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Category: Cybersecurity

  • Media Literacy: Protection against AI Attacks on Business Data

    Most organizations do not have a media literacy plan, which is understandable. Five years ago, there wasn’t widespread recognition of its necessity. It’s not typically part of the technology, HR, or strategic plans, even though several tools can help protect against possible dangers. But times have changed, and we and our small and mid-market organization customers need to adapt.

    You may ask yourself, “Why does media literacy matter?” That’s a fair question. It likely wasn’t part of the strategic business plan template you pulled off the web or covered in your executive MBA class. So, why is it so important? We create business plans because we need good data to make good decisions. We all know that errors in spreadsheets or incorrect accounting numbers can lead to bad decisions by misrepresenting the health of our organization. What if the news channel your director watches says the GDP is decreasing when it’s increasing or says exports exceed imports when the inverse is true?

    Accurate data matters. Misinformation could lead to wrong investment decisions, product launches, and strategic plans.

    Why are we talking about Media Literacy now?

    Because AI accelerates everything, including misinformation, we have already seen this with the increase in email phishing attacks. The sophistication of impersonation via email is remarkable and, unfortunately, quite compelling. The volume of attacks is also much higher. That is the power of generative AI to create sophisticated and effective impersonations to deliver false data via email, malware, or deepfake videos.

    It’s not all bad news. AI can also help us identify credible information and verify accuracy.

    Empower Employees to Protect The Company and Themselves

    So, how do we protect and empower our team to protect themselves? Our teams need to be able to:

    • Check the intent and credibility of the information.
    • Be hyper-aware of emotionally charged language, sensational headlines, hyperboles, and anonymous authors.
    • Require citations. Ask yourself when it was published, who the author is, and who the publisher is.
    • Do multiple different sources have similar information? What is the publisher’s business model? How does the publisher make money? How could that affect their content?

    Create A Platform to Support Your Team

    A platform to protect your team from bad data would include education on key terms, problem-solving methods, and technical tools to support and protect the team.

    • Training and Education: Ensure your team knows the key concepts of media literacy and how that plays into effective decision-making.
    • Critical Thinking: Foster a culture of questioning and objective discussion to help spot data issues if they find their way into the organization.
    • Cybersecurity: Microsoft Cloud offers several tools to help protect your team from misinformation. Microsoft Defender for Office 365 and Microsoft Edge help protect your team from misinformation delivered through sophisticated impersonation.
    • Critical Thinking, Analytics, and Discussion: Teams and Power BI support a culture of collaboration, discussion, and open questioning. Tools like Azure Cognitive Services provide more technical power to assess the sentiment, bias, and credibility of media content.

    Increase your team’s media literacy, and your organization is more likely to navigate the vast changes AI has brought with it effectively.

  • Transitioning Your Cybersecurity Strategy from Stage 1 to Stage 2

    When your company is small, with just a few employees, security often relies on personal knowledge and trust. But as your company grows, you need more structured processes, including cybersecurity. In this post, we’ll discuss key areas to consider and actions to take as you transition.

    Reasons to Change Your Cybersecurity Approach

    Increased Attack Surface

    As your company grows, so does your attack surface. More users, devices, data, and applications mean more entry points for attackers. Due to more people and workflows, you also have less control over this expanded surface.

    Operational Continuity

    Growth also brings staff changes. While turnover is less of an issue with a small team, it becomes more likely as you expand. Operational continuity ensures your business can continue smoothly regardless of staff changes. This is crucial for cybersecurity. In a small team, one person might keep everyone informed about cybersecurity changes. But who will ensure all employees use multi-factor authentication (MFA) correctly as your team grows? Ensuring operational continuity in cybersecurity is essential as your organization expands.

    Get Started With:

    • Policies: Implement Cybersecurity, Data, and Usage Policies.
    • Tools: Use Automated Patch Management for all devices.
    • Testing: Maintain centralized and regularly tested backups.

    Interested in Learning More?

    Check out our LinkedIn article for more areas, like third-party software and breach costs. We are always glad to meet with you to explore what cybersecurity defenses are a good fit for your organization today.

