Just because you are not a celebrity, doesn’t mean you wont get hacked

IT’S THAT TIME WHERE WE TALK ABOUT WEAK PASSWORDS AGAIN.

It seems like every few months this subject rears its ugly head. You’d think most people would create a strong password at this point, right? Apparently not. I am here to tell you how to protect yourself while browsing the World Wide Web, yet again.

You may think that your personal data is safe. You’re at home snuggled on the couch with a blanket and your laptop, and you’ve heard Greys Anatomy is great. After your friend has lent you the first season, you have that desire we all know to sign up for Netflix to get your hands on season two. You mosey on over to the Netflix website and enter in your email and create a password for that account. You want to be able to remember it, so you use the same one that you always use when you need to come up with a password. Because who has time to reset a password when your Grey’s Anatomy marathon is waiting for you after a hard day at work??? So, you pop in your clever, witty and secure password that you came up with 10 years ago. After happily starting up Greys Anatomy episode one of season two you have just compromised yourself.

There are a couple different reasons why you just compromised your personal information. First, the complexity of your 10-year-old password is probably very weak compared to today’s standards and current technology can figure it out many times faster than when you first came up with it. Secondly, by never, and I mean, never changing that password, you’ve potentially opened up every account you’ve ever signed up for. If you just used the same weak password for Netflix that you use with PayPal, you just gave away your banking information. Changing your passwords and using different passwords for your accounts are two things that are simple enough for anyone to do and yet to many of us don’t. To summarize this from an article on lifehacker.com “You really need to have different strong passwords for everything. Remember, the technique is to break into anything you access just need to figure out your standard password, then compromise everything else. This doesn’t work if you don’t use the same password everywhere” (1)

Now, time for the part that you all have been waiting for: How to create a strong password that you can actually remember! A popular web comic, XKCD, has captured the essence here: https://xkcd.com/936/ Funny, right? But, it clearly demonstrates that you can still remember “correcthorsebatterystaple” more easily than $uchSecur3ness!. Additionally, you would never need to do something unsafe such as writing it on a post it and putting it under your keyboard or mouse pad to remember it.

For those of you who don’t like changing your passwords often, we would recommend using a password management tool. This will allow you to auto generate a unique, very complex password for each of your online accounts that you will never have to remember. This is because the password management tool remembers them for you. Two of the most popular password management tools to date are 1Password and LastPass. Going with a password management tool will help you better secure your online accounts.

Now its time for you to reflect on whether or not you have been using weak passwords online with websites that contain your credit card info, saved conveniently for your next purchase. For some of you change is hard, but I think we all can agree that we like identity theft even less. Now go on, make it a goal to take 15 minutes each morning to change your passwords until you have updated each of your accounts to a unique and more secure password. Maybe even splurge for a password management tool to assist in this process and take most of the headache away. There’s even a nifty website that can tell you how secure your newly minted password are: https://howsecureismypassword.net/

There, now don’t you feel more secure already?

The post Just because you are not a celebrity, doesn’t mean you wont get hacked appeared first on SDTEK | San Diego, CA.

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Staying Ahead of Cyber Threats in Fort Wayne: A Guide for Local Businesses

