CyberStreams

?????? ???? ???????? ????????: ?????????? ???????????????????? ???? Generative AI is the tech buzzword you can’t escape these days—and for good reason. Unlike traditional AI that just sorts or analyzes data, generative AI creates stuff from scratch: think images, text, audio, even video. It’s powered by deep learning, a method that mimics how our brains process info, churning out content so polished it’s hard to tell if a human or a machine made it. At its core, you’ve got large language models (LLMs) like the ones behind ChatGPT, spitting out text and code, and diffusion models crafting visuals or soundtracks. Big players—OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, Meta, and more—have thrown their hats in the ring, rolling out both closed- and open-source versions. The real turning point? November 30, 2022, when OpenAI dropped ChatGPT, turning heads with a chatbot that felt eerily human. Since then, the race has been on, with “copilots” popping up in workflows and AI-powered search shaking things up. So, what’s generative AI actually doing? It’s cranking out emails, social posts, music, articles, even software code—pretty much anything you can dream up. And it’s getting better daily. Industries from marketing to software development are eyeing it as a game-changer. Forrester’s even calling it the end of the web as we know it, predicting a shift from Googling to chatting with AI. Bold? Sure. Possible? Absolutely. I know that’s how I search and research these days. But here’s the flip side: cybercriminals are all over this too. Since late 2022, SlashNext reports a jaw-dropping 1,265% spike in malicious phishing emails and a 967% jump in credential theft attempts. ChatGPT’s debut wasn’t far off, and it’s no stretch to say generative AI’s fueling this surge. Bad actors are using it to churn out slick phishing emails, automate attacks, and exploit vulnerabilities with custom code. They’re scaling up fast, personalizing scams to trick even the savviest targets. A 2024 IBM report pegs the average data breach cost at $4.45 million—proof these threats aren’t just noise. Why’s this happening? Generative AI hands attackers a toolbox to craft convincing content, dig up victim intel, and hit more targets with less effort. It’s like giving a hacker a megaphone and a masterclass in persuasion. But it’s not all bad news—businesses can fight back by getting smart about this tech. I've put together three takeaways and next steps: 1. Audit Your Weak Spots Take a hard look at where your business might be vulnerable—email systems, outdated software, or lax employee habits—and plug those gaps before AI-powered attacks exploit them. 2. Test the Waters with AI Experiment with generative AI in-house—maybe draft marketing copy or automate repetitive tasks—to see how it fits your workflow. 3. Partner Up for Protection Team up with cybersecurity experts or AI vendors who specialize in threat detection to bolster your defenses against this new wave of sophisticated attacks.

POV: You’ve been hacked, and now the paranoia is real. Every notification feels like a threat, every link looks suspicious. You’re on edge, second-guessing everything—because once it happens, it’s hard to feel safe again. ?? Key takeaways for staying safe: ? Check Reviews & Ratings – Spot patterns of bad behavior. ? Verify the Developer – Stick to trusted names. ? Monitor Permissions – If an extension asks for too much access, rethink it. Security isn’t just a tech issue—it’s a business risk. Stay sharp! #CyberSecurity #ChromeExtensions #GoogleChrome #OnlineSafety ??

As tax season approaches, cyber threats are more prevalent than ever. Protect yourself, your business, and your finances by adopting the ???????? ???????????? to avoid phishing scams during this busy time: ?? ?? - ???????????? ?????? ????????????: Always check the email address to ensure it’s from a legitimate source, especially when handling sensitive tax information. ?? ?? - ?????????????? ?????????? ??????????????: Hover over any links to verify their destination before clicking, particularly those related to tax documents or payments. ?? ?? - ???? ???????????????? ???????? ??????????????????????: Unsolicited attachments can contain malware—only open what you trust, especially if it’s related to your taxes. ?? ?? - ???????? ?????? ??????????????: Look for signs of urgency or poorly written grammar, as these are often indicators of phishing attempts. Stay vigilant this tax season and protect your data! Share this video to help others stay safe in the digital landscape. #Cybersecurity #DataSecurity #TechTrends #cyberSecurity #SeattleITsupport #AustinITservices #BusinessIT #ITServiceProvider #CyberStreams #CyberAwareness #StaySecure #OnlineSafety #CyberSecurityHabit #SLAMMethod #mspseattle #austinmsp #SeattleITsupport #AustinITservices #cyberstreams #TaxSeasonScams #CyberSafety

