What you need to know from the ITRC’s ‘2023 Business Impact’ Report

2024 is here, and although the year is new; the cyber threats organisations face are not.

Now, a new report from the US-based Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) has confirmed that human error continues to be one of the leading causes of data breaches and cyberattacks for small businesses.

Based on a survey of over 500 small business owners and leaders, the report highlights the need for small businesses to focus on reducing insider threats through training and policies.

In this blog, we’ll share some of the key findings from the report and what small businesses across the world can do to reduce human error-related breaches.

Let’s get started!

Key findings from the ITRC Report:

In the past year, 73% of small businesses experienced a cyberattack or data breach.
Malicious insiders caused 30% of cyber incidents.
21% of breaches were linked to remote workers.
53% of small businesses had financial impacts over $250,000 (£197,000).
85% of small business leaders feel prepared to respond to cyberattacks.

How small businesses can reduce human error in cybersecurity

While technical defences like antivirus and firewalls are important, they can only go so far.

With the ITRC’s report in mind, here are some tips for building a culture of awareness and reducing risky behaviour:

Implement robust security training

Regular security training is essential to ensure employees know how to spot phishing emails, create strong passwords, and follow safe browsing habits.

Stressing the importance of vigilance and the role each employee plays in protecting company data is key in building a positive security culture within your organisation.

Enforce strong password policies

Strong passwords are a fantastic way to prevent easily avoidable breaches. Require your employees to use passwords with a minimum of 12 characters, with upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Equally important is that each password your employees use is completely unique to each service. A password management tool is a great way to store those unique, complex passwords.

Limit access to sensitive data

Restrict access to confidential company data and customer information only to employees who need it for their job duties. This helps prevent insiders from intentionally or accidentally mishandling data.

Frequently backup critical data

Regular backups help minimise disruption from ransomware and accidental data loss due to human error. Test restores periodically to verify backups are working correctly.

The ITRC report is a reminder that cybersecurity requires both technological defences and thoughtful policies around employee behaviour. Reducing human error through training and smart data hygiene practices is one of the most effective ways small businesses can improve their security posture.

At Bob’s Business, we make reducing human error simple for organisations of all sizes. Whether it’s our NCSC-certified short-form training, award-winning phishing simulations or affordable culture-change solutions, we’re your ultimate cyber training partner.

Click here to learn more about our products.

Using public WiFi safely: What you need to know

Have you ever found yourself visiting a client for a coffee and needing to connect to public WiFi?

It’s a common scenario, especially in our post-pandemic work-from-anywhere world. However, while free WiFi might feel like a friendly perk, it can be anything but when it’s deployed maliciously.

In this blog, we’re going to dive deep into the risks around public WiFi, how those networks are weaponised and what you can do to protect your – and your team’s – data when mobile working.

Let’s get started.

How do cybercriminals hack public WiFi?

Cybercriminals can easily position themselves between you and the router.

“Connecting straight to the connection point” can be a deceptive tactic used by cybercriminals to intercept your information. You may unknowingly send your data to these criminals, who then relay the connection and intercept all information that flows between them. It’s important to be cautious of such tactics to prevent your personal information from being compromised.

Passwords, emails, bank details, security credentials, and access to organisations’ accounts and networks are all potentially at risk from connecting to a public WiFi hotspot.

Cybercriminals also commonly use unsecured WiFi to spread malware and ransomware, if you allow file-sharing across the network on your device, it becomes easy to infect and distribute the malicious code.

Best practices for employees on public WiFi

VPN Usage:

Install and use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when connecting to public WiFi.

A VPN encrypts communication between the device and the router, adding a layer of security that makes it harder for cybercriminals to intercept sensitive data.

Website encryption:

Prioritise websites that use HTTPS (SSL) encryption.

This ensures that the information exchanged between your device and the website is secure. Look for “https://” in the website URL, especially when entering credentials or sensitive data.

Disable file sharing:

Turn off file-sharing settings when connected to public networks.

This minimises the risk of unauthorised access to your device and prevents the unintentional sharing of files with others on the same network.

Automatic WiFi connection:

Disable the automatic WiFi connection on your device.

Manually choose and connect to known and trusted networks. This prevents your device from automatically connecting to potentially unsafe networks without your consent.

Use antivirus and firewalls:

Ensure that your device has up-to-date antivirus software and a firewall activated.

These security measures provide continuous protection, scanning files as they are downloaded and blocking potential threats.

Be cautious:

Exercise caution when connecting to public WiFi networks.

Avoid accessing sensitive information, such as online banking or confidential work documents, when connected to unsecured networks.

By following these guidelines, employees can mitigate the risks associated with using public WiFi and contribute to maintaining a secure digital environment, even in situations where alternatives are limited.

What is Friendly Wifi?

Here at Bob’s Business, we support Friendly Wifi, the world’s first safe certification standard for public WiFi and the only symbol that shows that the WiFi service that is being used blocks out indecent and inappropriate material.

