For 12 years in a row, the US holds the first spot for the highest cost of a data breach, which currently stands at $9.44 million, twice the global average.

From major corporations to small businesses, no one is safe from the reach of cybercriminals, with healthcare getting hit the hardest. And with the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical unrest, and economic instability only exacerbating the problem, 2022 has had its fair share of cyber attacks. Here are just a few of the major cyber attacks news today 2022:

Lapsus$ Group’s Extortion Spree

The Lapsus$ Group has been on a tear lately, successfully extorting millions of dollars from some of the world’s largest companies by stealing their data and then threatening to release it publicly unless they’re paid off. The group has hit companies in a wide range of industries, including healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and retail.

Some affected companies include Samsung, Nvidia, and Ubisoft. In many cases, the group has been able to successfully steal sensitive data, such as customer records and financial information, largely through phishing attacks, without being detected. In March, the group breached and leaked source code associated with Cortana, and the British police managed to arrest about seven people that may be associated with the group.

Chilean Court System Hit With Ransomware Attack

The Chile Consumer Protection Agency was hit by a ransomware attack starting on August 25th, 2022. In September, thousands of emails were hacked from the Chilean military and published on the internet. The judicial system attributed the spread of the attack to a phishing email containing the Cryptolocker Trojan.

The attack affected Windows 7 computers and breached about 1% of the court’s computers. According to Angela Vivanco, the Supreme Court spokeswoman, no data was stolen, and the attack was minor. Using the Windows 7 computers played a huge part in the attack, given that Microsoft no longer offers any updates and support for the system.

Ronin Crypto Network Hack

In April, Ronin, an NFT and crypto company, experienced a data breach that set the company back a whopping $540 million. The cyber attack was so bad that Binance had to come to the rescue and save the company. The hackers breached the platforms and stole the funds on March 23rd. The majority of the funds were owned by customers who won most of it from playing the Axie Infinity game.

Binance injected about $150 million into the company to ensure that customers got back what they lost from the breach. The company took almost a whole week to notice the hack, at which point the value of the coins had escalated to about $615 million. This is the second largest cryptocurrency heist ever recorded.

Crypto.com $30 Million Hack

In January 2022, the popular cryptocurrency exchange, Crypto.com was hacked to the tune of $30 million. The funds were stolen from customer wallets belonging to some 430 users. Initially, Crypto.com downplayed the hack by calling it an incident but then announced that the hackers got away with 443.93 BTC, which would convert to $18 million, and 4,836.26 ETH, which was equivalent to $15 million.

The breach also included other currencies that amounted to $66,200. Crypto-com detected the hack when hackers started making transactions without using the 2FA and immediately suspended withdrawals and forced their customers to log in again in order to set up the 2FA authentication. According to the company, customers were reimbursed fully.

Shields Health Care Group data breach

In March of 2022, hackers breached the Shields Health Care Group and exposed data belonging to some 2 million people in the US. This Massachusetts medical service provider deals in ambulatory surgical services, radiation oncology, and MRI/CT imaging.

The hackers had access between March 7th to March 21st, a long enough time to access sensitive patient data such as full names, social security numbers, billing information, medical record number, insurance information, and much more. This is very valuable information, and hackers can use it for a plethora of things, including extortion, phishing, scamming, and social engineering.

Given that Shields Health Care Group partners with numerous hospitals, the consequences of the breach are said to have impacted about 56 health facilities, some of which may include Winchester Hospital, Central Maine Medical Center, and Tufts Medical Center.

Block Cash App Breach

Block, a Fintech company, confirmed a breach that affected a massive 8 million people. The breach involved one of the employees who downloaded some reports from the Cash App. The employee had initial access while working for the company but breached the information after termination without permission. According to Block, the information did not include personal information such as passwords, payment card information, or social security numbers.

GM Motors Data Breach

In May, GM Motors experienced a major hack that exposed sensitive information belonging to car owners. This included phone numbers, addresses, names, car maintenance history, and mileage.

