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How to prepare your business for a cyberattack

A cyberattack is any attempt to steal sensitive data or disrupt computer operations. Scanners are making it easier for cybercriminals to identify businesses with vulnerabilities to find their next targets. Advanced planning is important for mitigating risks to your business and ensuring operations can continue if an attack were to happen. Here are some tips to prepare for the unexpected and help your business move on from a cyberattack.

Conduct regular backups: Consistently backup critical data, storing it on-site and off-site if possible. Your IT team should also test your backup system to make sure it is functioning properly, and that the backup data is accessible.

Secure remote work environments: With more people working outside the office, it’s more important than ever to ensure those employees are securely accessing your system. They should be using virtual private networks (VPNs), keeping up with software updates and using strong passwords.

Secure internal networks:  Reinforcing internal networks can help limit access points for attackers. We recommend regularly updating firewalls and monitoring your system for any unusual activity. You may also want to consider encrypting sensitive information and securing routers with passwords.

Consider cyber liability insurance:  If it’s within your budget, consider obtaining cyber liability insurance. It can help with the costs associated with an attack, including legal fees, attack investigation and customer notification costs.

Establish a comprehensive incident response plan: An incident response plan outlines the steps your IT and management teams should take during and after a cyberattack. The plan should include communication protocols and immediate actions that should be taken to prevent further damage from spreading. To learn more about what an incident response plan entails, visit Steps to Creating an Incident Response Plan.

ICC can help you develop a comprehensive incident response plan, as well as advise on other security tactics to protect your data and business. If you are missing one element of cyber defense, you could be putting your business at risk. Contact us to get started.  

Looking for more security tips for your business? Checkout The Importance of Regular IT Audits, The Impact of Cloud Computing on Cybersecurity and The Importance of Website Security. 

The increasing Threat of AI-Manipulated Video and Audio

If you’ve come across a video reporting on a story that seemed suspiciously untrue, your instinct may have been right. Deepfake technology makes it possible to create hyper-realistic audio and video by mimicking a person’s voice, facial expressions and even gestures, but they are entirely fake. With advanced capabilities to manipulate audio and video, it’s sometimes very hard to know what’s real and what’s not.

Deepfake Threats

Deepfakes have become a serious risk for everyone. They can be crafted in seconds to spread misinformation, especially in the political sphere, or ruin a person’s reputation by making it look like they said or did something they never actually did. Deepfakes are also being used to impersonate high-level executives to steal financial information from businesses. Employees are tricked into transferring money, thinking they are following a CEO’s request.

How to Detect and Defend Against Deepfakes

Detecting deepfakes has become more difficult, but there are still tactics your business can use that will help identify a fake video or audio.

• AI Detection Tools: Tech companies are developing AI-driven solutions to analyze inconsistencies in videos and audio, such as unnatural blinking patterns or irregular voice patterns.
• Training and Awareness: Educating staff on deepfake risks can help employees critically assess suspicious content before     sharing or engaging with it.
• Stronger Cybersecurity Measures: Organizations can implement multi-factor authentication and digital watermarking to verify content authenticity.

As AI-generated deepfake technology continues to evolve, you must defend your business with strategies and tools to protect it from potential dangers. ICC can help put a comprehensive plan in place to help your staff stay informed and implement the right tools to better protect your business from AI-generated threats. Contact us to schedule a consultation.

Which one is right for your business?

Cloud computing is emerging as an essential piece of a company’s digital operations. It offers businesses the scalability and efficiency to help their operations thrive. There are many factors to consider when choosing a cloud solution for your business. You need to consider your business goals, budget, data sensitivity and what kind of workloads you have. However, understanding which solution best fits your business can be daunting. Here’s a look at the different types of cloud solutions to help you assess if it’s the right one for your business.

Public Cloud

This is a service provided by third-party vendors that delivers computing resources over the internet. Examples include Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud. Public cloud services are ideal for startups and smaller companies because of its pay-as-you-go pricing and ease of use. However, its public, shared infrastructure does bring some security concerns so extra attention should be given to setting up safety measures.

Private Cloud

This cloud solution is dedicated and tailored to your business only, either hosted on-site or by a third-party provider. It offers a much more secure environment that is only accessible to authorized employees. This is much more ideal for industries like finance and healthcare that need to adhere to strict compliance standards. Keep in mind that setting up your business with a private cloud will most likely mean higher set-up costs and ongoing maintenance expenses. 

Hybrid Cloud

This is a combination of the public and private cloud environments that work together to give you benefits from both platforms. Businesses are able to keep sensitive data on a private cloud while using a public cloud for non-sensitive data. The biggest benefit to using the hybrid cloud is its flexibility. It lets businesses choose the best option for different data and applications. If your company chooses this route, using a hybrid cloud does require a skilled IT Team to manage it.

