Bits & Bytes Newsletter | Managed IT Services in Melbourne

Compliance Starts with Clarity: Crafting Effective InfoSec Policies

David Melville — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 06:18:54 +0000

Compliance Starts with Clarity: Crafting Effective InfoSec Policies

WrittenDavid Melville/inArticles, Bits & Bytes Newsletter, Cyber Security, Technology Consulting

Reading Time: 7 minutes

In today’s digital-first world, data security and information handling policies are critical for every organization. Whether you’re a digital service provider, an IT company in Delaware, or a business relying on cloud technology services, having clear, enforceable policies is essential to protect sensitive information and maintain trust.

Any security or data handling procedures should be backed by the appropriate policies and consequences for non-compliance. These policies not only safeguard your corporate network but also ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Why Policies Matter

Consistency: Policies ensure everyone follows the same rules across your business.
Compliance: Many industries require documented policies for audits and certifications.
Risk Reduction: Clear guidelines reduce the likelihood of breaches and data loss.
Accountability: Policies define responsibilities and consequences for violations.

Core Elements of a Data Handling & InfoSec Policy

Purpose & Scope
Define why the policy exists and what data it covers (e.g. customer data, employee records, financial information).
Roles & Responsibilities
Assign accountability across your business and internal teams.
Data Classification
Categorise data (Public, Internal, Confidential, Restricted) and apply appropriate controls.
Access Control
Limit access to sensitive data based on job roles and enforce strong authentication.
Data Storage & Transmission
- Encrypt sensitive data at rest and in transit.
- Prohibit storing confidential data on personal devices unless approved.
Incident Response
Outline steps for reporting and responding to data breaches as part of your IT security management system.
Retention & Disposal
Define how long data is kept and secure deletion methods.
Consequences for Non-Compliance
State disciplinary actions for violations (e.g. warnings, termination, legal action).

Sample Policy Template

Policy Title: Data Handling & Information Security Policy
Effective Date: [Insert Date]
Purpose: To ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of organisational data.
Scope: Applies to all employees, contractors, and third parties handling company data.

Policy Statements

All sensitive data must be encrypted during storage and transmission.
Access to confidential data is restricted to authorized personnel only.
Employees must not share passwords or use personal email for business data.
Data breaches must be reported immediately to the [Insert Team].
Data retention periods must comply with legal and business requirements.
Secure disposal methods (e.g. shredding, wiping) must be used for obsolete data.

Enforcement

Violations of this policy may result in:

Formal warnings
Suspension or termination of employment
Legal action where applicable

Common Mistakes Businesses Make with InfoSec Policies

Copy-Paste Policies
Using generic templates without tailoring them to your specific needs or business processes can lead to gaps in coverage.
Lack of Employee Training
A policy is useless if staff don’t understand or follow it.
Failure to Update
Policies should evolve with technology, regulations, and system changes.
Ignoring Third-Party Risks
Vendors and contractors often have access to sensitive data, ensure they comply with your standards.
No Enforcement Mechanism
Policies without consequences are rarely taken seriously.

How Clients Can Approach This

Start Small: Begin with a simple, clear policy and expand as needed.
Align with Standards: Reference frameworks like ISO 27001 or Essential 8 for best practices.
Train Staff: Policies are only effective if employees understand and follow them.
Review Regularly: Update policies annually or after major changes in technology or regulations.

Partner with a Trusted Technology Partner

As a trusted technology partner, we help organisations implement robust cyber security management, security monitoring services, and cloud server backup services. From roadmap planning to managed IT support services, we ensure your business stays secure and compliant.

Ready to strengthen your data security posture?
Contact us today for to start planning your security policies.

Get in Touch

Ready to gain control of the IT in your company?

GET STARTED WITH US TODAY!

Ask our IT Service Specialists how we can help you gain control over your technology and achieve measurable and successful results.

Contact us

AU 1300 699 077 NZ 0800 699 077

The post Compliance Starts with Clarity: Crafting Effective InfoSec Policies appeared first on ItVisions | IT Support | Managed Service Provider | DE.

The Hidden Threat in Your Tech Stack: Understanding IT Supply Chain Attacks

Leticia Simari — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 23:13:29 +0000

The Hidden Threat in Your Tech Stack: Understanding IT Supply Chain Attacks

WrittenLeticia Simari/inArticles, Bits & Bytes Newsletter, Cyber Security

Reading Time: 7 minutes

Imagine your business is running smoothly.
Your systems are patched, your team is trained, and your security tools are humming along. But then—out of nowhere—your data is compromised.
Not because of something you did, but because a trusted vendor was breached.

Welcome to the world of IT supply chain attacks.

What Is a Supply Chain Attack?

A supply chain attack targets the vendors, tools, or services your business relies on—not your business directly.
It’s like poisoning the ingredients before they reach the kitchen.

The attacker compromises a third-party provider, and through them, gains access to multiple downstream organisations.

These attacks are particularly dangerous because they exploit trust.
You trust your software updates, your browser extensions, your cloud integrations.
But what if one of those is secretly working against you?

