Cybersecurity threats are growing in both sophistication and frequency. While businesses invest heavily in firewalls, antivirus software, and other security measures, the greatest vulnerability often lies within their own workforce. Human error remains one of the leading causes of data breaches, making employee training in cybersecurity awareness not just important—but essential.
Employees are often the first to encounter a potential cyber threat. Training them to recognize and respond appropriately can prevent a minor mistake from escalating into a major breach. Regular training sessions keep the team informed about the latest threats—such as ransomware trends, multi-factor authentication (MFA) best practices, and emerging scams. A well-trained staff knows not to click on unknown attachments, reuse weak passwords, or fall for impostor messages pretending to be from the CEO.
Depending on the industry, organizations may be legally required to provide cybersecurity training. Regulations like HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI-DSS mandate that businesses take proactive steps to safeguard data. Failure to comply can result in hefty fines and reputational damage.
Investing in cybersecurity training is significantly more cost-effective than recovering from a data breach. By equipping your team with the knowledge and tools they need to identify and avoid threats, you’re not only protecting your data but also strengthening your organization’s defense against hackers.
ICC can help with employee training, as well as advise on other security tactics to protect your data and business. If you are missing one element of cyber defense, you could be putting your business at risk. Contact us to get started.
August 18, 2025
Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way we manage money. In legitimate settings, AI can help analyze data, predict market trends, and automate portfolio management—ultimately helping investors make smarter, faster decisions. But while this technology has made investing more accessible and efficient, it’s also being exploited by scammers. A growing and dangerous trend is the rise of AI-powered investment scams, where fraudsters use the same AI tools to build trust while offering fake opportunities with the goal of stealing customers’ money.
Investment scams have always relied on manipulation and deception, but AI takes these tactics to a new level. Scammers now use AI to create convincing fake personas, automate communications, and generate realistic websites, social media content, and even deepfake videos to sell fraudulent investment opportunities. Whether it's crypto, real estate, tech startups, or foreign exchange trading, no industry is protected.
Investment scams look professional and can be incredibly compelling and tempting. Here are a few things to look out for.
Be vigilant starting with these steps.
If something seems too good to be true, especially in the investment world, it probably is. Protect your future by doing your research before you take any action with an investment opportunity. Learn about other AI Scams on our blog, including AI Driving Identity Theft and How AI is Fueling Romance Scams.
August 11, 2025
The evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) has its pros and cons. While AI offers incredible innovations in business operations, it has also opened the door to forms of cybercrime. The rise of AI-generated employment scams has been a trend escalating at an alarming rate. Cybercriminals are using AI to steal identities, successfully draining bank accounts and damaging company reputations.
Scammers are using AI to create realistic job postings, mimic HR professionals, and even conduct fake interviews with tools like voice cloning technology. The scam can seem real, starting with something simple like a message on LinkedIn by a recruiter who seems legitimate. The goal is to ultimately collect sensitive information like your social security number, which can be used to access banking accounts.
AI can tailor scams to individuals based on their social media profiles or personal information found online. The fake job offers are often convincing. Here are a few indications that a job offer may be a scam:
Before responding to a job offer that seems too good to be true, make sure to do some background checks of your own, like checking to see if the job is listed on the company’s website. If you’re interested in learning about other AI scams, see our posts on voice cloning scams and AI-Generated Websites. Request to join our e-newsletter, which often features ways to protect yourself and your business. Email us at info@iccusa.net.
July 15, 2025
The principles of maintaining good hygiene for your health also apply to your company’s cybersecurity. Cyber hygiene refers to developing consistent, smart practices to protect business data and prevent future issues. Here are a few good habits to implement into your IT routine to maintain good and safe cyber hygiene.
Outdated software is one of the most common entry points for cybercriminals. Regular updates fix known vulnerabilities and strengthen system security. Whenever possible, enable automatic updates on all devices and applications, and don’t ignore update notifications. Older computers and smartphones may also need updates to maintain performance and continue receiving service notifications.
