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Ransomware

Hackers Don’t Take Holidays – Ransomware Is On The Rise

Thomas Fox is president of Tech Experts, southeast Michigan’s leading small business computer support company.

Studies have shown up to a 70% increase in attempted ransomware attacks during the holiday season.

Although we may be planning for a restful holiday ahead, full of delicious food and time with loved ones, hackers are not. Their ongoing exploitation of vulnerabilities and ever-changing tactics requires you and your team to be as vigilant as ever.

Phishing attacks have reached record highs this year. Worryingly, in the third quarter of this year alone, phishing attacks skyrocketed by a staggering 173%, compared to the previous three months.

And malware? It’s not far behind, with a 110% increase over the same period.

Let’s put this into perspective. Imagine you’re on a quiet beach, enjoying the sun and the surf. Suddenly, the tide starts to rise rapidly. Before you know it, your picnic basket is floating away, and you’re knee-deep in water. That’s what’s happening in the cyber world right now.

According to a report, the ‘phisherfolk’ group were most active in August, casting out more than 207.3 million phishing emails. That’s nearly double the amount in July. September wasn’t much better, with 172.6 million phishing emails.

But who are these cyber criminals targeting? Old favorites Facebook and Microsoft continue to top the charts, with Facebook accounting for more phishing URLs than the next seven most spoofed brands combined. Block Facebook on your network.

So, what’s the bottom line here? The attacks are coming from everywhere, and your business could be next.

Phishing attacks are like a rising tide, and if you’re not careful, they can quickly sink your business. They target everyone – from tech giants to financial institutions, and even government agencies. The question is – are you prepared?

Take a moment to consider the authenticity of emails. Are they from a trusted source? Do they contain suspicious links? Are they asking for sensitive information?

Make sure your employees are aware of the risks. Encourage them to think twice before clicking on a link or downloading an attachment. After all, a moment’s hesitation could save your business from a devastating cyber attack. [Read more…] about Hackers Don’t Take Holidays – Ransomware Is On The Rise

Watch Out For New Big Head Ransomware Pretending To Be A Windows Update!

Imagine you’re working away on your PC and see a Windows update prompt. Instead of ignoring it, you take action. But when you install what you think is a legitimate update, you’re infected with ransomware.

Cybercriminals are constantly devising new ways to infiltrate systems. They encrypt valuable data, leaving victims with difficult choices. One such variant that has emerged recently is the “Big Head” ransomware.

The Big Head Ransomware deception

Big Head ransomware presents victims with a convincing and fake Windows update alert. Attackers design this fake alert to trick users. They think that their computer is undergoing a legitimate Windows update.

The message may appear in a pop-up window or as a notification. The deception goes even further. The ransomware uses a forged Microsoft digital signature. The attack fools the victim into thinking it’s a legitimate Windows update.

They then unknowingly download and execute the ransomware onto their system. From there, the ransomware proceeds to encrypt the victim’s files.

Victims see a message demanding a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key.

Here are some strategies to safeguard yourself from ransomware attacks like Big Head:

Keep Software and Systems Updated: Big Head ransomware leverages the appearance of Windows updates. One way to be sure you’re installing a real update is to automate.

Verify the Authenticity of Update: Genuine Windows updates will come directly from Microsoft’s official website or through your IT service provider or Windows Update settings.

Backup Your Data Regularly: Back up your important files. Use an external storage device or a secure cloud backup service. Backups of your data can allow you to restore your files without paying a ransom.

Use Robust Security Software: Install reputable antivirus and anti-malware software on your computer.

Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about the latest ransomware threats and tactics. Educate yourself and your colleagues or family members.

Use Email Security Measures: Put in place robust email security measures. Be cautious about opening email attachments or clicking on links.

Enable Firewall and Network Security: Activate your computer’s firewall. Use network security solutions to prevent unauthorized access to your network and devices.

Disable Auto-Run Features: Configure your computer to disable auto-run functionality for external drives.

Be Wary of Pop-Up Alerts: Exercise caution when encountering pop-up alerts especially those that ask you to download or install software. Verify the legitimacy of such alerts before taking any action.