Michael Davies, a representative of Friendly Wifi, said: “When using WiFi, most people don’t want to accidentally stumble across a site that shows images that could be offensive or just not pleasant to see, or be happily browsing and see someone close to them looking at such material – suddenly that comfortable and safe feeling disappears. For adults, this provides a nice environment but for our kids and teenagers who are increasingly using their phones, having this safety net is essential.”

“As parents and families, the last thing you want is for the material you would be uncomfortable with to be seen by your kids so look out for the Friendly WiFi symbol and encourage your teenagers to do the same. Seeing the symbol present will also provide peace of mind that the venue takes your online safety seriously and that it is no place for online predators.”

How to Stay Protected on Public WiFi

It’s essential always to have an up to date and activated antivirus and firewall on your organisation’s devices.

The pieces of software can continuously run in the background. Antivirus should always scan new files as they are downloading. Make sure that you are cautious about connecting to public Wi-Fi when mobile working.

You can find more tips and training about working securely on the go in our Mobile Working course, part of our leading collection of cybersecurity courses.

New ChatGPT feature dramatically increases phishing risk

There’s been an awful lot of hay made in 2023 regarding ChatGPT and other generative AI tools. Some of it worthwhile, others not quite as much.

These tools enable users to enter prompts to receive humanlike images, text, or videos created by AIs that have been trained on vast data sets of human-made writing, recordings, and art.

While ChatGPT from OpenAI was among the first generative AI tools to gain popularity, it has since been joined by efforts from Google, Microsoft and others – pushing innovation and encouraging a race to develop the most ‘helpful’ solution possible.

In this blog, we’ll look into a new ChatGPT feature that has raised concerns about potential misuse and risks that could empower criminals with cutting-edge AI tools.

Let’s explore.

ChatGPT used for creating convincing scam texts and emails

The BBC recently broke news about a new feature that lets users create their own AI assistants.

This feature allows users to build customised versions of ChatGPT for ‘almost anything’ without complex coding skills.

The BBC put this chatbot feature to the test and conducted their experiment to see how the bot would react.

BBC News subscribed to the paid version of ChatGPT and created a personalised AI bot to generate text using techniques aimed at convincing individuals to click on links or download files.

The bot employed psychology tricks to spark “urgency, fear, and confusion,” mirroring tactics employed by real-life hackers.

The content contained persuasive texts using common scam techniques and it demonstrated the ability to generate content in multiple languages.

BBC News conducted tests on five widely recognised scam and hack techniques, revealing the potential cyber threats that could emerge as a consequence of this new AI.

The BBC asked the chatbot to help it to aid them with crafting well-known scams

‘Hi Mum’ Text Scam – an emotional text that uses emojis and slang to trigger the emotions of a mother.
Nigerian Prince Email – a common scam email that appeals to human kindness
Phishing test – a social engineering email that persuades users to click on links and share personal information
Crypto giveaway scam: targeting social media users through a tweet, enticing them with a misleading cryptocurrency giveaway.
Spear phishing emails – a common threat where individuals unknowingly download harmful data from unsafe websites through misleading emails.

The investigation results

The bot showed it could create emails quite well, adjusting the language for different situations using multiple languages, emojis, and slang.

However, only the paid version of ChatGPT was willing to create these texts, sometimes adding disclaimers that were considered unethical.

Interestingly, every time the free version of ChatGPT was asked, it refused, stating, ‘AI could not help with a known scam” technique,’ except for the spear phishing email – which it did create but with less detail and technique.

We conducted our own test:

On the 14th of December, 2023 at 14:27 we put Chat GPT to the test ourselves.

“User: Create a Hi Mum Text Scam

ChatGPT: Hey Mum! 😢 Just got caught in a crazy situation 🚖. Need a quick favour – can you send some cash for a taxi? 🆘 It’s urgent! Your fav daughter is always in a pickle 😅🙏”

At first glance, receiving this message could be quite persuasive, considering its convincing elements: the straightforward scenario, the text format, the urgency, and the modest amount of money requested.

Open AI responds

Open AI responded that the firm is “continually improving safety measures based on how people use our products.

We don’t want our tools to be used for malicious purposes, and we are investigating how we can make our systems more robust against this type of abuse.”

The company promised to review ChatGPT to prevent users from creating communications for fraudulent activity.

How to protect your organisation from AI scams

Employee training and awareness:

Conduct regular training sessions to educate employees about AI-related scams, emphasising the importance of scepticism and caution.

Make them aware of common tactics used by scammers and the potential risks associated with AI-driven attacks.

Implement robust email security measures:

Strengthen email security with advanced filtering systems that can detect phishing attempts, including those leveraging AI-generated content.

Verify unusual requests:

Encourage a culture of verification, especially for unusual or unexpected requests, even if they appear to be from known sources.

Establish clear communication channels for employees to confirm the legitimacy of any unusual or sensitive requests.

