Category: Google Apps

When Hackers Target Your Inbox: How One Business Owner Caught an Email Hack

Small business email security protecting sensitive company communications
Small businesses rely on professional email security to protect customer and financial data from phishing and hacks.

You’re running your business, responding to client messages, when suddenly strange duplicate messages and failed delivery emails flood your inbox. This is what happened to a business owner who discovered her emails—including sensitive financial data—were silently copied to hackers for weeks without her knowledge.

For small and midsized businesses (SMBs), this type of attack can result in financial loss, leaked company secrets, and damaged relationships with clients.

What Happened in This Email Breach

  • Hackers guessed or stole an email password.
  • They set up secret rules to forward every incoming message.
  • Confidential information like Social Security numbers, tax data, and financial records were exposed.

Farmhouse Networking responded by:

  • Removing malicious rules.
  • Securing the account with new password protections and recovery options.
  • Advising the business owner on how to monitor for ongoing fraud.

Practical Steps for SMBs

SMBs aren’t too small to be targeted. In fact, they’re often prime targets. Protect your business with these key actions:

  • Set strong passwords and enable MFA: Critical first layer of defense.
  • Regularly review email rules: Look for forwarding or auto-delete actions you didn’t create.
  • Encrypt sensitive documents: Especially contracts, employee data, and customer details.
  • Train employees: Staff should recognize phishing emails before they trigger a hack.
  • Backup systems: Ensure backups of both email and company files are offline-protected.
  • Have an incident response plan: Know what to do if a breach occurs.


Questions Your Clients May Ask

“Did hackers see my information?”
If emails contained contracts, billing, or sensitive attachments—possibly.

“Could this affect my payments or records?”
Yes. Compromised invoices or payment requests can be used in fraud scams.

“Can clients continue to trust our company?”
By demonstrating enhanced security measures and a clear recovery plan, clients can regain confidence.


How Farmhouse Networking Helps SMBs

Farmhouse Networking empowers SMBs with:

  • Affordable enterprise-grade email security.
  • 24/7 monitoring for account breaches.
  • Employee training to reduce phishing success rates.
  • Scalable security solutions for growing businesses.

Your business reputation is too valuable to be left to chance. Secure your email systems and protect your clients’ trust with Farmhouse Networking. Reach out today at support@farmhousenetworking.com.

Essential Network Monitoring Every Small Business Needs

As a business owner, you know reputation and customer trust are everything. But cybercriminals don’t discriminate by size—small and midsize businesses (SMBs) are increasingly the targets of ransomware and data theft. CIS Critical Security Control 13 gives you a practical way to stay ahead of attackers and protect your company’s future.

Practical Action Steps for SMBs:

  1. Enable real-time network monitoring: Know immediately if your systems are under attack.
  2. Centralize your logs: Aggregate data to detect issues before they escalate.
  3. Set threshold-based alerts: Don’t wait until damage is visible to respond.
  4. Review reports regularly: Make monitoring part of monthly executive/IT reviews.

Q&A for SMBs:

  • “Aren’t we too small for hackers to notice?”
    No—SMBs are now among the most targeted because criminals assume defenses are weak.
  • “Do I need an in-house IT team for this?”
    Not necessarily—outsourced experts can cost-effectively handle monitoring for you.

How Farmhouse Networking Helps:
Farmhouse Networking provides SMBs with managed network monitoring, advanced alerts, and proactive defense strategies. We scale solutions to fit your size, budget, and growth goals.

Don’t leave your business exposed. Email Farmhouse Networking today and start building stronger defenses for lasting success.

Protecting SMBs from Cloud Attacks: How a SIEM Solution Can Be Your Best Defense

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are increasingly adopting cloud technologies to streamline operations, improve scalability, and reduce costs. However, with this shift comes a growing risk of cyberattacks targeting cloud environments. For SMBs, which often lack extensive IT resources, these threats can be devastating. Enter Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solutions—a powerful tool that can help SMBs safeguard their cloud infrastructure.

Why SMBs Are Vulnerable to Cloud Attacks

SMBs face unique challenges when it comes to cybersecurity:

  • Limited IT Resources: Many SMBs lack dedicated security teams or the expertise to monitor and respond to threats.
  • Budget Constraints: Investing in enterprise-grade security tools can be prohibitively expensive.
  • Sophisticated Threats: Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting SMBs, knowing they may have weaker defenses compared to larger enterprises.

