Dean Charlton’s Post

🛡 In today's digital age, the rise in #cyberattacks on organizations is more than just a headline; it is a wake-up call for all businesses. From small and medium-sized Enterprise to multinational corporations, no one is immune. But what is driving this surge in cyber threats? Let's look at the root causes of this unsettling trend. Organizations are increasingly vulnerable to cyber attacks for a variety of reasons. For starters, the digital transformation has resulted in more businesses moving their operations online, making them more vulnerable to attackers. Organizations that digitize their assets and processes, from customer data to internal communications, provide more entry points for cyber criminals. Second, organizations are attractive targets due to the value of their data, which includes personal information, intellectual property, and financial records. This information can be exploited for a variety of malicious purposes, including identity theft, financial fraud, and competitive advantage. Third, the sophistication and availability of hacking tools and techniques has increased. With the arrival of generative AI, individuals with limited technical skills can lunch convincing phishing emails, making it incredibly simple for attackers to launch sophisticated attacks using social engineering and compromise important information. Additionally, the rapid pace of technological change and the complexity of IT systems can result in vulnerabilities and security gaps. Organizations frequently struggle to keep up with security updates and best practices, leaving them vulnerable to cyberattacks. Finally, the global connectivity of the internet means that attackers can operate from anywhere in the world, making it harder to prevent attacks and prosecute the attackers. Navigating the cyber threat landscape demands more than just strong technology; it also requires a culture of continuous learning and adaptation. Understanding the 'why' behind these attacks allows organizations to better plan and protect themselves. Stay vigilant, stay informed. #cybersecurity #cyberthreats #digitaltransformation #databreach #generatieveai

Imagine participating in an official video call with your teammates and CFO, only to discover later that they were all AI deepfake replicas 😰 This isn't a hypothetical scenario but a real-life incident that cost an employee in Hong Kong a staggering $25.6 million. He was initially doubtful of receiving an email from the company's CFO but later gave in when he attended the call and recognised his colleagues on the video call. This made me recall an article I recently read on AI's impact on cybersecurity. It discussed the concerns and benefits of rising AI-powered cyber threats. Some of the threats included the creation of adaptive malware, orchestration of large-scale botnets for DDoS attacks, and compromise of AI model data security. But is it all bad? Is AI the real enemy or the people who use it? The highlighted benefit in the article is that AI is a pivotal asset in fortifying cybersecurity defences. Its capabilities span real-time threat detection, comprehensive analysis of vast datasets, prediction of future threats, and streamlined automated incident response. AI-driven email and application security, alongside machine learning algorithms, elevates the efficiency and precision of threat detection and intelligence. Safeguarding ourselves and our organization amidst the increasing cyber threat is our responsibility. Exercising caution with links and attachments, maintaining robust passwords, employing reputable antivirus software, and staying abreast of common scam tactics. We should also listen to our gut feelings, unlike the employee scammed in Hong Kong. If he were to investigate his doubt, which he had in the beginning, he would have been safe. Currently Zoom or Microsoft Teams, don't have built-in capabilities specifically for detecting deepfakes. However, with continuous security updates we might have features that can detect a deepfake. Until then here are some cues to lookout for to identify deepfakes: ▶ Deepfakes often contain visual artifacts such as unnatural facial movements, mismatched lip-syncing, or inconsistencies in lighting and shadows. ▶ Pay attention to any irregularities in speech patterns, blinking, or facial expressions. ▶ Verify the source of the video or audio. If it comes from an unreliable or suspicious source, it's wise to be skeptical of its authenticity. ▶ When in doubt ask questions you think only your teammates can answer.

The accessibility of AI technology to both cyber security teams and cyber criminals is reducing the duration required to launch cyberattacks, according to Tauseef Ghazi of RSM. Hastened attacks affect middle-market companies as they often have less robust security infrastructure than larger corporations. These firms could become more vulnerable due to their potential inability to respond quickly to attacks. Hence, strengthening corporate security responses and maintaining vigilance for suspicious activity is essential in all companies. Thoughts and Opinions are my own and don't represent Comcast. #iworkforcomcast #comcastbusiness #AI #midmarket https://lnkd.in/guzM-Tva

