Bot malware is a growing security threat • Blisstech Solutions

If we talk about ‘bots’ you’d be forgiven for thinking of the amazing AI chatbots that have been all over the news lately.

But this isn’t a good news story. Bots are just automated programs, and bot malware is a worrying new security risk you need to defend your business against.

Malware bots are particularly dangerous because they steal whole user profiles – that’s a complete snapshot of your ID and settings. This potentially allows cyber crooks to bypass strong security measures like Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

Usually, if a criminal steals your username and password, they still can’t access your account because they don’t have access to your MFA authentication method. But with your whole profile available to them, using your cookies and device configurations, they can trick security systems and effectively switch off MFA.

Once profile information is stolen, it’s sold on the dark web for as little as £5.

And it’s not even super-sophisticated cyber criminals deploying this technique. Just about anyone can obtain your details and use them for phishing emails, scams, and other criminal activity.

Since 2018, 5 million people have had 26.6 million usernames and passwords stolen, giving access to accounts including Microsoft, Google, and Facebook.

All this means there are things you need to do – right now – to keep your profiles and your business protected from bot malware.

  • Update your antivirus software and keep it on at all times.
  • Use a password manager and Multi-Factor Authentication to keep your login credentials safer
  • And encrypt all your files so that, if anyone does access your profile, there’s very little to steal.

These are the things we help our clients with every day. If we can help you, just get in touch.

More Content

Microsoft’s browser takes back the Edge with streamlined settings

Microsoft’s browser takes the Edge with streamlined settings

Trying to find your way through the Settings menu in Microsoft Edge might leave you overwhelmed but a new update is about to make it easier. Here we tell you how.

How to Secure Your Business from Cyber Threats in 2024: A Free Guide

Protect your business from these cybersecurity threats in 2024 We’re weeks away from the new year. And this is a great time to start thinking about what needs to get better in 2024. We believe you should allocate more of your business’s precious resources to the...

A little trust can go a long way

Countless employers still don’t trust their people to do their best work unless they’re physically in the office.

Everything you need to know about password managers for your business

If you’re confused about password managers, you’re not alone. A password manager is software that generates safe passwords, remembers them, and auto-fills logins for you. That saves time. But means your business can quickly lock out staff when they leave. Some people...
Logos for Microsoft 365

The Microsoft New Commerce Experience (NCE) is on the way

Microsoft is introducing what it calls a New Commerce Experience (NCE) in 2022, with changes to licensing terms and pricing for Microsoft 365. This will mean fairly big, and potentially expensive, changes for business customers who have Microsoft 365 licences. The...
Professional woman at a laptop

6 ways to make your small business look professional

When you start out in business, one of the hardest things to do is find new clients.  Most customers will not buy from you unless they trust you, and trust usually comes from reputation.  But how do you gain people's trust if you are new and don't have much of a...

Tech Tip: Avoid this OneDrive AutoSave Pitfall

Welcome to a new Tuesday tech tip video. In it, I explain a OneDrive AutoSave pitfall that you should learn to avoid. If you use Microsoft Office applications and store your data in OneDrive, you are probably familiar with the AutoSave feature. This does precisely...
Cyber security training once a year isn’t working

Cyber security training once a year isn’t working

You’re wasting your time on annual cyber security training. Why? Because it’s simply not cutting it anymore. Discover a better plan here.

Windows 11 on a Laptop Screen

What’s coming in Windows 11?

Microsoft has just announced (in a typically 'West Coast'​ way) what's coming in Windows 11.  Here is a rundown of what was announced at the event. Windows 11 Interface Design The first impression visually is that it looks kind of like Linux merged with Mac OSx. The...
Businesses are taking too long to fix vulnerabilities

Businesses are taking too long to fix vulnerabilities

If you knew your systems were at risk of attack, you’d jump in and get things locked down fast – right? Actually… many businesses take too long to fix vulnerabilities. Here’s why that’s a problem.

Share This
Contact
Love Lane
Cleobury Mortimer
Shropshire DY14 8PE

01299 382 321
[email protected]
Copyright © 2024 Blisstech Solution Ltd
Registered No: 08125391 VAT No : 307 5490 05