Ransomware is the leading cyber security threat in 2018. In a recent podcast, Hal Lonas, CTO of the security software provider Webroot, offered a succinct explanation of how ransomware has flipped the security threat paradigm on its ear. “It used to be that the bad guys wanted data because it was valuable to them,” he said. “With ransomware, they’re essentially asking: ‘your data isn’t valuable to me, but how much is worth to you?’ It’s scary how smart it is.” New types of ransomware will continue to surface. Hackers are constantly modifying ransomware code to evade detection by defense technologies, such as security software. This year, we’ve witnessed a surge in “polymorphic” malware, which is malware that changes automatically to appear unique to different endpoints. Security software often fails to discover these variants. To decrypt files, hackers typically demand a ransom in the form of bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies.

Last week we were on The Big 550 KTRS to talk about the importance of firewalls. No, we weren't talking about the buffer between yourself and your car engine like Guy Phillips thought! We wanted to talk about the real deal that will help to keep you safe online. So what all did our IT expert, Randy Moore, have to say for Tech Talk? We've got the scoop about firewalls and what you need to know about them.

Unless you were living under a rock last week, you've heard about the Royal Wedding. Before we went on the air for Tech Talk, Guy Phillips and his co-host were using a royal family name generator they found on social media. When our IT expert, Rion Kolosieke, heard about this he took a quick detour from our topic of backup and disaster recovery to talk about the risks with social media games and quizzes.

In my two previous posts, I've talked about email safety and the importance of educating your end users. The goal being that your employees become critical consumers of information and data on the internet. As I mentioned before, one of the most important investments that you can make towards the security of your business is to educate your employees about email safety and best overall practices. So, what is the next smartest thing business owners can do to securely manage their IT assets?

Last week on Tech Talk, our IT expert, went into detail about the importance of password management. Steve even gave a few suggestions on free websites people can use to manage their multiple passwords. Let’s be honest, we’re all guilty of having to use that “Forgot Password” option. 

Thinking you’re not at risk because you’re a small company is, unfortunately, a thought you can’t afford to have – 61% of all cyber-attacks target small businesses! They want your personal information, your keystrokes, your employee records, and more. Don’t give them the opportunity.

The past few months, we have discussed the “IT” problem. It’s well-known that the biggest security risk for a company is its people. Educating your employees on possible threats is the first line of defense, but this can only help so much in the battle of keeping your network secure. The devious cyber criminals that are trying to wreak havoc on your business are pretty sinister and tricky. The need for IT support for any business is inevitable, but which type of IT services is right for you?