  • MSP Contracts to Avoid in 2024: The Importance of Cybersecurity and Workflow Optimization

    MSP Contracts to Avoid in 2024: The Importance of Cybersecurity and Workflow Optimization

    In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, Small and Midsize Businesses (SMBs) are witnessing a significant shift in IT needs. 

    With the need for support and maintenance rapidly declining, SMBs positioned for the future are investing far fewer dollars in MSP-provided infrastructure services and reallocating that investment to workflow optimization and cyber security – both of which rely heavily on AI. 

    This article aims to guide SMB leaders in allocating their IT investment for the most value in 2024.

    The Original Need for Managed Services

    The traditional managed services model emerged in the early 2000s when operating systems were prone to unexpectedly shutting down or “blue screening.” At the time, businesses with as few as five employees like had an exchange server for email and file servers in their offices with substantial resources allocated to keep systems up and running. 

    Managed Service Providers (MSPs) automated and standardized the maintenance of these environments, creating a win-win for the small business to have stability for the technical infrastructure and for the MSP to have a profitable business providing that much-needed service.

    Decline in the Need for Managed Services

    Several factors have significantly reduced the need for Infrastructure Managed Services, including:

    • Cloud Software as a Service – Complex Servers like Exchange for Email and SharePoint for File Sharing and Collaboration are now hosted and managed by Microsoft in the Cloud. No more patching these servers on “Patch-Tuesday” and hoping they run Wednesday morning.
    • Windows 11 Stabilization – Microsoft has been working on significant stability improvements for Windows 11, which could lead to fewer system issues and lessen the need for IT support.
    • Helpdesk Automation and Self-Service – Numerous factors have empowered end users to quickly resolve far more problems independently. Just some of these are vendor-curated knowledgebases, advances in search engines, ready-access to media libraries that are content reach with how-to’s such as YouTube, and now AI’s reasoning engine and large language model are readily accessible via tools like ChatGPT and Bing.com/Chat.

    IT Spend is Still Critical

    While these factors may reduce the need for traditional managed services, they don’t eliminate the need for IT Services. Cybersecurity, workflow optimization, and other IT needs remain critical.

    Rise in Cyberthreats and Protections

    In “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” the British Prime Minister converses with the Minister for Magic. The British Prime Minister, overwhelmed by the gravity of the situation and the threat Voldemort poses, exclaims, “But you’re wizards! You can do magic! Surely you can sort out — well — anything!” In response, the Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge, says, “The trouble is, the other side can do magic too, Prime Minister.”

    This is like our challenge with Artificial Intelligence (AI). It can be a great way to protect, but the hackers also have access to AI to attack. Threats are rapidly changing, and organizations must continue up their defenses.

    In response to this escalating struggle, SMB IT investment in cybersecurity is increasing. About a fifth of the IT budget is dedicated to security. 47% of SMBs planned to invest in cyber security risk mitigation in 2023.

    A primary driver for Cybersecurity capabilities is Cybersecurity Insurance. Rates and coverage are often affected by ongoing security policies in the software, MFA, anti-phishing testing and training, business-grade cloud VPN, third-party backups, and EDR.

    Workflow Optimization and AI

    Workflow optimization involves streamlining processes within your organization to increase efficiency and productivity. This can involve everything from automating repetitive tasks to implementing new software that helps manage workflows more effectively. In 2021, two-thirds of SMBs said automation allowed them to compete with larger companies.

    Some of the more common workflow optimizations we have designed and built for our customers are:

    • Task Creation – This keeps the team on the same page regarding which tasks have been completed and which still need to be done. Examples include the referral qualification process and invoice collection processes.
    • Template Creation – This standardizes document management. Examples include creating folders and subfolders to reflect process lifecycle steps along with standard Excel and Word templates for each step. Templates are implemented in all areas of the organization, including sales, operations, and back office.
    • Alerts – These are triggered when tasks are late or neglected. Examples include opportunities without defined next steps, support cases without activity in the past 24 hours, and accounts without account management activity in the past 90 days.

