Tag: cybersecurity

Cyberattack Response Plan – Cybersecurity

The First 24 Hours: Your 7 Step Cyberattack Response Plan

Logging onto your device only to find that you’ve become the latest victim of the current wave of cyberattacks sweeping the country is one of the scariest moments for any internet user. 

When your data is on the line and time is of the essence, it may seem natural to panic, but that’s the last thing you should do. The first 24 hours following an attack is a crucial time window for limiting damage and restoring systems, and you’ll need a plan in place to respond effectively. 

By following the series of steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to assess the scale of the damage, take proactive steps to mitigate data loss, and hopefully emerge from the cyberattack with all (or at least some) of your data and your company’s reputation intact.

How to React When Hackers Strike

The first thing to do after a cyberattack is to remain calm. Notify management of what has happened and start taking steps to assess and mitigate the damage by following this structured step-by-step incident response plan; Identify, Isolate, Notify & Protect, Analyse, Report, Reset, Protect.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Identify the Attack

A ransomware attack typically starts with a message from the hackers, stating that your data has been compromised and providing further instructions, such as the ransom amount and how to pay it. 

Whatever you do, don’t even consider following these instructions until you’ve completed the next step.

2. Isolate the Affected Systems ASAP

Your priority following a cyberattack is to isolate the device or network that has been compromised. This means powering down and disconnecting the device from your network without delay. 

These steps may help to slow the spread of malware or ransomware to other devices in your organisation.

3. Notify and Protect Your Network

Alert key personnel such as your IT manager or outsourced networking consultant immediately. Once they are available, convene a “war room” with the IT department, management, and possibly legal and PR advisors to mitigate the potential damage to your network and your company’s reputation.

4. Analyse the Damage

There are several types of damage a cyberattack can cause: 

  • Financial damage from lost data and downtime
  • Damage to your computer network that may take time to restore 
  • Reputational damage that your business may suffer if the cyberattack becomes public knowledge. 

It’s important to realistically assess the worst-case and medium-case scenarios and start fixing the damage as soon as possible.

5. Report the Incident

Cyberattacks must be reported to the Cybersecurity Hub at the national CSIRT as soon as they occur. In cases where fraud is suspected or a large amount of customer data has been leaked, you may also need to report the incident to law enforcement authorities.

6. Reset, Patch, and Update

With the help of a trusted IT professional, reset your computer network, patch the vulnerabilities that allowed the attack to occur in the first place, and update your files with the most recent versions from your secure cloud backup. 

This will help you get your business up and running again. 

7. Post-attack security upgrade

Finally, be sure to remove any malware that hackers may have installed to gain access to your network and prevent similar attacks from taking place weeks or months down the line.

Implement a total data protection plan

To help ensure that your business is prepared for future cyberattacks, if you don’t already have reliable cloud backup and a secure data protection plan, this would be the time to upgrade your security.

Secure cloud storage, particularly comprehensive encrypted data storage solutions like our
Total Data Protection package, will help keep your sensitive files safe in the cloud.

Trust Soteria Cloud to safeguard your valuable data while focus on your core business. Get Total Data Protection today.

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Proactive Defence – Cybersecurity

Beyond Defence: Proactive Approaches to Cybersecurity in the Digital Age

As the Cybersecurity landscape evolves, a new generation of threats is emerging faster than ever.

Powered by AI and other advances in technology, the latest cybercrime risks are developing faster than any defensive strategy can keep up with. That’s why a proactive approach is so crucial when setting up a multi layered cyber defence system for your business.

By learning more about proactive defence you’ll be in a better position to keep your sensitive data safe at a time when thousands of cyberattacks take place worldwide every day. Let’s start by taking a look at the necessity for several layers of cyber defence.

The importance of proactive cybersecurity

Today’s cybersecurity landscape is characterised by rapidly evolving threats. Unlike the situation of ten or twenty years ago where a good antivirus programme and firewall were sufficient to keep most viruses at bay, the current and future scenario is complex and subject to rapid change.

The rise of AI, in tandem with the growing ranks of black hat tech specialists working in cahoots with cybercriminals, has created a wave of new online threats that threaten to overwhelm traditional defences. Of these, Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) are of particular concern to business owners.

