𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐌𝐄 𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐨𝐧-𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐭 𝐅𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐔𝐩𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬? 𝐒𝐚𝐲 𝐍𝐨 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞!

At Care MIT, we understand your plight, the constant juggle between running your organization and protecting it from cyber threats.

But what if you could do both effectively, without breaking the bank?

We proudly present the A.C.T.I.O.N plan – your one-stop solution to cybersecurity woes. Because we believe that even with limited funds, you can be robustly shielded in this digital age.

Asset management – You might not have a ton of resources, but what you have matters. Our approach ensures your business assets and risk management are never compromised.

Controls – Let’s admit it. Policies, procedures, and standards can be confusing. We simplify it all, setting up clear, easy-to-follow cybersecurity protocols for your organization.

Teams – Your team is your first line of defence. We provide insightful awareness training, transforming them into vigilant cyber guardians.

Integrated Technology – Regardless of the size of your tech stack, we ensure your hardware and software work seamlessly, providing optimum security.

Operational Resilience – Picture this. Disaster strikes and your operation barely skips a beat. Sounds impossible? Not with our proactive disaster recovery and business continuity measures!

Next-Generation Innovation – Embrace the future fearlessly! We ensure that integrating new technology, software, and systems into your established paradigms is as smooth as a dream.

Every week, Care MIT hosts a FREE 60-minute webinar explaining our ACTION plan.

Learn where cybercrime is heading, how the essentials can shield you, and how the ACTION plan can elevate your defences, all in an interactive, engaging setting.

Remember, being small doesn’t mean being susceptible.

With Care MIT, you can stand tall against cyber threats. You bring the passion, we bring the protection – let’s put cybercrime out of ACTION!

What small steps can a non profit make that will have the biggest impact on securing the organisation?

There are several small steps that an non profit organisation can take to have a big impact on their cybersecurity posture.

Here are a few examples:

🔱 Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA):

MFA adds an extra layer of security to user login credentials, making it harder for cybercriminals to gain access to your organisation’s IT systems and data.

🔱 Regularly update software and applications:

Keeping software and applications up to date with the latest security patches can help prevent cybercriminals from exploiting known vulnerabilities.

🔱 Use strong passwords:

Strong passwords that include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters can help prevent unauthorized access to your organisation’s IT systems and data.

🔱 Provide cybersecurity training for staff:

Regular cybersecurity training can help staff understand the risks and learn best practices for protecting the organisation’s IT systems and data.

🔱 Regularly back up critical data:

Regularly backing up critical data can help ensure that your organisation can recover quickly in the event of a cyber incident, such as a ransomware attack or data breach.

🔱 Implement a security policy for mobile devices:

Many employees use mobile devices to access company data, and these devices can pose a security risk if they are lost or stolen.

Implementing a security policy for mobile devices, such as requiring device encryption and passcodes, can help reduce the risk of a security breach.

🔱 Limit access to sensitive data:

Limiting access to sensitive data to only those employees who need it can help prevent accidental or intentional data breaches.

By implementing these small steps, non profit organisations can improve their cybersecurity posture and reduce the risk of a cyber incident.

These steps can also help organisations comply with applicable regulations, such as the Privacy Act and Notifiable Data Breaches scheme, and maintain the trust of their stakeholders.

The only action is inaction and why companies get hacked

Cybersecurity threats are becoming increasingly common and severe, and the cost of these attacks can be devastating for businesses.

Despite this, many organizations seem to be slow to take action and invest in cybersecurity measures.

This inaction can be attributed to a variety of factors, including a lack of understanding of the risks, limited resources, and competing priorities.

One of the primary reasons for inaction when it comes to cybersecurity is a lack of understanding of the risks involved.

Many boards and C-suite executives may not be fully aware of the potential consequences of a cyberattack or the extent of the vulnerabilities within their organization.

Cybersecurity threats can be complex and constantly evolving, making it difficult for non-technical executives to keep up.

Another factor that contributes to inaction is limited resources.

