SMART Blog

Smart Services has been providing independent agents with proactive, fast, and expert technology services since 1991.

Are You Ready for a Ransomware Resurgence?

Are You Ready for a Ransomware Resurgence?

Ransomware attacks grew less common in both 2018 and thus far in 2019 when compared to 2017. Unfortunately, recent events have made it more likely that this trend will reverse in the near future. Why is that? Simple: some municipalities have set a precedent of paying up.

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The Many Threats that Come from Leaning on Technology

The Many Threats that Come from Leaning on Technology

Your business is susceptible to countless threats and vulnerabilities, all of which aim to bring your organization crumbling to the ground. These include all types of technology-related problems that cause downtime and other terrible situations that your business has to overcome. Let’s look at some of the threats you face from day to day, and try to establish an appropriate response to each.

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Threats 101: Danger on Your Network

Threats 101: Danger on Your Network

While modern security solutions have made great strides to protect businesses, there are still a lot of threats out there that can create problems for your organization. If you don’t take a proactive stance on security, you could potentially expose your network to incoming threats of all kinds. We’ll help your business understand what threats are out there, why they are dangerous, and what you can do to keep your organization secure.

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Ransomware Getting Much More Targeted

Ransomware Getting Much More Targeted

Ransomware has now been a major threat to businesses and other organizations for a couple of years, and 2018 is no different. For those who don’t know, ransomware is a form of malicious software (malware) that threatens the elimination of hijacked and encrypted data if a user doesn’t pay a ransom. It is known to be one of the most prolific and pervasive threats seen on the Internet today. We will take a look at how ransomware has evolved over the past several years, what the future of ransomware looks like, and what you can do to protect yourself against it.

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Phishing Scams Use Many Kinds of Bait

Phishing Scams Use Many Kinds of Bait

Phishing scams have one of the most descriptive names in all of computing, mostly because of how similar phishing is with fishing. Just as one does when one goes fishing, bait is dangled in the hopes of getting a bite - but to take the comparison one step further, different types of bait can be used, depending on the catch one is trying to make.

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The Top 5 Online Threats Facing Every Business

The Top 5 Online Threats Facing Every Business

It doesn’t matter which industry your organization is in. Your business will always be susceptible to threats in some way, shape, or form. Therefore, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your business understands how to protect itself from these threats, before it’s too late. We’ll help you learn more about the various issues that you need to watch out for, and what you can do to stop them.

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Protect Yourself in the Future By Learning from These Past Phishing Scams

Protect Yourself in the Future By Learning from These Past Phishing Scams

Would you be surprised if we told you that cybercrime is one of the biggest threats to the success of your organization? Unfortunately, there’s no escaping the fact that your business will be under fire from all sides by security threats. One of the most notorious methods includes phishing--email scams that are designed to harvest credentials and other information from unsuspecting users.

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Ransomware: The Smaller The Business, The Bigger The Problem

Ransomware: The Smaller The Business, The Bigger The Problem

The variety of malware known as ransomware exploded in popularity in 2016, encrypting victims’ files and demanding cryptocurrency payments to restore the data to the estimated tune of $1 billion. This may seem to suggest that large corporations and companies are the primary targets of these cyber criminals--and for some, they are.

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10 Types of Hackers You Need to Know About

10 Types of Hackers You Need to Know About

When you hear the term “hacker,” what do you imagine? Based on the popular images out there, you might imagine a lone user (in a hoodie or ski mask?) hunched over a computer, creating chaos for chaos’ sake. However, this is a dangerously narrow view of “hackers.”

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Take a Close Look Before Downloading That Free App

Take a Close Look Before Downloading That Free App

So, you came across a free app online that seemed interesting, entertaining, or helpful, and you decided to download it. However, after you clicked the download button you immediately regretted your decision as it began to install browser toolbars, adware, and other annoying (and potentially dangerous) software onto your device. How can you keep this “crapware” from getting out of hand?