🚨 Security Breach Alert: OpenAI's Press Account Hacked Again 🚨 At Wire Tor, we understand that cybersecurity is more critical than ever! If a leading AI company like OpenAI can fall victim, it’s a warning to us all. Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) 🔑, strong passwords, and regular security audits are essential steps to keep your digital assets safe. Hackers compromised OpenAI’s press account on X (formerly Twitter), making this the 5th security breach involving the company in just 20 months. The attackers used the account to promote a fake "OPENAI" token 🪙, tricking users into clicking a phishing link 🎣. 🤖 OpenAI-related accounts have faced multiple security incidents, with prominent executives also being targeted throughout 2023 and 2024. The latest attack is a reminder of the increasing threats faced by tech companies, even those at the forefront of AI. 🔓 Key Takeaways: The hackers stole a fake token to lure users into a phishing trap 🚩. This incident is the fourth hack on OpenAI-affiliated X accounts in just over a year. Previous breaches have targeted OpenAI’s Chief Scientist, Chief Technology Officer, and even an internal forum. At Wire Tor, we specialize in advanced penetration testing and proactive security solutions 🔍 that help companies like yours "Reach Before Breach" 🚀. Don’t wait until you’re the next target. Let us secure your digital frontier today. 🔐 Secure your future with Wire Tor. #CyberSecurity #OpenAI #DataBreach #HackingIncident #Phishing #PenetrationTesting #MFA #WireTorSales #ReachBeforeBreach #TechSecurity #AI #DigitalSecurity 🛡️🔒

🚨 Beware: The Rise of Generative AI Cyber Attacks! 🚨 Let's talk about a new cyber threat that's on the rise - Generative AI attacks. These are not your typical cyber shenanigans, folks. They're sophisticated, sneaky, and downright scary. So, what's the deal with Generative AI attacks? Imagine hackers using super-smart artificial intelligence to craft convincing cyber scams. These attacks can take many forms, like realistic phishing emails, fake websites, or even creepy deepfake videos. They're designed to fool even the savviest internet users! Now, let's talk about the risks: Identity Theft: Picture this: A cyber crook creates a fake LinkedIn profile using your name and photo. They then reach out to your connections, pretending to be you. Scary, right? This can lead to all sorts of trouble, from reputation damage to stolen personal info. Data Breaches: Generative AI attacks can trick you into handing over sensitive info like passwords or credit card numbers. Once the bad guys have this data, they can wreak havoc on your life. Not cool! Reputation Damage: Imagine a fake LinkedIn profile spreading lies or doing sketchy stuff in your name. Yikes! This could seriously tarnish your professional reputation. Financial Loss: If you fall for a Generative AI scam and send money to a fake account, you could kiss that cash goodbye. No one wants that! 😎 Now, here's where TCNS swoops in to save the day: 24/7 Monitoring: Our IT folks keep a watchful eye on your systems, looking out for any signs of trouble. They'll catch those sneaky Generative AI attacks before they can do any damage. Cybersecurity Training: You and your team will learn to spot phishing emails and other cyber threats. Knowledge is power, people! State-of-the-Art Tech: We use the latest and greatest cybersecurity tools to protect your data. We're like digital superheroes, protecting your business from cyber villains. So, there you have it, folks! #GenerativeAI attacks are no joke, but with the help of TCNS, you can keep your business safe and sound. #Partnership #TechnologyServiceProvider #ManagedIT

It’s a given that hackers are always finding new ways to perpetrate cyber attacks – the newest ones even include AI. Terrifying, right? This growing technology is being used to steal money and data from users, among other things. Although this might seem like a never-ending issue, there are things one can do to prevent falling victim to a cyberattack. According to a Boston Business Journal article, preventive measures you can implement include: 💡 Use strong endpoint protection solutions and ensure that all your apps and devices are protected with the latest security updates 💡 Apply extreme caution when clicking on external links that you don’t recognize, and were sent to you (even from known addresses) 💡 Your search history on AI apps such as OpenAI is confidential, but what if these were hacked? There’s no way of knowing what would happen, so always keep that in mind when thinking of sharing sensitive information within these apps. 💡 If you’re keen on using the internet to do everything, from reading the newspaper to getting work done, then you should also be on top of the latest cybersecurity updates and ways to prevent attacks. Read the full article to know more! https://lnkd.in/efDWkSQS #ai #cybersecurity