  • Imagine a hacker gaining access to your network and sitting idle for weeks or even months, spying on the internal workings of your business and reading through your confidential documents at their leisure until they spot the perfect target for a cyberattack.
  • This is exactly how APT attacks are carried out – and why they’re both hard to spot and frustrating to respond to. A proactive approach is the only way to spot these attacks in time and respond to them.

Threat intelligence and rapid response: the new cybersecurity gold standard

With cybercriminals harnessing the power of AI and machine learning to create new threats, the cyber defence industry needs to use them to counter the risks of major data losses. Detecting stealth attacks and limiting the damage they can do are now the primary objectives of any effective cybersecurity strategy.

  • AI-driven cybersecurity software, including the top-level detection tool we offer in partnership with Acronis, can help spot potential attacks in real time.
  • Effective encryption and user permissions, including file locking and need-to-know basis data sharing, can help limit the extent to which hackers can read and use compromised files.

A holistic approach to cyber defence

Smart secure cloud storage, which ensures timely online backups across various apps and can be customised by IT managers, is the only approach that stands a chance of keeping up with cybercriminals in 2025.

You’ll find these features and more in our Total Data Protection package. Click the button below to learn more.

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Proactive Cybersecurity – One Step Ahead

Preparing for a Cyberattack: Why Proactive Backup Is Your Best Defense

Is there anything you can do to prepare for a cyberattack ahead of time and be ready to restore your valuable data? The answer is a resounding, proactive YES. Here’s what business owners need to know to stay ahead of the online crooks.

Cyberattacks: Not if but when – and what then?

Global cyberattacks continue to be one of the top worries of IT managers and company owners worldwide, with an estimated 5,200 victims of ransomware incidents estimated for this year. These destructive attacks are expected to more than double in 2024.

Disruptive attacks
Image courtesy of QEB

Cybercriminals often see significant financial rewards from these illegal activities , which is why these figures remain alarmingly high. For business owners and managers this means being proactive about cybersecurity is crucial to safeguarding your business against the evolving threat landscape.

Proactive backup is one of the best practices we recommend to all our clients. “Proactive cybersecurity” means anticipating future problems or changes to take appropriate action, immediately. With careful planning “before or in the event of” a cyberattack, you can keep your company information secure and recover quickly in the event of a cyberattack.

Put simply – being proactive means being ahead of the game – being proactive to prevent an attack from taking place rather than reactive once your data is seriously compromised.

Proactive Backup: Staying ahead of the hackers

Simply signing up for a backup service is a good first step towards protecting your company’s data, but that alone is not enough to ensure your critical files are safe in the cloud and accessible when needed.

A proactive approach to backup means ensuring the following steps are taken:

Your files are backed up regularly

Scheduling automatic backups ensures that the latest version of your files is always saved in the cloud. This minimises the risk of data loss resulting from a breach or technical failure, preventing a situation where only outdated versions of files are available for restoration.

The right files are backed up

It’s essential to ensure that critical business documents—such as financial records, proprietary information, and especially client records protected under the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act — are included in your secure cloud folder.

Threats are detected early

Ongoing monitoring is vital. Ensuring any suspicious network activity is promptly reported to your IT manager helps detect cyberthreats at their earliest stages. This enables you to act quickly and take emergency measures to protect your systems.

Total Data Protection puts you in full control

Finding a single solution that blends secure cloud storage, automated backup, and monitoring used to be difficult – until now, that is.

With Soteria Cloud’s Total Data Protection plan you are in total control of your backups with a full range of customisable options. Click the button below to learn more.

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Essential Cloud Storage – Cybersecurity

Why Cloud Storage Is Essential for Your Business

Businesses generate and store more data each year, and the recent wave of cyberattacks gripping the country highlights how valuable this information is—not only to businesses but also to cybercriminals.

As businesses scramble to avoid becoming the next victim of a data breach, leak, or ransomware attack, owners and managers are weighing their options for data storage. 

With traditional physical storage, conventional cloud apps, and secure cloud storage emerging as the three main options, we’d like to make the case for encrypted cloud data protection.

Here are some reasons why secure cloud storage offers the gold standard in data protection and how it can benefit any business.

Protection of sensitive information

Businesses handle a variety of sensitive information, from company financial records and new product designs to sensitive client data that could result in serious privacy breaches if it falls into the wrong hands.

