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The Necessity of Dark Web Monitoring

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Protect your identity and business with a consistent watchdog service

We’ve all read about the constant barrage of cyberattacks on businesses and the nightmare that comes from having your personal identity stolen. There are ways to reduce the odds that your business will suffer such an attack or that your personal information will be hacked. One of the best methods for protecting both your business and your identity as well as that of your family is consistent monitoring of the Dark Web.

What Is the Dark Web?

The Dark Web is just what it sounds like. It’s the shady side of the internet. The Dark Web lays in a sub layer of the internet known at the “Deep Web.” This is a place hidden from conventional search engines where criminals often roam searching for their next victim.

Believe it or not, common search engines including Google, Bing, and Yahoo simply scratch the surface of what is actually available online. Such search engines hunt just .04 percent of the indexed internet. The other 99.96 percent of the web consists of databases, private academic and government networks, and the Dark Web, according to ID Agent, which provides comprehensive threat intelligence and identity monitoring solutions for both individuals and businesses through ORAM Corporate Advisors.

What Threat Does the Dark Web Pose?

Not only is the Dark Web a place that threatens your personal identity but it can endanger your business as well. This is a place where the signature pieces of your personal identity (name, date of birth, stolen passwords, and even social security numbers) can be sold daily to the highest bidder. Everything from your credentials such as email logins, passwords, and usernames can be found there.

With such personal information, criminals can hack your email, your bank accounts, and more. They can open new credit card accounts in your name without your knowledge and rack up untold sums of debt before you’re even aware there’s a problem. The threat of personal identity theft can extend beyond you as well to other family members such as your spouse, your children, and your parents.

The loss of such personal information can be devastating to your business, too. Critical business information such as business applications, email, and other online services can be penetrated with your personal information. Logins and passwords can be changed, business information can be accessed and stolen, and your organization can be brought to a complete halt with the personally identifiable information (PII) bad actors are hocking on the Dark Web. Read the ORAM blog “The Dark Web: What It Is, How It Impacts Your Organization, and Ways to Protect Your Business” for more detailed information about the severity of the threat your business faces as a result of the Dark Web.

Protecting Yourself, Your Family, and Your Business

The most effective way of protecting your PII, your family members’ PII, and your business is through Dark Web monitoring. ORAM uses SpotLight ID, which employs Dark Web ID, to monitor your identity and that of your covered family members. Through leveraging Dark Web ID, ORAM focuses on the cyber threats specific to you and the environment you work in. Our proprietary software continuously monitors the Dark Web and the digital criminal underground to determine if our clients’ credentials have been exposed.

With SpotLight ID, ORAM searches for your personal information on the Dark Web. If found, your data is harvested to protect it from typical hacker sites such as Pastebin. Many such sites frequented by cybercriminals require a membership and credibility to enter. Our monitoring system allows us access to search more than 500 internet relay chatroom (IRC) channels, 600,000 private websites, and 600 Twitter feeds utilized by bad actors.

Furthermore, SpotLight ID executes 10,000 queries daily to help monitor and protect your identity and those of the people you love. We also monitor and source information from hidden theft forums, peer-to-peer file sharing programs and networks, and social media. We can even find compromised data harvested through botnets and command and control (C2) servers.

Be On Alert

If your information is identified on the Dark Web, we notify you immediately. This allows you the opportunity to change your logins and passwords before cybercriminals can take advantage of the information they have. This also gives you time to consult with your business’s internal or external IT team as soon as possible to determine if a data breach or cyber incident has occurred using your credentials. Such monitoring and notification can buy your business the time it needs to change your username, login, and password before cybercriminals can strike against it.

In addition to monitoring the Dark Web for your PII, ORAM will alert you if someone actively targets you or your covered family members’ social media profiles. You’ll also receive instant updates, alerts, and access to your credit from all three major credit bureaus if something changes with your credit or that of your covered family members.