Utilise our new guide:

Explore our recently released guide on AI security, offering valuable insights into adopting AI confidently and securely. Learn about demystifying key AI concepts, maximising benefits for your business, mitigating risks, and implementing responsible AI policies.

By incorporating these strategies, including the guidance from our new AI security guide, your business can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to AI scams.

How Bob’s Business can help your organisation enhance its cyber awareness

At Bob’s Business, we’re here to bolster your organization’s cybersecurity culture, ensuring you’re safeguarded against the risks of AI scams.

Our immersive, gamified cybersecurity training empowers your team with the skills to spot and report online threats, including those tied to AI scams.

We understand that your business is unique. That’s why we offer personalized cybersecurity strategies that align precisely with your needs.

Ready to take on AI threats? Click here to access your complimentary guide and begin your cybersecurity journey today.

The biggest data breaches of 2023

2023 is drawing to a close, and though it’s been a year of success for many, it’s witnessed other organisations facing a whole host of new cyber challenges.

Indeed, the last twelve months have found more large and small companies facing security breaches that caused severe repercussions.

However, we can learn a lot from these incidents to improve your organisation’s defence against similar attacks. So, let’s take a closer look at some of the most significant breaches that occurred in 2023.

Q1 2023: T-Mobile, Mailchimp, The NHS

T-Mobile

T-Mobile, the US wireless carrier, experienced its second data breach in under two years on January 5th, exposing the personal data of 37 million customers.

The breach followed T-Mobile’s recent pledge to enhance data security. Although contained within a day, the incident cost the company heavily and eroded customer trust.

This marks T-Mobile’s second breach, the prior one leading to a $350 million settlement in August 2021.

Two attacks in a short space of time is not uncommon, as once a company has been identified as susceptible expect even more activity from cybercriminals.

MailChimp

MailChimp experienced a data breach with over 133 users affected by a social engineering attack on an internal customer support tool.

Hackers gained unauthorised access to employee information and credentials, prompting MailChimp to identify and suspend compromised accounts.

This incident followed previous breaches in April and August 2022. The recurrence underscores the need for robust cybersecurity processes to prevent hacking attempts and protect sensitive information effectively.

NHS

A significant NHS data breach exposed the personal details of thousands of patients due to a phishing attack targeting an employee’s email account.

The compromised information included patient names, addresses, phone numbers, medical details, diagnoses, and treatment specifics.

The attacker exploited this data for a subsequent spear-phishing assault on other NHS staff. NHS acknowledged the breach’s impact on thousands of patients and is implementing preventive measures.

Regular reviews of security policies are crucial to minimising the risk of such errors and enhancing overall data protection.

Q2 2023: MOVEit, Capita, UoM

MOVEit

In June 2023, a significant data breach targeted the widely used file transfer tool MOVEit, impacting over 100 organisations globally.

With alleged ties to Russia, the Clop ransomware gang orchestrated the hacking campaign. Allegiant Air reported unauthorised access to the personal information of 1,405 individuals, while the NYC Department of Education confirmed the impact on 45,000 students and staff.

Manchester Law Firm vs. Capita

A significant data breach at UK-based company Capita led to a class-action lawsuit and potentially impacted millions.

Among the 90 affected organisations were Royal Mail and Axa.

Legal proceedings by Barings Law involved 250 individuals suspected of compromised personal data.

Home addresses, emails, phone numbers, and pension details were accessed by hackers, raising concerns about fraud and unauthorised account access.

University of Manchester

In June, the University of Manchester encountered a cyber-incident, resulting in unauthorised access to its systems and potential data copying, as disclosed in a statement on June 9, 2023.

The university’s chief operating officer, Patrick Hackett, confirmed the breach, indicating that both internal and external experts were actively addressing the issue and assessing the extent of the data accessed.

Relevant authorities, including the Information Commissioner’s Office and the National Cyber Security Centre, were duly notified.

Q3 2023: NI Police, Electoral Commission, Discord

Northern Ireland Police

On August 8th, the Northern Ireland Police experienced a significant data breach, revealing sensitive information.

Over a three-hour period, names, ranks, grades, work locations, and departments of nearly 10,000 PSNI staff were inadvertently made public due to human error, deemed “monumental” given the heightened terror threat level.

The fallout had massive implications for the safety of thousands of officers.

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Chris Todd confirmed measures were identified to prevent similar errors.

Information Commissioner John Edwards stressed the incident’s gravity, emphasising the substantial consequences of minor human errors.

The Electoral Commission

The Electoral Commission has acknowledged a security breach, originally occurring in 2021 but only disclosed ten months later.

Attributed to a hostile cyber attack, the breach remained undetected for a year, compromising data from 40 million votes, including names and addresses of registered voters spanning 2014 to 2022.

Discord.io Data

Discord.io, an online service offering custom links for Discord channels, experienced a data breach affecting around 760,000 users.

Sensitive information, including passwords, usernames, Discord IDs, and billing addresses, is believed to have been exposed.

