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Quiz Time: Can You Handle Social Media Phishing Attacks at work?

Posted on by ARRC Technology

Our last three blogs have discussed cybersecurity threats and how they affect a business. We have talked about the dangers that stem from various types of malware. We have warned you about the newest cybersecurity risks expected to wreak havoc on businesses soon. And in the face of the ongoing growing acceptance of remote work setups, we have delved into the threats related to working from home. Now, we will now talk about social media phishing. 

The common thing in all these topics is that they are all linked to phishing. A strong phishing attack can make a network open to the online threats that we have talked about. Thus, you and your employees must know how to handle social media phishing attacks at work. To find out just how prepared your staff is to circumvent phishing attacks on social media, you can have them take the following quiz.

A Brief Quiz on Social Media Phishing

Here are ten statements that have to do with phishing in social media. Read each one carefully and decide whether it is TRUE or FALSE.

  1. It’s safe to click on social media links and messages at work.
  2. A lot of phishing attacks use publicly available information.
  3. Social media phishing attacks target only individuals, not organizations.
  4. A cybersecurity risk assessment reveals the weak areas in your company’s security strategy.
  5. A ransomware attack occurs once every 40 seconds.
  6. Hackers have a lower chance of attacking smaller businesses.
  7. Malware and virus protection is more important than employee cybersecurity training.
  8. Cybersecurity insurance can save your business.
  9. Two-factor authentication is better for account logins.
  10. Working from home and working from the office are equally safe.

Quiz Answers

  1. False – Even if your company has a reliable cybersecurity system in place, it’s never 100% certain and could be a social media phishing scam. Always be conscious and vigilant if you want your data and network to stay secure.
  2. True – Most of the time, hackers use information already available to the public. We should be careful in revealing information, even if it seems harmless. Hackers might use anything that is made public as a tool for attacking your important files.
  3. False – Social media phishing attacks used to target individuals, but the hackers that use this method have now levelled up and are also targeting organizations, even big companies.
  4. True – You don’t have to wait for an actual phishing attack to gauge the strength or weakness of your defenses. An MSP can give you a thorough risk assessment to identify the weak spots you need to work on.
  5. True – Ransomware attacks are much more frequent than people realize. Most businesses are on a hacker’s hit list, but they have not launched an attack yet.
  6. False – Smaller businesses are at a greater risk because they often have weaker defenses against online threats,
  7. False – Both are very important and go hand-in-hand with an effective cybersecurity strategy.
  8. True – Some business owners forego getting cybersecurity insurance, thinking it is unnecessary and expensive. But if you fall victim to a security breach, it can cost you upwards of $50,000, and cyber insurance can help cover such amounts.
  9. True – Two-factor authentication is much harder for hackers to penetrate than single-step login, making it more secure.
  10. False – While there are plenty of things we can do to make working from home safer, it is still not nearly as secure as working from the office, where software updates and router upgrades are easily done.

Evaluating the Results

Did you get a 10? If so, you have the knowledge and skills to deal with any online attack! Warding off phishing attacks on social media will be a cinch!

A lower score means you need more training, which is something the company can do. As a comprehensive managed services provider, we have a highly competent cybersecurity team that can train your entire staff and prepare your company to face cybersecurity risks. Contact us today to learn more!

If you want to be more thorough with testing your Phishing knowledge, we have another quiz for you to take! After taking your quizzes, if you need to learn more about cybersecurity please watch our cybersecurity webinar, so you can better protect yourself and your business!

Addressing the Cybersecurity Risks of Working from Home

Posted on by ARRC Technology

A remote workforce has become the norm since the pandemic. Even now that we consider it safe to return to office work, many businesses have maintained the remote work setup because of the advantages. However, the risks of working from home also bring issues that need attention so as not to risk the company’s network and data.

What Are the Cybersecurity Risks That Come with Working from Home?

There are risks when working from home. Workers lack the usual protective measures used in an office network. Many workers use their home networks and may also use the same device for both work and personal things. Because of this, there are a lot of security issues that can arise and possibly cause damage to the company.

The Risks of Vulnerable Personal Networks When Working From Home

You can keep your home network protected by regularly updating your antivirus software. However, most people do not realize there is also a need to update their router software. Without doing this, you will make your home network, and sadly your work data, open to the prying eyes of online criminals. Which can risk your company data when working from home. 

