often don’t prioritize cybersecurity measures. They may be just fully focused on growing the company. Below are some of the biggest reasons small businesses fall victim to cyberattacks.

Underestimating the threat
Neglecting employee training
Using weak passwords
Ignoring software updates
Lacking a data backup plan
No formal security policies
Ignoring mobile security
Failing to regularly watch networks
No Incident Response Plan
Thinking they don’t need Managed IT Services

SUSTAINABLE TECH HABITS THAT ARE A WIN FOR YOUR BOTTOM LINE

Below are several sustainable tech habits you can adopt:

Energy-efficient hardware and appliances
Virtualization and cloud computing
Remote work and telecommuting
Renewable energy sources
E-waste recycling programs
Optimize data centers
Green web hosting
Paperless office
Eco-friendly office supplies
Software optimization
Remote monitoring and control
Green transportation policies
Sustainable data practices
Green IT certification
Employee education and engagement
Supply chain sustainability
Lifecycle assessments
Green marketing

SECURE BY DESIGN CYBERSECURITY PRACTICES

Cybersecurity has become a critical foundation upon which many aspects of business rely. The frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks continue to increase. It’s essential to shift from a reactive to a proactive cybersecurity approach, such as “ Secure by Design. ” Secure by Design integrates security measures into the very foundation of a system, app, or device. It does this from the start. It’s about considering security as a fundamental aspect of the development process.

Key principles of Secure by Design include: