Directive Blogs

Even your friendly neighborhood Micro Training writers experience cybersecurity incidents, too!

In this Micro Training, one of our writers, Nick, shares his real experience with identity theft and how he navigated the incident.

While IT teams implement firewalls, antivirus protection, and system updates to strengthen your organization’s network, technology alone can’t stop every threat. That’s where the human firewall comes in.

In this week’s Micro Training, we’ll explore how security-aware employees play a vital role in identifying and preventing cybersecurity threats — and how every informed choice strengthens an organization’s defenses.

We’re kicking off Cybersecurity Awareness Month with real user stories about scams they’ve encountered. Staying safe online starts with awareness, and we’re stronger when we share our cybersecurity experiences with one another.

In this Micro Training, learn about phishing from real life stories and uncover tips and tricks that can help you avoid falling for scams.

Updating software is a crucial part of staying safe online, but not all software updates are created equal.

In this Micro Training, learn why these updates are important and how cybercriminals leverage fake software updates in their scams.

Staying safe online means protecting your accounts with stronger authentication. That’s why this Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we’re diving into real stories about Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) and how cybercriminals try to bypass it.

In this Micro Training, learn how MFA works, where it can fall short, and what you can do to keep your accounts secure.

Your password is the first line of defense between you and a cybercriminal—but if it’s weak, reused, or predictable, it could prevent you from staying safe online.

In this Micro Training, we’re continuing Cybersecurity Awareness Month with tips on what makes a strong password, why password managers can help, and how cybercriminals exploit weak or reused passwords.

The truth is, fear is one of the most powerful tools hackers use because it works.

In this Micro Training, we’re going beyond just recognizing fear tactics—we’re going to teach you how to hack the attack.

You’ve seen phishing emails before. But have you noticed how they’ve evolved?

In this Micro Training, we’re going to show you how phishing has become emotional warfare—and why understanding its evolution could protect you from falling for the next attack.

Cybercriminals don’t need advanced tech to hack you—they just need to make you panic.

In this Micro Training, we'll discover how fear-based scams work, and what one might look like.

Cyber hygiene is a foundational first line of defense, and just like any other physical structure relies on a solid foundation, so does critical infrastructure.

In this Micro Training, we'll take a look at how the world’s most targeted and essential industries prioritize cyber hygiene, and what other industries can learn from their best practices.

In this Micro Training, we’ll take a closer look at the specific methods attackers use to compromise these vital systems.

In today’s hyperconnected world, protecting critical infrastructure—our most essential systems and services—is more important than ever.

In this Micro Training, we’ll explore the vast scale of critical infrastructure and uncover why these systems are so often targeted in cyberattacks.

Many of us have wearable devices that we use every day, but eventually these devices will have to be retired.

In this Micro Training, we’ll go over techniques like account delinking, cloud data purging, and more, making sure that you stay protected even after you part ways with your wearable device.

Ever wonder what really happens during a wearable device breach—or how attackers can use compromised devices against you?

In this Micro Training, we’ll break it all down and show you how to protect your devices and personal data from falling into the wrong hands.

Did you know your wearable device could be silently connecting to Bluetooth devices and Wi-Fi networks you never approved of?

In this Micro Training, we’ll explore how hackers exploit these invisible connections, as well as how to lock down your wearable and keep your sensitive information out of the wrong hands.

Smartwatches, fitness trackers, and other wearables are more than health tools — they’re internet-connected devices that can expose personal and work data if not secured.

In this Micro Training, you’ll learn how wearables fit into the Internet of Things (IoT), the cybersecurity risks they pose, and what you can do to stay safe.

By now, you’re familiar with the basics of shadow IT, and you’ve heard the risks.

In this Micro Training, dive deeper into our three-parts shadow IT series, exploring the role of software as a service (SaaS) and how it fuels the rise of shadow IT.

Shadow IT isn’t just about someone downloading a random app, it’s often a response to unmet needs.

In this Micro Training, learn what drives shadow IT and how understanding the "why" behind it can help strengthen your organization’s security.

The term "Shadow IT" may sound mysterious, but the practice is actually quite common in most workplaces.

In this Micro Training, jumpstart your learning journey with a beginner-friendly course that covers the fundamentals of this growing cybersecurity risk.

You don’t need to be an expert to stop cryptojacking—just a few smart habits and tools can do the trick.

In this Micro Training, learn practical steps to block cryptojacking attempts and what your IT provider can do to help keep your system clean and efficient.

Your device might be working overtime, and not for you. Cryptojacking is when cybercriminals secretly use your system to mine cryptocurrency.

In this Micro Training, learn what cryptojacking is, why it’s dangerous, and how cybercriminals use your device to mine cryptocurrency without your knowledge.

Have you ever noticed your computer running more slowly, crashing randomly, and just behaving strangely? Fileless malware could be the culprit.

In this Micro Training, learn how fileless malware spreads, why it’s so difficult to detect, and the best ways to protect yourself from this invisible threat.

Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, and telephone-oriented attack deliveries (TOADs) are a prime example. These attacks combine phone calls and emails to deceive users into revealing sensitive information or installing malware.

In this Micro Training, learn how TOAD attacks work, why they’re so effective, and how to stay protected.

Picture this: You’re heading out on vacation, but while you’re enjoying some well-deserved time off, cybercriminals are hard at work, setting the stage for their next phishing attack.

In this Micro Training, learn how scammers can exploit your Out-of-Office auto-reply emails, and what you can do to stay protected.

Did you know Americans lost over $65 million to Bitcoin ATM scams in just the first six months of 2024!

In this Micro Training, learn how these scams work and how you can protect yourself.

These latest scams are designed to lure you in with enticing job offers. The catch? You’re not even looking for a new job!

In this Micro Training, learn how scammers are getting more creative with fake job recruitment scams that could expose you to identity theft, malware, or financial fraud.

By now you’ve already heard about the dark web and the deep web, but what about the gray web?

In this week's Micro Training, we will be further exploring this less distinct yet crucially important space to understand when navigating online environments.

While the dark web and the deep web may sound similar, the two are vastly different.

In our Micro Training series on the dark, the deep, and the gray web, this edition we will be further exploring the deep web and how it works.

The dark web, the deep web, and the gray web—these names may all sound similar, but it’s important to know just how different they are.

With this week’s Micro Training, we’ll kick off a three part series with the dark web, including how it works and who is on it.

Think one scammer is frightening? Imagine a collective team of scammers working together to defraud their victims.

In this Micro Training, learn the truth behind scam centers and hear an expert’s advice on how to stay safe.

Imagine getting a call from a friend in trouble, begging you to help by sending money via a gift card. It seems urgent, but take a moment to pause and think, as you may be the target of a gift card scam.

In this Micro Training, learn how to recognize red flags that could indicate gift card scams, and how to protect yourself.

Beware of mysterious deliveries! Receiving a package you did not order could be a sign of a brushing scam.

In this Micro Training, we explore how brushing scams work, why they happen, and steps you can take to protect your personal information.

Imagine getting an email that threatens to reveal your most personal secrets—only to realize it's all a carefully crafted lie meant to scare you.

In this Micro Training, we uncover how sextortion scams use fear and publicly available information to create fake threats. We also explain what to do if you’re the target of this type of sextortion scam.

What would you do if someone you trusted turned your intimate photos into a weapon of blackmail? This alarming reality, known as sextortion, is a growing threat that could happen to anyone.

In this Micro Training, learn how to protect yourself from sextortion scams, recognize red flags, safeguard your online presence, and take immediate action if targeted.

As Cybersecurity Awareness Month comes to an end, our superhero guide leaves you with one last piece of advice: update your software!

In thisMicro Training, find out why keeping your software up-to-date is an important step in securing our world.

In today's digital world, passwords alone aren't enough to protect your accounts from cyber threats. That's why multi-factor authentication (MFA) is becoming a crucial tool in cybersecurity.

In this Micro Training, learn how implementing MFA can enhance your security and discover how cybercriminals are trying to capitalize on this growing security trend.

Welcome to Cybersecurity Awareness Month! This year, learn the ways of cyber superhumans and discover how to protect your digital world from cyber threats.

