The holiday season may be the busiest online shopping season of the year – but that also means it’s the busiest for eCommerce and phishing scams. According to Cybersource, phishing ranked as the leading form of eCommerce fraud in 2022, impacting 43% of global eCommerce merchants. Hackers deceive shoppers into revealing their personal or financial information by sending fake emails, messages, and websites.

If you are planning on participating in online sales this holiday season, read through our cyber safety guide to stay informed of best practices:

1. Shop with retailers you trust

It is always safest to shop with brands that are reputable with a proven track record. This doesn’t mean avoiding small businesses and new companies – but do your research first. Read reviews and seek information online from previous buyers. Websites like Trustpilot provide real customer reviews and experiences to vet companies properly.  

2. Stay wary of unbelievable deals

Those unbelievable discounts may seem too good to be true – because they are. Bad actors will lure shoppers with irresistible deals to persuade them into divulging their personal information. The FBI noted a spike in these incidents from paid ads on social media platforms.

Even if the discount comes from a link or an email of a trusted retailer, it is always safest to go directly to the site first. Closely inspect any links or emails you receive and watch for the warning signs.

3. Don’t browse on public Wifi

Avoid using public Wifi while online shopping or accessing private information. It may be tempting to browse your favorite shops while sitting at your local coffee shop, but you never know who may be around you – or what they are capable of.

If you do use public Wifi, protect yourself with a VPN. A VPN prevents cybercriminals from being able to see your device’s activity or from intercepting your personal information.  

4. Pick strong passwords

It may be time to update that password you picked out 10 years ago and have used for everything since. Use a trusted password keeper and log your strong passwords to remember your information. Make it complex and avoid common dictionary words or personal information (this means no more using birthdays or the name of your beloved pet).

5. Pay with a credit card

Credit cards don’t give sellers direct access to the money in your bank account. Plus, most credit cards offer $0 liability for fraud. This means your money is protected even if the worst-case scenario does happen.

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can be stressful as it is. Avoid additional cyber headaches by staying informed and investing in your network security. Learn more about how our team can protect you and your business today at 703-790-0400 or sales@optfinITy.com

Cybersecurity remains a top concern as businesses continue to navigate the digital age. While many companies invest in software and hardware to protect their systems, some overlook the importance of employee cybersecurity testing and training.

Employee cybersecurity testing and training are crucial for businesses to ensure that their employees are aware of potential cyber threats and how to avoid them. By implementing regular training and testing, businesses can minimize the risk of cyberattacks and protect their sensitive data.

One of the most common ways hackers gain access to a company’s network is through employee error. According to a report by Verizon, 94% of malware was delivered via email in 2019, and 33% of all data breaches were caused by phishing attacks. Cybersecurity training can help employees identify these threats and teach them how to avoid them.

Additionally, regular cybersecurity testing can help businesses identify potential vulnerabilities in their systems. By simulating real-world cyberattacks, businesses can discover weak points in their systems and take steps to strengthen them. This proactive approach can help prevent data breaches and other cyber incidents.

Another benefit of employee cybersecurity training and testing is that it can help create a culture of cybersecurity awareness within the company. When employees understand the importance of cybersecurity and how to protect sensitive data, they are more likely to take the necessary precautions to keep the company safe. According to a Ponemon Institute report, companies with a strong security culture have an average of 1.5 fewer data breaches per year than those without.

Employee cybersecurity testing and training are essential for businesses to protect themselves from cyber threats. By investing in regular training and testing, companies can minimize the risk of cyberattacks, identify vulnerabilities in their systems, and create a culture of cybersecurity awareness within the company.

OptfinITy’s employee cybersecurity testing and training programs are designed to simulate real-world cyberattacks, giving employees hands-on experience in identifying and responding to potential threats. Their training programs cover a wide range of topics, including phishing attacks, social engineering, password protection, and network security. To learn more give OptfinITy a call at 703-790-0400 or via email at sales@optfinity.com

If you’re a Windows user, you may be at risk to a malicious remote access virus called ZenRAT, according to The Hacker News. The malware exists on fake websites claiming association with Bitwarden, an open-source password manager. When downloading links for Linux or macOS on the downloads page, windows users are directed to a different website and it installs a .NET executable, granting threat actors access to sensitive data.

While Windows users are the primary targets of the malicious software, non-windows users are also impacted. Upon visiting the website, they are led to open a duplicate article from opensource.com, ironically regarding how to secure passwords with Bitwarden.

