We live in a data-driven world, and the amount of information available to us is constantly increasing. As a result, the need to protect this data is more pressing than ever.

This is where the wide world of cybersecurity tools comes into play.

These tools are specifically designed to protect businesses from malware and data breaches through various security measures.

From firewall protection to parental supervision on digital sites, spam filters and more, there are countless cybersecurity tools available to help us protect our organisations’ valuable data.

In this blog, we’ll be sharing the 5 cybersecurity tools that every business should use, so you can get back to what matters most – growing your company.

Let’s get started!

The five cybersecurity tools every business needs

Antivirus Software

Antivirus software is one of the most basic and essential tools for protecting against malware and other cyber threats.

Malware can come in many forms, including viruses, spyware, and ransomware. Antivirus software scans your computer or network for malicious code and quarantines or removes it.

It can also provide real-time protection to prevent new threats from infecting your system. Many antivirus software options exist, including Norton, McAfee, and Kaspersky.

However, it’s important to keep your antivirus software up to date and to use additional security measures alongside it for maximum protection.

Password Managers

One of the most significant security vulnerabilities for any business is weak passwords.

Many people reuse passwords across multiple accounts or choose easy-to-guess passwords. Password managers help users generate and store strong, unique passwords for all their accounts.

This reduces the risk of a hacker gaining access to sensitive information by guessing or cracking passwords.

Password managers can also automatically fill in login information for users, saving time and making it easier to use strong passwords.

Popular password managers include LastPass, Dashlane, and 1Password. Using a reputable password manager that uses strong encryption to protect your information is important.

Cybersecurity Awareness Training

While the previous tools focus on technological solutions, the fact remains that 90% of breaches occur as a result of human error. As such, training is essential for reducing the risk of cyber-attacks and data breaches.

Employees are the key to a company’s security, as they can inadvertently fall prey to phishing scams or other social engineering attacks.

As such, cybersecurity awareness training is an essential part of any company’s risk reduction strategy. Through effective training, your team become the strongest part of your defence.

Bob’s Compliance offers full access to the engaging and short-form training catalogue from Bob’s Business, to help educate employees on best practices for cybersecurity.

This includes topics like phishing, password security, and social engineering. With affordable pricing and month-to-month plans, Bob’s Compliance is an excellent option for businesses of all sizes.

By educating employees on how to stay safe online, companies can reduce the risk of cyber-attacks and protect their sensitive information.

VPNs

A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts traffic and provides a secure connection between a user’s device and the internet.

This protects against snooping on public Wi-Fi or other insecure networks. VPNs can also be used to bypass geo-restrictions and access content that is blocked in certain regions. VPNs create a secure tunnel between your device and a remote server, which encrypts all data that passes through it.

This ensures that even if someone intercepts your internet traffic, they won’t be able to read it. VPNs can also help protect against man-in-the-middle attacks, where an attacker intercepts communication between two parties and alters it. Popular VPN options include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost.

However, choosing a VPN provider with a good reputation and doesn’t log your activity is essential.

Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to online accounts by requiring users to provide a second form of identification besides their password.

This could be a code sent to their phone, a fingerprint scan, or a security key. By requiring a second factor, 2FA reduces the risk of an attacker gaining access to an account even if they have the correct password.

Many popular services, including Google, Facebook, and Apple, offer 2FA options. It’s important to enable 2FA on all accounts that offer it and to use a secure second factor, such as an authenticator app or a hardware key.

Don’t be fooled by the name: CEO fraud has nothing to do with your CEOs trying to deceive anyone.

In actuality, it’s an increasingly common type of cyber attack where scammers impersonate CEOs, executives or high-level employees to trick others into sending money or sensitive information.

CEO fraud can cause severe financial and reputational damage to organisations of all sizes.

So, buckle up and let’s dive into what makes CEO fraud more complex than traditional phishing attacks, how to spot it, and how to avoid it. Let’s get started.

What is CEO fraud?

As mentioned in our introduction, CEO fraud is a form of phishing scam in which cybercriminals impersonate a high-level executive or company leader to trick employees, vendors, or customers into transferring money or sensitive information.

Also known as business email compromise (BEC) scams, these attacks can cause significant financial and reputational damage to organisations of all sizes.

What makes CEO fraud more complex than other types of phishing attacks?

Scammers cast a wide net in traditional phishing attempts, hoping to catch a few fish. They send out generic emails that look like they’re from reputable sources, such as banks or online retailers, and try to trick people into clicking on a link or opening an attachment.

In contrast, CEO fraud is a highly targeted attack, utilising powerful psychology.

Scammers research their victims, learn about their organisations, and craft convincing emails that appear to come from a trusted source within the company.

They might even use a closely related email to the CEOs or spoof it to make it look real. The goal is to make the recipient believe the request is urgent and legitimate and to act quickly without questioning it.

The stakes are high in CEO fraud because scammers are after big payouts.

They often request large wire transfers or access to sensitive company data. Because the emails appear to come from within the company, victims are more likely to comply without verifying the request.

