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Beware: Top Phishing Scam Tactics

Top Phishing Scam Tactics

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Bryan Siemon

Bryan Siemon

Phishing, a prevalent hacking technique for over two decades, might seem like old news. However, these fraudulent tactics persist and continue to ensnare more victims than ever before. In an era dominated by digital interactions, the art of phishing has evolved into a sophisticated and prevalent cyber threat. Phishing scams, deceptive attempts to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details, continue to plague individuals and organizations worldwide. From emails to text messages and fake websites, these tactics have become increasingly deceptive, making it crucial for everyone to stay vigilant and informed about the most common methods used by cybercriminals.

The evolution of phishing scams has equipped hackers with advanced tools and strategies, enabling them to deceive unsuspecting targets with greater finesse. To safeguard yourself and your data, it’s crucial to understand the methods hackers will use. Here are the top indicators of phishing scams and how to identify and address them:

Phishing scams, deceptive attempts to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details, continue to plague individuals and organizations worldwide.

1. Deceptive URLs and Domain Names: We call these malicious links. Fake websites and URLs closely resemble legitimate ones but contain subtle misspellings or extra characters. Hover over links before clicking them to reveal the actual destination. Secure websites typically have “https://” at the beginning of their URL, indicating encryption, while misspelled or suspicious domains might lack this. These links bait curiosity or promise rewards, tricking recipients into clicking or opening attachments. Always exercise caution and verify links before clicking.

2. Password Requests: One of the biggest scams going around is claiming your password expired or needs reset. This coincides with Deceptive URLs and Domain Names. The scammers will send an email that looks like it came from your bank, stock brokerage account, credit card, or something similar. The link in the email can take you to a site that looks like your legitimate account’s website. At this point they try to get your old username and password. Never click the link from your email. Always go directly to the website or call them. Legitimate companies never request sensitive information like passwords via email. Treat such requests as phishing attempts and ignore or block them.

3. Email Spoofing: Hackers manipulate emails to appear from trusted sources, using familiar sender names but incorrect email addresses. Phishers often forge email headers to appear as if they’re from reputable sources like banks, government agencies, or well-known companies. They mimic logos and language, creating a sense of urgency, prompting recipients to click on malicious links or provide personal information. Check the email address carefully. Legitimate sources usually have domain names that match their brand or organization. Always cross-check the sender’s name with their email address before opening.

4. Fake Pop-up Alerts: Phishers often create a sense of urgency or fear to prompt immediate action. They may claim your account is compromised, payments are overdue, or you’ve won a prize, urging you to act quickly. Be cautious of such pressure tactics and verify information independently through official channels.

5. Social Engineering: Phishers exploit psychological manipulation, using information from social media or previous data breaches to personalize their messages. They might refer to personal details or mutual connections to gain your trust. Be wary of unexpected communications asking for sensitive information.

6. Unexpected Emails: Most people have an idea of what emails they commonly get so be aware of unexpected emails. Emails arriving unexpectedly or causing alarm are likely scams. Avoid responding or taking any actions instructed in these emails; instead, verify their legitimacy.

7. Urgency and Fear Tactics: Threatening messages pressuring immediate action, such as closing accounts or legal consequences, aim to induce panic. Phishers often create a sense of urgency or fear to prompt immediate action. They may claim your account is compromised, payments are overdue, or you’ve won a prize, urging you to act quickly. Be cautious of such pressure tactics and verify information independently through official channels.

8. Misspellings and Grammar Errors: We all make these errors so it may seem common, or you may not notice right away. Most of us, when sending out an important email, use spell check and often have our message proofread to make sure there are no mistakes. Scammers are just trying to get the message out to as many people as fast as possible. Phishing emails often contain spelling mistakes and poor grammar. Avoid engaging with such emails and refrain from correcting them.