    Rethinking Long-Term Contracts

    Long-term contracts are not in the best interest of SMBs. 

    MSPS and software publishers often strive for high-margin profitability in the later years of their contracts. 

    However, as technology continues to change, it is critical to have the flexibility to shift that IT spend from maintenance of older stabilized technologies to critical newer strategic innovation, such as workflow optimization. These require short-term annual or even month-to-month agreements.

    In Conclusion

    The landscape of IT for SMBs is changing rapidly. 

    While annual or even 3-year managed services and help desk support were once the primary focus of IT spending, the trend has shifted away from these as they are not needed as much, and they are not flexible enough to face the rapidly changing world we are in today.

    Instead, invest in a strong SAAS foundation managed by the software publisher (e.g., Microsoft 365 Business Premium, QuickBooksOnline). Take those savings and invest them in critical areas today – cybersecurity and workflow optimization. 

    By understanding these trends and adapting accordingly, you can ensure that your organization is in a good position for the future.

  • Cyber Insurance: A Quick Guide

    Cyber Insurance: A Quick Guide

    Cyber Insurance: A Quick Guide

    In the face of escalating cyber threats, cyber insurance has become a critical component of business operations. 

    This article discusses cyber insurance, highlighting its importance, coverage, market trends, key features, and strategies to avoid claim denial.

    The Necessity of Cyber Insurance

    Technology is complex, and people make mistakes. Even the most robust cybersecurity measures can falter. Eliminating all risk is both challenging and costly. Therefore, reducing the risk as much as possible and transferring the remainder through cyber insurance is advisable.

    A competent cyber insurance partner will cover the residual risk and collaborate with you and your technology team to mitigate your overall risk. Your cyber insurance provider is also ideally positioned to understand your risk and assist you in designing systems to mitigate it.

    Deciphering Cyber Insurance Policies

    Insurance policies vary in their coverage. 

    Your insurance policy is likely t fall into one of the following categories:

    • General/Commercial Liability and its riders are no longer tailored for cyber coverage and are typically quite limited. 
    • Technology Errors & Omissions (Tech E&O) protects a company if a mistake or oversight results in client harm, but it does not shield you from attackers. 
    • Cyber Liability safeguards your company against cyber-attacks.

    Cyber Insurance Coverage

    A cyber insurance policy primarily covers the following situations:

    • Data breaches – The insurance covers breach response and remediation, including legal fees, customer notification and tracing, IT forensics, crisis media relations support, and any necessary liaison work with regulators and authorities.
    • Business interruption – If a cyber-attack disrupts your operations, the insurance will cover the cost of operating your business again. This includes bricking costs (where devices have been critically damaged), loss of earnings, digital asset damage, and costs incurred in staff overtime.
    • Cyber extortion – In the event of a ransomware attack, the insurance will cover the cost involved if you are held hostage. This includes paying ransom and the services of legal or specialist IT experts.

    Current State of the Cyber Insurance Market

    The current cyber insurance market is beginning to see a tiered system develop among carriers. 

    Some carriers offer superior policies while imposing more requirements. Other carriers have fewer requirements but do not offer the best policies, particularly regarding premiums, deductibles, or pay-on-behalf policies (which are highly recommended).

    Features of a Good Cyber Policy

    A good cyber insurance policy will have a decent premium and deductible. 

    It will be a “pay-on-behalf” policy, meaning the carrier pays for the incident costs upfront instead of reimbursing the customer later. 

    Two of the most significant factors affecting your premium will be your industry and your size (by annual revenue).

    Current Requirements for Best Policies

    The best policies currently require Offsite/Cloud Backups, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR/MDR/XDR), and Employee Cyber Awareness Training. 

    Customers often see premiums 8-10% more expensive from carriers that do not require MFA. Particularly for mid-market customers (determined by yearly revenue) and high-risk industries, EDR/MDR/XDR is required.

    Ensuring Your Claim Isn’t Denied

    The MOST likely reason a company is denied a claim on their cyber policy is when they fail to follow the cybersecurity requirements they attested to implementing when applying for insurance. 

