The cloud has revolutionized the way we store, share and access data. Thanks to apps like Google Drive, Dropbox and OneDrive, we can easily access our files from anywhere in the world. However, with the convenience of cloud apps comes the risk of security problems. In this article, we will explore how using too many cloud apps can become dangerous and what you can do to protect yourself.
The Risks of Using Multiple Cloud Apps
When you use multiple cloud apps, you increase the risk of a security breach. Here are a few ways that using too many cloud apps can cause security problems:
Weak Passwords
With multiple cloud apps, it is easy to fall into the trap of using the same password for all of them. This means that if one of your cloud apps is compromised, all of your other cloud apps are at risk as well. While it may be easier to remember the same password across all of your accounts, taking the extra step to store unique passwords for each one is worth it.
Lack of Visibility
When you use multiple cloud apps, it can be difficult to keep track of all of your data. This lack of visibility can make it easier for cybercriminals to steal your data without you even realizing it.
Third-Party Access
Many cloud apps require third-party access to your data to function properly. This can increase the risk of a security breach because third-party apps may not have the same level of security as the cloud app that you are using.
Data Breaches
Cloud apps are not immune to data breaches. When you use multiple cloud apps, you increase the risk of a data breach because each app is a potential entry point for cybercriminals.
Protecting Yourself When Using Multiple Cloud Apps
If you are using multiple cloud apps, it is easy to fall victim to hacks and data breaches that put your sensitive information at risk. To avoid these consequences, here are a few steps that you can take to protect yourself from security problems:
Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Make sure that you're using a strong, unique password for each of your cloud apps. If you find it hard to remember different passwords off the top of your head, it is recommended to use a password manager like LastPass or 1Password. These tools will help you generate unique passwords for each account and store them so you can easily access them when it comes time to sign in.
Limit Third-Party Access
Be cautious about granting third-party access to your data. Only grant access to apps that you trust and that have a good track record of security.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your cloud apps. With two-factor authentication enabled, you will need to enter a code in addition to your password to access your account.
Keep Your Apps Up-To-Date
Make sure that you are using the latest version of each of your cloud apps. This will confirm that any security vulnerabilities are patched as soon as possible.
Use a VPN
A virtual private network (VPN) can add an extra layer of security to your internet connection. When you use a VPN, all of your internet traffic is encrypted which makes it more difficult for cybercriminals to steal your data.
Monitor Your Accounts
Regularly monitor your cloud app accounts for any unusual activity. If you notice anything suspicious, change your password immediately and contact the app's support team.
Use a Cloud App Aggregator
Consider using a cloud apps aggregator like MultCloud or Otixo to manage all of your cloud apps in one place. This can help you keep track of all of your data and reduce the risk of security problems.
Stay Safe While Using Cloud Apps
The convenience of cloud apps has made them an essential tool for many people, but using too many cloud apps can increase the risk of security problems. By using strong passwords, limiting third-party access, enabling two-factor authentication, keeping your apps up-to-date, using a VPN, monitoring your accounts and using a cloud app aggregator, you can reduce the risk of a security breach and keep your data safe.
It is always better to be cautious and take steps to protect yourself than to suffer the consequences of a security breach. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy the convenience of cloud apps without putting your data at risk.
If you need guidance on keeping your information safe while using cloud storage apps, you can trust Sound Computers. We have years of experience helping our clients lock down their most sensitive data with our comprehensive IT security services.
Give us a call at (860) 577-8060 to consult with our team about the best solutions for you and take the first step toward leveling up your cybersecurity today!
Cybersecurity researchers uncovered an alarming mobile statistic. During the first few months of 2022, mobile malware attacks surged by 500%. This is alarming both in scale and because many people are not yet protecting smartphones.
For years, mobile phones have become more powerful. They now do many of the same functions as a computer but with a much smaller screen. However, people tend to secure their computers better than they do their smartphones.
This is a behavior that needs to change. Over 60% of digital fraud now occurs through mobile devices. That makes them highly risky if proper safeguards are not followed.