Tips to Identify and Avoid Phishing Scams:

  • Verify the Source: Scrutinize sender email addresses and URLs. When in doubt, contact the organization directly through official channels.
  • Think Before Clicking: Hover over links to preview destinations. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
  • Use Multi-Factor Authentication: Enable multi-factor authentication whenever possible to add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
  • Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest phishing tactics and educate yourself and your peers about potential threats.
  • Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t hesitate to seek guidance or report suspicious activity.
  • Use Professional Grade Antivirus software: Accidents happen, clicking on a link before you have a chance to scrutinize it can happen. Free antivirus software may not be enough to save you. We recommend using professional grade antivirus software. This is paid software that gives you added protection.
  • Data Backup Service: Some of the scams out there take over your computer and lock you out. These are usually known as ransomware. Once ransomware takes over, it is hard to break, and the hacker usually demands some form of payment to release your data (and they don’t always release it after payment). To protect yourself from data loss due to scammers or hardware failure, a good backup solution is a must. We recommend that you use a full image back up solution.

As cybercriminals adapt and refine their tactics, staying informed and cautious is pivotal in protecting yourself and your sensitive information. By recognizing these common phishing strategies and employing preventative measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these deceitful schemes. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and safeguard your digital presence. If you are not sure, please don’t hesitate to contact us. One phone call could save you a lot of time and money and help avoid the frustration and embarrassment of being scammed.

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Microsoft Reports Vulnerabilities Impacting Windows and Office Products

Microsoft Vulnerabilities

Published on

July 14, 2023

Bryan Siemon

Bryan Siemon

Microsoft Reports Vulnerabilities Impacting Windows and Office Products

Microsoft is investigating reports of a series of remote code execution vulnerabilities impacting Windows and Office products.

Microsoft reads, “An attacker could create a specially crafted Microsoft Office document that enables them to perform remote code execution in the context of the victim. However, an attacker would have to convince the victim to open the malicious file.

Microsoft has confirmed no less than 132 security vulnerabilities across product lines, including six that fall into the “zero-day” category.

Microsoft suggested these applications would be impacted and is aware of targeted attacks that attempt to exploit these vulnerabilities by using specially crafted Microsoft Office documents.

Office Products include:

– Excel – Publisher – PowerPoint – Word – WordPad – Access – Graph – Visio

An attacker could create a specially crafted Microsoft Office document that enables them to perform remote code execution in the context of the victim. However, an attacker would have to convince the victim to open the malicious file.

SoHo Network Solutions has always encouraged its customers not to open email attachments they do not recognize or expect. Free antivirus solutions are better than nothing, however, they lack centralized management and advanced features that we can provide. Hackers have become more advanced, so more advanced solutions are needed. The good news is that paid professional-grade antivirus software has become more affordable than ever. For $4 a month per computer, you can get the protection needed to help combat these vulnerabilities.

The Technical Details:

The vulnerability is a remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability affecting Windows and Office product, CVE-2023-36884, with a CVSS score of 8.3. The targeted attacks exploit these vulnerabilities using specially crafted Microsoft Office documents.” CVE-2023-36884 is as yet unpatched.

If you have any questions or concerns about this, please don’t hesitate to call Soho Network Solutions at 717.831.8128. It is recommended you ensure you have all Windows and Office updates and a strong antivirus program.

About SoHo’s Antivirus Solution:

To purchase Professional-Grade Antivirus Software give us a call- 717.831.8128. SOHO Network Solutions offers the Malwarebytes EDR Cloud Managed solution for $4/workstation/month or $48/year.

How does EDR work?

Endpoint detection and response are broadly defined by three types of behavior.

Endpoint management

This refers to EDR’s ability to be deployed on an endpoint, record endpoint data, then store that data in a separate location for analysis now or in the future. EDR can be deployed as a standalone program or included as part of a comprehensive endpoint security solution. The latter has the added benefit of combining multiple capabilities into a single endpoint agent and offering a single pane of glass through which admins can manage the endpoint.