Multi-Cloud

Just as it sounds, multi-cloud uses services from different providers. Businesses aren’t committed to one single provider and can choose the best and most cost-effective cloud solution based on the needs of each workload. Multi-cloud usage can also provide enhanced security. If a security breach were to happen, multi-cloud users can quickly transfer data to another provider or backup to a private cloud.

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all option when it comes to choosing the right cloud solution for your business. Take advantage of ICC’s Cloud Services. ICC can help assess your needs and create a tailored strategy that aligns with your workflow and business goals. The right cloud solution can help increase efficiency and enhance data security. Contact us to learn more.

How AI is Making Email Scams More Convincing

Most of us are pretty familiar with phishing attacks, a cybercrime in which scammers attempt to obtain your personal information often through deceptive emails. Such emails used to be easy to detect, with misspellings, or coming from unusual website addresses. However, with the rise of AI, email scams are becoming more sophisticated and much harder to detect. Here are some ways cyber criminals are using AI to deceive us and what your business can do to protect itself.

Deepfake Technology

AI-generated deepfake technology isn’t only used for video and audio; it’s also used to mimic a person’s writing style. For instance, scammers might use AI to impersonate a colleague or CEO using company jargon or company details to make it seem credible. The fake message often includes a request for an urgent payment or sensitive personal information.

Spear Phishing Attacks

Spear phishing takes traditional phishing to a deeper, more personalized level. Email scammers use AI tools to collect information from places like social media profiles and public databases. This allows them to tailor emails by personalizing them with specific details like a person’s job title or referencing recent activities. The personalization makes the email seem legitimate and increases the likelihood that the recipient will fall for the scam.

Lengthier Text

Cybercriminals are boosting their efforts by really taking into account everything that can help make an email look credible. That includes the length of the email. An email recipient might be suspicious of a short email asking for payment without much of an explanation. But additional copy offering more context and explanation will make the email seem more legitimate and make it more difficult to ignore.

Defend Your Business Against AI-Powered Email Scams

• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Even if scammers obtain an employee’s login credentials, MFA adds an extra layer of security.
• Educate Employees: Regularly conduct trainings with your team on common phishing tactics.
• Use Advanced Email Filters: Many email providers offer AI-powered spam filters that can identify and block phishing emails.
• Verify Unusual Requests: If you receive an unexpected email from a colleague or boss, confirm its authenticity through another channel, like a phone call or in-person conversation.

AI has significantly raised the stakes in the fight against email scams, making them more convincing and harder to detect. ICC can equip you with the tools you need to defend your business against cyber threats. We’ll put a comprehensive plan in place that includes network security, email security, and quality control reviews. Contact us to get started with a consultation.

Kickstart your year with a security check

Are you confident that you have sufficient protection in place to protect your business against cyber threats? Do you know if your business complies with security regulations? If you’re not sure, you should conduct an IT audit. An IT audit isa thorough evaluation of your company’s tech system, company policies and management. The start of the year is a good time to conduct an IT audit and then make it a regular practice to keep your company’s IT infrastructure safe and in compliance with regulatory standards.

The Benefits of Regular IT Audits

·      Finds Any Security Vulnerabilities: Regular audits can identify outdated software, misconfigured systems and other vulnerabilities that would put your company data at risk.

·      Maintains Regulatory Compliance: Industries such as healthcare, finance, and retail have strict data protection regulations like HIPAA, PCI DSS, and GDPR. An IT audit will make sure your company meets those requirements, avoiding large fines and any damage to your company’s reputation.

·      Improves Efficiency and Savings: An IT audit may reveal where processes can be streamlined or automated, helping to boost productivity and ultimately save money.

What to Include in an Effective Audit

·      Check Security Measures: Are firewalls and antivirus software up to date? Are data encryption standards being met? Regularly reviewing these elements ensures they’re effective against emerging threats.

·      Examine Access Privileges: Unauthorized access is a common cause of data breaches. Review user permissions to ensure that employees have access only to the information needed for their roles.

·      Review Incident Response Plan: An incident response plan ensures your company knows the steps to take if a cyberattack were to happen. It can help limit the damage and recover more efficiently from a security incident.

·      Test Backup and Recovery Systems: Data loss can be catastrophic for any business. Ensure your backup systems are functioning correctly and that recovery protocols are tested regularly to minimize downtime during a disaster.

Regular IT audits are more than a precaution; they’re essential to a strong cybersecurity defense. Having a reliable IT partner like ICC can help you implement a comprehensive audit to assess all your company’s security and compliance measures. We’ll also make recommendations on optimizing IT procedures. If you are missing one piece in your line of defense, you may be putting your business at risk. Contact us to get started with a consultation.

