Unfortunately, yes. There are legitimate AND fake ransomware attacks.
Good news is, the end-user needs to take the same precautions to mitigate risks of real or fake ransomware attacks; remaining educated on cyber security is an asset.
Better news, we offer solutions to layer on to protect your environment, as well as Security Awareness Training to educate your end users.
Let’s talk ransomware.
What is ransomware? Ransomware is a form of malware that encrypts files. The attacker then demands a ransom from the victim to restore their access to the data. This is especially dangerous because access to data on computer networks, mobile devices, and servers will all be locked until the victim pays the demanded ransom. For a business like yours, this can make or break you.
Attackers are aware that any sign of ransomware causes panic. Especially when using common attack methods – extortion, blackmail, threats, etc. – that are designed to generate fear in the reader. Attackers rely on this fear and panic to motivate the victim to give into demands regardless of how much money they are seeking.
These attacks have been so successful, the bad guys have realized they can simply create fake ransomware.
Rewind, what is fake ransomware?
Fake ransomware is simply a message stating false information that is sent to an end-user, demanding ransom.
These are often delivered in the form of emails spoofing a known address or pop ups that take focus on your computer and are difficult to close out.
These messages may tell a user their data has been stolen and encrypted and they must ‘click here’ to unlock data, enter credentials to check their account, review what files have been encrypted, etc. Essentially, the attacker does not presently have access to your environment but counts on your panic causing you to click a link which then does provide them access.
These messages may also exploit or blackmail, telling the victim they have videos, pictures, or screen shots of them that do not exist. They will then ask for a payout to delete this sensitive data and keep quiet.
However, none of this is true. These are simply messages used to induce fear and hope the victim pays.
The takeaway
Your organization needs a strong cyber security solution stack, regular end-user education and testing, as well as a plan in the event of an attack. This protocol must prevail even in fear and panic.
Having an IT partner that values and focuses on cyber security in every area of business is crucial.
Mitigate these risks with forward-thinking solutions and end-user training.
Have a plan in the event of an attack.
Secure an IT partner that can respond intelligently in a worst case scenario.
Did you know, they can also be your greatest risk?
Your organization’s data is at the hand of each person within your company.
Anyone with a company email can risk your security.
So… what to do about it.
Introducing branded email logins.
Many attackers use phishing emails to prompt users to enter their credentials on compromised pages. Often, users will enter these credentials because the pages look very similar to a legitimate login page.
One frequently used phishing scheme is the Microsoft 365 sign in page. If attackers can gain the email credentials of an employee, they now have an entry point into your entire organization.
We can help mitigate this risk.
By applying your company logo to the login screen, you are offering a visual cue to your employees that this is legitimate. This visual cue will help employees differentiate real login pages from malicious prompts for credentials.
Included with Bracket is our encrypted file transfer service, Bracket Share.
share files
request files
customize
Bracket Share links are customizable, so users can make them easy to remember and share.
You can have Bracket email people an invitation to share. These can display your personalized profile, so your contacts feel more confident about sharing their sensitive data.
Anyone with your Share link can share encrypted files and messages when it’s convenient for them. No account required.
Senders who share through the Share link are securely validated via inbox authentication to prevent abuse.
Bracket can handle files up to 1GB in size with up to 25 files allowed per message. Large files are good to go when sending from Bracket’s webmail interface or Bracket Share.
https://www.premierepc.net/wp-content/uploads/Annotation-2020-09-10-154055.png602690Geena Hammondhttps://www.premierepc.net/wp-content/uploads/ppc_site_logo-2.pngGeena Hammond2021-08-12 11:50:472021-08-12 12:58:48Secure File Sharing AND Requests… What Your SMB is Missing
Ever open your email and immediately get a sinking feeling in your gut?
“WHAT‽ How do I have 37 messages from that one company‽ I want to keep these but I definitely don’t need to read them all. What do I do‽”
Introducing Sweep.
Here’s how it works:
Go to your Inbox, select a message.
On the menu bar, select Sweep.
Choose how you would like to handle the email messages from that sender.
Select OK.
Easy enough.
Stay tuned for more cool features to improve your daily workflow.
https://www.premierepc.net/wp-content/uploads/microsoft-to-ditch-nokia-e1619541991640.jpg333333Geena Hammondhttps://www.premierepc.net/wp-content/uploads/ppc_site_logo-2.pngGeena Hammond2021-07-22 11:37:322021-07-22 11:37:32Outlook: Cool Features For This Hot Summer
Our business phone and fax system combines a hosted PBX with advanced voice and fax features, reliable VOIP service with unlimited calling and VOIP phones.
All of this sits on top of an intelligently managed network by PremierePC.