Data analysis

EDR technology can interpret raw telemetry from endpoints and produce endpoint metadata (or cyber threat intelligence) human users can use to determine how a previous attack went down, how future attacks might go down, and actions that can be taken to prevent those attacks.

Threat hunting

EDR scans for programs, processes, and files matching known parameters for malware. Threat hunting also includes the ability to search all open network connections for potential unauthorized access.

Incident response

Incident response refers to EDR’s ability to capture images of an endpoint at various times and re-image or rollback to a previous good state in the event of an attack. EDR also gives administrators the option to isolate endpoints and prevent further spread across the network. Remediation and rollback can be automated, manual, or a combination of the two.

Think of EDR as a flight data recorder for your endpoints. During a flight, the so-called “black box” records dozens of data points; e.g., altitude, air speed, and fuel consumption. In the aftermath of a plane crash, investigators use the data from the black box to determine what factors may have contributed to the plane crash … Likewise, endpoint telemetry taken during and after a cyberattack (e.g. processes running, programs installed, and network connections) can be used to prevent similar attacks.

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The One Thing Your Website Absolutely Needs

SSL Certificate

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Bryan Siemon

Bryan Siemon

The One Thing Your Website Absolutely Needs

In today’s digital world, having a website has become an essential part of any business or individual’s online presence. However, it is not just enough to have a website – you need to ensure that it is secure for your visitors, even if you think your website is small or basic. The one thing every website should have is an SSL certificate. And do not panic, SSL certificates have a significant impact for a nominal price. In this article, we will explore why your website should have an SSL certificate

To start, we need to understand what an SSL certificate is. SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer, and it is a security protocol that encrypts data between the server and the browser. This link ensures that all data transferred between the two is secure and private. SSL certificates are issued by a trusted third-party organization, known as a Certificate Authority (CA). When a website has an SSL certificate, the browser displays a padlock icon in the address bar, this provides a visual cue to visitors that the website is secure.

Now let’s explore the reasons why your website should have an SSL Certificate

1. Security – Protection of Sensitive Information

Hackers- Nobody likes them, but they are out there, and they target websites of all sizes. One of the primary reasons to have an SSL certificate on your website is improved security. Without an SSL certificate, any data sent between a user’s browser and your web server is vulnerable to interception and hacking. With an SSL certificate, this data is encrypted, making it much more difficult for hackers to intercept and steal. An SSL certificate is not just very important if your website collects sensitive information, such as personal or financial information, it is a must have.

2. SEO – Boosts Website Rankings

While my reasons for getting an SSL on your website are not in any particular order, I should have considered putting this as number one. Most people ask about how to get better rankings on Google before they ask if their website is secure. When you get an SSL Certificate for your website, your address goes from http://yourwebsite.com to https://yourwebsite.com, the focus is on the “S” at the end of the HTTP. This “S” indicates the site is secure.

In 2014, Google announced that HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) would be a ranking signal in its search algorithm. This means that websites with an SSL certificate rank higher than those without one. This is because Google wants to provide its users the best possible user experience, and having a secure website is one way to achieve that.

This means that having an SSL certificate can help improve your website’s visibility and ranking on search engines, leading to more traffic and potential customers.

3. Trust – Builds Trust with Visitors

When visiting a website, one thing is certain, I will not use a website that doesn’t have an SSL certificate. You want visitors to use your website, after all, you took the time to create and build it. Trust is important in any relationship. When users see the padlock icon in the address bar and the “https” in the url bar, they feel more confident in sharing their personal information. It tells them that their connection to your website is secure, something worth repeating several times in this article. This, in turn, builds trust with your website visitors. If your website does not have an SSL certificate, users (like me) may be hesitant to provide their personal information, which can result in lost sales and lower conversion rates. This is the case even if your website only has a basic “Contact Us” form and nothing else.