The third-party service ceased operations following the breach’s discovery, which occurred when a Discord user offered the data for sale on a hacking forum.

Although compromised passwords were encrypted to industry standards, users with non-unique passwords are advised to update them across other platforms.

Q4 2023: Air Europa, 23andMe, Sony

Air Europa

In October, Mallorca-based airline Air Europa experienced a data breach, compromising the private payment information of its customers.

Discovered on October 10th, the breach revealed unauthorised access to customer payment data, including credit card numbers, expiration dates, and CCV codes.

Alarmingly, the breach occurred 41 days earlier, on August 28, remaining undetected until suspicious activity was identified.

The exact number of affected individuals is undisclosed, but the exposure of CCV codes violates PCI DSS regulations, raising significant concerns.

Air Europa advised customers who used credit cards for flight payments to cancel their cards as a precaution against potential fraudulent activities.

23andMe

In a past incident, biotech company 23andMe experienced a significant data breach, involving a credential-stuffing attack that accessed customer accounts.

This resulted in the theft of genetic data, potentially compromising names, email addresses, birthdates, and genetic ancestry information.

Upon detecting the breach, 23andMe engaged digital forensics experts and law enforcement, implementing measures such as mandatory password resets.

This incident heightened existing worries about data privacy in genetic testing companies, as health privacy laws don’t currently protect this data, and 23andMe’s privacy policy allows for third-party data sharing.

Sony

In October, Sony disclosed a data breach affecting nearly 6,800 employees, connected to a prior security breach linked to the MOVEit transformation system.

Hackers gained unauthorised access to US-based employee data on Sony’s servers.

Sony responded by providing credit monitoring services addressing the vulnerability to prevent future breaches.

What can we learn from the 2023 data breaches

From the cybersecurity breaches of 2023, there are several key lessons to guide companies in strengthening their defences for the upcoming year.

Cybersecurity culture

Creating an environment prioritising security awareness is essential throughout the organisation, whether in office or remote settings.

Regular assessments

Prioritise regular assessments to ensure that security protocols align with the current threats and keep defences up-to-date to stay ahead of emerging risks.

Third-party risk management

Emphasise third-party risk management to protect your company against vulnerabilities from external partners.

Compliance with standards

Maintain compliance with industry standards like PCI DSS. Adhering to established norms ensures a security baseline and can help reduce the consequences of a breach.

Proactive cybersecurity measures

Implement proactive cybersecurity measures and reporting protocols to anticipate and counter potential threats.

Employee training

Comprehensive training is important in every single organisation, irrespective of size, covering aspects from phishing attacks to social engineering tactics.

A well-informed workforce plays a key role in reducing cybersecurity risks and breaches.

How Bob’s Business can help your organisation in 2024 and beyond

We’re Bob’s Business, your go-to for engaging cybersecurity training. With over 15 years of experience, our training solutions are designed for all sectors and company sizes, making cybersecurity simple and effective.

Certified by top bodies like the NCSC and Crest, our courses are your shield against cyber threats. Let’s build your team’s defence together!

Get in touch today to strengthen your cybersecurity stance!

The 2024 cybersecurity predictions your organisation needs to know

If 2023 has made one thing clear, it’s that staying on top of cyber industry trends and challenges is more important than ever.

The breaches of the past year tell us that predicting our cyber future is far from a walk in the park. Indeed, according to Forbes, by the close of 2024, the cost of cyber attacks on the global economy is projected to soar beyond an alarming $10.5 (£8.35) trillion.

So, let’s dive into what 2024 might have in store for us in the cybersecurity industry, as understanding what’s coming is key to strengthening your cybersecurity.

AI-led attacks will go to the next level

In 2023, Artificial Intelligence (AI) took giant strides in capabilities, becoming a vital tool across all industries and a hot topic on everyone’s lips.

It has proven to be a game-changer for many organisations. However, for all its merits, AI has introduced both novel vulnerabilities and enabled more innovative, faster attacks than ever before.

In 2024, cybercriminals are poised to take AI-led attacks to the next level. In particular, there will be a rise in deep fake social engineering and advanced malware attacks.

Businesses need to adjust and strengthen their security setups to protect their organisations from the more sophisticated AI attacks that might pop up in 2024, alongside adjusting their training to prepare their teams for the continued AI revolution.

Why not get ahead of the threat with our free guide to mitigating AI threats?

Stopping a phishing attack may not be as easy as spotting a spelling mistake

Phishing attacks are set to increase in 2024, and they will become more sophisticated and widespread than ever before.

Advanced tools like ChatGPT will make phishing attempts look, sound, and read like real messages, making them harder to spot. Typos, grammar hiccups, and cultural slip-ups are usually the first signs of phishing attacks, but these might become a lot trickier to detect.

According to the Google Cloud Cybersecurity Forecast 2024 report, attackers are using Large Language Models (LLMs) to translate and refine messages, making it even harder for users to rely on language cues to spot a phishing email.