In this Micro Training, we’ll focus on phishing—a deceptive tactic used by cybercriminals to steal your personal information.

Your online actions leave a trace that can come back to haunt you long after you’ve forgotten about them.

In this Micro Training, learn how past breaches can resurface years later and strategies to protect your accounts from these digital phantoms.

Online gaming is fun, but it’s not just about defeating virtual enemies – real-life cybercriminals could be lurking behind the screen.

In this Micro Training, learn about some cybersecurity risks of online gaming and tips for gaming safely.

Billions of people are voting in major elections this year, and cybercriminals are using advanced techniques to influence voters and steal personal information.

In this Micro Training, we share common election-related scams and ways to protect yourself.

Have you ever considered that the biggest threat to your cybersecurity might be sitting just a few desks away?

In this Micro Training, learn about insider threats and the dangers they pose for an organization.

Do you feel confident in your ability to spot a fake Wi-Fi network?

If not, this Micro Training video on evil twin attacks is a must watch!

The threat of ransomware has not diminished over the years. In fact, additional extortion techniques are making these attacks even more dangerous.

In this Micro Training, learn about what ransomware is, how damaging it can be, and the best practices for protecting your devices.

If your passwords are easy for you to remember, they may also be easy for a cybercriminal to guess using a dictionary attack.

In this Micro Training, learn about how dangerous dictionary attacks can be and how to protect your accounts.

Cybercriminals are exploiting text messages in sophisticated CEO fraud schemes, tricking employees into revealing sensitive information or sending money under the guise of urgent requests from top executives.

In this Micro Training, learn the essential strategies to protect yourself and your organization from these increasingly common and deceptive scams.

App stores are brimming with helpful tools and entertainment options, but hidden among these useful applications are malicious threats waiting to trip up unwary users.

In this Micro Training, learn more about the signs of suspicious apps so you can steer clear of the malicious ones and explore app stores with confidence.

While one-time passwords can be a great way to verify a user’s identity, in the wrong hands, they can be used for harm.

In this Micro Training, we'll explore how cybercriminals are exploiting one-time passwords (OTPs) to carry out their scams.

Last week, we uncovered common scams found on social media.

In this Micro Training, we share helpful tips on how to use social media more safely.

Social media can be fun – but you should still use it with the same caution you use with any other online activity.

In this Micro Training, learn how to recognize common social media scams, such as phishing, account hijacking, and malware.

Traveling can broaden your horizons and offer the chance to explore, but in today’s hyper-connected world, it can also make you more vulnerable to cybersecurity risks.

In this Micro Training, learn practical strategies to protect yourself from cyber threats while traveling.

Smishing is on the rise, and to better understand how it works, we are taking a look at the top smishing saves made by super cyber-aware users.

In this Micro Training, we will look at three scenarios of smishing and examine how each user was able to spot it.

Artificial Intelligence and deepfake audio are increasingly being used by cybercriminals in their scams.

In this Micro Training, we will look at a specific AI vishing scam that targets a user’s relatives.

Do you feel like someone knows what you are doing online? If someone knows information about you that they shouldn’t, or mysterious apps are popping up on your device, it could be a case of stalkerware.

In this Micro Training, we will define stalkerware and explain how to identify and avoid it.

Did you know that Smart TVs are considered IoT devices?

In this Micro Training, explore this connection further, and see how cybercriminals are taking advantage of it.

What do a clean desk and a strong password have in common? They both increase security!

In this Micro Training, we will explore the possible cybersecurity repercussions that come with keeping a messy workspace.

Does the internet ever feel like an avalanche of never-ending content?

In this Micro Training, learn how AI content farms exacerbate this feeling, leading to intentional and unintentional misinformation spreading like wildfire.

We are going back to the basics so you can learn how to put cybersecurity first in your work and personal life.

In this Micro Training, learn eight quick and simple tips on how you can put cybersecurity first.

In a pig butchering scam, cybercriminals are playing the long game to squeeze as much as they can out of their victim.

In this Micro Training, learn about how pig butchering scams work and what you need to be on the lookout for.