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3 Common Threats You Need to Know About: Malware, Rootkits, and Trojans

3 Common Threats You Need to Know About: Malware, Rootkits, and Trojans

Security is increasingly becoming one of the most important parts of running a business, especially today when organizations rely heavily on their technology solutions. Some of the most dangerous threats lurk on a business’s network, waiting for an opportunity to do some real damage. With the right preventative measures, however, your business can catch these threats in the act before they can accomplish their goals.

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The Average Cost Per Data Breach Hits $4 Million

The Average Cost Per Data Breach Hits $4 Million

If you've ever questioned why your business needs to take advantage of network security, consider this: the average cost of data breaches, worldwide, has increased by 29 percent since 2013. The average cost per data breach is now an astounding $4 million! Can your business afford to deal with a data breach or data loss disaster?

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New Ransomware Presents Users With a Dilemma

New Ransomware Presents Users With a Dilemma

The Petya ransomware, a particularly vicious threat, has reared its ugly head once again; only this time, it’s not alone. Petya now comes bundled together with Mischa, another ransomware that works well alongside Petya. The ransomware is delivered via an inconspicuous email disguised as a job application, with a resume attached. Once the user downloads the file, Petya encrypts the files on the device.

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Alert: New Malware Infects Over One Million Mobile Devices

Alert: New Malware Infects Over One Million Mobile Devices

While security experts tend to focus on desktop OS vulnerabilities, plenty of mobile malware threats fly under the radar. One such malware is Hummer, a trojan that installs unwanted apps and malware on a device and has been found on over a million phones worldwide.

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Threat Spotlight: Brute-Force Attacks and How to Defend Against Them

Threat Spotlight: Brute-Force Attacks and How to Defend Against Them

One of the most popular methods of online hacking attacks involves what’s called a brute force attack. This is when a hacker overwhelms a login system with multiple attempts until the hacker is able to log in and access the system. They are dangerous attacks that could expose not just sensitive information, but also leave you vulnerable to ongoing hacks.

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Alert: A New Malware to Worry About for PC Gamers Using Steam

Alert: A New Malware to Worry About for PC Gamers Using Steam

Hackers have always gone after industries that are profitable, or hold sensitive information that can be lucrative when sold under the table. As such, retailers that accumulate financial credentials are often hit by hacks. The entertainment industry is no different, and hackers continue to grow craftier in their pursuit of wealth and power. Not even Steam, the PC gamer’s most valuable software solution, is safe from the dangers of hacking attacks.

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Alert: Petya Ransomware May Be the Worst Yet

Alert: Petya Ransomware May Be the Worst Yet

Ransomware is such a popular method of attack used by hackers that new variants of it pop up every few months. Among these is Petya, a nasty new ransomware that masquerades as an unsolicited resume in an organization’s email inbox. Don’t be fooled, though; the only work these hackers are looking for is to work you out of a couple hundred dollars.

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How to Avoid Common Social Engineering Scams

b2ap3_thumbnail_do_not_fall_victim_to_these_tricks_400.jpgHackers are always seeking ways to infiltrate unsuspecting businesses.  Arguably, one of the most difficult to identify is a social engineering attack, in which the hacker exploits the end user, rather than cracking the security of technology systems.

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Mobile Botnets Make the Internet Even Less Secure

b2ap3_thumbnail_hackers_are_using_botnets_400.jpgTechnology is often exploited by hackers for their benefit, but one avenue of attack that’s consistently neglected is the mobile device. Smartphones and tablets are arguably at greater risk than desktops and workstations due to them being exposed to more wireless networks. One of the greatest threats to these devices is the botnet, a threat that usually targets desktop computers, enslaving them and turning the machine against its owner (and the rest of the Internet).

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Alert: Hackers Posing as IT Support and Hijacking Computers

b2ap3_thumbnail_technology_take_400.jpgOne minute you’re browsing trusted sites on the Internet, the next, your PC freezes up and displays the dreaded blue screen of death, along with a fake tech support message. The unsuspecting computer user calls the provided phone number, not realizing he or she has just fallen for a very expensive scam. So what are you to do if faced with this situation?

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