Work from home has become an increasingly popular phenomenon in recent years, offering workers unprecedented flexibility in carrying out their professional tasks. This practice allows employees to work remotely, from home or other locations, using modern communication technologies. However, despite its many benefits, working from home does not come without its share of risks and challenges, especially when it comes to cybersecurity. Indeed, this new way of working exposes companies and workers to potential threats, jeopardizing the confidentiality of sensitive data and the stability of computer systems.

Does working from home pose a cybersecurity risk?

Yes, working from home presents certain cybersecurity risks that companies must deal with. When employees work remotely, they typically use their own home devices and networks, increasing the potential attack surface.

Cybersecurity for remote working is essential to protect sensitive data of companies and individuals. Here are some of the best measures to put in place to ensure the safety of working from home:

1. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): Employees should use a VPN to access company resources. This encrypts the connection and protects data from prying eyes as it travels over the Internet.
2. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implementing MFA enhances account security by requiring multiple factors of identification, such as password, code generated on a mobile device, or text message.
3. Regular Software Updates: Keeping operating systems, applications, and anti-virus software up to date is critical to patching known vulnerabilities.
4. Security Awareness: Conduct cybersecurity awareness sessions to educate employees on common threats and security best practices.
5. Data Encryption: Encourage or require encryption of sensitive data on employee devices, whether in motion or at rest.
6. Clear security policies: Put in place security policies specific to working from home, defining employee responsibilities and restrictions on the use of IT equipment and access to data.
7. Privilege-Based Access: Limit access to critical information only to employees who need it to perform their jobs.
8. Device security: Deploy mobile device management (MDM) solutions to secure personal devices used for work and be able to erase them remotely in the event of loss or theft.
9. Regular backups: Encourage the regular backup of critical data on secure servers, in order to prevent data loss in the event of an incident.
10. Make an appointment with a cybersecurity expert: A specialized company like Équipe Microfix can support your business in implementing the best cybersecurity practices.

By adopting these security measures, companies can improve the protection of their data and reduce the risks associated with working from home. It is also important to keep in mind that cybersecurity is an ongoing process, and one should stay up to date on new threats and best practices to ensure effective protection.

Cyberattacks and IT vulnerabilities are major concerns for businesses these days. To guard against these threats, it is essential to carry out a regular cybersecurity audit. This article outlines four key steps to conducting an effective security audit to help protect your business and reduce the risk of cyberattacks.

Step 1: Review of controls as per CAN/CIOSC 104

The first step is to perform a complete review of all cybersecurity controls (up to 55 controls) according to the CAN/CIOSC 104 standard. These controls are a recognized benchmark in the cybersecurity industry in Canada and cover a wide range of protective measures. It is important to check whether these controls are correctly implemented within your company and to validate their implementation. This includes things like configuring devices to ensure security, using strong user authentication, backing up and encrypting data, and more.

Step 2: Scan internal and external vulnerabilities

Once the security controls have been reviewed, it is crucial to perform a thorough scan of your computer system’s internal and external vulnerabilities. This includes identifying potential vulnerabilities in your systems, applications and infrastructure, both inside and outside your network. Specific vulnerability scanning tools can be used to detect weaknesses and potential entry points for attackers. These scans identify critical vulnerabilities that require immediate attention.

Step 3: Assessment of practices and procedures in place

In addition to security controls and vulnerabilities, it is important to assess the practices and procedures in place within your company. This includes identity and access management, staff security training, patch management, data backup, contingency planning, and more. A thorough evaluation of these practices and procedures will allow you to identify any shortcomings and take the necessary steps to improve them.

Step 4: Checking for Dark Web Information

Finally, it is essential to verify the presence of sensitive information of your company on the Dark Web. The Dark Web is a hidden part of the Internet where cybercriminals exchange information, sell stolen data and stage attacks. By actively monitoring the presence of sensitive information related to your business on the Dark Web, you can quickly detect data leaks and take action to limit potential damage.

In conclusion, a four-step cybersecurity audit can greatly strengthen your company’s protection against cyberattacks. Discuss with a member of our team if you want to carry out a computer security audit in the rules of the art!