4. Scams – Protects Against Phishing Scams

Phishing is a fraudulent activity where hackers create fake websites that look like legitimate ones to steal personal information. We have personally known people who were victims of this. Scammers are good at making a site look like your bank’s website, PayPal’s website, or Microsoft’s website to name a few examples. An SSL certificate protects your website against such phishing scams. When a user visits a website with an SSL certificate, the browser displays a green address bar, indicating that the website is genuine. This helps search engines and users identify fake websites and protect them from phishing scams.

5. User Data – Protects User Data

Again, this is another thing worth repeating in this article, it is something you need to take seriously. If your website collects any sensitive user data, such as passwords or credit card information, it’s crucial to have an SSL certificate. Without one, this data is vulnerable to interception and theft, which could lead to legal and financial consequences for your business. With an SSL certificate, you can ensure that any data collected is encrypted and secure.

6. Browser Warnings – SSL Helps Avoid Browser Warnings

Nothing can keep a person from visiting your website like a browser warning staring them in the face. Many modern web browsers, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge, now display warnings when users try to access websites that are not secure. These warnings can be a significant deterrent for users, leading to a loss of traffic and potential customers. Having an SSL certificate ensures that your website does not trigger these warnings, providing a better user experience and reducing the risk of losing visitors.

7. Compliance – Data Protection Laws

Many modern web browsers, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge, now display warnings when users try to access websites that are not secure. These warnings can be a significant deterrent for users, leading to a loss of traffic and potential customers. Having an SSL certificate ensures that your website does not trigger these warnings, providing a better user experience and reducing the risk of losing visitors.

In conclusion, having an SSL certificate is essential for any website that wants to protect its users’ personal information, rank higher in search engines, build trust, protect against phishing scams, and comply with data protection laws. If your website does not have an SSL certificate, it’s time to consider getting one. If you are not sure if you already have one or how to get and install one, feel free to Contact Us, and we will gladly help you with this process. If you are looking to save money and get a new hosting company for your website, our hosting services offer free SSL when you host your website with us.

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What is a Managed Service Provider

MSP

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Bryan Siemon

Bryan Siemon

What is a Managed Service Provider (MSP)? A managed service provider (MSP) is a company that provides a range of IT services to a business on a contract basis. These services may include everything from setting up and maintaining computer systems to providing technical support and managing cybersecurity.

Businesses today operate in a complex and constantly evolving technological landscape. As businesses continue to rely heavily on technology to operate and grow, having a Managed Service Provider (MSP) is becoming increasingly important.

An MSP allows a business to focus on its core competencies and leave its technology management to experts.

Having an MSP on board can provide several benefits for businesses. An MSP allows a business to focus on its core competencies and leave its technology management to experts. With a hired MSP like SoHo Network Solutions, we are a company that provides a range of IT services, including monitoring, maintenance, and support for a business’s IT infrastructure. This allows your businesses to access the latest technology and our expertise without hiring, training, and managing an in-house IT team.

There are several reasons why a business should hire SoHo Network Solutions as its MSP:

  1. Cost savings: By outsourcing IT services to an MSP, a business can save money on the costs associated with hiring and training in-house IT staff. MSPs also typically have economies of scale, which allows them to provide services at a lower cost than what a business could do on its own.
  2. Expertise: MSPs specialize in providing IT services, so they have a high level of expertise in this area. This can be especially beneficial for businesses that don’t have the resources or knowledge to effectively manage their own IT systems.
  3. Proactive maintenance: MSPs often provide proactive maintenance services, which means they can identify and fix potential issues before they become major problems. This can help reduce downtime and keep a business running smoothly.
  4. Scalability: MSPs can help businesses scale their IT infrastructure as needed, whether that means adding new systems or upgrading existing ones. This can be especially useful for businesses that are growing rapidly and need to be able to adapt to changing needs.
  5. Security: Cybersecurity is a major concern for businesses, and MSPs can help protect against threats by providing a range of security services such as firewall management, virus protection, and data backup and recovery.

