What Happens When a Raven Goes Phishing?

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What if Edgar Allan Poe wrote “The Raven” during the information age?

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I emailed, weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of unread mail
While I nodded, nearly sleeping, suddenly there came a beeping,
As of some notification buzzing, buzzing of a new email
“Tis some phisher” I muttered, tapping the icon “gmail”
Only this and nothing more.

Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the grey November;
I surrendered my password to member claiming to represent Facebook
Eagerly I wished I paused, for the anguish that had caused
A hacker that cares not of laws—my credentials they took
My password long and complicated, unique and rare to a crook
Kicked me off of my Facebook

When my inbox, full, staring into my slipping spirit
Tired me—tired me like nothing else had tired me ever before;
So that I, to keep my drooping eyes still open, I kept clicking
To the message following the one I read before—
Each new message following the one I read before—
That was my goal, nothing more.

Gradually my eyes grew heavy, exhaustion’s lure pulling down,
Click, again, and skimming, slowly I processed my email;
But the fact is I was slacking, and while dozing they came hacking,
And an email they sent chiming, chiming in my mail folder,
The alert tone faint, but there, sure—here I clicked the folder—
To see what was in my mail.

The note that had come opened, long I sat there looking, reading,
Wondering, dreaming things I had never dared to dream before;
But the message was still there, and as far as I was aware,
The message that it bore was the pointed promise “Much more!”
This I read, and again I said to myself “much more!”
Not seeing what was in store.

With renewed strength pushing forward, I moved my cursor slowly toward
The email that made a promise that I couldn’t just ignore.
“Surely,” said I, “surely it is something that would help the business,
Let me see then, what isthmus I have been sent to, to explore,
Let me help my job a little and this message I’ll explore,”
Not seeing what was in store.

Clicking firm on the mail icon, I, watching the small cursor strike on,
Saw the note in full appear with its full promise at the fore,
“Make more money with this data”, with a folder pinned and ready,
And, with not a thought of issue, clicked into the folder’s stores,
Waiting to see a trove of insights held inside the folder’s stores,
Not seeing what was in store.

But then panic struck, intestines in my belly intertwining,
By the dire and stern consequence of its disclosure. I swore,
“I have just been phished and hacked, and my data has been ransacked,
Without all the data that I need my chance of success is slim to poor
Oh, if only I had listened when I was warned of phishing lures!
If I only knew what was in store!

I sat there helplessly as malware locked and altered files,
Feeling my heart sink through my chest as I predicted what was in store.
I would update my resume but alas, I feel this makes me an automatic pass
With a record like this, I’ll never be considered for work any more
All because some cybercriminal targeted me for their score…
Oh, if only I knew what was in store.

Quoth COMPANYNAME, Never More.

Here at COMPANYNAME, we’re all too familiar with these kinds of events—and, more importantly, how to train your team members to avoid this and similar outcomes. Give us a call at PHONENUMBER to learn more, and Happy Halloween!

from: https://reciprocaltech.com/blog/what-happens-when-a-raven-goes-phishing/

Tip of the Week: Archive Your Emails Inside Microsoft Outlook

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How often do you find yourself with a full inbox, but you don’t want to delete the messages for fear there is something important in them? You could spend time digging through your inbox every time to find the important message, or you could archive them so you can find them later. Microsoft Outlook has a built-in archival feature that you can use.

Archive Your Outlook Emails

Archiving messages in Microsoft Outlook doesn’t delete them; it just puts them somewhere where they won’t get in your way. It stores them in an Archive folder where you can access them at your time of need.

The process for archiving an email in Outlook is similar no matter how you use the app, whether it’s the desktop client, the web version, or the mobile app. First, open up your preferred way of using Outlook.

Next, select the emails you want to archive. You can either click the email or long-hold it on the mobile app, or you can select multiple by holding down the Ctrl key.

You can then use the Archive feature to move your emails to the Archive folder. On the desktop app, you’ll find this setting on the Home menu. On the web, you’ll find it near the top of the page above where your inbox displays. On the mobile app, you’ll find the Archive button next to the three-dot menu.

That’s all you need to do! It’s a wonderfully simple process.