Announcing: NEW PHONE PLANS
We are excited to announce, will be offering the following Hosted Phones plans: Basic, Standard+, and Premium+.
Basic
Feature-limited, business phone system with messaging and basic video conferencing. 20 seat max.
Standard+
Fully integrated business solution for phones, messaging and video plus password management and basic events.
Premium+
Your remote employee workbench. Empower your entire workforce regardless of their location: Unified Communications, IT support, Contact Center, Virtual Events and Enterprise Password Security.
We are excited to offer more flexible phone plans for your organization.
https://www.premierepc.net/wp-content/uploads/hosted-phones-greenville-sc-e1626289871402.png491712Geena Hammondhttps://www.premierepc.net/wp-content/uploads/ppc_site_logo-2.pngGeena Hammond2021-07-14 13:00:522021-09-10 11:46:26What’s New With GoTo?
FAKE Ransomware? Really?!
Unfortunately, yes. There are legitimate AND fake ransomware attacks.
Good news is, the end-user needs to take the same precautions to mitigate risks of real or fake ransomware attacks; remaining educated on cyber security is an asset.
Better news, we offer solutions to layer on to protect your environment, as well as Security Awareness Training to educate your end users.
What is ransomware? Ransomware is a form of malware that encrypts files. The attacker then demands a ransom from the victim to restore their access to the data. This is especially dangerous because access to data on computer networks, mobile devices, and servers will all be locked until the victim pays the demanded ransom. For a business like yours, this can make or break you.
Attackers are aware that any sign of ransomware causes panic. Especially when using common attack methods – extortion, blackmail, threats, etc. – that are designed to generate fear in the reader. Attackers rely on this fear and panic to motivate the victim to give into demands regardless of how much money they are seeking.
These attacks have been so successful, the bad guys have realized they can simply create fake ransomware.
Fake ransomware is simply a message stating false information that is sent to an end-user, demanding ransom.
These are often delivered in the form of emails spoofing a known address or pop ups that take focus on your computer and are difficult to close out.
These messages may tell a user their data has been stolen and encrypted and they must ‘click here’ to unlock data, enter credentials to check their account, review what files have been encrypted, etc. Essentially, the attacker does not presently have access to your environment but counts on your panic causing you to click a link which then does provide them access.
These messages may also exploit or blackmail, telling the victim they have videos, pictures, or screen shots of them that do not exist. They will then ask for a payout to delete this sensitive data and keep quiet.
However, none of this is true. These are simply messages used to induce fear and hope the victim pays.
Your organization needs a strong cyber security solution stack, regular end-user education and testing, as well as a plan in the event of an attack. This protocol must prevail even in fear and panic.
Having an IT partner that values and focuses on cyber security in every area of business is crucial.
Brand 365 with Company Logo, Increase Security
Your organization’s data is at the hand of each person within your company.
Anyone with a company email can risk your security.
So… what to do about it.
Many attackers use phishing emails to prompt users to enter their credentials on compromised pages. Often, users will enter these credentials because the pages look very similar to a legitimate login page.
One frequently used phishing scheme is the Microsoft 365 sign in page. If attackers can gain the email credentials of an employee, they now have an entry point into your entire organization.
By applying your company logo to the login screen, you are offering a visual cue to your employees that this is legitimate. This visual cue will help employees differentiate real login pages from malicious prompts for credentials.
Secure File Sharing AND Requests… What Your SMB is Missing
[Bracket]
share files
request files
customize
Bracket Share links are customizable, so users can make them easy to remember and share.
You can have Bracket email people an invitation to share. These can display your personalized profile, so your contacts feel more confident about sharing their sensitive data.
Anyone with your Share link can share encrypted files and messages when it’s convenient for them. No account required.
Senders who share through the Share link are securely validated via inbox authentication to prevent abuse.
Bracket can handle files up to 1GB in size with up to 25 files allowed per message. Large files are good to go when sending from Bracket’s webmail interface or Bracket Share.
Click Here to Learn More
Outlook: Cool Features For This Hot Summer
Ever open your email and immediately get a sinking feeling in your gut?
Introducing Sweep.
Here’s how it works:
What’s New With GoTo?
Announcing: NEW PHONE PLANS
We are excited to announce, will be offering the following Hosted Phones plans: Basic, Standard+, and Premium+.
Basic
Feature-limited, business phone system with messaging and basic video conferencing. 20 seat max.
Standard+
Fully integrated business solution for phones, messaging and video plus password management and basic events.
Premium+
Your remote employee workbench. Empower your entire workforce regardless of their location: Unified Communications, IT support, Contact Center, Virtual Events and Enterprise Password Security.
Join the “work from anywhere” revolution with the bundle that scales to meet your needs. Click here for more info.