Additionally, an MSP can provide expert guidance and support to a business when it comes to making important IT decisions. This can include everything from selecting and implementing new technology solutions to planning for future IT needs and requirements.

Many businesses and organizations that do not have a full-time Network Administrator or IT person usually run on a “break-n-fix” model.

Many businesses and organizations that do not have a full-time Network Administrator or IT person usually run on a “break-n-fix” model. With “break-n-fix,” it can actually be more costly as you are not just paying for the technician’s hourly rate but any downtime it may create and employee inefficiencies. Hiring an MSP can help save you from this model and get your computer and data centers managed and monitored.

Furthermore, we emphasize data backup and disaster recovery services to ensure that a business can continue to operate even in the event of a major disruption or disaster. This includes full-image backup and recovery solutions, to help ensure business continuity planning and support.

In today’s technology-driven world, having an MSP is essential for businesses of all sizes. Not only can an MSP help save time and money, but it can also provide expert guidance and support, improved security, and disaster recovery services. By partnering with an MSP, a business can focus on its core competencies and goals, knowing that its IT infrastructure and systems are in good hands. SoHo Network Solutions provides the services that your business needs to stay competitive and succeed in an increasingly complex technological landscape.

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We offer MSP services which include 24/7 system monitoring, patch management and remote support. Contact us today to learn more or help getting started.

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Free vs Paid Antivirus

Professional Grade
Antivirus

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Bryan Siemon

Bryan Siemon

Making the right choice

Anti-virus software is an essential tool for protecting your computer and personal information from malicious threats such as viruses, malware, and ransomware. While there are many free anti-virus programs available, paid software offers a number of additional benefits that make it worth the investment.

One of the biggest advantages of paid anti-virus software is the level of protection it provides. Paid software is typically more comprehensive than free versions, with a wider range of features and more frequent updates. This means that paid software is able to detect and block a wider range of threats, providing a higher level of security for your computer. This can include advanced features such as real-time protection, automatic updates, and the ability to scan for potential threats on external devices such as USB drives.

With free software, you may be limited in the amount of help you can receive if you encounter a problem or have a question.

Another benefit of paid anti-virus software is the level of support it offers. With free software, you may be limited in the amount of help you can receive if you encounter a problem or have a question. Paid software, on the other hand, typically comes with access to customer support and technical assistance, so you can get the help you need if you run into any issues.

Paid anti-virus software also often includes additional features and tools that can help to protect your computer and your personal information. For example, many paid programs include features like firewall protection, parental controls, and password managers, which can help to keep your computer and your personal data safe.

Investing in paid antivirus software can save you money in the long run. While a free version may seem like a good deal initially, the lack of comprehensive protection and support can end up costing you more in the form of lost or stolen data and potential repair costs.

In addition to providing more comprehensive protection and support, paid anti-virus software can also be more convenient to use. Paid software often includes automatic updates and scheduling options, so you can set it to run scans and updates at regular intervals without having to remember to do so manually. This can save you time and hassle and ensure that your computer stays protected even when you’re busy.

Free vs Paid

Free vs Paid? It is simple. Anti-virus software is an essential tool for protecting your computer and personal information from malicious threats such as viruses, malware, and ransomware. Paid software gives you comprehensive protection, additional security features, and better customer support. This can help protect your personal information and prevent potential issues from arising.

Overall, while free anti-virus software can provide some level of protection for your computer, paid software offers several additional benefits that make it worth the investment. Paid anti-virus software is an essential tool for keeping your computer and your personal information safe from online threats.

Paid software gives you comprehensive protection, additional security features, and better customer support.

SoHo Network Solutions offers the best in anti-virus protection for both home and business use. The importance of protection for your computers, servers and sensitive information are becoming more necessary in this digital world full of hackers and scammers. With over fifteen years of experience with Antivirus programs, we make sure we have only the best for our customers. Click on the button below to purchase Antivirus software today.

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