This is what makes CEO fraud more complex than traditional phishing. It’s not just about fooling people into clicking on a link; it’s about gaining their trust and manipulating them into doing something that could have serious consequences.

So, how can you spot CEO fraud? There are a few red flags to look out for:

Urgency

Scammers will often create a sense of urgency to pressure their victim into acting quickly. They might say that the wire transfer needs to be completed immediately or that a time-sensitive issue needs to be addressed. Because you respect their authority, this can bypass your scepticism and make you act without due thought.

If you receive an email that demands immediate action without proper explanation, it could be a sign of CEO fraud.

Unusual requests

Scammers will ask for unusual or out-of-the-ordinary requests, such as a wire transfer to a foreign bank account or access to sensitive company information. If you receive a request that seems odd or doesn’t make sense, it’s important to double-check with the supposed sender before taking any action.

Spoofed email address

Scammers can spoof email addresses to make it look like the email is coming from a trusted source. If you receive an email that appears to be from your CEO but the tone or wording seems off, the email may be fake.

Unusual language

Scammers may use unusual or incorrect language, especially if English is not their first language, which could indicate that the email is not from a legitimate source. Take time to consider whether an email sounds like it has come from your boss before acting.

Changes in payment procedures

If you receive an email requesting a change in payment procedures or routing information, it could be a sign of CEO fraud. Scammers may try to divert funds to their own accounts by changing payment information.

Threats or intimidation

Scammers often use fear tactics to pressure their victims into taking action. For instance, they may threaten to terminate the victim’s job or initiate legal proceedings against them if they fail to comply with their demands. This kind of psychological manipulation is designed to make the victim feel vulnerable and powerless, forcing them to take actions they otherwise wouldn’t have

Requests for secrecy

Scammers may also ask the victim to keep the request confidential, saying it’s sensitive or confidential. This tactic prevents the victim from verifying the request with others.

How to avoid falling victim to CEO fraud

Verify requests

Always verify wire transfer requests or unusual requests with the supposed sender, preferably through a different communication channel than email. Pick up the phone and call the person who sent the email to confirm that the request is legitimate.

Use two-factor authentication

Use two-factor authentication for any systems or accounts that contain sensitive information or allow for wire transfers. This adds an extra layer of protection and makes it harder for scammers to access your accounts.

Limit public information

Limit the amount of public information available about your organisation and its employees. Scammers often research their victims before launching an attack, so the less information they can find, the harder it will be for them to craft convincing emails.

Educate employees

Educate your employees about CEO fraud and other types of cyber attacks. Teach them how to spot phishing emails and what to do if they receive a suspicious email. It only takes one employee to fall victim to CEO fraud to cause severe damage to your organisation.

How Bob’s Business can help prevent CEO fraud in your organisation

Phishing simulations are a powerful tool in the fight against cybercrime, specifically CEO fraud.

These simulations involve creating fake phishing emails that closely mimic the tactics used by scammers to trick employees into giving away sensitive information or making unauthorised payments.

These emails are then sent to employees within an organisation, and those that click are redirected to training, where they’re shown how they could have spotted this phishing attempt.

Bob’s Phishing from Bob’s Business is an award-winning phishing simulation service trusted by the likes of HM Government and tailored to your organisation’s specific needs.

Our simulations are designed to be non-punitive and to replicate the most sophisticated tactics used by scammers, making them a highly effective way to identify weaknesses in an organisation’s security infrastructure.

With the help of these simulations, your organisation can develop a comprehensive security awareness training program that educates employees on how to recognise and report suspicious emails.

Passwords, passwords, passwords. They’re the backbone of modern internet security, though you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone that actually enjoys using them.

Despite being an essential aspect of our information security, protecting our personal information from unauthorised access and keeping our digital assets safe, many of us seem unwilling to upgrade our passwords.

Think we’re being unfair? Join us as we explore what were the most common passwords of 2022, discuss the importance of creating strong passwords and share how to do it.

We’ll also discuss whether to use a password manager and why training your employees to create strong passwords is more effective than relying solely on a password manager.

Ready to get started? Let’s go.

What were the most common passwords of 2022?

The most common passwords of 2022 are, unfortunately, rather predictable.

According to new research from SplashData, the top three passwords are “123456,” “qwerty,” and “123456789.” Here are the top 10:

• 123456
• 123456789
• qwerty
• password
• 1234567
• 12345678
• 12345
• iloveyou
• 111111
• 123123

Comparing these passwords to what we wrote about last year, there’s a notable lack of progress with the security of these passwords. Indeed, these passwords are so weak that they can be easily guessed by hackers, putting your personal information and digital assets at risk.

Other commonly used passwords include “admin,” and “letmein.” These passwords are easy to remember but offer no protection against unauthorised access. But why do we make such insecure passwords?

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What makes us use weak passwords?

There are three key factors that contribute to the weak password epidemic: lack of awareness, convenience and resistance to change.

Lack of awareness

A primary reason why people use weak passwords is, simply a lack of awareness of the risks involved. Many people are not aware of the potential consequences of using weak passwords or believe that they are not at risk of being hacked. This misconception can be dangerous, as anyone can fall victim to cybercrime, and it only takes one breach to crack a company’s data wide open.

