Shielding the Fortress, Small Business Cybersecurity

Small businesses are increasingly becoming targets for cyber threats, and not just in the U.S. Australia has recently committed $18.2 million to perform small business cybersecurity health checks. In Australia alone, cyber attacks against small businesses cost the economy an estimated $2 billion per year.

Regardless of size, small companies still handle sensitive customer data, financial transactions, and proprietary information that make them attractive to cybercriminals. As a result, it’s imperative for small businesses to prioritize cybersecurity measures to protect their operations, reputation, and customer trust. At USX Cyber, we understand that tackling the operational matter of cybersecurity can feel overwhelming, so therefore we’ve put together a few key components specifically for small businesses that will help in fortifying your digital defenses.

Understanding the Threat Landscape

Small businesses may be under the misconception that they are too insignificant to attract cybercriminals. However, statistics show that they are often the preferred targets due to their typically weaker security measures. The common cyber threats faced by small businesses include phishing attacks, ransomware, and data breaches.

Conduct a Risk Assessment

Begin by conducting a thorough risk assessment to identify potential vulnerabilities and threats specific to your business. Evaluate the types of data you handle and thereby assess potential entry points for cybercriminals, and analyze the impact of a security breach on your operations.

Implement Robust Password Policies

Weak passwords are a common entry point for cyberattacks. Encourage the use of strong, unique passwords and implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible. Regularly update passwords and educate employees about the importance of password hygiene.

Enforce Employee Training and Awareness

Your employees are the first line of defense against cyber threats. Provide comprehensive cybersecurity training to educate them about the latest threats, safe online practices, and how to recognize phishing attempts. Foster a culture of security awareness to instill a sense of responsibility among your team.

Secure Networks and Devices

Ensure that your network is secured with a robust firewall, and encrypt sensitive data during transmission. Keep all software, including antivirus programs, up to date. Regularly patch and update operating systems and applications to address vulnerabilities.

Implement Data Backup and Recovery

Implement a regular data backup strategy to prevent data loss in the event of a cyberattack. Store backups in a secure, offsite location, and regularly test the restoration process to ensure it functions effectively.

Secure Customer Transactions

If your small business handles financial transactions, prioritize the security of customer payment information. Use secure payment gateways, encrypt transaction data, and thereby comply with relevant industry regulations such as PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard).

Collaborate with Cybersecurity Professionals

Consider enlisting the services of cybersecurity experts or outsourcing your cybersecurity needs in order to gain a reputable provider. Professionals can conduct regular assessments, implement advanced security measures, and keep your business abreast of the latest threats and best practices.

Develop an Incident Response Plan

Develop a comprehensive incident response plan outlining the steps to be taken in the event of a security breach. Assign roles and responsibilities, establish communication protocols, and conduct regular drills to ensure your team is well-prepared to handle a cyber crisis.

An Investment in Cybersecurity is an Investment in Your Business’ Operational Health

Investing in small business cybersecurity is not just a precautionary measure; it’s a fundamental aspect of safeguarding your business in the digital age. By prioritizing cyber health, you not only protect your data and assets, but also demonstrate to your customers that their trust and privacy are paramount. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and fortify your digital fortress to ensure the long-term success and resilience of your company in an ever-evolving online landscape.

cybersecurity supply chain risk management

Navigating the Digital Terrain

In an interconnected world, the supply chain is the backbone of technological ecosystems. With this interconnectedness comes a growing number of vulnerabilities, making robust cybersecurity supply chain risk management imperative.

Understanding the Threat Landscape in Cybersecurity Supply Chain

The supply chain is a complex web, encompassing hardware, software, and services. Threat actors hunt for and exploit vulnerabilities at various points, posing risks that can result in data breaches, system compromises, and even economic espionage. To effectively manage these risks, organizations must adopt a proactive stance. Here are a few ways to help your company avoid falling victim.

Identifying Key Risk Factors in Cybersecurity Supply Chain Risk Management

1. Assess and Monitor Third-Party Vendors: A compromise in any link of the supply chain can have a domino effect, affecting the entire ecosystem.