Have you received an email with a QR code in it recently? Watch out! It might be a scam.

In this Micro Training, find out more about the increasingly common tactic of QR code phishing, also known as Quishing.

Often times, our fitness goals get lumped in with our New Year’s resolutions, and in the spirit of our 2024 cybersecurity resolutions, we're joining forces in this training, too.

In this Micro Training, learn more about the world of fitness scams that may be encountered along your fitness journey.

Imagine for a moment, if you will, your email account has been compromised!

In this Micro Training, we’ll cover one example of how cybercriminals can gain access to your email account, as well as what their nefarious next steps might look like.

If attack vectors are the method that cybercriminals use to infiltrate a network, an attack surface is the number of potential entry points.

In this Micro Training, we will learn more about attack surfaces and their physical and digital states.

Attack vectors may sound like a term out of a Sci-Fi film, but you’ve definitely run into them more often than you think.

In this Micro Training, we’ll define what an attack vector is, along with the active or passive roles that they may take.

Online marketplaces are not only havens for bargain hunting and re-selling – they are also a favorite hunting ground for cybercriminals looking to scam you out of goods, money, and personal information.

In this Micro Training, we’ll review common marketplace scams and the best ways to protect yourself from them.

Congrats! You finally got through the process of making your online purchase. But wait! You’re not out of the scammers' grasp yet.

In this Micro Training, learn about three delivery scams that cybercriminals use to capitalize on the process of online shopping.

If you’ve ever had the uneasy feeling like someone is reading over your shoulder or listening from around the corner, then you already have some experience with this scamming technique.

In this Micro Training, we’ll cover eavesdropping – what it is and what it means for the security of your desktop or laptop computer, as well as best practices for securing your system against it.

The holiday travel season is about to begin! This can be a hectic time for everyone, and cybercriminals are capitalizing on it.

In this Micro Training, we’ll cover some of the common transportation scams that are circulating the web this year.

Is your device running slower than normal? Are excessive pop-ups ruining your online experience? If you answered “yes” to these questions, your device might have malware.

In this Micro Training, find out more about signs of malware and learn what steps to take if your device has been infected.

Did you know that the first element of an incoming message that we often see, especially on a mobile device, is not the sender’s email address but their display name.

In this Micro Training, tune in for another episode of the "Cyber Talk Show", and learn more about the sneaky tactic of display name spoofing.

For this Micro Training, we’re doing a bait-and-switch on the cybercriminals: teaching you how to catch your own phish with tips on what to look out for, and advice on how to report suspicious activity.

For this Micro Training, learn the benefits of updating systems, and gain some tips on how to efficiently and effectively protect your devices through updates.

The “Internet of Things” is all around us, and cybercriminals are eager to make use of it.

In this Micro Training, we’ll look at the impact of eavesdropping attacks on smart home and IoT devices.

If you reuse the same password across multiple accounts, watch this training video!

In this Micro Training, learn how cybercriminals are using previously exposed credentials to access different accounts.

Change is scary. Which is why, even though you know Password Managers help to manage complex passwords across several accounts, you still stick with the same, old passwords you’re comfortable with: using them over, and over, and over.

In this Micro Training, learn more about what Password Mangers have to offer, and see if this tool is a good match for your security goals.

Phishing has a fascinating historical and societal impact that is often overlooked. With Phishing401, this “senior level” course dives deeper into the subject matter, allowing you to advance in your phishing studies.

In this Micro Training, we will take a look at how phishing began, why it has been successful, and what causes psychology to play such an important role for both the scammer, and the victim.

An insider threat is when an individual with authorized access for an organization, misuses their access in a way that harms the organization. As the name implies, these threats come from within.

In this micro training we’re looking at Intentional Insider Threats which are deliberate and often planned actions often carried out for personal gain or to right a perceived injustice.

An insider threat is when an individual with authorized access for an organization, misuses their access in a way that harms the organization. As the name implies, these threats come from within.

In this micro training we’ll look at Unintentional Insider Threats, which are actions that may harm an organization that are NOT planned or carried out with malicious intent. The individual at fault is often referred to as a pawn.