The company revealed the breach on May 16th and explained that the breach affected an undisclosed number of online users in April. Additionally, further investigation revealed that the hackers also stole customer reward points that were later redeemed for gift cards.

Plex Streaming Site Hack

Plex is one of the largest streaming apps on the internet, with about 30 million registered customers. This app allows users to stream live television and movies and allows users to access their own videos, photos, and audio on the platform.

Both streaming and personal media were affected, but the company did not disclose how many of those users were affected. However, they did admit that the majority of accounts were affected and went ahead to ask users to reset their passwords.

Red Cross Data Breach

The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement experienced a breach in January. Hackers attacked servers with the personal information of over half a million people. The hackers accessed information that reconnected people separated by violence, war, or migration. To curb the damage, Red Cross took their servers offline.

Hackers Post ‘Child Nudity’ on UCP Candidate Facebook pages

In August, hackers took over the social media accounts of United Conservative Party leadership candidate Leela Aheer and posted graphic images. The images consisted of child nudity and sexual exploitation and were only up for a few minutes before being taken down.

It’s unclear how the hackers got access to her accounts, but Leela Aher said she would not be backing down from her campaigns. The UCP released a statement saying they do not condone the actions of the hackers and will be working with Leela Aheer to ensure her safety.

Cyber Attack News 2022: A Look at Major Attacks So Far

These are some of the major cyber-attacks that have occurred this year. As you can see, no one is safe from hackers, not even large companies with sophisticated security systems. It is important to always be vigilant and take steps to protect yourself online. As a business, make sure you have a robust security system in place and that your employees are trained on cybersecurity best practices.

And finally, if you are a consumer, make sure you are using strong passwords and unique email addresses for different accounts. Cybersecurity is a team effort, and we all need to do our part to stay safe online.

According to research, cyberattacks cost US businesses about 6.9 billion in 2021 alone, and even more alarming is the fact that only about 50% of businesses are financially prepared for a cyber attack. This leaves a huge gap in terms of preparedness, and unfortunately, many businesses only realize the importance of cyber security when it’s too late.

The thing is, an ounce of prevention is worth a whole load of cure when it comes to cybersecurity. So, what can you do to prepare for a cyber attack? Here is everything you need to know about how to prepare:

Assess Your Exposure: Not Everyone Faces the Same Risks

You can’t properly prepare for a cyber attack without first knowing where your vulnerabilities lie. Depending on the type of business you have and the industry you work in, you’ll be more vulnerable to some types of attacks than others.

For example, if you store sensitive customer data, like credit card numbers or personal health information, you’re a prime target for hackers who want to sell that information on the black market. But even if you don’t store sensitive data, you can still be a target. Hackers may attack your business simply to disrupt your operations or to steal your intellectual property.

Train Your Employees: They’re Your First Line of Defense

One of the most important things you can do to prepare for a cyber attack is to train your employees in cybersecurity best practices. They need to know how to spot red flags, like phishing emails and suspicious links, and they need to know what to do if they think they’ve been targeted.

You should also have a plan in place for what to do in the event of a cyber attack. This plan should include steps for how to contain the damage, like isolating affected computers from the rest of your network and how to report the incident to the proper authorities.

Invest in Cybersecurity: It’s Worth the Money

You can’t afford to skimp on cybersecurity. Investing in the latest security technology and software is important in preparing for a cyber attack. But don’t stop there – you also need to ensure your systems are always updated with the latest security patches. And you should consider hiring a team of cybersecurity experts to help you monitor your systems and respond to threats.

Use Proper Encryption: It Could Save Your Business

If you’re storing sensitive data, proper encryption is a must. Even if you’re not required by law to encrypt your data, it’s still a good idea. That’s because encrypted data is much harder for hackers to access and use.