Greater Reliance on Technology

Now more than ever, we rely heavily on online tools for doing all kinds of business. Besides the basic emailing and sending of files, Almost everything else gets done using digital technology, from video calling to banking to fulfilling orders. This widespread use of online tools gives higher risk when working from home. As a result, hackers have more opportunities to hack company records.

Lack of Cybersecurity Awareness

In the office setting, IT people take care of any cyber security issues. Thus, employees do not take such matters too seriously as it is not their primary work, although they are still liable. You must train them in cybersecurity and be sure they are aware of potential issues when working at home. But, this is not the case since most employees still lack adequate skills and knowledge to avoid these cybersecurity threats.

Fatigue and Lack of Focus

Human error is still the most common cause of data breaches, and this is especially true in a remote work setting. Studies have shown that almost 40% of work-from-home employees feel really tired in the remote work setup. In addition, they also need to juggle home chores, which reduces their focus on applying cybersecurity protocols and makes them lax in their judgment. All these things combined can greatly increase the chance of remote employees exposing the company’s confidential files to hackers by accident.

Risks of Weak Passwords When Working From Home

In trying to bypass company networks through remote workers, hackers will try to crack the user’s passwords. It is the easiest method, and it just so happens that many people still use weak passwords, even for sensitive accounts.

The Risks of Using Personal Devices When Working From Home

In the typical office environment, employees will use computers sent by the company with current malware protection. When working at home, however, people use their laptops or smartphones. These are likely to have less than adequate IT security measures installed, like data encryption.

Making Remote Work Safer From Cybersecurity Risks

There are many benefits to working from home. If you feel this is the best strategy for your company, go for it. However, make sure that all remote processes are completely secure. This step is where we can help!

Since we are focusing on cybersecurity this quarter, we have developed a little Quiz for you and your employees to take. Not only is the Quiz fun, but it counts toward your Employee Cybersecurity Training! Access the Quiz Here!

Our cybersecurity experts can equip your company and your remote workers with the skills and technology to stay protected from malware attacks and other online threats. Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive and fully customizable cybersecurity services today!

New Cybersecurity Risks: Are You Prepared?

Posted on by ARRC Technology

The ongoing development of digital technology has been highly beneficial for businesses globally. Processing data is faster, reaching customers is much easier, and everything is much more efficient. But with these benefits, there is also a growing cause of concern with cybersecurity risks. Hackers have access to the same advanced tech. They have used it to their advantage to get private information.

What Are the Top Cybersecurity Risks Today?

Each year brings with it new trends in terms of online risks. If you are a business owner, stay aware of the latest threats to keep your business safe and protected. Here are some of the newest threats you should know about.

Vehicle Hacking

Many cars today come with software that makes travel more efficient and safer. It is ironic, though, that these new safety features also bring with them a different safety hazard.

With the wireless tech used in these systems, users can also become exposed to several threats. Hackers will target the most unsecured of these systems to tap into the mic or even secure control of vehicles. If you plan on using this tech, be ready with suitable cybersecurity measures to counter these threats.

Artificial Intelligence

For some time now, AI has helped to create security systems, such as face detection. But AI is also being used by hackers in this modern time. Some AI-based malware can bypass advanced security protocols and secure access to private information.

Mobile Malware Attacks

The growth of cell phones in the last decade has been amazing. Today, almost everyone owns a mobile device. Many people even have two or three that they use, not just for personal use but also for work purposes.

Naturally, hackers are taking advantage of this growth. Not only are there millions of prospective victims, but most mobile devices are not even that protected. That is why this community is a gold mine for hackers to collect your data.

Cloud Threats

The cloud is another place for new risks. There have always been strict security measures applied on clouds because they can be risky. But with the increased use of these online comes an increased risk of data leaks or unauthorized access.

Cloud apps come with security protocols. However, as a business owner, you should have your own cyber security measures in place for added protection.

Human Error

Amidst all the new cybersecurity risks, the fact remains that human error is the most common cause of data and network security issues. Even with the most advanced security measures, your company will still be at risk for attack unless you educate your employees.