    If all cybersecurity requirements are being implemented, it is tough for a carrier to deny a claim. So, do you have good records of the tools and technologies you said you had in place when you got your insurance?

    Understanding the coverage, market state, ideal features, and how to avoid claim denial is crucial to making the correct business decision.

     

  • Understanding Phishing: A Threat Lurking in Your Inbox

    Understanding Phishing: A Threat Lurking in Your Inbox

    Understanding Phishing: A Threat Lurking in Your Inbox

    In 1996, the first widely known phishing attack occurred when hackers breached aol.com. The perpetrators sent a phishing email to aol.com users, urging them to verify their accounts and provide billing information. Unfortunately, many users unknowingly provided sensitive data to these bad actors.

    Phishing is a form of cybercrime where victims are tricked into:

    • Providing sensitive data
    • Sending money
    • Breaching security protocols

    What is Phishing?

    Phishers use various tactics to bait their victims. 

    Some phishing emails create a sense of urgency, compelling victims to act quickly. Others attract attention by suggesting that the recipient has won a fantastic prize. Some even include malicious hyperlinks and attachments, which can infect the recipient’s device with ransomware.

    Phishing attacks exploit human emotions and are successful when recipients act impulsively. That’s why baits like prizes work – someone excited about winning is less likely to be on their guard. As a rule of thumb, always be skeptical and avoid clicking anything that looks even slightly suspicious.

    Spotting a Phishing Scam

    While phishing attacks have grown more sophisticated, there are red flags you can look out for. 

    A common sign that an email is illegitimate is spelling and grammar errors. Also, pay special attention to the sender’s email address – if it isn’t familiar or doesn’t match the organization the email claims to be from, it may be a phishing email.

    Phishing attacks can happen to anyone, but those with less digital experience are likelier to fall for them. No matter your level of digital experience, education is critical to mitigating the risk of phishing attacks.

    How TechHouse Can Help 

    At TechHouse, we can help educate your organization about the dangers of phishing attacks. 

    Our Phishing Net software simulates attacks so that your team can experience real-world threats without real-world repercussions. Employees who take the bait receive training about what they did wrong to be safer in the future.

    Many organizations don’t think a cyber-attack will impact them and, as a result, don’t prepare. But consider this – you have car insurance not because you expect an accident but to have coverage if there is one. 

    Similarly, cybersecurity measures are not about expecting an attack but being prepared if one occurs.

    Ready to protect your organization from phishing attacks? Contact TechHouse today for more information.

  • Client Corner #2: A Tale of Two Breaches

    Client Corner #2: A Tale of Two Breaches

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    A Tale of Two Breaches

    We’ve been focusing on security for the last few weeks, and this week we want to specifically talk about breaches.

    This weekend, a ransomware attack shut down a major U.S. Gasoline Pipeline and even more recently another ransomware attack took down Ireland’s health care system.

    These incidents show that cyberattacks are getting more sophisticated, and perhaps Colonial Pipeline and Ireland’s health care system did not have sufficient security to defend against such attacks.

    Every organization has to decide where to mitigate risk and sometimes unfortunately not enough is done until after a breach has occurred.

    Below are two cautionary tales from our clients that hopefully will help inform your leadership before you too feel the pain of a breach.

    Security Breach #1: A Compromised Email Account and a Lack of Urgency

    The first client just signed up with us last month.

    Before working with us, this client took a “DIY” approach to their IT.

    As always, we support DIY if you or someone on your team has the IT experience and know-how.

    The owner, however, had decided it was time to have someone with more experience take over the IT side of the business, which is where our partnership began.

    To start, we moved the client’s Microsoft 365 licenses over to TechHouse.

    The owner opted for a phased security approach; however, we discovered one mailbox had already been breached as soon as we transferred them over. We locked it down right away, but unfortunately, the forensics were limited due to the lack of security tools in place at the time of the breach.

    It’s not enough to configure your environment to protect you anymore. You must also make sure auditing is enabled, so if a hacker breaches your environment, you have the forensics to figure out when and how they got in.