Encryption is the process of transforming readable data into an unreadable format. This is done using a key, which is like a password that allows you to decode the information. There are two types of encryption:

Symmetric: Both sender and receiver use the same key to encode and decode messages.

Asymmetric: Each person has their own key, which they use to encode messages. The other person has a different key, which they use to decode the message.

You should always use encryption when sending or receiving sensitive information, such as credit card details or passwords. This way, even if the data is intercepted, the cybercriminal will not be able to read it.

Use Two-Factor Authentication and VPNs: Extra Layers of Protection

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an extra layer of security that requires you to enter a code, in addition to your username and password, when logging into an account.

The code is usually sent to your phone via text message or generated by an app. This makes it much harder for cybercriminals to gain access to your accounts, even if they have your username and password, as they would also need your phone.

VPNs or Virtual Private Networks also play an integral role in data breach protection because they encrypt all the data sent between your device and the internet, making it much harder for anyone to intercept and read it. This is especially important when using public Wi-Fi, as it’s very easy for cybercriminals to set up fake hotspots and intercept the data sent by unsuspecting users.

Implement Strong Access Controls: Limit Who Has Access

Restricting access to systems and data is one of the most effective ways to prevent cyber attacks. By implementing strong access controls, you can make it much harder for cybercriminals to gain access to your systems. There are two types of access control methods:

Discretionary Access Control (DAC)

DAC is a security mechanism that determines who can access which resources and how they can use them. When using DAC, the system administrator assigns permissions to users, groups, or devices.

Mandatory Access Control (MAC)

MAC is a security model that uses labels to control access to resources. With MAC, the operating system ensures that users only have access to the resources they’re allowed to access, based on their security level.

Know Your Data: Where is it and Who Has Access to It?

To protect your data, you first need to know what type of data you have and where it resides. This seems like a no-brainer, but many organizations don’t clearly understand what data they have and where it’s stored.

Conduct an inventory of all the systems in your organization and map out where sensitive data is stored. Once you know what data you have, you can start to put in place the appropriate security measures to protect it.

Implement Strong Security Measures: Keep Your Systems Up-to-Date

Cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities, so it’s important that you close any gaps in your system’s defenses. There are a few technical security measures you can put in place to make it more difficult for cybercriminals to penetrate your systems. Here are some key things to do:

Use a firewall: This will help block unauthorized access to your network.

Install antivirus software: This will detect and remove any malicious software that manages to get through your firewall.

Keep your software up to date: Regular updates will patch any vulnerabilities in your software that cybercriminals could exploit.

Use strong passwords: Long, complex passwords are harder to crack than short, simple ones. Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols to make them as strong as possible.

Encrypt your data: This will make it much more difficult for cyber criminals to read your data if they manage to get their hands on it.

How to Prepare for a Cyber Attack: A Comprehensive Guide

By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce the chances of falling victim to a cyber attack. However, it’s important to remember that no system is 100% secure, and there’s always a risk that something could go wrong. That’s why it’s also important to have a plan in place for how to deal with a breach if one does occur.

Introduction

If you want to keep your network safe from cyber attacks, you would better choose an effective endpoint security solution. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which one is right for you?

In this blog post, we’ll discuss what an endpoint security solution is and the benefits of using one. We’ll also give you some tips on how to choose the right one for your needs.

By the end of this post, you should have a better understanding of how to protect your network from cyber threats.

Endpoint security solution and firewalls

An endpoint security solution is a complex system of softwares that may include several functions. If advanced functions such as machine-learning classification and threat forensic belong to costy security suits, every endpoint security solution should include an effective firewall to control the data flow.

A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls the incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.

It establishes a barrier between a trusted internal network and an untrusted external network, such as the Internet.

All traffic entering or leaving the protected internal network must pass through the firewall, which examines each packet and allows or denies passage based on the security rules configured by the administrator. By controlling traffic in this way, firewalls can prevent unauthorized users from gaining access to sensitive data and systems within the network.

