Recent Cyber Security Breaches: City of San Marcos, Pitney Bowes Inc. and More

Monica Morris • Nov 07, 2019

In this day in age, keeping your technology safe should be #1 on your list. Cyber security breaches are happening monthly, daily or even by the hour. As an outsourced IT solution provider with an emphasis in IT Services for San Diego we want to make sure to “stay in know” about the latest cyber security attacks. Every few weeks we like to share our findings with you here on our blog. Please take a peek below to learn more about some of the most recent hacks affecting small to large businesses. Please be sure to read about the latest cyber attack to hit us locally, our very own City of San Marcos.

City of San Marcos

Unauthorized database access

The Hack: Cyber Attack

Analysis from Kevin Lancaster:  “Hackers accessed the city’s computer systems and restricted access to significant portions of their IT infrastructure. The attack, which began on October 24th, brought down email accounts and other communication services. As a result, messages sent to city employees were not delivered, though government facilities remain open. Recovering from the attack is proving especially difficult, as the services are still restricted for more than a week after the initial event. To prevent further attacks, employees are being asked to change their passwords and enable two-factor authentication on their accounts.”

 

Web.com

Domain name registration and web services provider

The Hack: Unauthorized database access

Analysis from Kevin Lancaster:  “An unauthorized third party accessed Web.com’s network, which compromised their customers’ personally identifiable information. The intrusion took place in August 2019, but IT personnel were not able to identify the breach until October 16th. Data breach notifications went out this week, but the significant detection delay will certainly compound the damage for both the company and its customers.”

 

Pitney Bowes Inc.

Mail Management Company

The Hack:  Malware Attack

Analysis from Kevin Lancaster:  “A malware attack prevented Pitney Bowes’ employees and customers from accessing critical services. The company, which specializes in mail management, lost business directly as a result of the attack. Customers were unable to refill postage or upload transactions on their mailing machines. In addition, news of the announcement sent the company’s shares down 4%, which underscores the many ways that a cybersecurity incident can negatively impact a company’s bottom line.”

 

Ontario Science Center (Canada)

Science museum in Ontario Canada

The Hack:  Unauthorized database access

Analysis from Kevin Lancaster:  “The Ontario Science Center endured a data breach after an employee of a third-party contractor downloaded personal data from the museum’s newsletter subscribers. The breach impacts subscribers, along with participants in camp programs and birthday parties. Although the breach is relatively restricted, it will still drain resources from an educational institution with better priorities in mind.”

 

Billtrust

B2B billing service provider

The Hack: Ransomware attack

Analysis from Kevin Lancaster:  “A ransomware attack crippled Billtrust’s customer-facing systems, forcing them to bring all infrastructure offline to stop the malware’s spread. The company discovered the attack on October 17th, and it’s taken nearly a week just to begin recovery efforts. Fortunately, Billtrust maintained backups that were unaffected by the attack, which made it possible to avoid paying the ransom demand. Nevertheless, the lost revenue, reputational damage, and recovery expenses will definitely chip away at the company’s bottom line.”

 

The Canada Post (Canada)

Primary postal operator in Canada

The Hack: Credential stuffing attack

Analysis from Kevin Lancaster:  “

“The Canada Post recently acknowledged that it discovered a data breach from 2017. The credential stuffing attack relied on redundant username and password credentials obtained from previous hacks to access user accounts. The postal provider was unable to identify the scope of the attack, so Canada Post is resetting all user account passwords.”

To learn more about how to keep your company safe and secure, click  here  to explore our San Diego IT Services & IT Security plans that are offered by SDTEK.

 

 

Fort Wayne Indiana downtown

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.
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