2024 Idaho Cybersecurity Summit: Top Takeaways – Think Before You Click
Welcome back, lil Fishies! We’re deep into October, which is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and if you’re looking to sharpen your digital defenses, you're in the right place. Megan Kalemba, your Reel Time Tech host, recently sat down with our very own VP of IT, Josh Van Berkum (JVB), to break down some of the top cybersecurity challenges from this year's Idaho Cybersecurity Summit. Here’s what you need to know!
Hackers: Organized and Ruthless
Cybercrime is no longer about random attacks—criminal organizations are running the show. Hackers are using sophisticated strategies to infiltrate networks, hold data hostage, and profit on stolen information. The Internet Crime Complaint Center's 2023 Annual Report shows the frequency of reported cybercrimes increased 10% from 2022-2023 and financial losses skyrocketing by 22%, it’s clear: the stakes are higher than ever.
VP of IT Services
Social Engineering: The Trojan Horse of Hacking
The biggest threat? It’s not what you think. Most cyber-attacks start with social engineering—tricking employees into clicking malicious links or giving up sensitive information. JVB reminds us, "You can patch all the software vulnerabilities you want, but if users aren’t educated, breaches will happen."
Training your people to spot suspicious emails, verify unexpected messages, and pause before clicking is the first line of defense. Remember: hackers often lie in wait, looking to exploit old backups or dormant access points. That’s why employee education is more essential than ever!
Stay Ahead of the Game with MFA
JVB’s top tip for both business and personal security: Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on all accounts. It’s not foolproof, but it makes hacking a lot harder. Hackers rely on careless clicks to steal tokens and break in. So, “Think Before You Click,” especially when things look a little off—trust your instincts!
Holiday Season Alert: Stay Vigilant
The end of the year might mean holiday fun for us, but it’s prime time for cybercriminals to strike. FR Secure's 2023 Infosec Report shows 73% of Business Email Compromises are due to the lack of an MFA, now is the time secure your accounts and stay sharp. If something feels off, verify the message directly with the sender, or get your IT team involved.
Reel Time Tech Host
Josh left us with one final thought: “It’s okay to ask, ‘Did you send this?’ Trust, but verify.”
So, what’s the takeaway? Education, MFA, and a healthy dose of caution can go a long way in protecting you and your business. Stay safe out there, and don’t let the cyber-grinches ruin your holidays!