An insider threat is when an individual with authorized access for an organization, misuses their access in a way that harms the organization. As the name implies, these threats come from within.

In this micro training, we review six simple tips for staff, management and IT to safeguard their organization from potential insider threats.

Romance Scams are yet another area in which cybercriminals are leveraging our strongest emotions to cultivate an “error-prone mindset” leaving broken hearts and broken passwords in their wake.

In this Micro Training, we’ll look at some of the most common and recent iterations of the romance scam and how to cultivate the awareness it takes to beat them.

When you think of the Dark Web, you might picture a big spiderweb filled with illegal substances, counterfeit bills, and stolen credit cards. But did you know not everything on the Dark Web is nefarious?

So then what exactly is the Dark Web, and why is it associated with your personal information? Find out in this Micro Training.

When the afternoon slump hits, cybercriminals get to work pushing out their Spear Phishing campaigns. Why? Because people are more likely to make mistakes and click the link when they are burnt out.

In this Micro Training, learn the different signs and types of burnouts, and how they can affect your cybersecurity awareness.

Phishing landing pages are commonly found after a user clicks a link in a malicious message or by being redirected during a web browsing session.

But how can you spot these sneaky sites? Learn the difference between a phishing landing page and the real deal in this Micro Training.

While the focus of cybersecurity is often on technological safeguards, there are also many physical security measures that play an important role in keeping data safe.

We take a look at five physical security tips to protect devices and sensitive information.

Phishing messages come in many forms, with many different ways to catch and respond to them.

To wrap up Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we’ll look at the importance of recognizing and reporting an incident by analyzing three different phishing attempts.

Sooner or later we all find ourselves in a public place with a device in our hands and a Public WiFi network as our best means of connecting to the internet. However, Public WiFi can pose as a serious threat to our security and privacy.

This Micro Training focuses on simple steps we can all take to stay more secure and more aware when using Public WiFi connections.

Social engineering is a tactic many scammers know well, and without our awareness of their tricks, it could leave the door open to a scam.

In this Micro Training, we unpack the 6 Principles of Social Engineering and look at examples of how a scammer may utilize each tactic.

The 3 R’s (aka: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) is not just a way to keep our planet cleaner but also a way to evaluate password strength.

In this Micro Training, we break down the three ways to ensure your password stays “in the green.”

Deepfakes have been making their rounds on social media sites. Most are just harmless fun, but advancements in technology are opening avenues for scams.

In this Micro Training, learn more about how scammers use deepfake audio and video to enhance their scams.

Did you know that the average employee receives 1.2 phishing emails per day?

In this Micro Training, we’re unboxing two of the cleverest phishing emails that are currently circulating the internet so that you’ll be better prepared when one lands in your inbox.

Unsolicited text messages from unknown numbers have always been a go-to tactic for scammers. But when a message simply says, “Hi,” or “Sorry, wrong number,” curiosity may take over.

In this Micro Training, learn how scammers are carrying out wrong number scams and what to do if you receive one of these mysterious text messages.

Smart devices are quickly becoming an integral part of society. But as the world continues to get more connected, the number of connected devices susceptible to cybercriminals grows, as well.

In this Micro Training, find out how to keep your data safe despite the increasing number of smart devices connected to the Internet of Things.

Many users are aware that they are being tracked online. While some of this tracking can be used to customize the user experience, it is important to know how to protect your tracked data from cybercriminals’ prying eyes.

In this Micro Training, follow along as we dive into how internet tracking works and the many ways to protect your data.

Multi-Factor Authentication is a great way to restrict access to accounts if there were to be an exposure of your credentials, but cybercriminals are finding ways to get around these defenses.

In this Micro Training, learn the tricks cybercriminals are using to get past these security measures and the tips to make this process stronger.

It can often be challenging to keep up with all of the cybersecurity threats and corresponding preventative measures.

That is why, in this Micro Training, we’re providing you with three essential cybersecurity guidelines to help keep your shields up.

Learn to spot event scams so you don’t get played!

In this Micro Training, we will tackle the topic of event scams and explore how to spot advertisements and ticket opportunities that are too good to be true.