?????? ???? ???????? ????????: ??????????????????????????’?? ???????? ?????? ???????????? Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how we interact with technology, and it’s impacting cybersecurity too. McKinsey Global Institute estimates AI could pump $2.6 to $4.4 trillion into the global economy each year. That’s a massive opportunity for businesses, but it comes with a catch: bigger risks, especially when it comes to keeping data and systems secure. In this post (and more to come), we’re diving into the cybersecurity challenges AI brings—and how it’s being weaponized by cybercriminals. Hackers are leveraging AI to supercharge their tactics, from crafting phishing emails so convincing you’d swear they’re legit, to fine-tuning ransomware attacks for maximum impact. A 2023 report from Cybersecurity Ventures predicts cybercrime costs will hit $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, and AI is a big reason why those numbers are climbing. But it’s not all doom and gloom. Cybersecurity pros have AI in their toolkit too, and it’s a game-changer. Think smarter defenses against tailored email scams, stronger company-wide security habits, and faster, sharper responses to threats. AI’s ability to analyze patterns and spot anomalies in real time is helping organizations stay a step ahead—or at least keep pace. Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane. AI kicked off in the 1950s, with pioneers like Alan Turing laying the groundwork. It wasn’t until the 2000s, though, that things really took off, fueled by leaps in machine learning, big data, and deep learning. Today, AI powers everything from your phone’s virtual assistant to self-driving cars. In cybersecurity, the journey’s been just as wild. Back in the ‘80s, we had rule-based systems—think rigid “if this, then that” setups. By the late ‘90s and early 2000s, machine learning brought behavioral analysis into the mix, making threat detection way more accurate. The 2010s ushered in next-gen antivirus tools and automated response systems, all powered by AI. Here’s the twist: as AI beefed up our defenses, bad actors flipped the script. They’re using it to dodge detection, craft sneaky attacks, and scale their operations. It’s a cat-and-mouse game, and AI’s the MVP on both teams. Take generative AI—think tools like ChatGPT—which hit the scene around 2020. It can churn out polished phishing emails or fake audio in seconds, making it tougher to spot the fakes. So, where does this leave us? In a world where AI is both shield and sword, staying proactive is key. Businesses can’t just sit back—they need to harness AI’s potential while keeping an eye on its dark side. I've put together three takeaways and next steps: 1. Train Your Team Educate employees on AI-powered scams like hyper-realistic phishing. 2. Upgrade Your Tech Invest in AI-driven security tools that spot threats in real time. 3. Stay Informed Keep tabs on AI trends in cybersecurity, like you’re doing now.

#CyberStreamsTechTipTuesday

????????????’?? ?????????? ???????????? ????????????: ?????? ???????? ???????????????????? ???????????? ???? ??????? The Chrome Web Store is a big piece of the Google ecosystem, loaded with over 100,000 extensions that enhance the functionality of the Google Chrome web browser; from productivity tools, to ad blockers, or stuff like the Netflix party add-ons. But lately, the platform’s been raising some eyebrows thanks to some shady practices. One of the main issues is how some developers game the system to get noticed. They use descriptions stuffed with over 18,000 keywords to climb the search rankings. It’s a trick called keyword stuffing, and it’s helping shady extensions get to the top. The catch is that these can come with baggage like unauthorized data grabs, intrusive ads, or even malicious code that erodes your browser’s security. Google’s got automated checks and rules in place, but apparently with so many extensions it tough to catch everything right out of the gate. Just last month, in January 2025, reports surfaced of a supply chain attack compromising a dozen extensions, potentially hitting millions of users with data-harvesting malware. To tackle this, Google’s been tightening the reins with stricter guidelines and faster takedowns for sketchy extensions. They've cracked down on keyword tricks and added more human oversight to catch what bots miss. However, the store’s open-door approach continues to be exploited, creating a balancing act between user-friendliness and security. This means we all need to stay sharp when choosing extensions. Recent phishing campaigns targeting developers—tricking them into handing over access via fake Google emails—show how creative bad actors are getting. Once they’re in, they can push malicious updates to legit extensions, and users might not notice until it’s too late. For businesses, this isn’t just a tech nuisance—it’s a bottom-line issue. Imagine an employee installing a compromised extension that leaks client data. A 2023 study found that 1 in 10 Chrome Web Store submissions were flagged as malicious, and that number’s likely higher now. I've put together three takeaways and next steps: 1. Dig Into Reviews and Ratings Before you hit “install,” take a quick scroll through what other users are saying. Look for patterns—like weird glitches, slowdowns, or pop-up complaints—that might hint at trouble. 2. Check Out the Developer Stick with extensions from names you know and trust. A little poke around into the developer’s track record—think a quick Google search or a glance at their website—can separate the solid players from the iffy ones. 3. Watch Those Permissions Pay attention to what permissions the extension is asking for. If it’s after stuff like your full browsing history or access to every site you visit—and that feels over-the-top for what it does—maybe give it a pass and look for a different extension. Less is more when it comes to permissions.

