Any cyber security expert will tell you that the biggest threat in the word FRAUD is ‘U’. No matter how many layers of security technology you apply, the human firewall is always the weakest link. This is not new news:
- 2013 College students were asked to update “loan application” information on a fraudulent website redirecting over a million dollars in college funds.
- 2015 Ubiquity falls victim to a $40 MILLION dollar phishing scam.
- 2020 Barbara Corcoran self-reported and confirmed with CBS News that her team fell for a spear phishing scam that wired $388,000 to an unknown account in China.
Since hindsight is 20/20 and we are in 2020, let’s learn from past mistakes. There are some basic steps anyone should take before sending money. Ever. Period.
- Never send a wire transfer solely based on an email or any electronic communication.
- If you receive an electronic request, always voice verify by calling a known phone number or video technology like Skype, Hangouts or Facetime.
- Work in an office? Knock on their door and ask.
So as an owner of a company, how do you protect your company from its biggest asset and liability – the employees?
- Put training in place so that managers know to not make electronic communication requests and employees know to question.
- Revisit and update your security policies and training regularly as this landscape is quickly changing.
As an MSP, we preach the above. What are some steps you can take to help make sure your clients fall into step?
- Cut and paste the information above and send it to your clients in an email.
- Give your clients a mini sample policy and procedure assessment.
- Sell them security training services to align with their policies so it becomes practice.
As as MSP, we preach the above. What are some steps you can take to help your clients fall into step?
- Cut and paste the information above and send it to your clients in an email.
- Give your clients a mini sample policy and procedure assessment.
- Sell them security training services to align with their policies so it becomes practice.
Did you know that Lifecycle Insights offers a free 90 day trial period? Sign up today and test run a policy and procedure assessment. Showing your clients where they are at risk or in need of attention in a color coded report is a simple way to sell them the security they need.
