Episode Transcript

Welcome to the podcast. Today is the 23rd of January 2025, and we’ve got three big cybersecurity stories to unpack today. In our first episode, I’m Leigh Kefford. Let’s dive in. Ransomware Gangs Have you ever received a message on Microsoft Teams from someone claiming to be IT support? Well, here’s the thing. Ransomware gangs are now pretending to be IT staff to trick employees. This is happening all around the world. They will message you, gain your trust, and ask for things like your login details or send you a link to click. Once they’re in, they’ll lock up your files and demand a ransom to unlock them. It’s sneaky and it’s smart, but it’s also preventable. If you’re ever unsure, pause and double check. Call your IT support directly to confirm if the request is real. And of course, never share your password with anyone. Remember, even platforms like Microsoft Teams aren’t immune to this kind of trickery. End-of-Support for Microsoft Exchange 2016/2019 If your business is using Microsoft Exchange 2016 or 2019, we’ve got some important news for you. Microsoft is ending support for these versions in October this year. And what this means for you is that there’ll be no more updates, no more security patches, and basically no more safety net. If you’re still using these systems after October, you’re leaving the door wide open for hackers. Outdated software is like an unlocked car with the keys inside. It’s an easy target. Now’s the time to start planning your move to a newer system or to the cloud. Don’t wait until the last minute because these migrations take time and it’s worth it to keep your business safe. Tiktok Finally, let’s talk about TikTok. You might remember all the buzz about a US ban on TikTok due to privacy concerns. Well, it’s been given a reprise thanks to President Trump for now, but the concerns haven’t gone away. The big question is, should businesses worry about TikTok now? This depends. If your employees are using it on work devices or connected to company networks, it’s worth thinking about the potential risks. Apps like TikTok collect a lot of data, and while it might not seem like a big deal today, it’s always better to stay cautious. For businesses, this is less about banning apps outright and more about creating smart policies for personal device use and data privacy. And that is a wrap for today’s first episode of the Don’t Be a Sitting Duck podcast. Thanks for tuning in. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. I’m your host, Leigh Kefford, and thank you for listening.

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