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Multi-layered Cybersecurity Services To Protect Your Business

Customized Security Plans

Protect your business with our comprehensive cybersecurity services. We offer a full suite of solutions, including threat detection, prevention, and response, ensuring your IT environment remains secure.

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Threat Detection and Prevention

Utilize advanced threat detection technologies to identify and mitigate risks before they escalate. Our proactive approach ensures your business stays ahead of potential cyber threats.

Incident Response and Recovery

In the event of a breach, our rapid response team acts swiftly to contain the threat and minimize damage. We help you recover quickly and strengthen your defenses against future attacks.

Security Awareness Training

Empower your employees with the knowledge to recognize and respond to cyber threats. Our comprehensive training programs get your first line of defense ready—your people.

Compliance and Risk Management

Navigate the complex landscape of data protection regulations with our expert guidance. We ensure your business complies with industry standards and manages risk effectively.

Focus on Your Business,

We've Got Your Cybersecurity Covered

Cyber threats evolve. They evolve every day. It's like playing four dimensional chess and you are never sure where the threat is coming from. Having a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy is crucial. At CMIT Solutions, we believe the most important components include data compliance, tailored software products, cyber threat awareness, risk mitigation plans, and continuous monitoring of cyber activities. These elements work together to prevent data loss, reduce risks, and ensure compliance with regulations.

Not to worry. We've got you covered.

Customized Security Plans

Every organization is unique, and so are its cybersecurity needs. That's why we tailor our strategies to align with your specific business goals and regulatory requirements. Whether your business benefits from the practical guidelines of the CIS (Center for Internet Security) framework or must adhere to the strict standards set by NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology), we adapt our services to meet you where you are.

Our approach ensures that your cybersecurity measures are both effective and compliant, addressing what is practical and what is required to protect your operations.

Multi-Layered Security Solutions

Implement a robust, multi-layered defense system designed to protect every aspect of your IT infrastructure. From endpoint security to network monitoring, email and cloud services; our solutions cover all the bases.

Cyber Hygiene

According to Barracuda Networks and UC Berkeley, 91% of all cyberattacks start with an email. Phishing, spearphishing, whaling, and Business Email Compromise (BEC) are just a few of the threats that can infiltrate your inbox. Email security is about more than preventing spam—it's about protecting your business from the devastating consequences of clicking on the wrong link. Our cyber training programs will equip your team with the awareness and skills needed to recognize and avoid these threats, and what to do about them.

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CMIT Solutions of Dallas vCISO practice brings decades of cybersecurity leadership and experience that aligns information security programs with business objectives to measurably improve public and private organizations' security posture.

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Phishing 2.0: How AI is Amplifying the Danger and What You Can Do

Artificial Intelligence

August 15, 2024•4 min read

Phishing 2.0: How AI is Amplifying the Danger and What You Can Do

Phishing has always been a threat. Now, with AI, it's more dangerous than ever. Phishing 2.0 is here. It’s smarter, more convincing, and harder to detect. Understanding this new threat is crucial.

A recent study found a 60% increase in AI-driven phishing attacks (Proofpoint). This is a wake-up call that phishing is only getting worse. Here’s how AI is amplifying phishing and what you can do to protect yourself.

The Evolution of Phishing

Phishing began simply. Attackers sent out mass emails. They hoped someone would take the bait. The emails were often crude, using poor grammar and obvious lies. Many people could spot them easily.

But things have changed. Attackers now use AI to improve their tactics. AI helps them craft convincing messages. It also helps them target specific individuals. This makes phishing more effective.

How AI Enhances Phishing

Creating Realistic Messages

AI can analyze huge amounts of data. It studies how people write and speak. This helps it create realistic phishing messages. These messages sound like they come from a real person, mimicking the tone and style of legitimate communications (Verizon). This makes them harder to spot.

Personalized Attacks

AI can gather information from social media and other sources. It uses this information to create personalized messages. These messages mention details about your life—your job, hobbies, or recent activities (CSO Online). This personalization increases the chances that you'll believe the message is real.

Spear Phishing

Spear phishing targets specific individuals or organizations. It's more sophisticated than regular phishing. AI makes spear phishing even more dangerous by helping attackers research their targets in depth. They can craft highly tailored messages that are hard to distinguish from legitimate ones (CISA).