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What’s New and What’s Next

As we enter 2025, our relationship with artificial intelligence (AI) will continue to be a challenging balancing act. As much as it helps businesses be much more efficient and productive, AI will continue to pose great threats as cybercriminals continue to craft sophisticated ways to use it to steal data and sensitive information. Here are a few AI scams that will be significantly on the rise in 2025 and what you can do so your business doesn’t fall victim to them.

Deepfakes will become nearly unrecognizable

Advancements of deepfake technology has made it possible to create ultra-realistic videos and audio that are being used for fraudulent purposes. Cybercriminals are able to impersonate CEOs, celebrities and even family members to obtain money or financial information. Businesses should train employees to recognize deepfakes and use secure communication tools for sensitive interactions.

Employment scams

AI-powered tools enable scammers to create job postings and realistic company profiles. Scammers target job seekers, particularly those in remote or freelance roles, by offering fake lucrative opportunities that require upfront fees to take training or certification courses. To reassure jobseekers, companies should verify their online presence whenever possible, list an HR contact and only use business email domains for communication.

Card declined scams

Cybercriminals are exploiting payment system vulnerabilities and leveraging AI to deceive customers. They create fake “card declined” messages to prompt consumers to re-enter their payment details for a transaction. Even when the card declined message appears, the charges often actually occur. Unsuspecting customers may enter their information more than once, which unfortunately may result in payments going through more than once. Businesses can help protect customers by investing in secure payment gateways, implementing two-factor authentication and displaying clear branding throughout the payment process so customers recognize the authenticity of the process.

As we look ahead to 2025, the fraudulent AI landscape will continue to evolve at a fast pace. ICC can help businesses protect themselves and their customers from these emerging threats by staying informed and implementing comprehensive, layered defense strategies. When you work with ICC, you can expect a comprehensive plan of services for security, management, and compliance. If you are missing one piece of the pie, you may be putting your business at risk and not being fully efficient or compliant. We can not only help you safeguard operations but also build trust with customers. Contact us to get started with a consultation.

Shopping on the internet offers a lot of convenient opportunities. However, AI-generated websites have brought about new risks for consumers. Designed with sophisticated AI tools, they can be difficult to identify. Many look authentic by mimicking well-known brands and some even feature fake consumer reviews to make the website appear trustworthy. Especially during the holiday season, you need to be careful of fake online stores and even marketplace listings. Once you click on the links and submit your personal information, scammers can access and steal your information, using it to make unauthorized purchases.  Here are a few ways you can look out for fake AI-generated websites.

·       Check the URL Carefully. Fraudulent websites often use URLs that closely resemble legitimate ones but includes light alterations, such as additional characters or misspellings. For example, instead of "www.amazon.com," it might read"www.amaz0n.com."

·      Be Suspicious of Unrealistic Deals: If a website offers products or services at prices that seem too good to be true, proceed with caution. Scammers use deep discounts to lure consumers, knowing they’re often more likely to make impulse purchases on “limited-time” deals. Think before you click!

·      Look for Genuine Customer Reviews Off-site: Be cautious with reviews directly displayed on a website, as these can be easily faked by AI. Instead, search for the company on independent review platforms or social media to check for authentic reviews or any customer complaints.

·      Use an Anti-Phishing Tool: Many antivirus programs include anti-phishing features that detect fake websites. These tools are regularly updated to identify new threats, including AI-generated scam sites.

·      Use Credit Cards or Trusted Payment Services: Credit card companies and services like PayPal often offer better protection against fraud. If you catch a fraudulent charge on your credit card statement you can usually dispute the charge. Debit cards, on the other hand, directly access your bank account and it may take a while to get your money back.

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Practice caution when browsing unfamiliar sites, and if something seems off, it’s always better to trust your instinct and not purchase from a suspicious vendor. For businesses, ICC can help put tools in place that will build consumer trust and secure transaction procedures so consumers feel safe about clicking on your website. Contact us to learn more.

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What Businesses Need to Know

Cloud computing has changed the way businesses operate, enabling scalability, advanced security and cost savings that were once unimaginable. However, along with these benefits comes an increased need to focus on cybersecurity. As organizations move their data to the cloud, they must be proactive when it comes to securing their information. Here is what you need to know about cloud computing and cybersecurity.

The Cloud and Business Relationship

The relationship between cloud computing and businesses can be looked at as an equal partnership. Cloud providers are responsible for securing the infrastructure, but businesses are responsible for protecting the data they store. This shared responsibility means both parties must prioritize cyber security measures to minimize risks. For instance, cloud providers allow access from anywhere, which can increase security risks if unauthorized users gain access. Businesses need to monitor any unauthorized access to sensitive cloud-stored data.