In an increasingly digital world, the protection of our data is essential. Data loss can have serious consequences for businesses. To prevent these problems, it is crucial to have effective backups in place. This article will guide you through best practices for protecting your important data.

Identify your critical data

Before you start backing up your data, it’s important to identify the most crucial information for you. It can be customer or administrative documents, photos, or even sensitive financial data. This step will allow you to prioritize your backups and focus on the essentials.

Choose an appropriate backup strategy

There are different backup methods, each with its pros and cons. The two main recommended strategies are local backups and external backups. Local backups involve storing your data on physical media such as external hard drives, while external backups involve using cloud services or remote servers. It is recommended to use a combination of the two for optimal protection.

Schedule regular backups

Regular backups are crucial to ensure the protection of your data. Set up a backup schedule based on your needs. For data that changes frequently, a daily backup may be necessary, while for less volatile data, a weekly or monthly backup may suffice. Automating this process is also recommended to avoid oversights.

Use an encryption method

To guarantee the confidentiality of your saved data, it is recommended to use an encryption method. Encryption converts your data into an unreadable format without the proper decryption key. This way, even if your backups fall into the wrong hands, your data will remain inaccessible.

Check the integrity of your backups

It is essential to regularly check the integrity of your backups to ensure that they are properly stored and that the data can be recovered when needed. Periodically test restoring your backups to make sure they are working properly.

Store your backups in secure locations

Be sure to store your backups in secure physical or virtual locations. For local backups, keep your external hard drives in a safe place away from any potential threats such as theft or physical damage. For external backups, choose reputable cloud services and check their security policies.

Having effective backups in place is a crucial step in protecting your valuable data. By following the tips mentioned in this article, you can minimize the risk of data loss and ensure its availability when needed. Remember to identify your critical data, choose an appropriate backup strategy, schedule regular backups, use encryption, verify the integrity of your backups, and store your backups in secure locations. Investing time and resources in effective backups is a valuable investment in protecting your data from catastrophic loss. Take the necessary steps now to secure your data and enjoy added peace of mind knowing that your information is protected.

A “Zero Day” attack (still unknown to date) is a cyber attack that exploits a vulnerability or a security flaw in a system or software before its developers have even been able to remedy it or publish a patch.

This means that attackers can use this vulnerability to access sensitive data, install malware, or take control of the system without users or developers being aware of the existence of this security flaw.

Be careful, the word zero does not necessarily mean that there has been zero damage!

Zero-day attacks can be particularly dangerous, as they can cause significant damage before security officials have even had time to take action to prevent them. Attackers can also sell or trade the information obtained during the attack to other criminals or malicious organizations.

Increased risk for SaaS and MSP

Software as a Service (SaaS) service providers and managed service providers (MSP) provide software updates to many companies and are therefore particularly targeted by this type of cyber attack.

How do I prevent a “Zero Day” attack against my business?

To prevent zero-day attacks on your business, it’s important to have effective security measures in place to protect your network and systems from unknown vulnerabilities. Here are some tips to help you strengthen the security of your business:

Perform regular vulnerability scans
Regularly perform vulnerability scans on your systems to identify potential security vulnerabilities and take the necessary steps to fix them.

Regularly update software and operating systems
Make sure that all software and operating systems used in your business are regularly updated with the latest security patches.

Use state-of-the-art security solutions
Install and use state-of-the-art security solutions, such as SIEM, firewalls, antivirus, anti-spam and intrusion detection tools.

Educate employees about computer security
Educate employees on the importance of IT security and how to protect themselves against common threats, such as phishing emails and malware.

Implement strict security policies
Establish strict security policies for users, such as strong passwords, restricting access to certain sensitive information, and not downloading unauthorized software.

Regularly monitor your network activities
Regularly monitor your network activities for suspicious activity or unusual behavior that could indicate an attack in progress.

By implementing these security measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of a zero-day attack against your business. It’s also important to stay up to date on the latest IT security trends and take proactive steps to prevent attacks before they happen.

With the exponential growth of information and communication technologies, companies are increasingly exposed to online threats. Cyberattacks can cause considerable damage to a company’s reputation, as well as to its finances and sensitive data. To prevent these attacks, it is crucial to have an effective cybersecurity solution. This is where SIEM (System Information and Event Management) comes in.