Businesses must conduct training regularly for their employees. Likewise, it is wise to do constant surprise readiness checks to see how aware and prepared your staff is to handle online threats like phishing and malware attacks.

Preparation is the Best Defense Against Cybersecurity Risks

New cybersecurity risks will always appear, and there’s not much we can do about it. Make sure your business is as protected as it can be from these modern threats.

We can help your defences in multiple ways. Can set up the most secure cybersecurity system for your company. Equip you with the knowledge and skills to protect your data and network. We can train your staff. Turn them into an efficient first line of defence against any online threat.

If you are ready to take your defences to the next level, call us and we will set you up. And you can start your new Employee Training today and have everyone in your office watch our Free Cybersecurity Webinar.

Understanding Why Malware is Such a Huge Threat

Posted on by ARRC Technology

Malware has become a familiar term for computer users, and this is not such a good thing. They coined the term back in the 1990s and it is a combination of the English words “malicious” and “software”. As its etymology suggests, it refers to harmful programs meant to deal with damage to systems, often to gain access to confidential data. These threats are very widespread and are becoming an increasingly serious cybersecurity threat.

Common Types of Malware to Watch Out for

Over the years, hackers have developed new types of malware. To stay protected, one of the first things we need to do is to be aware of these threats and how each of them works.

Viruses

Computer viruses work in the same way as viruses that cause people to get sick. When you open a nefarious file, which can happen even with a single unintentional click, the virus that is attached to it will infect your computer. It will replicate itself within your system and attach itself to other programs. Just like a regular virus, it will spread across different computers until the entire network is infected.

Spyware

The purpose of spyware is to peek into confidential data. It attaches itself to legitimately downloaded files, and once it is inside your system, it reports information like passwords, account names, bank details, and so on, to a separate website. Often, you can tell if spyware has infected you if your computer slows down considerably.

Adware

Do you ever notice those annoying pop-up ads that show up while you are using your computer? It’s hard not to. Sometimes they tell you your computer is now infected, or you have won a prize. This malware will start showing up after you have downloaded something from an unsecured website. The adware pop-ups are not dangerous in themselves, but when you click on them, they will get a lot more hazardous quickly.

Ransomware

Ransomware attacks have multiplied tremendously in recent years, along with the rise in popularity of cryptocurrencies. What these do is freeze your network or data without actually causing damage just yet and release it only after you have paid the ransom that the hacker is demanding. But if you refuse to pay the ransom, what usually happens is the hacker will delete all your data from the device that is the hostage.

Botware

A new type of malware that is rapidly becoming quite popular, botware renders your computer immobile by inundating it with denial-of-service attacks. One effect of botware is that it makes your CPU run ceaselessly, causing a noticeable surge in your electricity usage.

Malvertising—A New Type of Malware

Aside from the common malware that we described above, there is also a new type of malware that might be worthy of its own category. This is called “malvertising” today.

Instead of attaching themselves to downloadable programs and such, malvertising piggybacks onto legitimate advertisements. The perpetrators use legit ads to spread malware through auto-redirecting ads. When you come across these redirecting ads, you will find yourself on a phishing website before you know it.

Cybercriminals that use malvertising prefer larger ad networks because they distribute a higher volume of ads. It is very difficult for these networks to keep a very close eye on every single ad they display. That is what the malvertisers are banking on. If no one notices they were able to infiltrate the script of ads and add their encrypted code, they can easily use this to install more dangerous malware into the victim’s network.

Final Thoughts On Malware-

Eradicating malware is an impossibility because there are always new ones being developed. But the good thing is that we can stay protected by being vigilant and prudent in all our online dealings.

If you want to learn more about malware and how to protect your business from it, just give us a call. We can give you a full lecture on online threats, conduct employee training, and bolster your defenses against all kinds of malware. Start your new Employee Training today and have everyone in your office watch our Free Cybersecurity Webinar. It’s a great first step in protecting your data.

Quiz Time: How Protected Is Your Business against the Threat of Phishing?

Posted on by ARRC Technology

In the last three weeks, we have been discussing phishing attacks. We have talked about what they are, the different forms they take, the telltale signs of an impending attack, and specific steps you can take to protect your business. Given everything you now know, you should be able to tell if your employees can protect your business.

