Email is a fundamental communication tool for businesses and individuals alike. But it’s also a prime target for cybercriminals. Cyberattacks are increasing in sophistication, making it more critical than ever to enhance your email security. Ninety-five percent of IT leaders say cyberattacks have become more sophisticated. Over half (51%) have already seen AI-powered attacks in their organization. By taking proactive measures, you can protect your sensitive information and maintain communication integrity. Here are six simple steps to enhance your email security, along with how Lightwire Solutions can help.

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Passwords are the first line of defense for your email accounts. A weak password is like an open invitation for cybercriminals. To enhance your email security, use strong, unique passwords that are difficult to guess.

Create Complex Passwords

A strong password should include a mix of:

• Letters (both uppercase and lowercase)
• Numbers
• Special characters Avoid using common words or easily guessable information. A complex password makes it harder for attackers to gain access to your email account.

Use a Password Manager

Remembering several complex passwords can be challenging. A password manager can help you generate and store unique passwords for all accounts. With a password manager, you only need to remember one master password. This simplifies the process while enhancing security. Lightwire Solutions offers recommendations for reliable password managers to streamline your security.

Avoid Reusing Passwords

Using the same password across multiple accounts increases your risk. Make sure each of your email accounts has a unique password to prevent a single breach from spreading.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your email accounts. Even if someone gains access to your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the second factor of authentication.

Choose a 2FA Method

Common 2FA methods include SMS codes, authenticator apps, and hardware tokens. Choose the method that best suits your needs, and Lightwire Solutions can assist with the setup and management of these security features.

Set Up 2FA for All Accounts

Enable 2FA for all your email accounts. Most email providers offer this feature and setting it up usually takes just a few minutes. This simple step significantly improves your email security.

3. Be Cautious with Email Attachments and Links

Email attachments and links are common vectors for malware and phishing attacks. Clicking on a malicious link or attachment can compromise your system.

Verify the Sender

Before opening an attachment or clicking on a link, verify the sender’s identity. For unexpected emails, contact the sender through a different channel. For unknown senders, exercise extra caution.

Scan Attachments

Use antivirus software to scan email attachments before opening them. Many email providers also offer built-in scanning features. Lightwire Solutions provides comprehensive cybersecurity solutions to safeguard your email and systems.

Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links

Be wary of links that seem out of place or too good to be true. Always hover over links to check the URL before clicking.

4. Keep Your Email Software Updated

Software updates often include security patches that address vulnerabilities. Keeping your email software updated ensures you have the latest protections against known threats.

Enable Automatic Updates

Most email clients and operating systems offer automatic updates. Enable this feature to reduce the risk of missing critical security patches.

Regularly Check for Updates

Even with automatic updates enabled, manually checking for updates is wise to ensure your email client runs smoothly and securely.

5. Use Encryption for Sensitive Emails

Encryption adds a layer of protection to your emails. It encodes the content, making it readable only by the intended recipient.

Encrypt Emails Containing Sensitive Information

If you need to send sensitive information via email, use encryption. Many email providers offer built-in encryption options. Lightwire Solutions can guide you on the best encryption tools to use for your business needs.

Educate Recipients

If you’re sending encrypted emails, ensure recipients know how to decrypt them. Clear instructions are vital for secure communication.

6. Watch Your Email Activity

Regularly monitoring your email activity can help you detect suspicious behavior early.

Set Up Activity Alerts

Many email providers offer activity alerts. Enable these alerts to stay informed about your account’s security status.

Regularly Review Account Activity

Review your email account activity regularly, including login history and devices connected to your account. If you notice any unfamiliar activity, change your password immediately and investigate further.

Respond Quickly to Suspicious Activity

If you detect suspicious activity in your email account, respond quickly. Lightwire Solutions is here to support you with rapid response strategies and ongoing email security management.