Many of these are the same types of protections you have on your computer. It is time to start thinking about your smartphone as a mini-computer and keeping it just as secure.
Tips to Improve the Security of Your Smartphone
Use Mobile Anti-Malware
Your mobile phone needs antivirus/anti-malware too! Malware can and does infect smartphones and tablets. You need to ensure that you have a reliable mobile anti-malware app installed.
Beware of those freebies. Freebies are great when you’re talking about food but not when it comes to security apps. Malware is often hidden inside free apps. These apps are ironically supposed to make you more secure.
Don’t Download Apps from Unknown Sources
Only download mobile apps from trusted sources. Do not download outside a main app store. Trusted app stores include places like:
- Apple App Store
- Google Play
- The Microsoft Store
- Amazon Appstore
You also should research the app developer online. Make sure they have a good reputation. Once you download a dangerous app to your phone, it can infect it with malware. That malware can remain behind even if you delete the app later.
Don’t Assume Email is Safe
Many people prefer checking email on their phone rather than PC because it is so handy. They have a false sense of security about the safety of emails when viewed on a mobile device.
You can’t assume an email is safe just because you’re not on your computer. Be just as wary about unexpected emails and scam emails masquerading as legitimate.
It is difficult to hover over a link without clicking when on a smartphone. If you see something questionable and want to check the link, open the email on your PC where you can do that.
Beware of SMS Phishing (aka “Smishing”)
In March of 2022, text spam outpaced robocalls. Unwanted text messages rose by 30% which is ten percent higher than robocalls. Many of those spam texts are smishing.
Smishing is the text version of phishing. These texts usually contain malicious links. A hacker can potentially breach your device if you click them. The message may also ask you to text back personal information.
Be on the lookout for text messages that don’t quite make sense. For example, getting a shipping notification when you haven’t ordered anything. Also, beware of texts from unknown sources.
Phishing via text message is a growing concern. It is also one that most people aren’t aware of yet so they often get caught in its trap.
Remove Old Apps You No Longer Use
Approximately 2.6 million apps haven’t had an update in a year or more. Apps are often abandoned by the developer. This can leave security vulnerabilities on your device. Hackers seek out these types of vulnerabilities to exploit. If they aren’t addressed, they remain a danger.
Go through your device and remove old applications that you are no longer using. There is no reason to keep them around and potentially leave your device at risk.
Additionally, look at the time of the last update. If it is over a year, you may want to consider replacing that app with something more current. App updates often include security-related items. It is not good when a year or more goes by without the developer making any type of update to the app.
Keep Your Device Updated
Speaking of updates, you also need to keep your device's operating system updated. Are you using the current version of Android or iOS? Not installing updates can mean your phone has vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities allow hackers to breach your data.
Automate updates when possible. If you have a company with several devices, it is a good idea to include your phones on a managed IT services plan.
Use a VPN When on Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi is dangerous. Most people understand that but many connect to it out of necessity. You may worry about going over your data plan allotment. Your mobile carrier reception may be slow. Both cases are reasons people opt to connect to unsecured public hot spots.
You can connect to public Wi-fi with less risk if you use a VPN application. VPNs stand between your device and the internet. They route your data through a secure server. This keeps it away from prying eyes that may be lurking on that public Wi-Fi.
Mobile Security Solutions to Prevent a Data Breach
Don’t wait until your phone is infected with malware to secure it properly. We can help you with automated solutions that protect your device, accounts and data. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
Make Sure Your Router is Secure
There is a reason why browsers like Edge have added breached password notifications. Data breaches are an unfortunate part of life and can have costly consequences for individuals. For example, hackers can steal identities and compromise bank accounts.
Cybercriminals breach about 4,800 websites every month with form jacking code. It has become all too common to hear of a large hotel chain or social media company exposing customer data.
Hackers can breach your personal information and passwords without you knowing it and the time from breach to notification of the breach can be lengthy. One example is the data breach of CafePress. This is a popular online retailer that prints personalized items.
CafePress suffered a data breach in February 2019. That breach exposed millions of names and addresses, security questions and more. Hackers also breached social security numbers that were not encrypted.
