Microsoft products are popular because they help make life easier, but does that mean they’re safe? How popular products like Office 365 leave doors wide open for hackers to get into your business data!
It turns out that a new Cerber Ransomeware is targeting MS Office 365 email users. This attack actually by-passes Office 365’s built in security tools.
One of the biggest attacks to date has targeted end users with phishing emails. These emails are attached with malicious files looking to score big. Nearly 57 percent of businesses using Office 365 received a copy of the ransomware in their corporate mailbox during the attack.
What does the Cerber malware do?
This ransomware strain encrypts user files, takes over the user’s audio system and reads out a ransom request.
I know—all of these attacks are getting old! We’re getting desensitized to them and often feel like, we’re not the targets, why should we care? But the reality you are likely more a target than you might think!
If you’re not careful, someone on your team will fall for a hacker’s ploy. While you may feel safer working in the cloud, you certainly aren’t that safe (and in fact, there are growing cases of cloud-based security issues, especially with large freemium or high volume platforms like Office 365 that, if you don’t have the right protections in place—including teaching your team on cyber security training—you’re a fish out of water waiting for the hackers to take over your systems.
That’s just the cold hard reality of today. We can’t be too careful with your data. Your client information. Your team members.
This Cerber attack began over a week ago—first reports came out on June 22. We realize that Microsoft started blocking the file attachments a day later. But do you really think cyber attacks will stop targeting Microsoft? Microsoft is trying to fix a sinking ship by patching hole by hole. By the time they’ve discovered one leak, there are a half dozen others sinking the ship!
How can you avoid sinking your security?
- Weapons grade backups—make sure all of your systems are regularly backed up in the event of the unspeakable (if you’re a Dynamic Edge customer, rest-assured this is taken care of).
- Disable Macros in your Microsoft Office programs—eliminate risks of malware taking advantage of Microsoft vulnerabilities in macros.
- Educate users about scams—keep your users in the know. We recommending updating users on current threats and making sure your team understands how to recognize social engineered hacking attempts.
On Office 365 and ready to migrate to a stable, secure, cost effective solution? Give Bruce a call to talk about your options.
