Cybersecurity is vital for small business
Cybersecurity has become a critical concern, especially over the past eight or so years, as hackers increasingly target midsize and small businesses. Unlike large corporations like Citibank or Target, which invest millions in cybersecurity, smaller businesses often lack the resources and awareness to protect themselves. This makes them the path of least resistance for cybercriminals.
One of the primary issues we emphasized in the latest podcast episode is the importance of risk management and cybersecurity awareness within organizations. It’s not just about having IT support—it’s about understanding the specific threats your business faces and how to mitigate them.
Training employees on recognizing phishing attempts and suspicious emails is a foundational step. Ransomware, a prevalent threat, can be devastating, highlighting the need for continuous education and vigilance. If your team has been trained to know what to look for, you’re taking a good first step toward mitigating cybersecurity risk.
A concerning development in cybersecurity is the sophisticated use of generative AI by hackers. Instances of AI mimicking CEOs to authorize fraudulent financial transactions underscore the evolving nature of cyber threats. Traditional phishing methods are becoming more advanced, with AI generating convincing emails, calls, and even web pages that can deceive even the cautious.
For small and midsize businesses, embracing cybersecurity means more than just adopting technology. It involves comprehensive planning, including IT contingency and business continuity plans. Understanding your business’s specific risks and preparing accordingly can make a significant difference in resilience.
If cybersecurity hasn’t been a priority for your business, it needs to become one. The landscape of cyber threats, especially with the advent of AI, is rapidly changing. Being informed and prepared is no longer optional—it’s essential for survival in today’s digital world.
If you own or operate a small to medium sized business, then this episode of the podcast is for you. It’s important to know, the takeaway here is not to drum up fear or send us down a path of doom and gloom. It’s a call to become educated and prepared, because when we understand the risks and have systems and processes in place to manage those risks, we can significantly bolster our resilience.
FEATURE OF THE MONTH
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NEWS OF THE MONTH
AI-generated Web Pages
AI is not new. It’s all over the news of course and there have been exponential advancements in capability which will certainly continue. Check out this article from 2019 about AI-Generated Webpages being served up by Google Search. This is only becoming more advanced and is important to be aware of.
More Google Search & AI-Generated Pages
“Over the past year, we've watched as AI-generated images have climbed to the top of Google rankings, replacing real images of real figures and confusing historical facts. Elsewhere, a recent 404 Media report revealed that AI-generated content was creeping into Google News — ahead of a deeply consequential election, no less. Google has meanwhile been forced to increasingly play Whac-a-Mole with AI-generated spam, the likes of which range from fake news hits to the proliferation of phony obituary sites.
Per Google's amended spam policy, the crackdown appears to focus heavily on AI content.”
Arc Browser
There are simple, nuanced aspects of AI that will affect we interact with the digital world. In turn, it will adjust our expectations. This is a good thing! Arc is a browser that has changed the paradigm. There are several innovations which you might enjoy.
Real World Dallas Cyber Event
It took the municipality of Dallas 5 weeks to restore after a ransomware attack. They now have an $8.5M cybersecurity budget. “The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency says phishing, usually through a phony hyperlink or malware disguised as an attachment, is the most common way people using Royal gain access to networks. Other methods include using a remote desktop protocol, stolen account credentials and gaining access to user email accounts, Parnell said.” Read the aftermath story below.
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