    We asked if the owner would like to accelerate their phased security roadmap, but they replied, “No, we’ll just hope nothing else comes up.”

    Again, as a partner and consultant, we can only make recommendations to our clients, but a “hope and pray” approach to security is inadvisable, especially after a breach.

    We enable auditing with our Security Hardening, and depending on your Microsoft licensing, there are different options available for auditing and activity logs.

    We recommend every organization that chooses to partner with us start with a Security Hardening.

    Security Breach #2: Impersonating an Executive from the Inside

    One of our referring partners asked us to help a client of theirs last month, but the client had to cancel their meeting with us when they found out they had been breached.

    A hacker found their way into their system and compromised an executive’s email account. The hacker then impersonated the executive without anyone else noticing.

    Once the hacker had access to the account, they sent emails and set rules to delete them from the outbox immediately, so the victim never even knew they had been hacked.

    This company didn’t find out until it was already too late.

    The hacker ended up fraudulently wiring $250,000 from the company’s bank account to their own pockets.

    This money, now lost to the company, will directly fund the hacker’s cybercrime operations to make matters worse.

    A Proactive Approach to Security is Necessary to Prevent Breaches

    Cyber threats are real. Security breaches happen.

    They are now in our daily news cycle and affecting the lives of ordinary people around the United States and the world.

    If your company hasn’t been breached before, the threat may still feel like it’s “out there,” and cybersecurity isn’t something you need to worry about.

    Trust us, you don’t want to wait until the threat feels real and your organization is compromised.

    The only way to prevent attacks is to have a proactive cybersecurity plan in place. Working with a partner (and heeding their advice) is the best way to protect your organization.

    If you have been breached or if you need a plan to prevent breaches from occurring, contact us today to see how we can help.

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  • Client Corner #1: Get Organized and Secure from the Start

    Client Corner #1: Get Organized and Secure from the Start

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    Get Organized and Secure from the Start

    This is the first post in a new monthly blog series where we will share what our clients are struggling with, what we’re doing to help, and how our recommendations can also benefit your organization.

    This month is all about how to get organized to grow your business and why you should secure your files from the start.

    Get Organized with the Power Platform

    We had a client come to us this month who said they really needed to get organized.

    After working with us, they now have a better sense of who they are now, what they do, and are even changing their name to reflect their new sense of identity.

    Additionally, they want to make sure their processes are in alignment with who they are going forward to ensure continual growth. The three most crucial factors for growth in any company are People, Product, and Processes.

    When it comes to Processes, the Microsoft Power Platform can be a real game changer.

    We have helped companies use the Power Platform to:

    • Capture Data with Power Apps
    • Create Workflows with Power Automate
    • Bring Data to Life with Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power BI

    Automating tasks and tracking your company’s data are both crucial as your company scales, and the Microsoft Power Platform provides easy-to-use, low-code tools to do so.

    Secure from the Start for a Successful Digital Transformation

    The same client who came to us to get organized kept bringing up two other subjects throughout the conversation: Digital Transformation and Security.

    They wanted to know where their files were and wanted to make sure they were secure.

    We recommend any organization considering a move to the Cloud secures its files from the beginning; however, this client did not do that. They decided to use a third-party application for their file storage instead of OneDrive (included in every Microsoft 365 subscription).

    The application they use is designed for non-technical users to send large files and collaborate, but there is a glaring security issue on the user side: what is happening to data before and after it’s uploaded and sent?

    OneDrive, being integrated with the rest of Microsoft 365, provides robust security for your stored files, and further security optimizations can be made with the help of a partner.

    Additionally, our client told us their clients accidentally send sensitive information all the time and weren’t aware there are rules in Microsoft 365 one can use to prevent this.

    Neglecting security and organization of your files will only lead to further problems down the line as you grow which is why consulting with an expert before you start is always a good idea.

    An even better idea is to work with a partner who will be there to advise every step of the way.

    If your company is looking for this kind of partner or you just want to get organized or need help with digital transformation and security, contact us today for a free 15-minute consult to see how we can help.

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