Tag: passwords

Navigating the Cyber Seas: What You Need to Know About Recent Data Breaches

Posted on by Fabella Security in Articles

Ahoy, fellow digital sailors! As we dive into the heat of summer, it’s not just our bodies that need protection from sun overload – our digital lives need some serious safeguarding too. Recent events in the cyber world have thrown a couple of curveballs our way, and it’s high time we arm ourselves with knowledge and a pinch of humor to tackle these digital perils.

AT&T Data Breach: A Slight Bump on the Cyber Highway

First up on our radar, AT&T recently faced a data breach. From May to October 2022, unauthorized folks accessed call and text records. Luckily, your name, Social Security number, and financial information were kept safe from prying eyes. Think of it as someone sneaking a peek at your grocery list but not your bank statement. AT&T has since locked the doors and beefed up their security.

RockYou2024: The Mother of All Password Leaks

Next, we have the granddaddy of password leaks – RockYou2024. Nearly 10 billion passwords (yes, you read that right, billion with a B) were discovered on a hacking forum. It’s like finding out your secret cookie recipe was shared at the biggest bake sale ever. This treasure trove of passwords includes both new and old ones, setting the stage for potential credential stuffing and brute force attacks.

How to Protect Yourself: Tips from Your Cyber Lifeguard

So, how do you dodge these cyber cannonballs? Here are some lifesaving tips to keep your digital treasure chest secure:

  1. Change Your Passwords:
    • If you suspect any of your passwords might have been part of the leak, change them faster than you can say “cybersecurity.”
    • Use strong, unique passwords for each account. Think of it as creating different keys for every lock.
  2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
    • Add an extra layer of security by enabling 2FA. It’s like having a bouncer for your online accounts.
  3. Monitor Your Accounts:
    • Regularly check your financial and online accounts for any suspicious activity. Consider it your digital equivalent of checking under the bed for monsters.
  4. Be Cautious of Phishing Attempts:
    • Be wary of emails or messages asking for your credentials or personal information. If it smells fishy, it probably is.

The Perils of Password Recycling

Using the same password across multiple accounts is like using the same key for your house, car, and office. If one gets compromised, you’re in big trouble. Always use unique passwords for different services to avoid a cyber domino effect.

Password Hygiene: Keeping It Clean

Practicing good password hygiene is crucial:

  • Create complex passwords that include a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Imagine you’re concocting a digital alphabet soup.
  • Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or common words. Your dog’s name might be cute, but it’s not a secret.

Additional Resources

For more detailed information on the AT&T breach, visit AT&T’s Data Incident Page, https://att.com/dataincident. For general cybersecurity tips, check out AT&T CyberAware, https://about.att.com/pages/cyberaware.

Stay informed and stay safe out there, digital sailors.

Anchors aweigh, and may your passwords be ever secure!

          New Year, New Cyber Habits: Top 10 Cyber Hygiene Resolutions for 2023

          Posted on by Greg Price in Articles

          As the year’s first rays dawned, many of us uncorked the champagne, reflected on the past, and scribbled down those classic New Year’s resolutions. From hitting the gym (or at least stretching once in a while) to finally reading that book gathering dust on the shelf – the New Year has always been a beacon of fresh starts and renewed commitments. But why not add a resolution that can protect something incredibly valuable yet often overlooked? Your digital well-being.

          Given that more of our lives are entwined with the digital realm, ensuring your cyber hygiene is as refreshed and revitalized as your new workout plan becomes crucial. Let’s dive into the top 10 cyber resolutions you should consider adopting this 2023:

          1. Password Perfect: No, “password123” is not a secure choice. Commit to strengthening and diversifying your passwords. Consider using a password manager, so you only need to remember one master password. With cyberattacks on the rise, this is akin to changing the locks on your front door.
          2. Two Steps Ahead: If you’re not using two-factor authentication (2FA) on your crucial accounts, it’s time to embrace it. Yes, it’s an extra step, but it’s also an extra layer between your data and potential hackers.
          3. Update and Elevate: Remember that pesky notification you’ve been swiping away for months? Updates aren’t just about introducing fancy new features; they often patch security vulnerabilities. Regular updates can be the difference between a smoothly running device and a malware-riddled one.
          4. Declutter Digital Desks: Much like that closet you’re vowing to clean, your digital space likely needs some tidying. Delete apps you no longer use, especially if they have permissions that access your personal data. A leaner device is often a safer device.
          5. Back It Up: Imagine spilling coffee on your device and realizing you’ve lost everything? Nightmare-ish, right? Regularly back up essential files to an external hard drive or cloud storage. If disaster strikes, you’ll have a digital safety net.
          6. Wi-Fi Wisdom: Free public Wi-Fi is tempting, especially when you’re sipping a latte and browsing. However, they’re also a playground for snoopers. If you must use one, avoid accessing sensitive accounts or use a VPN to cloak your activities.
          7. Email Enlightenment: Phishing scams are ever-evolving, but a touch of skepticism can go a long way. Questionable sender? Unsolicited attachments? When in doubt, don’t click. Think of it as digital stranger danger.
          8. Social Media Savviness: We love sharing, but oversharing can be perilous. From vacation plans to your pet’s name (often used as security answers), be wary of what you post. And while we’re on the topic, review those privacy settings.
          9. Educate and Advocate: Keep abreast of the latest in cyber threats and safety measures. Consider subscribing to a cybersecurity news outlet, the one you’re one is a good start. The more you know, the better you can protect yourself. And share the knowledge; after all, caring is sharing.
          10. E-Commerce Caution: Online shopping is a delight, but not when your credit card details end up in the wrong hands. Use trusted websites, always look for the ‘https’ in the URL, and consider using a credit card over a debit card for better fraud protection.