What is SIEM?

SIEM is a system that centralizes security information from different sources, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, servers, etc. It uses advanced algorithms to analyze this information in real time and detect anomalies that may indicate a threat. Once the threat is detected, SIEM provides real-time alerting to enable a quick and effective response.

Why use a SIEM?

There are several reasons why companies choose to use SIEM for their IT security. Here are some of the most important benefits:

Improved Security Visibility

SIEM helps centralize security information from different sources, improving visibility into overall enterprise security.

Faster threat detection

SIEM uses advanced algorithms to detect anomalies and potential threats, resulting in faster threat detection.

Rapid Response to Threats

Once SIEM detects a threat, it provides real-time alerting to enable a quick and effective response.

Cost reduction

By using SIEM, companies can reduce the costs associated with managing security threats because it allows tasks to be centralized and automated.

How to choose the right SIEM for your company?

There are many SIEM providers on the market, and it can be difficult to know how to choose the right one for your business. Here are some considerations to keep in mind when choosing a SIEM.

Compatibility with data sources

The SIEM you choose should be compatible with your company’s data sources. For example, it must be compatible with your firewalls. Make sure the SIEM you choose can collect and analyze all of your company’s important security data.

Detection features

The SIEM must be able to detect security threats in real time. Verify that the SIEM you choose has detection features such as intrusion detection, malware detection, and vulnerability detection.

Response features

It’s good to detect threats quickly, but it’s not enough. An effective SIEM must also be able to respond quickly to detected threats. Verify that the SIEM you choose has response features such as infected device isolation, remote shutdown, and real-time malware removal.

Ease of use

The SIEM you choose should be easy to use for your security team members. Check that the user interface is user-friendly and the reports are easy to understand.

Cost and investment

Cost is always an important factor to consider. Assess initial costs and ongoing costs, such as maintenance and update fees.

To make an informed choice, consider Team Microfix. A cybersecurity expert can answer all your questions and guide you to the best solution based on your needs.

The Importance of Data Protection

Data protection is a crucial element for the success of any business, regardless of its size. Business data may include information about your customers, employees, finances, and business operations, among others.

It is essential to protect this data against cyberattacks, data leaks, and other potential threats. Data protection can also help prevent financial losses, privacy breaches, service interruptions, and damage to your business’s reputation.

1. Conduct a Cybersecurity Audit

To ensure your business’s security, it is crucial to have confidence in the reliability of your technological infrastructure, particularly with regards to system access and protection of sensitive data. To have a clear and accurate overview of the security of your technological environment, we recommend conducting an audit that complies with the “CIS Critical Security Controls V8” cybersecurity controls. This will enable you to establish a strong foundation for presenting a security report. Once the audit is conducted, you will be able to identify the risks and weaknesses of your technological infrastructure and receive recommendations to ensure the continuity of operations and data security.

2. Raise Employee Awareness and Training on Cybersecurity

Employee training on cybersecurity is a key element in strengthening your business’s security. Therefore, it is essential to raise awareness about cybersecurity among your employees. By providing adequate training to your employees, you can help prevent human errors that can lead to cyberattacks and jeopardize your data. Investing in employee training can help protect your business and strengthen your clients’ confidence.

Here are three specific examples to implement immediately and share with your teams:

Use Strong Passwords and Prioritize Two-Factor Authentication

Employees should be encouraged to use strong passwords to protect their accounts. Passwords should be long, complex, and unique for each account. It is also important to change passwords regularly.

Avoid Suspicious Links and Attachments

Employees should be aware of the potential risks associated with links and attachments in emails. They should be trained to identify suspicious emails and not click on dubious links or open attachments. It is also important to report these emails to the IT security team.

Keep Software Up-to-Date

Employees should understand the importance of keeping software on their computers and mobile devices up-to-date. Updates may include security patches for known vulnerabilities. By keeping software up-to-date, employees can help protect the business against malware attacks.