Whether it’s a virus, hardware failure, or ransomware attack, reliable backups can mean the difference between quick recovery and significant loss. Set up automatic backups to secure cloud services, and regularly test your recovery process to ensure everything works as expected.
Strong encryption, the process of converting information into a code, helps protect business data both in transit and at rest. A firewall and VPN also add layers of defense against cybercriminals.
Your website is a valuable asset, and a potential target for attackers. Regular vulnerability scans help you detect weaknesses in your website, applications, and systems before cybercriminals can exploit them. ICC offers tools that scan for outdated plugins, exposed databases, misconfigured settings, and other security gaps.
Cyber resilience is just as important as cybersecurity. Cyber resilience helps a business recover from a security breach. A response plan will help you prepare for the worst. A clear and practiced plan can help save time, money, and your company’s reputation. Visit our blog post on steps to creating an incident response plan.
Just like personal hygiene, cyber hygiene isn’t a one-time task, it’s an ongoing routine that keeps your business safe in an ever-evolving digital world. ICC can help you develop a maintenance plan to stay ahead of threats and safeguard your data. Start today by contacting us and speaking to one of our expert team members.
July 7, 2025
Did you know 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses? This is often because cyber criminals assume smaller businesses lack the tighter security systems of larger companies. Without the same level of resources, small businesses can become easy targets.
One of the most common and dangerous threats facing organizations today is phishing. These deceptive attacks can compromise sensitive data, drain financial resources, and potentially damage your company’s reputation. If you’re unsure about the strength of your cybersecurity, now is the time to act. Understanding how phishing works and how to protect your business from it is a great first step.
Phishing occurs when cybercriminals impersonate legitimate sources—such as banks, vendors, or internal departments—to trick individuals into revealing confidential information or authorizing financial transactions. These attacks often arrive via email, text messages, or fake websites, and they can be surprisingly convincing.
1. Employee Training
Educate your team to recognize and respond to suspicious messages. Regular training sessions and phishing simulations can build awareness and help employees follow proper procedures if an incident occurs.
2. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring two or more forms of verification. Even if a password is compromised, MFA can prevent unauthorized access.
3. Email Filtering
Invest in email security tools that can detect and block phishing emails before they reach your team. These tools can flag suspicious attachments, malicious links, and other red flags.
4. Keep Software Updated
Ensure all systems, browsers and plugins are up to date. Software updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities that attackers exploit. Anti-phishing tools can also enhance protection by scanning emails, attachments, and links for signs of fraud.
5. Limit Access to Sensitive Information
Only allow access to sensitive data on a need-to-know basis. The fewer people with access, the lower the risk.
6. Back Up Your Data
Regularly back up important business data and store it securely in an off-network location. In the event of a phishing attack, having reliable backups can help you restore operations quickly – without paying a ransom or losing vital information.
Need Help Strengthening Your Cybersecurity?
ICC can help enhance your defense against phishing attacks and advise you on other strategies to protect your data and business. Even one missing layer of protection can put your business at risk. Contact us to get started.
Want to learn more about securing your business? Check out Disaster Recovery Planning and The Importance of Website Security.
June 16, 2025
The same sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) technology that powers chatbots and enhances our online shopping experience is also being exploited by cybercriminals to commit identity theft. These criminals are using AI to steal personal data with alarming speed and accuracy, and the consequences for the victims can be severe.
Phishing: AI can mimic tones and writing styles to generate emails and other messages that appear to come from trusted sources, such as your boss or your bank. These phishing attempts are difficult to detect and can trick recipients into clicking malicious links or revealing sensitive information.
Deepfake Impersonation: Scammers are using AI to clone voices or create realistic videos that sound and look like real people. For example, you might receive a video call from your company’s CEO requesting a wire transfer only to find out it was a fake, once it’s too late.