How It Happens

Here’s a typical flow:

Initial compromise: An attacker finds a vulnerability in a vendor’s system or codebase.
Injection: Malicious code is added—often through a routine update or plugin.
Distribution: The compromised product is pushed out to users, who unknowingly install it.
Exploitation: The attacker now has access to the systems of every user who installed the update.

This isn’t theoretical. It’s happening right now.

npm Package Manager Worm Compromise

In mid-2025, a self-replicating worm was discovered in the npm ecosystem, one of the most widely used package managers for JavaScript.
The worm spread by injecting malicious code into packages that automatically infected other dependencies—creating a chain reaction across thousands of projects.

This attack didn’t just compromise individual apps—it weaponised trust in open-source software, affecting developers, businesses, and platforms globally.

It’s a textbook example of how one weak link in the supply chain can ripple across the entire digital ecosystem.

The Colour Gecko Browser Extension Breach

In 2025, security firm Koi Security uncovered a set of malicious Chrome extensions, including the widely used Colour Gecko, which had over 1.7 million downloads. These extensions were verified, highly rated, and trusted by users.

But after an update, they began tracking users and redirecting them to shady websites.

The malicious code wasn’t there at first—it was added later.
Google removed the extensions, but the damage was already done.

The Business Impact

Supply chain attacks are costly—not just financially, but operationally and reputationally.

Data breaches can expose sensitive client information
System downtime can halt operations
Reputational damage can erode trust with customers and partners
Compliance risks can lead to fines under America's Enhanced Privacy Act

According to the Office of the Federal Trade Commission (OAIC), the average cost of a breach in the US is $4.3 million.

Final Thought: Trust Is Not a Strategy

Supply chain attacks remind us that trust without verification is a risk.
In today’s landscape, security isn’t just about firewalls—it’s about knowing who you’re connected to and how they manage their own risks.

So ask yourself:
Are you protected from your partners’ mistakes?

Don’t Let Trust Be Your Weakest Link

Supply chain attacks are no longer rare—they’re routine. If your business relies on third-party software, cloud services, or open-source tools, you’re already exposed.

Now’s the time to act.

Review your vendor relationships
Audit your update and patching processes
Implement 24/7 monitoring and alerting
Educate your team on third-party risk

Need help navigating your exposure?
The ItVisions team is here to support you with tailored assessments, monitoring solutions, and practical advice.

Let’s make trust a strength—not a vulnerability.
Reach out today and take control of your supply chain security.

Get in Touch

Ready to gain control of the IT in your company?

GET STARTED WITH US TODAY!

Ask our IT Service Specialists how we can help you gain control over your technology and achieve measurable and successful results.

Contact us

AU 1300 699 077 NZ 0800 699 077

The post The Hidden Threat in Your Tech Stack: Understanding IT Supply Chain Attacks appeared first on ItVisions | IT Support | Managed Service Provider | DE.

Risk Isn’t Just Technical: A Business Leader’s Guide to IT Risk

Leticia Simari — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 05:33:00 +0000

Risk Isn’t Just Technical:

A Business Leader’s Guide to IT Risk

WrittenLeticia Simari/inArticles, Bits & Bytes Newsletter, Cyber Security, Managed IT

Reading Time: 8 minutes

In today’s digital-first economy, risk isn’t just a technical issue—it’s a business one. Whether you’re running a mid-sized enterprise or leading a national brand, your organisation’s ability to manage technology risk directly impacts its resilience, reputation, and bottom line.

But what does risk really mean in an IT context? And how do you know how much risk your business can tolerate?

Let’s break it down.

Understanding IT Risk

At its core, IT risk refers to the potential for technology-related events to disrupt business operations, compromise data, or damage reputation. These risks can stem from:

Cyberattacks (e.g. ransomware, phishing, password spraying)
System failures or outdated infrastructure
Human error or lack of awareness
Third-party vulnerabilities (e.g. compromised extensions or software updates)

The US Cybersecurity Agency (ACSC) reports that cybercrime is now occurring every seven minutes in the United States, with SMEs particularly vulnerable. That’s not just a statistic—it’s a call to action.

Risk Tolerance: How Much Is Too Much?

Risk tolerance is your organisation’s ability to absorb the impact of a threat without suffering unacceptable consequences. It’s not about eliminating risk entirely—that’s impossible. It’s about knowing:

What risks you’re exposed to
What impact they could have
What level of risk you’re willing to accept

For example, a business that handles sensitive financial data may have low tolerance for system downtime or data breaches. A creative agency, on the other hand, might accept more risk in exchange for flexibility and speed.

Frameworks That Help You Decide

To treat IT risk effectively, businesses need structure. That’s where frameworks come in.

Essential Eight (ACSC)

Developed by the US Cybersecurity Agency, the Essential Eight is a practical framework designed to help businesses reduce cyber risk. It includes:

Application control
Patch management
Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Daily backups

It’s cost-effective, scalable, and tailored for US small businesses.