2. Verify Software Integrity: This practice is essential to prevent the introduction of malicious code. Regular audits and code reviews contribute to maintaining a secure software supply chain.

3. Physical Security: Protecting the physical components of the supply chain, from manufacturing to delivery, is often overlooked. Unauthorized access during any phase can compromise the integrity of the entire process.

Implementing Risk Mitigation Strategies

1. Supply Chain Mapping: Develop a comprehensive map of your supply chain to identify critical components and potential points of vulnerability. This visibility enhances the ability to respond promptly to any security incidents.

2. Threat Intelligence Integration: Proactively address emerging risks before they manifest in the supply chain.

Cybersecurity supply chain risk management is not merely a necessity but a strategic imperative. By understanding, assessing, and proactively mitigating risks, organizations can fortify their digital supply chains, safeguard sensitive data, and contribute to a more secure digital ecosystem.

High Cost of Data Breach

vs. Investment In Preventative Cybersecurity Measures

Data is one of the most valuable assets for small and medium sized companies, which is why taking the proper steps to protect it is so critical. And as our reliance on technology increases, the risk of cyber attacks equally grows. Breaches from cyberattacks can be catastrophic, especially for small and medium sized businesses without the resources to shoulder the financial consequences. In this post, our industry experts share a window into the staggering costs associated with a data breach and contrast that with the relatively low expense of an affordable, flexible preventative cybersecurity measures.

The Soaring Cost of Data Breaches

Direct Financial Impact

The substantial financial impact of data breaches hits a company both directly and indirectly. These costs can be categorized into several areas:

1. Direct Financial Losses: The expenses related to investigating and containing a breach, recovering lost data, and compensating affected individuals for their losses are daunting. On average, a small or mid-sized company can expect to spend $38,000 to recover from a single security breach.

2. Legal and Regulatory Costs: Companies may face hefty fines and legal fees for failing to comply with data protection regulations, such as GDPR or HIPAA, and for failure to disclose a breach.

3. Reputation Damage: The negative perceptions from a data breach can be long-lasting. Customers often lose trust, leading to reduced sales, customer churn, and damage to a company’s brand reputation.

4. Operational Disruption: Data breaches can disrupt business operations, leading to downtime, productivity losses, and increased recovery costs.

Hidden Costs

In addition to the immediate financial impact, there are often less obvious but equally impactful costs of data breaches including:

1. Forensic Investigations: Companies may need to hire cybersecurity experts to determine the scope and cause of the breach.

2. Customer Outreach and Support: Informing affected customers can be costly, both in terms of communication expenses and potential credit monitoring services.

3. Crisis Management: Properly handling the effects of a breach and rebuilding trust with stakeholders requires considerable resources.

The Low Cost of Preventative Cybersecurity Measures

While data breaches can be financially devastating, the good news is that most breaches are preventable through proactive and relatively low-cost cybersecurity measures. Basic preventative measures include:

1. Regular Updates and Patching: It’s important to keep software and systems up-to-date to protect known vulnerabilities that hackers often exploit.

2. Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): These tools help continuously monitor network traffic and block suspicious activity.

3. Encryption: Encrypting sensitive data both at rest and in transit can make it extremely difficult for unauthorized users to access valuable information.

4. Incident Response Plan: It’s essential to develop a clear and efficient plan in the case of an attack that can effectively minimize the impact of a breach if one does occur.

5. Security Audits: Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments will identify weaknesses before they are exploited.

The team at USX Cyber offers solutions that employ these safeguards and many others, in order to provide essential and accessible security for small and medium sized businesses. We welcome you to contact us for more information, to set up a free assessment or to discuss your company’s cybersecurity and compliance needs.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Protecting Your Digital World

October is synonymous with the beginning of Fall, but it’s not just about Halloween and changing colors. October is also Cybersecurity Awareness Month and an important time to remember that hackers and cyber attacks targeting businesses across the U.S. are more than just scary stories. Cybersecurity Awareness Month is an opportunity for companies to take another look at how they are securing their businesses from the many evolving risks threatening their operations. By actively participating in this initiative, businesses can better protect their assets, ensure they meet the latest regulatory requirements, and maintain the hard-earned trust of their customers.