Having the right information is very important indeed. But often, the level of what you know has nothing to do with how you will react when hypothetical situations become reality. Take your employees, for instance. Let’s say you have trained them repeatedly on how to handle phishing attacks. If you want to find out if they can apply what they have learned, the simplest thing to do would be to test them and have them answer the following questions.

A Brief Quiz on Phishing

The following are some statements that have to do with phishing. Consider each one carefully and identify whether the statement is TRUE or FALSE.

  1. If you feel that you have been a victim of phishing, it is best to keep it to yourself.
  2. Incredible prize offers and deals that appear to be too good to be true are likely to be scams.
  3. Almost 88% of data breaches result from human error.
  4. Cybercriminals collect about $1.5 billion through phishing annually.
  5. Spam messages full of grammar and typo errors have consistently made good business sense for scammers.
  6. Sending millions of emails is an expensive task.
  7. You can protect yourself from phishing by validating emails before reacting to them.
  8. In managing your company’s social media accounts, accepting friend requests from anyone will help you generate more business leads.

Quiz Answers

  1. False

It’s quite surprising to know that a lot of employees feel embarrassed if they feel they have been phished. They probably think that it is their fault and that someone might blame them for exposing the rest of the company to online threats. It is necessary to report any phishing threat to your supervisor and the IT department so that they can take measures to remedy the situation and minimize further risk.

  1. True

Greed is one of the most effective ways to lure people into making poor decisions. If you get an email or text message saying you won something, think twice before clicking the link to claim the prize.

  1. True

It’s alarming to know that this number is increasing every year. The good news is that we can easily prevent these errors with sufficient employee training and education on phishing attacks and other online threats.

  1. False

Unfortunately, the number is even bigger. Phishing scams collect approximately $1.5 trillion dollars every year!

  1. True

Strangely, the poorly written emails that hackers send, which are riddled with all kinds of errors, have worked very well for them for many years.

  1. False

Online criminals can afford to send out email blasts to millions of recipients because it is very cheap for them to do so, costing just a few dollars for the entire batch.

  1. True

Before opening each email, you need to check the email address of the sender. If it’s someone you don’t know or if the domain looks suspicious, it’s best to just ignore the email.

  1. False

It’s tempting to accept friend requests from anyone because the more followers your company has, the better it is for marketing, right? Not necessarily, especially with the rampant online attacks that are going on these days. You should only accept requests from users validated by someone from within your company.

Evaluating the Results

After gathering your employees’ responses to the quiz, you will have a better picture of how they would react in the event of an attack. If they got a perfect score, then your business is in good hands! If the score is not so good, it simply means there is a need for more intensive training, and that is something we can help you with.

We conduct full-scale employee training to protect businesses like yours from phishing and other kinds of online threats. Start your new Employee Training today, and have everyone in your office watch our Free Cybersecurity Webinar.

If you feel you need to boost your defenses, give us a call. We will schedule a free consultation right away to discuss what we can do for your company.

Protect Your Business from Phishing Attacks

Posted on by ARRC Technology

Phishing is a severe issue that is becoming worse. Hackers continue to improve their ways even as IT professionals work to develop more effective defenses against online attacks. What should a business owner do? Is it possible to defend your company against these increasingly damaging phishing attacks? Thankfully, there is, and that is what we will discuss today.

It is crucial to have a current security system in place to protect your data and apps. You require a solid firewall, up-to-date antivirus software, a thorough disaster recovery plan, and other security measures. More than this, you can take advantage of the many other highly efficient methods for safeguarding your company from phishing attempts, such as the ones listed below.

Password Policy

A password protects your sensitive data from the spying eyes of hackers. Passwords must be unique and challenging to break. When a user needs to create a new password, impose some restrictions. And change the passwords frequently to remain safe.

It’s best to create secure passwords randomly using a mix of capital and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. The ones that use the user’s genuine name, birthday, or other publicly available information that can be simple for anyone to figure out are the worst.

Consistent Staff Training

The secret to your data’s security rests in the hands of your staff. Hackers use phishing emails and other communication channels to find a way into your business. A small error could have serious repercussions, including data loss and disruption of corporate operations. If your company regularly trains personnel in cybersecurity best practices, you have an improved chance of preventing such incidents. You can evaluate their understanding of what they learned by having them complete this Employee Readiness Check after each training session.