Implement a More Enterprise-Level Solution Today

Granted, an enterprise-level solution is probably going to be more in line with what your business needs from an archival solution, so we recommend you contact COMPANYNAME to discuss your options. We can help you implement the best solution out there for your specific needs.

We can help you implement an archival solution that is safe, secure, and efficient. To learn more, contact us at PHONENUMBER.

from: https://reciprocaltech.com/blog/tip-of-the-week-archive-your-emails-inside-microsoft-outlook/

Endpoint Protection: What is It?

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Endpoint protection is securing an organization’s software and hardware devices from malicious attacks. It can be accomplished by deploying antivirus software, running firewalls, or providing a robust content filtering mechanism. Most organizations use these methods to ensure that their devices are protected against known and new threats.

1. Importance of Endpoint Protection

Most IT professionals believe that endpoint protection is unnecessary for regular day-to-day business. However, any time new malicious software or device enters the organization, it can severely damage the productivity and reputation of the organization. Many organizations see more and more threats related to phishing and other attacks linked to websites and email than ever before. While some technologies can block malware at the network level, others require that each device be scanned before allowing a user to access corporate data.

2. Types of Endpoint Protection

There is no perfect endpoint protection suite, and users must choose the best solution that meets their current needs. One company may use multiple products to protect against the right threats properly. There are generally three types of Endpoint Protection. These include:

Antivirus Protection

Network-based antivirus software can block common types of malicious software, but it does not guarantee that every device is protected. This can leave a device open to attack. Additionally, network-based virus protection may not recognize some viruses or malware since they are disguised to avoid detection. For devices to be completely protected, they must have local protection, known as an antivirus solution. The downside to having local protection is the number of resources it consumes and the potential of slowing down a device and interfering with normal operations.

Anti-malware Protection

There are two main types of Anti-malware Protection. The first type is known as host-level protection. This type of protection includes a wide variety of software designed to run separately on each device within an organization. However, many companies use the second form, known as network-based. This type of protection works by comparing a given device against known viruses or malware. If the new intrusive software is deemed to be a threat, the device will be quarantined and not allowed to access corporate data. However, this type of protection does not guarantee that all devices are protected, as it requires companies to have local protections.

Patch Management

Although not technically an endpoint protection solution, patch management can significantly benefit those organizations that decide to utilize it. Patch management works by providing the necessary updates to the software or devices so that they can receive the latest security patches and virus definitions. However, while this solution benefits most organizations, it also requires time and resources that many argue are unnecessary for normal day-to-day operations. Additionally, many new malicious threats can bypass these methods of protection as well.

3. The Current State of Endpoint Protection

Endpoint protection is an essential part of the cyber defense process. However, companies must regularly test their devices and applications for vulnerabilities to maintain adequate protection. Additionally, organizations should ensure that their policies and regulations are followed, including rules for what employees can and cannot access daily. If the organization fails to adhere to these rules, it could cause severe damage to the reputation of the company.

It is predicted that there will be an increased focus on endpoint protection and security in the next few years. This is due to the increase in new and unknown threats that are being created by cybercriminals each year. To maintain this level of protection, software vendors have been working to develop more advanced solutions that do not take up as many resources on a device and provide added protection against new threats.

from: https://reciprocaltech.com/blog/endpoint-protection-what-is-it/

Keep Access Secure with a Router Password Repository

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If you have ever forgotten your wireless router’s password, then you know that a factory reset might be imminent—assuming of course that you have changed your password in the first place (which you should have). For situations like these where you want to avoid a factory reset, you can use this router password repository to find your default credentials.

RouterPasswords.com

RouterPasswords.com was built to provide individuals with usernames and passwords for wireless routers. It’s built around a community of users, for users and, of course, IT administrators who might find the information useful. They point out that their service is not useful for routers delivered by your Internet service provider—rather, these are the factory-default passwords. After a review period, the credentials are added to the online repository for individuals to look up based on router brand and model.

From a technician’s perspective, this kind of website is also quite helpful, as it means less work on the off-chance a client has not changed their default credentials.

This password repository also boasts a blog which covers tips and tricks for router settings, wireless routing technologies, and other wireless device technology.

It’s Not All Positive, Though

While this website is certainly an asset to the average user and IT administrator, it’s also an asset to hackers and other criminals who might use the information to do evil. If a hacker tries to target you, for example, and they see you never changed your factory default settings, they can try the passwords listed on this website and crack your network in two.