Many organizations, especially smaller ones, may struggle to allocate the necessary budget and personnel to adequately address cybersecurity concerns.

This is especially true in industries where profit margins are thin, and there is intense pressure to prioritize cost-cutting measures over investing in cybersecurity.

Competing priorities can also be a factor in inaction on cybersecurity. Boards and C-suite executives are often responsible for overseeing multiple departments and initiatives, and it can be challenging to balance all of these competing demands.

Cybersecurity may be viewed as just one of many areas that require attention, and it may not always receive the level of priority it deserves.

In addition, some organizations may feel that they are not a likely target for cyberattacks, or that their current security measures are sufficient.

This complacency can be dangerous, as cybercriminals are constantly looking for new vulnerabilities to exploit. It is essential to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing cybersecurity risks.

In conclusion, inaction on cybersecurity by boards and C-suite executives can be attributed to a variety of factors, including a lack of understanding of the risks, limited resources, competing priorities, and complacency.

It is important for organizations to take a proactive approach to cybersecurity and ensure that it is given the attention and resources it deserves to protect against cyber threats.

The Importance of Parents Understanding IT, Tech, and Cybersecurity in Today’s Digital Age

In today's digital age, technology has become an integral part of our lives, and children are growing up in a world where they are surrounded by it.

It is no surprise that children are often more tech-savvy than their parents. However, as much as it is essential for children to learn and understand IT, tech, and cybersecurity, it is equally important for parents to have a good understanding of these areas.

✔️ Parents are the primary role models for their children.

Children learn by example, and if parents do not understand the importance of IT, tech, and cybersecurity, it is unlikely that their children will either.

Parents who are knowledgeable about these subjects can set good examples for their children and encourage them to develop responsible and safe online habits.

✔️ Parents are responsible for their children's online safety.

With the increasing use of technology and the internet, children are at risk of encountering online predators and cyberbullying.

Parents need to be aware of these risks and know how to protect their children.

They must understand how to keep their children's personal information safe, how to prevent cyberbullying, and how to monitor their children's online activities to identify potential threats.

✔️ Parents can help their children make good decisions online.

By understanding the risks associated with technology and the internet, parents can educate their children about the potential dangers and help them make informed decisions.

They can teach their children about safe browsing habits, the importance of strong passwords, and how to recognize and avoid scams and phishing attempts.

✔️ Parents can monitor their children's online activities.

By having a good understanding of IT, tech, and cybersecurity, parents can monitor their children's online activities and identify potential risks or issues before they become serious problems.

They can use parental control software to restrict access to inappropriate content and ensure that their children are not engaging in risky behaviour online.

✔️ Cybersecurity is a family matter.

Cybersecurity is not just an individual responsibility but also a family responsibility.

Parents who understand IT, tech, and cybersecurity can help protect their entire family's digital assets and online identities.

They can ensure that all devices are secure and that all family members are following safe online practices.

While it is important for children to understand IT, tech, and cybersecurity, it is equally important for parents to have a good understanding of these areas.

By doing so, parents can be better equipped to protect their children's online safety, help them make good decisions online, monitor their online activities, and ensure that their entire family is practicing safe online habits.

The cyber protection dos and don’ts of starting a new job

Starting a new job or position can be exciting, but it's important to keep cybersecurity in mind.

Here are some dos and don'ts to keep in mind:

DO:

✔️ Use a strong, unique password for all of your accounts

✔️ Use a password manager to store your passwords and create complex and unique passwords.

✔️ Keep your computer and mobile devices updated with the latest security patches - if it needs a restart, restart it!

✔️ Be cautious of suspicious emails or messages, and never click on links or provide personal information without verifying the sender's identity - including executives and managers within the organisation.

✔️ Use a reputable antivirus software and firewall to protect your devices- make sure it is on and updated regularly.

✔️ Take advantage of any security training or resources offered by your employer - free training is also available at wiser-training.

✔️ Be the force for change in the cybersecurity space of the business.