Get Expert Email Security Solutions

Email security is essential for protecting your personal and professional information. At Lightwire Solutions, we provide effective solutions to reduce the potential for email compromise and phishing risk. Contact us today to schedule a chat about enhancing your email security and protecting your organization.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press.

When it happens, you feel powerless. You get an email or letter from a business saying someone breached your data. It happens all too often today. Data breaches happen at banks, online sites like Facebook, and ecommerce stores. Not only that, but governments are also victims. This leaves things like your address, SSN, and credit card details exposed to thieves. A business getting hacked is something you have little control over. But you can take important steps afterward. We’ve outlined the most important things to do below. These steps can help you mitigate the financial losses.

Change Your Passwords

The very first thing you should do is change your passwords. Change the password for the service that sent you the breach notification first. Then, change it for any login using the same password. This is one of the reasons it’s the best practice to use unique logins for every site. Many people get in the habit of using the same password in several places. This leaves more than the single breached login at risk. Use a password manager to help you create strong passwords. You only need to remember one to access all the others.

Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA)

Multifactor authentication can keep accounts secure, even if a hacker stole the password. Enable it for the breached service. Then, ensure you have MFA activated for all other logins, where possible. MFA is also called two-factor authentication or two-step verification. Common forms of MFA are:

• Text message
• Authentication app
• Security key

Check Your Bank Accounts

If payment card details were breached, check bank accounts. You’ll want to watch these for several weeks for fraudulent charges. Report the breach to your bank to have them issue you a new card, if needed. Notify your bank about the 3rd party data breach. This can help keep you from being held responsible for fraudulent charges. It’s good to get out ahead of it. Your bank can then help you with appropriate steps to avoid fraud.

Freeze Your Credit

Online criminals will often sell breached personal details. These details can enable someone to take out credit in your name. Contact the three credit agencies. They each have ways to freeze your credit to protect you. You can do this right on their websites. The three credit agencies are:

• Equifax
• Experion
• TransUnion

Carefully Review the Breach Notification

It’s important to understand exactly how the data breach may impact you. Review the notice you received. Additionally, look for updates on the company website. These are the things you should be looking for:

• The type of data exposed (passwords, card numbers, etc.)
• What reparations the company is making (e.g., credit monitoring)
• Any instructions given to secure your account

Regularly check the company’s website. Often, they don’t immediately know how far-reaching the breach is. You may check back later and find out other types of sensitive data were exposed.

Get Good Cybersecurity Protections

Make sure you protect your device and network. There are some simple tools you can use to beef up personal device security. These include:

• A good antivirus/anti-malware program
• DNS filtering to block malicious sites
• Email spam filtering for phishing

Another good protection you can use is a VPN. This helps mask your traffic. It is especially helpful if you’re using public Wi-Fi. VPNs are easy to use for both computers and mobile devices.

Be on the Lookout for Phishing Scams

Emails are often exposed in data breaches. This means you may receive an uptick in phishing emails. Phishing is very convincing since criminals have AI at their disposal. Phishing emails often are hard to spot from the real thing. Stay ultra-aware of any unexpected emails. Follow best practices to avoid becoming a phishing victim:

• Hover over links to see them
• Go to websites directly. Don’t click email or SMS links
• Beware of unknown senders
• Watch for phishing on social media and text messages
• When in doubt, double-check through an official source

Make Sure to Update Software & Systems

Hackers often exploit unpatched vulnerabilities. How do you get unpatched vulnerabilities? Most times it’s from failing to keep software updated. Make sure to update your device operating system. Update all apps or software on your devices. Update firmware for routers and printers. Update firmware for smart devices. There are so many updates we need to do with our electronics. Automating your updates is a good way to stay protected.

Managed Security Services You Can Count On

Lightwire Solutions offers managed services that can keep you protected at work and at home. Need help improving device security? We’ll be happy to discuss our options. Contact Lightwire Solutions today to schedule a chat about device security.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press.

There are many types of malware, and one of the most common is called “malvertising.” It crops up everywhere, including on social media sites and reputable websites. You can even see these malicious ads in Google searches.

