Posts by Terry Cutler
Social Engineering and psychological warfare
Social engineering and psychological warfare have become powerful tools for cybercriminals. These tactics exploit human psychology rather than technical vulnerabilities, making them highly effective. Social engineering involves manipulating, influencing, or deceiving individuals to gain unauthorized access to systems or steal sensitive data. Attackers often pose as trusted entities—coworkers, banks, or government agencies—to trick victims into…
Read More3 Reasons to Partner with a Service Provider
Service providers do more than fix tech issues when something breaks. They help prevent problems, streamline operations, and ensure your cybersecurity investments align with your business needs. Running a business is a balancing act—managing growth, operations, and security while staying competitive. But as technology evolves, so do the challenges. Cyberthreats grow more sophisticated, compliance requirements…
Read MoreAchieving Cyber Resilience, Overcoming obstacles
Cyber resilience—if you are not resilient, no business today is completely safe from cyber threats. Attack vectors are constantly evolving, and despite your efforts, even a simple oversight can leave your business vulnerable to a breach. That’s why it is so critical, as the very future of your business depends on it. It’s no longer just…
Read MoreReactive IT management: Why a Proactive Approach Is Worth the Investment
Reactive IT management often means dealing with unplanned disruptions—cyberattacks, server crashes, or sluggish networks that grind operations to a halt. Think about the last time one of these issues hit your business. How much valuable time slipped away? How much frustration did it cause you and your customers with unplanned downtime and lost revenue? The…
Read MoreThe reality of a cyberattack
The reality of a cyberattack isn’t a matter of if but when. The threat landscape has grown increasingly complex, and while traditional cybersecurity focuses on prevention, it’s not enough to combat every potential breach. If a cybercriminal outsmarts your security strategy, you want your business to make it out on the other side. That’s where cyber…
Read MoreCyber Resilience for Proofing Your Business
Cyber resilience against global events, such as recessions and pandemics, can have far-reaching social and economic consequences that impact organizations and their management. In light of this, top-level management must oversee a variety of concerns, ranging from employee and customer satisfaction to financial difficulties, supply chain disruption, and skyrocketing cyberattacks. To address these multifaceted challenges,…
Read MoreDefending Your Business: Debunking 4 Common Ransomware Myths You Need to Know
Ransomware myths are prevalent, and attacks are becoming increasingly frequent, sophisticated, and costly. With cybercriminals constantly evolving their tactics and targeting businesses of all sizes, organizations like yours must proactively safeguard their data and systems. Unfortunately, many companies fall prey to common ransomware myths, which can leave them vulnerable to attacks and unprepared to respond…
Read MoreBeyond the Hype: Understanding Cyber Insurance Realities
Cyber insurance is becoming increasingly important for businesses looking to protect themselves from the growing wave of cyber threats—ranging from data breaches and theft to ransomware attacks. However, it’s essential to go beyond the hype and fully understand the realities of cyber insurance, especially when trying to ensure that your business is genuinely protected. Cyber…
Read MoreDefending Against Insider Threats
Defending against insider threats, when it comes to cybersecurity, most businesses focus on defending against external threats—hackers, malware, and cyberattacks from unknown sources. But what about the risks that come from within? Insider threats, whether intentional or accidental, can be just as damaging. Employees might fall for phishing scams, mishandle sensitive data, or misuse access…
Read MoreCyber Risks Awareness and You
Cyber risks, rapid technological advancement, and rising global connectivity reshape how the world functions. Technology has played a critical role in business growth worldwide, from increasing productivity to improving customer satisfaction. Moreover, the consequential news is that technological advancements have made organizations increasingly vulnerable to cyber risks. However, companies can still maintain growth and progress…
Read MoreDangers of the Internet Video 1
Your Business Continuity Plan
Your business continuity plan is important if you want your business to remain competitive even during a disruption. What’s your plan against the unexpected? The truth is that numerous threats can halt your business operations at any time. If your employees cannot quickly pivot, you won’t just struggle with competition but with survival. The simple…
Read MoreA Technology Plan in Four Steps