DON'T:

✖️ Share your password with anyone, ever, no matter who!

✖️ Use public Wi-Fi networks to access sensitive business information or to complete financial transactions

✖️ Always use a VPN when connected to an unsecured or insecure wifi network

✖️ Leave your devices unlocked or unattended - before you walk away (Microsoft -control alt delete - enter)

✖️ Click on links or download attachments from unknown sources

✖️ Neglect to report any suspicious activity or security breaches to your IT department or supervisor.

✖️ Take a selfie with your security pass and post it on social media

By following these guidelines, you can help protect yourself and your employer from potential cybersecurity threats.

Stay safe and enjoy your new job!

The risks associated with online shopping and banking

Online shopping and banking have become an integral part of our daily lives, but with the convenience of these services comes the risk of cyber threats.

cybercriminals and scammers can target your personal and financial information in order to steal your identity, money, or both.

That’s why it’s so important to practice good cybersecurity habits when shopping and banking online.

Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

🔰 Use a password manager to create and store strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts.

It can be tempting to use the same password for multiple accounts, but if a hacker gains access to one of your accounts, they will have the key to all of them.

🔰 Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your online accounts whenever possible.

This adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a one-time code in addition to your password when logging in.

🔰 Make sure that the websites you shop on and use for banking are secure.

Look for a URL that starts with “https” and a padlock icon in the address bar.

This indicates that the website is using a secure connection to encrypt your data.

🔰 Use a credit card rather than a debit card for online purchases, as credit card companies generally have stronger fraud protection policies.

If your credit card information is stolen, you can typically dispute the charges and get your money back.,

🔰 Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive transactions, as they may not be secure.

Cybercriminals can easily set up fake public Wi-Fi networks in order to steal your information.

🔰 Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized charges or activity.

🔰 Be wary of phishing emails or texts that try to trick you into entering your login or financial information on fake websites.

These scams often use fake logos and branding to make them look legitimate, so it’s important to be on the lookout for red flags.

If you receive an email or text from a company that you don’t recognize, do not click on any links or enter any information.

🔰 Keep your computer and other devices up to date with the latest security patches and software updates.

These updates often include important security fixes.

🔰 Use a firewall and antivirus software to protect your computer from malware and other threats.

These tools can help to prevent malware from infiltrating your system and can also detect and remove any malware that does get through.

🔰 Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) when connecting to the internet, as it can help to encrypt your data and protect your online activity from being monitored.

By following these best practices, you can help to protect yourself and your personal and financial information while shopping and banking online.

Remember, it’s always better to safe than sorry.

Cybersecurity and the log4j vulnerability

I like basic

I like simple.

There is definitely not enough of basic or simple in my business!

One of the most basic and simple strategies for cybersecurity is called the essential 8.

When implemented correctly the essential 8 improves an organisations security posture significantly.

Two of the components of the essential 8 is patching – Patch operating systems and patch applications.

That was till this week.

A little context:

A vulnerability has been discovered in a simple logging component of Java.

This identified vulnerability allows an attacker to send a simple line of code to a system.

That code is then passed to the logging system and bingo they now have full access to the device as an administrator.

In other words, a 10-year-old can hack your system and do some serious damage!

That makes it a huge internet problem, in fact, it is being labeled “the worst hack in history”

First discovered in web-based systems (Apache) it has now been identified in thousands of products that are installed on computers across the world..

This vulnerability has highlighted the fact that everyone and their dog has used this logging system and then failed to think about updating it as part of their patching process.

In some cases, the versions we are coming across have been in these systems for more than 8 years and traveled from version to version.

To counteract the problem is difficult.

We cannot just remove the problem files because the application will stop working.

We cannot just change it for the newest version because the application will stop working.

So we have to wait for the software owners to patch their software and release the patch.

In the meantime, we plan for the worst and hope for the best.

We rely on our defence in depth.

We rely on our proactive systems and contingencies.

We rely on others in the industry to find solutions that can be implemented and apply them as fast as possible.