Cleveland, Ohio 7-Day Weather Forecast
- Tuesday (8/27): Partly cloudy, High 78°F, Low 65°F
- Wednesday (8/28): Scattered thunderstorms, High 80°F, Low 68°F
- Thursday (8/29): Mostly sunny, High 82°F, Low 66°F
- Friday (8/30): Sunny, High 85°F, Low 67°F
- Saturday (8/31): Partly cloudy, High 86°F, Low 68°F
- Sunday (9/1): Thunderstorms, High 83°F, Low 65°F
- Monday (9/2): Rain showers, High 78°F, Low 63°F
Cybersecurity Alerts
- Ransomware Surge: A significant increase in ransomware attacks has been reported, particularly targeting small businesses. It is crucial to stay vigilant and ensure all your software is up-to-date. Regular backups of your data are recommended to mitigate risks.
- Microsoft Patch Alert: Microsoft has released a critical update to address vulnerabilities in Windows 10 and 11. Please ensure your systems are updated to protect against potential exploitation.
Downdetector Alerts
- Zoom: Some users are experiencing connection issues and intermittent outages. Engineers are currently working on resolving the problem. Consider using alternative platforms such as Microsoft Teams or Google Meet if you encounter difficulties.
- Microsoft 365: Reports of delayed email delivery have surfaced. Microsoft is aware and investigating the issue.
Stock Trends in Tech
- Apple Inc. (AAPL): +2.1% – Growth driven by strong pre-orders for the iPhone 15.
- Microsoft Corp. (MSFT): +1.5% – Gains following the announcement of a new AI initiative.
- NVIDIA (NVDA): +3.2% – Increased demand for AI processing chips boosts stock.
- Tesla Inc. (TSLA): -1.8% – Decline following lower-than-expected sales forecasts.
How-To: Protecting Your Business from Ransomware Attacks
What is Ransomware? Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts your files and demands payment for the decryption key. It can be devastating for businesses, leading to significant downtime and potential data loss.
Steps to Protect Your Business:
- Regular Backups: Ensure your data is backed up regularly. Use a combination of on-site and off-site backups, and verify that backups are working correctly.
- Keep Software Updated: Regularly update all software, including operating systems, applications, and antivirus programs. Patching vulnerabilities is crucial in preventing attacks.
- Employee Training: Educate your employees on recognizing phishing emails and suspicious links, which are common delivery methods for ransomware.
- Implement Security Policies: Enforce strong password policies, multi-factor authentication, and access controls to minimize potential entry points for attackers.
- Use Antivirus and Anti-Ransomware Tools: Deploy reputable antivirus software and consider specialized anti-ransomware tools that can detect and block malicious activity.
- Disable Macros: Disable macros in Microsoft Office files unless you are certain they are needed, as these can be used to deliver ransomware.
- Segment Your Network: Separate critical systems from less sensitive areas of your network to limit the spread of ransomware if an infection occurs.
What to Do If Infected:
- Disconnect: Immediately disconnect the infected device from the network to prevent the spread of the ransomware.
- Contact IT Support: Reach out to your IT team or service provider for assistance in containing and removing the ransomware.
- Do Not Pay the Ransom: There is no guarantee that paying the ransom will restore your data, and it may encourage further attacks. Instead, focus on restoring your data from backups.
By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of a ransomware attack and ensure your business remains protected.