05 Jan, 2024

In an era where digital transformation is at its peak, businesses are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats in Fort Wayne, Indiana. With cybercriminals becoming more sophisticated, local companies must avoid these threats to safeguard their digital assets. As cybersecurity experts, SDTEK is dedicated to helping Fort Wayne businesses fortify their defenses against these ever-evolving threats. Understanding the Cyber Threat Landscape in Fort Wayne Like many thriving urban areas, Fort Wayne is home to a diverse range of businesses. The variety of enterprises here makes the city a vibrant economic hub, from bustling tech startups to established manufacturing companies. However, this diversity also makes the area a target for cybercriminals. The most common threats include phishing attacks, ransomware, data breaches, and malware. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are particularly vulnerable, often due to limited IT security resources. Recognizing these threats is the first step in building an effective defense strategy. Why Cybersecurity Matters More Than Ever for Local Businesses The consequences of cyber attacks can be devastating. They can lead to financial loss, damage to reputation, and legal implications if customer data is compromised. In today's interconnected world, the fallout from a security breach can extend far beyond the immediate damage, impacting customer trust and business continuity. Tailored Cybersecurity Strategies for Fort Wayne Businesses At SDTEK, we understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to cybersecurity. This is why we offer customized security strategies that cater to the specific needs of Fort Wayne businesses. Our approach includes: Risk Assessment: Evaluate your business's particular risks, considering factors unique to your industry and operational model. Employee Training: Empowering your staff with knowledge and best practices to recognize and prevent potential cyber threats. Implementing Robust Security Measures: This includes firewalls, anti-virus software, and secure Wi-Fi networks tailored to your business's specific needs. Regular Monitoring and Updates: Continuously monitor for threats and keep your security systems up-to-date to combat new and emerging threats. Best Practices for Cyber Hygiene In addition to tailored strategies, there are general best practices that every business in Fort Wayne can implement: Regularly update software and systems to patch vulnerabilities. Use strong, unique passwords and consider multi-factor authentication. Regularly back up data and store it securely. Establish a clear policy for handling sensitive data. Collaboration and Continuous Learning Cybersecurity is not a one-time effort but a continuous process. Collaboration between businesses and cybersecurity experts like SDTEK is crucial. We encourage Fort Wayne businesses to engage in local cybersecurity forums and workshops to stay informed about the latest threats and defenses. Conclusion In Fort Wayne, staying ahead of cyber threats is essential for the longevity and success of your business. By understanding the risks, implementing tailored strategies, and practicing good cyber hygiene, local businesses can significantly reduce their vulnerability to cyber-attacks. At SDTEK, we are committed to partnering with you in this journey, providing the expertise and support you need to protect your digital assets and thrive in a digital-first world. For more insights and assistance on cybersecurity solutions tailored for your Fort Wayne business, contact SDTEK . Your digital safety is our priority.

The Benefits of Cybersecurity Dark Web Monitoring for Business Owners

06 Dec, 2023

In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity is paramount to protect sensitive business information from falling into the wrong hands. As a business owner, you understand the value of securing your data and safeguarding your reputation. That's where dark web monitoring comes into play. What is Dark Web Monitoring? The dark web is a hidden part of the internet where illegal activities often take place, including the buying and selling of stolen data. Dark web monitoring involves scanning the dark web to identify any instances of your business's compromised information being traded or sold. By monitoring these underground networks, you gain valuable insights and can take immediate action to mitigate potential risks. Key Features and Benefits Real-time Alerts: Dark web monitoring provides real-time alerts, notifying you the moment your business's data appears on the dark web. This allows you to respond swiftly and take the necessary steps to protect your sensitive information. Comprehensive Coverage: Dark web monitoring casts a wide net across various dark web platforms, ensuring comprehensive coverage. It searches for mentions of your business, compromised credentials, financial information, and other sensitive data that may have been exposed. Access to an Expert Support Team: With dark web monitoring, you're not alone in the fight against cyber threats. You have access to an expert support team that can guide you through the process, answer your questions, and provide recommendations to strengthen your cybersecurity posture. Addressing Misconceptions Misconception 1: Dark web monitoring is only necessary for large businesses. Cybercriminals do not discriminate based on business size. Any organization, regardless of its scale, can become a target. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable as they often lack the robust security infrastructure that larger enterprises may have. Dark web monitoring is essential for all businesses, regardless of their size, to proactively protect their data. Misconception 2: Dark web monitoring is too technical to understand. While dark web monitoring may involve technical processes, the service providers are equipped to simplify the complexities for you. They will guide you through the setup, explain the monitoring process, and provide actionable insights in a user-friendly manner. You don't need to be a cybersecurity expert to benefit from dark web monitoring. Misconception 3: Dark web monitoring is expensive. The cost of dark web monitoring is a fraction of the potential financial and reputational damage that a data breach can cause. It's an investment in the security and longevity of your business. Additionally, many service providers offer flexible pricing options to suit different business needs, making it an affordable solution for businesses of all sizes. Conclusion As a business owner, the protection of your data is essential for the continuity and success of your organization. Dark web monitoring offers a proactive approach to cybersecurity, enabling you to identify and respond to potential threats swiftly. By leveraging real-time alerts, comprehensive coverage, and the support of experts, you can safeguard your sensitive information, maintain customer trust, and protect your business from reputational damage. Don't wait until it's too late. Invest in dark web monitoring to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and gain the peace of mind you deserve. Your business's security is worth it.