In addition, firewalls can be used to monitor and control outgoing traffic in order to prevent sensitive data from leaking out of the network. Firewalls are an essential component of any organization’s security infrastructure.

There are two main types of firewalls: hardware-based firewalls and software-based firewalls. Hardware-based firewalls are physical devices that are installed between the router and the rest of the network. 

Software-based firewalls are installed on individual computers and servers and control traffic in and out of those computers.

Most routers have built-in firewall functionality, but these defense systems are generally very basic and may not offer adequate protection for most organizations. For more robust protection, it is recommended to use a dedicated hardware firewall or software firewall solution, like GlassWire.

Benefits of adopting an endpoint security solution

In an era where data breaches are becoming increasingly common, it’s more important than ever to have a robust security system in place to protect your network. An endpoint security solution is one of the best ways to keep your network safe from attacks. Here are some of the benefits of adopting one:

1. Protection from malware and viruses: An endpoint security solution can help protect your network from malware and viruses by filtering incoming traffic and blocking malicious content.
2. Improved performance: A well-configured endpoint security solution can improve the performance of your network by blocking unwanted traffic and reducing the amount of data that needs to be processed.
3. Enhanced security: By filtering traffic and blocking unwanted connections, an endpoint security solution can help safeguard your network against attacks.
4. Reduced costs: By improving the performance of your network and reducing the need for other security measures, an endpoint security solution can help save you money in the long run.

 

How to choose the best solution for your needs

An endpoint security solution, among other functions, filters incoming and outgoing traffic and blocks any suspicious activity. It can protect you from malware, phishing attacks, and other online threats with ease, while you focus on your own duty.

There is a huge variety of solutions on the market and a number of factors to consider when choosing an endpoint security suit, for your network.

We’ve already discussed the various firewall technologies, and how they differentiate the final product.

For the purpose of the article, we’ll just focus on key factors to consider at the time of choosing asuitable solution:

• What type of devices will be using the endopoint security solution?
• How much traffic will the firewall need to handle?
• What level of protection do you need?
• What features are important to you?
• How easy is the security solution to use?

With the answers to these questions clear in mind, you can narrow down your choices and select the best security solution for your needs.

Here are a few additional criteria to be considered to make your decision:

1. What is your budget?

2. What level of security do you need?

3. What features are important to you?

4. How easy is the endpoint security solution to use and manage?

5. What type of support does the vendor offer?

6. Does the solution fit into your overall security strategy?

7. Is the security solution scalable as your needs change?

8. What are the performance requirements of the endpoint security solution?

9. How often do you need to update the security solutionrules?

10. Are there any compliance requirements you need to meet?

Conclusion

An endpoint security solution is an important tool for protecting your network against cyber threats. There are many benefits to adopting one, including staying secure against potential attacks. When making the best choice for your network, it is important to consider your needs and the features offered by different products. By carefully selecting the solution that meets your needs, you can help keep your network safe from potential threats.

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The files on your computer come in different types, which often can only be opened by programs that are associated with that file type. One common file type is the .exe file, which is the most common type of file found on Windows computers.

An .exe file is a program file, and it stands for “executable.” This means that the file can be run as a program on your computer. Most .exe files are installed programs, but they can also be used for malicious purposes. When you double-click on an .exe file, it will automatically open and run a program that is contained within the file. When you download an .exe file from the internet, you should always be sure that you trust the source before running it on your computer.

If you’re not sure what an .exe file is, or if you’re not sure if you should run one, you can always ask a trusted computer expert for help. Here is everything you need to know about .exe files.

What Is An .Exe File?

An executable file is a type of computer file that runs a program when it is opened. This means it executes code or a series of instructions contained in the file. The two primary types of executable files are 1) compiled programs and 2) scripts.

The majority of executable files are compiled programs because they are more efficient. A script is basically a text file that contains a set of instructions that can be executed by a software program. Scripts are typically used to automate tasks or create simple applications.