Keep an Eye on Your System: Keep an eye on your computer’s performance and any unusual activity. If you notice anything suspicious, investigate immediately.

Have a Response Plan: In the unfortunate event of a ransomware attack, have a response plan in place. Know how to disconnect from the network. Report the incident to your IT department or a cybersecurity professional.

Avoid paying the ransom. In most cases, it is against federal law to pay a ransom to hackers.

What is SaaS Ransomware? How Can You Defend Against It?

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) has revolutionized the way businesses operate. But alongside its benefits, SaaS brings with it potential threats. When software and data are online, they’re more vulnerable to attacks. One of the latest threats to move from endpoint devices to the cloud is ransomware.

Between March and May of 2023, SaaS attacks increased by over 300%. A study in 2022 by Odaseva found that 51% of ransomware attacks targeted SaaS data.

What is SaaS ransomware?

SaaS ransomware is also known as cloud ransomware. It’s malicious code designed to target cloud-based applications and services. These include services like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and other cloud collaboration platforms. Here are some tips to defend your business from SaaS ransomware.

Educate your team

Start by educating your employees about the risks of SaaS ransomware. Include how it spreads through phishing emails, malicious links, or breached accounts. Teach them to recognize suspicious activities and report any unusual incidents immediately.

Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)

MFA is an essential layer of security. Enabling MFA reduces the risk of unauthorized access. This is true, even if a hacker compromises an account’s login credentials.

Regular backups

Frequently backing up your SaaS data is crucial. Having up-to-date backups ensures that you can restore your files. You won’t need to pay the attacker’s ransom demands and you’ll get your business back up and running faster.

Deploy advanced security solutions

Consider using third-party security solutions that specialize in protecting SaaS environments.

These solutions can provide many benefits including:
• Real-time threat detection
• Data loss prevention
• And other advanced security features

Apply the principle of least privilege

Limit user permissions to only the necessary functions. By doing this, you reduce the potential damage an attacker can do if they gain access.

Keep software up to date

Ensure that you keep all software up to date. Regular updates close known vulnerabilities and strengthen your defense.

Track suspicious account activity

Put in place robust monitoring of user activity and network traffic. Suspicious behavior can be early indicators of an attack. One example to watch for is several failed login attempts. Another is access from unusual locations.

Develop an incident response plan

Prepare and practice an incident response plan. It should outline the steps to take in the event of a ransomware attack. A well-coordinated response can mitigate the impact of an incident. It can also aid in faster recovery. The sooner your team can respond, the faster business gets back to normal.

Small Businesses Are Attacked By Hackers Three Times More Often Than Larger Ones

Have you felt more secure from cyberattacks because you have a smaller business? Maybe you thought that you couldn’t possibly have anything that a hacker could want?

Didn’t think they even knew about your small business?

Well, a new report out by cyber-security firm Barracuda Networks debunks this myth. Their report analyzed millions of emails across thousands of organizations. It found that small companies have a lot to worry about when it comes to their IT security.

Barracuda Networks found something alarming. Employees at small companies saw 350% more social engineering attacks than those at larger ones. It defines a small company as one with less than 100 employees. This puts small businesses at a higher risk of falling victim to a cyberattack. We’ll explore why below.

Why Are Smaller Companies Targeted More?

There are many reasons why hackers see small businesses as low-hanging fruit and why they are becoming larger targets of hackers out to score a quick illicit buck.

Small Companies Tend to Spend Less on Cybersecurity

When you’re running a small business, it’s often a juggling act of where to prioritize your cash. You may know cybersecurity is important, but it may not be at the top of your list. So, at the end of the month, cash runs out, and it’s moved to the “next month” wish list of expenditures.

Small business leaders often don’t spend as much as they should on their IT security. They may buy an antivirus program and think that’s enough to cover them.

But with the expansion of technology to the cloud, that’s just one small layer. You need several more for adequate security.

Hackers know all this and see small businesses as an easier target. They can do much less work to get a payout than they would trying to hack into an enterprise corporation.

Every Business Has “Hack-Worthy” Resources

Every business, even a 1-person shop, has data that’s worth scoring for a hacker. Credit card numbers, SSNs, tax ID numbers, and email addresses are all valuable. Cyber-criminals can sell these on the Dark Web. From there, other criminals use them for identity theft.