Two factors are making malvertising even more dangerous. Hackers are using AI to make it incredibly convincing, and malvertising is rapidly increasing. In the fall of 2023, malvertising saw a 42% month-over-month rise, according to Malwarebytes.

Knowing about malvertising is key to protecting yourself online. Lightwire Solutions wants to help you understand this digital threat and share actionable tips on identifying and avoiding it.

What Is “Malvertising?”

Malvertising is the use of online ads for malicious activities. Take, for instance, when the PlayStation 5 first launched. The high demand and low supply created an ideal environment for hackers. Malicious ads cropped up in Google searches, looking like official sites but instead leading users to fake websites. These copycat sites were designed to steal credentials and credit card details.

Google works hard to police its ads, but hackers often manage to keep malicious ads active for hours or even days before they’re caught. These ads appear just like any other sponsored search ad on Google.

Malvertising isn’t limited to Google; it can appear on various well-known sites and social media feeds, posing risks to anyone online. Lightwire Solutions shares some valuable tips below to help keep you safe.

Tips for Protecting Yourself from Malicious Online Ads

Review URLs Carefully

Look closely at URLs in online ads. Malvertising, like phishing, often relies on small URL changes. If anything looks off, avoid clicking.

Visit Websites Directly

A great way to stay safe is to skip ads altogether and go directly to the brand’s website. If a sale is real, it will be listed there. Lightwire Solutions recommends using this tip to help avoid not only malvertising but also other forms of phishing.

Use a DNS Filter

DNS filters redirect your browser to a warning page if it detects a risky site. They analyze website activity and block dangerous links. DNS filters are highly effective in protecting you from accidental clicks on harmful ads. Lightwire Solutions can help you implement DNS filters to secure your browsing.

Do Not Log in After Clicking an Ad

If you click an ad and are prompted to log in, don’t! Many malvertising schemes lead you to copycat login pages that appear legitimate but are designed to steal credentials. Always open the brand’s actual site in a separate tab if you need to log in.

Don’t Call Ad Phone Numbers

Some malvertising ads include phone numbers, often targeting seniors. People call, unknowingly speaking to scammers who work to gain their trust or scare them into providing personal information. Lightwire Solutions advises against calling any phone numbers found in online ads.

Don’t Download from Ads

Be cautious of ads offering “free software” or “free PC cleaners.” These often inject your device with malware disguised as popular software. Avoid downloading anything directly from online ads, as it may be a trap.

Warn Others When You See Malvertising

If you come across a suspicious ad, share your knowledge. Tell friends, family, and colleagues so they can stay informed and cautious. Creating a community of cyber-aware individuals strengthens everyone’s security. Lightwire Solutions encourages our clients to stay informed and help spread awareness about the latest scams.

Improve Your Online Security Today

Are your devices up to date with security patches? Do you have a reliable anti-malware solution? Is DNS filtering installed to block dangerous websites? If you’re unsure about any of these areas, Lightwire Solutions can help. Our cybersecurity experts provide affordable solutions to secure your online activities. Contact us today to discuss strengthening your online defenses.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press.

Today’s businesses are no stranger to the word cybersecurity. They face a growing wave of cyberattacks, from ransomware to sophisticated phishing schemes. How can you stay ahead of these threats? A strong cybersecurity strategy is essential, and one crucial component of this strategy is event logging—something not every business owner is fully aware of.

Think of event logging as a digital detective. Tracking activities and events across your IT systems help spot potential security breaches and allows for a swift response. At Lightwire Solutions, we’re here to guide you through implementing event logging best practices to safeguard your network effectively.

What is Event Logging?

Event logging involves tracking all events that occur within your IT systems. An “event” can cover many different things, including:

• Login attempts
• File access
• Software installations
• Network traffic
• Denial of access
• System changes
• And much more

By tracking these events and adding timestamps, you gain a robust, ongoing view of your IT environment, helping you quickly detect and respond to threats. Lightwire Solutions can help you manage and leverage event logging for optimal security.

