Cyber Heroes

In this episode, Mat and Brad delve into the world of fraudulent websites and equip you with the essential knowledge to protect yourself from cyber scams. Join them as they uncover the seven key signs that can help you identify a fake website and stay one step ahead of online fraudsters. From analysing website design and functionality to scrutinising URL details and user reviews, their expert tips and strategies will empower you to navigate the digital landscape with confidence. Don't let deceptive websites compromise your security and privacy. Tune in to "The Fake Website Exposé" and arm yourself with the tools you need to outsmart online deception.

In this episode of the CyberHeroes Podcast, we discuss ransomware, its impact on businesses, and how to protect and recover from attacks. We were joined by Greg Edwards of Canauri, a cybersecurity expert with extensive experience dealing with ransomware threats. As ransomware attacks constantly evolve, staying informed about the latest trends is crucial to protect your organisation. We explore the shift from targeting individual users to attacking businesses and the increasing prevalence of double extortion, where attackers encrypt data and threaten to leak sensitive information. The conversation begins with an overview of ransomware, explaining its evolution and how it has become one of the most dangerous business threats. Our expert delves into the different types of ransomware, from the infamous WannaCry to the more recent Ryuk, and how they have affected companies around the globe. We also explore the increasing sophistication of ransomware attacks, emphasising the importance of staying vigilant and proactive when it comes to cybersecurity. As the discussion progresses, we touch on the consequences of ransomware attacks on businesses, highlighting the financial, operational, and reputational damage that can be caused. Our guest shares real-life case studies of companies that have fallen victim to ransomware attacks, providing valuable insights into the risks involved and the lessons that can be learned. We also examine the role of cyber insurance in mitigating the impact of ransomware attacks and how it has become an essential component of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. To help businesses protect themselves from ransomware attacks, we outline several best practices and preventive measures, emphasising the importance of employee training, regular data backups, and strong password policies. Our guest further elaborates on the role of ransomware prevention solutions, such as Canare, in safeguarding data and minimising the risk of attacks. We discuss the features and benefits of these solutions, including their ability to detect and block ransomware in real time and assist in the recovery process. In the latter part of the episode, we delve into the crucial topic of recovering from a ransomware attack. Our guest provides practical advice on the steps to take when faced with an attack, from isolating infected devices to seeking professional assistance. We also discuss the controversial issue of whether to pay the ransom or not, highlighting the various factors that should be considered before making a decision. As we wrap up the conversation, we emphasise the importance of continuous learning and staying up-to-date with the latest developments in ransomware and cybersecurity. Our guest shares resources and platforms that can help businesses stay informed and better equipped to protect their data and systems. In conclusion, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice on ransomware, its impact on businesses, and the various ways to protect and recover from attacks. By understanding the threat and implementing robust cybersecurity measures, businesses can minimise the risk of falling victim to ransomware and ensure their data and operations remain secure. Join us for this fascinating discussion, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast for more episodes on cybersecurity and other essential topics that matter to you and your business. As always, the aim is to help you, the listener, better protect your people, profits and reputation from cybercriminals. If you get value from this, be sure to subscribe, and why not share it with someone you know who would also benefit from it? Now settle in and enjoy. To find out more about the Cyber Heroes Concierge Service, go HERE To detect and stop ransomware, check out Canauri HERE Connect with Canauri on LinkedIn HERE

In this episode of Cyber Heroes Live, the hosts discuss the risks of browser-based password managers and recommend dedicated password manager apps for better security. Chrome and Safari are the most commonly used browser-based password manager platforms, which remember and autofill passwords for various web pages. Despite their best efforts, their security features are still limited and vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Here are 3 important questions: What are browser-based password managers, and why are they not recommended? What are the limitations of browser-based password managers in terms of security features and vulnerability to cyber-attacks? What are dedicated password manager apps, and why are they recommended for better security? If you want to understand the answers to these questions, this episode of the CyberHeroes Podcast is for you. As always, the aim is to help you, the listener, better protect your people, profits and reputation from cybercriminals. If you get value from this, be sure to subscribe, and why not share it with someone you know who would also benefit from it? Now plug in your ear buds and enjoy.

As it turns out, ransomware isn’t ‘technically’ the attack vector, it's more of the symptom or the 'ultimate goal'. Most ransomware cases use phishing as the means of compromising a network, that’s the most popular attack vector in 2023. Regardless, a ransomware attack seeks to encrypt or exfiltrate a company's sensitive data or proprietary information. Money is then demanded to provide either a decryption key or to not release the data into the public domain. To address this very real threat, Mat talks to Curtis Preston (aka Mr. Backup), a data protection expert who specialises in disaster recovery and backups. Curtis brings incredible insight and more than a touch of humour to an otherwise dry subject. Stepping through the ransomware-style cybercrime from A-Z, they discuss the preventative nature of using password manager apps and multi-factor authentication before taking a deep dive into the most common forms of attack vectors for businesses in 2023 and how businesses can be better prepared in the event that they become a victim of a ransomware attack. Where does the term ‘air gap back up’ come from and what are the modern-day options? What are the differences between cloud-based server backup versus using a backup SAAS? What are the pros, cons and considerations of cloud-based backups versus ‘on-premises’ backups? If you want to understand the answers to these questions then this episode of the CyberHeroes Podcast is for you. Importantly, they also discuss the realities for businesses who have taken the steps to consider ‘cyber’ in their Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery planning versus the repercussions for those who have not. As always the aim is to help you, the listener better able to protect your people, profits and reputation from cyber criminals. If you get value from this then be sure to subscribe and why not share it with someone you know who would also benefit from sharing it? Now settle in and enjoy. References: Check out Curtis Preston (aka Mr. Backup) on Twitter Check out Curtis Preston on LinkedIn  Check out Curtis' books, including Modern Data Protection HERE Check out the Restore It All podcast HERE Check out Druva HERE - a secure SaaS-based platform for data backup, disaster recovery and cyber resilience

Smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives, and we rely on them for everything from communication to banking and shopping.  However, the risks of cyber attacks on phones are significant, and they can result in the theft of personal information, financial loss, and other consequences. In this episode of the CyberHeroes Podcast, Brad and Mat discuss the general advice around Android and Apple phone security, the risks of cyber attacks on phones, and the top 6 tips for reducing the risk of cyber attacks when using your smartphone. This episode is packed full of 'how to' tips, tricks and techniques - if you get value from it why not subscribe and share it with someone else you think would benefit from hearing it?

In this episode Mat and Brad discuss the Top 5 steps for making cyber security savviness a culture inside any organisation. This is a guide for managers and leaders who understand that building comprehensive defences against cyberattacks is a necessary demand of modern business. There's no 'one thing' that will be successful in averting cybercrime, but rather a deliberate, cohesive series of activities and behaviours by an entire organisation. As always the aim is to help you, the listener better able to protect your people, profits and reputation from cyber criminals. If you get value from this then be sure to subscribe and why not share it with someone you know who would also benefit from sharing it? Now settle in and enjoy.

What is Zero Trust? In this episode, Brad and Mat take a deep dive into all things Zero Trust, a security framework that assumes that every person, device, and application that attempts to access your network is a potential threat. Cyber attacks are becoming more sophisticated, and the rise of remote work and bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies have made it easier for attackers to gain access to sensitive information. Zero Trust helps address these challenges by ensuring that every access request is verified and authorised, regardless of where it originates. If you're not familiar with Zero Trust and why it's important, throw in your earbuds and give this episode a listen. And if you like it, why not share it with someone you think will also benefit from hearing it?

You have probably heard the term 'ransomware' but is it a risk to you? In this episode of the Cyberheroes podcast, we discuss what ransomware is, how it works, and the motivation behind it. We also discuss the process and percentage chances of recovering your data, even if you pay a ransom demand... And, importantly, we talk about some of the things you can do that will help to prevent you from becoming a victim of a ransomware attack. On The Cyber Heroes Podcast, we talk about how to protect your people and reputation, strengthen your cyber posture, create a culture of cyber savviness, and the many cybercrime lessons being learned around the world every day. We tell these stories because statistics show that most people on the planet will, at some stage, become a victim of cybercrime and we don’t want you to one one of them. If you like what you hear, feel free to share this episode and help us expand the world's community of Cyber Heroes.

For most of us, the holiday season is the perfect time to be with family and friends, hang out at the beach, and overindulge in some yummy food. What’s not to love? But cybercriminals also love Christmas. Why? Because it’s the perfect time for them to attack. Think about it. The reason cyber attacks surge between Christmas and the New Year is that businesses and, people, in general, have their guards down. Cybercriminals know that companies are operating with fewer staff and are ‘less responsive’ during the festive season. It’s almost the perfect storm of circumstances which is great news for the malicious actors who look to exploit any increased vulnerabilities. But there is good news as there are some simple steps you can take to protect your people, your profits, and your reputation this holiday season. We’ve put together the...  Top 12 (no cost) tips that you can do that will help you stay safe and sleep better over the festive period   1) Turn off devices that are not needed or are not being used    2) Unplug the WiFi    3) Shutdown servers    4) Change your passwords (including your home WiFi)    5) Be vigilant when checking emails    6) Update your machines and devices (software and firmware)    7) Stay in touch with the news (every other day)    8) Disable your VPN (if you’re not using it)    9) Use MFA/2FA    10) Be vigilant when online shopping (avoid clicking on ads)    11) Make sure your data is backed up    12) Tell your staff you will not be making any sort of demands during the holidays (if in doubt, ask)  Want to dive into each of the 12 tips a little deeper? And as a bonus, you can access a summary of the 12 Tips HERE. Why not share this with your staff or include it in your next team meeting?

This is a story of how a medical professional on the South Coast of NSW got hacked for almost $100,000. Part of what drives us at Cyber Heroes is understanding the personal impact that attacks such as this have on the victims. $100,000 would be enough of a loss for many small businesses to close their doors forever. But in this example, the business owner's cyber insurance paid out the majority of the loss so the monetary loss was closer to $10,000. But no insurance policy in the world can undo the harm to a reputation, a loss of trust by the business's clients, and, sadly, the all to common sense of embarrassment for the business owner. The modern-day cybercriminal is usually well-funded, well organised, and highly skilled at what they do. Watch this now to learn an important lesson that none of us were born knowing. On The Cyber Heroes Podcast, we talk about how to protect your people and reputation, strengthen your cyber posture, create a culture of cyber savviness, and the many cybercrime lessons being learned around the world every day. We tell these stories because statistics show that most people on the planet will, at some stage, become a victim of cybercrime and we don’t want you to one one of them. If you like what you hear, feel free to share this episode and help us expand the world's community of Cyber Heroes.