Stolen Netflix Logins And Bank Credentials Sold for Cheap On The Dark Web

By -- 2020-09-29 in Uncategorized

The number of cybersecurity breaches, rise in online scams and cold-call phishing has increased since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic with crooks buying personal data on the Dark Web that allows them to target individuals. The Dark Web fraud marketplace is a lucrative place with stolen data being sold anywhere from $4 for passwords for platforms such as TikTok, to $10 for Netflix and $450 for login details to mortgage and banking accounts.

The most expensive pieces of data sold are those that hold information about an individual’s financial details, but all types of data can be found on the Dark Web, with social media and email being the most commonly found on sale.

If you are worried about your personal information and want the ability to monitor the dark web, email us at info@optfinity.com.

Cyberthreats Against Your Company May Start as Low as $40

By -- 2020-09-23 in Blog

As cyberthreats and attacks continue to increase, a recent report by Positive Technologies reveals an analysis that exposes why that is. The report shows the costs of many cybercrime services across the dark web are surprisingly cheap.

According to the report, the costs of cybercrime services can begin from as low as $40 to $4,500. This means that hackers can infiltrate a business’ email and steal sensitive information for under $50 dollars. Since the price of attacks start so low, cybercrime is not directed at only big business. Reports show that 71% of SMBs are not prepared for cybersecurity risks, and with how cheap it is to attack, preparations are necessary. The report encourages all SMBs to begin conducting detailed digital risk assessments to protect their businesses.

Larger businesses must also remain vigilant as they are also not in the clear. Since some cybercrime services are so inexpensive, hackers could purchase multiple attack services to target one larger enterprise from different angles. If you are an SMB and you don’t know where to start, OptfinITy can help.

Feel free to contact us at (703)790-0400 or email us at info@optfinity.com

Huge Increase in Ransomware Attacks as Criminals Focus on Targeting Businesses

By -- 2020-09-15 in Blog

A report released shows an extreme increase of ransomware attacks over the course of 2020. Ransomware attacks have been on the rise and getting more dangerous in recent years, with cyber criminals aiming to encrypt as much corporate networks as possible to extort bitcoin ransom from companies before returning their data. A single attack itself can result in cyber criminals making hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars depending on the size of the establishment.

Not only has the number of ransomware attacks increased, but ransomware has continued evolving, and some of the most popular forms of ransomware last have disappeared and been released with new forms of ransomware that are more disruptive and damaging. At this rate, a company’s best bet of surviving attacks of ransomware is to be fully protected and prepared.

If you are worried that you or your company are not prepared to handle ransomware attacks, OptfinITy can help. Feel free to contact us at (703)790-0400 or email us at info@optfinity.com for more information.

New Study Reveals 15 Billion Stolen Credentials Circulating The Dark Web

By -- 2020-08-25 in Blog

A new study has revealed that there are potentially more than 15 billion stolen account credentials circulating on criminal forums within the dark web according to researchers at the cyber security firm, Digital Shadows.

As one would imagine, the most expensive credentials for sale on the dark web were those for accounts with bank and financial service companies. The average listing for these was $74 dollars. The number of stolen credentials has risen by more than 300 per cent since 2018, due to a surge in data breaches.  With an estimated 100,000 separate breaches taking place over the last two years, the amount of data available has increased exponentially.

Are you tracking your company information on the dark web?  If not, OptfinITy can help.  If you are interested in hearing more regarding our services and how we can keep your business safe, please email us on at info@optfinity.com or call us at (703)790-0400

How Cybercriminals are Using the Dark Web to Scam People From US Employee Benefits

By -- 2020-08-24 in Blog

Cybercriminals have been capitalizing on every virtual aspect of the coronavirus pandemic. Malware has been created to tap into the medical, financial, social, and even psychological repercussions of the outbreak.

In a blog post entitled Pandemic Unemployment Scams Made Easy, IntSigns notes that the dramatic rise in unemployment numbers has placed major stress on the people and processes managing unemployment benefits, giving scammers a more vulnerable target for exploitation.

Cybercrime forums on the Dark Web have been populated with conversations on unemployment benefits. IntSights researcher Yoav Harpaz Cohen said he found discussions around the benefits themselves, the regulations from each state, and the steps required to claim the benefits, according to the report.

Typically, most data extracted is paid and bought on the Dark Web

While the Dark Web is filled with illegal activity, there are things you can do to keep your organization safe.   For more information on the dark web and what you can do, join one of our upcoming webinars or contact  us at (703)790-0400 or email us at info@optfinity.com

FBI Warns Companies Still Using Windows 7 After End of Life

By -- 2020-08-11 in Blog

The Federal Bureau of Investigation sent a private industry notification on Monday to partners in the US private sector about the dangers of continuing to use Windows 7 after the operating system reached its official end-of-life earlier this year. The notification mentions that cyber criminals are now targeting computer networks after an operating system achieves end of life since the vulnerability is much more exposed. Continuing use of Windows 7 within your company could  provide criminals with easier access to your computer systems  due to the lack of updates and security. The FBI warns that criminals view Windows 7 as a soft target and isurging companies to consider upgrading their workstations to newer versions of the Windows Operating systems.

Although Windows 7 end of life has occurred early July, 2020, several companies have yet to upgrade. On January 14, 2020, OptfinITY released postcards all over the Virginia district to warn businesses of the dangers of refusing to upgrade to Windows 10 or server 2019. Luckily, we are still willing to help. If your business needs a security update, OptfinITy offers services that will provide security and managed 24 hour IT services. Call us at (703)790-0400 or email us at info@optfinity.com to learn more.