Device Security on Mobile

Online hazards have increased as remote employment has grown in popularity. Employees put data at risk by accessing it on their laptops, smartphones, or other mobile devices. To help prevent these threats, implementing strict mobile security regulations and effective mobile device management is essential.

Frequently Updated Software

Even the best security programs require periodic updates to remain effective against recent threats. Check to see if your system has the most recent security fixes available.

Superior Security

Many companies avoid using professional cybersecurity services because they believe they are just another unneeded expense and would like to use their own, less expensive security measures. While maintaining a budget is crucial, we always recommend that you invest in a trustworthy cybersecurity solution to protect your company from phishing and several other types of cyber threats.

We can put all these procedures into action for your company as a trustworthy managed service provider that has assisted companies of all sizes for years. Get in touch with us if you wish to strengthen your protection against phishing and other online risks. As a good start to your new Employee Training, have everyone in your office watch our Free Cybersecurity Webinar. We’ll be pleased to provide you with a free consultation, so call us today!

Telltale Signs of a Phishing Attack

Posted on by ARRC Technology

The main reason phishing has become such a prevalent problem is that it works. And hackers keep finding new ways to increase the success rate even further. What used to be easily distinguishable attempts at stealing information have now become brilliant scams that look valid at first glance.

However, this doesn’t mean that phishing attacks always work. All that’s needed is for everyone to stay vigilant with online communications and ensure they know what to look for to identify a phishing scam. Here are some of the most important signs you should look out for.

Fake Email Address

Very few people stop to look at the sender’s address when they get an email. Most of the time, employees will glance at the subject line and check the message. If the recipient checked the validity of an email address, it might prevent most phishing attacks.

Amateur cybercriminals might use free email accounts like Gmail or Yahoo to send a phishing scam. Major players, however, use email domains just like real email. For instance, if you get an email from someone@amazonprime.az rather than someone@amazonprime.com, you’d better be wary.

Inconsistencies in Writing Style

If the style of writing is suspiciously different from what you have been getting from what appears to be the same sender, this can be a sign of a phishing hook. Also, some countries use different date formats. If date formats are not what you are used to, that’s also one sign.

Errors in Grammar and Spelling

Official emails get checked for grammar and spelling mistakes or go through basic spellcheck. A few minor typos and one or two misspellings are forgivable, but email with blatant errors, especially if it is supposed to be from a reputable company, is a good sign of a phishing scam. It’s likely because the hacker used an automated language translator to mass produce the message for potential victims.

Suspicious Attachments

You should never open attachments unless you are expecting them or if you can confirm with the actual sender that they indeed intended them for you. Otherwise, don’t open it, no matter how legitimate looking the filename might be. It’s likely they loaded these attachments with malware that will unleash themselves on your system once you click on them.

Fake Links

No one would knowingly click on a fake link, but these phishing emails are made to look so real. To check whether they are valid or not, hover over them and read the URL, particularly the domain name. If it seems questionable, that’s because it probably is. Delete the email and don’t give it a second look.

There is no 100% guarantee of protection against phishing attacks but looking out for these telltale signs is an excellent first step. As a business owner, be sure that all your employees know these signs and that you have properly trained them on the critical security measures against online threats. For more about these threats and what you can do to protect your business, start your new Employee Training today and have everyone in your office watch our Free Cybersecurity Webinar.

It’s time to take cybersecurity seriously. Call us and let’s protect your business today.

Understanding the Dangers Phishing Poses To Your Business

Posted on by ARRC Technology

Phishing is one of the newest and most dangerous online threats that have pervaded businesses and private accounts in recent years. Reports show that phishing attacks this year are 70% higher than the total number of attacks reported last year.

A Brief Explanation of Phishing

What is phishing, anyway? How does it work, and why is it so dangerous for businesses? Phishing is a kind of cybercrime where a hacker essentially poses as a legitimate entity. They will send emails or forms to unsuspecting individuals, hoping to lure these potential victims into providing confidential information. The hackers usually aim to get credit card numbers, usernames and passwords, social security details, and banking info. Many will also create fake websites so that if someone clicks on their links, they will seem like genuine links.

