A Letter from the Founders & Cybersecurity myths that will hurt your business this year
Letter from the Founders
Dear Continuous Family,
Welcome to this edition of "What's Tasty," where we merge the zest of tacos with the world of IT to bring you services that are not just necessary but delightfully impactful.
Our Recipe for Success:
At Continuous Networks, LLC , we're dedicated to providing IT services that are as indispensable and enjoyable as your favorite taco. We're here to ensure that your technology solutions are not just a part of your business operations but a cornerstone of your success.
Thank you for being a vital part of our community. Together, we'll continue to make IT delightful, effective, and, above all, tasty.
Warmest regards,
Jason and Ross
3 Cyber Security Myths That Will Hurt Your Business This Year?
Working amid the ever-changing currents of technology and cyber security, businesses often find themselves entangled in a web of misinformation and outdated ideas. But failing to distinguish between myth and fact can put your business’s security at serious risk.
Based on expert research in the field, including CompTIA’s 2024 global State Of Cybersecurity report, we will debunk three common misconceptions that threaten to derail your success in 2024.??
Myth 1: My Cyber Security Is Good Enough!?
Fact: Modern cyber security is about continuous improvement.?
Respondents to CompTIA’s survey indicated that one of the most significant challenges to cyber security initiatives today is the belief that “current security is good enough” (39%).?
One of the reasons businesses may be misled by the state of their security is the inherent complexity of cyber security. In particular, it’s incredibly challenging to track and measure security effectiveness and stay current on trends. Thus, an incomplete understanding of security leads executives to think all is well.?
Over 40% of executives express complete satisfaction with their organization’s cyber security, according to CompTIA’s report. In contrast, only 25% of IT staff and 21% of business staff are satisfied. This could also be accounted for by executives often having more tech freedom for added convenience while frontline staff deal with less visible cyber security details.?
“Either way, the gap in satisfaction points to a need for improved communication on the topic,” CompTIA writes.?
Get your IT and business teams together and figure out what risks you face right now and what needs to change. Because cyber security is constantly changing, your security should never be stagnant. “Good enough” is never good enough for your business; vigilance and a continuous improvement mindset are the only ways to approach cyber security.?
Myth 2: Cyber Security = Keeping Threats Out?
Fact: Cyber security protects against threats both inside and outside your organization.
One of the most publicized breaches of the last decade was when BBC reported that a Heathrow Airport employee lost a USB stick with sensitive data on it. Although the stick was recovered with no harm done, it still cost Heathrow ￡120,000 (US$150,000) in fines.?
Yes, cyber security is about protection. However, protection extends to both external and internal threats such as employee error.??
Because security threats are diverse and wide-ranging, there are risks that have little to do with your IT team. For example, how do your employees use social media? “In an era of social engineering, there must be precise guidelines around the content being shared since it could eventually lead to a breach,” CompTIA states. Attacks are increasingly focused on human social engineering, like phishing, and criminals bank on your staff making mistakes.?
Additionally, managing relationships with third-party vendors and partners often involves some form of data sharing. “The chain of operations is only as strong as its weakest link,” CompTIA points out. “When that chain involves outside parties, finding the weakest link requires detailed planning.”
Everyone in your organization is responsible for being vigilant and aware of security best practices and safety as it relates to their jobs. Make sure your cyber security strategy puts equal emphasis on internal threats as much as external ones.?
Myth 3: IT Handles My Cyber Security?
Fact: Cybersecurity is not solely the responsibility of the IT department.
While IT professionals are crucial in implementing security measures, comprehensive cyber security involves a multidisciplinary approach. It encompasses not only technical aspects but also policy development, employee training, risk management and a deep understanding of the organization’s unique security landscape.?
Because each department within your organization involves unique risks, people from various roles must be included in security conversations. But many companies are not doing this. CompTIA’s report shows that while 40% of respondents say that technical staff is leading those conversations, only 36% indicate that the CEO is participating, and just 25% say that business staff is involved.?
“More companies should consider including a wide range of business professionals, from executives to mid-level management to staff positions, in risk management discussions,” CompTIA writes. “These individuals are becoming more involved in technology decisions for their departments, and without a proper view into the associated risks, their decisions may have harmful consequences.”?
Business leaders and employees at all levels must actively engage in cyber security efforts, as they are all potential gatekeepers against evolving threats.?
Don’t Listen To Myths
By embracing a mindset of continuous improvement, recognizing the wide range of threats, and understanding the collective responsibility of cyber security, your business will remain safe, resilient, and thriving, no matter what the future holds.
TRIVIA!
Who Else Wants To Win A $25 Gift Card??