ISO/IEC 27001

This international standard focuses on information security management systems (ISMS). It’s ideal for businesses looking to formalise their security posture and demonstrate trust to clients and regulators.

Real World Risk: What Happens When You Don’t Act

Let’s be clear: risk isn’t theoretical. In recent months, we’ve seen:

Password spraying attacks targeting weak credentials across US businesses
After-hours breaches where attackers exploited gaps in monitoring
AI-driven threats that bypass traditional defences

In one case, a single outdated Windows machine led to a $1.2M ransomware recovery bill for a hospital chain. That’s the cost of ignoring risk tolerance.

How to Treat IT Risk Effectively

Here’s a simple roadmap for business professionals:

1. Assess your current risk exposure

What systems are critical?
What data is sensitive?
What threats are most likely?

2. Define your risk tolerance

What’s acceptable downtime?
What’s the financial impact threshold?
What reputational damage can you absorb?

3. Choose a framework

Start with the Essential Eight if you’re new to this
Consider ISO if you need deeper governance

4. Implement controls

MFA, patching, backups, monitoring—these aren’t optional
Partner with experts to ensure coverage 24/7

5. Review regularly

Risk changes. So should your strategy.

Final Thought: Risk Is a Business Decision

Treating IT risk isn’t just the job of your tech team—it’s a leadership responsibility. The decisions you make today will shape your business’s ability to survive and thrive tomorrow.

So ask yourself: Are we managing risk—or just hoping for the best?

Ready to Take Control of Your Technology Risk?

Risk isn’t just something to monitor—it’s something to manage.
If your business hasn’t defined its risk tolerance or adopted a framework like the Essential Eight, now is the time.

Start with a conversation.
Talk to your IT team, your leadership group, or reach out to a trusted partner. The ItVisions team is here to help you assess your exposure, align your strategy, and build a roadmap that fits your business.

Don’t wait for a breach to define your limits.
Take action today—because resilience starts with readiness.

Get in Touch

Ready to gain control of the IT in your company?

GET STARTED WITH US TODAY!

Ask our IT Service Specialists how we can help you gain control over your technology and achieve measurable and successful results.

Contact us

AU 1300 699 077 NZ 0800 699 077

The post Risk Isn’t Just Technical: A Business Leader’s Guide to IT Risk appeared first on ItVisions | IT Support | Managed Service Provider | DE.

Total Takeover: Hacker Gains Full Control of Personal Account

Andrew King — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 04:49:09 +0000

Total Takeover: Hacker Gains Full Control of Personal Account

inArticles, Bits & Bytes Newsletter, Cyber Security, IT Support

Co-Authored By: Andrew King & Chad O’Sullivan

Reading Time: 9 minutes

Ever since the beginning of COVID businesses have worked tirelessly to upgrade their Cyber Security tools, but for many people this has not translated into our personal lives. The truth is its easier to live without security controls, they can be hard to setup, tedious to work around and not always easily facilitated by 3rd party services, and so the question arises – why should we go out of our way to secure our personal accounts?

During a recent conversation with one of our clients – whose identity has been withheld for privacy – we uncovered a sobering answer to that question. This client experienced the nightmare of having their bank account compromised, their mobile number hijacked, and numerous other personal accounts taken over by cyber attackers, all due to a single account compromise. What unfolded should serve as a stark warning to anyone who thinks, “It could never happen to me.”

The Attack Begins

To set the scene, our client called the helpdesk after finding an email left in their inbox with their email password as the title. This email described that a group of attackers had found their personal email account’s password, accessed their emails, copied and deleted everything, and now demanded $500 in Bitcoin to restore the emails and not leak them to the world.

As our first recovery measure, we attempted to recover the user’s email. Luckily, they were registered with Microsoft, which requires two different forms of verification before updating backup information. We were able to reset the user’s password and restore access to their emails.

Now that we were in, we could assess the damage. Immediately, we found the inbox and deleted items were empty. However, the recovery tab of deleted items allowed us to restore all the emails deleted by the attacker.

At this point, you—like us—might think all is well and the job’s done. Unfortunately, after restoring the emails, we found the real damage.

The Real Impact

Once restored, we identified that the attackers had control of the inbox for seven days before sending the ransom letter. We assessed all emails from that period and found countless password reset and one-time PIN codes. Every possible account set up using that email had been accessed.

Worse, there was a request to have their mobile number transferred to a new provider and their bank details changed. Both companies requested identity documents to confirm the request—and the attackers were able to satisfy this using a photo of the user’s passport stored in an old email.

The Fallout

Overall, the attackers:

Accessed third-party accounts such as Amazon, Facebook, and a home loan account.
Accessed the users bank account and made thousands of dollars worth of transactions.
Successfully initiated a transfer of the users mobile number to their own provider.
Sent hundreds of spam emails from the user’s account, resulting in the email being blacklisted on anti-spam lists.

To add insult to injury, this all happened while the user was overseas. The sobering reality they faced was having no access to any third-party accounts, no email, and—had they contacted us a day later—no mobile number, all while outside of the United States.