The convenience factor

One of the most common reasons why people choose weak passwords is convenience. It is easier to remember a simple password than a complex one, and people often use the same password for multiple accounts to avoid having to memorise different ones. This practice is dangerous because if a hacker gains access to one of your accounts, they will have access to all of them.

Resistance to change

Many people are resistant to change, and this includes changing their passwords. People often become attached to their passwords and may feel that changing them is unnecessary or inconvenient. Additionally, some people may not know how to create a strong password, or how to change it.

How to create a strong password

Creating a strong password is relatively easy and is one of the most effective ways to protect your personal information and digital assets. Here are some tips for creating a strong password:

• Length is key: The longer your password, the more difficult it is for hackers to guess. Aim for a password that’s at least 12 characters long.
• Use a mix of characters: Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. This makes it harder for hackers to crack your password.
• Avoid common words: Don’t use words that are easily guessed, such as “password” or “admin.” Instead, try using a random combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Don’t reuse passwords: Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. If a hacker gains access to one account, they can use that password to access your other accounts.

Should you use a password manager?

Password managers are tools that store and encrypt your passwords, making it easier to use strong, unique passwords for each account.

Many password managers also generate random passwords for you, so you don’t have to come up with them yourself.

However, just because you use a password manager, it doesn’t automatically mean all of your data is safe, if the password manager is compromised, all passwords will be at risk. Just look at the recent LastPass data breach, for an example there.

That’s why it remains best practice to choose memorable yet secure passwords and keep them in your own mind.

Is employee password training useful?

While we’ve established that secure passwords are essential, the truth is that while virtually everyone agrees on that point, many fail to update their passwords.

For organisations, that poses a real issue. With a single breached password potentially giving a cybercriminal unfettered access to your data and systems, something has to be done.

Sharing this blog is a great start, but the real key is in consistent, regular training that reminds your team on the importance of strong passwords, the steps required to create strong passwords and how to follow good password practices.

This is especially important since human-error accounts for 90% of all breaches.

How Bob’s Business can help to protect your organisation

At Bob’s Business, we build cybersecurity awareness training that your teams actually want to take, designed from the ground up to protect your organisation.

That’s why we offer tailored and engaging online training courses that empower all team members to recognise and respond to cyber threats, ultimately reducing the risk of breaches caused by human error.

Our training is designed to be interactive, easily integrated into your busy schedule, and delivered in bite-sized modules to ensure your team stays motivated and focused throughout the training process.

Take action now and protect your organisation and customers from cyber threats by exploring our range of comprehensive cybersecurity awareness training products.

With technology advancing at breakneck speed, it’s no secret that cybersecurity is more important than ever. Unfortunately, cybercriminals aren’t standing still, either. Instead, they’re getting more innovative in exploiting vulnerabilities to gain access to sensitive information.

Although there is growing awareness of the need for cybersecurity in our everyday lives, many of us still cling to false beliefs that can leave us and our organisations vulnerable to cyber attacks.

In this blog post, we’ll tackle 10 common cybersecurity myths head-on, explaining why they’re untrue and why it’s crucial not to fall for them. So buckle up and get ready to separate fact from fiction in the world of cybersecurity!

Myth #1: “I have nothing worth stealing.”

Many people believe that they are not a target for cybercriminals because they don’t have the assets or finances to be worth the effort.

However, this is a dangerous myth.

Cybercriminals can use your personal information, such as your name and address, to create fake identities and commit fraud. They can also use your computer or device to launch attacks on other targets, which make virtually anyone a handy target to acquire.

Everyone is a potential target for cybercriminals, regardless of how valuable they think their information is!

Myth #2: “I have antivirus software, so I’m protected.”

Antivirus software is certainly helpful to your cybersecurity, but more is needed.

Antivirus software can only detect known threats, so it may not be able to protect you from new or advanced attacks. Nor can it intercept people and stop them from sharing their personal information on a dodgy website.

It’s important to use other security measures, such as educating your employees to protect your organisation against cyber attacks.

Myth #3: “I only visit safe websites, so I can’t get infected.”

Even seemingly safe websites can be compromised by cybercriminals. They can inject malware into legitimate websites or create fake websites that look identical to real ones!

Users can unknowingly download malware by clicking on links or downloading attachments from these websites. It’s important to be cautious and always verify the authenticity of a website before entering any sensitive information.

Myth #4: “I use strong passwords, so I’m safe.”

Using strong passwords is an essential part of good cybersecurity hygiene. However, it’s not a cure-all when it comes to cybersecurity.

Cybercriminals can use various techniques, such as brute force attacks or phishing, to gain access to your accounts even with a strong password.

Multi-factor authentication, which requires a second factor such as a code sent to your phone, is a more effective way to protect your accounts, and should be deployed on every service that supports it.

Myth #5: “I can put off updating my software.”

We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but your outdated software opens you to vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can easily exploit. So it’s time to update your systems!

Keeping your software updated with the latest security patches and updates is essential. This includes your operating system, applications, and browser plugins.

Myth #6: “I can spot a phishing email.”