Cybercriminals Are Fabricating Data Breaches: The Role of AI in Propelling This Emerging Scam Data breaches are a costly issue for businesses—but a new, AI-driven scam is making things even more complex. Cybercriminals are now faking data breaches, using AI to create realistic “proof” of breaches and to pressure organizations into paying ransom or giving up sensitive information. Here’s how it works and what your business can do to stay safe. How AI Powers Fake Data Breaches Cybercriminals use AI tools to generate convincing fake screenshots, documents, and emails, mimicking a company’s communication style. AI-powered natural language generation, deepfakes, and automated phishing make these fake breaches appear credible, creating believable scenarios that mislead businesses. Red Flags to Watch For • Generic, Inconsistent Details: Real breach alerts are often specific, while fake ones may lack detail. • Pressure Tactics: Fake breaches usually push for immediate action, often with short payment deadlines. • Suspicious Links/Attachments: Fake breach notifications often contain malware or phishing links. How Sureworks Can Help At Sureworks, we understand the latest cyber threats and how to counter them. With our third-party maintenance and Data Center security expertise, we can help your business identify vulnerabilities, implement verification protocols, and stay resilient against both real and fabricated threats. In today’s world, vigilance is essential. Don’t let AI-fueled scams disrupt your business—partner with Sureworks to ensure your defences are strong and up-to-date. #Cybersecurity #DataBreach #AIThreats #FakeBreaches #CyberScams #Phishing #Ransomware #BusinessSafety #Sureworks #StayVigilant

Is your company struggling to balance security and productivity?  A new report from 1Password shows that 50% of security professionals say it's nearly impossible to maintain this balance.  One of the biggest reasons is AI and other new technologies – which make hackers much more powerful.  An increase in unapproved apps and employees working on personal devices only adds to the risk. Shockingly, 61% of employees still engage in poor password practices, putting companies at risk. The cost is high - data breaches now average a financial impact of $4.45 million. Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/dYDi4AGF #InfoSec #Privacy #AI #CyberSecurity #DataBreach

There is no doubt that 2023 was a tough year for cyber security. The amount of data breaches keeps rising from previous years, which was already very scary. An exponential rise in the complexity and intensity of cyberattacks like social engineering, ransomware, and DDOS attacks was also seen. This was mostly made possible by hackers using AI tools. The last few years have seen a steady rise in the cost of breaches. By letting people work from home, companies created new security holes that hackers can use from their home offices. These holes made the cyber-attack area much bigger. In addition, the prevalence of malware, and hackers in all commercial verticals has made everyone connected to the internet more susceptible to being breached. There are just too many criminal adversaries and too many entry points available to be reined in and mitigated. Unfortunately, in 2024, the cyber statistics will continue to remain alarming. @laninfotech @glenbenjamin #laninfotech #becybersmart #becyberfit #besafe LAN Infotech, LLC

Welcome the arrival of a new malicious code! A new worm❗ has emerged, and upon infiltrating a victim's device, it leverages large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT. It does this to automatically alter its code structure and signatures, making it exceedingly difficult for most standard antivirus systems to detect. To remind you, a worm is a type of malicious software that not only replicates itself but also spreads across networks, infiltrating various devices. It temporarily lodges on these systems, infecting vulnerable ones, and then continues to propagate further. Here’s what this entails: 🚩 Overloading network resources. 🚩 Activating remote control for attackers. 🚩 Leaking your confidential data. 🚩 Slowing down system performance by consuming substantial resources (CPU, memory), potentially leading to system failures. 🚩 Transforming your host into a 'thoroughfare' for various spyware, Trojans, and of course, adware. Now, returning to this newly hatched persistent worm. Upon infecting a victim's device, it simultaneously generates and disseminates phishing emails using the victim's confidential data. These emails, crafted with the help of artificial intelligence, appear extremely enticing and natural, significantly increasing the likelihood of users eventually opening a malicious attachment in one of these emails. From what I recall of the latest global cybersecurity trends, it is primarily the younger generation that statistically falls prey to phishing scams. Notably, the younger generation frequently uses new technologies, including large language models, often without much concern for their security or even basic digital hygiene. Therefore, I anticipate that this new type of malicious code will spread rapidly across the Internet. What conclusion can we draw from this❓ In the near future, we should expect the emergence of new types of attacks involving similar malicious software that uses active online access to language models and constantly morphs beyond recognition. Information security already struggles to keep pace, perpetually a step behind the attacks. Now, with continuous changes, adapting and creating effective and timely detection and prevention algorithms at the Deep Learning level will be extremely challenging. Moreover, maintaining all this in an up-to-date state... #security