3. Use powerful antivirus software

Using antivirus and antimalware software is essential to protect business data from malware attacks. Antivirus software can help detect and remove viruses, while antimalware software can detect and remove other types of malware such as spyware and ransomware. Be sure to select antivirus software that meets the needs of your business and keep it up to date. For optimal protection, we recommend using next-generation antivirus (EDR). EDR is an effective solution for detecting unknown threats using artificial intelligence algorithms. By quickly detecting abnormal behavior, they can react quickly to “zero-day” attacks that are not yet known. This way, your business can be assured that its data and systems are protected in real-time.

4. Perform regular backups of your data

Performing regular backups of your business data is crucial to protect against data loss due to hardware failure, cyber-attacks, or even issues caused by human error. Backup data can be stored in off-site locations such as external hard drives, cloud servers, or backup tapes. By having backup copies of your data, you can quickly recover in the event of data loss. If you are looking for peace of mind, be sure to take advantage of our automated online backup service! Each day, a dedicated technician verifies the validity of your backups. They ensure that the backup was successful and that the data is not corrupt. This way, you can be assured that your data is protected and available when you need it.

5. Limit access to sensitive data

It is crucial to limit access to sensitive data in your business to protect information against cyber-attacks and avoid vulnerabilities. This can be achieved by establishing strict access policies and using security tools such as firewalls and identity and access management systems. For example, only employees who need to access certain data should be allowed to access it, and access permissions should be reviewed regularly to ensure they are up to date.

6. Implement cybersecurity measures related to telecommuting

In recent years, telecommuting has become increasingly popular in Canada. However, this increases the possible risks and vulnerabilities. Therefore, it is important to implement measures to limit the cybersecurity risks associated with telecommuting. Here are three quick tips for securing the data of a business with employees telecommuting:

Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Allows for secure remote connections and protects sensitive data.

Establish clear security policies for employees working remotely

This includes the use of strong passwords, regular software updates, and physical device protection.

Use monitoring tools

Allows you to track remote employee activity and detect any suspicious or malicious activity. This measure is sensitive in terms of the privacy of your workers, so it is important to consult with specialists before implementing it.

7. Monitor if your business information is on the Dark Web

The Dark Web is a part of the internet not indexed by traditional search engines and only accessible with specific tools. It is often used for illegal activities such as the sale of stolen data. Information can be compromised in different ways: phishing, bypass attack, passive intrusion, or infiltration. Thanks to MicroSecure‘s expertise, it is possible to monitor the Dark Web and inform you if your passwords are for sale or publicly available.

A ransomware alert has been issued by the US and Canada to ensure that individuals and organizations are aware of the threat posed by this type of malicious software.

The alert, from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Canadian Cyber Incident Response Centre (CCIRC), comes on the back of what seems to be a proliferation of ransomware attacks.

They said that it is now apparent to cybercriminals that this particular approach is remarkably “profitable”, resulting in not only a general increase in the number of attacks, but also in the number of ransomware variants.

“In 2013, more destructive and lucrative ransomware variants were introduced, including Xorist, CryptorBit, and CryptoLocker,” the official statement highlighted.

“Some variants encrypt not just the files on the infected device, but also the contents of shared or networked drives.

“These variants are considered destructive because they encrypt users’ and organizations’ files, and render them useless until criminals receive a ransom.”

Both security organizations drew attention to Locky – recently analyzed by ESET’s Diego Perez – which has been especially prolific as of late.

This variant, described as “destructive”, is delivered through spam emails, which include corrupted Microsoft Office documents (as an attachment).

Once downloaded, the trojan gets to work, encrypting files without the victim at first being aware. It is only when they receive a demand for a ransom that they realise what has happened.

“Infections can be devastating to an individual or organization, and recovery can be a difficult process that may require the services of a reputable data recovery specialist,” stated the DHS and CCIRC in their alert.

In spite of this, their advice is to never pay, something that WeLiveSecurity’s editor in chief, Raphael Labaca Castro, has previously noted.

Speaking last year, the information security expert explained that in doing so, you are, in effect, “supporting cybercrime activities”. Additionally, there is no guarantee that files or devices will be decrypted.

“Remember, this is not a service, they are cybercriminals,” he went on to say. “[And] even if you pay, you are not going to be ‘whitelisted’ so you could get infected again so it’s not a real solution for the future either.

“Prevention is the most important tool against Ransomware, since the infection can be usually cleaned afterwards but not always the information restored.”