DID YOU KNOW?:

Microsoft has an app that helps you to create healthy digital habits, browse safely with content filters, and much more. 

Digital security isn’t just for the office – protect your personal data, too! 

Whether you think you’re being catfished or you’re looking to make an online donation, you should always double-check the end recipient when sharing sensitive information online. The philosophy of "trust but verify" means that while you trust an email came from your coworker, you message them, or better yet, call them to verify. As wire fraud climbs in popularity with digital criminals, so too should the preparation and awareness of the problem. That’s why we’re here with more from the news: 

Should I open that email? Lakeland's Hook Security offers companies cybersecurity training | The Ledger 

Key Takeaways: 

1. Scammers are piggybacking on global conflicts, hawking in on charity and relief dollars meant for significantly better places by requesting relief funds through phony charities. 
    
2. The best way to protect your organization against phishing attacks is to educate and train your entire staff on common cyber security threats and how to avoid them. 
   
   Deeper Dive: Why You Need to Implement Cyber Security Training Today
    
3. Revenge cyberattacks – yes, that’s a thing now – are on the rise as disgruntled ex-employees bring chaos to their old jobs.

15 Tech Leaders On The ‘Next Big Thing’ In Cybersecurity | Forbes 

Key Takeaways: 

1. Blockchain Vulnerabilities: Where there is money there will be people trying to take it. Blockchain-based technologies are not inherently secure, despite the common misunderstanding.
    
2. Quantum Cryptography: Quantum physics is so last year. Quantum cryptography applies similar principles from quantum physics to data encryption and transmission, preventing hackers from accessing and stealing sensitive data that’s been encrypted using complex algorithms.
    
3. Technology is constantly advancing and the Forbes list can definitely be intimidating to most. To stay two steps ahead of bad actors, you could always hire an awesome MSP who does all that work for you. (Psst, that’s us!) 
    

Ransomware attacks have increased by 105% since 2021 according to SonicWall, meaning if your data wasn’t necessarily at risk before… well, it is now, partner. And while Michael Scott’s understanding of email security may put a smile on your face, if your team was sending money to a stranger claiming to be the deposed King of Nigeria’s son, you’d probably lose that grin. 

Wire fraud itself is defined as the use of electronic communications to acquire money or property under false or fraudulent pretenses. Modern wire fraud can include anything from the above-mentioned deep fakes on video chats and phone calls to spoofed emails and text messages and beyond.  

Criminals are using these advanced methods of trickery to access billions of dollars, and it’s got little more effort involved than tricking an employee or two. Verizon’s DBIR suggests 85% of all breaches were due to similar accidents, which means educating your staff and yourself is of the utmost importance in the fight against wire fraud. 

To learn more about wire fraud, how it works, and why working to prevent this kind of digital break-in from ever happening is so critical, check out our blog on the topic. 

Conclusion

Wire fraud is one of those things that sounds like it’s an Old Tyme thing, like suffering from scurvy aboard a pirate ship or the Jacobite Rebellion (shoutouts all around to Outlander fans), but in reality, it’s just getting worse and worse. There is no end in sight, so proactively fighting back is crucial for your team’s security.  

Anyway, if you made it this far, we're guessing you see value in protecting yourself against wire fraud and want to learn more about how to stay safe from the experts. Consider following us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, where we are posting on this topic and more three days a week!