How to Stop “Tech Support” from Exploiting Your Business Data

By Matt Mangels, CRO/CISO

The Wall Street Journal article, “How Hackers Are Turning Tech Support Into a Threat,” resonated with us at Moonshot Solutions. It highlights a sneaky and growing problem: cybercriminals disguised as tech support, using clever social engineering tactics to gain access to your company’s systems.

This isn’t about sophisticated hacking software; it’s about exploiting human trust. As the WSJ points out, these scammers pretend to be from IT or a well-known tech company. They create a sense of urgency or fear, prompting people to grant them access or divulge sensitive information. This is incredibly dangerous for any business. Just one employee falling for this kind of scam can open the door to stolen data, financial loss, or significant disruptions to your operations. 

The Hacker’s Playbook: How These Scams Work 

Let’s break down why these “tech support” scams are effective:

• They Play on Trust: When someone claims to be from IT and insists there’s a tech problem – we’re wired to believe them.
• They Create Panic: Scammers make you think something urgent needs fixing right now to avoid a disaster, such as losing data or crashing systems. This rush makes it hard to think clearly.
• Lack of Awareness: Many employees aren’t trained to recognize these fake requests, especially when they appear to be genuine tech support. 
• Easy Remote Access: The tools legitimate IT teams use to help you remotely can easily be abused by these criminals. 

Moonshot Solutions’ Approach: Protecting Your Business from the Inside Out 

The good news: the tech support nightmare doesn’t have to be your reality. Moonshot Solutions offers the robust solutions you need to protect your business. We take a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity, addressing both technical vulnerabilities and the human element. 

Here’s how Moonshot Solutions helps your business stay safe from these evolving threats: 

• Strong Protection for Your Devices: We put advanced security tools on your computers and other devices. These tools go beyond basic antivirus; they can spot unusual activity, even if someone accidentally lets a scammer in, allowing us to shut down the problem quickly. 
• Secure Logins and Access: We make sure your online accounts are extra secure. This means using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), where you need more than just a password to log in. Even if a scammer tricks someone into giving up their password, they still can’t gain access without the second step. We also help establish strong password rules and regularly review who has access to what. 
• Employee Security Training: This is where your team becomes your strongest defense. Moonshot Solutions provides ongoing, hands-on training that teaches your employees:
  • How to Spot Fake Emails: We regularly test them with simulated phishing emails, including ones that look like tech support, so they learn what to look for. 
  • Recognizing Scammer Tricks: We educate your team on the psychological tactics hackers employ, helping them identify red flags such as unexpected calls, urgent demands, or unusual payment requests. 
  • A “Think Before You Click” Culture: We help you build a workplace where employees are encouraged to question unexpected requests and always verify identities through trusted, established ways. 
• Constant Network Watch: Our team monitors your network 24/7. We use smart systems that continuously analyze all your network activity for any suspicious activity. This allows us to spot potential intrusions and respond super-fast, often before any real damage is done. 
• Ready for Anything: If a security issue does pop up, having a clear plan is crucial. Moonshot Solutions collaborates with your team to develop and test comprehensive plans, minimizing downtime and facilitating a swift recovery from any security issue. 

Don’t Let Your Tech Support Become a Threat 

The tech support incidents serve as a potent reminder that cyber threats are constantly evolving, and staying secure means always being alert and ready to adapt. Tech support scams, despite their simplicity, are highly effective because they exploit human trust. 

At Moonshot Solutions, we believe that smart technology, combined with a well-trained and aware team, is your ultimate protection. Don’t wait for a security incident to expose your vulnerabilities. 

Take the first step to a safer business. Contact Moonshot Solutions today for a free security checkup. We’ll work with you to understand your risks and make sure your tech support remains a solution, not a threat.