2024 has been a turbulent year for cybersecurity, with major data breaches making headlines and costing businesses millions. From healthcare organizations to major tech companies, no industry is immune to these risks. But what about small to midsize businesses (SMBs)? The truth is, the same vulnerabilities apply, and the consequences of not addressing them can be severe.

Here’s a recap of five major breaches in 2024 and tips on how your business can stay protected.

1. National Public Data

Earlier this year, a hacking group claimed to have accessed 2.7 billion personal records from a public data-brokering site. This data includes sensitive information such as Social Security numbers and addresses. Some of the data has already been circulated on the dark web, although experts are still verifying its accuracy. With such a high volume of exposed data, the takeaway for everyone is clear: monitoring financial and online accounts is critical. A proactive step is to freeze your credit, which provides some defense against identity theft, unfreezing only when needed for new applications.

2. Ticketmaster

In a high-profile breach, Ticketmaster saw the personal and financial data of over 560 million customers compromised. This breach exposed security gaps within Ticketmaster’s system, and numerous victims reported cases of unauthorized transactions and identity theft. It also added to legal issues for Ticketmaster’s parent company, Live Nation. The incident highlights the importance of secure data practices and regular monitoring for suspicious activity, even when using services that feel routine.

3. Change Healthcare

In February, Change Healthcare suffered a ransomware attack that compromised the data of over 145 million individuals. This massive breach impacted patient information, including names, Social Security numbers, and medical records. With healthcare data becoming increasingly valuable, this breach serves as a reminder to all industries of the importance of regularly updating cybersecurity strategies to defend against evolving threats.

4. AT&T

In March, AT&T experienced a breach affecting around 73 million customers, with sensitive data—including Social Security numbers and account details—leaked. This data dated back as far as 2019 and was discovered on the dark web earlier this year. This breach highlights the risks of legacy data remaining unsecured, emphasizing the importance of periodic data audits and secure data management practices.

5. Dell

In May, Dell encountered a significant breach when a hacker known as Menelik used a brute-force attack to access a reseller’s client portal, exposing 49 million records. This incident raised questions about Dell’s security protocols and underscored the need for stronger access controls and monitoring systems. It also serves as a wake-up call for companies with complex vendor networks to ensure all partners adhere to rigorous cybersecurity standards.

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?

Even if your business doesn’t have millions of customers, you’re still at risk. Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting SMBs, often because smaller companies may lack the same security resources as larger enterprises. A breach could cost your business heavily in downtime, lost data, and reputational damage.

Here are some key steps:

1. Strengthen Network Security: Implement robust security measures, including firewalls and regular network monitoring.
2. Employee Training: Train staff on password security, phishing awareness, and safe online practices.
3. Data Management: Conduct regular audits and securely dispose of outdated records.

Secure Your Business with a FREE Security Risk Assessment

If these breaches have you rethinking your security, that’s a good thing. The best defense is proactive action. We’re offering a FREE Security Risk Assessment to help identify your network’s vulnerabilities. Our cybersecurity experts will assess your system, recommend critical updates, and ensure you’re safeguarded against potential threats.

Don’t wait until your business is on the line—take control of your cybersecurity today! Schedule your FREE Security Risk Assessment now by clicking here or call our office at 214-550-0550.

In September 2024, National Public Data confirmed a massive data breach that compromised the personal information of millions. The exposed data includes names, email addresses, mailing addresses, phone numbers, and Social Security numbers of up to 2.9 billion people. Here’s what you need to know about this breach and how to protect yourself.

What Happened?

National Public Data, a consumer data broker that provides criminal records, background checks, and other information to private investigators, consumer public record sites, HR departments, staffing agencies, and the government, was hacked. The breach is believed to have started in December 2023 when a third-party hacker tried to infiltrate the system.

In April 2024, a cybercriminal known as “USDoD” posted the stolen data on an underground criminal forum. By August 6, this data resurfaced and was posted for free on several breach forums, making it available for anyone to download.

The breach included sensitive information like names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and Social Security numbers, some belonging to deceased individuals. In many cases, it also included past addresses and alternate names.

While the official data breach notice filed in Maine estimated that 1.3 million records were compromised, lawsuits suggest the breach may have exposed as many as 2.9 billion records.

Though experts are finding some inaccuracies in the leaked data, and much of it is already publicly available, there are still significant risks associated with this breach—especially considering the exposure of Social Security numbers.

Why Is This Breach Dangerous?