Monitoring of the Dark Web also gives you peace of mind that your identity and that of family is covered. With a team of U.S.-based Certified Identity Restoration Specialists, ORAM will work to completely restore your identity should the worst happen, even if the issue began before you enrolled for coverage. You can take even more comfort in knowing that with SpotLight ID, you have up to $1 million in identity insurance to cover related restoration expenses if needed.

If you are interested in learning more about SpotLight ID or registering in one of our affordable and flexible plans, contact ORAM Corporate Advisors online now or call us at (617) 933-5060. The cybersecurity experts at ORAM are here to protect you, your family, and your business from the threat of cybercrime.

Moving Enterprise Resource Planning Applications to the Cloud

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Many small businesses use a variety of applications from QuickBooks to Salesforce to handle the needs of company operations. Though larger businesses can use the same mishmash of applications, most have moved to a single Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) application that meets the same needs but in a single application. With such an excellent resource available, most companies are now focused on moving their ERP apps to the Cloud. 

Keeping Up with the Times

As technology has grown and we have become more mobile as a society, the ERP software is moving to the Cloud for improved access and speed. Hosting the ERP in the Cloud makes the app more user-friendly for a dispersed work environment. In other words, by hosting its ERP application on the Cloud, a company can share the benefits of the application with a distributed workforce. Individuals and departments in different locations such as remote employees, branch offices, and salespeople in the field can access the ERP quickly and effortlessly.

While ERP applications are big software that can be cumbersome and are often cost-prohibitive for small businesses, larger businesses have realized the many benefits a single application has to offer. For starters, an ERP can fully integrate all aspects of sales, production, human resources, accounting, and more under one application. Rather than deal with eight to 10 applications to handle business like most small companies, large companies can work with a single ERP application.

Additionally, ERPs build workflows that eliminate jobs as the various modules can “talk” to one another to complete multiple phases of a project that once took many people. For example, the manufacturing module of an ERP can communicate with the accounting module to signal that a product has been finished so the client can be automatically invoiced. With processes locked into place, it requires fewer people to handle operations meaning companies can save money on manpower.

Benefits of Moving ERPs to the Cloud

Savvy small businesses transitioned their apps to the Cloud long ago in the form of Software as a Service (SaaS). This allowed small businesses to work more nimbly while adapting faster to changing technology and our modern mobile society. The ERPs of the past often slowed larger companies down when it came time for such technology and working world adaptations due to their sheer size, much like turning the Titanic versus a tugboat.

The good news is that as larger ERPs have improved over the years, there’s been a push to move them to the Cloud. No longer do companies have to bog down their networks and limit employee access by hosting their ERPs locally. Today, moving business ERP apps to the Cloud offers many benefits including:

  • Faster Access to Business Systems
  • Ease of Management of the ERP
  • Simple Access for a Remote and Distributed Workforce
  • Allows for Unhindered, Seamless Growth

Transitioning to the Cloud

At ORAM, our advisors caution companies to avoid biting off more than they can chew when transitioning their ERP application to the Cloud. We highly suggest moving one department at a time after serious transitional planning. The order of operations and departments that are moved to the Cloud will depend on the unique needs of each company.

The biggest mistake businesses make as they transition their ERP apps to the Cloud is the lack of accounting for on-premises and legacy systems. Most companies have older systems in place they still utilize that need to be able to connect with the ERP once it is moved to the Cloud. For example, if a company has a large envelope printer from 1984 it still uses, that legacy system needs to be able to communicate with ERP to continue business operations without interruption.

The way to best approach moving ERP applications to the Cloud is with much discussion, forethought, and planning. You’ll need to look at your overall business workflow and operations. Employees on the front lines in each department can offer insights into processes, procedures, regular deadlines, and operations that may impact your transition plan.

In addition, consultants like those at ORAM can offer assistance with proper planning. Should your business require assistance in transitioning its ERP application to the Cloud without negatively impacting your business, the experts at ORAM Corporate Advisors can help through our consulting services. Call us today at (617) 933-5060 or visit us online.