Ways To Participate

Here are a few ways you can take advantage of this helpful reminder to reinforce your defenses and help spread the word:

1. Protect Assets

A company’s data, intellectual property, and customer information are invaluable assets. Participating in Cybersecurity Awareness Month helps you establish robust defenses to safeguard these critical resources. Specifically, you can conduct cybersecurity assessments to identify vulnerabilities in your systems and network. In addition, you can restrict access to critical systems and data on a need-to-know basis.

2. Stay Current on Compliance Requirements

Various industries have stringent regulations regarding data security. Falling short of compliance can lead to hefty fines and legal troubles. This Awareness Month, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to meeting these requirements. One way to show that commitment is to employ or designate a dedicated cybersecurity team responsible for implementing compliance measures.

3. Enhance Brand Trust

Customers and clients trust businesses that prioritize their data security. Engaging in cybersecurity awareness initiatives not only sends a signal to your clients that you take their privacy seriously, but also enhances their trust in your brand.

4. Educate Your Workforce

Use some time this month to organize training sessions to raise cybersecurity awareness among employees. Teach them about the importance of strong passwords, recognizing phishing attempts, and safe online practices.

5. Update Your Incident Response Plan

When’s the last time you looked at your plan in case of a cyber attack? Make sure that you have an up-to-date and comprehensive incident response plan that meets current threats and will be sure to minimize damage in case of a cyberattack.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a catalyst for companies to reevaluate their digital defenses and take proactive steps to protect their sensitive data, operations, and reputation. In a world where cyber threats are constantly evolving, being vigilant is essential for businesses of all sizes. Your company’s security and reputation are worth the investment. By setting up the latest cybersecurity tools and technologies, including firewall systems, intrusion detection, antivirus software, encryption, and real-time monitoring, you can protect your digital assets. If you need a partner to help, USX Cyber is here to be an extension of your team.

What Subcontractors Need to Understand About the Three Levels of CMMC 2.0

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program continues to evolve, bringing significant changes and implications for businesses operating within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). As the rulemaking process progresses and updates are introduced, it becomes crucial for subcontractors in the DIB to stay informed about these changes and understand the key points that can impact their operations. Let’s walk through the essentials of CMMC to better understand its evolution and the key aspects subcontractors in the DIB should be aware of.

CMMC 2.0 Explained

CMMC is a framework established by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to assess and enhance the cybersecurity posture of organizations within the DIB. It aims to protect sensitive information and ensure that adequate cybersecurity practices are in place throughout the contractor supply chain.

As the CMMC program evolves, it is essential to stay up-to-date. Currently, we’re still waiting for the rulemaking process to complete as the requirements and implementation guidelines for CMMC are finalized. The DoD releases updates and news as they have new developments, but it has proven to be a challenge for businesses to navigate, especially when it comes to which requirements they need to meet. Here is what we know so far about this process.

The CMMC framework originally consisted of five levels, each representing an increasing level of cybersecurity maturity. This has since been reduced to 3, with Level 3 controls yet to be finalized. Contractors will be required to meet specific requirements outlined in one of these levels based on their involvement in handling sensitive DoD information.

To oversee the certification process, training, and assessment of contractors, the CMMC Accreditation Body (CMMC-AB) was established. They work with Certified Third-Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs). C3PAOs play a crucial role in assessing and certifying organizations’ compliance with CMMC.

That being said, we still don’t have a concrete date for when this framework will be codified and start appearing in new DoD contracts. In the meantime, we are seeing prime contractors starting to proactively enforce compliance among their subcontractors. This is to ensure a seamless transition once CMMC is released, and that all partners are doing their due diligence when it comes to protecting our most important information.