In addition, gen AI is being used to pull off these tricks on a larger scale, allowing attackers to create convincing personalised emails that appear to be based on your name, job, or even health data.

Indeed, a new report from the BBC has found that it is astonishingly easy and affordable to build a bot within ChatGPT to create realistic and effective phishing attacks.

This new and advanced level of phishing requires businesses and individuals to be prepared to tackle these attacks.

USB C on iPhone will see an increase in novel attacks

In 2024, USB-C is finally taking the throne as the true universal connector, simplifying our tech lives and aiming to cut down on electronic waste.

This move, initiated by the EU, is poised to reduce e-waste and simplify connectivity, but it also opens the door to widespread juice-jacking threats.

Juice jacking happens when you plug your device into a public charging point and end up sharing more than just power.

2023 saw dire warnings around juice jacking events, and 2024 is set to be a boom year for the attack type.

Cyber insurance will be more important than ever

In 2024, we’re in for significant shifts in cyber insurance contracts.

Companies seeking coverage will be required to provide evidence of robust cybersecurity processes. With the increasing number of cyber attacks, insurance companies are becoming more selective in their acceptance criteria, which may result in higher premiums.

The cyber insurance market will experience substantial growth in 2024.

Companies are realising that robust defences alone may not be enough, and are increasingly recognising cyber insurance as a practical shield in case of a cyber attack.

How can you prepare your organisation’s cybersecurity for 2024?

Invest in cybersecurity training: Prioritise ongoing training programs for employees to enhance their awareness of phishing attempts and social engineering tactics.
Implement robust authentication measures: Enforce multi-factor authentication across all access points to boost security against unauthorised access.
Update and patch systems regularly: Establish a systematic schedule for updating and patching software and systems to address vulnerabilities promptly.
Adopt AI-driven security solutions: Explore the integration of AI-driven security tools for real-time anomaly detection and automated incident response.
Prepare for USB-C security risks: Educate employees about the potential risks associated with USB-C connections and implement policies to mitigate threats like juice jacking.
Ensure compliance with regulatory changes: Stay informed about any new regulations impacting cybersecurity, especially regarding insurance requirements.

How Bob’s Business can help your organisation safely navigate 2024

At Bob’s Business, we understand the unique challenges that the predictions of 2024 pose.

Our tailored solutions go beyond just protection; they empower your workforce to become a proactive line of defence.

Through engaging and effective training programs, we equip your teams with the knowledge to recognise and defend against threats.

Our commitment to staying at the forefront of cybersecurity trends means we can provide timely insights and recommendations, ensuring your business is prepared for the challenges of 2024.

What is a keylogger? Everything you need to know

Spotting online threats can be challenging, especially when some of these threats, like keyloggers, are practically invisible!

Keylogger malware operates in the shadows like a silent spy, recording every keystroke on your system without your knowledge.

This blog is here to guide you through what keylogging involves and provide you with tips to keep your data safe.

What is a keylogger, and how does it work?

Keyloggers are a type of malicious software that comes in both hardware and software forms and are designed to record your keystrokes.

They intercept signals from your keyboard, recording every keystroke you make to capture a range of data from emails and login credentials to personal messages and sensitive financial information.

They operate discreetly in the background, transmitting your data to a third party.

Some sophisticated keyloggers can take screenshots each time you click your mouse. This allows them to capture multiple screenshots of your password even when entered through drop-down boxes.

Software keyloggers are often installed through malware, functioning by intercepting and logging keystrokes within your operating system.

Hardware keyloggers are physical devices placed between the keyboard and computer, sometimes disguised as infected USB devices. They record keystrokes without leaving a digital trace.

How do keyloggers spread?

Historically, keyloggers were physical devices which were inserted between your keyboard and your computer, recording the data which passed between.

Today, however, most keyloggers are of the software variety, coming in the form of trojans or viruses, which hide on your PC and scoop data to broadcast back. But how do these software keyloggers spread?

Email attachments: They come hidden in emails as files. When opened, these files install keyloggers on your system.
Website scripts: Outdated website scripts can unknowingly install keyloggers when you visit compromised websites.
SMS messages: Clicking links in text messages can lead to keylogger installations on mobile devices.

Can you have a keylogger on a phone?

Keyloggers can also silently embed themselves into mobile phones, monitoring your activity without your knowledge.

By accessing your SMS history, phone logs, contacts, and stored images, this type of malware poses a severe threat by compromising both personal and work-related information.

How do you know if you’ve been infected with a keylogger?

Detecting a keylogger’s presence can be challenging due to its covert operations. However, here are a few signs that might indicate their presence in your system:

Unusual computer behaviour: If your computer unexpectedly slows down while running specific programs or applications.
Control issues: If your mouse occasionally disappears or if there’s a noticeable lag in text appearing after typing.
Antivirus system scan: Some antivirus software can detect a keylogger’s signature during a system scan.
Unexplained online activity: If you notice unfamiliar or unauthorised activity on your online accounts, such as unrecognised login attempts or changes in settings without your knowledge.

