Author: don fernandes

Verizon’s Data Breach Investigations Report

Verizon’s Security Report: Key Takeaways and Your Steps to Stay Safe

Here’s a breakdown of Verizon’s Data Breach Investigation Report with actionable advice:

• People are the Weakest link. Most breaches involve human error. Secure your systems based on your needs.
• Top Attack Methods: Credential theft (use 2-factor authentication!) Phishing emails (don’t click, don’t reply, and don’t share information) Unpatched vulnerabilities (update software regularly)
• Browsers as Backdoors: Use Privacy Badger and uBlock Origin browser extensions. Clear your cache often.
• Phishing Emails are effective; Many people fall for them. Be suspicious, verify senders, and delete unknown emails.
• Lost Devices are common. 80% of mobile devices are lost, not stolen. Secure your devices!
• Small businesses are targeted: Don’t underestimate your data’s value. Don’t rely on weak security practices.

For a deeper dive, download the free Verizon report!

The FBI, Microsoft, and Google Will Never Call Or eMail You

A one-page computer security refresher from the FBI.

https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/safety-resources/scams-and-safety/on-the-internet

Of particular interest is the note in the lower right:

Note: The FBI does not send mass emails to private citizens about cyber scams. If you received an email that claims to be from the FBI Director or other top official, it is most likely a scam.

Replace FBI in that note with ‘Apple’, ‘Dell’, ‘Microsoft’, ‘Google’, etc., and it still holds true. Those companies will never contact you directly via email, browser pop-up, phone, text, carrier pigeon, etc., regarding a security issue. If you think they are contacting you directly with a legitimate communication, they aren’t. Please delete the email, don’t take the phone call, and dismiss the browser popup.