Why is it critical to track and log all these events?

• Detect suspicious activity: By monitoring user behavior and system events, you can identify unusual patterns that might signal an attack. 
• Respond quickly to incidents: Event logs provide a clear record of what happened during a breach, allowing for an efficient response.
• Meet regulations: Certain industries require accurate record-keeping of system activities. Event logging helps ensure compliance and prevent penalties.

Best Practices to Use Event Logging Effectively

Event logging is most effective when you follow best practices. At Lightwire Solutions, we guide businesses in adopting these strategies to optimize event logging and strengthen their cybersecurity defenses.

Log What Matters Most

It’s essential to log the events that can reveal security breaches and compliance risks without overwhelming yourself with data. Here are the most important events to track:

• Logins and Logouts: Track all access points to your systems, including failed attempts and new account setups.
• Accessing Sensitive Data: Keep an eye on who’s viewing sensitive information.
• System Changes: Record any adjustments to system configurations, software installations, or updates, which may reveal vulnerabilities.

Lightwire Solutions can help you focus on logging the critical events, making this process manageable and cost-effective for your business.

Centralize Your Logs

Imagine solving a puzzle with pieces scattered across different rooms, it’s chaotic! Centralizing logs with a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system gathers all event logs in one place, making them easier to manage and act upon. Here’s why centralization matters:

• Spot patterns: Connect the dots between suspicious activities across systems.
• Respond faster: All the evidence you need is at your fingertips in case of an incident.
• Get a complete picture: See your network to identify weaknesses.

Lightwire Solutions can implement SIEM solutions that help centralize and streamline your log management for a more proactive security stance.

Ensure Logs Are Tamper-Proof

Securing your event logs is essential to prevent attackers from covering their tracks. Protecting your logs ensures they remain accurate and intact. Here’s how:

• Encrypt your logs: Encryption keeps logs unreadable to unauthorized viewers.
• Use WORM storage: Write-Once-Read-Many storages keeps logs unalterable.
• Access controls: Limit log access to authorized personnel only.

Our team at Lightwire Solutions can implement these safeguards, ensuring your logs remain a trusted source for post-incident analysis.

Establish Log Retention Policies

A clear log retention policy helps keep necessary data without overwhelming your storage or losing valuable information too soon. Consider these points:

• Compliance requirements: Some industries mandate minimum retention times.
• Business needs: Keep logs as long as necessary for investigations and audits.
• Storage capacity: Ensure the policy aligns with available storage.

Lightwire Solutions assists businesses in setting retention policies that balance compliance needs and practical storage management.

Check Logs Regularly

Event logging works only if you actively monitor the data. Automated alerts and periodic reviews help you identify potential threats before they escalate. Here’s how to make the most of your logs:

• Set automated alerts: Notify your team of critical events.
• Perform periodic reviews: Regular log analysis uncovers hidden threats.
• Correlate events: Connect activities to reveal larger patterns or attacks.

Lightwire Solutions can automate these checks, allowing your business to respond to threats proactively.

Need Help with Event Logging Solutions?

Lightwire Solutions is your trusted partner in managed IT services. With expertise in event logging and cybersecurity, we can help you set up these best practices, optimize your IT infrastructure, and protect your business. Call or email us today to discuss how event logging can strengthen your security and compliance efforts.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press.

In today’s world, everything’s connected. That includes the software your business relies on. Whether you’ve installed that software locally or use it in the cloud. Protecting the entire process that creates and delivers your software is very important. From the tools developers use to the way updates reach your computer, every step matters. A breach or vulnerability in any part of this chain can have severe consequences. A recent example is the global IT outage that happened last July. This outage brought down airlines, banks, and many other businesses. The culprit for the outage was an update gone wrong. This update came from a software supplier called CrowdStrike. It turns out that the company was a link in a LOT of software supply chains. What can you do to avoid a similar supply chain-related issue? Let’s talk about why securing your software supply chain is absolutely essential.