Data Scraping: AI-powered bots can scan social media platforms and websites to gather personal information. This data can be used to answer security questions or bypass authentication systems, giving criminals access to your financial accounts.
Fake Websites: Cybercriminals are using AI to create entire websites that look legitimate. These sites may even feature AI-powered chatbots that engage visitors and trick them into entering login credentials or credit card information.
AI-powered scams can be incredibly deceptive, but there are ways to protect yourself. Keep the following tips in mind:
- Be cautious when visiting unfamiliar websites or clicking on ads, especially on social media.
- Regularly monitor your bank and credit card statements for unusual activity.
- Always verify the identity of individuals or companies before responding to messages requesting personal or financial information.
As our lives become increasingly digital, staying informed and vigilant is essential. ICC can help protect your employees and your company’s data through cybersecurity training and by implementing security measures like multi-factor authentication. Contact us to learn more.
June 3, 2025
Maintaining IT without a dedicated IT team can be really challenging–especially for small businesses. It doesn’t only mean keeping computers running, but it also means staying on top of upgrades, staff training and knowing how to troubleshoot when problems arise. One of the smartest strategies companies are embracing is IT outsourcing. Whether you're a startup looking to scale quickly or an established company aiming to streamline operations, outsourcing IT functions can be a game-changer. Here are just a few of the reasons why.
Building and maintaining an in-house IT team can be expensive. Salaries, benefits, training, and infrastructure costs add up quickly. Outsourcing allows businesses to access top-tier IT talent at a fraction of the cost. With IT service providers, you only pay for the services you need, significantly reducing overhead expenses.
Technology evolves rapidly, and keeping up with the latest advancements requires continuous training and investment. Outside IT companies specialize in staying ahead of tech trends, providing businesses with access to expert professionals and the latest technologies without the hassle of constant upgrades and training.
As your business grows, so do your IT needs. Outsourcing gives you the flexibility to scale up or down based on demand. Whether you need additional support during peak seasons or specialized expertise for a short-term project, outsourcing allows you to adjust your IT resources without long-term commitments.
Managing IT in-house can be time-consuming and divert attention from core business responsibilities. Outsourcing IT tasks frees up internal resources, allowing leadership teams to focus on strategic initiatives, customer service, and innovation rather than troubleshooting technical issues.
Whatever your IT needs are, outsourcing help can present an opportunity to improve efficiency and save money, while moving your business forward and staying competitive. ICC brings expertise and commitment to every partnership. Review our services and contact us to find out the benefits we can bring to your business.
May 13, 2025
Like most technology, there are benefits and risks when it comes to AI chatbots. On the positive side, AI chatbots have been able to enhance customer service and business automation helping companies be more productive and efficient. However, these bots are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it easier for scammers to deceive consumers. With the ability to engage in fluid, human-like conversations, AI chatbots can be difficult to distinguish from legitimate interactions and fraudulent ones. Scammers are using them to steal personal information, manipulate emotions and execute financial fraud. Here are some of the common ways scammers are using AI chatbots.
Many scammers use AI chatbots to pose as customer service representatives from reputable companies. When users seek help online, they may unknowingly interact with a fraudulent chatbot that ultimately asks for sensitive information they are after, like passwords or credit card numbers. As a precaution, be suspicious of chatbots that ask for payment or personal information; reliable companies won’t ask you for that in a chat. If you receive a suspicious message, look up the company to see if it’s valid. In your search you may discover that the company has been accused of fraudulent activity.
Use caution when looking for love online. AI-powered romance scams are on the rise, with bots impersonating potential partners on dating sites and social media. These bots are programmed to build emotional connections before manipulating victims into sending money or sensitive information. Some signs of a scammer are few to no details in their profile, sending messages at odd times of the day and avoiding video or phone calls.