When you double-click on an executable file, the program will automatically run. You can also run an executable file from the command line by typing its name. For example, if the file name is “program.exe”, you would type “program” at the command prompt.

In simple terms, an .exe file is a type of file that is used to run a program. This is in contrast to a file that is used to store data, which is called a data file. Data files typically have the file extension .dat or .txt. Other file types that are similar to .exe files include .dll files and .sys files. You may also run into .bin files, which are binary files that contain machine code that can be executed by a computer, and also .hex files, which are hexadecimal files that contain data that can be used by software programs.

Can .Exe Files Be Dangerous To Open?

Exe files are executable files that launch a program. While most exe files are safe, some can be harmful to your computer. If you’re not sure about a file, don’t open it. Exe files from unknown sources can contain viruses or malware that can harm your computer.

When it comes to downloaded files, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. Unless you’re absolutely positive that a file is safe, don’t open it. If you’re unsure, you can always scan the file with a virus scanner before opening it by right-clicking the file and selecting “scan.” The Windows Defender program that comes with Windows 8 and 10 can also scan files for malware, but it’s best to use a professional antivirus program for the most comprehensive protection.

How Can I Open An .Exe File?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the file in question and the operating system you are using. However, in general, you can open an .exe file by double-clicking on it or opening it with a program that is designed to run executables. Most .exe files are designed to be run on Windows, so if you are using a different operating system, you may need to use a compatibility layer like Wine to run them.

Can You Convert .Exe Files?

No, you cannot convert an .exe file into another file format. This is because .exe files are already in a compiled state, meaning that they are ready to be executed by a computer. The only way to change an .exe file is to decompile it, which would result in the loss of all information contained in the file.

If you’re unable to open or use an .exe file, there may be several reasons why:

• The file may be corrupt.
• Your anti-virus software may be blocking the file.
• You may be trying to open the file on an incompatible operating system.
• The file may be a malicious file masquerading as a legitimate one.

What Are Other Common File Types?

Besides .Exe files, there are many other types of files that are common on a computer. Examples include:

.DLL – A Dynamic Link Library file that contains code that can be used by multiple programs.

.sys – A Windows system file that contains code that is essential for the proper functioning of the operating system.

.ini – A configuration file that contains settings for a program.

.log – A log file that contains a record of events that have occurred.

.jpg – A JPEG image file.

.mp3 – An MP3 audio file.

.png – A PNG image file.

.html – An HTML file.

File types are typically indicated by the file extension, which is the portion of the file name that comes after the last period. For example, the file name “example.html” has the extension “.html” which indicates that it is an HTML file. So .Exe is just the file extension for an executable file, which means it’s a file that can be run or executed by the computer.

For example, when you double-click on a program’s icon, the program’s .exe file is executed and the program starts running.

Conclusion

File types aren’t too confusing once you understand how they work. It all comes down to understanding how computers store data, and how we humans organize it. Each file type has a purpose, and some are more useful than others.

.Exe files are used to run programs like video games, photo editors, and other computer software. Many virus programs are also .exe files, so be careful as to what you download!

The rate of spread for connected devices has increased at a ridiculous pace over the last few years and amog them, Azurewave devices keep on appearing in our domestic network. Internet-of-Things (IOT) is now part of our daily activities and the number of devices that can be automated is endless. The technology is Wi-Fi driven, meaning that it’s essential for the devices to be constantly connected to the internet via a router.

Azurewave Technology consistently provides Wi-Fi modules and solutions for desktop Pc and IoT devices. Many partner companies that produce IoT devices are leveraging the quality of their wireless modules. They install them directly in devices such as laundries or air conditioners turning regular, offline, electronical home appliances into smart devices that you can easily control via your mobile. Once installed, these devices are usually visible on the network with the name of the manufacturer, e.g. Azurewave.

You can also install Azurewave modules in DIY automation projects. You can connect up to six wireless tools using Azurewave products. They make amazing small devices and modules within their unit. Azurewave modules are improved through computerized processing, making them applicable for wireless purposes or Wi-Fi on most devices.