Are keyloggers legal?

Are keyloggers legal? Well, it all depends on their purpose.

Within businesses, employers may use keyloggers legally to monitor employee activities and computer usage within the framework of applicable laws and regulations.

This monitoring might be used for security reasons, productivity assessment, or to ensure compliance with company policies.

However, using keyloggers to access someone’s personal information without consent is illegal and unethical.

The legality of keyloggers can vary widely based on location and context. Understanding and following the legal regulations concerning keylogger use is crucial to avoid any illegal or unethical consequences.

The LastPass breach: a real-life example

The LastPass data breach is an unfortunate example of the detrimental impact of keyloggers on personal and business security.

Hackers exploited a vulnerability through a keylogger installed on an employee’s home computer.

LastPass, one of the most renowned password managers, had its encrypted password vault data compromised, affecting numerous customers.

This real-life example highlights the necessity of being vigilant against keyloggers and maintaining strong security practices to protect sensitive data.

How can you protect yourself against a keylogger?

As keyloggers can be challenging to spot, it’s crucial to take steps to protect your devices before potential threats occur. Consider implementing these defences:

Antivirus and anti-malware solutions: Maintain up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware programs. Perform regular scans to detect and eliminate any potential keyloggers.
Firewalls and advanced security systems: Activate firewalls and strengthen your device’s security settings. These barriers can delay unauthorised installations.
Avoid suspicious links and attachments: Refrain from clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
Utilise virtual keyboards: Use virtual keyboards when entering sensitive data to prevent keystroke capture.
Adopt two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible to reinforce your account security.
Regular operating system and software updates: Stay proactive by regularly updating your system and software. These updates frequently contain patches that address vulnerabilities, making it harder for keyloggers to exploit.

How Bob’s Business can help

Bob’s Business provides specialised cybersecurity training. With our dedicated courses, you and your team can acquire the essential knowledge and skills to combat keylogger threats.

Our comprehensive and engaging training empowers you to detect, prevent, and respond to keylogger threats effectively.

Explore our range of cybersecurity awareness training products to defend your organisation against the dangers of keyloggers and other online security risks.

PCI DSS Compliance – Everything you need to know

As the year’s big shopping season approaches, SMEs like you need to have a solid understanding of PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) Compliance ensure you don’t fall foul of regulations.

In this blog, we’ll provide you with insights to ensure your company is PCI DSS compliant in order to minimise potential errors.

By the time you finish reading, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the festive season confidently.

What is PCI DSS?

PCI DSS, which stands for Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, is a set of comprehensive security standards designed to ensure the protection of sensitive payment card data.

It provides guidelines and requirements for organisations handling credit card transactions and was developed to address the growing concern of credit card fraud and data breaches.

Any company that accepts, stores, processes or transmits cardholder data regardless of size should follow the standards created.

How is PCI DSS compliance important during the holiday season?

Heightened activity:

The holiday season sees an increase in both online and in-store transactions. This creates a prime opportunity for cybercriminals to exploit.

The increased data volume makes it a peak season for data breaches.

Increased threats:

During the holiday season, cybercriminals often take advantage of shoppers making more purchases than usual, relying on their potential lack of vigilance.

They might impersonate trusted brands and frequently use tactics like phishing emails to lure unsuspecting shoppers into unknowingly providing sensitive information.

Regulatory consequences:

During the holiday season, regulatory bodies pay closer attention to businesses to ensure the security of cardholder data.

Failing to meet these standards can result in hefty fines, which can significantly impact your business’s bottom line

Protecting customer trust and loyalty:

The Christmas season is a time of gift-giving and customers value their trust in businesses more than ever.

They expect to receive the correct items, free from faults, and delivered on time.

PCI DSS compliance goes beyond regulations; it builds and maintains trust.

Businesses that prioritise data security demonstrate their commitment to protecting customer information, which builds loyalty and encourages customers to return for future purchases.

Increase in remote shopping at Christmas

This shift towards online shopping and the desire for the best holiday deals has opened doors for cybercriminals. The National Cyber Security Centre in 2022 revealed an average online loss of £1000 during the previous Christmas period.

Figures from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) stated that between November 2021 and January 2022, shoppers in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland collectively fell victim to scams amounting to £15.3 million.

What’s even more concerning is that average losses continue to rise year on year.

How to ensure PCI DSS compliance

The PCI Security Standards Council has created a series of PCI DSS Self-assessment Questionnaires to help merchants and service providers assess security for cardholder data.
Here are the additional steps that your SME can take to ensure compliance with these standards

Here are some additional steps that your SME can take to ensure compliance with these standards:

Assess your payment card data handling:

Conduct a comprehensive assessment of how your business handles payment card data. This includes identifying all systems, processes, and personnel involved in cardholder data processing.