A technology plan and effective budgeting prepare any business to withstand these competitive technological times and maximize its resources. Begin with a winning formula. Technology moves fast, and businesses that fail to keep up risk falling behind. A strong technology plan isn’t just about keeping systems running—it’s about staying competitive, maximizing resources, and protecting your business…
Read MoreSix Reasons to Hire a Cybersecurity Service Provider
Cybersecurity service providers (CSPs) are critical in driving business success in today’s fast-paced digital landscape. However, managing cybersecurity infrastructure and systems can significantly challenge many organizations. But remember, they are not all created equal. While a good provider might ensure that your systems are running efficiently, a great one can elevate your business. Partnering with a…
Read MoreCourier-Related Cyber Scams: Protect Yourself from Fraud
Courier-related cyber scams have emerged as a disturbing trend, targeting unsuspecting individuals across North America. Scammers pose as officials from reputable organizations, including courier companies and government agencies like the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), UPS, Amazon, and law enforcement departments. Using sophisticated social engineering tactics, they manipulate victims into revealing personal information and transferring money…
Read MoreThe Five Consequences of a Phishing Attack
Phishing schemes are a standard method hackers use to gain unauthorized access to company systems, and there are five consequences of a phishing attack. Employees serve as customers’ first point of contact and play a crucial role in various operations. However, they also unknowingly hold the keys to the front door for hackers. Hackers exploit…
Read MoreWhat’s Lurking in Your System? The Hidden Cybersecurity Threats You Might Be Ignoring
Lurking beneath the surface of outdated software, weak passwords, and forgotten security policies, cyber threats don’t always announce themselves with flashing red warnings or dramatic breaches. If you think your system is safe because it hasn’t been hacked yet, think again. Cybercriminals don’t need an invitation—they need a vulnerability. The Dangers of Outdated Software If…
Read MoreNine Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities—and How to Protect Yourself
Vulnerabilities in your cybersecurity are everywhere. Hackers are always looking for weaknesses in systems, exploiting them to gain access to sensitive data, disrupt operations, or even steal identities. Their methods constantly evolve, from sophisticated phishing scams to ransomware attacks, and no one is entirely immune. Whether you’re a business owner safeguarding confidential customer information, an…
Read MoreRisk Management and Due Diligence with a service provider
Risk management means running a business and working closely with suppliers, vendors, and key partners. But every relationship brings security risks. If you’re not on top of these risks, your operations could face significant disruptions—or worse. The good news? A service provider can help shield you, reducing those risks and keeping your business secure—understanding where the…
Read MoreThird-Party Risks: How You Can Protect Your Business
Third-party risks are important to most businesses today because they often depend on third-party partners. These partners could provide products, services or expertise that help keep your business running and reach your goals. But sometimes, these relationships get tested when a data mishap or a cybersecurity incident at the vendor end snowballs into a major…
Read MoreWhat Hackers Hope You Don’t Know
Hackers thrive on secrecy. They rely on people who do not know how they operate, making businesses easy targets. If you run a business, understanding what hackers don’t want you to know can save you from data breaches, financial loss, and reputation damage. Cybercriminals aren’t just after large corporations. They target small and mid-sized businesses,…
Read MoreRoutine Penetration Tests Matters
Routine penetration tests matter in businesses today that face constant cybersecurity threats, from phishing scams to ransomware attacks. Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated, using advanced techniques to breach networks and steal sensitive information. Your network is the backbone of your operations, supporting communication, transactions, and data storage. Any weakness can compromise your business, leading to…
Read MorePenetration Tests: Strengthening Your Cyber Defenses
Penetration tests (Pen Tests) simulate a cyberattack on a system, website, or network to identify vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them. It helps detect security flaws, allowing businesses to fix them before a breach occurs. As an ethical hacker, I simulate attacks on company networks to expose weaknesses before hackers can exploit them. This proactive approach…
Read MoreYour Healthcare Identity and Three Measures of Protection
The motive behind stealing your credit card information is easy to understand, but why would someone want your medical information? Criminals can use your identity and insurance to obtain treatment and medications, often at numerous locations.
