BE PREPARED FOR RANSOMWARE
that pumps fuel to most of the Eastern portion of the U.S., experienced a ransomware attack this spring. The result was surging gas prices and panic-buying, and it cost Coastal Pipeline more than $4 million. Ransomware attacks are one of the biggest threats in cybersecurity. The process is very simple. Hackers and thieves send emails or links to employees, who accidentally click on said link, allowing the hackers to steal or lock data. A company — or, sometimes, a governmental agency — then has to pay the hackers a fee to protect the data or get it back. Unlike in our favorite crime shows, the hackers usually win. The source of the Coastal Pipeline hack has yet to be released, but about 90% of breaches can be attributed to phishing attacks. Human error is usually the main cause. That means the best way to prevent ransomware attacks is to properly train your employees.
Set up guidelines for creating strong passwords and regularly change the passwords, and offer training on how to identify phishing emails. Don’t click on anything unless you know the source is legitimate. Links can be just as detrimental as a response or a weak password. When something suspicious does happen, don’t panic. Notify your IT provider and employees, change your passwords, scan your network for threats, and begin verifying and securing data. In cases of secure, proper backup systems, a ransom may not have to be paid. However, your IT professional will guide you through any attacks. Protection against cyberattacks and ransomware has to be a big priority for your small business. If you would like to learn more about how MicroTech can protect your small business or to learn more about business technology, please visit MicroTechBoise.com/Blog.
Have you ever watched a crime show where a victim is kidnapped, and the only way their family can get them back is to pay a ransom? In these dramatic shows, the detectives are usually able to sleuth out the culprits without forfeiting the family’s money, resulting in a happy ending for everyone (except maybe the criminals).
But in cybersecurity, that’s not always the case. Coastal Pipeline, a gasoline company
THEBESTTEXAS-STYLE SMOKEDBRISKET Inspired by AllRecipes.com
Have a Laugh!
Ingredients
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Wood chips
1/4 cup paprika
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1/4 cup garlic powder 1/4 cup onion powder
1/4 cup white sugar 1/4 cup ground cumin 1/4 cup cayenne pepper 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup chili powder
1/4 cup salt
1/4 cup pepper 10 lbs brisket
Directions
1. In a bowl, soak wood chips in water overnight. 2. In a large bowl, mix paprika, white sugar, cumin, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. 3. Rub spice mixture on the brisket and refrigerate for 24 hours. 4. Preheat smoker to 230 F. Drain wood chips and place them in the smoker. 5. Smoke brisket until it has an internal temperature of 165 F. 6. Remove brisket and wrap it in aluminum foil. 7. Smoke brisket further until it reaches an internal temperature of 185 F.
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