Over 100,000 Cameras Reported to Have a Security Flaw Allowing Hackers Access to Live Footage

By -- 2020-06-25 in Blog

Do you have a camera within your organization?   Recent reports currently released show that certain brands of wireless cameras feature a security flaw that allows the opportunity for hackers to access people’s home network. Although the connected cameras are meant to issue a sense of security for its owners, it opens the door for malicious actors to compromise both their security and privacy. The cameras are manufactured by the Chinese firm, HiChip, and are extremely popular with individuals across the UK and other countries. Over 100,000 cameras sold across the UK have been confirmed to contain the security flaw.

 

The security flaw allows hackers to access live footage and access other devices connected to the home networks. It also allows hackers to eavesdrop, speak through the camera’s microphone and even pinpoint where the camera user lives. Reports also state that an attacker could still access your network and carry out malicious activity even if the user changes the password.

 

If you fear your business may be vulnerable to unknown security flaws, feel free to contact OptfinITy on (730)790-0400 or info@optfinity.com

How One Security Flaw Can Cost Your Business 150,000 Dollars

By -- 2020-06-18 in Blog

A small Kentucky business recently found themselves to be victims of a ransomware attack, resulting in their having to pay $150,000 to regain control of their data.  The company, which is only made up of 8 computers, simultaneously received messages on their screens saying that the hacker group had control of their PCs and they needed to pay to have their files returned. After exhausting all other options, the company was forced to work with a third-party contractor in order to help handle the ransom payment  This is the cost of not having proper backups.

If your business, big or small, does not have security and online backup plans, you could be spending this much money just to stay in business. Contact us at info@optfinity.com, or call us at 703-790-0400.

Does Zoom’s New Announcement Matter for Your Business?

By -- 2020-06-17 in Blog

Zoom announced this past week that those who use the video platform for free will no longer have encrypted calls and that this new change will be happening soon. According to the company, the reason for the change is the company is  wanting to comply and work with local law enforcement in case Zoom is ever used for any malicious reasons. Those who use Zoom for free only need to provide an email address which is not considered adequate information to verify the identity of an individual, so Zoom is removing that capability so that only verified users can have access to encryption.

This new change is making business owners wary of Zoom, and some have begun considering other communication platforms   For more information on security related issues, keep an eye on the OptfinITy social media and blogs.

Companies Looking For New Hires are Being Targeted by Phishing Scams Now More Than Ever

By -- 2020-06-9 in Blog

Researchers at Check Point have recently discovered that in May 2020, nearly 250 domains were registered with the word “employment” inside. They found that 7% of the domains were found to be malicious and 9% were suspected to be as well. They also found that these malicious files being a fake CV phishing scam has been doubling in the past two months. Cybercriminals are luring in potential victims into opening .xls attachments by using phishing emails with subject lines such as “applying for job” or “regarding job.” Victims are then asked to enable content permission, which immediately initiates the malicious file that downloads the trojan or ransomware.

 

If your company is currently in the process of searching for new hires and are not sure if you are fully safe from potential phishing attacks, please feel free to contact OptfinITy at (730)-790-0400 or at info@optfinity.com.

Elexon’s Cyber-Attack Leaves Businesses Wondering If They are Safe

By -- 2020-05-28 in Blog

 

A UK power grid company has been rumored to have suffered a ransomware attack, although electricity supply for their customers did not seem to have been affected.

Elexon administrates a crucial part of the power supply chain, known as the Balancing and Settlement Code (BSC), which includes the country’s suppliers, generators, distributors, traders, and energy importers and exporters.

After the issue came up, a message from Eloxon appeared saying that they have identified the root of the problem and are taking steps to restore the IT systems. It has been mentioned that a cyber-attack has been confirmed.; however, cybersecurity specialists have not been able to identify whether or not the attack was ransomware.

If you would like to learn more about how to keep your business safe from cyberattacks, feel free to call OptfinITy at (703)790-0400 or email us at sales@optfinity.coms

Your Face Mask Selfie Might Have Been Collected for The Future of Facial recognition Technology

By -- 2020-05-27 in Blog

It turns out the selfies you are taking with your facemask on are not just being seen by your family and friends, but researchers are collecting them as well to improve their facial recognition algorithms. A recent report shows that thousands of face-masked selfies are currently present in public data sets filled with photos taken directly from Instagram.