          Tying it up with a bit of cheer – while cyber threats might sound like the plot of a sci-fi thriller, with proactive steps and awareness, they don’t stand a chance against you. Let’s raise our glasses (or coffee mugs) to not just a year of personal growth and achievements but also to a year of robust digital health and fortified cyber barriers.

          So, go on, adjust those New Year’s resolutions. Slide in a few from the list above. Here’s to making 2023 not just prosperous and fulfilling, but cyber safe!

          Stay updated, stay secure, and remember – a moment of prevention in the cyber world can save hours of digital heartbreak. Cheers to a cyber-smart 2023!

          Secure You

          Posted on by Greg Price in Articles
          Greg Price

          This article was originally published in The Tropolitan on October 16, 2019.

          Held each October, National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a collaborative effort between government and industry. The primary goal of the effort is to provide citizens access to resources to stay safe and secure online, all while strengthening the Nation’s cyber posture.

          In short, we seek to raise cybersecurity awareness among the consumers of technology.

          The 2019 theme is “Own IT. Secure IT. Protect IT.”

          As an individual, you play a vital role in the security of not only your own information, but those of your communities. Whether at work, school, or recreation, the importance of taking proactive steps to enhance cybersecurity can’t be understated.

          I’ve worked in a variety of capacities in cybersecurity for over 25 years. As a security practitioner, I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible potential and danger of technology.

          Continue reading “Secure You” →

          Secure Your IT

          Posted on by Greg Price in Articles
          Greg Price

          For the second week of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, I’ll discuss the idea of “Secure IT”.

          The would-be bad guys are accomplished at relieving unsuspecting victims of their personal information. The tools for a successful cyber theft have evolved significantly. In fact, the tools are easy-to-install and require little knowledge. And, if you’re a very lazy hacker, “hackers-for-hire” is a real service.

          So, what do you do to protect your interests?

          “Secure IT”, more specifically, secure your IT, your devices, your services, your gear.

          The best way to protect against cyber threat is to be knowledgeable about the products that you use. Specifically, review the security features available on your hardware, software and services.

          Continue reading “Secure Your IT” →

          National Cyber Security Awareness Month 2019

          Posted on by Greg Price in Articles
          Greg Price

          Observed every October, National Cyber Security Awareness Month is committed to encouraging personal accountability, securing behaviors, and maintaining digital privacy in our ever-changing and connected world. The initiative was created as a joint effort between the US government and industry to foster access to resources that advocate methods for staying safe online, as well as securing your personal information.

          For 2019, the theme will emphasize personal accountability and promote the significance of being proactive in securing your cybersecurity at home and at work. The theme for 2019 is Own IT. Secure IT. Protect IT.

          “Own IT” suggests that you should understand completely your digital profile, or, your digital footprint.

          Continue reading “National Cyber Security Awareness Month 2019” →

          Ten habits to avoid data loss

          Posted on by Greg Price in Articles

          This article was originally published in The Troy Messenger on September 20, 2019.

          Greg Price

          Recently, I worked with a group who suffered an enormous data breach. The company realized something odd was afoot when payroll checks began to bounce.

          In the security world, we often describe this type of breach discovery as “third-party” notification. In other words, someone not directly involved in the company’s operations informed the company of an issue. Also, many of us call this a resume-building opportunity.

          I took a quick look at the core operations and assisted the IT team with a hasty inspection. In short, the company owned many security products, employed lots of tools. The board of directors wanted a single variable to surface as the reason for the loss of funds. However, a single smoking gun didn’t exist. The motive was simple: steal money. The success of the theft revealed numerous issues in the company’s execution of technology and associated protective measures. Below, I offer a list of the most common issues that I observe from similar events.

          Let’s call these our top 10 habits to avoid data loss.

          Continue reading “Ten habits to avoid data loss” →