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month

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A look at cyber awareness and tips for protecting yourself online

Whether you are turning on the television, checking the daily newsfeed online, or reading a magazine, you’re sure to hear about the breach of a major business such as Yahoo, a data leak by the government, or hackers attacking a local school. Over the last two decades, cybersecurity has been legislated to protect consumers, businesses, and the government alike. There’s a need for greater awareness of cyber security and how people can best protect themselves and their businesses. That is the purpose behind National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) which has been celebrated every October for the last 15 years.

The History of NCSAM
Developed as a collaborative effort between industry and the U.S. government, the purpose of NCSAM is to ensure every American has the necessary resources to stay safer and more secure online as well as advance awareness of the threats we all face when we log on. Launched in 2003, NCSAM was conceived by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance.

According to the National Cyber Security Alliance, the goal was to reach as many people and businesses as possible to educate them about cybersecurity. The target audience consists of consumers, small and medium-sized business, corporations, educational institutions and young people across the country.

STOP. THINK. CONNECT.
This year marks the 8th anniversary of the STOP. THINK. CONNECT.™ campaign used during NCSAM which offers tips and advice for everyone from the daily internet user to business owners.

The message to consumers of every age is clear. We are all warned to stop and think before connecting which means doing things to protect ourselves before we get online. We are warned to “Keep a Clean Machine,” “Protect Your Personal Information,” and “Connect with Care.” But what does all of this really mean?

Keep a Clean Machine
All of your internet-connected devices should be kept free of malware and other infections such as viruses as they can interrupt your connectivity at home and at work as well as spread to others. A dirty machine can also threaten your safety and the safety of others online. This is especially true when it comes to malware that connects your devices to botnets, which are networks of computers controlled by cybercriminals that can steal your information and make money from it.

There are several things you can do to keep a clean machine including:

  • Use the Latest Software– Ensure you have the newest security software, web browser and operating systems to offer the best defense against known viruses, malware, and other threats.
  • Automate Updates– Most software programs automatically update to defend against threats. Keep auto updates turned on and turn your computer off each night so updates will occur when you reboot.
  • Protect Every Device– In addition to computers, be sure to turn on auto updates for all devices including smartphones, laptops, and tablets.
  • Plug & Scan– External devices such as USBs can harbor viruses and malware. Use security to scan them before using.
  • Get Rid of Garbage– Delete links, emails, tweets, posts, etc. that look suspicious. These are ways cybercriminals compromise your computer. If it’s not from a trusted source, trash it. Don’t open it.
  • Hot Spot Smarts– Limit the business you conduct when away from your home or office. Be sure to adjust the security settings on your device to limit who can access it.
  • Act Fast– If you think your machine is infected, get help fast to remove viruses and malware before they can spread or cause more damage.

Protect Your Personal Information
Each one of us has the responsibility of protecting our personally identifiable information (PII) online. If your personal information ends up in the wrong hands, there could be serious consequences from a breach in your social media or theft from your business to your identity being stolen and your bank account being wiped out.

While you may have worked hard to protect that information, all of us must still assume our personal information has been leaked because hacks happen all of the time. Here are some tips for protecting your PII online from the New York Times:

  • Use Different Passwords– Across multiple sites from Facebook to your bank account, NEVER use the same password in more than one place. Doing this allows a hacker that gets your password in one place to use it in another. Password managers such as 1Password or LastPass can help you keep track of them all.
  • Never Your Social- Never use your social security number as a username or password. This is especially true in the face of the recent Equifax breach.
  • Be Suspicious- Treat everything online with an abundance of suspicion. Hackers send emails, notices, letters, etc. posing as people you know and businesses you solicit to gain information. Contact a business or individual requesting PII online by calling them directly before deleting the email as they may need it to press charges or stop the cybercriminal from targeting others.
  • Use Stronger Passwords- Sites such as LastPass can help you create unique passwords for each site you visit and save them for you in a protected database. If you create your own, be sure to use uppercase and lowercase letters, numerals, and special characters in each password.
  • Employ Extra Security- Passwords are not enough. If a site allows you to use secondary or two-factor authentication, enable those features. When you enter your password, you will receive a message with a one-time login code to allow you to finish logging in.