Cloud environments add another layer of complexity, as they introduce new vulnerabilities such as misconfigured settings, unauthorized access, and data breaches. Without proper monitoring and response mechanisms in place, these risks can spiral out of control.

How a SIEM Solution Protects Your Cloud Environment

A SIEM solution offers a centralized platform for monitoring, detecting, and responding to cybersecurity threats in real time. Here’s how it specifically benefits SMBs:

  • Centralized Threat Monitoring: SIEM consolidates security data from various sources—cloud applications, firewalls, endpoint devices, and more—into a single dashboard. This holistic view allows SMBs to monitor their entire cloud environment efficiently.
  • Early Detection of Threats: By analyzing data in real time and applying advanced correlation rules, a SIEM detects suspicious activities such as unauthorized logins or unusual data transfers. Early detection helps SMBs act swiftly before an attack escalates.
  • Automated Incident Response: Many SIEM solutions offer automated responses to mitigate threats immediately. For example, they can isolate compromised systems or block malicious IP addresses without human intervention. This is particularly valuable for SMBs with lean IT teams.
  • Simplified Compliance: Meeting regulatory requirements like GDPR or HIPAA can be daunting for SMBs. A SIEM simplifies this by automating compliance reporting and maintaining detailed audit logs. This not only ensures legal compliance but also builds customer trust.
  • Cost-Effective Security: Cloud-based SIEM solutions are particularly well-suited for SMBs because they reduce the need for expensive on-premises infrastructure. Subscription-based models make enterprise-level security accessible without breaking the bank.
  • Scalability: As your business grows, so do your cybersecurity needs. Modern SIEM solutions are highly scalable, allowing SMBs to adapt their security posture without overhauling their existing systems.

Choosing the Right SIEM Solution for Your Business

When selecting a SIEM solution for your SMB, consider the following:

  • Ease of Use: Opt for a user-friendly interface that doesn’t require extensive training.
  • Cloud Compatibility: Ensure the solution integrates seamlessly with your existing cloud infrastructure.
  • Automation Features: Look for automated threat detection and response capabilities.
  • Cost Transparency: Choose a provider with predictable pricing models to avoid unexpected costs.

Cybersecurity is no longer optional—it’s essential for protecting your business’s reputation and bottom line. A robust SIEM solution is your first line of defense against attacks on your cloud environment.

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Contact us today to learn how our tailored SIEM solutions can safeguard your business from evolving cyber threats. Let’s secure your future together!

Is Your Inbox a Gateway for Cybercrime? Protecting Your SMB from Phishing and BEC

Email is the backbone of communication for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). You use it for everything from sending invoices to internal memos, making your business heavily reliant on this tool. However, this reliance also makes you vulnerable to cyber threats, especially Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks, which are increasingly targeting SMBs. These attacks can have devastating consequences, but with the right email security measures, you can protect your business from falling victim.

Understanding the Threat: Phishing and BEC

Phishing is a cybercrime that uses deceptive emails to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information or taking harmful actions. These emails often look like they come from legitimate sources, such as banks or well-known companies, but they are actually designed to steal your data.

Business Email Compromise (BEC) is a sophisticated type of phishing attack where cybercriminals impersonate trusted individuals within a company to trick employees into transferring money, sharing sensitive data, or granting access to critical systems. BEC scams often target individuals in finance, human resources, or operations, with the goal of initiating fraudulent transactions or stealing confidential information. According to the FBI, there are five primary types of BEC attacks.

BEC attacks are particularly effective because they exploit human psychology. Attackers rely on impersonating authority figures, creating a sense of urgency, or crafting highly convincing emails to make employees act without questioning.

Email is the number one attack vector, responsible for 90% of phishing incidents. In 2023, BEC attacks led to $3 billion in losses.

Why SMBs are Prime Targets

While large corporations invest heavily in cybersecurity, SMBs are often more vulnerable. Cybercriminals view smaller businesses as easier targets due to their typically less robust security measures and lower awareness of emerging threats.