What happens if the malware is launched? ZenRAT can then access a laundry list of personal information through their operating C2 server: the user’s CPY name, GPU name, operating system, browser credentials, applications and security software.

Information on how the trojanized version of the standard Bitwarden installation software is redirecting users has not yet been acquired.

While the sophisticated tactics of threat actors can be anxiety inducing, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from malicious acts. For one, always download software and applications from trusted sources such as play stores and manufacturer websites. If an application claims to be associated with a popular software, do the research first. Find out where it originated from and what people online have to say about it.

Cybersecurity threats are all around us, even if there are not tangible. Don’t wait for the worst-case scenario to happen to defend your information. We offer a free consultation that informs you of steps your company can take to become more secure. To get started, call 703-790-0400 or send us an email at sales@optfinity.com

Security threats for third-party applications are nothing new. Many businesses have opted to integrate these popular applications (such as Salesforce, Google Workspace, and Microsoft 365) to facilitate important day to day operations.

However, concerns with the security of third-party apps have arisen with the introduction of malicious apps by bad actors. While this strategy has been utilized with simple mobile apps requesting invasive permission sets to data mine the phone, it is new to the software as a service (SaaS) world. The Hacker News reports that threat actors have designed these apps to connect to a SaaS application (such as Google Workspace, Slack, or Zoom), to perform unauthorized activities with a company/employee’s data. The process is dangerously simple. Upon connecting to the core SaaS stack, they request certain scopes and permissions in order to read, update, create, and delete content.

These new sophisticated phishing scams to target core SaaS applications are more difficult to recognize. Oftentimes, the app will appear fully legitimate. An app like Salesforce AppExchange is a prime example of a program that offers functionality in exchange for unreasonable permission scopes.

Malicious apps pose a variety of security threats to businesses. These threats can include:

• Data Breaches – threat actors can access confidential employee and customer information to publish online or hold for ransom.
• System Compromise – threat actors can alter settings within the core SaaS app/update access to unauthorized users with the permissions granted to them.
• Compliance violations – A business’ relationships with clients and partners can potentially be put at risk in the case a data breach results in a compliance violation.
• Performance – Normal operations can be stalled/thwarted by necessary functions being altered or disabled.

An array of preventative measures can be implemented to protect your data from malicious third-party apps. Learn more about how our team can protect you and your business today at https://optfinity.com

The Challenges of AI: Key Concerns to Address

Artificial intelligence has driven numerous advancements, but it also brings challenges and risks that need attention. Below are some major concerns surrounding AI use:

Job Displacement

AI-driven automation replaces certain jobs, particularly those involving repetitive tasks. As a result, workers in affected industries face unemployment and economic instability.

Bias and Discrimination

AI systems learn from data, and if that data contains biases, the AI can amplify and perpetuate them. This leads to unfair treatment in critical areas such as hiring, lending, and law enforcement.

Privacy Concerns

AI systems rely on vast amounts of personal data to function. Collecting and processing this data raises privacy risks, especially if companies misuse or fail to protect sensitive information.

Safety Risks

Autonomous AI-powered systems, such as self-driving cars and robotics, can cause harm if developers do not properly regulate and test them. Malfunctions and accidents highlight the need for strict safety protocols.

Ethical Dilemmas

AI plays a role in military, surveillance, and decision-making applications, raising ethical concerns. Using AI for weapons or allowing machines to make critical decisions without human oversight creates significant moral challenges.

The Path Forward

Addressing these concerns requires ethical guidelines, transparency, and ongoing evaluation of AI’s societal impact. Striking a balance between innovation and responsible development ensures AI benefits everyone while minimizing risks.

In today’s technology-driven world, our lives have become increasingly intertwined with the digital realm. From personal communications to professional endeavors, we rely heavily on cloud services to store and access our data. The cloud has undoubtedly revolutionized the way we manage information, providing convenience and flexibility like never before. However, along with these benefits comes the responsibility of protecting our devices’ cloud storage to ensure the safety and privacy of our data. Below you can review more on the importance of securing your device’s cloud and explore the measures you can take to safeguard your digital world effectively.

Data is the New Gold:

Data has become the new currency of the digital age. Everything we do online generates data, from social media interactions to financial transactions. Cybercriminals are well aware of this, and they constantly seek opportunities to exploit unprotected data for various malicious purposes. Securing your device’s cloud is essential because it houses a significant portion of your digital life, including sensitive documents, personal photos, and other valuable information.