Automated Phishing

AI automates many aspects of phishing. It can send out thousands of phishing messages quickly, adapting messages based on responses. If someone clicks a link but doesn’t enter information, AI can send a follow-up email. This persistence increases the likelihood of success (TechRepublic).

Deepfake Technology

Deepfakes use AI to create realistic fake videos and audio. Attackers can use deepfakes in phishing attacks. For example, they might create a video of a CEO asking for sensitive information. This adds a new layer of deception, making phishing even more convincing (Norton).

The Impact of AI-Enhanced Phishing

Increased Success Rates

AI makes phishing more effective. More people fall for these sophisticated attacks, leading to more data breaches. Companies lose money, and individuals face identity theft and other issues (IBM).

Harder to Detect

Traditional phishing detection methods struggle against AI-enhanced attacks. Spam filters may not catch them. Employees may not recognize them as threats, making it easier for attackers to succeed (Symantec).

Greater Damage

AI-enhanced phishing can cause more damage. Personalized attacks can lead to significant data breaches. Attackers can gain access to sensitive information and disrupt operations. The consequences can be severe (Forbes).

How to Protect Yourself

Be Skeptical

Always be skeptical of unsolicited messages, even if they appear to come from a trusted source. Verify the sender’s identity. Don’t click on links or download attachments from unknown sources (FTC).

Check for Red Flags

Look for red flags in emails like generic greetings, urgent language, or requests for sensitive information. Be cautious if the email seems too good to be true (Microsoft).

Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA adds an extra layer of security. Even if an attacker gets your password, they’ll need another form of verification. This makes it harder for them to access your accounts (Duo).

Educate Yourself and Others

Education is key. Learn about phishing tactics. Stay informed about the latest threats. Share this knowledge with others. Training can help people recognize and avoid phishing attacks (SANS).

Verify Requests for Sensitive Information

Never provide sensitive information via email. If you receive a request, verify it through a separate communication channel. Contact the person directly using a known phone number or email address (US-CERT).

Use Advanced Security Tools

Invest in advanced security tools. Anti-phishing software can help detect and block phishing attempts. Email filters can screen out suspicious messages. Keep your security software up to date (Kaspersky).

Report Phishing Attempts

Report phishing attempts to your IT team or email provider. This helps them improve their security measures. It also helps protect others from similar attacks (Google).

Enable Email Authentication Protocols

Email authentication protocols like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC help protect against email spoofing. Ensure these protocols are enabled for your domain. This adds an extra layer of security to your emails (DMARC).

Regular Security Audits

Conduct regular security audits. This helps identify vulnerabilities in your systems. Addressing these vulnerabilities can prevent phishing attacks (NIST).

Need Help with Safeguards Against Phishing 2.0?

Phishing 2.0 is a serious threat. AI amplifies the danger, making attacks more convincing and harder to detect. Have you had an email security review lately? Maybe it’s time.

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CMIT Security Solutions

There is no cybersecurity silver bullet.

Cyberattacks can take many forms, from infected emails to compromised admin accounts.

Defending against these threats requires a layered approach, where if one defense fails, another can identify and stop the attack.

This includes keeping people routinely trained and informed about the latest threats

Our security checklist identifies 15 recommended strategies, tailored to align with CIS and NIST frameworks.

This comprehensive approach ensures robust protection suited to your business's security posture, covering all bases to keep your business safe.

"CMIT has given me peace of mind in my business by providing me with ongoing protection, monitoring and an invaluable resource of providing technical help 24/7 if needed. They have assisted me with various technical needs in my business and I appreciate small businesses supporting other small businesses in our community."

Swiss Learning Center

"CMIT sent Leslie out to deal with my computer issue - which she handled so fast I can't remember now what it was! Leslie was patient, informative, and engaged me with confidence and relief. She did not talk down to me as if I didn't have a modicum of sense - electronically - but instead was in a teaching mode. I'm so glad to know I can call CMIT whenever I have a problem and allay my fear!"

Shari

"Every business NEEDS Carmen and Jaime with CMIT Solutions. They have taken my business to the next level and I am so grateful to have them on our team. It's like having our own personal IT department. We are more productive, more professional, and ready to worry about things other than IT. As a construction company - it is not in our wheelhouse to manage this side of the business and as a small business it's not super easy to know who to contact. They are affordable and knowledgeable and can easily take any business to where they envision. They come with my highest recommendation."