The IT Experts

More Sophisticated

Ransomware in 2024 has gotten a lot smarter and more dangerous than it used to be. One big change is that hackers are using AI to help them attack people’s computers. In the past, they would usually send fake emails to trick people into clicking bad links, but now AI helps them scan computers to find weaknesses. This means the attacks are more specific and harder to catch before they do damage.

Multiple Extortion

Another new thing in 2024 is that hackers don’t just demand money to give back your data. They have started using what’s called triple extortion. First, they lock up your files and ask for money to unlock them. Then, they threaten to leak your private data if you don’t pay; and now, they even go after your customers or friends, saying they’ll expose their information too if you don’t pay. This makes companies even more desperate to pay quickly because it can hurt their reputation if the attack spreads.

Not Just Targeting Business

In 2024, ransomware isn't just attacking businesses. It’s also targeting things like hospitals, power grids, and transportation systems. These places are really important because they help people stay safe and keep things running smoothly. If a hacker attacks a hospital or the electric grid, it could cause big problems in real life, not just with computer files. These kinds of attacks are getting more common and are making governments very worried.

Cryptocurrency (and Not Just Bitcoin)

Hackers still love using cryptocurrency to get paid because it’s hard to track. But in 2024, police have gotten better at figuring out where the money goes. So now, hackers are trying new ways to get paid, like using different types of money that are even harder to trace or trading things in secret. It’s like a game of hide-and-seek between the hackers and the people trying to catch them.

Keeping clear of ransomware is essential to keeping your business afloat. If you would like to have a conversation with the Florida cybersecurity professionals about keeping your guard up against ransomware and the many other threats out there, give us a call at (954) 834-2800.

Why IT Planning is Important for Small Businesses 

IT planning helps small businesses make sure their technology works well for the things they do daily, period. Good IT planning includes choosing the right software, doing everything you can to keep from being hacked, and making sure your security and data protection standards are high. All of these help companies run smoothly and avoid problems. While long-term planning might seem helpful, small businesses should be careful not to plan too far ahead because it can lead to wasted time and money.

The Fast Pace of Technology Changes 

Technology changes quickly, and small businesses can’t predict what new tools or systems will come out next. If a business locks into a long-term IT plan, it may end up using outdated technology before it’s even fully implemented. By keeping IT plans flexible, small businesses can adopt new, better solutions as they come along, instead of being stuck with old methods that no longer work well.

Limited Resources 

Small businesses usually have limited money and staff, so it’s important not to spend too much on future IT needs. Planning too far ahead can result in paying for technology they don’t need right away. IT plans should focus on what the business needs now and in the near future, leaving room for changes as the business grows. This way, they can avoid overspending and make sure their resources are working for the business and not being wasted.

Changing Business Needs 

Small businesses often experience fast changes in how they operate and what the market demands. What might seem like a smart IT investment today could become unnecessary in a few years. Planning too far ahead may lead to IT systems that go unused. A short-term IT plan allows businesses to adjust quickly as their goals and needs change, help them control costs through cloud scaling and other initiatives, and ultimately help them stay competitive and responsive.

Focus on Flexibility and Immediate Goals

Small businesses should focus on flexible IT plans that solve current problems and prepare for the next few years, rather than planning for distant future needs. Short-term goals allow for adjustments along the way, making it easier to embrace new technology as it comes. This approach helps avoid the problems of over-planning, keeps the business aligned with its changing needs, and takes advantage of new tech without unnecessary restrictions.

If you would like help planning your organization’s next technology investment with inside knowledge, give the IT experts at KB Technologies Managed IT a call today at (954) 834-2800.

Employee Negligence

Security negligence is the most common way that employees threaten your business.

More often than not, employee negligence with network security doesn’t come from a place of malicious intent. They simply don’t know what is expected of them and why network security is so important. Having uninformed employees is dangerous, as it increases the risk of successful cyberattacks leveraged against your business.

If you don’t address employee negligence, it’s only a matter of time before they do something that exposes your business to greater threats.

Insider Threats

While it doesn’t happen often, you also have to consider the threat of the employee insider threat.

This occurs when an employee knowingly engages in activity that undermines your security policies and threatens your business. It might involve leaking sensitive data, sharing information with your competitors, or stealing intellectual property for their own gain. Worse yet, if you’re not paying attention, you can never know who is engaging in this behavior.

This is why it’s so important to limit who can access what data, and to continuously monitor how that data is being accessed and used.

Solutions to Halt Employee Security Challenges

There is no shortcut to security—but you can make it easier with the following solutions and policies.

If you limit who can access certain types of sensitive data, the risk of that data getting shared around significantly drops. Employees should only have access to data they need to do their jobs, and nothing more. Additionally, you can encourage compliance through required training and policies, such as routine password refreshes and mandatory phishing scheme training.

Security training and policies don’t have to be hard, but they do have to be taken seriously.

Get in Touch to Learn More

If you want your business to thrive, you cannot ignore security.

But for SMBs, it’s not always about having the know-how. It’s more about ensuring you have the resources to encourage your team to comply. KB Technologies Managed IT can equip your organization with the tools, resources, and expertise necessary to take security seriously.

To learn more, call us today at (954) 834-2800.