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

15 Billion Stolen Credentials Circulating on the Dark Web—Is Your Business at Risk?

By -- 2020-08-25 in Blog

A new cybersecurity study has uncovered a staggering 15 billion stolen account credentials actively circulating on dark web forums, according to researchers at the cybersecurity firm Digital Shadows.

Dark Web Marketplaces Fueling Cybercrime

Among these compromised accounts, the most valuable credentials belong to banking and financial services accounts. On average, these stolen login details are sold for $74 per account. The surge in data breaches—more than 100,000 separate breaches in the last two years—has contributed to a 300% increase in stolen credentials since 2018.

Is Your Company’s Data on the Dark Web?

If you’re not actively monitoring the dark web for your company’s sensitive information, your business could be at risk. Cybercriminals leverage stolen credentials to launch phishing attacks, identity theft, and financial fraud.

Protect Your Business with OptfinITy

At OptfinITy, we provide dark web monitoring and cybersecurity solutions to safeguard your company from data breaches. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Contact us today at info@optfinity.com or call (703) 790-0400 to learn how we can keep your business secure.

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 Hack Exposes High-Profile Accounts: What You Need to Know

By -- 2020-08-4 in Blog

Twitter has finally disclosed details about the major cybersecurity breach that occurred in July 2020, where high-profile accounts were compromised and used to promote cryptocurrency scams.

Who Was Affected?

The attack targeted some of the most well-known figures in the world, including:

  • Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos
  • Tesla CEO Elon Musk
  • Microsoft Co-Founder Bill Gates
  • Former U.S. President Barack Obama
  • President Joe Biden
  • Musician Kanye West

How Did the Hackers Gain Access?

According to Twitter’s official statement, the breach was the result of a sophisticated phone spear phishing attack. Hackers exploited Twitter’s internal account management support tools by targeting a small number of employees. Twitter clarified that there is no evidence suggesting an employee intentionally assisted in the attack.

Here’s how the attack unfolded:

  • Cybercriminals used social engineering tactics to manipulate Twitter employees into divulging login credentials.
  • Attackers gained access to Twitter’s internal network and support tools.
  • Affected employees believed they were speaking to legitimate IT support staff and unintentionally provided information that enabled the breach.
  • Scammers may have used caller ID spoofing via VOIP services to make their calls appear legitimate.

What Can Businesses Learn from This Attack?

This incident highlights the increasing sophistication of phishing scams and underscores the importance of cybersecurity awareness training. Even well-trained employees can fall victim to social engineering tactics if they are not regularly updated on evolving threats.

Protect Your Business from Phishing Attacks

At OptfinITy, we prioritize cybersecurity by offering our clients regular check-in meetings to stay ahead of emerging phishing scams and cyber threats. Our proactive approach ensures your business remains protected from similar attacks.

Don’t wait until your business becomes a target. Contact us today to learn how we can help strengthen your cybersecurity defenses. Call us at (703) 790-0400 or email us at info@optfinity.com.

Stay safe. Stay secure. Stay ahead of cyber threats with OptfinITy.

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

Chinese Malware Found Inside Required Business Software

By -- 2020-07-17 in Blog

Three weeks ago, security researchers detected and exposed a piece of malware lurking inside of tax software that the Chinese government requires companies to install. The evidence gathered reveals that the spy campaign showed that a separate piece of malware released equally sophisticated ways to infect the taxpayers in China. GoldenHelper, which is the name of the malware, conceals its behavior by hiding inside the Golden Tax Invoicing software which all companies that are registered in China are required to use to pay value-added taxes. Researchers found that the malware can bypass the User Account Control, the Windows Mechanism that requires the users to give permission before software can install programs or make any system changes.

GoldenHelper plays tricks to cover its existence and evade detection. These tricks include random generated filenames, random generation ‘creation’ and ‘last write’ timestamps, hardcoded logic that uses domain lookup data to control.” This discovery came to light three weeks after Trustwave exposed GoldenSpy, an advanced spyware that company researches found installed inside their network’s large multinational technology company.

Even technology companies have suffered with unwanted malware subtly placed within their systems. If you are worried that your business may be exposed to unwanted malware, please feel free to reach out to OptfinITy at (703)790-0400 or email us at info@opftinity.com

Microsoft Sacks Dozens of Employees to Be Replaced By Artificial Intelligence

By -- 2020-07-1 in Blog

Almost 30 journalists have been laid off this week after Microsoft announced that it will soon be implementing A.I. Software (aka Artificial intelligence) to replace journalists. Microsoft believes it will  no longer need to  employ people for editing, research, and choosing articles for their pages as the data collected by AI software has been able to provide the same service, while do so quicker, more accurate, and without a monthly salary.  Journalists who are capable of reporting and commenting on news will remain in their jobs.

Although Artificial intelligence software is removing the need for some jobs, it is also helping in many ways such as monitoring the dark web and enhancing security.  To see how AI can help your organization, give OptfinITy a call or email us at sales@optfinity.com.

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.