Conflict is inevitable, but how you handle it as a leader can strengthen your team. Instead of seeing conflict as negative, treat it as an opportunity for growth! Here are 5 strategies for resolving conflicts effectively: 1?? Address it early 2?? Listen to all perspectives 3?? Find common ground 4?? Stay neutral 5?? Focus on solutions, not blame Conflicts can lead to better communication and stronger teams when managed well. ?? Want more tips? Check out my latest blog on mastering conflict resolution!?? https://lnkd.in/g8jBik_Y #Leadership #Teamwork #ConflictResolution #GrowthMindset #ITServices #CyberStreams #DigitalTransformation #ManagedIT #BusinessContinuity #mspseattle #austinmsp #SeattleITsupport #AustinITservices #cyberstreams #ManagedITServices #ITSupportechSupport #ITConsulting

?????????????????? ?????? ?????? ??????????????: ?????? ?????? ???? ?????????? ???????? ???????????? ???????? Back in January, the UK issued a directive to Apple, nudging the company to add a backdoor to its encrypted cloud services. This comes under the Investigatory Powers Act (or IPA, if you’re into acronyms), and it’s asking Apple to give UK authorities full access to all iCloud data worldwide—including the end-to-end encrypted stuff protected by Advanced Data Protection. It’s a move that puts Apple’s long-standing focus on user privacy to the test and sparks some big questions about where we draw the line between security and personal rights in today’s digital world. The heart of the issue is Apple’s Advanced Data Protection, which locks down iCloud backups so only users can get in—not even Apple has the keys. The UK says this backdoor is needed to tackle serious crimes like terrorism and child exploitation, which can hide behind encryption. What’s really interesting here is the scope: this isn’t just about UK users—it covers every Apple user globally. Unlike past requests that focused on specific cases, this “technical capability notice” wants a wide-open view into all encrypted data. So far, Apple’s keeping quiet on its next move, but looking at its past moves, it will likely push back. Remember 2016? Apple fought a U.S. order to unlock an iPhone. And in 2023, it hinted at pulling encrypted services from the UK rather than watering down security. If Apple gives in now, it could open the door to similar requests from other countries—some with shakier democratic credentials. Plus, building a backdoor could invite risks like cyberattacks or misuse by unfriendly governments. The global reach of this demand muddies the waters, potentially clashing with international data rules and shaking confidence in cloud services. For businesses and everyday users, this is a reminder that digital privacy isn’t set in stone. The UK sees this as a security must-have, but the ripple effects are hard to overlook. I've put together three takeaways and next steps: 1. Check Your Encryption Choices Look into the security of the cloud services you rely on. Go for options with strong end-to-end encryption and a solid history of standing up to overreach. 2. Keep an Eye on Policy Shifts Stay in the loop on encryption rules where your data’s stored—it’s worth knowing what’s coming. 3. Join the Discussion Wherever you’re based, use your voice—through voting or otherwise—to help shape the policies that affect our digital privacy and security, locally and beyond.

??????’?? ????????????—D?????????????? ???????????? ???????? ???? ???????? ????????????, ?????????? ??????! ? Yes, we lose an hour of sleep (ouch ??), but we gain?longer, brighter evenings?to enjoy! ?? Whether that means extra time outside, a refreshed routine, or just soaking up the sunlight, try to make the most of the shift. How do you handle the time change? Do you have any tips for adjusting smoothly? Drop them in the comments! #SpringForward #DaylightSavings #MoreSunlight #CyberStreams #cyberstreams #DST

Tech conversations tend to spotlight big-name companies and male CEOs. But let’s set the record straight—women have been shaping the tech industry for decades. ???? With?Women’s History Month?in full swing, let’s shine a light on some of the trailblazers who changed the game: ????????? ?????????????????–undefined Often referred to as the first computer programmer, she wrote an algorithm for Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine back in the 1800s. ????????????? ?????????????–undefined A pioneer in computer science, she helped develop early programming languages and coined the term “debugging” (after literally removing a moth from a computer!). ??????????? ?????????????– More than just a Hollywood icon, she co-invented frequency-hopping technology, the foundation of today’s Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth. ????????????? ???????????????–undefined Known as the “Mother of the Internet,” she developed the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), which made modern networking possible. Women have?always?been at the forefront of innovation, yet they still make up just?28% of the STEM workforce?today. It’s time to change that. Let’s celebrate the past, uplift the present, and build a more inclusive future in tech. Who are the women in tech that inspire you? Drop their names below! ?? #WomenInTech #WomensHistoryMonth #TechTrends #CyberSecurity #SeattleITsupport #AustinITservices #BusinessIT #ITServiceProvider #CyberStreams #CyberAwareness #StaySecure #OnlineSafety #mspseattle #austinmsp #SeattleITsupport #AustinITservices