Cybersecurity Archives - Cowabunga Computers

Protect Yourself from Smishing Attacks & Check Your Information in the NPD Breach

Aug 16, 2024 | Cybersecurity, News and Announcements

At Cowabunga Computers, safeguarding your personal and business data is our priority. In light of recent events, we want to inform you about two critical security concerns: a rise in smishing attacks and the recent NPD data breach.

1. Protect Yourself from Smishing Attacks

Smishing, or SMS phishing, is a scam where cybercriminals send fraudulent text messages, pretending to be someone you trust, such as your boss or a well-known company. The goal is to trick you into revealing personal information or making unauthorized transactions.

Common Smishing Scams:

Boss Impersonation: You receive a text that looks like it’s from your boss, asking you to purchase gift cards and send the codes urgently.
Fake USPS Delivery Notice: You get a message claiming USPS couldn’t deliver a package, urging you to click a link to reschedule delivery.

What to Watch For:

Urgent requests for money or personal information.
Poor grammar or unusual language that doesn’t match the sender’s usual tone.
Unexpected messages from delivery services or financial institutions with links.

How to Protect Yourself:

Verify Requests: Always contact the person or organization directly using known contact details before taking any action.
Avoid Clicking Links: Instead of clicking on links in unexpected messages, visit the official website or call customer service.
Use Mobile Security Software: Keep your mobile device secure with reputable security software.
Report Suspicious Messages: Report any suspicious texts to your IT department or to us at Cowabunga Computers for further advice.

2. The NPD Data Breach: Is Your Information at Risk?

Recently, the NPD (National Privacy Database) suffered a significant data breach, potentially exposing personal information of millions of individuals. This breach has affected many businesses and individuals, and it’s crucial to check if your information is at risk.

How to Check if You’re Affected: You can quickly see if your information is part of the breach by visiting the official NPD breach search page: NPD Breach Search.

What to Do If You’re Affected:

Change Passwords: Immediately change your passwords on any accounts that may have been compromised.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Increase your account security by enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) on all your accounts.
Monitor Your Accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank accounts and credit reports for any suspicious activity.
Contact Us: If you’re unsure about your next steps or need help securing your accounts, reach out to Cowabunga Computers for assistance.

Stay Vigilant and Secure

As cyber threats continue to evolve, it’s more important than ever to stay informed and take proactive steps to protect your personal and business data. We’re here to support you—don’t hesitate to contact Cowabunga Computers with any questions or concerns.

Stay safe and secure!

CrowdStrike update causing computer problems nationwide.

Jul 19, 2024 | Cybersecurity, IT Management, Managed Services, News and Announcements

It’s an early Aloha Friday morning and for many it will be one to remember! We want to inform you about a recent series of significant outages impacting various industries across the nation, including hotels, banks, airlines, and other major services.

Overview of the Incident

In recent hours, a major global IT outage has affected several critical sectors, causing disruptions in services and operations. This widespread issue was primarily triggered by a faulty update from CrowdStrike, which led to numerous systems experiencing the infamous Windows “blue screen of death” (BSOD) error. The resulting downtime has caused significant inconvenience and operational challenges for many businesses.

Cowabunga! Computers does not deploy CrowdStrike to any of its computers or servers under management, so the impact to your computer and daily business should be minimal. Because of the sheer number of other businesses being disrupted as well as news reporting on this issue, we wanted you to simply be aware this should not affect any of Cowabunga! Computers managed services users.

Industries Affected

The impact of this outage has been extensive, affecting:

Airlines: Major airlines such as Delta, United, and American Airlines faced flight delays and cancellations due to communication system failures.
Banks: Financial institutions experienced interruptions in online banking services and ATM networks.
Hotels: Hospitality services saw disruptions in reservation systems and guest management processes.

Cause and Implications

The root cause of this widespread disruption was a problematic update from CrowdStrike, a leading cybersecurity firm. This update, designed to enhance security, inadvertently caused severe compatibility issues with Microsoft Windows systems, leading to widespread crashes and operational halts.

Our Commitment to Your Security

At Cowabunga Computers, we understand the critical nature of these outages and are committed to ensuring your business remains secure and resilient. Here’s how we’re supporting you:

Enhanced Monitoring: We are closely monitoring all systems to detect and address any anomalies promptly.
Proactive Measures: Implementing additional safeguards to prevent similar issues from affecting your operations.
24/7 Emergency Support: Providing round-the-clock support to assist with any concerns or technical issues you may encounter.

Are you using CrowdStrike? Have you been affected?

If you are not currently a customer but suspect you may be affected by these issues and cannot get a timely response from your current provider, we invite you to reach out to us. Our team is ready to provide the support and solutions you need.

Thank you for your continued trust in Cowabunga Computers. Together, we can ensure the security and resilience of your business.