In light of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), which places an obligation on companies to protect client data to the best of their ability, obtaining the most powerful encrypted storage available has become a necessity.

Financial risk reduction

The monetary cost of a cyberattack can range from tens of thousands to millions of rands, depending on the scale and circumstances of the incident. The reputational damage could be even greater.

Secure cloud storage helps keep your business out of the high-risk landscape that comes with exposure to ransomware and phishing attacks. For a small monthly investment, you could pre-empt losses ranging from five to six figures.

Insider threat mitigation

According to research by Stanford University, 88% of data breaches involve internal actors like staff members. It’s also an unfortunate reality that many data leaks and breaches are the work of disgruntled employees—and it could be the person you least suspect.

  • Zero-trust architecture, which requires full credential verification before file access is granted, coupled with encrypted backups, removes personal trust from the equation.
  • Having a full backup of your valuable files ensures organisational control over your company data, regardless of what actions—good or bad—your team may take.

Customer trust

With news of data breaches being reported daily by the media, customers have developed heightened awareness and concern about how companies safeguard their data.

Having comprehensive and reliable data security in place inspires confidence in your clients as they trust you with their valuable and sensitive personal information. From a practical point of view, secure cloud storage also helps reduce the risk of losing client data in the event of a data breach or cyberattack.

To learn more about Soteria’s Total Data Protection package and how it can secure your business files, visit our product page today or click the button below.

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Doing your Backups | Online Backup

How Often Do you Back Up Your Data Online?

How often does your company back up essential business data? It turns out that the answer depends on which part of the world you live in. 

A recent survey conducted by MyExpressVPN reveals that companies in North America, Europe, and the UK prioritise backup frequency differently. Let’s examine the data in detail and see how your business compares.

France leads the charge in data backup frequency

When managers and IT specialists from four major countries were surveyed about their data backup habits, the French emerged as the most diligent savers. 

  • Twenty-two percent of respondents from France stated that they back up their data daily, while 42% reported conducting weekly backups—the gold standard for cybersecurity efficiency.
  • This places the European nation ahead of Germany, the UK, and the US, all economies typically considered highly efficient. 

Despite their reputation for prioritising leisure, the French have recognised the importance of regular backups in securing vital company data. But what prevents businesses in other countries from following their lead?

Factors that make clients reluctant to back up their data

After identifying the country most committed to performing backups, the survey explored the reasons why other managers back up their data less frequently. 

  • 9% of respondents cited a lack of knowledge, while 6% attributed it to poor backup habits. Meanwhile, 5% found backup packages too complex to use easily.

To explore these concerns more deeply, the survey asked participants what improvements would encourage them to use their existing backup services more often:

  • Forty-one percent requested larger backup capacities at affordable prices, 36% called for simpler backup methods, 35% highlighted the need for enhanced privacy protection, and 34% desired faster backup services.

Given these insights, the responsibility for regular backups doesn’t rest solely on clients. This should act as a wake-up call for service providers to improve their solutions. 

That’s exactly what we at Soteria have done with our new flagship product, Total Data Protection.

The solution: Total Data Protection

This new approach to cybersecurity product meets the exact needs of today’s business cloud storage user, offering unlimited backups at a single monthly price. 

Customers can secure their data for up to five years, with instant access to all versions of their files in the cloud, ensuring ease of collaboration and sharing for teams.

The package also includes highly customisable options, enabling backups for selected applications and allowing IT managers to cater to complex networks, including remote systems.

Here’s how Total Data Protection can help:

  • Prevent data loss: Ensure your business is prepared for any eventuality, with files accessible anytime, anywhere.
  • Mitigate cyber threats: Keep a working version of all files in case your system’s version becomes compromised.
  • Protect against natural disasters: Safeguard your files from damage caused by floods, fires, or system failures.
  • Ensure regulatory compliance: Meet the requirements of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) by securing client data effectively.

Find out how Total Data Protection can support your business. Contact us today!

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Healthcare Industry – Cybersecurity Hygiene

Poor Cybersecurity Hygiene Puts Healthcare Industry in Critical Condition

Hospitals and medical providers are on high alert after a devastating cyber-attack brought National Laboratory Services to a standstill, potentially endangering patients’ lives and exposing their private data to criminal elements.