Read MorePhantom Hacker Scams
What is a Phantom Hacker Scam? A Phantom Hacker Scam occurs when people pretend to be tech experts and contact you by phone, text, or email, claiming your computer or device has a virus. These scams have become more common recently. Scammers pretend to be tech professionals or well-known financial or banking organization employees. Scammers first call,…
Read MoreBeyond the checkbox: Building a work culture of cybersecurity awareness
Beyond the checkbox is related to employee cybersecurity, training and awareness have never been more critical—or more challenging to manage. From safeguarding across physical devices and virtual endpoints, the complexities of securing company data are reaching new heights. Compounding this challenge is the pressure of limited resources, flexible work arrangements, a revolving door of personnel,…
Read MorePenetration Testing for Business Security
Penetration Testing for Business Security is critical as criminals seek vulnerabilities to exploit, often before organizations recognize their existence. Testing serves as a proactive measure to identify and prevent these risks. Understanding Penetration Testing for business security Penetration testing, or pen testing, is a controlled cybersecurity assessment designed to simulate real-world cyberattacks. Ethical hackers, known…
Read MoreElevating Cybersecurity Partnerships
Elevating Cybersecurity Partnerships goes beyond vendor selection. It involves trust, collaboration, and shared goals. This calls for a provider who can resonate with the organization’s mission and objectives and profoundly comprehend its unique operational landscape, risk profile, and regulatory requirements. An effective partner goes beyond offering off-the-shelf solutions and proactively tailors their services to ensure they…
Read MoreProtecting your SMSBs from the Dark Web
Protecting your SMSBs from the Dark Web is daunting because hackers may have already breached your systems. They break in, remain undetected for weeks or months, and exploit information your employees have posted online. You must take cyber threats seriously if you own or run a small or medium-sized business (SMSB). Many executives believe their company…
Read MoreSmall Businesses Need Vulnerability Scanning
Small businesses (SMSBs) are often prime targets for cybercriminals because their defences are weaker, and they frequently don’t realize their vulnerabilities. Many small business owners assume cybercriminals only target large corporations, but they often prefer easy targets. Without strong cybersecurity measures” appears to modify “hackers,” implying hackers lack security measures rather than businesses. Unfortunately, most…
Read MoreWhy SMB’s are Prime Targets
Why SMB’s are Prime Targets Many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are prime targets because they think cybercriminals need to be more significant to bother with them. This false perception of being insignificant targets exposes SMBs to more risks, discouraging them from investing in cybersecurity. SMBs have become prime targets as entry points into more…
Read MorePassword Reuse and its Dangers
Password reuse and its dangers have been covered many times, but we must continue emphasizing the importance of passphrase protection. Imagine this: You sign up for a new streaming service and, to keep things simple, use the same password you’ve had for years—the one you also use for your email, bank, and social media. It’s…
Read MoreThe Cost of Skipping a Penetration Test
The cost of skipping a penetration test (pen test) far outweighs the expense of conducting one. A pen test simulates real-world cyberattacks to uncover vulnerabilities in your systems before malicious actors exploit them. Many businesses, especially small- to mid-sized ones, mistakenly consider pen testing optional or too costly. However, avoiding this crucial security measure can…
Read MorePenetration Testing as a Defense Strategy: Think Like a Hacker
Penetration Testing as a Defense Strategy is central to a business owner. Like me, you might wonder why hackers target your organization. But cybercriminals don’t always go after big corporations. Small and medium-sized businesses often have weaker security, making them attractive targets. Hackers can silently infiltrate your system, stealing data or disrupting operations for months before…
Read MoreMonitoring the Dark Web and How it Works
Dark web monitoring is crucial in uncovering stolen data, hacked accounts, and illicit goods moving in the shadows. Companies and individuals must know if their information is at risk, and monitoring helps track these threats. While many assume software handles the job, investigators have long relied on proven, hands-on methods—many of which remain just as…
Read MoreUncovering Threats and the Benefits of Training
Uncovering threats and the benefits of training should be considered when you think about cybersecurity, as your mind might jump to firewalls, antivirus software, or the latest security tools. But let’s take a step back—what about your team? The reality is that even with the best technology, your business is only as secure as the…
Read MoreLeading Your Cyber Awareness Team into the Future
Leading your cyber awareness team into the future is as important as ever. You invested in the latest security software and even hired a great team. However, one misstep by an unsuspecting employee and a wrong click on a malicious link later, you are staring at a costly breach that threatens to jeopardize your business’s…