Here are some of the data that hackers will go after:

  • Customer records
  • Employee records
  • Bank account information
  • Emails and passwords
  • Payment card details

Small Businesses Can Provide Entry Into Larger Ones

If a hacker can breach the network of a small business, they can often make a larger score. Many smaller companies provide services to larger companies, including digital marketing, website management, accounting, and more.

Vendors are often digitally connected to their client’s systems.

This type of relationship can enable a multi-company breach. While hackers don’t need that connection to hack you, it is a nice bonus.

Small Business Owners Are Often Unprepared for Ransomware

Ransomware has been one of the fastest-growing cyberattacks of the last decade. So far in 2022, over 71% of surveyed organizations experienced ransomware attacks.

The percentage of victims that pay the ransom to attackers has also been increasing. Now, an average of 63% of companies pay the attacker money in hopes of getting a key to decrypt the ransomware.

2021 Cyber Attacks – Lessons To Apply For A More Secure 2022

Hackers have hit a wide variety of industries this year, from computer manufacturers to insurance companies, schools to the NBA. A review of prominent 2021 cyber attacks reveals a few common themes. And organizations that apply the lessons learned from these attacks can look forward to a more secure 2022.

No one gets a free pass
It would be difficult to describe the profile of a typical data breach victim in 2021. Large corporations like Volkswagen and Experian got hit. At the same time, even small, low-profile businesses suffered in the Microsoft Exchange and Kaseya attacks. Ransomware crippled hospitals, manufacturers, municipalities, retail and more.

No matter how big or how small, any organization with Internet connections can become a target of attack. Hackers continually hone their skills and add to their toolsets. Consequently, businesses cannot afford to relax their security stance. Get started early on your New Year’s resolutions by committing to invest in cybersecurity.

Apply security patches quickly
When hackers exploited vulnerabilities in the Microsoft Exchange server, they disrupted 60,000 companies and government agencies in the US. Microsoft released security patches quickly. However, many organizations delayed applying the patches. The attack group Hafnium then ran Internet scans to find and exploit unpatched servers.

Take the time to apply software and firmware updates quickly. Take it a step further and turn on automatic updates where possible. This applies not just to servers but to all devices with access to the system.

Step up endpoint security
The rapid switch to remote work completely changed the security perimeter for many organizations, and hackers took advantage. For instance, when insurance giant CNA sustained a ransomware attack, 15,000 devices were encrypted, including those used by remote employees.

When remote work takes center stage, organizations need to strengthen endpoint security. Begin by creating and updating an inventory of all devices connecting to the system.

Enforce strong authentication policies and keep endpoints encrypted. Additionally, monitor the endpoints for unusual activity when connected to the network.

Monitor those business partners
In April, the REvil gang attacked Quanta, a supplier for Apple. REvil used the attack to pressure Apple, claiming to have obtained secret blueprints for yet-to-be-released Apple products. Similarly, parking app Park Mobile suffered a breach because of a vulnerability in a third-party software app.

While strengthening inhouse security, organizations cannot forget about their business partners. Be sure to vet third parties, building security policies into vendor contracts. Then continue to monitor those relationships, including performing regular audits.

Automate the backup process
Fortunately, the list of 2021 cyber attacks includes some positive notes. Attackers hit Polish video game development firm CD Projekt, encrypting devices and accessing source code. However, because the company had quality backups in place, they were able to restore the lost data without paying the ransom.

For decades, security experts have emphasized the importance of performing regular backups. Automating the process takes the burden off IT and delivers peace of mind.

Strengthen authentication and identity management
In April, attackers used a compromised password to access the networks of Colonial Pipeline, disrupting gas supplies and causing panic.

As government officials investigated, they concluded that stronger protections, such as multi-factor authentication, could have prevented the attack.

Identity and access management form a critical component of securing valuable digital assets. Companies should assess and strengthen authentication methods and tighten access controls.

Take protective steps against phishing
According to a recent report on cybersecurity breaches, phishing remains the most common type of cyber attack. For instance, in an attack on Nebraska Medicine, hackers gained entrance to the system and planted malware, eventually exposing over 200,000 patient records.