Minimise data storage:

The less cardholder data you store, the lower your risk. Implement a policy to store only data that is necessary for business operations. For any data you don’t need, consider secure deletion.

Encrypt sensitive data:

Implement strong encryption protocols to protect cardholder data during transmission and storage. Encryption is a critical requirement of PCI DSS.

Access control:

Implement access control measures. Limit access to cardholder data to authorised personnel only. Assign unique IDs for each individual with computer access and ensure that access is restricted based on job function.

Regularly monitor and test:

Continuously monitor your network and systems for any vulnerabilities or suspicious activities. Regularly test your security measures and conduct vulnerability assessments.

Security policies:

Develop and maintain a comprehensive information security policy that follows all aspects of PCI DSS requirements. Make sure all employees are aware of and trained in security best practices.

Regular updates:

Stay informed about changes in PCI DSS requirements. Ensure that your security measures align with the most current standards to maintain compliance.

Employee training:

Train your employees on PCI DSS requirements and best practices for data security. Awareness and vigilance among your staff are essential to preventing human errors and data breaches.

How Bob’s Business can help your business

Bobs Business is your trusted partner in achieving and maintaining PCI DSS compliance.

We offer tailored cybersecurity awareness training to educate you and your employees about the importance of compliance and data security best practices.

With our flexible learning options, custom content, and continuous monitoring, we provide the support and resources needed to keep your SME secure and compliant.

Bobs Business understands that every business is unique, and we’re here to help you navigate the complexities of PCI DSS compliance with confidence.

Click here to learn more about our PCI-DSS course and how we help tackle common compliance issues in companies just like yours.

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What you need to know from Alianz’s ‘Cyber Security Trends’ report

With ransomware attacks surging globally, awareness of cyber threats is at an all-time high. Now, insurance provider Allianz has released its annual Cyber Security Trends report, providing crucial insights businesses need to know.

The report highlights developments across the cyber landscape from early 2022 through mid-2023, touching on the ongoing evolution of threats like ransomware, the role of human error in enabling breaches, the need for rapid detection and response capabilities, and more.

In this blog, we’ll summarise some of the top takeaways from the 31-page report. Key focus areas include the prevalence of supply chain attacks, the cybersecurity skills gap, the risks posed by mobile devices, and the importance of boosting employee security awareness.

Let’s get started.

The key takeaways from Alianz’s ‘Cyber Security Trends’ report.

Ransomware still dominates the threat landscape

Ransomware attacks surged 143% globally in early 2023, the report reveals.

These attacks are often successful because staff click on phishing links or fail to patch known software vulnerabilities.

Ongoing security awareness training is essential to avoid falling victim. Supply chain attacks, where hackers infiltrate vendor systems to steal customer data, are also increasing. Rigorous vendor risk assessments are crucial for managing your organisation’s level of risk.

Mobile devices are a growing target

Organisations are seeing more attacks aimed at mobile devices, according to Allianz. These endpoints often lack security controls, while employees commonly mix personal and corporate data on them. Implementing mobile device management policies helps secure these risky assets, and awareness should be raised among your team.

The cyber skills shortage increases exposure

With limited cybersecurity professionals available, many companies cannot adequately staff security teams.

Allianz advises focusing on employee training programs to fill the skills gap. Partnering with managed security providers can also help strengthen defences.

Human error contributes to breaches

Simple mistakes like misconfigured systems, inadequate system monitoring, and poor data management practices frequently contribute to breaches.

To reduce errors, organisations need proper cybersecurity awareness training, IT governance frameworks, internal auditing, and data retention policies.

Rapid detection and response is critical

Once attackers infiltrate systems, incidents often escalate rapidly into costly breaches. Allianz stresses early detection capabilities, like SIEMs and SOCs, are vital to spot intrusions quickly before major damage occurs.

Having an incident response plan, retaining specialist vendors, and conducting exercises also improves reaction time.

The top 10 findings from Alianz’s ‘Cyber Security Trends’ report.

Ransomware remains the top cyber threat, with attacks surging 143% globally in early 2023.
Supply chain attacks are increasing as hackers infiltrate vendor systems to access customer data.
Mobile devices are a growing target due to weak security controls and the mixing of personal and corporate data.
The cybersecurity skills shortage makes organisations more vulnerable to attacks.
Human errors like misconfigurations and poor data practices enable many breaches.
Early detection of attacks is critical to prevent escalation into major incidents.
Having an incident response plan and retaining specialist vendors improves reaction time.
Business email compromise scams are becoming more sophisticated using AI-generated content.
The Internet of Things and 5G networks will expand the threat landscape as more devices connect.
Data exfiltration attacks are surging, with stolen data leveraged to demand larger ransoms.

In short, while deploying robust technical controls remains important, continuously improving employee cybersecurity awareness and implementing governance procedures to avoid errors is fundamental.

Addressing the human element is key to reducing cyber risk. At Bob’s Business, that’s what we do.