CMMC Levels and Subcontractors

It may feel daunting to subcontractors understanding each level of CMMC and the required controls, on top of assessment and ongoing support. While the framework is still waiting to be codified, we do know that each contractor will only need the level of compliance aligned with the data that they specifically work with, not what’s defined in the contract as a whole. For example, if a prime contractor is compliant at Level 3, but they only pass FCI data to their subcontractors, that subcontractor only needs to be certified at a Level 1.

So, what do all the levels entail? And which one is right for your business? We’ve outlined them below to help you get started.

Level 1

At Level 1 certification within the CMMC framework, organizations in the defense industrial base are expected to have basic cybersecurity practices in place. It consists roughly of 17 controls and is for organizations that only process federal contract information. This is intended for contractors only working with Federal Contract Information (FCI). At this level, you can self-assess.

Level 2

Level 2 certification is meant for organizations processing controlled unclassified information (CUI) data. At this level, organizations will be expected to meet at least 110 controls derived from NIST SP 800-171. Organizations at this level will also require an assessment from an approved and authorized third-party provider.

Level 3

While Level 3 controls have yet to be finalized, the government is actively working to define these at the time of publishing this article. This level is intended for organizations who process CUI data but at a higher, more sensitive nature. As of now, we know that at a minimum Level 3 contractors will need to follow 110+ security practices based on NIST SP 800-171 and -172. Assessments at this level will also go through a government-led assessment, rather than a self-assessment or working with a third-party.

What’s Next for CMMC?

As the CMMC program continues to evolve, businesses within the DIB must stay well-informed about the framework and its evolving updates. By staying engaged and keeping track of the direction of this framework, subcontractors can signal trust to their clients and partners, continually enhance their cybersecurity posture, and ensure compliance readiness.

Our best advice is to stay proactive. If you are overwhelmed or unsure of how this process may affect your business, you can engage with a trusted cybersecurity partner like USX Cyber, and leverage our expertise to support your CMMC journey. To start, check out our webinar on CMMC for more information or reach out to our experts directly so we can help protect sensitive information, strengthen the defense supply chain, and contribute to a more secure future.

Remember, CMMC compliance is not a one-time task but an ongoing commitment to maintaining robust cybersecurity practices within the Defense Industrial Base.

5 Steps for Improving Remote Work Security: Best Practices to Follow Today

If you’re a business owner, you know that the remote work trend isn’t slowing down. And while there are many benefits to allowing employees to work remotely, there are also real cybersecurity risks that come with it. This makes the need for robust remote work security practices more important than ever before.

In this quick guide, we’ll share some of the best practices for remote work security and steps to follow today to help keep your data and systems secure. Whether your business is just transitioning to a remote work environment or you’ve been remote for a while, smart security procedures can protect your business.

What is remote security?

Remote work security refers to the protocols and measures that a company puts in place to protect its employees who work remotely, i.e., outside of the standard office setting. This can include everything from ensuring that data is properly encrypted and stored on secure servers to providing employees with access to virtual private networks (VPNs) so they can connect to the company network securely.

Today’s dispersed workforces make remote security a crucial component of your small business operations. And while the need is fairly obvious, putting it into practice takes some planning and work. But don’t worry; at USX Cyber, we’ve got you covered with the steps you need to get started.

5 Steps to Improving Remote Work Security

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to remote cybersecurity. However, we’ve compiled 5 steps for you to follow today in order to improve your remote work security and begin building a set of best practices.

Establish a remote security policy.
Restrict access to sensitive data to authorized users only.
Use encryption to protect data.
Use a VPN to connect to the company network remotely.
Train employees on how to work securely.

1. Establish a remote security policy.

Perhaps the single most important step you can take is establishing a remote security policy. This should include a set of IT security guidelines that govern how employees who work remotely should access and use company resources. The purpose of a remote security policy is to protect an organization’s data and systems from being compromised by unauthorized users, as well as ensure that all remote workers have the necessary tools and training to work securely.

There are many factors you need to consider when creating a remote security policy for your business. The most important factor is the type of data that will be accessed remotely. Other factors include the level of access needed by users, the sensitivity of the data, and the potential for data loss.

