A new phishing campaign is making the rounds in an attempt for hackers to obtain sensitive information from vulnerable users. This campaign, first uncovered by tech researchers at Checkpoint, targets the popular cloud storage platform Dropbox. Learn more about the cybersecurity threat and how you can stay safe. 

Dangers of Phishing 

Hackers create ways to trick users into giving out their personal information, such as with deceptive emails or links to fake websites. They use messaging that claims a user needs to act urgently and provide sensitive data, such as credit card numbers or banking information. Once the hackers have this data, they can do with it as they please and wreak havoc on unsuspecting people. 

The dangers of phishing extend to business owners, their employees, and beyond. Victims must deal with the following issues:

• Financial loss or identity theft
• Violation of safety
• Lack of trust online

How the Dropbox Phishing Campaign Works

This clever campaign has several parts to it. Let’s review how hackers execute their plans step-by-step. 

Hackers Host a Document on Dropbox

The plan begins with unknown bad actors creating a Dropbox account. They host a benign document that looks like a file from OneDrive and send phishing emails to users. Dropbox users will see a button that says “view document.” If they click, it leads them to malicious links. Hackers can implement the next phase after users end up on this site. 

Distribution Phase

A key part of this Dropbox phishing campaign is getting users to a malicious site to harvest their credentials. Once someone ends up on this page, their information is given to cybercriminals who can use it against them. If you fall for the first part of the plan and have hackers stealing your credentials, it can be challenging to feel secure online again. 

Why This Attack Is Hard to Recognize

Checkpoint reports that thousands of users have fallen victim to this attack. It’s particularly challenging to avoid since hackers use Dropbox’s system to share files and notify other users via email. Since the email comes from a reputable source, hackers can bypass any email scam filters or other protective measures you set up. This ultimately makes you more likely to open malicious links. 

The best way to keep your information safe from bad actors is to always be on guard. Refrain from assuming every email you receive is secure; report it immediately if something seems a little off. Experts recommend that business owners take the time to educate their employees on safe practices and report any suspicious email to an IT professional. 

Protect Your Business from Threats

Every phishing campaign is different, but the threat remains the same. Keep your business safe from hackers by always staying alert and tracking widespread online campaigns. 

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Are you among the many business owners using Microsoft Teams in your day-to-day operations? A brand-new Microsoft Teams update is now available with plenty of new features that improve the popular chat program. Discover what this update entails and how it can benefit every user within your company. 

Who Can Use the New Version of Microsoft Teams?

A preview of the new Teams client was available earlier this year only for Windows users, but it is now fully available for Windows and Mac users. No matter which major operating system you use in your business, you can benefit from Microsoft’s new and improved program. Getting this new Teams desktop client is as easy as downloading a software update since no migration is required. 

Top Advantages of the New Microsoft Teams Update

From performance speed to app design, the latest version of Microsoft Teams is chock-full of impressive new features. Below are some key improvements you can expect when you upgrade to this new version. 

Faster Speed

You won’t have to worry about sending a message to someone in your organization and facing delays with them receiving it. Having important meetings over video chat is much easier since the feed won’t lag on either end. The new Teams update comes with faster speeds on all fronts. 

Microsoft reports that the new version is twice as fast as before; if you download the new Teams app, the performance is three times faster. The technology giant also says that starting or joining meetings in the app is two times faster than in previous versions. 

Less Memory Usage

The team at Microsoft understands that business leaders and workers use countless important apps and files in their average workday. Filling your device with these programs can quickly eat any memory space you have. The new update uses 50% less memory, and installing the new app means you can save 70% disk space compared to before. 

Better User Experience

This new update improves each user’s experience with better app performance and easy use. Connecting with others in your workplace and outside clients is easy, thanks to the many impressive features Microsoft highlights in the latest version. Some of the most noteworthy capabilities include:

• Breakout rooms
• 7×7 video chat
• Call queues
• PSTN calling
• Contextual search in chats and channels
• Cross-posting channel conversations

Each feature facilitates many business operations worldwide, whether you run a major corporation or a small startup business. Microsoft always focuses on ways to help you succeed in this digital world. 

Enhance Your Business with This New Update

Now that you know all the key advantages of the new Microsoft Teams update, why not implement it in your business? Your daily operations will improve if most of your workforce uses the updated version of Microsoft Teams. If you have any questions or concerns about this update, our technology experts are here to help and give tips for using new software within your business.

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The extensive data breach surrounding the MOVEit file transfer program is a substantial exploitation of a zero-day vulnerability. The cyberattack presents dangers for businesses and government agencies across the globe and emphasizes the importance of data security. Here is an in-depth breakdown of how the MOVEit data breach impacts businesses.

Understanding the MOVEit Data Breach

A single SQL injection vulnerability is at the center of this worldwide cybersecurity incident. Bad actors found the vulnerability in Progress Software’s MOVEit Transfer program and infected the program with a malicious web shell called LEMURLOOT. This web shell steals data from the MOVEit Transfer database and gives hackers the sensitive information of countless users across various organizations.

The vulnerability is no longer a threat thanks to a fast response and patch update from Progress Software. However, users who have yet to install the update are still at risk. Their credentials and sensitive data can end up in the wrong hands if they aren’t taking proactive measures against threats. 

How the MOVEit Data Breach Impacts Businesses

Any organization that uses the MOVEit managed file transfer program feels the devastating effects of this data breach. Not only do individual workers have their personal information in the wrong hands, but entire companies face widespread loss. Discover some of the key ways this data breach impacts businesses below. 

Loss of Confidentiality

Businesses around the world no longer have secure information as a result of this breach. Confidential data surrounding business operations, employees, or customers is now available to hackers. This violation of privacy compromises trust both within your company and among clients.

