OptfinITy Named Mid-Size Business of the Year at Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber’s Best Business Awards

By -- 2024-03-4 in OptfinITy News

Springfield, VA, March 1st, 2024 — OptfinITy, a leading provider of innovative IT solutions, proudly announces its recognition as the Mid-Size Business of the Year at the prestigious Best Business Awards, organized by the Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce.

The Best Business Awards celebrates excellence and achievement in various business categories, highlighting companies and organizations that have demonstrated outstanding performance, growth, and community impact. OptfinITy emerged as the winner in the Mid-Size Business of the Year category, showcasing its commitment to excellence, innovation, and community engagement.

“We are honored and delighted to be named the Mid-Size Business of the Year by the Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce. This award is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovation of our team,” said Michael Drobnis, CEO of OptfinITy. “At OptfinITy, we strive to provide top-notch IT solutions while contributing positively to the communities we serve. This recognition inspires us to continue our pursuit of excellence and to make a meaningful impact on the organizations and communities we engage with and we are proud to be a part of the Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce.”

As the Mid-Size Business of the Year, OptfinITy continues to grow and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the IT industry, providing clients with innovative solutions that empower their businesses and organizations.

About OptfinITy:

OptfinITy is a leading provider of comprehensive IT solutions, offering a wide range of services to empower businesses with cutting-edge technology. With a focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences, OptfinITy combines technical expertise with a commitment to community engagement. As the Mid-Size Business of the Year, OptfinITy continues to set industry standards for excellence, innovation, and social responsibility. Contact 703-790-0400 or sales@optfinITy.com to learn more.

Major Victory Against LockBit Ransomware

By -- 2024-02-22 in Blog

Global Takedown and Mitigation Strategies

In a significant win against cybercrime, the LockBit ransomware-as-a-service provider has been dismantled by the U.K. National Crime Agency’s Cyber Division, the FBI, and global partners. This action, dealing a severe blow to the group responsible for over 2,000 global victims, highlights the ongoing battle against ransomware threats.

LockBit Ransomware Group:

LockBit, the most prevalent ransomware globally in 2023, employed various tactics, targeting victims through compromised links, phishing, and credential theft. The group amassed over $120 million in ransom payments from 2,000 victims since January 2020.

Targets and Shutdown:

LockBit’s victims spanned diverse industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and municipal entities like the U.K.’s Royal Mail. The U.S. Department of Justice, in collaboration with international partners, successfully shut down LockBit’s websites on February 20, leading to charges against five alleged group members.

Mitigating Ransomware Attacks:

Ransomware attacks happen daily and can gravely impact any organization regardless of size or industry. The LockBit takedown reinforces the importance of robust cybersecurity measures.

Best preventative measures against ransomware attacks include:

Update: 2/26/2024

As of Monday, February 26th, 2024 LockBit has reemerged on the dark web via new infrastructure, listing 12 new victims.

Unsure of vulnerabilities in your network? Claim your free consultation today by calling 703-790-0400 or emailing sales@optfinITy.com

Protecting Your Business: Unmasking the Most Common Scam Calls

By -- 2024-02-20 in Blog

Following the recent viral story of the woman who lost $50,000 to a phone scam, the discourse surrounding scam prevention has been renewed. Unfortunately, stories like these are becoming increasingly common and are not only detrimental to individuals – but can be to businesses as well.

Below are five of the most common scam calls businesses face and how to avoid them:

The Fake Invoice Scam:

Businesses should implement robust invoice verification processes, regularly update vendor contact information, and educate employees.

Phishing Calls:

Businesses can protect themselves by educating employees about phishing tactics, implementing two-factor authentication, and verifying the legitimacy of unexpected calls requesting sensitive information.

Tech Support Scams:

Businesses can safeguard against these scams by providing comprehensive cybersecurity training to employees, using reputable antivirus software, and implementing strict protocols for granting remote access to IT systems.

IRS Impersonation Scams:

Businesses must recognize that the IRS does not initiate contact over the phone to demand immediate payment.

Social Engineering Scams:

Implementing a strong culture of cybersecurity awareness, conducting regular employee training, and establishing clear verification processes for sensitive information requests can help businesses mitigate the risk of falling victim to social engineering scams.