As the healthcare industry joins a long list of sectors currently targeted by cybercriminals, medical firms are looking to strengthen their defences against online attacks. In this article, we examine the current cybercrime landscape in the healthcare industry and how the concept of cybersecurity hygiene can help protect vulnerable organisations.

National Laboratory Services hit by a major cyberattack

Cybercriminals made headlines once again last month when they carried out a ransomware attack against National Laboratory Services, one of the largest providers of pathology services to public hospitals.

  • The laboratory network, responsible for testing blood and other human tissue samples for the medical profession, came to a standstill as its systems were offline for a period of weeks.
  • An estimated 6 million test results were rendered unavailable by the attack, delaying operations and chronic illness treatments nationwide.
  • Medical information, particularly urgent test results that could influence treatment outcomes, has become fair game for cybercriminals, who show no mercy when it comes to the type of information they’re willing to hold hostage.

In the wake of the attack, medical providers and hospitals across the country are scrambling to enhance their cybersecurity measures.

Fortunately, the concept of cybersecurity hygiene, which should resonate with the healthcare industry, is one of the most effective ways to achieve higher levels of data protection.

Ensure a healthy network with cybersecurity hygiene

To safeguard data at a time when cyberattacks are increasing daily, a reliable set of preventative measures is required. Much like the hygiene practices commonplace in hospitals and doctors’ offices, these procedures can result in fewer malware infections, ransomware incidents, and hacking attempts if implemented conscientiously.

  • Limit access to critical data: Password-protected files with multi-factor authentication should be standard in every hospital and medical practice today. This not only protects patient privacy but also keeps sensitive files out of the wrong hands.
  • Invest in cybersecurity defences: Examples of these include updated firewalls and the latest antivirus software. Additionally, secure cloud storage and automated backups featuring encryption technology provide significant layers of protection for your data.
  • Train staff to recognise cyberattacks: With many cyberattacks occurring through social engineering staff need to be trained to identify suspicious emails and communications, and to never disclose sensitive information to third parties.

Maintain a healthy information system with us

Avoiding a cyberattack and practising cybersecurity hygiene is possible with the latest generation of secure cloud storage. Our range of packages for businesses of all sizes is the ideal starting point for securing your data. Visit our product page to learn more.

Manufacturing Cyber-readiness – Cybersecurity

Why Manufacturers Need to Boost their Cybersecurity 

Manufacturers are feeling the heat of online attacks, and the industry needs to match its reputation for operational efficiency with cyber-readiness.

Until recently, most headlines concerning cyberattacks tended to focus on the financial industry, either because banks themselves were being targeted by cybercriminals or because of the proliferation of phishing scams victimising individual and business banking clients.

Recently, however, the manufacturing industry has found itself in the crosshairs of hackers and cybercriminals, with many manufacturers being unprepared for the disruptive effects of ransomware attacks and data leaks.

Here’s a look at the growing online security crisis facing manufacturers and what can be done to strengthen cybersecurity defences at the factory level.

Safe No More: Manufacturers Feel the Sting of Cyberattacks

Traditionally, manufacturing companies had considered themselves low-risk when it came to cyberattacks. Unfortunately, the Internet of Things (IoT) has brought a stop to this sense of security.

While factories used to focus on physical security and inventory management far more than online defences, modern manufacturing setups, which feature production lines managed by robots and are one hundred per cent connected to the internet, can present a major vulnerability that cybercriminals will be only too happy to exploit.

The results of a cyberattack focused on a manufacturing company can have devastating effects on the company itself and the whole supply chain. These include:

  • Severe downtime as a cyberattack cripples factory equipment linked to the Internet of Things (IoT). Pending payment of ransom or attempts to reboot the network from scratch, manufacturers may be forced to halt production.
  • Manufacturing companies that produce critical components in the supply chains of other companies may not consider themselves major targets for cyberattacks. However, even if a small component of a product like a smartphone or a top vehicle model becomes unavailable, production of that product may need to cease as well.

In light of these facts, it’s easy to imagine the chain of production stoppages arising from a single cyberattack cascading and creating severe losses for every business involved in the manufacturing of a product.

Suppliers may face the risk of having their agreements with the parent company reviewed and could even find themselves in legal difficulties if they fail to deliver on their contractual obligations.