Exploitation of Authorization

It’s extremely dangerous when unauthorized users access your files or information. You’ll no longer have control over the information and can quickly lose control over other accounts. 

Loss of Integrity

For major corporations or government agencies, the MOVEit data breach brings down their integrity. Customers and clients lose faith that an organization can safeguard sensitive information. 

Threat Prevention and Data Breach Response Tactics

How can you stay safe from such dangerous cyberattacks? Experts recommend implementing the following strategies to prevent falling victim to an attack:

• Regularly taking inventory of your data and assets
• Granting admin privileges and access only when necessary
• Identifying software and devices as either authorized or unauthorized
• Creating a list of allowed, legitimate software
• Monitoring network ports

In addition, IT professionals urge business leaders to activate certain security measures, such as firewalls. Pay attention to any known vulnerabilities in programs you use, and keep an eye out for patches. Installing patch updates as soon as they’re available can minimize your security risk. 

Protect Your Business from Devastating Cybersecurity Incidents

Now that you know how the MOVEit data breach impacts businesses and the dangers it poses, experts recommend taking measures to boost your data security. Our industry experts have tips and resources to help you stay safe from threats. Contact our team if you want to protect your business from emerging cyber threats.

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Successful business leaders constantly move their companies forward by keeping employees driven and productive. So, how can you improve your team’s skills and performance as you look to the future?

Below are some helpful tips for making your employees feel valued while boosting team performance, regardless of any budgetary or personnel limitations you face.

Importance of High-Performing Teams

With today’s advanced technology, almost everyone in the workforce needs a basic understanding of common applications. That’s why experts recommend that business owners do everything they can to help their employees adapt to new technologies. It starts with training and support, but it’s also helpful to create a culture that embraces change and learning.

What benefits will a business owner reap as an employee’s technical skills improve?

• An unmistakable boost in productivity as they master the digital tools and embrace them
• Fewer limitations among staff for higher-performing teams
• Better employee retention as employees feel a renewed sense of purpose

When a business can improve team effectiveness, it’s also bound to lower stress levels. The individual will benefit from the change and increase their capabilities, while you can achieve your business goals faster.

Effective Ways To Improve Your Team’s Skills and Performance

How do you improve team effectiveness within your company? Experts suggest the following measures:

Work With What You Have

Focus on your current workforce. Hiring new team members with the skills you’re looking for isn’t always effective. It can also be expensive to try and attract the type of talent you want and then keep losing new hires who only stay for a while.

Focus on Training to Cultivate Talent

Why not improve your team’s skills and performance by teaching your current employees these skills? You’ll have talented team members working on your projects and more wiggle room in the budget without hiring anyone else. Have patience and trust that your employees will learn these technologies in time.

Be Proactive About Getting Everyone On Board

Proactivity is essential in boosting a team’s performance because it may take some time. Why not mandate professional training for all employees so everyone is on the same page? The team can thrive as all members understand certain technologies, and you’ll have peace of mind.

Don’t Underestimate the Power of Live Team Coaching in Curating an Effective Organization

Live team coaching is another great way for a leader to improve the skills and performance of their team. For example, this method could involve putting workers into groups based on their skill level and giving them hands-on tasks. Then, a professional in the field can look at the work and give helpful feedback.

If each team member can learn the proper techniques, everyone wins.

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Cybercriminals commonly use phishing attacks to trick vulnerable users into giving away sensitive information. The latest threat of this kind targets LinkedIn users who use the Smart Links feature on the social media platform. This guide explains what you should know about the LinkedIn Smart Links phishing attacks and how to protect yourself. 

Basics of This Phishing Campaign

The email security research firm Cofense first uncovered this latest attack to hit LinkedIn. Cofense concluded that this campaign uses at least 80 Smart Links throughout 800 phishing messages. No matter which business or sector you work in, there’s a chance that you could fall victim to this campaign since Cofense reports that these criminals sent phishing pages to workers in the following industries:

• Construction
• Mining
• Healthcare
• Insurance
• Technology

The report points to workers in finance and manufacturing having higher volumes of phishing messages sent their way.

How Threat Actors Execute LinkedIn Smart Links Phishing Attacks

The cybercriminals who carry out this attack devise a plan consisting of a few phases. Below, we break down each phase and how it ultimately leads LinkedIn users to click on suspicious links that give hackers personal account credentials. 

Hackers Create or Hijack Business Accounts

The plan begins with threat actors using a LinkedIn business account to deceive vulnerable users. They either create a brand-new account or use an existing one that was stolen from a previous attack. Once the account is ready, they can use LinkedIn’s Sales Navigator service to send Smart Links to other users. 

This feature works great for benign use because it allows accounts to track how recipients interact with the message. Business leaders can use this to their advantage for pitching new products. However, hackers manipulate the links to steal information. 

Cybercriminals Send Phishing Messages

Using a business account under an actual LinkedIn domain, hackers can use the Smart Links feature to send phishing messages to vulnerable users. These messages aim to trick users by mimicking legitimate senders with content regarding the following:

• Hiring
• Payment
• Security notifications
• Important documents

The message contains a link that will send users to a malicious site. Once hackers get victims to click on these fake links, they can obtain their credentials.

Information Is Stolen

The primary goal of this phishing campaign is to steal Microsoft account credentials from a business’s LinkedIn account. Hackers can get this information once they get people to fall for their scam messages and click the link. Cybercriminals can continue with their attack once someone ends up on the credential-harvesting site. 

Rather than creating a new account, they can steal the information of other businesses and impersonate those brands. This increases the chance of getting more users to believe the phony messages. 

Keep Your Business Safe From Cyber Threats

Staying aware of emerging threats like the LinkedIn Smart Links phishing attacks can help you avoid malicious activity online. Help your business stay safe by contacting our experts for more tips on mitigating attacks. 

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