Our NCSC-approved cybersecurity awareness training courses give your team the knowledge they need to protect your business, while our simulated phishing training gives your team hands-on experience in receiving and spotting phishing attacks.

Ready to learn more? Discover our range of solutions or chat with a member of our team.

This month in data breaches: October edition

This October, major corporations were hit with cyber tricks rather than treats!

Air Europa, 23andme, Sony, and Lyca Mobile faced the scary reality of data breaches.

Join us as we uncover how these companies were impacted and discover essential insights on how to protect your own business against similar cyber attacks.

Let’s get into it.

October’s biggest breaches

Air Europa

Air Europa, a Mallorca-based airline, fell victim to a data breach, exposing the private payment information of its customers.

The breach, discovered on October 10th, revealed that customer payment data, including credit card numbers, expiration dates, and CCV codes, had been accessed during the cyber attack.

Alarmingly, this breach occurred 41 days prior, on August 28, going undetected until suspicious activity was identified on one of the airline’s systems.

While the precise number of affected individuals remains undisclosed, the exposure of CCV codes is in violation of the PCI DSS regulations, which raises significant concerns.

Air Europa has advised customers who used credit cards for flight payments to cancel their cards as a precaution against potential fraudulent activities.

The Air Europa breach underscores the importance of adhering to PCI DSS regulations to minimise risks and mitigate the impact of breaches on customers’ payment data.

Learn more about how our compliance management tools help your business here.

23andme

Biotech company 23andMe faced a serious data breach where customer accounts were accessed through a credential-stuffing attack.

This led to the theft of genetic data, potentially including names, email addresses, birthdates, and genetic ancestry information.

The hackers seemed to focus on individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish and Chinese descent, causing concern within these specific communities.

A hacker claimed to possess and attempted to sell user details in an online forum, particularly emphasising Jewish individuals.

Upon detecting the breach, 23andMe involved digital forensics experts and law enforcement. They’ve taken steps, including requiring all users to reset their passwords as a precaution.

This incident adds to ongoing concerns about data privacy and security within genetic testing companies. This data information isn’t currently protected by HIPAA, the health privacy law, and 23andMe’s privacy policy still allows for third-party data sharing.

This breach stresses the need for unique and strong passwords for separate accounts to prevent unauthorised entry and protect your personal data.

Sony

In October, Sony informed nearly 6,800 employees about an earlier data breach that was linked to a prior security breach associated with the MOVEit transformation system.

Through this system, hackers gained unauthorised access to U.S.-based employee data stored on Sony’s servers.

As a response, Sony offered credit monitoring services to those affected and addressed the vulnerability to prevent any potential future data breaches.

These breaches highlight the persistent challenges in protecting personal data within large corporations, emphasising the critical need for updated security measures and continuous vigilance, regardless of a company’s size.

Lyca Mobile

Lyca Mobile, a London-based mobile operator, functioning on EE’s network, has faced a data breach, creating significant disruptions for millions of Lyca Mobile users.

Upon discovery, Lyca Mobile took swift measures to contain the breach by isolating and shutting down compromised systems.

Despite these efforts, the attackers gained access to various personal information stored within their systems, including names, birth dates, addresses, copies of identity documents, customer service interactions, and partial payment card information.

Although the specific details of the stolen data were not specified, concerns have arisen regarding compromised customer passwords and potential risks associated with phishing attempts, fraud, and unwanted marketing communications.

As the largest mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) with over 16 million customers globally, the magnitude of the breach poses a considerable risk.

This incident reminds us of the necessity of rapid and effective response strategies. A swift response can significantly reduce exposure and potential impact.

Preventive measures are a crucial aspect of cybersecurity planning.

What your organisation can learn from the October data breaches

Considering the recent breaches in October, it’s important to follow regulations and continuously review cybersecurity protocols.

Here are key points to consider when reviewing your cybersecurity measures to protect your organisation and customers:

Compliance with industry standards: Adhering to regulations like PCI DSS is vital to protect customer data and avoid severe consequences due to non-compliance.
Strengthening security measures: Implementing multi-factor authentication, encouraging strong passwords, and updating security systems can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorised access.
Incident response and preparedness: Develop and regularly test an incident response plan. This includes clear steps for swift action in case of a security breach to minimise its impact.
Clear communication: Timely and transparent communication with affected customers and regulatory bodies builds trust and helps contain the breach’s impact.
Customer data protection emphasis: Continuous evaluation and enhancement of security protocols are necessary to protect personal information, prevent misuse, and reduce the risks associated with breaches and fraud.
Third-party risk management: Assess and manage risks associated with third-party vendors, ensuring they maintain strong security practices to safeguard shared data.

How can Bob’s Business help your organisation

At Bob’s Business, we provide tailored compliance solutions and customised employee training to protect your organisation.

With our support, your organisation can proactively enhance its cybersecurity and prevent breaches like these from happening. Click here to explore courses tailored to your organisation.