The Manufacturing Industry Needs to Be on Guard 

As manufacturers realise they are no longer safe from the malevolent plans of cybercriminals, every business in this industry needs to ensure that its cyber defences are strengthened and ready.

Using immutable, encrypted online storage is an excellent first step for any business seeking to improve its cyber defences.

Soteria Cloud provides a range of cloud storage options that are perfect for companies of all sizes. Visit our product page today to learn more.

Rebuilding Trust – Cybersecurity

Rebuilding Trust after a Cyberattack – Not If but When

Trust is key in all business dealings, but an increasing number of consumers report plummeting trust levels in commercial entities, especially large ones.

In a business landscape that’s becoming less trusting, a #cyberattack can be the final blow that causes customers to take their business elsewhere. Here are some ways to build and maintain trust in your company even if an online security incident takes place.

The three keys to maintaining trust online

There’s no doubt that the internet is becoming increasingly risky, with cyberattacks increasing by the year. Despite advances in antivirus software and efforts to reduce the number of cyberattacks, the prospect of your business losing crucial customer data to cybercriminals is an ever growing reality.

By taking all necessary steps to prevent a cyberattack, responding swiftly and effectively in the event that one takes place, and maintaining a high level of sincere communication with your clients in good times and bad, you can ensure that your business remains a trusted entity for years to come. 

Let’s take a look at each of these components in detail.

1. Make cybersecurity a priority and make sure your customers know about it

Covering the basics of antivirus, firewalls, anti-malware, and of course, secure cloud storage is always the first step toward building your cyber defences. 

This may give you confidence in your company’s data security, but it will do little to inspire confidence in your customers – unless they know about it.

Without revealing specific details of your cybersecurity activities, which could give cybercriminals hints about potential vulnerabilities, it’s good to let your clients know that you take cybersecurity seriously and are taking measures to protect their data.

2. Act Decisively in the Event of a Cyber Attack

The worst-case scenario for any business is a large-scale data leak or cyber attack, and yet many companies will find themselves in this exact situation over the next decade, if not sooner.

  • If your business has become the victim of a cyber attack, the first step is to limit the damage as much as possible by relying on the latest version of your crucial files, which should always be kept securely encrypted in the cloud.
  • Directly following the attack, you should make a concerted effort to communicate the situation to your clients and reassure them about the steps you’ll be taking.

3. Communicating for Success Even in a Cybersecurity Failure

The way you communicate with your clients in the hours and days following a cyber attack or data leak could make the difference between a customer who stays with you and one who decides to cut ties.

  • Inform them honestly about the situation; there’s no use hiding the fact that the data leak or breach has occurred, and if you do, you could not only lose the trust of your customers but also find yourself in violation of the PPI Act.
  • Outline your cybersecurity response plan. Let your customers know what steps you have taken to retrieve their data, as well as precisely what type of data has been compromised—ID numbers, contact details, and more sensitive information like passwords.
  • Re-emphasise your commitment to cybersecurity now. Your client may have experienced a cyber leak or breach from another supplier and will be looking for signs that you are constantly upgrading your cyber security. 

By outlining the steps your organisation is taking to improve data protection, you are more likely to inspire confidence in your clients and retain more of them in the wake of a cyber attack which could have a massive financial impact on your business.

No matter what strategy you employ to protect your confidential data, secure cloud storage will always end up being a pivotal part of it. To find a cloud storage package that suits your needs perfectly, check out our product page today.

Banking Apps – Online Security

How Secure is your Banking App?

Banking apps have become the preferred method of transacting for individuals and businesses in SA, offering the advantages of banking at a physical branch without the hassle. But as with all technology, convenience needs to be balanced against cybersecurity risk. 

Unauthorised access to your banking app could give cybercriminals the keys to your full account balance, potentially causing a crippling, cash flow crisis. 

While banks have invested in and implemented advanced cybersecurity strategies they aren’t always enough, and it is the responsibility of the customer to raise awareness among their staff. Some victims of banking fraud have waited months before their funds are returned – while others have had to write off the entire amount.

To help your business transact safely online, we’ve put together a checklist of dos and don’ts for banking app users. Let’s start with the essentials. 

