I’m on the prowl for chances to intercept your data. SmartPhones, iPads, BlackBerrys and other mobile devices help you stay connected and allow you to take your data with you. Because they connect to the Internet using wireless connections, they present opportunities for bad guys to pick off the most sensitive company information. Next thing you know, I’m exchanging high fives with a hacker in the end zone.

Downloading the global address list and storing sensitive client information or email discussions on your mobile device adds risk of unauthorized disclosure.

Don’t fumble your data when using mobile devices:

• Kick that app. Be careful what you get at the app store. Applications and freeware often contain hidden viruses and spyware that could put your device and the information on it at risk.

• Block that Bluetooth! When not in use, change the default password for connecting to a Bluetooth-enabled device.

• Be a textual deviate. Your text messages are not secure. Texts are transmitted over your carrier’s network, not a secure company network. The files you send are not encrypted and won’t be scanned by your company’s network virus protection.

• Huddle up on WiFi. Free, public WiFi service can be extremely insecure. Don’t make it easy for me. Be your own WiFi hot spot.

• Kick the GPS habit. GPS is useful when you need it; but it can also publish your current and past locations. Turn it off unless in use.

• Use a playbook. Keep track of where your mobile device is at all times and lock it when not in use to prevent loss or theft.

Don’t let your mobile device get sacked. Protect — don’t neglect!

Lisa Martin
CEO
LeapFrog Solutions, Inc.

LeapFrog Solutions (LFS) is a certified woman owned small business based in Fairfax, Virginia. Founded in 1996, we are a trusted source for commercial businesses and federal agencies seeking full spectrum creative solutions and exceptional program management. This blogpost is brought to you by GTSC in partnership with LeapFrog Solutions. For more information on cyber awareness campaigns contact Anjali Dighe at 703.539.6127 or adighe@leapfrogit.com.

I’m a Spear Phisherman. I want to catch the big one and reel it in! But I’m not talking about tuna; I’m talking about landing your personal information. Here’s my secret: I impersonate your friends, your bank and the people you trust to gain access to your computer and your network.

I’m pretty good. I know that you can’t always tell the difference from the real messages and the fake ones that I dangle in front of you. It doesn’t take long for me to gather lots of personal information about you — what you like, who you follow, what you purchase online and which websites you visit.

I use the information I find through open sources and develop personalized messages designed to trick you into believing they are from trusted entities. Spear phishermen like me can design emails, tweets, phone texts and even Facebook updates that access your private information after just one click.

Once you open the message, I trick you into giving me your user names, passwords or other office information, which allow me to access your network undetected. Little did you know that you just gave me the ability to take all the company information I would like.

It’s easy to avoid my targeted attacks and protect yourself against “Spear Phishing:”

• Be stingy with your user name and password. Don’t share personal information with anyone. At all!
• Don’t surf the Web chasing popular stories, blog posts, videos, etc. I love to hide in these sites, learn about your likes and dislikes and then target you.
• Think before you click links from social media sites, emails or text messages. That’s the easiest way for me to catch your information.
• Verify any caller before providing names and email addresses of your coworkers. Be the first line of defense.
• Delete suspicious emails without opening them or responding to them. If it looks suspicious and you don’t know the sender, it could just be bait. Use caution!

It’s easy to protect your information against my traps and keep your personal and company information safe.

Protect — don’t neglect — your information against Spear Phishermen like Mal Ware. For more information, check out www.us-cert.gov.

Lisa Martin
CEO
LeapFrog Solutions, Inc.

LeapFrog Solutions (LFS) is a certified woman owned small business based in Fairfax, Virginia. Founded in 1996, we are a trusted source for commercial businesses and federal agencies seeking full spectrum creative solutions and exceptional program management. This blogpost is brought to you by GTSC in partnership with LeapFrog Solutions. For more information on cyber awareness campaigns contact Anjali Dighe at 703.539.6127 or adighe@leapfrogit.com.