Here’s why SMBs are at greater risk:

  • Limited Cybersecurity Resources: Many SMBs have limited budgets for cybersecurity and often lack dedicated IT teams to monitor email systems for suspicious activity.
  • Employee Vulnerability: Employees in SMBs may not be as well-trained in spotting phishing attempts or recognizing the signs of a BEC scam.
  • Lack of Email Security Awareness: Small businesses may overlook the importance of securing business email accounts with multi-factor authentication (MFA) and other safeguards, leaving them exposed to attacks.

Simple Steps to Bolster Your Email Security

  • Employee Training: Regularly train employees to recognize and respond to threats. Run security awareness training to help your team spot phishing attempts and other common threats. Use simulated phishing exercises to test their readiness, uncover weak spots, and highlight potential weaknesses.
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of security to your email accounts with multi-factor authentication (MFA).
  • Advanced Email Filters: Use advanced spam filters to detect and block phishing emails before they reach your employees’ inboxes. Scan links automatically to spot anything suspicious.
  • Email Encryption: Encrypt emails, both in transit and at rest, to prevent unauthorized access4.
  • Regular Security Audits: Schedule regular audits to spot vulnerabilities and keep an eye out for unauthorized access. Take time to review your email system’s settings, permissions, and logs for anything unusual.
  • Incident Response Plan: Prepare for email threats with a clear, actionable response plan. Outline the steps to contain, investigate, and recover from incidents, so your team knows exactly what to do

Cybercrime is a business, not a hobby, and incredibly lucrative. Taking a proactive approach to email security is essential for protecting sensitive information, preventing data breaches, and maintaining trust with your team and clients.

Is your business protected? Contact Farmhouse Networking today for a comprehensive email security solution tailored to your SMB’s unique needs. Don’t let your inbox be a gateway for cybercrime!

Our Go-To Cyber Security Product for Business

Businesses of all sizes face unprecedented cybersecurity challenges. Blackpoint Cyber emerges as a leader in providing comprehensive, cutting-edge solutions to protect organizations from cyber threats. Let’s explore why Blackpoint Cyber stands out as the premier choice for business cybersecurity.

Comprehensive Ecosystem of Security Solutions

Blackpoint Cyber offers a fully managed, integrated ecosystem of services centered around their powerful nation-state-grade Managed Detection and Response (MDR) technology. This ecosystem is designed to keep businesses ahead of potential threats by proactively understanding the threat landscape and actively neutralizing adversaries before they can cause harm.

Managed Detection & Response (MDR)

At the core of Blackpoint’s offerings is their purpose-built MDR technology. This solution combines network oversite, malicious activity detection, and endpoint security to rapidly identify and neutralize hacker and virus activities in their earliest stages. By harnessing data around suspicious events, hacker tradecraft, and endpoint activity, Blackpoint’s MDR can stop advanced attacks faster than any other solution on the market.

Cloud Response

With the shift to hybrid and cloud environments, Blackpoint’s Cloud Response extends the power of their MDR service to these critical areas. Their 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC) actively monitors cloud environments and provides fast responses to threats on platforms like Office 365.

LogIC

LogIC enhances the value of security logs and data collected from networks, turning them into real-time threat hunting and response capabilities. With push-button setup, LogIC allows for quick addition of log sources, generation of compliance reports, and automatic mapping against hundreds of compliance requirements.

Unmatched Threat Awareness and Response Times

Blackpoint Cyber’s proprietary security operations and incident response platform, SNAP-Defense, enables continuous monitoring and response to modern threats. Their SOC, established by former US government cybersecurity operators, leverages deep knowledge of hacker tradecraft to provide 24/7 unified detection and response services.

The company boasts impressive response times, with an average of 7 minutes for cloud incidents and an overall average of 27 minutes. This rapid response capability is crucial in minimizing potential damage from cyber attacks.

Tailored Solutions for Businesses of All Sizes

While Blackpoint Cyber’s technology is enterprise-grade, they specialize in bringing these advanced solutions to small and medium-sized businesses through partnerships with Managed Service Providers (MSPs) like Farmhouse Networking. This approach allows businesses of all sizes to benefit from top-tier cybersecurity protection.

Continuous Innovation and Growth

Blackpoint Cyber continues to invest in growth and innovation. With a recent $190 million investment round and the appointment of industry veteran Manoj Srivastava as Chief Technology and Product Officer, the company is poised for further advancements in their product strategy and technology.