Phishing scams have improved considerably over the years, and today, most victims are not even aware that a virus has infiltrated them until the damage starts.

Different Styles of Phishing

In the beginning, phishing happened through emails, but recently, hackers have expanded their channels and are now attacking from more diverse angles. There are three main types of phishing used today. As a business owner, learn about these attacks to protect your company accordingly.

Spear Phishing

This threat is the most common type of phishing used today because it is very effective. Reports show that over 90% of phishing attacks are of this nature. The attack aims at specific targets, and the hackers have prepared for it beforehand by gathering information about the target to make their snare more convincing.

Clone Phishing

This type of phishing involves cloning or duplicating legitimate emails that the recipient has already received and turning them into system infiltration tools. The hackers copy the original emails, subtly replacing the valid URLs with malicious links. They also use a recipient’s email address similar to the original so that the entire email looks legit. They will then send this fake email to the targets in the guise of being a resend or an updated version of the previous email.

Whaling

Hackers target these phishing scams at executives or high management of a company, not just any random employee. Hence, the term “whaling” as it targets the “big fish” of the business. The tone and content of these phishing emails are also very different. To blend in with other emails, they take the form of customer complaints, top-level office matters, or even subpoenas. They come with the illusion of urgency, so the executives who receive them feel compelled to click on the link as instructed, which is a malicious link.

Protect Your Business through Employee Training

Your protection against phishing threats depends on your employees’ knowledge of these threats. If your employees are careless about clicking links, you might as well hand your data to hackers. The simple solution is to train your employees. Teach them how to identify a phishing scam. Equip them with the skills to handle an attack.

If you don’t know how to do it, don’t worry because we can do it for you as part of the service we provide to you. Aside from in-depth employee training, we can also run a phishing test on your company to test your security. Start your new Employee Training today, and have everyone in your office watch our Free Cybersecurity Webinar.

Don’t leave your business unprotected in these times of rampant online threats. Call us today, and we will boost your defenses against phishing and other online threats!

Employee Awareness Is Your Best Security

Posted on by ARRC Technology

For business communication security, employee awareness is your first line of defense. The more your staff know about the risks, the better prepared they are to deal with potential attacks and the safer your business will be. Unfortunately, recent studies have shown that more than half of employees today lack training in online security. For a business owner like yourself, this can be a frightening idea. Such a lack of awareness and training poses a grave danger to your business should you become the target of an online attack.

Check Your Employees’ Level of Awareness

But don’t fret just yet. Maybe your staff knows more about online safety than typical employees. To find out where their security knowledge is, have them take this Employee Readiness Check offered by us. This quiz that we have created will gauge how prepared employees are if a cyberattack happens. If they pass with flying colors, then good for you! Your business has a strong defense against online attacks!

Sadly, it is more likely that they will score lower than you expect. The statistics don’t lie. The quiz will show that most employees cannot identify a phishing email if it hits them in the face!

Train Your Employees on Recognizing a Phishing Threat

Phishing is an online threat to communication security. Hackers attempt to steal data by posing as legitimate entities. The concept sounds too simplistic to work, but it would surprise you how effective it is at tricking unsuspecting employees. With a successful phishing attack, cybercriminals can gather sensitive information like your bank details, client databases, and passwords.

To help prevent phishing attacks from succeeding, you must train your employees to practice caution and take the following steps when using the company’s communication system.

Examine email addresses.

Phishing addresses look like the real deal, but to be proactive with your employee awareness pay close attention. What should have been a “.com” might be a “.co”.

Hover over the links to verify.

For better employee awareness, before clicking on any link sent through email, texts, or social messaging, hover over it to see the URL. If it is not something that looks familiar, it is better to not click than risk the danger.

Check for errors in spelling and grammar.

These are common telltale signs of a phishing email. Official correspondence from reputable entities gets proofread and spell-checked before being sent out. Messages rife with mistakes are most likely the work of hackers trying to get into your system.

Ignore emails that ask for passwords.

Be aware that a trusted company will not request your password or other personal information through email messages. If you get a message that asks for such, it is best to ignore or block it.