While some phishing emails beg to be ignored (“a wealthy relative recently passed away”, anyone?), many phishing emails can be very convincing and can trick even the most vigilant users. They often use social engineering techniques, such as creating a sense of urgency or posing as a legitimate organisation, to convince users to click on a malicious link or download an attachment.

It’s important to be cautious and always verify the authenticity of an email before clicking on any links or downloading any attachments.

Myth #7: “I don’t need to back up my data.”

Backing up your data is essential in case of a cyber attack or other disaster. It’s important to have multiple backups, both on-site and off-site, to ensure that your data can be recovered in the event of a data loss or ransomware attack.

One common mistake organisations often make is they store their backups in the same place as their original files. However, this means if you suffer from a cyber attack or other incident your backups will be just as vulnerable. Store your backups in different locations, even keeping copies of your most precious files offline altogether.

Myth #8: “I’m safe on public Wi-Fi if I just avoid sensitive activities.”

Public Wi-Fi is generally insecure and cybercriminals can easily intercept your internet traffic, even if you’re not doing anything sensitive.

The best way to protect yourself is to use a reputable VPN service that encrypts your internet traffic by creating a secure tunnel between your device and the VPN server.

Don’t fall for this myth – invest in a quality VPN and stay safe on public Wi-Fi.

Myth #9: “I don’t need to worry about cyber attacks because I have a Mac.”

Macs are no longer immune to cyber attacks, as cybercriminals are increasingly targeting Apple devices due to their growing popularity, false sense of security, and integration into enterprise environments.

Mac users should use antivirus software to protect themselves, keep their software up-to-date, and be cautious when downloading from unknown sources.

Myth #10: “I’m not tech-savvy, so I can’t protect myself”

Everyone can take basic steps to protect themselves online, regardless of their technical knowledge. These steps include using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, keeping software up to date, avoiding suspicious links and downloads, backing up data, and using a VPN on public Wi-Fi.

These simple steps can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to a cyber attack.

How Bob’s Business can help protect your organisation

In today’s digital world, protecting ourselves against cyber attacks is crucial, and Bob’s Business is here to help.

We understand that cybersecurity can be daunting, so we provide distinctive and interactive online training to equip every team member with the ability to detect and respond to phishing attacks.

With a workforce that feels comfortable with cybersecurity and understands their role in protecting themselves and each other, you can protect your business from the 90% of breaches caused by human error.

To learn more about our product range and start lowering your risk today, click here.

Passwords – we love to hate them.

Although they’re part and parcel with virtually every device and service we interact with, they’ve never evolved beyond their status as a nuisance.

The good news? The future of passwords is likely to be passwordless! Sounds like a dream come true, doesn’t it? It’s closer than you might think

Needless to say, the passwordless future is not a new concept. Tech giants like Google and Microsoft have been working on password alternatives for years, and now the fruits of their labour are starting to be realised.

But what does a passwordless future actually look like? And how soon can we expect it to become a reality? In this blog, we’ll sketch out the passwordless future. But first, why are companies looking to kill the password?

Why are companies pushing to end the era of the password?

Passwords are something of a necessary evil: our accounts need to be secured in order to protect our data, but the process of creating secure passwords and then memorising them is frustrating, to say the least. Especially when the average person has 100 of them to remember!

The issues go further than the volume of passwords, however. The fact is most common passwords in use are shockingly simple, easy to guess and unsecured. And, of course, once a password is acquired by a criminal through guesswork, phishing or otherwise, it can be freely shared.

In theory, by replacing passwords with alternative solutions, you can mitigate these problems, ensuring secure accounts for everyone and an end to the memory games we’re currently playing. So, what are some of these solutions? Let’s take a look.

Passwordless solutions

Biometric authentication

There’s a good chance you’re already familiar with biometric authentication. Biometrics use unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, to identify users.

This method is becoming increasingly common in smartphones and laptops, and it’s considered secure enough for online accounts and even bank transactions.

Biometric authentication is convenient and secure, as it is difficult (though not impossible) to replicate someone’s physical characteristics.

However, there are concerns about privacy and the storage of biometric data. In addition to issues around ease of use when in poor conditions, where you might be wearing gloves or covering your face.

Single sign-on

Single Sign-on (SSO) is a popular solution for managing passwords and authentication across multiple accounts. SSO allows users to log in once using one set of credentials and then access multiple accounts and applications without entering their login information again.

You’ve probably encountered Single Sign-on before, as it’s now a common option when logging in or signing up for new accounts and services. These will generally let you log in with your Google, Microsoft, Facebook or other major accounts.

This not only saves time and reduces the hassle of managing multiple passwords, but it can also improve security by reducing the risk of weak or easily guessable passwords. With SSO, you only need one secure and distinct password.

Universal keys

Universal keys are a less common, abeit promising, solution for managing authentication across multiple accounts. A universal key is a single device or piece of software that can be used to access multiple accounts and applications.

Similar to SSO, universal keys eliminate the need for multiple passwords, but they take it a step further by providing an additional layer of security. Universal keys use public-key cryptography, meaning each key has a unique identifier that a server verifies.