Lessons Learnt

This event was a huge wake-up call not only for this user but for myself and the team at ItVisions. Even though we work with attacks and compromises daily, there’s a mental bias separating work and personal that leads most individuals to put things like their personal email account into the back of their mind and forget about it.

Events like this serve to not only break that bias but also teach us lessons on what to do better. So, I’d like all readers to review the below list of questions based on our lessons learned and take the time to do a self-assessment of their personal security:

Is my password complex?
- Between password cracking algorithms, leaks, and educated guesses, it’s no longer safe to use simple passwords. In this instance, the user’s password was a name, date, and special character.
- Our recommendation: use a passphrase—multiple words joined with a randomly chosen special character.
- For more information, follow the US Government’s guide:
  https://www.cyber.gov.au/protect-yourself/securing-your-accounts/passphrases/creating-strong-passphrases
- Also, use different passwords for each service. If you struggle to manage them, invest in a secure password manager like Bitwarden, LastPass, or any other vendor of your choice.
Do I use strong Multifactor Authentication (MFA)?
- In this case, MFA was not enabled for the user’s email, removing a critical barrier from the attacker’s path.
- Most third-party services allow email to be your primary MFA type, which means once your email is compromised, so is everything else.
- Our recommendation: use an Authenticator App on your phone for everything. This means if they don’t have your phone, they can’t access your accounts—and if they do, they’ll still need your PIN, fingerprint, or face.
What data is kept in this service?
- As mentioned above, the user’s bank and mobile service were manipulated using an old passport photo stored in their emails.
- Best practice: delete any unneeded sensitive data and prepare for the worst.

These checks aren’t exhaustive, but they’re a huge leap forward in personal security and help break that bias. Start with your email account, then check your services in order of priority—financial, messaging, social media, and so on.

Final Thought

We understand that security is not your job. If you ever need advice or support, the ItVisions team is always available.

Take Control Before Someone Else Does

Don’t wait for a breach to realise your personal security matters.
If you haven’t already, take 10 minutes today to:

Review your email security
Enable strong MFA across all accounts
Delete old sensitive data you no longer need

Your digital life is worth protecting—and it starts with one step.

Need help?
Reach out to the ItVisions team for personalised advice or support. We’re here to help you stay safe, wherever you are.

Get in Touch

Ready to gain control of the IT in your company?

GET STARTED WITH US TODAY!

Ask our IT Service Specialists how we can help you gain control over your technology and achieve measurable and successful results.

Contact us

AU 1300 699 077 NZ 0800 699 077

The post Total Takeover: Hacker Gains Full Control of Personal Account appeared first on ItVisions | IT Support | Managed Service Provider | DE.

Password Managers Are Now Prime Targets – Here’s What You Should Know

David Melville — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 04:21:17 +0000

Password Managers Are Now Prime Targets

Here’s What You Should Know

WrittenbyDavid Melville/inArticles, Bits & Bytes Newsletter, Cyber Security, Managed IT

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Password managers have long been a go-to recommendation for securing digital identities. They eliminate the need to reuse weak passwords by generating and storing strong, unique credentials for everything from email to banking.

But as with any centralised system, they’ve become a high-value target. If a threat actor compromises your password manager, they’re not just getting one login—they’re potentially getting everything. That’s why identity security is now a core part of any serious IT strategy. If you haven’t already reviewed your setup, now’s the time to engage a trusted provider to assess your configuration and risk exposure.

Why Password Managers Are in the Crosshairs

It’s all about access. Cybercriminals want maximum reach with minimal effort. And for many of us, our password manager is the master key—holding credentials for work systems, personal accounts, financial platforms, and even crypto wallets. That’s a goldmine.

We’ve already seen major players in the space face attempted breaches. Attackers are using everything from phishing emails that mimic support teams to direct exploitation of software vulnerabilities. Even when encryption holds up, public confidence takes a hit.

The Real-World Risk

This isn’t just theoretical. If someone gets into your vault—whether through a stolen master password, weak MFA, or an unpatched flaw—the consequences can be severe. We’re talking identity theft, drained accounts, and compromised business systems.
The bigger issue? False confidence. Too many users assume that using a password manager equals being secure. That mindset leads to complacency—and that’s exactly what attackers rely on.

What You Should Be Doing

Don’t ditch your password manager. It’s still a better option than managing passwords manually. But treat it like the critical infrastructure it is:

Use a strong, unique master password—long, random, and not based on real words.
Enable MFA—preferably with a hardware key or authenticator app, not SMS.
Keep it updated—patches exist for a reason.
Stay alert to phishing—especially emails pretending to be from your password manager provider.
Clean up your vault—remove old accounts and avoid storing ultra-sensitive data unless absolutely necessary.

If you’re managing this at scale, a structured roadmap helps. Quick wins like enforcing MFA and patching are a good start. Longer-term, look at SSO, conditional access, and privileged access controls.

Bottom Line

As our digital footprint grows, so does the value of our identity data. Password managers are still a smart move—but only if they’re configured and maintained properly. Think of them as one layer in a broader security strategy. And if you’re not sure where to start, bring in a partner who can help you build a roadmap that fits your risk profile.