Conclusion:

Organizations must stay vigilant and proactive in educating employees about the most common scam calls. Creating a culture of cyber awareness is the best defense against any scam – which means businesses need to prioritize routine testing and training for all employees.

OnlyFake: The $15 Threat Lurking in the Shadows of AI

By -- 2024-02-15 in Blog

A new AI-powered platform named OnlyFake is generating fake IDs for as low as $15, sparking concerns about potential misuse for criminal activities. OnlyFake’s owner claims these realistic IDs can be created in mere minutes and successfully pass KYC checks at major crypto exchanges. If placed in the wrong hands, this technology could be used to fake credentials and steal protected information from financial institutions.

Potential Implications of OnlyFake

Despite OnlyFake’s owner asserting an anti-forgery policy, the marketing of IDs as KYC-compatible signals a concerning vulnerability in the system. The ease of obtaining untraceable fake credentials via AI poses a serious threat to KYC and compliance procedures. Credentials can be forged from 26 different countries via neural networks, raising concerns about identity fraud and cross-border payment services.

What are the next security checks for AI?

As AI advances, crypto exchanges must prioritize security measures such as multi-factor authentication, liveness checks, and enhanced due diligence.

The financial and crypto sectors must adapt swiftly to emerging technologies and implement robust countermeasures to protect users and uphold the integrity of digital transactions in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. AI is posing risks to every industry, meaning new security measures need to be consistently reviewed and updated to stay ahead of new challenges.

Don’t leave your cybersecurity to chance: visit www.optfinITy.com or contact us for a free consultation at sales@optfinITy.com or 703-790-0400.

OptfinITy Recognized on CRN’s 2024 MSP 500 List

By -- 2024-02-14 in OptfinITy News

Springfield, VA, February 12th, 2024 — It was announced today that CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company, has named OptfinITy to its Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list in the Pioneer category for 2024.

The MSP 500 list compiled by CRN serves as a comprehensive guide to identifying and recognizing the top Managed Service Providers (MSPs) in North America. MSPs play a crucial role in supporting businesses by offering managed services that enhance efficiency, simplify IT solutions, and optimize return on investment.

The annual MSP 500 list is divided into three sections: the MSP Pioneer 250, recognizing companies with business models weighted toward managed services and largely focused on the SMB market; the MSP Elite 150, recognizing large, data center-focused MSPs with a strong mix of on- and off-premises services; and the Managed Security 100, recognizing MSPs focused primarily on off-premises and cloud-based security services.

The MSP 500 list aims to showcase and celebrate MSPs that are driving growth and innovation in the industry. These service providers not only enable businesses to harness complex technologies but also contribute to maintaining a strong focus on core business goals without stretching financial resources. By categorizing MSPs based on their business models and areas of expertise, the list helps end-users find the right partners to meet their specific needs and challenges in the rapidly evolving technology landscape.

OptfinITy is being honored in the Pioneer category for providing exceptional managed services tailored to the unique needs of small and medium-sized organizations.

Jennifer Follett, VP of US Content and executive Editor CRN, The Channel Company, emphasized the significance of managed services for businesses at various scales, stating, “Managed services provide a route for businesses of all sizes to maintain efficiency and adaptability throughout their growth journey. The solution providers featured in our 2024 MSP 500 list are introducing cutting-edge managed services portfolios to the market, enabling their clients to achieve success by optimizing their IT budgets. This allows businesses to allocate resources strategically, concentrating on mission-critical tasks that drive future success.”

“We are deeply honored and grateful to be recognized by CRN on the prestigious 2024 MSP 500 list in the Pioneer category. This acknowledgment reaffirms OptfinITy’s commitment to delivering exceptional managed services specifically tailored to the unique needs of small and medium-sized organizations,” Michael Drobnis, CEO of OptfinITy states. He further emphasizes, “This recognition motivates us to continue delivering cutting-edge solutions that contribute to the success and growth of the organizations we serve.”