Read MoreZero-Trust Security Myths
Zero-trust security myths are a growing concern, with businesses constantly at risk of being targeted by a cyberattack. Adopting a zero-trust security model could be a wise decision from a cybersecurity point of view. Zero-trust works because everything—humans, machines, or applications—risks your network and must prove trustworthy before accessing the organization’s network or data. By…
Read MoreThe Role of a Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO)
The Role of a Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) in an era where cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated and prevalent, businesses of all sizes must prioritize information security. Yet, not every organization has the resources or need for a full-time Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). This is where a Virtual Chief Information Security Officer…
Read MoreRisk Assessments: Pitstops for Growth and Security
Risk assessments (RA) are important for identifying risks, maintaining asset safety and efficiency, and keeping businesses at their peak. Running a business is like driving a high-performance car. It’s fast-paced, competitive, and full of passion. Regular risk assessments helps Spot vulnerabilities before they derail you. A slight oversight during a race can leave you in the…
Read MoreA Blueprint for SMBs
A Blueprint for SMBs worldwide has navigated a tumultuous journey, and small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) have borne the brunt of the challenges. Given their limited financial resources, SMBs have experienced more pronounced setbacks than their larger counterparts. SMBs face heightened stakes and unique hurdles. In the face of global pandemics or even shifting market conditions,…
Read MoreIs AI a friend or foe in cybersecurity?
Is AI a friend or foe in cybersecurity? Artificial intelligence (AI) extends its reach across various industries, including cybersecurity. It has the potential to transform to make the digital world safer. However, as with any tool, its uses can be positive and negative. Like you, I’ve seen how our common foe has weaponized AI to design…
Read MoreDebunking Five Myths About AI in Cybersecurity
AI has become a buzzword that often evokes a mix of awe, doubt, and even fear, especially regarding cybersecurity. However, the fact is that if used effectively, AI can revolutionize your business. It would be best to cut through the noise and separate fact from fiction to leverage AI effectively. In this blog, we’ll be…
Read More10 Key Questions for CEOs to Ask CISOs
You’ve heard it before. An opening in your network can damage your company’s reputation and threaten its future. I know CEOs like you read articles like this almost every day, and it can get tiresome. I understand. But do you ever find yourself, once in a while, thinking about it? Hopefully, my 10 key questions you…
Read MoreCyber-Awareness Teams of the Future
Cyber-awareness teams of the future will be as important as ever. You invested in the latest security software and even hired a great team. However, one misstep by an unsuspecting employee and a wrong click on a malicious link later, you are staring at a costly breach that threatens to jeopardize the future of your…
Read MoreReputational Risk in Cybersecurity
Understanding reputational risk following an attack on a brand reputation is critical to cybersecurity. Reputation is a company’s most fragile asset—carefully built over years yet vulnerable to swift damage. An attack doesn’t just compromise systems or steal data; it erodes trust. Customers question reliability, and partners may hesitate to collaborate. The media magnifies every misstep, turning…
Read MoreZero-Trust Cybersecurity: 3 Must-Follow Steps
Zero-trust involves believing that no user or application should be granted automatic trust. It encourages organizations to verify every access while treating every user or application as a potential threat. Zero-trust is a great starting point for businesses that want to build formidable cybersecurity. It can adapt to the complexity of the modern work environment,…
Read MoreThree Tips to Avoid Holiday Scams
The festive season is coming to a close, but keeping up with the holiday scams continues. They are everywhere and still prowl after your money. Amazon and other companies have sent emails advising their customers on protecting themselves against scams, yet we can apply the advice to every measure you take online. Below are some…
Read MoreHolidays and Hackers: Staying Protected Amid Festive Cyber Risks
Holiday Hackers know that the festive season, characterized by its spirit of joy, is a cherished time for many. Amidst the merriment, it’s crucial to remain vigilant against potential cyber threats that surge during heightened online activity. As we immerse ourselves in the season’s warmth, we must watch the telltale signs of hacking attempts that could…
Read MoreSix Job Scam Red Flags
Watch out for these six job scam red flags this Christmas. As people traditionally seek extra employment during the holiday seasons, and with the rising cost of living, scammers exploit financial vulnerabilities by luring victims with false job offers. According to Revolut, a leading financial app, there’s been a surge in job-related scams as people…
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