To protect against phishing and other social engineering attacks, organizations should implement email filtering and continuous network monitoring.

But the most important safety measure remains addressing the human factor with regular, targeted security awareness training.

Treat 2021 cyber attacks as a wakeup call
Reflecting on the high-profile cyber attacks of the past year can provide both the motivation and a blueprint for addressing cybersecurity. And the cybersecurity experts at Tech Experts bring the expertise and tools you need to keep your data and networks safe.

Three Steps To Improve Your Ransomware Resilience

This is a cold hard fact: Ransomware is on the rise.

What is ransomware?

It’s where hackers break into your network, encrypt your data so you can’t access it, and then charge you a large ransom fee to unlock it. It’s the most disruptive and costly kind of attack you can imagine. And very hard to undo.

Why is it a big deal?

Ransomware attacks are dramatically up thanks to the pandemic. All the urgent changes that businesses went through last year created a perfect storm with plenty of new opportunities for cyber criminals.

Is my business really at risk?

Thanks to automated tools used by hackers, all businesses are being targeted all the time. In fact, hackers prefer to target small businesses as they typically invest less time and money into preventive security measures compared to large companies. It’s estimated a business is infected with ransomware every 14 seconds.

How can my business get infected with ransomware?

42% of ransomware comes from phishing emails. This is where you get a legitimate-looking email asking you to take a specific action. You only need to click a bad link once to let attackers quietly into your system. And it doesn’t have to be you who clicks… it could be any member of your team.

Why is it so hard to undo?

A ransomware attack takes weeks for the hackers to set up. Once inside a network, they stay hidden and take their time to make lots of changes. Essentially, they’re making it virtually impossible for an IT security company such as ours to undo the damage and kick them out once the attack has started. If you haven’t thoroughly prepared for a ransomware attack before it happens, you are much more likely to have to pay the fee.

How much is the typical ransom?

The hackers aren’t stupid. They know trying to get $150,000 out of a small business simply won’t happen. But you might stump up $10,000 just to end the hell of a ransomware attack. They will change their ransom demand based on how much money they believe a business has.

Of course, the ransom isn’t the only cost associated with an attack. There are countless indirect costs. Such as being unable to access your data or systems for a week or longer. How horrendous would it be if no one could do any work on their computer for a week? How would your customers react to that?

What can I do now to protect my business?

This is the most important question to ask. It’s virtually impossible to stop a ransomware attack from happening. But you can do an enormous amount of preparation, so if an attack does happen, it’s an inconvenience, not a catastrophe.

Here are the three steps we recommend for maximizing your ransomware resilience.

Act as if there’s no software protecting you

Software is essential to keep your business safe from all the cyber security threats. But there’s a downside of using this software – it can make you and your team complacent.

Actually, humans are the first defense against cyber-attacks. For example, if your team doesn’t click on a bad link in a phishing email in the first place, then you’re not relying on software to detect an attack and try to stop it.

This means basic training for everyone in the business, and then keeping them up-to-date with the latest threats.

Invest in the best data backup and recovery you can

Automatic off-site data backup is a business basic. When you have a working backup in place, it can be tempting not to give it a second thought.

But it’s worth remembering that cyber criminals will take any means necessary to get you to pay their ransom. That means they’ll target your backup files too. Including cloud-based data.

It’s critical that you create and implement a comprehensive back-up and recovery approach to all of your business data. The National Institute of Standards and Technology sets out a cyber security framework which includes best practices such as:

• Constant backups: Separate from the computers and ideally in the cloud
• Immutable storage: This means once created, backups can’t be changed
• Firewalls: To restrict what data gets in and out

Create a plan for cyber-attacks

When a cyber-attack happens, every second is crucial. The earlier you act, the less damage is caused.

So, prepare a detailed plan of action and make sure everyone knows what’s in it, where to find it, and how to trigger it.

Test your plan regularly to make sure of its effectiveness and remove any risk of failure by keeping at least three copies of it in different places. One should be a printout kept at someone’s home… just in case you have zero access to data storage.