The necessity of secure logins

As every internet banking user knows, the first step to using a banking app is your login, but there’s more to a secure login that simply entering a password. One simple security practice to instil in staff is to ensure that they never use public wiFi connections to do online banking.

You’ll also need to ensure that your bank app allows you to login in a secure manner so that no unauthorised person can use your banking profile even if your phone or device is stolen. 

Internet banking apps that use Face ID add an extra layer of security while multiple factor authentication using an OTP code (in the case of FNB) or other pin sent to your mobile number or email address provide a way of authorising transactions securely. 

Avoid phishing and social engineering scams

Employees can easily be taken in by the sophistication of modern-day phishing scams. 

Lately, criminals are targeting financial decision makers such as bookkeepers or controllers with genuine seeming emails and other text messages purporting to be from management. 

This may not be a direct result of banking app security, but the fact that banking apps are often used to carry out these transactions makes it essential to avoid suspicious payment requests – even from colleagues and senior managers. 

A concerning recent trend is the escalation of impersonation fraud which takes phishing to the next level. 

  • This type of scam involves comprehensive research on the part of cybercriminals to map out an organisation’s management structure and find ways to impersonate members of senior management. 
  • Once they’ve achieved this, they will typically contact employees via non-verbal means like email or private message and issue financial instructions which ultimately result in company money being deposited into the fraudster’s bank account.
  • Savvy social engineering combined with AI has made it possible for hackers to imitate the tone of writing typical of specific senior managers. 
  • This could be achieved by studying articles that are published on LinkedIn or other financial media and using AI to produce devious messages using the manager or owner’s characteristic choice of words.

In summary, it’s essential for all organisations to follow the “trust but verify” model when dealing with financial transactions. 

If a financial instruction hasn’t been verified over the phone or in person, it simply can’t be taken at face value just because an email or message was supposedly received from a member of management.

Add secure cloud storage to your cybersecurity strategy 

Taking the steps above is an excellent approach towards securing your company’s financial and business information. Our range of secure cloud storage packages with data encryption add an extra level of protection to your valuable business data. Visit our product page today to learn more.

Hijacking Broken Hyperlinks – Cyberthreats

Cyberthreats hiding in plain sight – hijacking hyperlinks 

Have you ever clicked on a link that takes you to a dead webpage or tried to type in your bank’s URL and found yourself on a phishing website?

Link hijacking is a technique that cybercriminals use to direct website visors to malicious pages on the internet. 

As a business owner, you’ll want to ensure that your website is safe from this tactic, but first let’s find out how it works and how it can be avoided

Broken links are like broken windows for cybercrime

Even the smallest gap in your cybersecurity can give hackers the entry point they need to carry out an attack.

Just like the broken window of a building, which can allow burglars to enter more easily, broken links create the perfect opportunity for cybercriminals to compromise your company website. 

Here is the typical pattern that this crime tends to follow:

  • Cybercriminals identify a link on your website that leads to a defunct webpage.
  • If the webpage hosting has expired, they may purchase it and populate it with potentially harmful links that visitors will assume are a legitimate part of your website.

The end game of link hijacking is to steal internet traffic and lead it to a site that cannot only carry out malware or ransomware attacks, but could also compromise the credibility of your business.

How many broken links are there on the internet?

You might think that broken links are only an issue for poorly maintained websites, but research has shown that the issue is far more common than that.

Recent research shows that more than 500,000 websites online are phantom domains created  by cybercriminals.

Given the frequency of this problem, it’s essential to check your own site for the presence of broken links without delay and take measures to correct them.

How to fix broken links for added security 

Checking your website for problematic links is easy to achieve with a website scanner or broken link detector.

  • Once you identify links that lead nowhere, you should remove them from the main site or update the link that they redirect to with a secure webpage.
  • Ensure that your redirection service and file hosting providers are above board and offer excellent customer support. 

To avoid impersonation sites with a slight alteration of your URL spelling, you may want to register several domains – with the different variations included in them – so that they can’t fall into the wrong hands.

Keep your business safe online with secure cloud storage

Protecting your business from link hijacking is just one step that forms part of a comprehensive cybersecurity plan. 

Secure cloud storage is the most effective way to keep your data safe offsite and out of the clutches of criminals. Our range of secure backup packages offer peace of mind along with the efficiency of automated encrypted file management.