SCW Blog

Microsoft’s Windows 10 is a great operating system that many users are finding to be extremely helpful for their everyday needs, but even the most rabid Windows fan will tell you that the constant updates are irritating and disruptive at best. While they do bring with them new features and updates--particularly the large updates that happen twice a year--they do take some time to install. The upcoming update they are releasing in October, however, poses a problem for businesses and users alike.

Security threats are unfortunately common in the business world of today, and these threats are only getting more sophisticated. In response, more businesses and companies are turning to security professionals to help protect them. We’ll dive into some of the tools that a managed security service provider leverages, and how it can incorporate into a business’ IT strategy.

One of the best things about computers is that there is always a new way to make something easier: automation decreases a workload, their processors can calculate much faster than the human brain can, collaboration with coworkers becomes almost effortless, and your web browser can even remember your passwords! However, you have to ask yourself: is the ability to save your passwords in your browser really a great idea?

The Internet of Things has verifiably exploded in popularity in almost every conceivable fashion, as was more or less expected before 2018. What can we expect from the IoT in 2019? We’ve compiled a few predictions.

Internet scams are major threats to individuals and business because all it takes is one wrong click of the mouse and a user is embroiled in an unenviable situation. One such scam that is happening today is designed to catch users with their pants down, so to speak.

If you think about it, password security is an interesting phenomenon. The odds are that a user knows the importance of using a strong password, as well as the potential consequences of using weak ones. Yet, time after time, people would rather go with passwords that are easy to type and remember, as opposed to adding a few simple security measures.

The world is unfortunately familiar with the concept of terrorism, the use of fear and menace to intimidate those opposed to your views, beliefs, or goals. However, others may not be as familiar with the concept of cyberterrorism, beyond seeing it on television. For today’s blog, we’ll examine cyberterrorism to gain a better understanding of its methods, and how to protect yourself from it.

Data security isn’t a matter to be taken lightly, as too many businesses have found out the hard way. Unfortunately, there are far too many simple ways to correct common security issues - enough that it’s foolish not to do so. We’ll review a few ways to fix security issues, after discussing one of, if not the, most egregious security failings in modern history.

It appears that the Department of Homeland Security is stepping in after one of the Ghostbusters had her personal information leaked online after falling victim to a cyber attack. Leslie Jones, who played Patty Tolan in the recent reboot, had not only photos of her passport and driver’s license but also nude images of herself--allegedly taken from the comedian’s iCloud account--posted on her website by hackers. Less than a day after her website was taken down, Homeland Security began an investigation into the hack.

You may be aware of the risks associated with utilizing Wi-Fi, like a potential hack attack. However, you may not know about a new risk where the Wi-Fi signals may be remotely checked for distortion in order to track human motion as they move through the signal.

In light of the recent spat of data breaches leading to login credentials from accounts for Myspace, Dropbox, and other online services, Spotify has taken measures to preserve their user security--despite not being victimized in a recent attack.

In a recent finding, assorted large hotels owned and operated by HEI Hotel & Resorts have been victims of malware since 2015. 20 of the company’s hotels were affected, with customer financial data being exposed in a real-time, point-of-sale malware attack. Have you recently stayed at one of these hotels?

You may be surprised to learn that your PC is connected to Internet services that go beyond the webpage displayed before you and the apps you have open. In some cases, these connections can be rather sketchy. Here’s how to check these hidden Internet connections, and turn off the ones you don’t need.

We all understand that there are things we need to lock up in order to protect them. Houses, cars, businesses, all are protected with locks to keep those who shouldn’t be in them, out. Shouldn’t your network receive the same consideration?

Executive Order 13694 will be around for another year, as the current administration has elected to extend it. This document provides the government with the power necessary to retaliate against cyber attacks of various kinds through the use of sanctions. Let’s take a look at what this means.

Looking back over the events of 2016, one thing was made very clear by cybercriminals: ransomware is a rising star in their arsenal. In order to continue to remain protected against these threats, it is critical to have a clear understanding of them.

A new malware swept across the globe Tuesday, incorporating facets of many ransomwares that have made headlines recently. While it originally appeared to be a variant of the Petya ransomware, it has been determined that it shares more in common with WannaCry. However, “NotPetya,” as it has been named, has a few additional features that experts say make it worse than either of its predecessors.

If you’re a fan of the spectacle put on by World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., you may find yourself pinned thanks to an error made in some of their databases. This error allowed personal information from three million users to be accessed by anyone who knew where to look.

As with all innovative technology, there is only a certain amount of time you’ll have until someone inevitably finds ways to exploit it. One such exploitation of a common technology that has flown under the radar and avoided widespread knowledge by users is VoIP fraud. VoIP fraud is no different than other cybercrime - the exploitation of a network or data to procure ill-gotten gains.

We talk about network security a lot, and for good reason. The majority of today’s businesses rely heavily on their information systems and there is plenty of danger presented by Internet-based threats. However, some organizations spend so much time worrying about cyber threats that they forget that physical threats exist outside the technology plane. Your organization needs to take steps toward securing its on-site premise, as well as the digital space in which your business exists.