Ready to Review Your Setup?

If your password manager is holding the keys to your digital kingdom, it’s worth making sure it’s locked down tight. Whether you’re a solo user or managing access across a team, now’s the time to assess your configuration and risk exposure.

Reach out to our team for a quick security check or to start building a roadmap that fits your environment.

Get in Touch

Ready to gain control of the IT in your company?

GET STARTED WITH US TODAY!

Ask our IT Service Specialists how we can help you gain control over your technology and achieve measurable and successful results.

Contact us

AU 1300 699 077 NZ 0800 699 077

The post Password Managers Are Now Prime Targets – Here’s What You Should Know appeared first on ItVisions | IT Support | Managed Service Provider | DE.

Phishing: What to Expect and How to React

Andrew King — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:37:16 +0000

Phishing: What to Expect and How to React

WrittenbyAndrew King/inAI, Articles, Bits & Bytes Newsletter, Cyber Security

Reading Time: 8 minutes

Phishing: What to Expect and How to React

Phishing, defined as “a fraudulent attempt by cybercriminals to trick you into giving them sensitive information, like passwords, bank account numbers, or credit card details, by impersonating a legitimate organisation or person through emails, texts, or phone calls“, is one of the oldest tricks in the book. Back in the day this was the Nigerian prince asking for $500 and in return he would send you half his fortune. Unfortunately, today these attacks aren’t so trivial.

The AI Shift

A challenge we are facing is with the rise in AI — it is easier than ever to make a personalised, well-written phishing attack without needing much effort. In the past, huge phishing indicators would be poor spelling or formatting, if the message didn’t make sense, or if the sender was unknown. But today, these can all be bypassed with a free subscription to any AI model. By putting in their story, some information on you and what they want to achieve, any attacker can have a well-written, tailored phishing email ready to go.

Why Filters Aren’t Enough

The second element to why these attacks are such a major threat is their ability to work around email filtering.

A common question we get asked is:
“Why does my email filter let these phishing emails through but block some of my legitimate emails?”

The unfortunate fact is — for these attackers, their job is to get their email past your filter.

For your average small to medium business, that isn’t the case. Most filters will begin by checking basic configurations are in place. For a small business that has just set up their own domain, they might be missing some of these and as such end up getting blocked as spam.

On the other hand, attackers set up everything to the nth degree and don’t have to stop there. They are aware that the majority of their emails will get stopped, so they automate and work in bulk — sending hundreds or thousands of emails to different inboxes until one sticks. The fact of phishing is that as long as your business can accept a legitimate email, it can also accept a phishing email.

It’s Not Hopeless

That is not to say the war against phishing is hopeless.

The systematic approach is always to set good filtering up to lighten the burden on your staff — the fewer attacks that reach their inbox, the better.

Building on that, there are many email filtering tools that use AI and other features to do more advanced detection. However, you can never truly block phishing attacks. An attack does not have to contain an attachment, a dodgy link or payment details — it can be as simple as a “Hi, how are you going?” to start the conversation, get your guard down and bypass the mail filter. Then the attack can build up over time.

At the end of the day, phishing defence is on the users.

Phishing Response and Awareness

The good news is there are some basic rules for phishing response and awareness:

Only interact with emails you can trust. If you weren’t expecting a link or a PDF, forward it to IT.

If something seems strange about an email from a known contact, reach out to them over a different communication method and confirm (Teams, known mobile number, the number off their website).

Any change of financial details should be confirmed by reaching out over the above methods.

Never reach out using the details in the email as these may have been updated to the attacker’s details.

If available, use the report button on emails you do not trust — it will handle the email and update the mail filter.

As a business owner, invest in user awareness training to get an idea of how your staff handle phishing and how many are vulnerable.

Got Questions or Concerns?

If you’ve received a suspicious email, want to know more about phishing protection, or need help setting up better filtering — don’t hesitate to reach out.

Our team is here to support you.

Ready to gain control of the IT in your company?

GET STARTED WITH US TODAY!

Ask our IT Service Specialists how we can help you gain control over your technology and achieve measurable and successful results.

Contact us

AU 1300 699 077 NZ 0800 699 077

The post Phishing: What to Expect and How to React appeared first on ItVisions | IT Support | Managed Service Provider | DE.

Cyber Security: Education, Training, and Awareness – Why They’re Not the Same, and Why That Matters

Leticia Simari — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 04:01:38 +0000

Cyber Security: Education, Training, and Awareness

Why They’re Not the Same, and Why That Matters

WrittenbyLeticia Simari/inArticles, Bits & Bytes Newsletter, Cyber Security, Uncategorized

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Cyber security isn’t just a technical issue—it’s a cultural one.

As organisations face increasingly sophisticated threats, the conversation has shifted from tools and systems to people and behaviours. That’s where education, training, and awareness come in. These three pillars are often mentioned together, but they serve different purposes. Understanding the distinction is key to building a resilient security culture.