With the volume of emails that employees receive daily, plus all the other tasks they must do in the workplace. It is easy to become complacent with communication security which is why employee awareness plays a vital role in your company. Hence, you must train your employees regularly and give them pop quizzes from time to time by sending them harmless “phishing emails” to see if they can deal with these kinds of threats properly.

Our team provides top-quality employee training for communication security and online safety. Don’t leave your company’s safety to chance. Call us today! We will help build a strong line of defense to protect your business from losing data.

There is a free eBook available for download that covers many of the issues you could face while collaborating with a managed service provider. It’s available for immediate download.

Risk Management for Communication Security

Posted on by ARRC Technology

Digital technology has advanced dramatically over the years, and today we get to communicate in ways that were unheard of before. From simple emailing for work and chatting with friends across the globe to high-speed real-time videoconferencing and accessing massive amounts of information within seconds, we have come a long way. When was it time to consider worrying about communication security?

But together with these improvements, new communication risks have also emerged. Hackers have also used technology to hone their craft, and businesses need to find effective ways to thwart these risks and stay protected online.

Longer Online Time

The longer time spent online equates to more cybersecurity risks for all of us. Technology has rapidly become a major part of our lives. People are spending more and more time on technology and communications software. Hence, the risks posed to our security are naturally growing. A natural solution would be to reduce online time, but this is impossible because most of our lives are now online. What we can do instead is to practice efficient security measures so that no threats can penetrate our systems if we are online 24 hours a day.

Fake Messages

This trick is the most prevalent communication security risk facing the world today. This scam has become quite common, especially with the rise in the popularity of online shopping. A common trick by hackers is to send fake messages regarding deliveries that did not arrive, with a link that will supposedly let you ‘reschedule’ your order. Instead, these bogus links take you directly to malicious websites that can harm your computer system.

Some of these fake messages merely request that you pay a small amount of money, which seems nothing more than an inconvenience. However, an increasing number of scams collect your data and credit card details, leading to a substantial loss of money. That being the case, these fake delivery messages pose a risk and are huge threats.

Email Attachment Scams

Another rampant security risk that people know about that has to do with communication comes from emails. Hackers are getting more skillful and innovative with their phishing tactics. They send emails designed to trick the receiver into thinking they come from legitimate senders, encouraging them to click on the included link. But what looks like a harmless site might contain malware or phishing software that would inadvertently be downloaded onto your device, causing damage to your computer system.

Social Media

Hacked social accounts are also becoming a massive problem in the online world. If you receive a suspicious message from a social media contact, particularly one that contains links to external videos or websites, don’t click on it. The chance is that it will lead to the infection of your device with dangerous security software.

Protective Measures against Communication Security Risks

As a business owner, it is your responsibility to keep the communication channels of your business secure. Fortunately, there are many ways to do this. It’s best to start with evaluating your current communication system and checking if it is safe from online threats. You should also use a trusted encryption method to protect your messages and everything that makes up your communication system. Depending on your level of protection, you might need to overhaul your entire security infrastructure.

It is wise to entrust these steps to a managed services provider you can trust. In the meantime, you can train your employees on communication security. We can help with that as well. We can improve your cybersecurity, as you can read in our free eBook. To start boosting your communication security right away, Call us today.

The Importance of Communication Security for Your Business

Posted on by ARRC Technology

Ransomware attacks happen every 11 seconds, according to cybersecurity experts. This statistic is very alarming and continues to worsen. Users of all types are being targeted, from individuals to multinational corporations. The severity of the attacks and the ransom vary considerably, but there is one common factor. Practically all cyberattacks begin with a breach in communication security.

Despite the disturbing trends, many businesses are still not fully realizing the importance of security in business communication. Less than half of small companies have protective measures against ransomware attacks, and more than a quarter of employees lack proper training in online security. These are urgent issues that need to be investigated if you want to have a chance of surviving a severe cyberattack.

Why Communication Security is Important in the Workplace

Once a company’s communication system gets breached, the hacker will already have broken through the perimeter defense of the company, and it won’t be long before they get their hands on all kinds of sensitive and confidential information. This fear brings us to the three reasons a business should maintain security in all communications.

Customer Data Protection

In industries like healthcare, banking, and many more, companies collect customer data that must remain confidential. When this information gets out, it can cause problems for both the client and the company.

