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.

Twitter Speculates on How Thousands of High Profile Accounts were Hacked

By -- 2020-08-4 in Blog

Twitter has finally released information on the hack it suffered earlier in July where high profile accounts were breached, and hijacked to post cryptocurrency scams.
Victims of the attack, which was perpetrated by hackers with access to Twitter’s internal account management support tools, included Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and Kanye West.
Twitter’s latest update on the incident includes further information about how hackers were able to breach its security, and rejects the notion that an employee deliberately assisted stating:

The social engineering that occurred on July 15, 2020, targeted a small number of employees through a phone spear phishing attack. A successful attack required the attackers to obtain access to both our internal network as well as specific employee credentials that granted them access to our internal support tools.

The Twitter employee or contractor, thinking they were speaking to a legitimate support person authorized to have access to information is likely to have revealed more details on the phone than they would via email or a conventional phishing website, providing access to the information

 

This could be equally as possible that the conversation is initiated by a scammer calling the employee, perhaps using a VOIP phone service, and using caller ID spoofing to pretend to be ringing from a legitimate number, and seeming confident, or friendly enough, to be trusted.

 

At OptfinITy, we take cybersecurity seriously, which is why we offer each client several check-in meetings per year to ensure they are constantly updated on new phishing scams and remain as protected as possible. If you are interested in hearing more regarding our services, please call (703)790-0400 or email us at info@optfinity.com

 

OptfinITy Ranked Among World’s Most Elite 501

By -- 2020-07-30 in OptfinITy News

OptfinITy Ranked Among World’s Most Elite 501

Managed Service Providers

Annual MSP 501 Identifies Best-in-Class Global MSP Businesses

& Leading Trends in Managed Services

JULY 28, 2020: OptfinITy has been named as one of the world’s premier managed service providers on the prestigious 2020 annual Channel Futures MSP 501 rankings.

For the 13th year running, MSPs from around the globe completed an exhaustive survey and application this spring to self-report product offerings, annual total and recurring revenues, profits, revenue mix, growth opportunities and company and customer demographic information. Applicants are ranked on a unique methodology that weights revenue figures according to long-term health and viability; commitment to recurring revenue; and operational efficiency.

Channel Futures is pleased to name OptfinITy to the 2020 MSP 501.

 

“The Technology industry is a constantly changing and challenging industry and to have an organization like Channel Futures recognize us each year, is a testament to the work and service our hardworking team members provide our clients. ” said Michael Drobnis, CEO of OptfinITy.

In the 13 years since its inception, the MSP 501 has evolved from a competitive ranking list into a vibrant group of service providers, vendors, distributors, consultants and industry analysts working together to define the growing managed service opportunity.

“For the third year running, the applicant pool for the annual MSP 501 has grown year-over-year, making this year’s list the most competitive in the survey’s history,” says Kris Blackmon, Senior Content Director at Channel Partners and Channel Futures. “The MSP 501 leveraged judgement methodology brand-new in 2020 to drill down into not just what makes a big managed service provider, but what makes a great managed service provider. The 2020 winners are truly the best examples of innovation, business acumen and strategic savvy on the planet. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 2020 winners and gratitude to the thousands of MSPs that have contributed to the continuing growth and success of both the 501 and the thriving managed services sector.”

About OptfinITy

OptfinITy offers a full suite of IT solutions including managed services, cloud and hosting solutions, application development, website development, mobile application development and phone systems while OptfinITy’s subsidiary, PerusITy, provides cyber security solutions to small and medium sized organizations. Headquartered outside of Washington, DC, OptfinITy services clients throughout the United States.

About Informa Tech

Channel Futures, Channel Partners Online, Channel Partners Conference & Expo and Channel Partners Evolution are part of Informa Tech, a market-leading B2B information provider with depth and specialization in the Information and Communications (ICT) Technology sector. We help drive the future by inspiring the Technology community to design, build and run a better digital world through our market-leading research, media, training and event brands. Every year, we welcome 7,400+ subscribers to our research, more than 3.8 million unique visitors a month to our digital communities, 18,200+ students to our training programs and 225,000 delegates to our events.

 

MEDIA CONTACT:
Allison Francis

Editor, Channel Futures & Channel Partners

Editor, MSP 501

Allison.Francis@informa.com

 

 

Suggested Social Media Accounts and Hashtags to Leverage 

  • Facebook: @ChannelFuturesMSP501
  • Twitter: @MSP_501
  • LinkedIn: MSP 501 Group
  • Instagram: @MSP_501
  • #MSP501
  • #501er