Even though much of the compromised data may be publicly accessible, having all of this information in one place makes it easier for cybercriminals to commit identity theft. Here are some specific risks:

Identity Theft: Criminals can use this information to apply for credit cards, loans, or open new bank accounts in your name.

Bypassing Security Questions: Information like childhood street names or the last four digits of your Social Security number, often used in security questions, can help hackers bypass authentication to access your accounts.

Increase in Phishing and Smishing Attacks: Experts predict a surge in phishing emails and SMS phishing (smishing) attempts as criminals exploit this data to trick victims.

Could You Be Affected?

Yes. Even if you’ve never heard of National Public Data or used their services, organizations like landlords, employers, and other businesses may have utilized their resources to access information about you.

How to Protect Yourself

If your information has been compromised in the breach, take these steps immediately to protect yourself:

1. Check If Your Data Was Exposed

Use tools like this one to see if your information was part of the breach. If it was, act quickly.

2. Freeze Your Credit

One of the best ways to protect your identity is to freeze your credit and set up alerts. This prevents criminals from opening new lines of credit in your name. Contact the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian—to request a freeze. The process is free and takes just a few minutes for each bureau.

It’s also a good idea to freeze the credit of other household members over 18 years old. Anyone with a Social Security number is vulnerable to identity theft after a breach of this size.

Once your credit is frozen, review your credit report for any unauthorized activity and set up alerts for future monitoring.

3. Stay Alert for Phishing Scams

Cybercriminals will likely use this leaked information to target victims through phishing emails, phone calls, text messages, and even social media scams. Be vigilant, and never click on suspicious links or share sensitive information with unknown sources.

Protect Your Business

A data breach is devastating for both the businesses that get hacked and the individuals whose data is exposed. As a business owner, it’s critical to take the necessary precautions to safeguard your organization’s sensitive data.

If you’re concerned about whether your business or personal information has been leaked or if your network is vulnerable to future breaches, we can help. Schedule a FREE Security Risk Assessment with our team. We’ll conduct a comprehensive review of your network and provide a blueprint for strengthening your security.

To book your assessment, call us at 214-550-0550 or click here.

Stay vigilant, protect your data, and take steps today to safeguard your identity.

Software updates can seem like a hassle, but ignoring them can make your systems vulnerable to cyberattacks. Hackers are constantly searching for weak points, and outdated software is often an easy target.

So, how do you know when it’s time to update? And should you always rely on your computer to tell you? Here are five clear signs that it’s time for an update, along with tips on how to update safely.

1. Your Software Is No Longer Supported

If your software provider has stopped releasing updates for your current version, it’s a major warning sign. Unsupported software is often riddled with vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit. Keep an eye out for announcements about end-of-life support for your software, and upgrade before you’re left exposed.

Tip: Don’t wait until the software stops working. Proactively plan for updates and migrate to newer versions while full support is still available.

2. You Notice Slower Performance

If your software suddenly becomes sluggish, it could be outdated. Newer versions are typically optimized for better performance, while skipping updates can leave you with buggy, slow software.

Tip: If performance dips, check for pending updates in the software settings or download the latest version directly from the provider’s website.

3. You Receive Security Alerts

Has your antivirus or security software flagged vulnerabilities in an application you use? This is a strong sign that an update is overdue. Outdated software leaves the door open to security threats, so take these alerts seriously.

Tip: Use a trusted antivirus program that can detect vulnerabilities and notify you when updates are needed. Always verify update alerts before acting on them to avoid falling for phishing scams.

4. It’s Been More Than 6 Months Since Your Last Update

If you haven’t updated your software in over six months, chances are you’re due for one. Many providers release updates regularly to fix security flaws and improve functionality.

Tip: Instead of waiting for update notifications, set a reminder to check for updates on a regular basis—especially for critical software like operating systems and antivirus programs.

5. New Features Have Been Announced

Sometimes software updates come with exciting new features. If you’re hearing about tools or functionalities you don’t have, it’s a sign you’re behind on updates.

Tip: Follow your software providers’ blogs or sign up for notifications to stay informed about the latest improvements and features.

How to Update Safely

Updating software is essential, but it’s important to do it safely. Here’s how to ensure a smooth and secure update process:

Verify the Source: Only download updates from the official provider’s website or a trusted app store. Avoid third-party websites or suspicious links.

Back Up Your Data: Before any major update, back up your important files. If something goes wrong during the update, you’ll have a safety net.

Restart Your Device: Once the update is complete, restart your computer to ensure all patches and new features are fully installed.