1. Increasing Complexity and Interdependence

Many Components

Modern software relies on several components. These include open-source libraries, third-party APIs, and cloud services. Each component introduces potential vulnerabilities. Ensuring the security of each part is essential to maintaining system integrity.

Continuous Integration and Deployment

Continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) practices are now common. These practices involve frequent updates and integrations of software. While this speeds up development, it also increases the risk of introducing vulnerabilities. Securing the CI/CD pipeline is crucial to prevent the introduction of malicious code.

2. Rise of Cyber Threats

Targeted Attacks

Cyber attackers are increasingly targeting the software supply chain. Attackers infiltrate trusted software to gain access to wider networks. This method is often more effective than direct attacks on well-defended systems.

Sophisticated Techniques

Attackers use sophisticated techniques to exploit supply chain vulnerabilities. These include advanced malware, zero-day exploits, and social engineering. The complexity of these attacks makes them difficult to detect and mitigate. A robust security posture is necessary to defend against these threats.

Financial and Reputational Damage

A successful attack can result in significant financial and reputational damage. Companies may face regulatory fines, legal costs, and loss of customer trust. Recovering from a breach can be a lengthy and expensive process. Proactively securing the supply chain helps avoid these costly consequences.

3. Regulatory Requirements

Compliance Standards

Various industries have strict compliance standards for software security. These include regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). Non-compliance can result in severe penalties. Ensuring supply chain security helps meet these regulatory requirements.

Vendor Risk Management

Regulations often require robust vendor risk management. Companies must ensure that their suppliers adhere to security best practices. This includes assessing and monitoring vendor security measures. A secure supply chain involves verifying that all partners meet compliance standards.

Data Protection

Regulations emphasize data protection and privacy. Securing the supply chain helps protect sensitive data from unauthorized access. This is especially important for industries like finance and healthcare. In these industries, data breaches can have serious consequences.

4. Ensuring Business Continuity

Preventing Disruptions

A secure supply chain helps prevent disruptions in business operations. Cyber-attacks can lead to downtime, impacting productivity and revenue. Ensuring the integrity of the supply chain minimizes the risk of operational disruptions.

Maintaining Trust

Customers and partners expect secure and reliable software. A breach can erode trust and damage business relationships. By securing the supply chain, companies can maintain the trust of their stakeholders.

Steps to Secure Your Software Supply Chain

Put in Place Strong Authentication

Use strong authentication methods for all components of the supply chain. This includes multi-factor authentication (MFA) and secure access controls. Ensure that only authorized personnel can access critical systems and data.

Do Phased Update Rollouts

Keep all software components up to date, but don’t do all systems at once. Apply patches and updates to a few systems first. If those systems aren’t negatively affected, then roll out the update more widely.

Conduct Security Audits

Perform regular security audits of the supply chain. This involves assessing the security measures of all vendors and partners. Identify and address any weaknesses or gaps in security practices. Audits help ensure ongoing compliance with security standards.

Use Secure Development Practices

Adopt secure development practices to reduce vulnerabilities. This includes code reviews, static analysis, and penetration testing. Ensure that security is integrated into the development lifecycle from the start.

Monitor for Threats

Install continuous monitoring for threats and anomalies. Use tools like intrusion detection systems (IDS). As well as security information and event management (SIEM) systems. Monitoring helps detect and respond to potential threats in real-time.

Educate and Train Staff

Educate and train staff on supply chain security. This includes developers, IT personnel, and management. Awareness and training help ensure that everyone understands their role in maintaining security.

Get Help Managing IT Vendors in Your Supply Chain

Securing your software supply chain is no longer optional. A breach or outage can have severe financial and operational consequences. Investing in supply chain security is crucial for the resilience of any business. Need some help managing technology vendors or securing your digital supply chain? Reach out today and let’s chat.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press.