Let’s break it down with a simple metaphor: preparing for a fire.

Education is learning how fire behaves—how it starts, spreads, and can be controlled.
In cyber security, education means understanding the principles behind threats and defences. It’s about the “why”: why phishing works, why data needs protection, why security matters. This kind of learning is typically delivered through structured programs and is essential for building informed decision-making.

Training is the fire drill. It’s practical, hands-on, and focused on action.
In a cyber context, training teaches people what to do—how to identify a suspicious email, how to report an incident, how to use secure systems. It’s tailored to roles and responsibilities, helping staff respond effectively when it counts.

Awareness is the fire alarm. It’s the ongoing reminder that risk exists and that vigilance is necessary.
Cyber awareness keeps security top of mind through campaigns, posters, simulations, and conversations. It doesn’t teach new skills, but it reinforces good habits and encourages alertness.

Each element plays a role, but none is enough on its own.

Education builds understanding.
Training builds capability.
Awareness builds attentiveness.

Together, they create a culture where security is part of everyday thinking—not just a checklist or a compliance exercise.

This culture shift doesn’t happen overnight. It requires leadership support, consistent messaging, and engagement across the organisation. Everyone—from executives to frontline staff—needs to see cyber security as part of their job, not someone else’s.

Just like fire safety is embedded into how we design buildings and conduct daily routines, cyber security must be woven into how we work, communicate, and make decisions. When that happens, security becomes second nature—and that’s when real change begins.

Ready to strengthen your organisation’s cyber security culture?

Start by evaluating how education, training, and awareness are currently delivered across your teams. Small shifts in mindset lead to lasting change—let’s make cyber security second nature.

Get in Touch

Ready to gain control of the IT in your company?

GET STARTED WITH US TODAY!

Ask our IT Service Specialists how we can help you gain control over your technology and achieve measurable and successful results.

Contact us

AU 1300 699 077 NZ 0800 699 077

The post Cyber Security: Education, Training, and Awareness – Why They’re Not the Same, and Why That Matters appeared first on ItVisions | IT Support | Managed Service Provider | DE.

Security Fatigue and Click Regret: Understanding the Human Side of Cybercrime

Leticia Simari — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 03:17:51 +0000

Security Fatigue and Click Regret:

Understanding the Human Side of Cybercrime

WrittenbyLeticia Simari/inAI, Articles, Bits & Bytes Newsletter, Cyber Security, IT Support, Managed IT

Reading Time: 7 minutes

When we think of cybersecurity, we often picture firewalls, encryption, and AI-powered threat detection. But the truth is, the biggest vulnerability in any system isn’t the tech—it’s the people using it.

Cybercriminals know this. That’s why phishing emails are designed to trigger urgency, fear, or curiosity. It’s why password spraying works—because people reuse simple passwords across platforms. And it’s why even the most sophisticated security tools can be undone by a single click.

So, what’s really going on inside our heads when we make risky decisions online?

Cognitive Biases at Play

Humans are wired to take mental shortcuts. These are called heuristics, and while they help us make quick decisions, they can also lead us astray:

Optimism bias: “It won’t happen to me.” This is why people ignore security warnings or delay software updates.
Authority bias: We’re more likely to trust messages that appear to come from a boss or government agency—even if they’re fake.
Urgency bias: When something feels urgent, we act fast. That’s exactly what phishing emails exploit.

Security Fatigue Is Real

Between MFA prompts, password resets, and constant alerts, employees can feel overwhelmed. This leads to security fatigue—a state where people start ignoring best practices just to get through the day.

The solution? Make security feel easy, not exhausting. Tools like password managers, single sign-on, and smart MFA can reduce friction and improve compliance.

Training That Actually Works

Traditional security training often fails because it’s boring, generic, or forgettable. To change behaviour, we need to tap into psychology:

Make it personal: Show how a breach could affect the individual, not just the company.
Use storytelling: Real-world examples stick better than dry facts.
Gamify it: Platforms like usecure use quizzes, simulations, and microlearning to keep engagement high.

Boost Behavioural Defences with usecure

If your team’s biggest vulnerability is human error, usecure is your first line of defence. This smart platform delivers personalised, bite-sized training that helps staff spot phishing, avoid risky clicks, and build better habits—without the eye-rolls. It’s security awareness that actually sticks.

Ask us how to get started with usecure today.

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Culture Is the Ultimate Defence

Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue—it’s a culture issue. When employees feel safe to ask questions, report suspicious activity, and admit mistakes, the whole organisation becomes more resilient.

Psychological safety is key. If someone clicks a dodgy link, they should feel supported—not shamed. That’s how we build a team that learns, adapts, and protects itself.

US Cybercrime Snapshot

According to the US Cybersecurity Agency (ACSC) Cyber Threat Report 2023–24:

Over 76,000 cybercrime reports were filed last year—a 13% increase from the previous year. That’s one report every seven minutes.

Business Email Compromise (BEC) caused more than $98 million in losses, with an average cost of $64,000 per incident.