The breach happened in February. However, many consumers were not notified until late summer. The FTC recently took action against the company. This was due to its careless security practices.
The point is that months or years can go by without you knowing about compromised data. Unless you happen to look at the right website, you may not even realize it. Those breached password features in browsers are helpful. But what if you have other information beyond a password compromised?
It is best to protect yourself with some knowledge. We will help by listing several recent data breaches. If you have interacted with any of these companies, you will want to take steps to protect yourself from the fallout.
Recent Data Breaches of Personal Information That May Impact You
Microsoft Customer Data Breach
On October 19, 2022, Microsoft announced a breach that exposed customer data. A misconfigured server was to blame. The breach exposed certain business transaction data. It is thought that this breach could have affected more than 65,000 entities worldwide.
2.5 Million Records Exposed in a Student Loan Breach
Did you get a student loan from EdFinancial and the Oklahoma Student Loan Authority (OSLA)? If so, you could be in trouble. The organizations notified impacted individuals by letter in July 2022.
The personal information at risk included:
- Social security numbers
- Email addresses
- Home addresses
- Phone numbers.
The breach compromised the data of over 2.5 million loan recipients.
U-Haul Data Breach of 2.2 Million Individuals’ Data
Large rental firm U-Haul is a household name. It also just had a major data breach. It notified clients in August of 2022 of a compromise of some rental contracts. The contracts in question were between November 5, 2021 and April 5, 2022.
The breach exposed names, driver’s license numbers and state identification numbers. It affected over 2.2 million individuals that rented vehicles from the company.
Neopets Breach May Have Compromised 69 Million Accounts
You wouldn’t suspect a cute site like Neopets to be a cybersecurity risk but users of the platform got a rude awakening due to a breach of the service. An estimated 69 million accounts may have had emails and passwords leaked.
The full stolen Neopet database and copy of the source code were being offered for sale for about $94,500.
One Employee Computer Causes a Marriott Breach
Hotel giant Marriott suffered another breach in July 2022. It blamed a single unsecured employee computer. About 300-400 individuals had data leaked. This data included credit card numbers and other confidential information.
Unfortunately, the company shows a pattern of poor cybersecurity. Within the last four years, it has suffered three separate breaches. That is enough to want to pay in cash or use a prepaid card if you stay there.
Shield Health Care Group Exposes Up to 2 Million Records
In March of 2022, Shield Health Care Group detected a breach. This Massachusetts-based company found that hackers breached up to 2 million customer records. This includes medical records, social security numbers and other sensitive personal data.
Flagstar Bank Takes 6 Months to Identify Individuals Affected in a Breach
In December of 2021, Flagstar Bank suffered a breach. It wasn’t until 6 months later that it identified the individuals affected and the impact was large. It included exposed social security numbers. The hack impacted about 1.5 million customers.
8.2 million Current and Former Customers of Block Compromised
Block was formerly known as Square (a popular payment processing platform). It announced in April of 2022 that it was breached the previous December. A former employee accessed customer names and brokerage account numbers. Some accounts also had other stock trading information accessed.
About 8.2 million current and former customers had their data exposed.
Crypto.com Breach Nets Hackers Over $30 Million
Cryptocurrency may be hot at the moment but it is very susceptible to cyberattacks. In January 2022, over 483 users had their Crypto.com wallets breached.
The criminals made it past two-factor authentication which is usually quite effective. They stole about $18 million in bitcoin and $15 million in Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies.
How Secure Are Your Passwords?
There are many solutions that can help you better manage and secure your passwords. Give us a call to learn more about protecting your personal data from data breaches.
Cybersecurity issues pose serious risks to IT and data infrastructures globally, stressing out IT professionals as well as employers who are worried about their financial stream. IT support services have worked tirelessly to assist organizations in improving their data protection plan for the rapidly evolving environment as traditional ways of protecting data grow to address new challenges.Read more
The new year has just begun and it is a time of renewal as we plan for the possibilities to come in 2023. It is also a time when you need to plan for resiliency in the face of an ever-present threat of an attack.