Blackpoint Cyber’s suite of solutions offers businesses a robust, proactive approach to cybersecurity. Their technology, combined with human expertise, provides a level of protection that’s essential in today’s threat landscape.

Ready to elevate your business’s cybersecurity with Blackpoint Cyber’s cutting-edge solutions? Contact Farmhouse Networking today to manage your cyber security needs and implement these powerful tools. Don’t wait for a breach to happen – take proactive steps to protect your business now.

Security and Encryption Tools to Protect your Business Data

Safeguarding your business data is paramount. Cyber threats are ever-evolving, and data breaches can have severe consequences. To fortify your business defenses, consider implementing the following security and encryption tools:

Operating System Encryption

Encryption is the process where normal data is transformed into something unreadable without the keys unlock it. Windows has encryption built in using BitLocker software in conjunction with modern hardware to keep data safe on physical hard drives. In case a computer is stolen or lost the data is unreadable (assuming the password protecting the computer is strong). 

Virtual Private Network / Zero Trust Network Access

Whenever employees are remote or working from home they need to be able to connect to company resources without endangering company data. This is best done through Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) which is the next-gen replacement for the older virtual private network connection ZTNA assumes that all connections are threats unless proven otherwise and those who are connecting must have their computers tested to make sure they are safe. This approach also only allows users to connect to the resources that are specifically needed to function. 

Antivirus / Extended Detection and Response

One key to staying cyber secure is to recognize and repel threats before they do any damage. Utilizing AI and automation extended detection and response (XDR) is the modern replacement for antivirus. It is able to detect behavior patterns that malicious software and hackers use when attacking your systems then automatically undue any changes they have made. 

Email Encryption and SPAM Filtering

When sending sensitive data via email it is now the standard to send it via encrypted channels with each message also being encrypted. Most companies that provide encryption also provide SPAM filtering which keeps phishing, spoofing, and malicious emails from targeting employees. This is often the most effective means hackers use to gain a foot hold in networks. 

Backups

There will inevitably be times when hackers are able to breach even the best defenses, so the only recourse at that time is to have good backups in multiple locations to recover once the attacker is repelled. Without good backups many companies have had to pay ransoms and hope for a response or go out of business. 

Remember, data security is an ongoing process. Combine these tools with user education and strong password practices,. Stay vigilant, adapt to new threats, and invest wisely in protecting your digital assets and reputation. Call Farmhouse Networking to advise you on how to best secure your business. 

Merger Gone Bad = No Access to Email

We had a client referred to us last week who were in dire straits. They had been in the process of being bought by another similar company. The buyers had worked with the sellers to merge email hosting into their Office 365 account. Part way into the one year transition process the buyers became hostile and decided to cancel the deal. The buyers then stopped access to some of the key email accounts for the sellers. Then the buyers began contacting vendors that the sellers had worked with for years requesting that they cancel their accounts. They even went on social media and tried to blanket the sellers in bad reviews or derogatory posts.

Farmhouse Networking was brought in to help the sellers regain access to their email. We were able to regain access to the sellers former G-Suite account and get email flowing into those accounts again. We were also able to unblock the seller’s other email accounts in Office 365 and archive the data from those accounts for future reference. The seller is back in busines and continues the struggle to clean up the damage done by the buyer.

In light of the unfortunate situation faced by the sellers in the recent merger, it’s crucial for businesses to take proactive measures to safeguard their operations during such transitions. Here are some actionable steps to protect your business from similar scenarios:

  • Ensure Security During Mergers:
    • Never give access to your company email system to the buyers until the deal is finalized.
    • Create a backup admin account to allow administrator access in case someone gets control of the main administrator account.
  • Involve IT Experts:
    • Have an IT company manage your company’s email accounts and involve them in the merger process. Their expertise can be invaluable in ensuring the security and integrity of your email systems during transitions.

Don’t let a merger gone bad jeopardize your business. Contact Farmhouse Networking today to fortify your email systems and protect your operations from unforeseen disruptions.