Threat actors are increasingly using AI to enhance attack sophistication, making human awareness and behaviour more critical than ever.

Final Thought

The best cybersecurity strategy isn’t just technical—it’s behavioural. By understanding how people think, feel, and act, SMEs can build defences that are not only strong, but human-proof.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about protecting data—it’s about protecting people.

Ready to Strengthen Your Human Firewall?

Cybersecurity isn’t just about tech—it’s about people. If you’re ready to build a culture of awareness, reduce risky behaviour, and empower your team to make safer decisions online, we’re here to help.

Book a free security awareness consult with our team and take the first step toward a more resilient business.

Get in Touch

Ready to gain control of the IT in your company?

GET STARTED WITH US TODAY!

Ask our IT Service Specialists how we can help you gain control over your technology and achieve measurable and successful results.

Contact us

AU 1300 699 077 NZ 0800 699 077

The post Security Fatigue and Click Regret: Understanding the Human Side of Cybercrime appeared first on ItVisions | IT Support | Managed Service Provider | DE.

Open-Source AI vs. Superbugs: The Fight Is On

Leticia Simari — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 02:12:58 +0000

Open-Source AI vs. Superbugs:
The Fight Is On

WrittenbyLeticia Simari/inAI, Articles, Bits & Bytes Newsletter

Reading Time: 6 minutes

What do you get when you mix open-source AI with a global health crisis? A new kind of superhero—one that doesn’t wear a cape but crunches data at lightning speed.

Across the globe, scientists are tapping into open-source AI to tackle some of the toughest challenges in medicine. From antibiotic-resistant bacteria to emerging viruses, these freely available models are helping researchers fast-track drug discovery, predict outbreaks, and decode complex biological patterns. It’s collaborative, fast, and breaking down barriers that used to slow innovation to a crawl.

So, what is Open-Source AI?

Open-source AI is artificial intelligence technology that’s freely available for anyone to use, modify, and improve. Instead of being locked behind a company’s paywall or hidden in proprietary systems, the code and data that power these AI tools are shared publicly—so researchers, developers, and even small businesses can collaborate, build on each other’s work, and create new solutions faster.

Think of it like a community-built toolkit: one person might design the engine, another adds the wheels, and someone else paints the body. The result? Smarter, more accessible AI that evolves through shared knowledge—not just corporate investment.

We’ve seen the power of AI in healthcare before. Earlier this year, we introduced Ana—the AI-powered health assistant helping patients prepare for surgery and access care in underserved communities. Ana wasn’t just a chatbot; she was a Carebot. Designed to deliver empathetic, accurate support at scale, Ana showed us how AI can be both smart and deeply human. Now imagine Ana powered by a global network of open-source intelligence. That’s the future we’re heading toward—where AI tools are not only smarter but also more accessible, adaptable, and community-driven.

But with great power comes great responsibility. As we highlighted in our February edition of Bits and Bytes, data privacy and ethical use are non-negotiables when deploying AI in healthcare. Organisations must have clear policies, robust security frameworks, and a culture of transparency to ensure AI is used safely and responsibly.

Open-source AI isn’t just a tool—it’s a turning point. It’s enabling researchers, clinicians, and innovators to work together in ways we’ve never seen before. And it’s giving smaller organisations the chance to punch above their weight in the fight against disease.

Curious how AI and Automation could support your business or clients?

Reach out to our team for a free AI policy toolkit or a quick consult.

Let’s build smarter, safer solutions—together.

Ready to gain control of the IT in your company?

GET STARTED WITH US TODAY!

Ask our IT Service Specialists how we can help you gain control over your technology and achieve measurable and successful results.

Contact us

AU 1300 699 077 NZ 0800 699 077

The post Open-Source AI vs. Superbugs: The Fight Is On appeared first on ItVisions | IT Support | Managed Service Provider | DE.

Cyber Alert: Stay Protected Amid Rising Ransomware and Data Breach Threats

Leticia Simari — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 00:00:45 +0000

Cyber Alert: Stay Protected Amid Rising Ransomware and Data Breach Threats

WrittenbyLeticia Simari/inAI, Articles, Bits & Bytes Newsletter, Cyber Security, System Monitoring

Reading Time: 7 minutes

What do you get when you mix open-source AI with a global health crisis? A new kind of superhero—one that doesn’t wear a cape but crunches data at lightning speed.

The Latest Stats: July–December 2024

According to the OAIC’s Notifiable Data Breaches Report:

595 data breach notifications were received in the second half of 2024—up from 518 in the first half.
67% of breaches were caused by malicious or criminal attacks, with ransomware and phishing among the most common methods.
The health sector remained the most affected, followed by finance and education.
Multi-party breaches are on the rise, with incidents affecting multiple organisations through shared platforms or service providers.

These figures highlight the urgent need for stronger, more proactive cybersecurity measures—especially in sectors handling sensitive personal data.

If You Think You’ve Been Hit

If something feels off—your systems are acting strangely, files are locked, or you’ve received a ransom demand—don’t panic. But act fast.

