Cybersecurity

Have you been hearing more about email authentication lately? There is a reason for that. It’s the prevalence of phishing as a major security threat. Phishing continues as the main cause of data breaches and security incidents. This has been the case for many years.A major shift in the email landscape is happening. The reason is to combat phishing scams. Email authentication is becoming a requirement for email service providers. It’s crucial to your online presence and communication to pay attention to this shift.Google and Yahoo are two of the world’s largest email providers. They have implemented a new DMARC policy that took effect in February 2024. This policy essentially makes email authentication essential. It’s targeted at businesses sending emails through Gmail and Yahoo Mail.But what’s DMARC, and why is it suddenly so important? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the world of email authentication. We’ll help

Have you ever seen a video of your favorite celebrity saying something outrageous? Then later, you find out it was completely fabricated? Or perhaps you’ve received an urgent email seemingly from your boss. But something felt off.Welcome to the world of deepfakes. This is a rapidly evolving technology that uses artificial intelligence (AI). It does this to create synthetic media, often in the form of videos or audio recordings. They can appear real but are actually manipulated.People can use deepfakes for creative purposes. Such as satire or entertainment. But their potential for misuse is concerning. Deepfakes have already made it into political campaigns. In 2024, a fake robocall mimicked the voice of a candidate. Scammers wanted to fool people into believing they said something they never said.Bad actors can use deepfakes to spread misinformation. As well as damage reputations and even manipulate financial markets. They are also used in phishing

Back when you were a kid, living in a “smart home” probably sounded futuristic. Something out of Back to the Future II or The Jetsons. Well, we don’t yet have flying cars, but we do have video telephones as well as smart refrigerators and voice-activated lights.But even the most advanced technology can have analog problems. Hackers can get past weak passwords. Bad connections can turn advanced into basic pretty quickly.Have you run into any issues with your smart home gadgets? Not to worry! We’ve got your back when it comes to troubleshooting several common smart home issues.Here are some of the most frequent problems along with simple steps to get your smart haven back on track.1. Connectivity WoesAre your smart gadgets refusing to connect to Wi-Fi? The main claim to fame of smart devices is that you can access them wirelessly. An internet connection is also vital to integrate several

We are living in an era dominated by digital connectivity. You can’t overstate the importance of cybersecurity. As technology advances, so do the threats that lurk in the online world.Often, it’s our own actions that leave us most at risk of a cyberattack or online scam. Risky behaviors include weak passwords and lax security policies. As well as thinking “This won’t happen to me.” This is why human error is the cause of approximately 88% of data breaches.The National Cybersecurity Alliance and CybSafe are working to correct poor cyber hygiene. Each year, the duo publishes a report on cybersecurity attitudes and behaviors. The goal is to educate both people and businesses. To educate them on how to better secure their digital landscapes.This year’s study surveyed over 6,000 people across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Germany, France, and New Zealand. The survey asked about several things. These include knowledge of cybersecurity

QR codes are everywhere these days. You can find them on restaurant menus, flyers, and posters. They’re used both offline and online. QR codes are convenient and easy to use. You just scan them with your smartphone camera. You’re then directed to a link, a coupon, a video, or some other online content.With the rise in popularity of QR codes comes an unfortunate dark side. Cybercriminals are exploiting this technology for nefarious purposes. Scammers create fake QR codes. They can steal your personal information. They can also infect your device with malware or trick you into paying money.It’s crucial to exercise caution when scanning QR codes. This emerging scam highlights the potential dangers lurking behind those seemingly innocent squares.Image source: Adobe StockThe QR Code ResurgenceQR codes were originally designed for tracking parts in the automotive industry. They have experienced a renaissance in recent years. As a result, they’re used as

Smart home devices are becoming more popular and convenient. But they also pose some serious security risks. Hackers can target these devices to access your personal information. As well as spy on your activities or cause damage to your home.Often the dangers of smart home devices fall under the radar. Seventy-five percent of people feel some level of distrust about the use of their data. Yet most people are willing to use smart home technology.As we enjoy the convenience of smart living, it’s crucial to be vigilant about cyber threats. A hacker may have compromised your smart system without you even knowing it.How can you tell if a hacker has compromised your smart home device? Here are some signs to look out for.1. Unexpected BehaviorUnexpected behavior is the first sign someone has compromised your smart home device. If your device starts acting erratically, it’s time to investigate. Erratic behavior can

Cybersecurity is a constantly evolving field. There are new threats, technologies, and opportunities emerging every year. As we enter 2024, organizations need to be aware of current and future cyber threats. Businesses of all sizes and sectors should plan accordingly.Staying ahead of the curve is paramount to safeguarding digital assets. Significant changes are coming to the cybersecurity landscape. Driving these changes are emerging technologies and evolving threats. As well as shiftingglobal dynamics.Next, we’ll explore key cybersecurity predictions for 2024 that you should consider.1. AI Will Be a Double-edged SwordArtificial intelligence (AI) has been a game-changer for cybersecurity. It has enabled faster and more accurate threat detection, response, and prevention. But AI also poses new risks. Such as adversarial AI, exploited vulnerabilities, and misinformation.For example, malicious actors use chatbots and other large language models to generate:Convincing phishing emailsFake news articlesDeepfake videosThis malicious content can deceive or manipulate users. Organizations will need

Relentless digital innovation has defined the last few years. The symbiotic relationship between AI and cybersecurity has become pivotal especially when it comes to safeguarding sensitive information and digital assets.As cyber threats evolve in complexity, AI has emerged as a formidable ally. It empowers organizations with advanced tools and techniques. Helping them to stay one step ahead of malicious actors.In this exploration, we delve into cutting-edge AI trends. The trends that are reshaping the cybersecurity realm as well as fortifying defenses against an ever-expanding array of cyber threats.The Rise of AI in CybersecurityAs cyber threats grow in sophistication, traditional measures face challenges in keeping pace. This is where AI steps in. It offers a dynamic and adaptive approach to cybersecurity.Machine learning algorithms, neural networks, and other AI technologies analyze vast datasets. They do this at unprecedented speeds. They identify patterns and anomalies that might elude human detection.58% of security professionals

Browser extensions have become as common as mobile apps. People tend to download many and use few. There are over 176,000 browser extensions available on Google Chrome alone. These extensions offer users extra functionalities and customization options.While browser extensions enhance the browsing experience, they also pose a danger which can mean significant risks to online security and privacy.In this article, we unravel the dangers associated with browser extensions. We’ll shed light on the potential threats they pose as well as provide insights into safeguarding your online presence.The Allure and Perils of Browser ExtensionsBrowser extensions are often hailed for their convenience and versatility. They are modules that users can add to their web browsers. They extend functionality and add customizable elements.From ad blockers and password managers to productivity tools, the variety is vast. But the ease with which users can install these extensions is a weakness because it also introduces inherent

In the digital age, data is the lifeblood of businesses. It fuels operations, decision-making, and customer interactions. But there is a dark underbelly of this data-centric landscape. It’s the persistent threat of data breaches.The repercussions of a data breach extend far beyond the immediate aftermath. They often haunt businesses for years. Only 51% of data breach costs occur within the first year of an incident. The other 49% happen in year two and beyond.Image source: IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report 2023We’ll take a look at the long-term consequences of a data breach. As well as examine a real-world example. You’ll see how a single breach can have enduring implications. Ones that impact a business’s reputation, finances, and regulatory standing.The Unseen Costs of a Data BreachIntroduction to the First American Title Insurance Co. CaseThe 2019 cybersecurity breach at First American serves as a stark illustration. It reminds us of