This month we’ve learned that as well as the over 75s, the under 25s are the most likely age group to be hit by cyber-fraud.

That seems crazy. Because we perceive under 25s to be tech-savvy. After all, they’ve grown up with the internet, devices and social media. 

But because all of this is second nature to them, they’ve become a lot more relaxed about their use of technology and the internet. And in turn, they’re far more willing to share their personal data.

What does this mean for you? Do you employ many people under 25? And if they’re more likely to fall for a phishing scam, for example, could they pose a threat to your organization and its data?

This shows that you really need to put a focus on cyber-security training for all your people; and maximize your cyber-security features too. You simply can’t afford to assume that just because some of your team are younger, they’re less likely to fall for a scam. 

I recommend that you train all of your people regularly on cyber-security and the latest threats to look out for. The more aware you are, the less likely you are to make a very expensive mistake. 

I’d always love to talk about your business. You can reach me at cdavis@keepitdefended.com or 519.489.0646.

Until next time, stay safe,

CEO
You MATTER, Unless you multiply as the speed of light.  Then you ENERGY

DID YOU KNOW?

Apple once tried to branch out into another sector?  

In 1986 Apple had a line of clothing, imaginatively named ‘The Apple Collection’. It was launched a year after Steve Jobs resigned as chairman of the company.  It wasn’t a hit, as you can imagine, but it did include the very first ‘Apple Watch’! 

Dragon Tip
Tech Tips By Cloud

ARE YOU AT RISK OF BEING SMISHED?

It’s safe to say we’ve all heard about phishing scams by now - if you haven’t, you’re not doing enough to protect your business from data theft. 

But as with anything tech-related, things move on quickly. 

Cyber-criminals will always try new and more powerful ways to trick you into giving away your data. And now they’re targeting our phones. 

Ever received an SMS that you weren’t expecting, possibly from a well-known  company? Maybe you received a notification that a courier attempted to deliver a package. 

These kind of messages contain a link for you to click and rearrange delivery. 

But when you click the link, you’re taken to a spoof page which steals your information as soon as you enter it. 

This allows the scammer behind it to use those details to access your online accounts. Or gives them access to your device. 

This is called smishing. The cell phone equivalent of phishing. You and your people need to be aware and ultra-vigilant. 

What’s lead to this surge in smishing attempts? How successful it is. 

98% of SMS messages are opened, and 45% are replied to. This is a much higher open rate than emails (which have an open rate of around 20%). So, it means a statistically higher success rate for the scammers behind the messages.

Beware of any unexpected SMS messages asking you to take an action by clicking a link or calling a number. If you’re unsure if it’s a genuine message, contact the company direct using the details on their website or any paperwork you have from them. 

Make sure your whole team knows about this form of attack, too. If they’re using their smart phones to access work files then a smishing attempt to their personal device is also putting your business data at risk.

Until next time, have an awesome month!

NEED A LAUGH?

Whoever said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results… has obviously never had to reboot a computer.

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