Disconnect affected systems immediately to stop the spread.
Don’t pay the ransom. It’s risky and often doesn’t work.
Contact us straight away.

As your security provider, we’ll take it from here. We’ll contain the threat, investigate the breach, and report it to the authorities on your behalf.

How to Stay Ahead of Cyber Threats

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are five simple but powerful steps you can take today:

Back up your data regularly—and keep a copy offline.
Update your software as soon as patches are available.
Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to protect logins.
Limit admin access to only those who truly need it.
Segment your network so one breach doesn’t compromise everything.

Your Team Is Your First Line of Defence

Technology helps—but people matter just as much. Many breaches happen because someone clicks a dodgy link or uses a weak password.

That’s why we offer tailored training programs to help your team stay sharp:

Phishing simulations to spot fake emails.
Password hygiene workshops to build better habits.
Incident response drills so everyone knows what to do.
Ongoing awareness campaigns to keep security top of mind.

When your team knows what to look for and how to respond, your whole business becomes more resilient.

Let’s Build a Safer Future Together

We know that reactive security isn’t enough anymore. That’s why we offer SDaaS Secure Plus—a fully managed cybersecurity solution that keeps your business protected, compliant, and ready for anything.

With SDaaS Secure Plus, you get:

24/7 threat detection and response
Advanced ransomware protection
Secure cloud backups and rapid recovery
Expert support and incident handling
Compliance with ACSC Essential Eight and OAIC guidelines
Employee training and awareness programs

Don’t wait for a breach to take action.
Reach out to us today for a free security assessment or to learn more about how we can help.

Learn More

Ready to gain control of the IT in your company?

GET STARTED WITH US TODAY!

Ask our IT Service Specialists how we can help you gain control over your technology and achieve measurable and successful results.

Contact us

AU 1300 699 077 NZ 0800 699 077

The post Cyber Alert: Stay Protected Amid Rising Ransomware and Data Breach Threats appeared first on ItVisions | IT Support | Managed Service Provider | DE.

Bits & Bytes Newsletter | Managed IT Services in Melbourne

Compliance Starts with Clarity: Crafting Effective InfoSec Policies

Compliance Starts with Clarity: Crafting Effective InfoSec Policies

Why Policies Matter

Core Elements of a Data Handling & InfoSec Policy

Common Mistakes Businesses Make with InfoSec Policies

How Clients Can Approach This

Partner with a Trusted Technology Partner

GET STARTED WITH US TODAY!

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The Hidden Threat in Your Tech Stack: Understanding IT Supply Chain Attacks

The Hidden Threat in Your Tech Stack: Understanding IT Supply Chain Attacks

What Is a Supply Chain Attack?

How It Happens

The Business Impact

Final Thought: Trust Is Not a Strategy

Don’t Let Trust Be Your Weakest Link

GET STARTED WITH US TODAY!

Contact us

Risk Isn’t Just Technical: A Business Leader’s Guide to IT Risk

Risk Isn’t Just Technical:

A Business Leader’s Guide to IT Risk

Understanding IT Risk

Risk Tolerance: How Much Is Too Much?

Frameworks That Help You Decide

Essential Eight (ACSC)

ISO/IEC 27001

Real World Risk: What Happens When You Don’t Act

How to Treat IT Risk Effectively

1. Assess your current risk exposure

2. Define your risk tolerance

3. Choose a framework

4. Implement controls

5. Review regularly

Final Thought: Risk Is a Business Decision

Ready to Take Control of Your Technology Risk?

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Total Takeover: Hacker Gains Full Control of Personal Account

Total Takeover: Hacker Gains Full Control of Personal Account

The Attack Begins

The Real Impact

The Fallout

Lessons Learnt

Is my password complex?

Do I use strong Multifactor Authentication (MFA)?

What data is kept in this service?

Final Thought

Take Control Before Someone Else Does

GET STARTED WITH US TODAY!

Contact us

Password Managers Are Now Prime Targets – Here’s What You Should Know

Password Managers Are Now Prime Targets

Here’s What You Should Know

Why Password Managers Are in the Crosshairs

The Real-World Risk

What You Should Be Doing

Bottom Line

Ready to Review Your Setup?

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Phishing: What to Expect and How to React

Phishing: What to Expect and How to React

Phishing: What to Expect and How to React

The AI Shift

Why Filters Aren’t Enough

It’s Not Hopeless

Phishing Response and Awareness

Got Questions or Concerns?

GET STARTED WITH US TODAY!

Contact us

Cyber Security: Education, Training, and Awareness – Why They’re Not the Same, and Why That Matters

Cyber Security: Education, Training, and Awareness

Why They’re Not the Same, and Why That Matters

Cyber security isn’t just a technical issue—it’s a cultural one.

Let’s break it down with a simple metaphor: preparing for a fire.

Each element plays a role, but none is enough on its own.

Ready to strengthen your organisation’s cyber security culture?

GET STARTED WITH US TODAY!

Contact us

Open-Source AI vs. Superbugs:
The Fight Is On