They say everything’s bigger in Texas—including the cybersecurity threats. This week, MSSP Alert Live in Austin, Texas, brought together top cybersecurity minds to discuss how to tackle the most pressing security concerns of today. If you think this event was all about keeping the internet safe, think again—because cybersecurity is also about keeping you safe from the ever-evolving world of scams. And trust me, the scammers are getting smarter.
Today, we’re diving into the latest updates from MSSP Alert Live and how cybercriminals are using cutting-edge tactics to target businesses and individuals alike.
The Latest at MSSP Alert Live: Yesterday, LevelBlue, a managed network security provider, rolled out four new security services that will become available in 2025. These include Managed Threat Detection and Response, Incident Response Retainer, Vulnerability Management, and Managed Endpoint Security. For MSSPs (Managed Security Service Providers), these offerings mean more tools to tackle today’s advanced cyber threats.
But here’s the kicker: Scammers aren’t resting either. As cybersecurity tools become more advanced, so do the tricks that bad actors are using to infiltrate businesses and steal data. Let’s look at some of the ways scammers are staying ahead of the curve and how you can protect yourself.
How It Works:
- Smishing and Executive Impersonation: As we increasingly rely on mobile phones, scams like smishing (SMS phishing) have exploded. Scammers impersonate high-level executives, sending fraudulent texts designed to trick employees into handing over sensitive information or approving transactions. Recently, Lookout introduced new tools to counteract these growing threats, as mobile phishing attacks surged by 40.4% in just one year.
- Ransomware Attacks: If you thought ransomware was slowing down, think again. According to Halcyon’s report, the ransomware group RansomHub was responsible for 173 attacks in the last quarter alone, making it the most active group in 2024. And now, with the use of AI-powered ransomware, scammers can carry out more personalized and devastating attacks than ever before.
- Malicious Apps: Zscaler’s latest report revealed over 200 malicious apps on the Google Play Store, downloaded by over 8 million people. Once these apps are on your device, they can steal your data, send phishing texts, or even lock you out of your own accounts.
Who’s Targeted:
From business executives to everyday mobile users, no one is safe from these emerging cyber threats. Smishing and executive impersonation scams often target businesses, while malicious apps cast a wide net, ensnaring unsuspecting mobile users around the world.
Real-Life Example:
A ransomware attack hit a large financial firm earlier this year when scammers used AI-generated emails to impersonate a CFO. Employees unknowingly opened malicious attachments, resulting in a $5 million ransom demand. This is just one example of how sophisticated these scams have become.
Why You Should Care:
The cyber landscape is changing, and while it’s essential for companies to ramp up security, individuals also need to stay on guard. A single smishing text could cost you your personal data, or worse, your entire savings.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Verify Before You Act: If you receive a suspicious email, text, or call—especially one claiming to be from an executive or trusted contact—verify its authenticity through another form of communication before taking any action.
- Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Always enable MFA on your accounts. This adds an extra layer of protection, even if a scammer gets hold of your login details.
- Update Your Devices: Keep your software and apps updated to patch any vulnerabilities that malicious actors could exploit.
- Avoid Clicking on Unknown Links: Whether it's an email, text, or social media message, be wary of clicking on any unfamiliar links. These could lead to malware or phishing websites.
- Secure Your Mobile Devices: Install reputable security software on your phones to protect against malicious apps, smishing attacks, and more.
Quick Tips:
- Did You Know?: Over 8 million malicious apps were downloaded from the Google Play Store this year. Be sure to double-check the legitimacy of any app before downloading.
- Pro Tip: Never send sensitive information over SMS or email unless you’re absolutely sure the recipient is legitimate. Scammers rely on urgency to get you to act without thinking.
Have you received a suspicious text message or email lately? Share your experience with us, and help others stay safe from the latest scam tactics!
Stay Safe, Stay Informed!
Key Terms Defined:
- Smishing (SMS Phishing): A type of phishing scam where fraudsters send text messages pretending to be from a legitimate source to trick the recipient into providing personal information.
- Ransomware: A type of malware that locks users out of their system or data until a ransom is paid.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): An authentication method that requires the user to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a resource such as an application or account.
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