2. Restrict access to sensitive data to authorized users only.

Another critical measure you can take to protect your business from data breaches and other security risks is to restrict access to sensitive company data to authorized users only. This means that only employees who need access to the data to do their jobs should be given access and that access should be limited to what is necessary for them to do their work.

Restricting access is important not just because it helps prevent unauthorized users from accessing sensitive data. It also helps ensure that employees are using company resources safely and securely.

3. Use encryption to protect data.

Encryption is key to protecting your small business in a remote work environment. Simply put, encryption is the process of transforming readable data into an unreadable format so that it cannot be accessed by unauthorized users. Encryption should be used both while data is in transit, i.e. being sent over the internet, and when it is stored on servers or devices.

Encrypting data helps protect it from being accessed by unauthorized users, whether they are outside the company or inside the network. It also helps ensure compliance with regulations such as HIPAA and PCI-DSS. So if you handle credit card transactions or operate in the healthcare industry, encryption is all but required to do business.

4. Use a VPN to connect to the company network remotely.

A VPN, also known as a virtual private network, helps to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. This extra layer of protection provides a secure connection to the company network, which helps safeguard your data and systems from being compromised. It also allows you to access company resources, such as files and applications, from any location — which is especially relevant with a remote workforce.

There are several different VPN providers available, so it’s important to choose one that meets your needs. The most important factors to consider when choosing a VPN provider are the level of security they offer, the features they provide, and the price.

Once you’ve chosen a VPN provider, the next step is to set up the connection. This process varies depending on the provider you choose but typically involves creating an account and downloading and installing the software. Once installed, you simply open the software and enter your login information to connect to the VPN.

5. Train employees on how to securely work remotely.

Employees are your greatest resource, but they can often be the weakest link in an organization’s cybersecurity defenses. That’s because they may not be aware of the risks posed by cyber threats, or they may not know how to protect themselves and the company from these threats. It’s your job as a business owner to ensure your employees are well-trained on how to securely work remotely.

Training employees on cybersecurity matters is essential for protecting your business from data breaches and other security risks. Employees need to be aware of the dangers posed by cyber threats and know how to protect themselves and the company from these threats. They should also be familiar with the company’s remote security policy and understand how to comply with it. But just as important is drafting your policy so that it is clear and comprehensible for employees of all technical abilities.

The best way to train your employees on cybersecurity is through a combination of online training courses and hands-on training. Online courses can provide employees with a basic understanding of cybersecurity concepts, while hands-on training allows them to apply what they have learned in a safe environment.

Protect Your Remote Business Today

Working remotely can be a great way to attract top talent and give your employees flexibility. However, it is by no means without risk. Running a remote small business requires a specialized cybersecurity plan.

And that’s exactly what USX Cyber specializes in. Whether you do business in-person, in the cloud, or entirely remotely, — our exclusive GuardientTM Extended Detection and Response (XDR) platform stands ready to protect your organization.

Contact one of our expert analysts today to find out how easy it is to get the cyber protection you need.

How Government Subcontractors Can Use Compliance to be More Competitive

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a game-changer in the defense industry, and its implementation is on the horizon. While the immediate impact may not be felt on existing contracts, the lack of CMMC compliance could hinder subcontractors from bidding on crucial business opportunities. Let’s explore the value CMMC brings to subcontractors and what these small businesses should do to capitalize.

CMMC Makes Subcontractors a More Attractive Partner

While the government has yet to finalize the CMMC framework, we’re seeing more prime contractors work to proactively achieve compliance and ensure their subcontractor supply chain partners do the same. Many businesses want to avoid problems staffing or completing the work in contracts due to compliance holding up the process.

As a subcontractor, CMMC doesn’t just communicate compliance. It also communicates how seriously you take cyber hygiene in general. This is a demonstration of trust and reliability for potential business partners and new contracts, even if it’s not required. A proactive approach to CMMC compliance today could serve as a strong external validation of your cybersecurity practices overall. Your demonstrated commitment to cybersecurity along with proactive business procedure can really stand out among other bidders.