How Businesses Can Ensure Their Data is Secure in the Cloud

To enhance cybersecurity in cloud environments, here are a few precautions businesses can take:

·      Utilize Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security, ensuring that only authorized users can access sensitive data. By requiring multiple forms of identification, businesses can reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

·      Conduct Regular Security Audits: Regular audits can help identify vulnerabilities before any damage is done. Continuous monitoring for unusual activity can detect potential breaches early.

·      Use Data Encryption: Encryption ensures that even if data is intercepted, it remains illegible to unauthorized users. Encryption basically scrambles the data, so outside parties are unable to read it.

·      Establish Data Backup and Recovery Plans: Cloud providers typically offer backup options, but businesses should have a recovery plan in place. A solid backup and recovery plan minimizes the impact of data loss due to cyberattacks or system failures. Once a plan is developed it should be tested periodically.

·      Train Employees on Cloud Security: Human error remains a significant risk. Training employees on best practices, such as recognizing phishing attempts, helps reduce this risk.

As businesses continue to use cloud computing as part of their daily routine, understanding and addressing the associated cybersecurity risks is important. ICC can help implement a comprehensive plan for cloud security—including precautions like multi-factor authentication, encryption, and regular audits. If you are missing one piece of the pie, you may be putting your business at risk. Contact us to get started with a consultation.

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Tools We’re Grateful For

As we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving and reflect on what we’re grateful for, it’s a great time to acknowledge the technology that has revolutionized our day-to-day lives and how we do business. There have been some incredible advancements that have helped us streamline tasks, improve communication, and boost productivity. Here’s a look at some of our favorite tools.

Collaboration Tools

Since the pandemic remote work has surged, and collaboration tools have become indispensable. Platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Zoom have kept teams connected, no matter where they are. They streamline communication, file sharing, and project management among staff for seamless collaboration and greater productivity.

Artificial Intelligence

AI tools are becoming more integrated into everyday business functions. From customer service chatbots to predictive analytics tools, AI is helping businesses make data-driven decisions faster and more efficient than ever before. There is no doubt there is more to come from this technology.

Cloud Computing

Cloud platforms like Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and Amazon Web Services(AWS) have redefined how businesses store, manage, and access data. These services eliminate the need for bulky on-premise servers, making data more accessible, scalable, and secure. For many companies, cloud computing has significantly cut IT costs and allowed them to operate with increased flexibility and efficiency.

GPS Technology

Global Positioning System (GPS) technology has done more than help people navigate their way to Thanksgiving dinner. For delivery services, realtors and even sales teams, GPS has become essential in streamlining operations. Fleet management systems use GPS to track vehicles, and find the best routes, ensuring that deliveries are on time and operations run smoothly. GPS technology helps e-commerce businesses track packages in real time, allowing for precise delivery windows and improved customer satisfaction.

As we express gratitude this Thanksgiving, it’s important to recognize how far technology has brought us in making businesses more efficient and capable. From GPS to AI, these tools not only improve productivity but also allow companies to better serve their customers and compete in an increasingly digital world.

If you haven’t taken advantage of either of these tools, ICC can help you understand and implement them into your business. These tech tools will make your workdays smoother and more productive! Contact us to learn more and get started.

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is bringing a lot of benefits to how we do business and improve our lives. Unfortunately, the increased use of AI has also prompted scammers to use the technology to create deceptive messages, images and videos to enhance their schemes. AI scams are becoming so common and harder to identify that we are starting a new series, “AI Scam Alert” bringing attention to an AI scam every month with tips on how to best protect yourself and your business.

One trend that has become incredibly alarming is voice cloning scams.  This is when scammers use artificial intelligence to clone the voice of a loved one or trusted individual. By analyzing just a few seconds of recorded speech—like a voicemail or social media clip—AI can replicate a person’s voice with shocking accuracy. In personal situations, scammers use these cloned voices to make phone calls, posing as a friend or family member in distress, often claiming they urgently need money. Victims, believing they are hearing the voice of a loved one, may act quickly without questioning the situation. Businesses are also being targeted with voice cloning scams. Scammers may use voice cloning to impersonate executives or key personnel, contacting employees to request urgent wire transfers or sensitive information. Employees, hearing what they believe is the voice of their boss, may act quickly, trusting the request without proper verification. This type of attack can lead to significant financial loss or data breaches.

How to protect yourself and your business:

• Be cautious with voice recordings shared online.
• Verify unexpected requests by calling back the person's known number.
• Implement multi-step verification processes for financial transactions.
• Confirm unusual requests through other channels.

Staying aware and putting safeguards in place can prevent you and your business from becoming a victim of this new wave of AI-powered scams. ICC can put a comprehensive plan in place that includes verification processes and employee training. If you are missing one piece of the pie, you may be putting your business at risk and not being fully efficient. Contact us to get started with a consultation.

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