This makes them highly secure and difficult to hack. However, if you lose or have your physical key stolen, you’re at risk of losing access to all of your accounts.

When will passwordless authentication become the norm?

The truth is that it’s already happening. Many companies are already using passwordless solutions, and it’s likely that more will follow suit in the coming years. Microsoft, for example, is aiming to make Windows passwordless by 2025, and Google has been pushing passwordless authentication through its Advanced Protection Program.

But despite these advances, passwords are still widely used and will be for the foreseeable future.

This is partly because not everyone has access to the latest technology, and partly because some people simply prefer the familiarity of passwords.

It’s also important to note that passwordless solutions are not foolproof and can still be vulnerable to certain types of attacks.

So, what can we do to improve password security in the meantime?

Here are a few tips:

1. Use a unique password for each account: This reduces the risk of multiple accounts being compromised if one password is stolen.
2. Use a password manager to generate and store strong passwords: This makes managing multiple passwords easier and ensures they are secure.
3. Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible: This provides an extra layer of security and makes it more difficult for hackers to access your accounts.
4. Beware of phishing attacks: Phishing scams are a common way for hackers to steal passwords. They involve sending emails or messages that appear to be from a legitimate source but are actually fake. These messages often ask for sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers. Always be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments, and never give out personal information unless you are sure it is safe to do so.
5. Keep your software up to date: This includes your operating system, web browser, and any apps or programs you use. Updates often include security patches that address vulnerabilities and help keep your devices and accounts secure.
6. Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks: This helps to protect your internet traffic from prying eyes and can prevent hackers from intercepting your passwords and other sensitive information.

The future of passwords is passwordless, but we’re not there yet. Biometric authentication, universal keys, and SSO are just a few of the solutions that are already available, but it will take time for these solutions to reach total adoption – and to surmount concerns around privacy and security.

In the meantime, it’s on each and every one of us to take steps to improve password security by using strong and unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and being vigilant against phishing scams.

By doing so, we can help protect ourselves and our sensitive information in the digital age.

Ready to start training your team to protect your business against the threats of today and tomorrow? Discover cybersecurity awareness training that engages, entertains and informs your staff.

Where there’s data, there will be criminals looking to steal and profit from it.

Data breaches are an almost-constant threat in today’s digital world, with cybercriminals finding new ways to infiltrate systems and steal sensitive information from companies and individuals.

As we approach the end of Q1, we’re looking at four major data breaches that occurred in March.

Let’s delve into what happened, why it happened, and what companies are doing to prevent similar breaches in the future.

Latitude

Latitude Financial, a financial services company in Australia and New Zealand, experienced a data breach that resulted in the theft of 14 million customer records.

The breach occurred when a third-party supplier’s IT system was compromised, providing access to Latitude’s data. The stolen data included sensitive information such as names, addresses, dates of birth, and credit card details.

This incident highlights the importance of managing third-party risks and ensuring that vendors maintain robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data.

To prevent similar breaches in the future, Latitude is taking several steps, including enhancing its cybersecurity measures, reviewing its third-party supplier management protocols, and implementing additional monitoring and detection tools.

Ferrari

Ferrari suffered a data breach in March due to a vulnerability in one of their software systems. Cybercriminals exploited this vulnerability to gain unauthorised access to Ferrari’s systems and steal confidential data, including customer information and company secrets.

“We regret to inform you of a cyber incident at Ferrari, where a threat actor was able to access a limited number of systems in our IT environment,” Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna said in a letter sent to affected customers.

This attack emphasises the need to safeguard sensitive data from malicious actors.
To prevent a similar breach in the future, Ferrari is implementing multi-factor authentication, encryption, and monitoring tools to detect and respond to any suspicious activity.

They are also conducting regular vulnerability assessments and security audits to identify and address potential weaknesses in their IT infrastructure. Ferrari said that after receiving the ransom demand, the amount of which remains unknown, it started an investigation with a third-party cybersecurity company.

OpenAI

OpenAI, a leading artificial intelligence research organisation, experienced a data breach that resulted in the unauthorised disclosure of sensitive information.

The breach occurred due to an employee’s mistake, where they accidentally posted confidential company information on a public GitHub repository.

The information included personal project plans and internal communications. This highlights the importance of implementing strict data handling policies and providing regular security training to employees to prevent human error.

To prevent similar breaches in the future, OpenAI is implementing additional security controls and conducting a comprehensive review of its data handling policies.

They are also increasing their focus on employee training to ensure that all staff members understand the importance of protecting sensitive data and the measures they can take to prevent data breaches.

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A confirmed a data breach that impacted customers at certain restaurants in the United States.

The breach occurred when a third-party vendor managing Chick-fil-A’s gift card and app system was hacked, exposing sensitive customer information such as names, mailing addresses, and balances.

Like Latitude, this attack highlights the importance of managing third-party risks and ensuring vendors maintain robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data.

They have now implemented additional security controls and are comprehensively reviewing their third-party supplier management protocols. They also advised affected customers to monitor their accounts for unauthorised activity and offered free credit monitoring services.