How Long Does it Take to Get Certified?

There is no set timeline for compliance. In the marketplace, we’re seeing around 6-12 months of work to get to the assessment portion of compliance, but this relies heavily on the business and the pace they want to set.

Because so many of these controls will affect daily and core operations, this timeline can be expedited or delayed based on how quickly these processes can be – or you’d like them to be – incorporated. At USX Cyber, we can get a client to compliance in as quickly as 90 days, but some businesses prefer more time to understand and incorporate the necessary procedures and documentation into their business operations.

This is yet another reason why it’s important for subcontractors not to separate compliance from protection. When you develop a cybersecurity plan with compliance in mind, rather than fixating on a singular piece of the puzzle, your business is holistically starting with a leg up against the competition.

Improving Cybersecurity Posture With CMMC in Mind

When small businesses look for comprehensive cybersecurity solutions that include CMMC, the benefits aren’t just external, they will see advantages in their operations and their bottom line. Rather than pay for cybersecurity and CMMC as separate products, at USX Cyber we advise our clients to develop a singular roadmap that protects their business overall while supporting their need for CMMC compliance. This ensures ongoing protection that takes into account the systems, assets and teams that are part of the dynamic defense your company needs.

Cybersecurity does not have to break the bank for small businesses. Contact us today for a free CMMC consultation and roadmap with our experts.

5 Types of Phishing Scams Employees Need to Watch For

No one is immune to a phishing attack. In fact, even the most tech-savvy individual can fall victim to a clever scam.

Protection starts with education. And as an employee, it’s important for you to be able to identify the different types of phishing scams used by hackers so you can protect yourself and your company from becoming the next victim. Below are five of the most common types of phishing scams to watch out for. But first, let’s take a look at what defines a phishing attack.

What is a phishing scam?

Phishing is a cybercrime in which the perpetrator contacts the target, posing as a legitimate institution, in order to lure them into providing sensitive data. This data can include login credentials, financial information, or other personal data that can be used for identity theft or other malicious purposes.

One of the biggest problems is that phishing attacks can be notoriously difficult to detect, as the perpetrators often use spoofed email addresses and websites that look identical to the real thing.

5 Types of Phishing Scams

While this type of cyber attack has been around for years, phishing scams continue to evolve, making it difficult to keep up with the latest shifts. However, you can reduce your cyber risk by knowing the five common ways that scammers try to trick their targets:

Spear Phishing
Executive Phishing
Smishing
Vishing
Angler Phishing

Spear Phishing

This type of email scam is typically initiated by an external threat attempting to leverage personal information for financial gain or identity theft. Spear phishing emails are often hard to spot because they can look like legitimate emails from companies or organizations that you are familiar with. These types of scams usually target individuals who work in finance or accounting, as well as those who work with sensitive information.

To avoid falling victim to a spear phishing scam, be suspicious of any email that asks you for personal or financial information, even if it looks like it’s from a trusted source. If you’re not sure whether an email is real or not, stop immediately and contact the company or organization directly to confirm its authenticity.

Executive Phishing

The second common type of phishing scam is similar to spear phishing, but it targets high-level executives within an organization. The attacker will often impersonate someone in a position of authority, such as the CEO or CFO, in order to get sensitive information from the employees they manage.

Executive phishing emails can be extremely difficult to spot, as they often mimic the writing style of the executives they’re impersonating. These types of scams usually target organizations rather than individuals, and they can have a devastating impact on the company if sensitive information is leaked.

Steering clear of an executive phishing scam means you need to be suspicious of any email that asks you to do something outside of your normal job duties, even if it’s from someone in a position of authority. If you’re not sure whether an email is real or not, contact the person directly to confirm. It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially in this case.

Smishing

While the word might sound made up, smishing is all too real. This type of scam uses text messages instead of emails to try and trick the recipient into giving away sensitive information. Hackers will often pose as a trusted organization, such as a bank or credit card company, and try to get the target to provide login credentials or financial information.