AI chatbots are becoming increasingly common on social media. For instance, a Facebook user might receive a message that their page violated regulations, and their page is at risk of being deleted. They might be asked to click on a link and provide their username and password. Some tell-tale signs that it’s a fraudulent message would be that the message isn’t Facebook branded or the link goes to a page that is not associated with Facebook.
As technology evolves, we must all make an effort to stay informed and be vigilant against such scams. ICC can help set your business up with key defenses to protect you and your data from scammers. We’ll put a comprehensive plan together that includes network security, email security and quality control reviews. Contact us to get started.
May 9, 2025
With evolving AI-powered tools, scammers are targeting hopeful romantics with new levels of deception. It has become very easy to create convincing false identities and conversations to lure people into fraudulent relationships. A recent high-profile scam resulted in a woman losing $855k when she thought she was in a romantic relationship with actor Brad Pitt! The results can be devastating and can leave victims financially and psychologically drained. Here are some ways scammers are using AI to fuel romance scams and how you can protect yourself.
- AI-Generated Identities: AI can help scammers not only simulate existing personas but also create completely fictitious identities to post on social media and share with their victims. This can make it even harder to tell whether a person is real or not.
- Chatbots and Language Models: Chatbots can carry on engaging conversations that can be persuasively real to the person on the other end. AI can craft messages that seem authentic, even tailoring their messages to their victim, luring the victim in to become emotionally invested.
- Deepfake Videos and Voice Cloning: To make their false identities more convincing, romance scammers are using AI-generated video and voice cloning. Scammers can send their victims video messages and even phone calls to look like they are communicating in real time.
Romance scams can lead to financial loss and emotional distress from feeling betrayed by someone you came to trust. Here are some precautions you can take to prevent yourself from becoming a victim.
- Verify Identities: Use reverse image searches, whenever possible, and check their social media profiles.
- Be suspicious of fast relationships: Scammers may often push for the relationship to move quickly, often with love-bombing tactics.
- Do not send money: No matter how believable a story might sound never give someone you don’t know well money.
- Proceed with caution: Trust your instincts. If a voice message sounds pre-scripted it could be an indication of AI.
AI has made romance scams more sophisticated and harder to detect. Vigilance is the best defense. There’s no place for AI when it comes to love and relationships. Love is about trust and authenticity. Visit here and here to learn about other AI scams that are becoming increasingly common.
April 15, 2025
Spring is just about here! That’s usually most people’s cue to start deep cleaning their homes.
Use this time to also deep clean and declutter your digital spaces. Just the way clutter piles up in closets, digital junk accumulates on devices, affecting performance and security. Freshening up your digital devices will lead to a safer, cleaner digital environment that will help keep your identity and information safe. Here are a few ways to start.
Having a large number of files, apps and downloads can significantly slow down your devices. Delete any unused apps. Remember that app you downloaded on your phone for your trip to France? Well, you no longer need it so delete it. If you haven’t used an app in six months, best to uninstall it. And while you’re at it, delete duplicate or unwanted photos. Clear your computer’s desktop by sorting files into folders. Back up important documents to a cloud storage or an external hard drive. Don’t forget to empty the trash can to free up space too.
This one deserves its own tip because it can be the most time-consuming. Go through your inbox and either archive, file or delete emails. While you’re at it, unsubscribe to any e-newsletters and promotional subscriptions you no longer want.
Outdated software is a security risk so make sure to install any updates. Software updates provide critical security patches and improve operating efficiency with new features. Update any weak passwords or change ones you’ve been using for a while.
It’s also important to clean the outside of devices. Use compressed air and disinfectant wipes to clean your keyboard and mouse. You don’t want dust to collect beneath the keys. Clean the screen with a microfiber cloth and screen-safe cleaner. Paper towels or window cleaner can be too abrasive for the screen. Also make sure to dust all chords and connections.
Spring into action with these maintenance tips. You can find more ideas on our blog here. ICC can assist in executing these, and other IT maintenance needs, to keep your entire operating system in order and running smoothly. Contact us to get started.
April 4, 2025
