b'The Tech Cumulus April 2025. continued from Cover2 Updates 4 Data Encryption 6 Data BackupsCybercriminals love outdated software because itsThe modern world operates on data, andRansomware is one of the biggest threats facing full of unpatched vulnerabilities they can capitalizeencrypting this data is the most effective methodSMBs today, with 46% having experienced on. Ransomware attacks are notorious for targetingto protect it. In fact, most cyber security insuranceattacks, according to a recent report by OpenText vulnerabilities in operating systems and applicationspolicies require it. Encryption is like turningCybersecurity. Hackers lock up your data and months after security patches are available. Setupyour information into code that only authorizeddemand payment to get it back, but even payment automatic updates for your systems, apps andpeople can unlock. Even if hackers interceptisnt a guarantee youll see your data again. Use software so youre always running the latest version.your e-mails or customer data, encryption keepsthe 3-2-1 rulekeep three copies of your data Employee awareness training, regular reminders andit useless to them. SMBs often hesitate due toon two different types of storage media, with even revoking access until patches are installed cancosts or complexity, but modern tools like Googleone stored off-site, such as in the cloud or on an help hold employees accountable. Workspace and Microsoft 365 make it simpler andexternal hard drive disconnected from your main more affordable. network. Just as important: Test your backups 3 Employee Training regularly. Nothings worse than restoring your data 5 Limit Employee Access after an attack, only to discover your backups are Over 90% of data breaches start with phishingincomplete or corrupted.e-mails, CISA reports. Designed to look like realEvery employee with open access to every folder, e-mails from banks, retail companies or coworkers,file and document significantly increases theThese simple, cost-effective strategies are a they are stuffed with harmful links designed to stealrisk of accidental (or intentional) changes tonightmare for hackers and a boon for SMBs looking your passwords and data. Cybercriminals bank onyour system. Setting up limited access can feelfor more peace of mind. If any of these strategies naive employees who cant tell real e-mails from fakeinconvenient initially, but it doesnt have to disruptare missing from your cyber security, now is the ones, and AI is making these e-mails even harder toemployee workflows. An experienced IT team willtime to integrate them into yourbusiness.detect. Regular employee awareness training is oneensure employees can run all the applications they of the top defenses against phishing attacks andneed while having access only to whats necessary. can reduce phishing risks from 32.5% to 5% in 12For example, a marketing intern doesnt need theTrivia Answer: C. Hedy Lamarr. Although months, according to a recent study by KnowBe4.ability to access payroll data or network settings.she helped develop the ingenious idea Researchshows that the most effective employeeIf employees need access to complete specificwith George Antheil in the early 1940s, awareness training includes real-world examples,tasks or projects, consider using a system thatitwas not until 1990 that she received simulated attacks and regular reinforcement throughgrants temporary admin access. Once their projectan award for her contribution.short, interactive training sessions. is done, the access goes away.I DIDNT KNOWUNFORTUNATELY, THAT EXCUSE DOESNT REPLENISH YOUR BANKCartoon Of ACCOUNT, RESOLVE A DATA BREACH OR ERASE ANY FINES AND LAWSUITS.Its coming . TheMonthThat day a hacker steals critical data, rendering your office useless .That day whenyour bank account or credit card is compromised .Or that day whenyour customers private lives are uprooted .Cybercriminals and hackers are constantly inventing NEW ways to infiltrate your company, steal your assets and disrupt your life. The ONLY way to STOP THEM is this:You Must Constantly Educate Yourself On How To Protect Whats Yours!Now, for a limited time, we have the perfect way to help reduce your risk and keep you safe! Simply sign up to receive our FREE Cyber Security Tip of the Week. Well send these byte-sized quick-read tips to your e-mail inbox. Every tip is packed with a unique and up-to-date real-world solution that keeps you one step ahead of the bad guys. And because so few people know about these security secrets, every week youll learn something new! Get your FREE Cyber Security Tip of the Week at Kloud9IT.com/weeklysecuritytipTechnology That Works!216-393-24842'