Smishing attacks can be tricky to detect, as text messages from these compromised sources can appear to be legitimate. These types of scams usually target individuals who are less likely to be aware of phishing scams, such as the elderly or those who are not familiar with the technology.

To avoid falling victim to a smishing attack, be suspicious of any text message that asks you for personal or financial information, even if it looks like it’s from a sender you recognize. If you’re not absolutely sure whether the text message is real or not, contact the company or organization directly to confirm.

Vishing

While the name is different, the game is always the same. Vishing uses phone calls instead of emails or text messages to try and trick the recipient into giving away sensitive information. The hacker will often pose as a credible contact, such as a bank or credit card company, and try to get you to provide user names, passwords, or even account information.

Vishing attacks can be tough to spot since phone calls can sound like they’re from someone you know. These types of scams usually go after the same individuals that smishing scams target.

Being a skeptic can help keep you safe from a vishing attack. That means you should be highly suspicious of any phone call that asks you for any sort of confidential information. If you’re not sure whether a phone call is real or not, hang up. It’s not rude; it’s having cyber smarts. You should then call back and ask for confirmation.

Angler Phishing

Angler phishing is catching more and more people due to its novelty. This new type of phishing attack goes after people via social media. In this scam, the attacker pretends to be a customer service representative and uses social engineering techniques to try to trick the user into giving them personal information or access to their account. This type of attack is becoming more common as social media plays an increasingly integral part in our lives.

The best way to thwart an angler phishing attack is to be wary of any unsolicited messages from customer service representatives. Do not click on any links or attachments that they send, and under no circumstance should you give them any personal information. If you are unsure whether a message is on the up-and-up, reach out to the company through their official website or customer service number.

Stay Up to Date on Cybersecurity Risks

Unfortunately, phishing remains one of the most common and dangerous cyber threats that businesses face because hackers know it works. But being vigilant and aware is something we all must do to limit the potential damage. So that means it’s important for you to be able to identify the different types of phishing attacks in order to protect yourself and your company from falling victim.

At USX Cyber, we fulfill our mission of protecting small businesses by keeping you up-to-date on the latest cybersecurity trends. That’s because when you are better informed, you can stay better protected. And as hackers try to find new ways in, you can rest assured that our highly trained cyber analysts have already found a way to stop them. Contact us today to get advanced protection for your business before you need it.

7 Ways to Mitigate Your Business’ Cyber Risk

As a small business owner, you are keenly aware of the many risks your company faces. However, one of the most often overlooked of these risks is cyber security. Despite being one of the most common threats, businesses often do not take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from a cyber attack.

Hackers are always coming up with new ways to exploit vulnerabilities, so it’s important to take steps to protect your business. Here are 7 ways to mitigate your cyber risk:

Perform a cybersecurity risk assessment
Install a firewall and keep it up-to-date
Use strong passwords and change them regularly
Educate your employees about cyber security best practices
Consistently update and upgrade your software and systems
Reduce your attack surface
Monitor your network for suspicious activity

While there are many cybersecurity measures you can take, implementing even a few of these tips can drastically help reduce your chances of becoming the next victim of a cyberattack.

1. Perform a cybersecurity risk assessment.

A cybersecurity risk assessment is an important tool for businesses to identify areas of vulnerability in their systems and networks. By conducting a robust risk assessment, businesses can identify potential threats and vulnerabilities, and develop plans to mitigate or reduce those risks. Risk assessments can help businesses to better understand their cybersecurity posture and make informed decisions about how to protect their data and systems.

When conducting a risk assessment, businesses should consider the potential impact of a breach, the likelihood of a breach occurring, and the costs associated with recovering from a breach. Risk assessments can be conducted internally or externally, and should be tailored to the specific needs of the business.

2. Install a firewall and keep it up-to-date

A firewall is a critical component of any organization’s cyber security strategy. It helps to protect your network from external threats and can be configured to allow or deny access to specific services and applications. However, your firewall must be kept up to date with the latest security patches and updates to be most effective.