The MSP 500 list will be featured in the February 2024 issue of CRN and online at www.crn.com/msp500

Lurie Hospital Cybersecurity Issue Sparks Network Outage

By -- 2024-02-6 in Blog

Cybersecurity Issue Sparks Network Outage

In an unexpected turn of events, Lurie Children’s Hospital is currently facing a major setback due to a network outage, disrupting crucial services such as phones, email, and internet connectivity. The hospital has revealed that this outage results from an ongoing cybersecurity issue, leaving its main facility, outpatient centers, and primary care offices grappling with the consequences for the past two days.

The cybersecurity crisis showcases how breaches can devastate any organization’s day-to-day operations. Due to security concerns, the hospital has been forced to take its network systems offline to mitigate any potential risks.

Disruption in Medical Services

Unfortunately, a network outage in the medical sector entails more serious repercussions than simply losing files or experiencing a temporary shutdown. The cybersecurity incident has not only impacted communication channels but has also led to the cancellation of some elective surgeries and procedures.

Cybersecurity Implications

This incident emphasizes how calamitous network outages can be for any organization. While preventative measures must be implemented to prevent such emergencies, organizations need to be prepared for cases like these where the worst-case scenario does occur.

Establishing a disaster recovery plan can ensure that your organization will not be destroyed by a cybersecurity incident. Once you have created a disaster recovery plan, it is important to consistently review and update it. As AI evolves and new technologies emerge, new and more complex cyber threats are imminent.

Don’t wait until it’s too late: contact us for a free network consultation TODAY at sales@optfinITy.com or 703-790-0400.

Are Longer Passwords Safer Against Cyber Attacks?

By -- 2024-02-5 in Blog

A 16-character password may be just as susceptible to a hacking attempt as a short password, according to a recent Specops Software report.

Using easily guessable, duplicate, and simple passwords may make it easier for you to remember, but it also makes it easier for hackers to hijack your accounts. With a booming market for individuals selling data and credentials, it is now more important than ever that organizations are implementing safer and more intentional cyber practices.

How do these attacks happen?

Hackers bypass predictable passwords through a variety of methods.

1) Dictionary Attack:

  – Hackers use predefined lists for likely passwords.

  – Includes common phrases, frequently used passwords, and industry-specific terms.

2) Brute Force Attack:

  – Uses software to try all character combinations.

  – Shorter/less complex passwords are more at risk for this form of attack

3) Mask Attack:

  – A form of brute forcing with known password elements.

  – Reduces guesses by targeting specific password constructions.

  – Knowledge of patterns speeds up brute force attempts.

4) Threat of Keyboard Walks:

– Involves using adjacent keyboard characters for passwords.

 – Despite not forming real words, common patterns are targeted in attacks.

Use Safer Password-Keeping Methods

Using unique and complex passwords for each account may seem overwhelming or impossible to remember. Fortunately, there are solutions to keep you secure and organized when creating your passwords.

Password keepers do the heavy lifting by creating unique passwords for you and storing them in one safe and secure platform. That way, you can keep all of your passwords in one place without sacrificing security for convenience.  Additionally, enable 2FA as an added layer of defense for your accounts. It only takes 30 seconds to do and can save you a major cyber headache in the long run.

For more cyber safety tips visit www.optfinITy.com or contact us for a free consultation at sales@optfinITy.com or 703-790-0400.

Microsoft’s Response to Midnight Blizzard Data Breach

By -- 2024-02-2 in Blog

Immediate Response and Detection

On Friday Microsoft released an official statement on its actions following a cyber breach by Nation State Actor Midnight Blizzard against its corporate systems. This breach raises concerns about the ongoing threat from nation-state actors and highlights potential shortcomings in Microsoft’s cyber practices. Common issues such as poor password management and disabled 2FA contribute to cybersecurity risks, and Microsoft is not exempt from these challenges.

Cybersecurity Practices and 2FA Implementation

Through targeting a legacy test tenant account, the bad actors were able to bypass more vigorous security measures to alter account permissions. Hackers were then able to access a small percentage of corporate email accounts, including members of the senior leadership team and employees in the cybersecurity and legal divisions.

The success of a spray attack signifies that Microsoft was not fully enforcing 2FA/MFA on its own systems, despite recommending it to its users. The attack highlights the importance of enabling 2FA across all platforms as an added layer of defense, despite having other cybersecurity measures in place.