By staying on top of your software updates, you not only improve performance but also protect your systems from cyber threats. Don’t wait until vulnerabilities are exposed—keep your software current to ensure a secure network.

Need help managing your software updates? Call us at 214-550-0550 or click here to schedule a consultation. Stay safe and stay updated!

Phishing attacks are the most common type of cybercrime for one simple reason—they work. Every day, over 3.4 billion spam emails flood inboxes around the world, with phishing attempts leading the charge. These attacks have been the most frequent form of cyber attack for years because they’re easy to execute, easy to scale, and still fool countless people. Now, with AI tools like ChatGPT, it’s even easier for cybercriminals to craft emails that look and sound more convincing, making it harder to spot a phishing attempt.

Phishing scams can have devastating effects on your business if you’re not careful. That’s why, in honor of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we’ve created this guide to help you and your team identify phishing emails and understand the critical importance of stopping them.

The Dangers of Phishing Attacks

Phishing emails aren’t just an annoyance—they pose a real and significant threat. Here are four major risks of falling victim to these attacks:

Data Breaches
Phishing attacks can expose your company’s sensitive information to hackers. Once accessed, this data can be sold on the dark web or held for ransom. Even if you pay, there’s no guarantee the criminals will return it. This can lead to legal issues, financial loss, reputational damage, and a loss of trust from your customers.

Financial Loss
Cybercriminals often use phishing emails to steal money directly, whether by tricking businesses into paying fraudulent invoices or authorizing fake transactions. The financial impact can be severe and long-lasting.

Malware Infections
Phishing emails frequently contain malicious links or attachments. Clicking these can lead to malware infections, which can disrupt your operations, result in data loss, and require costly cleanup.

Compromised Accounts
If an employee falls for a phishing scam, their account could be compromised. This gives hackers a foothold inside your business, allowing them to launch further attacks or access confidential company data.

These dangers are just the tip of the iceberg. Fortunately, there are effective steps you can take to defend against phishing attacks.

Introducing the S.E.C.U.R.E. Method to Identify Phishing Emails

To help you and your employees spot phishing emails before they cause harm, follow the S.E.C.U.R.E. Method:

S – Start With the Subject Line
Is it strange or off? Look for odd patterns like “FWD: FWD: FWD: review immediately” or anything that seems unusual.

E – Examine the Email Address
Do you know the sender? Is the email address misspelled or unfamiliar? Be cautious if the sender’s address is slightly altered from a legitimate one.

C – Consider the Greeting
Is the greeting generic or unusual? Phishing emails often use impersonal greetings like “Hello Ma’am!” or “Dear Customer” rather than addressing you by name.

U – Unpack the Message
Does the email create a sense of urgency, encouraging you to click a link or download an attachment? Be wary of anything that seems too good to be true or pressures you to act fast.

R – Review for Errors
Are there grammatical mistakes or odd spellings? Phishing emails often contain errors that wouldn’t be present in legitimate business communications.

E – Evaluate Links and Attachments
Always hover over links to check their destination before clicking. Avoid opening attachments from unknown senders or those you weren’t expecting.

Protect Your Business From Phishing Attacks

Even with the S.E.C.U.R.E. Method in place, it’s essential to have a cybersecurity expert monitoring your network and blocking spam emails before they reach your team. Phishing attacks are frequent and effective, but with the right precautions, you can stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.

If you need assistance training your employees on cybersecurity best practices, implementing a strong security system, or simply want an expert to assess your current setup for vulnerabilities, we’re here to help. Give us a call at 214-550-0550 or click here to schedule a consultation with our team.

Don’t wait until it’s too late—protect your business from phishing scams today!

Mark your calendars! Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. While your PCs will still function after this date, Microsoft will no longer offer essential services such as:
Security updates
Non-security updates
Technical support

Without these services, your system becomes more vulnerable, so it’s crucial to prepare for the change.

Why This Matters for Business Owners

Increased Security Risks
Once support ends, your computer will no longer receive security patches, leaving it exposed to cyber threats like viruses, malware, and hackers. Protecting your business data should be a priority, and upgrading to a supported version of Windows is a critical step.

Software Compatibility
Many software applications are updated to stay compatible with the latest operating systems. After Windows 10 reaches its end-of-life, you might find that some of your key programs stop working smoothly—or at all.

Compliance Concerns
If your business handles sensitive information or adheres to industry regulations, using an unsupported operating system could lead to compliance violations. Staying current is essential to avoid fines or legal issues.

What Are Your Options?