What can we learn from these breaches?

If it wasn’t clear, data breaches can have severe consequences for organisations and individuals alike, including financial loss and damage to reputation.

Companies must prioritise cybersecurity and take proactive measures to protect their customer’s sensitive data from mistakes that could be easily avoided.

• This includes:
• Implementing robust cybersecurity measures
• Conducting regular vulnerability assessments and security audits
• Managing third-party risks
• Providing regular security training to employees
• Enforcing strict data handling policies

By taking these measures, your organisation can help prevent data breaches and maintain the trust of your customers.

How Bob’s Business can help protect your organisation

Given the rise in frequency and complexity of cyber threats, it’s increasingly important to give employees in an organisation the appropriate training and awareness of cybersecurity measures.

Winners of “Most Trusted Cybersecurity Training Provider 2023”, we offer engaging short-form eLearning modules designed to educate and train employees on the most effective cybersecurity practices to avoid human error.

If you want to learn more about our products and how we can help protect your organisation against data breaches, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Even if you think you know nothing about cybersecurity, you’ll certainly have encountered phishing before.

It’s the most common type of attack, with more than 3.4 billion phishing emails sent daily globally. That’s around 1% of all emails.

The reason why is simple: they can be devastatingly effective. Typically posing as a legitimate source, they trick unsuspecting users into giving away their private information like passwords, bank details and credentials.

While the technical aspects of phishing attacks are important, the psychological tactics that make them successful are arguably the most important of all.

In this blog, we’ll pull back the curtain on the psychology of phishing and reveal why it’s so effective.

What psychological tactics do phishing attacks use?

Trust-building

First and foremost, it’s essential to understand that phishing attacks exploit our human nature. We are wired to trust and seek connections with others, which is precisely what cybercriminals take advantage of.

They prey on our innate desires to be helpful, cooperative, and friendly.

They may create an urgent situation that requires immediate action, such as threatening to lock us out of our accounts or promising a fantastic reward.

They may even impersonate someone we know, like a colleague or a friend, to create a false sense of familiarity and trust.

Reciprocity

Another psychological tactic that cybercriminals use is the principle of reciprocity. We tend to feel obligated to return a favour when someone has done something for us.

For example, your email domain company notices suspicious activity and warning you, your local gym or children’s sports club, saying you haven’t updated your emergency contacts for a while. It might seem like someone doing something for you, but in reality, it’s to convince you to do something for them.

Need & greed

We’ve all received emails and messages offering great discounts and special offers. Cybercriminals know this and mask many of their attacks behind such offers. In many cases, this could be a gift or a prize; we are so thrilled by the offer we don’t think to stop and check if it’s legitimate.

An offer may seem too good to be true, but it’s often hard to resist the temptation of getting something for nothing.

Authority

The principle of authority is also an effective tool for cybercriminals. We are conditioned to follow and obey authority figures, such as our bosses or government officials.

Cybercriminals may impersonate a person of authority, like a bank executive or an IT administrator, to create a sense of urgency and pressure us into giving up our information.

Social-proof

Cybercriminals also use the principle of social proof to make their attacks more convincing. Social proof refers to the tendency to follow the crowd and do what others do.

Cybercriminals may use social proof by sending out fake messages that appear to be from a reputable source, such as a well-known company or a government agency.

By using the brand recognition of a trusted name, cybercriminals can create a false sense of security and convince us to take action.

Scarcity & urgency

Scarcity refers to the idea that people tend to place a higher value on rare things or in limited supply.

Cybercriminals may use scarcity by creating a sense of urgency, such as claiming that a limited-time offer is about to expire or that only a few items are left in stock. Cybercriminals can pressure us into taking action without thinking things through by making us feel like we may miss out on something valuable.

Human-error

In addition to these psychological tactics, cybercriminals also rely on human error. They know that people are busy and often distracted, so they send out messages that are designed to look like legitimate emails or websites.

They may use subtle variations in domain names or logos that are slightly different from the real ones. Cybercriminals can trick even the most diligent person into falling for their scams using these tactics.

So, what can we do to protect ourselves from phishing attacks?

The first step is to be aware of cybercriminals’ tactics, such as those mentioned above.

By understanding the psychological principles behind these attacks, we can be more vigilant and less likely to fall for them:

• Be wary of messages that ask for personal information, especially if they come from an unknown source.
• Double-check the sender’s email address or contact the company to verify the message is legitimate.
• Keep software up to date and use strong passwords. Cybercriminals may exploit vulnerabilities in your software to gain access to our systems or try to guess your passwords. By keeping software updated and using unique and complex passwords, you can reduce the risk of these attacks being successful.
• Use two-factor authentication (2FA). 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of authentication, such as a code sent to our phone, alongside your password. This makes it much more difficult for cybercriminals to access accounts, even if they do manage to obtain passwords.
• Always be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments, especially if they are unexpected or come from an unknown source. Cybercriminals often use these tactics to deliver malware or gain access to your systems. By hovering over links to see where they lead or scanning attachments with antivirus software, you can reduce the risk of falling for these traps.