Human Error: The Reason Why Cybercriminals Love Email

Mark Funchion is a network technician at Tech Experts.

Defending your data network against viruses, malware, ransomware, and other threats is a never-ending battle. Some attacks can be very sophisticated, using extremely complex techniques to try and exploit even the most secure networks. However, the vast majority of threats to your network – over 80% – are delivered through a very basic method: email.

Email is a common tool that many of us use constantly at work. Oftentimes, we use it without giving much thought to what we’re doing or what we’re opening.

It’s normal for co-workers, clients, or new prospects to communicate and share files with us via email. The file can be a document, spreadsheet, PDF, etc., but the fact is that it’s common and repetitive to us.

Like anything we do frequently, we can develop muscle memory. Think about the program guide on your TV – you probably navigate the menus without thinking. After an update or a provider switch, those menus can change and you might click the wrong buttons out of habit. No harm there.

But consider making the same mistake when a document is sent to you. The message arrives, and you briefly glance at who it’s from. Maybe you recognize them, maybe you don’t. You see an attachment, and you open it out of habit. The file is infected, and in less than a second, the damage has begun.

Like it or not, the people who are attacking your systems are running a business. Like any business, they are concerned with the return on their investment. Developing high-end, sophisticated attacks takes time and skill, which is expensive to do.

However, minimal skill is required to send an email – and that process can be replicated to hundreds of thousands of users with a simple click of a button. And almost everyone working today might accidentally open an email with little to no thought.

For small businesses, having a firewall, an email filter, and anti-virus software is a must. We can help install and maintain that infrastructure. Unfortunately, the methods that attackers use to slip under your defenses are always changing.

It is important that you and your staff – the end users who do the clicking – still do your part and remain vigilant. Attackers send such a high percentage of attacks through email because of that human element. It works.

It’s essential that you fight your muscle memory and treat email like physical mail. Look at what is being sent, who it is from, and if there is anything attached. If anything seems off, do not open it. Always err on the side of caution.

Also, if you do open something you shouldn’t, it’s better to notify your IT department or provider of a potential issue so they can look at what you were sent.

Often, I have observed someone get a suspicious message, open it, notice something is not right, then forward it to a co-worker for help. By sending the message on, there is a potential to increase the scope of damage done.

Those looking to do harm and steal information will always try the path of least resistance. All the security in the world can’t stop an intruder if you open the door for them.

The same caution you take at home when an unexpected knock is heard should be how you handle all email. Consider the source and content, and if you have doubts, don’t open the message. Delete it.

Malware will never be fully eradicated – cybercriminals will make sure of that – but you can do your part to make sure you do not infect your PC or business.

Think You’re Covered For Ransomware? Best To Double Check

On May 9, European insurance giant AXA announced it will no longer provide support for ransom payments made to hackers.

While AXA appears to be the first insurer to deny ransom payments, the move could signal an impending shift in ransomware insurance coverage.

The AXA announcement comes as ransomware attacks prove an increasingly lucrative business model.

For instance, victims paid an estimated $350 million in ransom payments in 2020, over 300 percent more than in 2019. In recent high-profile cases, Colonial Pipeline paid attackers $4.4 million, and CNA Financial Corporation paid a whopping $40 million.

Meanwhile, cyber criminals continue to attack organizations across critical sectors. While the FBI and other security experts warn against paying ransoms, companies face devastating losses and even interruptions to critical care.

Cybersecurity best practices, combined with following recommended steps when an attack does occur, may provide the best protection.

Ransomware insurance coverage

Cyber insurance has become a hot topic as organizations scramble to protect themselves against losses resulting from cyber-attacks. In addition to ransom negotiations and payments, typical policies also cover legal costs, as well as costs for forensic analysis, data restoration and communications related to the breach.

However, even before the AXA announcement, many cyber insurance companies had begun to ask more from the companies they insure.

For instance, some insurers require policy holders to complete certain basic security steps. Others have begun to charge a coinsurance or limit payment to a percentage of the loss incurred.

To pay or not to pay

This evolution in cyber insurance reflects more than a move by insurers to manage their own risk. The FBI and other government agencies, as well as many cybersecurity experts, warn against paying ransoms. Researchers at cybersecurity provider Kaspersky explain that paying a ransom provides no guarantee that organizations will recover their data intact.