Sixty-eight percent of surveyed business leaders feel that cybersecurity risks are getting worse. They have a good reason. Attacks continue to get more sophisticated. They are also often perpetrated by large criminal organizations. These criminal groups treat these attacks like a business.
In 2021, the average number of global cyberattacks increased by 15.1%.
To protect your business in the coming year, it is important to watch the attack trends. What new methods are hackers using? What types of attacks are increasing in volume? Knowing these things is important. It helps you better update your IT security to mitigate the risk of a data breach or malware infection.
We have pulled out the security crystal ball for the upcoming year and we have researched what cybersecurity experts are expecting. Here are the attack trends that you need to watch out for.
Attacks on 5G Devices
The world has been buzzing about 5G for a few years. It is finally beginning to fulfill the promise of lightning-fast internet. As providers build out the infrastructure, you can expect this to be a high-attack area.
Hackers are looking to take advantage of the 5G hardware used for routers, mobile devices and PCs. Anytime you have a new technology like this, it is bound to have some code vulnerabilities. This is exactly what hackers are looking to exploit.
You can prepare by being aware of the firmware security in the devices that you buy. This is especially true for those enabled for 5G. Some manufacturers will build better firmware security into their designs than others. Make sure to ask about this when purchasing new devices.
One-Time Password (OTP) Bypass
This alarming new trend is designed to get past one of the best forms of account security. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is well-known to be very effective at preventing fraudulent sign-in attempts. It can stop account takeovers even in cases where the criminal has the user’s password.
There are a few different ways that hackers try to bypass MFA. These include:
- Reusing a token: Gaining access to a recent user OTP and trying to reuse it.
- Sharing unused tokens: The hacker uses their own account to get an OTP. Then they attempt to use that OTP on a different account.
- Leaked token: Using an OTP token leaked through a web application.
- Password reset function: A hacker uses phishing to fool the user into resetting a password. They then trick them into handing over their OTP via text or email.
Attacks Surrounding World Events
During the pandemic, the cyberattack volume increased by approximately 600%. Large criminal hacking groups have realized that world events and disasters are lucrative.
They launch phishing campaigns for world events. Attacks come for everything from the latest hurricane or typhoon to the war in the Ukraine. Unsuspecting people often fall for these scams. This is because they are often distracted by the crisis.
People need to be especially mindful of scams surrounding events like these. They will often use social engineering tactics (like sad photos) to play on your emotions.
Smishing & Mobile Device Attacks
Mobile devices go with us just about everywhere these days. This direct connection to a potential victim is not lost on cybercriminals. Look for more mobile device-based attacks including SMS-based phishing (“smishing”).
Many people aren’t expecting to receive fake messages to their personal numbers. However, cell numbers are no longer as private as they once were. Hackers can buy lists of them online. They then craft convincing fake texts that look like shipping notices or receipts. One wrong click is all it takes for an account or data breach.
Mobile malware is also on the rise. During the first few months of 2022, malware targeted to mobile devices rose by 500%. It is important to ensure that you have good mobile anti-malware as well as other protections on your devices (like a DNS filter).
Elevated Phishing Using AI & Machine Learning
These days, phishing emails are not so easy to spot. In the past, they nearly always had spelling errors or grainy images. While some still do, most don’t.
Criminal groups elevate today's phishing using AI and machine learning. It will look identical to a real brand’s emails and it will also come personalized. Hackers use these tactics to capture more victims. They also allow hackers to send out more targeted phishing messages in less time than in years past.
Schedule a Cybersecurity Check-Up Today
Is your business prepared for the cyber threats coming in 2022? Don’t wait to find out the hard way! Give us a call and schedule a cybersecurity check-up to stay one step ahead of the digital criminals.
Cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important as technology plays a more prominent role in our daily business operations in both small and large corporations. This increase in technology comes with an increased threat of cyberattacks. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, over 700 thousand cyberattacks against small businesses resulted in damages totaling 2.8 billion in 2020. Companies must implement IT safeguards to protect themselves from the recurrent increase in these attacks.Read more
The new year has just begun and it is a time of renewal as we plan for the possibilities to come in 2023. It is also a time when you need to plan for resiliency in the event of a cybersecurity attack.