Intellectual Property Protection

Industrial espionage is a real thing. Many big corporations would pay to see information from their rivals to find out what new products or trends the competition is working on. This practice is quite common in the automotive and pharmaceutical industries.

Internal Communication Protection

Internal communication involves massive amounts of information meant only for those in your office. This confidential information is what a ransomware attacker would love to control because they can get large sums of money by holding the data hostage.

Vital Elements of Secure Business Communication

Establishing secure communication systems is crucial for all businesses, regardless of the size of their enterprise. The best way is to partner with a cybersecurity expert with the knowledge and technology to protect your communication channels.

Keep in mind that not all providers are equal. There have been cases where a supposed provider of a secure communications platform has been infected with malware. While the clients thought they were safe against online threats, they may have inadvertently placed themselves at an even greater risk.

When selecting a managed service provider to manage your cybersecurity requirements, you need to verify that they can provide the basic protective measures, at the very least.

Clear and Comprehensive Policies

A provider should be able to tell you what communication security procedures they can implement for your business. Will they manage your system and network, digital assets, physical security, and the vulnerability of your business? They should also address human fallibility, which is to blame for some business communication breaches.

Methods for Reliable Encryption

Hackers can now easily break through basic encryption methods, so you should only work with a provider that offers high-level and dependable encryption. This protection is key if your business involves a lot of remote work, and your employees frequently use their laptops and mobile devices for work.

Final Thoughts

These are just the fundamentals of why communication security is vital in running a business. You can learn more about the benefits of using a managed service provider by reading our eBook, where we discuss how an MSP can help you overcome the challenge of business communication.

Call us when you are ready to increase the security of your business communications. We can help you keep your business, your data, and your employees protected.

Should You Boost Your Communication Security?

Posted on by ARRC Technology

Communication Security

Cyberattacks on businesses can happen, but most hackers choose to target various online communication systems. The primary reason is that it’s easy to breach. Anyone can send a fraudulent link via text message, email, messaging apps, or even social media. If a single employee makes the mistake of clicking bogus links, it will be a big payday for the hackers. This is why you should consider bolstering your communication security.

What You Can Do to Stay Protected

Running a dependable antivirus program and a firewall will help keep online threats at bay. But if your employees are the ones who allow threats in, then all your precautionary software and systems become useless. Everyone in the organization should learn to practice caution and prudence, especially when using the company’s communication system. Here are a couple of tips that could help.

Check Links Before Clicking

First, look at the hyperlink in the anchor text and verify its legitimacy by checking for signs of bogus links. Before clicking on the hyperlink, you should also see where it points by right-clicking it before opening it. Real websites will usually end with “.com,” but a fraudulent link will change this to a different ending like “.co,” “.uk,” “.xyz,”.

Check Email Addresses before Opening Messages

It’s easy to search for email addresses or phone numbers online. If no results show up, you can contact the company directly. Ask whether the contact number you have is accurate. Most companies are glad to lend a hand!

Invest in Online Security Training for Employees

No matter how safe and advanced your cybersecurity strategies are, they can’t protect you completely if your employees don’t know how to stay safe online. A lot of cyberattacks on businesses today can be traced back to one employee who accidentally clicked on a malicious link or let malware into the system.

Lack of Awareness

It’s easy to blame employees, but what can you do if they can’t tell between fake and valid links? You’d be surprised at the lack of awareness concerning online threats. Try it for yourself by taking our Employee Readiness Check. Have your employees take the test and see how much they know about online and communication security.

A Comprehensive Training Program

As a business owner, you must invest in online security and training for your staff. We offer a comprehensive training program that will equip your employees with all the knowledge and skills needed to improve your online security. We will train them on how to check URLs before clicking, how to verify the validity of an email address before opening it, and much more. By the time the training is over, we will have turned your staff into a robust first line of defense for your company.

In addition, we can run a phishing test in your office to identify the weak security areas that need to be corrected. We can then make changes and boost your communication security so that you won’t have to worry about threats making their way into your system.

For more tips on how a managed service provider can help you, download our free eBook on The Ultimate Guide to Hiring a Superstar IT Provider today!

Your security is important to us. Call us so we can talk about a customized solution that meets your specific needs!