It’s a dangerous business, no matter how you slice it.

We recommend that you change your wireless router’s information as soon as possible after setup so that you don’t have to put up with these difficulties.

Implement Wireless Technology Solutions Today

If you are concerned about the security of your routers and other wireless technology, COMPANYNAME can help. To learn more about what we can do for your business, contact us at PHONENUMBER.

from: https://reciprocaltech.com/blog/keep-access-secure-with-a-router-password-repository/

Understanding How You Get Malware will Help You Avoid It

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Malware has plagued anyone using technology for a long time, and while security has certainly gone a long way toward protecting users from malware, so too have the threats grown more powerful and dangerous—especially for businesses. Let’s take a look at some common ways individuals might find themselves with a malware problem.

Spear Phishing

In a spear phishing attack, the criminal might disguise themself as a well-known figure, maybe someone within your organization or someone who your organization often interacts with. The goal is often to steal login credentials, and the attack can come in many forms, ranging from phone calls, email, messaging, social media, and even physical mail. A cybercriminal can then access your network through your account and infect it with malware, or worse.

Malvertising

You can get malware simply by using the Internet, and it’s all thanks to malvertising. Hackers can hide malicious code within advertisements used on legitimate websites, and thanks to malvertisement, you might find your computer slow or your browser hijacked.

Trojan Downloads

Trojans essentially create a backdoor to your systems, enabling the hacker to enter it at their leisure to perform all kinds of nefarious deeds—including the installation of malware or other malicious activities.

Infected Documents

If you accidentally download an infected file from the Internet, it will infect your computer with malware or other threats. Oftentimes individuals don’t suspect .txt, .pdf, or .docx files, but the fact of the matter is that any file can be infected with malware, as long as hackers are crafty enough to crack the defenses of developers.

Imposter Sites

Cybercriminals have even been known to build entire websites dedicated to making themselves appear legitimate or to impersonate a website often used by individuals, but with a slightly different domain name. These hackers can then harvest credentials or include links to malicious software on the site.

Fraudulent Mobile Apps

Smartphones are all over the place in a business setting, and with them come opportunities to download malicious applications. While Google Play and the Apple App Stores do a great job of keeping malicious applications off the market, you still need to be careful, especially when downloading apps from a third party.

If you are concerned about malware and your business, know that you’re not alone. We’ll do all we can to help you take the fight to hackers. To learn more, reach out to us at PHONENUMBER.

from: https://reciprocaltech.com/blog/understanding-how-you-get-malware-will-help-you-avoid-it/

No Code Tools Are Making Development Easier

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It’s often the case that the demand for new software outstrips the stock of available coders, a trend that has led to many businesses looking to adopt what are called “no code” tools to help them build the software they need. Let’s take a look at these no code tools and how they can help businesses stay ahead of the game.

What are No Code Tools?

Software is made up of code, and when you take all of that away, it’s binary code. All programming languages stem from binary code, and these days, software developers have made it quite easy for people who don’t know programming languages to code their own applications or build web-based constructs.

When code isn’t involved, even laymen have plenty of possibilities for web and application development, including the following:

• Efficiently create mobile app builders, databases and productivity tools, website builders, document and form builders, email marketing software, membership platforms, eCommerce websites, web-based forums, and automation tools.
• Build mobile and web-based applications.
• Create operational efficiencies that circumvent redundant software issues.
• Test concepts in application or website form affordably before hiring coders.

What are the Benefits of No Code Tools?

There are various benefits to using no-code tools:

• Development speed: Naturally, if web and application development can be simplified or made easier, then development speed will decrease.
• Lower costs of development: Coders and developers are expensive to hire, so even simple coding tasks can have a low return on investment, if any. No code tools allow users to dodge these expenses.
• More accessibility: No code tools mean that people with little-to-no experience coding can still build and deploy their own tools.

How is your business going to leverage these changes in the digital landscape? Are you going to embrace no code solutions? COMPANYNAME can help your business implement any kind of technology solution on the market with the least amount of frustration. To learn more, contact us at PHONENUMBER today.

from: https://reciprocaltech.com/blog/__trashed/