Sixty-eight percent of surveyed business leaders feel that cybersecurity risks are getting worse. They have a good reason. Attacks continue to get more sophisticated. They are also often perpetrated by large criminal organizations. These criminal groups treat these attacks like a business.
In 2021, the average number of global cyberattacks increased by 15.1%.
To protect your business in the coming year, it is important to watch the cybersecurity attack trends. What new methods are hackers using? What types of attacks are increasing in volume? Knowing these things is important. It helps you better update your IT security to mitigate the risk of a data breach or malware infection.
We have pulled out the security crystal ball for the upcoming year and we have researched what cybersecurity experts are expecting. Here are the attack trends that you need to watch out for.
Attacks on 5G Devices
The world has been buzzing about 5G for a few years. It is finally beginning to fulfill the promise of lightning-fast internet. As providers build out the infrastructure, you can expect this to be a high-attack area.
Hackers are looking to take advantage of the 5G hardware used for routers, mobile devices and PCs. Anytime you have a new technology like this, it is bound to have some code vulnerabilities. This is exactly what hackers are looking to exploit.
You can prepare by being aware of the firmware security in the devices you buy. This is especially true for those enabled for 5G. Some manufacturers will build better firmware security into their designs than others. Make sure to ask about this when purchasing new devices.
One-Time Password (OTP) Bypass
This alarming new trend is designed to get past one of the best forms of account security. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is well-known as being very effective at preventing fraudulent sign-in attempts. It can stop account takeovers even in cases where the criminal has the user’s password.
There are a few different ways that hackers try to bypass MFA. These include:
- Reusing a token: Gaining access to a recent user OTP and trying to reuse it.
- Sharing unused tokens: The hacker uses their own account to get an OTP and then attempts to use that OTP on a different account.
- Leaked token: Using an OTP token leaked through a web application.
- Password reset function: A hacker uses phishing to fool the user into resetting a password. They then trick them into handing over their OTP via text or email.
Attacks Surrounding World Events
During the pandemic, the cybersecurity attack volume increased by approximately 600%. Large criminal hacking groups have realized that world events and disasters are lucrative.
They launch phishing campaigns for world events. Attacks come for everything from the latest hurricane or typhoon to the war in Ukraine. Unsuspecting people often fall for these scams. This is because they are often distracted by the crisis.
People need to be especially mindful of scams surrounding events like these. They will often use social engineering tactics like sad photos to play on the emotions.
Smishing & Mobile Device Attacks
Mobile devices go with us just about everywhere these days. This direct connection to a potential victim is not lost on cybercriminals. Look for more mobile device-based attacks including SMS-based phishing (“smishing”).
Many people aren’t expecting to receive fake messages to their personal numbers. However, cell numbers are no longer as private as they once were. Hackers can buy lists of them online. They then craft convincing fake texts that look like shipping notices or receipts. One wrong click is all it takes for an account or data breach.
Mobile malware is also on the rise. During the first few months of 2022, malware targeted to mobile devices rose by 500%. It is important to ensure that you have good mobile anti-malware as well as other protections on your devices like a DNS filter.
Elevated Phishing Using AI & Machine Learning
Phishing emails in today's world are not so easy to spot. It used to be that they nearly always had spelling errors or grainy images. While some still do, most don’t.
Criminal groups elevate today's phishing using AI and machine learning. Not only will it look identical to a real brand’s emails but it will also come personalized. Hackers use these tactics to capture more victims. They also allow hackers to send out more targeted phishing messages in less time than in years past.
Schedule a Cybersecurity Check-Up Today
Is your business prepared for the cyber threats coming in 2022? Don’t wait to find out the hard way! Give us a call and schedule a cybersecurity check-up to stay one step ahead of the digital criminals.