The psychology of phishing can be complex, but by understanding the tactics that cybercriminals use, we can better protect ourselves and our businesses from these attacks.

By being aware of our innate desire to trust and connect with others as well as principles like reciprocity, authority, social proof, and scarcity, we can be more vigilant and less likely to fall for these scams.

How Bob’s Business can help protect your organisation

Protecting ourselves from phishing attacks is crucial in today’s digital world, and that’s where Bob’s Business comes in.

At Bob’s Business, we understand the importance of cybersecurity and offer unique, engaging online training to empower everyone in your team to identify and respond to phishing attacks, protecting your business from the 90% of breaches that occur due to human error.

Our innovative and award-winning simulated phishing training is the best way to reduce your risk of a team member falling victim to a phishing attack. How? By sending specially tailored phishing emails that utilise the methods laid out above, and directing those that click towards our engaging and effective training.

Take action now to protect your business and your customers from cyber threats. Click here to learn more about Bob’s Phishing and start reducing your risk today with Bob’s Business.

Let’s be perfectly honest: nobody likes passwords. It’s the primary reason why the most commonly used passwords are as simple as they come – many of us feel as though we’ve got better things to do than memorise dozens (if not hundreds) of unique and secure passwords.

That’s why 30% of internet users utilise password managers to store their passwords and remove the need for password memorisation.

However, there’s only one constant in cybersecurity: technology can’t save us.

The recent LastPass incident is a prime example of why technologies must be paired with strong cybersecurity foundations. So, join us as we share what happened in the breach, what we can learn, how to create strong passwords and promote cybersecurity awareness training for employees.

What happened in the LastPass data breach?

LastPass is, by far, the most popular password management tool in the world. Commanding more than 21% of the market, its pitch is simple: one secure location for all of your passwords across every device.

However, in August 2022, the company announced that it had suffered a data breach, indicating that it was a minor and contained incident. What has followed has been a slow-moving disaster. Here’s the timeline of events so far:

• August 23, 2022: LastPass informs customers that they’ve detected “some unusual activity” within the “development environment”. An initial investigation discovered no evidence of an unauthorised party accessing customer data or password vaults. The breach occurred when cybercriminals accessed a compromised developer account and stole sections of the source code.
• September 15, 2022: LastPass says its security team has detected a cybercriminal inside its development system. This individual had four days’ worth of access, but the company claimed they’d contained the activity. The company again stressed that the development section is separate from the production environment, and therefore no customer accounts were accessed.
• November 30, 2022: LastPass first admits that customer data was compromised due to the August breach. CEO Karim Toubba said “We have determined that an unauthorized party, using information obtained in the August 2022 incident, was able to gain access to certain elements of our customers’ information. We are working diligently to understand the scope of the incident and identify what specific information has been accessed.”
• December, 22, 2022: Shortly before Christmas, LastPass detailed the breach further, editing that customer data was significantly compromised” after an unknown threat actor copied a cloud-based backup of the customer vault data. LastPass insist, however, that this data cannot be accessed without “a unique encryption key derived from each user’s master password”.
• March 1, 2023: LastPass informs customers that they “completed an exhaustive investigation and have not seen any threat actor activity since October 26”. However, they stress that this is an ongoing investigation and remain on a high level of alert.

While LastPass quickly responded to the incident and has maintained regular updates since, resetting the passwords of affected accounts and prompting all users to update their master passwords, it’s an eye-opening incident.

The LastPast breach highlights that even password managers, which are supposed to be the ultimate defence mechanism against password-related cyber attacks, can’t protect your data completely.

What can we learn from the breach?

The LastPass data breach serves as a valuable lesson for individuals and organisations on the importance of taking cybersecurity seriously. Here are some key lessons we can learn from this incident:

Password managers are not invulnerable

Password managers are useful for generating and storing strong passwords but are not immune to attacks. This breach demonstrates that a single compromised password can lead to multiple account breaches. In this case, the compromised developer account meant that the threat actors could gain access to everything they needed.

Therefore, it is essential to implement additional security measures and monitor password manager accounts regularly.

Multi-factor authentication is a must

Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide additional information, such as a fingerprint or code sent to their mobile device, in addition to a password. Implementing multi-factor authentication can make it much harder for hackers to gain access to user accounts.

Security awareness training is crucial

Cybersecurity is not just an IT issue; it is a business issue that requires the involvement of all employees. Cybersecurity awareness training for employees can help to prevent human error that can lead to a breach. Educating employees on identifying and preventing cyber attacks can go a long way in improving an organisation’s overall security.

Regularly review and update security policies

Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and organisations need to regularly review and update their security policies to ensure they are up-to-date and effective in mitigating the latest threats.

Why you shouldn’t rely on technology to protect your passwords

The LastPass incident is a prime example of why we should not rely solely on technology to protect our passwords. While password managers are an excellent tool for generating and storing strong passwords, they can also become a single point of failure.

If a hacker gains access to a password manager account, they can potentially access all of the user’s accounts that are stored in the password manager.

Furthermore, no system is entirely secure. A determined and skilled hacker can bypass even the most advanced security measures.