Connect with Care
Many web users are very quick to click whether it be on an email, a link, or an attachment. Slow down and take time to examine what it is you are about to click before you do so. Ensure you know who an email is from before opening it. If you don’t know the sender or aren’t expecting an email, delete it without opening it.

If you receive an email from a person or business you know and the email address looks familiar, feel free to open it. Once open, look at the email itself. Does it sound like it’s from the sender or does it seem odd? If the English is suddenly broken, the business logo is not right or is missing, or something else is off about the email, do not click on any links or attachments. Contact the person or business directly to see if they have sent you something via email.

Use care when connecting to public Wi-Fi. This is especially true if you are conducting business such as banking or shopping online. Use only trusted secure connections when using portable devices outside of the home or office.

Be Web Wise
Personal information about anyone is now easy to find online. This is especially true with the advent and use of social media. That means we all have to be wise when it comes to using the web. The first thing you should know is how your information gets online. Here are some ways you may inadvertently be sharing your personal information:

  • Posting on social media
  • “Checking in” through social location sites such as Foursquare
  • Commenting on blogs or shopping sites
  • Creating online wish lists online at sites like Amazon or Pinterest
  • Sharing videos or photos online
  • Using online games
  • Giving location data when uploading photos online

If you are on social media, check to see if you can change your privacy settings to limit what others can see about you or who has access to your information. Be sure to read the privacy policy of any company before sharing your information with them to ensure they don’t sell it to third parties. You’ll also want to ensure that your data is backed up at home and at the office in the event of ransomware, other cyber attacks, or even a computer shutdown.

Be a Good Online Citizen
Being a good online citizen involves employing the Golden Rule of treating others online the way you would like to be treated and using common sense. Don’t visit unsecured sites and don’t forward emails from unknown sources to others.

Be aware of how the action of one person can damage an entire online community. For example, one employee surfing unsecured sites through your business network can open the door for malware, viruses, and cybercriminals. Have common expectations in your home and office about what is an acceptable use of the network and what types of sites should be avoided.

Report cybercrime and breaches immediately. These should be reported not only to your internal technology personnel but to law enforcement as well. By reporting such issues, you are helping others avoid becoming victims, too, and stopping cybercriminals in their tracks.

Own Your Online Presence
This means safeguarding your own personal information and activity. For example, data should be treated like money. It should be protected. This means everything from your birthdate and personal address to the names of your children and pets which are often used as passwords. It can be easy for a hacker to get into your accounts with such personal information floating around on the web.

Be careful about who you share information with. For example, you may get “friend” requests from people you don’t know on social media. Simply delete the request. This is not being rude, it’s being prudent. Also, don’t send login information via email. Email can easily be hacked without the proper, updated security in place. If you get a request for information from a business online, call them to see if the request was really from them and provide any data they may need that way.

Lock Down Your Login
One of the main points of the STOP. THINK. CONNECT.™ campaign is to Lock Down Your Login. There are several ways you can ensure your login information stays secure. Here are six tips to get you there:

  • Protect accounts with strong authentication
  • Keep security software updated
  • Avoid phishing by thinking before clicking
  • Use unique passwords for every site
  • Protect your mobile devices
  • Employ trusted security tools

Our Responsibility
Staying safe online and protecting those we are connected with is everyone’s responsibility. Because the world has become so digital, we are more interconnected than ever before. From our desktops to our tablets, phones to laptops, we find ourselves working, playing, learning, and living online. That means all of us has a responsibility to try to stay as safe as possible by adhering to the advice of cyber experts.

National Cyber Security Awareness Month is a chance for us all to become more aware of the threats we face online and ways to protect ourselves and others. For more information, safety tips, and ways to get involved in NCSAM, visit the National Cyber Security Alliance online or contact Oram at (617) 933-5060.