Protecting Your Personal Privacy:

In a world where privacy concerns are growing exponentially, safeguarding your device’s cloud becomes paramount. Cloud service providers utilize various security protocols to keep your data safe during transmission and storage. Using strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, and regularly updating your security settings are just a few steps you can take to enhance your personal privacy.

Guarding Against Cyber Attacks:

Cyber-attacks are becoming increasingly intelligent, targeting individuals and businesses alike. Securing your device’s cloud is a crucial line of defense against these threats. By staying informed about the latest security trends and adhering to best practices, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to cyber-attacks.

Ensuring Business Continuity:

For entrepreneurs and professionals, the cloud is a lifeline for business continuity and productivity. Losing access to vital data due to a breach or cyber-attack can disrupt operations and cause severe financial losses. By prioritizing the security of your device’s cloud, you can ensure that critical business information remains protected, enabling you to resume operations swiftly in the event of an incident.

Protecting Against Physical Damage:

While cloud storage provides a backup solution for digital data, it is essential to remember that it does not protect against physical device damage or loss. Devices can get stolen, damaged, or misplaced, leading to potential data loss. To reduce this risk, ensure that you have a secure backup strategy that includes regular cloud backups and additional physical backups stored in a safe location.

Remember, security is an ongoing process, and being proactive in protecting your cloud is the key to a safer and more resilient digital existence. So, act today, and fortify your device’s cloud against potential risks – your data and your digital life depend on it.

Atomic Malware has emerged as a formidable force, wreaking havoc on Mac users worldwide. This insidious malware has set its sights on stealing passwords, infiltrating crypto wallets, and causing a wave of concern among security-conscious individuals. This is why it is important to protect your computer passwords and crypto wallets. Here are some essential tips to safeguard your sensitive information and prevent unauthorized access:

1. Exercise Caution with Downloads: Be vigilant when downloading files or software from untrusted sources. Verify the integrity and legitimacy of the downloads to avoid inadvertently installing Atomic Malware.
2. Implement Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication: Strengthen your defenses by using unique, complex passwords for each online account. Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible to add an extra layer of security.
3. Invest in Robust Security Solutions: Consider using comprehensive security software that offers real-time malware protection, firewall capabilities, and proactive threat detection to safeguard your Mac from Atomic Malware and other cyber threats.

Conducting Regular Backups and System Monitoring are also helpful to ensure protection from losing important data. In case of a malware attack, you can restore your files and minimize the impact. Additionally, monitor your system for any unusual activities, such as unexpected network connections or system slowdowns, which could be indicators of malware presence.

Remember, it’s better to be prepared and protected than to suffer the consequences of a malicious attack. Stay safe, stay secure, and enjoy your digital journey without the fear of Atomic Malware lurking in the shadows. If you have any questions about the protection of your personal data, or any general IT inquiries, feel free to reach out to us at info@opftinity.com.

There have been many allegations over the years regarding Facebook listening to user conversations. The idea is that after hearing you mention a certain product or service, Facebook will advertise it towards you. Sometimes it seems there must be some truth to the rumors, as an ad for the latest athletic wear pops up right after you tell your friend you’re planning on getting a gym membership.

The ultimate reality is – we really don’t know whether Facebook is listening in or not. While it may seem to be the case at times, the company has repeatedly denied it. Facebook’s privacy policies say as much on their website, and in 2018 they even denied it in front of congress. Essentially, Facebook listening to our conversations is all speculation. The good news is that there are steps you can take to protect yourself on Facebook if you’re skeptical.

Facebook Setting to Change

The best place to start is by disabling Facebook’s access to your microphone. Facebook claims to only use the microphone feature when using features like making a call through the app or Facebook Live. However, completely shutting down the access eliminates any concerns you may have. Just be warry that you will not have access to certain features while your microphone is turned off.

Turn off your microphone for Facebook: iPhone

• Ensure your Facebook app is updated in the app store
• Open your Settings app
• Scroll down through your apps until you find Facebook
• Toggle off the Microphone option

Turn off your microphone for Facebook: Android

• Open your Settings app, search Permission
• Select Permission Manager
• Tap Microphone
• Select Facebook
• Set microphone access to Deny

Other general recommendations for Facebook include using two-factor authentication, ensuring your email address is up to date, and having a strong password. If you have any questions about your privacy on social media sites, the protection of your personal data, or any general IT inquiries, feel free to reach out to us at info@opftinity.com.