This article will provide comprehensive details about Azurewave devices and products. Read on below to find out more about Azurewave Devices.

A Guide on Azurewave Devices

In 2005, Azurewave was firstly founded as a company leading in providing software solutions, production, and design. Since then, their manufacturing process mainly focuses on producing home appliances, laptops, automotive appliances, personal computers, and much more. Taiwan is the headquarters of the company.

The wireless modules produced by Azurewave technology are highly compatible with a lot of devices. Over the years, they produced various products such as wireless modules, remote modules, camera modules, and others but the most common and recent modules are wifi, a digital camera, and Bluetooth.

Why use Azurewave devices? Here are four reasons why it is preferable to use these devices:

1. Spatial propagation
2. They support various Network Bandwidth
3. Spatial stream transmission
4. Short guard breach of 400ns

You can get these devices in various products, such as Wi-Fi, DTV, GPS, Bluetooth, and camera modules.

Azurewave technology is an image processing and wireless solution that offers different devices. Most businesses and households use Azurewave modules as well as their devices and products.

Some of the devices using their modules include:

• DTV
• Cameras
• PC
• Laptops
• Mobile Phones
• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth
• GPS
• Home Automation System

Azurewave Modules

Azurewave technology offers different modules you can use at home or in your business.

Here are some of the best modules they provide:

Camera Modules

Azurewave technology released its 360 underlying panomorph excellent camera. It became the answer for cell phones, consecutive cameras, activities cameras, as well as other photographing gadgets.

Similarly, an extraordinary 360 encounter requires unique and quality pictures. Azurewave confirmed that all their gadgets or items using their proprietary Panomorph camera procedure would make recordings of 360 for spilling live on various web-based media.

The focal points of the 360 panomorph camera are the only focal points that produce extraordinary quality in an exact configuration perfect for mobile phones.

Remote Modules

The company also provides wifi models like WLAN and WPAN and Bluetooth models such as WWAN modules applicable to different applications.

Some modules involve MM.2 1216 and M.2 1630/2230, which are patch-down and attachment modules. It also contains IoTModule, a type bind below module for wifi or Bluetooth, sound or voice SoM, and the SiPMolding Modules.

It can include programming or application or winding down capacities from other application processors.

Other modules may include:

• IoT Module for Providing Service 

If you are working on a device or project based on IoT, you need to use a wireless module for your project to connect with a cloud server.

Most developers use AWS cloud while using IoT models. However, if you want the best and fastest connectivity while using the AWS cloud, you need their IOT wireless module.

It would help if you used IOT modules because they will offer long-lasting and stable connections with zero interruptions. AWS cloud allows you to connect different OIT devices simultaneously.

• MCU Modules 

We are now in the modern age, and if you want your home to be completely automated without having to replace your home appliance, you need to check out Azurewave technology.

Azurewave provides a microprocessor unit that converts all your devices into IoT devices using wifi.

You can change your old devices such as cameras and hone and make them new. MCU contains two units: AW-CU427-P and AW-CU300. You can use both with or without a host.

How’s Azurewave Products Security?

Products from Azurewave technology work best while using IEEE 802. 1li, which works well with 64-bit and 128-bit and also encryption of WPA or WPA2. Azurewave products are not linked with security.

WEP is denounced by those who aren’t aware.

You may be curious why the device is fragile and insecure when attacked. For this reason, WPA 2 is quickly replacing WPA 3 in the networking sector.

The main challenge facing these products is that Azurewave cannot sustain data encryption, particularly the 256-bit, one of the most secure groups.

Conclusion

Lastly, azurewave is the best company supplying production, image processing, wireless, design, and software devices in the technology market.

This company has worked with different technology like Glasswire to bring you the best wireless devices. Azurewave technology provides camera and wifi solutions for mobiles and pc. All these products serve you in different ways.