As the digital world evolves, the threats it faces also evolve. Despite its seemingly innocuous name, phishing is considered to be one of the most dangerous cybersecurity threats facing businesses today. The sophistication of phishing attacks (which entail various fraudulent attempts to obtain user information, credit card numbers and passwords) is continuously on the rise.Read more
The global home security market has been growing by leaps and bounds. By 2026, experts expect the market to expand at a rate of 20.1%. This is on top of an expected increase of 21.6% from 2021 to 2022.
From Ring doorbell cams to entire home security systems, consumers want these solutions. Watching your front door from afar has never been so easy. With cloud-based video streams, homeowners can view any part of their home.
Sharing doorbell camera shots on neighborhood social media groups is now common. These home security systems also provide peace of mind at a wallet-friendly cost.
Don’t let the ease of setup fool you. Home security cameras can open your family up to risks if you don’t take precautions. People are often so excited to see what they can do that they don’t stop to think about device security.
There are horror stories online about hacked video cameras. This includes strangers saying disturbing things through those cameras to children.
In 2019, Ring suffered a data breach. That breach exposed the personal data of over 3,000 Ring users. This included usernames and passwords.
It is enough to make you reconsider your decision to add extra security. Don’t let those incidents scare you off. You can properly secure a home video camera system to ensure that it is not breached.
Here are some of the things you should do for a safe home security setup.
Make Sure Your Router is Secure
You access an IP security camera via the internet. Any commands going to the system or footage coming from it go through your router. You need to make sure that your router is properly secured.
Hackers breach routers so they can get to the devices connected to that network. Ensure your router security protocol is no lower than WPA2. The next generation, WPA3, is even better. These protocols govern the protection of data transmitted through the wireless network.
Give the router a strong password that is at least 12 characters long. Software can crack a password of only 8 standard characters instantly. A 12-character password with at least one upper case letter, number and symbol takes 34,000 years.
Change the Default Username & Password
You also need a strong password for your security system’s admin account. You should also change the default device and username. Hackers have lists of all these device defaults and use them to break into these systems.
Changing the default username and password for the device should be one of the first things you do. Otherwise it could be mere minutes after you connect to the internet that you’re hacked.
Ensure the System Uses SSL/TLS Or Other Encryption
You don’t want the footage from your cameras transmitted for anyone to grab and watch. Make sure the security system you choose notes SSL/TLS or another standard encryption.
This ensures that the data cannot be intercepted and accessed. SSL is short for Secure Sockets Layer and TLS is short for Transport Layer Security. Without a form of encryption, a hacker can easily breach your device.
Keep the Software Updated
If your security system has an automatic update feature, turn that on. Unfortunately, many users don’t think about updating their device software. This leaves it more vulnerable to a hack.
Updates often include important security fixes for found vulnerabilities. You want to make sure updates install promptly. That is why automating this is best.
Consider Access Levels for Multiple Users
Do you have several family members accessing your cloud-based security device? If so, set up some access levels. Not everyone needs to be at an administrator level.
Hackers love it when they can breach the login of an admin user for an account. This gives them more privileges (like changing settings). Giving lower-level privileges such as “view only” to most family members improves security.
Enable Camera Security Features
There will be various security features that are available with your system. Manufacturers often do not enable all security settings by default. The user must turn all or some of them on.
If you’re unsure of what settings should be on or off, we will be happy to help. Some home security systems have generous sharing options. This can be an invitation for hackers. You want to restrict these as much as possible.
Make Sure Your Mobile Device is Secure
Most people access their security cam through their smartphone. Make sure that you secure yours and keep it updated with the latest operating system. Hackers can gain access to a security system through a device with weak safeguards.
Add things like:
- Mobile anti-malware
- DNS filtering
- Screen lock
- Automated updating
Looking for Help Protecting Your Cloud Security System?
Give us a call and schedule a visit. We will be happy to help you ensure your security system is set up with best practices.
In modern terms, discussions about development in business circles (from small and medium businesses to governments to multinational corporations) must involve digital transformation to be effective. It is no different in other sectors. This transformation does not happen to every company in the same way but cyber resiliency is important to the development of companies.Read more