Just as importantly, organizations should also consider implementing a next-generation firewall (NGFW) which offers advanced features such as application control and intrusion prevention. NGFWs can provide a higher level of protection against sophisticated cyber attacks.

3. Use strong passwords and change them regularly

Another way to mitigate the risk of infiltration into your business is to use complex passwords. By using a password that is difficult to guess, you make it more difficult for hackers to gain access to your system.

You can also deploy multi-factor authentication strategies. This means that in addition to a passwordyou will also need another form of identification, such as a fingerprint or an iris scan, to gain access to your system.

A strong policy is just as important as strong passwords.Your policy should discourage password sharing among employees. Not doing so creates a security risk by allowingmultiple people to know the password to a given account. It also makes it difficult to keep track of who is using which password. Finally, if an employee leaves the company, any passwords they know should be changed to prevent them from accessing company information.

4. Educate your employees about cyber security best practices

The best way to mitigate your business’ cybersecurity risk is to train employees regularly on how to identify and avoid cybersecurity threats. By doing so, you can ensure that your employees are aware of the latest threats and know how to protect your business’ data.

Phishing emails are a common risk to your employees and the importance of identifying phishing attempts cannot be understated because of the damage it can cause to your business. Phishing is a type of online fraud that occurs when an attacker tries to trick a victim into providing personal information or financial data. This information can then be used to commit identity theft or other crimes.

Unfortunately, phishing attacks are becoming more sophisticated and harder to spot, so it’s important that your employees know how to identify them. Providing proper training to ensures your employees don’t leave the door open to hackers..

5. Consistently update and upgrade your software and systems

One of the most important things you can do to protect your business from cybercriminals is to apply software updates as soon as they are available. Cybercriminals are constantly looking for ways to exploit vulnerabilities in software, and if you don’t have the latest security updates installed, you could be at risk. That’s why it’s important to check for updates regularly and install them immediately..

To help with this effort, most service and software providers release patches on a regular schedule. Cybercriminals are aware of this and often target organizations that have not implemented an effective patch management schedule. By being aware of when their service or software providers typically release patches, organizations can create an effective patch management schedule and help protect themselves from attacks.

6. Reduce your attack surface

The term “attack surface” refers to the areas of vulnerabilities or entry points that cybercriminals can use to access sensitive information and data. The larger the attack surface, the greater the risk of a successful attack. To reduce the attack surface, organizations need to identify and eliminate as many potential entry points as possible. This can be accomplished through a variety of security measures, including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and access control lists. Attack surface reduction is a critical element of any effective security strategy.

An organization’s attack surface can be divided into three categories:

External attack surface: This includes anything that is publicly accessible, such as websites, email servers, and DNS servers.
Internal attack surface: This includes anything that is accessible from within the organization’s network, such as file servers, databases, and application servers.
Endpoint attack surface: This includes anything that is connected to the organization’s network, such as laptops, smartphones, and printers.

The goal of attack surface reduction is to minimize the exposure of all three categories listed above. By doing so, organizations can significantly reduce their risk of a successful cyberattack.

7. Monitor your network for suspicious activity

Being proactive is one of the most effective strategies for mitigating cybersecurity risk. By taking proactive steps to secure your systems and data, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of a successful attack. Implementing strong security controls, such as multi-factor authentication and data encryption, can make it much more difficult for attackers to gain access to your systems and data.

At USX Cyber, we provide advanced cybersecurity, before you need it.. We are able to do that because our Guardient^TM platform leverages the most-advanced cybersecurity technologies under the watchful eyes of our US-based analysts. This means your business will be the “first to act” vs. the “last to know” when it comes to cybersecurity threats.

Protect Your Business Today

While following these tips can’t guarantee that your business will be impervious to a cyberattack, they will help you mitigate the risk and make it less likely that your company will be compromised. However, if you’re like many small businesses, you might lack the time, resources or staffing to put these tips into practice. We can help. Contact USX Cyber today and find out how easy it is to get powerful, 24/7 protection that is scaled to fit your business.