In response to the breach, Microsoft is redefining the balance between security and business risk. Immediate measures include applying current security standards to legacy systems, even if disruptions occur.

This incident serves as a reminder of the constant need for vigilance in cybersecurity practices to mitigate risks from sophisticated adversaries. Cyber disaster response plans need to be frequently reviewed and updated as new vulnerabilities and risks appear.

Contact us for a free consultation at sales@optfinITy.com or 703-790-0400 to review vulnerabilities in your network and create a plan of action today.

The QR Code Quishing Threat: Unraveling the Risks

By -- 2024-01-19 in Blog

Despite having 2FA enabled, Mandiant, a Google-owned company, was recently the victim of a cyber-attack against their Twitter account with over 100,000 followers.

To appear more legitimate, the hackers renamed the account “Phantom” and updated the bio to pose as the Phantom Cryptocurrency wallet. The hackers then used the account to promote links to a phony website claiming to offer free $PHNTM cryptocurrency tokens.

Aside from attempting to gain access to financial information, the hackers also mocked Mandiant in a series of tweets suggesting that the company change the password and check the account bookmarks once they got control of the account again. Upon regaining control of the account, Mandiant confirmed that they had 2FA enabled and were looking into the issue.

2FA, also known as multifactor authentication, requires an extra layer of security where you need to insert a code from an app, fingerprint, facial scan, or an additional method to authenticate your identity. You can check out our previous blog post on how 2FA can help you make your passcodes more secure to learn more about it.

The Mandiant breach serves as an important reminder that 2FA does not completely defend against cyberattacks. You should still enable 2FA to protect yourself, but it should be used in addition to safe cyber habits and frequent monitoring.

Don’t leave your cybersecurity to chance: visit www.optfinITy.com or contact us for a free consultation at sales@optfinITy.com or 703-790-0400.

5 Essential Cybersecurity Measures for Healthcare Providers: A Guide to Protecting Patient Data

By -- 2024-01-16 in Blog

Healthcare organizations possess vast amounts of sensitive data that cybercriminals may find valuable, making them prime targets for cyberattacks. With the increasing volume of electronic patient data, it’s crucial to ensure the protection and confidentiality of this information. This post explores five essential cybersecurity measures that every healthcare provider should adopt to protect patient data.

Implement Strong Passwords and Multifactor Authentication on ALL accounts

Cyberattacks can be deterred by the first line of defense—strong passwords. Employees should be encouraged to use complex passwords that are difficult to guess, incorporating a variety of characters and avoiding password reuse across multiple accounts. Once strong passwords are in place, it is essential and required to use 2FA to ensure that only authorized individuals gain access, even if a password is compromised. We highlight the importance of 2FA and how you can enable it in more detail here.

Avoid Phishing Scams

Cybercriminals commonly employ phishing scams to steal sensitive information. Employees may unwittingly grant access to cybercriminals by clicking on seemingly legitimate links or downloading attachments. Healthcare providers should educate their employees about the dangers of phishing scams and provide training on identifying and avoiding them.

Use Encryption Technology

Encryption technology transforms data into an unreadable format that requires a decryption key for access. It can protect confidential patient information, including medical history, social security numbers, and payment details.

Conduct Regular Security Audits

Identifying vulnerabilities and promptly addressing them is crucial for the healthcare provider’s system. Regular security audits should be conducted to identify potential weaknesses and take appropriate measures to fix them. Employees should be made aware of the importance of security audits and their role in maintaining cybersecurity.

Provide Cybersecurity Training for Employees

Employees often constitute the weakest link in the cybersecurity chain, emphasizing the need for training to identify and prevent cyberattacks. Regular cybersecurity training should be provided to educate employees on cybersecurity’s importance, how to identify potential threats, and implementing best practices for protecting sensitive patient data. Refer to our previous blog on cybersecurity testing for more information.

Cybersecurity is critical for healthcare providers in protecting patient data from cyberattacks. Implementing the five essential cybersecurity measures mentioned above enables healthcare providers to safeguard sensitive patient information and build trust with their patients.

Learn more about how our team can protect you and your business today at 703-790-0400 or sales@optfinITy.com.