?
领英推荐
You can be the Grand Prize Winner of this month’s Trivia Challenge Quiz! Just be the first person to correctly answer this month’s trivia question and receive a $25 gift card to Chipotle.
Ready?
Email us now with your answer to [email protected]!?
What does the “S” stand for in “HTTPS”?
A. Site
B. Simple
C. Safe
D. Secure
Preventing Cyberattacks Free Checklist:
15 Ways To Protect Your Business From A Cyberattack
1 in 5 small businesses will suffer a cyber breach this year. 81% of all breaches happen to small and medium sized businesses. 97% of breaches could have been prevented with today’s technology.?
Being a step ahead of the game can ensure your technology landscape is up to date. Download our free checklist on ways to protect your business from a cyberattack today by emailing us at [email protected].
Check Fraud Crimes Are “Washing” Away Bank Accounts
Headlines are usually flush with the latest digital breaches out to get businesses. Weak passwords, complex social engineering and business e-mail compromise are often the culprits we hear about. But while our eyes and ears were honed in on digital threats, old-fashioned paper-and-pen crimes were sneaking into our bank accounts.??
According to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, fraudulent-check crimes rose 201.2% between 2018 and 2022. Experts say that the rise of check fraud began in 2020 when criminals started stealing stimulus checks. Once those ended, they needed a new source of income. In 2023, S&P Global noted that check fraud made up one-third of all bank fraud, excluding mortgage fraud.
It’s a cheap and relatively simple crime happening under our noses, and that’s why they’re getting away with it.?
How Criminals “Wash” Checks
AARP says that most check fraud involves check “washing.” This is when criminals use bleach or acetone to wash away the ink used to write the payee and check amount after stealing it from your mailbox or fishing it from a drop box. Once washed, the check dries, is filled out with new information and deposited at banks or cash-checking shops.?
According to AARP, a 60-year-old man had a check for $235 stolen and cashed for $9,001.20 – all within 24 hours. It’s not just the US either. An Ontario business owner sent a check for $10,800 to the Canada Revenue Agency to make tax payments for his maple syrup company. Days later, it had been stolen and deposited into another account.?
It’s a low-budget, fast-cash reward for criminals. Even worse, some banks have deadlines for reporting this kind of crime and won’t reimburse you if you alert them too late.?
Prevent Check Fraud With These 6 Tips
Thankfully, there are a few simple steps you can take to significantly reduce your risk of check fraud.?
1. Pay Online: Pay bills online using a private Wi-Fi connection and a secure portal, like through your bank or vendor website.?
2. Mail Safely: Use the post office for mailing checks; avoid leaving them in personal or outdoor mailboxes.
3. Use Gel Ink: Use non-erasable gel ink in blue or black for writing checks; these are harder to erase than ballpoint pen ink.?
4. Collect Mail Daily: Pick up your mail daily. If away, arrange for collection.
5. Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank account online – a few times a week is best.?
6. Report Incidents Immediately: Report fraud quickly to your bank and Postal Inspection Service. Most institutions are required to reimburse stolen funds if the theft is reported within 30 days.?
It might be a digital world, but criminals will use every tactic to get hold of your hard-earned cash. Add these simple tips to your routine to significantly reduce your risk of check fraud.?
Gadget of the Month
JSAUX USB Data Blocker?
Last year, the FBI warned consumers not to use public charging stations because hackers were installing malware into USB ports and stealing data. If you forget your charger, the JSAUX USB-A Data Blocker is a game-changer for secure charging when you’re on the go.?
Designed exclusively for charging with no data-sync function, it’s perfect for public charging stations in airports, hotel lobbies and coffee shops, eliminating hacking risks. It offers a rapid 2.4A charge and works with a wide range of devices. Compact, portable and cheap, the USB Data Blocker is the no-brainer companion you need in your travel backpack right now!?
Reading Corner
Build: An Unorthodox Guide To Making Things Worth Making, By Tony Fadell
Build is an indispensable read for any business owner looking for motivation and practical advice. The book spans Tony Fadell’s journey from early-career product designer to accomplished leader, and offers a treasure trove of insights for anyone trying to run a successful business.?
Tony’s real-world narrative, enriched by his experiences with icons like Steve Jobs, is compelling, easy to read and relatable. Each short chapter, ranging from five to 20 pages, tackles real-world challenges – from start-up funding to critical career-life choices and workplace dynamics. What sets this book apart is its blend of personal stories with the wisdom of Silicon Valley, all while advocating for a refreshingly “old-school” approach to leadership and management. Build is a must-read for those who want to find real solutions to modern business problems.?
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