Microsoft recommends transitioning to a newer version of Windows before the October 2025 deadline. However, not all devices running Windows 10 are compatible with Windows 11. If your hardware doesn’t meet the requirements, you’ll encounter errors during the upgrade process.

If your device isn’t Windows 11 compatible, consider the following:

Purchase a new PC that meets the Windows 11 hardware requirements

Pay for extended Windows 10 security updates, available for up to three years (but no longer free)

Switch to an alternative OS like Linux

Use a technical workaround to upgrade incompatible PCs

Ignore the deadline (we do not recommend this option)

Whatever you choose, back up your data before making any changes. This protects your important files and minimizes the risk of data loss during the upgrade process.

Plan Ahead

While there’s speculation that Microsoft may extend the support deadline, it’s not a guarantee. Waiting until the last minute could put your business at risk, leaving you without security protections.

The best approach is to consult with your IT provider to determine the right strategy. If your computers are relatively new, paying for ongoing security updates may be a cost-effective solution. On the other hand, if your devices are older, investing in new PCs might be more practical. A tech expert can help ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruption to your operations.

Need Help with Your Transition?

Our team is here to assist you. Schedule a FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call to discuss the next steps for a smooth transition to Windows 11. Contact us at 214-550-0550 or click here to schedule your consultation.

Don’t wait—start planning now to ensure your business remains secure and compliant!

When 8.5 million Windows devices—including those used by airlines, banks, and hospitals—suddenly displayed the dreaded “Blue Screen of Death,” panic set in. Many feared a massive cyber-attack. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case, but the true cause of the outage is equally alarming and something every business owner should take seriously.

What Exactly Happened?

On July 19, 2024, millions of Windows devices crashed, triggering an endless reboot cycle and displaying the infamous blue screen. The result? Massive global disruptions. Airlines were forced to ground flights, leaving thousands of passengers stranded in airports. Electronic health record systems went offline, causing delays and cancellations of non-emergency medical procedures. Major banks also experienced outages, leaving customers unable to access their accounts. These are just a few examples of the chaos caused by what’s now being called the largest IT outage in history. It almost brings back memories of the Y2K scare, doesn’t it?

If It Wasn’t a Cyber-Attack, What Was the Cause?

While many suspected a cybersecurity breach, the real culprit was a flawed software update from CrowdStrike, a leading cybersecurity company. The issue originated with a routine sensor update for their endpoint detection and response (EDR) platform, Falcon. Unfortunately, a flaw in the update—specifically for Microsoft Windows—caused widespread system crashes due to its deep integration with the Windows OS.

So, how could a multibillion-dollar company release an update with such a critical flaw? CrowdStrike representatives later revealed that a gap in their testing process was to blame. A flaw in the content validator tool failed to detect the problem, leading engineers to believe the update was safe for release. As a result, the update caused Windows systems to enter an endless reboot cycle, leading to the widespread “Blue Screen of Death” issue.

CrowdStrike acted quickly to fix the problem, but the damage was already done. Insurers now estimate that the outage will cost US Fortune 500 companies over $5.4 billion.

Why Should This Matter to You?

This incident highlights just how reliant we are on technology and how a single software flaw can have a catastrophic impact on global IT infrastructure. When it comes to managing your company’s technology, you can’t afford to cut corners. Here are three key steps to protect your business:

1. Work with a Reliable, Knowledgeable IT Professional
   Even large organizations like CrowdStrike can make mistakes. However, you can minimize your risk by partnering with an experienced IT team. Their expertise in managing updates, backups, and continuous monitoring ensures your operations run smoothly and prevents minor issues from escalating into major disasters.
2. Ensure Rigorous Software Testing
   A trustworthy IT team should handle this for you. Rigorous testing can catch flaws before they cause widespread issues, safeguarding your business from potential disruptions.
3. Develop a Robust Disaster Recovery Plan
   Mistakes and unexpected issues are inevitable, but being prepared can make all the difference. A comprehensive disaster recovery plan enables you to take swift action, keep your business running, and minimize damage. Many organizations affected by the CrowdStrike outage had to halt operations because they lacked a solid plan. Don’t be caught off guard—have a Plan B in place.

Don’t wait for a crisis to take action. Ensure your business is prepared by partnering with an experienced IT team. We offer a FREE, no-obligation Network Assessment, where our experts will evaluate your current systems, identify potential vulnerabilities, and create a comprehensive plan to protect your business from future outages. Your company’s security and continuity depend on it.

Call us at 214-550-0550 or click here to book your FREE Network Assessment today!