Using SSO Single Sign-On for Enhanced Security and Convenience

Individuals and organizations rely heavily on various online platforms and services, the need for a secure and convenient way to access these resources is paramount. This is where SSO Single Sign-On comes into play. SSO Single Sign-On is a powerful authentication method that allows users to securely sign in to multiple applications and platforms using just one set of credentials. In this article, we will explore the benefits of SSO Single Sign-On, its implementation, and how it enhances security while streamlining the user experience.


Understanding SSO Single Sign-On

What is SSO Single Sign-On?  SSO Single Sign-On is an authentication process that enables users to access multiple applications and platforms using a single set of login credentials. With SSO Single Sign-On, users only need to remember one username and password, eliminating the hassle of managing multiple credentials for different services. This not only saves time but also enhances convenience for users.

How does SSO Single Sign-On work? SSO Single Sign-On works by establishing a trust relationship between an identity provider (IdP) and the various service providers (SPs). When a user attempts to access a service, the IdP verifies the user’s identity and provides a token to the SP, which grants the user access without requiring additional authentication. This seamless process simplifies the login experience and eliminates the need for users to repeatedly enter their credentials.

Benefits of SSO Single Sign-On

Enhanced Security: One of the key advantages of SSO Single Sign-On is its ability to enhance security. By consolidating login credentials into a single set, users are less likely to resort to weak passwords or reuse passwords across multiple platforms. This reduces the risk of password-related security breaches. Additionally, SSO Single Sign-On allows for stronger authentication methods, such as two-factor authentication, further bolstering security without requiring multiple accounts.

Streamlined User Experience: With SSO Single Sign-On, users no longer have to remember and enter multiple sets of login credentials. This significantly reduces the login friction and streamlines the user experience. Users can seamlessly navigate between different applications and platforms without the need for repetitive logins. This convenience not only saves time but also improves productivity.

Centralized Access Management: SSO Single Sign-On provides organizations with centralized access management capabilities. Administrators can easily control user access to various applications and platforms from a centralized dashboard. This simplifies user provisioning and deprovisioning, ensuring that employees have timely access to the resources they need while maintaining security and compliance.

Cost and Time Savings: Implementing SSO Single Sign-On can lead to cost and time savings for organizations. By reducing the number of password-related support requests, IT teams can focus on more strategic initiatives. Additionally, the streamlined login experience reduces the time spent by employees on authentication, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.

Implementing SSO Single Sign-On

To implement SSO Single Sign-On, organizations need to follow a few key steps:

  1. Evaluate SSO Solutions: Begin by evaluating various SSO solutions available in the market. Consider factors such as compatibility with existing systems, scalability, security features, and ease of integration.
  2. Choose an Identity Provider: Select an identity provider that aligns with your organization’s requirements. The identity provider will be responsible for authenticating users and issuing tokens for accessing service providers. Office 365 and Google Workspace are usually the best, most prolific IdP sources to use. 
  3. Configure Service Providers: Configure the service providers that you want to integrate with SSO Single Sign-On. This involves establishing trust relationships between the identity provider and the service providers.
  4. User Provisioning and Deprovisioning: Implement a user provisioning and deprovisioning process to ensure that users have the necessary access to the applications and platforms they require. This process should be integrated with the SSO Single Sign-On solution to maintain centralized access management.
  5. Test and Monitor: Thoroughly test the SSO Single Sign-On implementation to ensure its functionality and security. Regularly monitor the system to identify and address any potential issues or vulnerabilities.

Best Practices for SSO Single Sign-On Implementation

When implementing SSO Single Sign-On, it is essential to follow best practices to maximize security and usability:

  • Strong Authentication: Implement strong authentication methods such as two-factor authentication or biometric authentication to enhance security.
  • Regular Auditing: Conduct regular audits of user access rights and permissions to ensure compliance and detect any unauthorized access.
  • User Education: Educate users about the benefits of SSO Single Sign-On and best practices for password management to promote secure behavior.
  • Continuous Monitoring: Implement a robust monitoring system to detect and respond to any suspicious activities or potential security threats.
  • Regular Updates: Keep the SSO Single Sign-On solution and all integrated applications up to date with the latest security patches and updates.

Remember, security should never be compromised, and SSO Single Sign-On provides a robust solution to protect user identities and streamline access to applications and platforms. Embrace the power of SSO Single Sign-On and enjoy the benefits of enhanced security and convenience.

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“They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. - 2 Corinthians 9:8-10