Therefore, it’s important for all of us to equip ourselves with the knowledge of how to create strong passwords and promote cybersecurity awareness training for employees.

How to create a strong password

Creating a strong password is one of the most effective ways to protect your online accounts. Here are some tips on how to create a strong password:

1. Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols: A password with a random combination of these elements is much harder to crack than one with only letters or numbers.
2. Make it long: The longer the password, the harder it is to crack. Aim for a password that is at least 12 characters long.
3. Avoid common words and phrases: Hackers use automated tools that can quickly guess common words and phrases. Therefore, avoid using words like “password,” “123456,” or “qwerty.”
4. Use a unique password for each account: Using the same password for multiple accounts is a huge security risk. If one account is compromised, all other accounts that use the same password are also at risk.

How can Bob’s Business help your organisation?

At Bob’s Business, we know that cybersecurity training is essential to protect your organisation. That’s why we offer engaging and tailored online cybersecurity training to empower all team members to recognise and respond to cyber threats, protecting your organisation from the 90% of breaches caused by human error.

Our training is designed to be bite-sized, interactive, and easily integrated into your busy schedule. Additionally, our engaging content ensures that your team stays motivated and focused throughout the training process.

Act now to protect your organisation and customers from cyber threats by exploring our comprehensive range of cybersecurity awareness training products. Click here to start reducing your risk today.

Have you ever received a text message from a bank or a company asking you to verify your personal information or account details?

If you have, you might have been a target of smishing, a type of phishing attack that uses text messages to trick you into divulging sensitive information.

Smishing is a growing threat to businesses, and organisations need to be aware of this type of attack and take steps to protect themselves.

What is smishing?

Smishing is a social engineering attack where an attacker sends a text message that appears to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank or a company, asking the recipient to click on a link or provide personal information.

The link usually leads to a fake website that looks like the real one, and once the victim enters their information, the attacker can use it to steal their identity or commit other types of fraud.

These types of attacks have gone stratospheric over the last 12 months, with 2022 seeing a record number of attacks, amounting to half of mobile phone owners worldwide seeing an attack every single quarter.

What are smishing simulations?

Smishing is a severe threat to businesses, as it can result in data breaches, financial loss, and damage to reputation.

As a result, many organisations are turning to smishing simulations to test their employees’ awareness of this type of attack and to train them to recognise and respond appropriately to smishing attempts.

Smishing simulations, like phishing simulations, are designed to mimic real-life attacks and are typically conducted using a software platform that sends simulated attacks to employees’ mobile phones.

The messages are designed to look like real smishing messages and contain links that lead to fake websites or ask the recipient to provide personal information.

By conducting smishing simulations, businesses can identify weaknesses in their security systems and train their employees to recognise and respond appropriately to smishing attempts.

For example, employees can be taught to check the sender’s phone number and website URL before clicking on any links or entering any personal information.

Example case: Coinbase attack

Coinbase, a major cryptocurrency exchange, experienced a smishing attack targeting its employees this year. The attackers sent text messages to multiple Coinbase employees, pretending to be from the company’s IT department, requesting that the employees reset their two-factor authentication (2FA) tokens.

The messages included a link leading to a fake website resembling Coinbase’s legitimate 2FA page. When the employees entered their login credentials on the fake website, the attackers could steal their usernames, passwords, and 2FA tokens.

Fortunately, Coinbase quickly identified the attack and took measures to prevent further damage.

The company notified all affected employees and reset their 2FA tokens. Coinbase also launched an internal investigation to determine the scope of the attack and identify any further vulnerabilities in their security systems.

Other steps your organisation can take to protect itself from smishing attacks

In addition to smishing simulations, there are other steps that businesses can take to protect themselves from smishing attacks. These include:

• Implementing two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring the user to provide a second form of authentication, such as a fingerprint or a code sent to their phone, in addition to their password.
• Use anti-malware software: Anti-malware software can help to detect and prevent smishing attacks by identifying malicious links and blocking them before they can cause harm.
• Educating employees: It’s important to educate employees about the risks of smishing and to provide them with training on recognising and responding appropriately to smishing attempts.

In conclusion, smishing is a growing threat to businesses, and organisations need to take steps to protect themselves from this type of attack.

Smishing simulations are an effective way to train employees to recognise and respond appropriately to smishing attempts.

By conducting regular smishing simulations, businesses can identify weaknesses in their security systems and train their employees to be more cautious when receiving text messages that ask for personal information.

Remember, it only takes one employee to fall for a smishing attack for an entire organisation to be compromised.

How Bob’s Business can help your organisation

At Bob’s Business, we understand the importance of cybersecurity for all industries, including protecting against smishing attacks.

That’s why we offer unique and engaging online cybersecurity training designed to empower everyone in your team to identify and respond to cyber threats, protecting your business from the 90% of breaches that occur due to human error.

Our training is bite-sized, interactive, and easily fits your busy schedule. Plus, it’s engaging, ensuring your team stays motivated and focused throughout the process.

Take action now to protect your business and your customers from cyber threats. Click here to discover our range of cybersecurity awareness training products and start reducing your risk today.