More importantly, paying the ransom encourages attackers to carry out more attacks. And some experts suggest that carrying cyber insurance actually makes organizations more attractive targets. Clearly, companies cannot depend on insurers to continue to shoulder the bulk of the cyber risk.

Best practices to protect against ransomware attacks

While cyber insurance still provides significant benefits, organizations must focus on cybersecurity best practices to defend against ransomware. Some of those best practices include:

Regular backups – Conduct regular data backups, including system images. Keep multiple copies of the backups, including a copy not connected to the network. And make sure to test the backups.

Keep systems and software up to date – Apply security updates to software, firmware and operating systems when they become available. This includes antivirus and other security solutions.

Develop and review an incident response plan – Having a detailed plan in place before a security incident occurs greatly increases the chance of a successful outcome.

Conduct regular cybersecurity training – While organizations can, and should, implement technology solutions, employees remain a key line of defense against cyber-attacks. Make sure users know how to recognize phishing attempts, share files safely and secure home offices.

Address third party risks – Look into the security practices of the vendors with which you do business to ensure they do not put your company at further risk.

Carefully regulate access controls – Give users only the access they need to the services and data necessary to perform their jobs. This proves even more important in a remote work environment.

Lately, Ransomware Has Added Blackmail To Its Arsenal

Mark Funchion is a network technician at Tech Experts.

At this point, ransomware is practically a lifeform – it’s constantly growing and adapting.

Originally, if you were hit with ransomware, your data was encrypted and you could pay to (hopefully) get the data restored.

If you had an effective backup solution, you could restore your data without paying and adjust your security to prevent this from happening again.

Now, many of these attackers using ransomware have upped their game. They realize that more businesses are using backups, so the chances of getting paid are lessening. To combat that, the attackers added an additional feature to their attacks: blackmail / extortion.

Not only do they encrypt your data, but they take it as well. Now, the payment is to decrypt the data AND keep it from being posted online for all to see.

If you are a business with sensitive files, this can be a real issue. Having a backup is not enough in this case; even if you don’t pay the ransom and you’re back up and running in a few hours, all your data could be shared. Worse than the hassle of recreating all your files, the lasting effects from customer data, financials, and personal information being leaked could be devastating.

This is why it’s crucial to partner with an IT provider who understands network security.

An effective and tested backup solution is important, but there’s more that you need to have in order to be protected. Your network needs to be secured with a firewall, and all your devices need to be patched regularly to limit your exposure when exploits are discovered.

Are you using 2FA? Do you know what 2FA is? Are your passwords changed regularly and are they complex? Do all users in your office use the same password? Do they share accounts?

We know it seems more efficient to have easy passwords and shared log-ins, but it’s a huge security risk.

Businesses often find it easier to give users full administrative access to their local machine and network shares too. However, in that scenario, one compromised password that has full access to everything means the attackers do not need to look any further and can “walk” right in.

Another item that too many people turn off or find annoying is User Account Control. Yes, it can be frustrating to verify your user identity when you want to make changes.

That is, until a malicious program is launched without your knowledge and the User Account Control prompt stops your network and data from being attacked. What’s worse – a few seconds’ worth of verification or a costly business disaster?

These cyberthreats will always continue to grow and evolve. They have been since we started using the Internet. If you are not in the business of technology, it is very difficult for you to adapt efficiently enough to stay secure.

That is why the right technology partner who does adapt and evolve is very important to the success of your business.

Over $1 Trillion Lost To Cyber-crime Every Year

Thomas Fox is president of Tech Experts, southeast Michigan’s leading small business computer support company.

$1 trillion! That’s a lot of money. And it’s a figure that’s increased by more than 50% since 2018.

In 2019, two-thirds of all organizations reported some type of incident relating to cyber-crime.

You could make a sure bet this figure rose significantly last year, thanks to criminals taking advantage of the pandemic.

It’s easy to look at big figures like these and not relate them back to your own business. But here’s the thing. The average cost of a data breach to a business is estimated to be around $500,000.

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