Face mask cover-up is an essential part of facial recognition algorithms and lack of facial recognition data has threatened the future of a multimillion-dollar industry. Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, individuals have been urged into wearing face masks and facial recognition companies are attempting to keep up in collecting enough data as possible while they still can.

As with any technology, it is important to keep updated on the latest technology and security concerns.  Before you post anything on Instagram, you should look at the ramifications for your company. For more information on how to protect your businesses , feel free to contact OptfinITy at (703)790-0400 or at sales@optfinity.com

Famous Ransomware Gang Gives Victims Keys to Access The Files They Stole.

By -- 2020-05-8 in Uncategorized

Operators of the infamous ransomware Shade have decided to shut down and have released over 750,000 decryption keys to their victims who can now decrypt their files and hopefully regain access. The Shade explained on a message posted in the GitHub Repository that they have decided  to publish all decryption keys back to their victims and hope that antivirus companies will issue their own user-friendly decryption tools – ending their message with an apology for all the victims that were affected by their trojan over the years and hope the keys will be able to recover their data.

The Shade ransomware is one of the oldest ransomware strains out there but they are not the only one and you should still take proper precautions. For more information on ransomware strains or information on how to protect your business, you can contact OptfinITy on (703)-790-0400 or sales@optfinity.com.

Zoom May Be Replaced By This New Video-Conferencing Interface

By -- 2020-05-6 in Blog

As millions of people begin to work from home, it is not surprising that the Zoom application received a spike in sales as the global world turned to it for videoconferencing – although a bumpy road. But is Zoom and other applications like it really good for us?   A design firm called Argodesign has different thoughts and have created a concept called ‘The Square’.

This new  concept offers an artificial window with an LCD screen that will go from your wall to the corner of your desk. When you raise the shade, you will then be given the opportunity to see your coworkers – who will also be using the device – and strike up a conversation, discuss individual work, or hold meetings similar to the environmental essence of a real office.

As social creatures, we tend to miss human connection. What’s interesting about The Square is that it will replicate you in 3D rather than a flat screen, and if done correctly, will feel as though there is only a sheer window between you and the person you’re corresponding with. The architecture will be fixed to present a real office environment when convenient, and when you need a break, you can just lift the screen back up for more privacy. Although Zoom has been beneficial during this transition, The Square may offer an opportunity for more human-connection and productivity.  For more information, click here.

Americans Have So Far Lost US$13 Million From Coronavirus Scams

By -- 2020-05-1 in Blog

As scams related to COVID-19 begin to rise, more and more businesses are finding themselves amidst a phishing scam. The United States Federal Trade Commission has reported that more than 17,000 complaints from US consumers have disclosed a total loss of US$13 million from COVID-19 scams, this is not to mention the many other scams that did not get reported. According to an article written by Welivesecurity, Scams related to online shopping and cancellation of travel has estimated to roughly over $5 million dollars in losses.

The COVID-19 pandemic has evolved into a massive scam epidemic with cybercriminals exploiting the mass public fear of the coronavirus. Scams have included selling non-existing facemasks, and false impersonation of health authorities. The FTC has compiled the data into an infographic which is updated regularly.  The total fraud loss is currently at $13.13 million, with a reported median loss of US$568. They have also presented a webpage with tips for consumers to avoid coronavirus-related scams.

If you are worried that you or your company are not prepared to handle these types of scams and would like to verify if your company is at risk, OptfinITy can help. Feel free to contact us at (703)790-0400 or contact us at info@optfinity.com for a FREE quotation.

What Is The KrØØk Flaw, and Why Should You Be Worried About It?

By -- 2020-03-30 in Blog

 

As you have seen in our previous postings, a cybercriminal will attempt to use any type of flaw which exists.  One of the more recent ones is the KrØØk vulnerability, also known as CVE-2019-15126.  This vulnerability can be found in a specific Cypress and Broadcom Wi-Fi chipset which can be found in millions of  smartphones, tablets, laptops, Wi-Fi- access points and routers.
While this isn’t good news, the one benefit is that the KrØØk flaw needs to be in close proximity with the Wireless connection in order to decrypt and steal sensitive data from your devices.  The only solution is to make sure that your wireless devices are running on the latest updates and have security patches. If you are not sure if you or your organization is capable of handling vulnerable security flaws, contact OptfinITy at (703)790-0400 or sales@optfinity.com and we would be happy to help!