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ExchangeDefender General Product Features

Over the weekend, we designed, tested, and implemented new architectural solutions to address recent issues with the central login service for ExchangeDefender products. Additionally, we identified and began resolving a critical alerting issue that had prevented our NOC from receiving timely notifications about service outages.

To expedite improvements, we deployed a web cluster originally planned for a later release. This new cluster introduces advanced high-availability features, including self-healing capabilities and integration with modern, distributed monitoring solutions to ensure consistent global accessibility.

Given the scope of this upgrade, we opted for a phased rollout using A/B testing to ensure service reliability. Over the past three days, we’ve gradually increased traffic to the new cluster, starting at 12%, while monitoring server and load balancer performance metrics. Currently, 20% of traffic is routed through the new cluster, with the remaining 80% handled by the legacy system. In the event of a failure in either cluster, the load balancer will dynamically shift all traffic to the active system, even if a customer was initially pinned to the affected cluster.

Performance Improvements


The initial results have been highly encouraging, with noticeable performance gains. We’ve observed a 5x improvement in P95 latency and a 3x improvement in P99 latency compared to the previous setup.

Next Steps


Next weekend, we plan to implement the final phase of this upgrade, introducing automated transitions between data centers to address any performance or reliability issues proactively.

Addressing Notification System Failures


During our investigation, we identified a failure point in our notification system. Alerts were being throttled or discarded by our SMS gateway, particularly during cascading outages triggered by login server downtime. We’ve since refreshed our monitoring solution with modern analytics tools and implemented multiple alerting pipelines to prevent future disruptions. While we continue to work with our SMS gateway provider to resolve filtering issues, these changes significantly improve our ability to detect and respond to service issues.

Thank You for Your Patience

We sincerely appreciate your understanding as we worked to diagnose and resolve these challenges. We recognize how frustrating the repeated service interruptions have been and want to assure you that we’ve been actively addressing these issues with a focus on long-term reliability and minimal disruption.

Thank you for your continued trust in ExchangeDefender.

General

What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of Malware. It is a nasty computer virus that locks up your important files. Think of your files as your favorite photos, important documents, or work projects. When ransomware strikes, it scrambles these files, making them useless until you pay the hackers. It’s like a digital thief who kidnaps your data and demands a ransom to give it back.

The Allure of Malicious Links and Attachments

Let’s be real, we’re constantly bombarded with information. From social media to email, we’re exposed to a constant stream of links and attachments. While many of these are harmless, some can be incredibly dangerous.

Why do people click on malicious links and attachments?

  • Curiosity: A well-crafted subject line or intriguing message can pique our interest, leading us to click without thinking.

  • Sense of urgency: Cybercriminals often use tactics like “urgent action required” or “limited-time offer” to create a sense of urgency, prompting us to click impulsively.

  • Trust in the sender: If the email appears to be from a trusted source, such as a friend, family member, or colleague, we may be more likely to let our guard down.

The Devastating Consequences

The consequences of clicking on a malicious link or attachment can be severe. Ransomware attacks can cripple businesses, government agencies, and individuals, leading to significant financial losses, data breaches, and reputational damage.


How to Protect Yourself

To protect yourself from ransomware attacks, it’s essential to practice good cyber hygiene. Here are some tips:

  • Be cautious of unsolicited emails: Avoid opening emails from unknown senders or those with suspicious subject lines.

  • Verify the sender: Double-check the sender’s email address and look for any typos or grammatical errors.

  • Hover over links before clicking: This can help you identify malicious links that may redirect you to harmful websites.

  • Use strong, unique passwords: A strong password can make it more difficult for cybercriminals to access your accounts.

  • Keep your software up-to-date: Regularly update your operating system and software applications to patch vulnerabilities.

  • Back up your data: Regularly back up your important files to an external hard drive or cloud storage service.

By following these simple tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to a ransomware attack.

Remember, a single click can have devastating consequences.

General

Whaling, a type of phishing attack, targets high-profile individuals within an organization, such as CEOs, CFOs, and other executives. These individuals are often referred to as “whales” due to their high-value status and the potential for significant financial gain or data breaches if compromised.

How does whaling differ from traditional phishing attacks?

While traditional phishing attacks cast a wide net, sending out generic emails to a large number of recipients, whaling attacks are highly targeted and meticulously crafted. Cybercriminals conduct extensive research on their victims, gathering information about their personal and professional lives to create highly convincing and personalized messages.

Key Characteristics of Whaling Attacks:

  • Highly Personalized: Whaling emails are tailored to the specific recipient, often referencing their role, recent projects, or personal information.

  • Urgent Tone: Whaling attacks often create a sense of urgency, urging the victim to take immediate action, such as transferring funds or sharing sensitive information.

  • Spoofed Identities: Cybercriminals may spoof the email addresses of trusted individuals or organizations to increase credibility.

  • Sophisticated Social Engineering Techniques: Whaling attacks employ sophisticated social engineering tactics to manipulate victims into compromising their security.


Example of a Whaling Attack

A cybercriminal might impersonate a company’s CEO and send an urgent email to the CFO, requesting an immediate wire transfer. The email could be crafted to appear legitimate, using the CEO’s email address and signature. If the CFO falls for the deception, they could unknowingly transfer a large sum of money to the attacker’s account.

Protecting Yourself and Your Organization

To protect against whaling attacks, organizations should implement robust security measures, including employee awareness training, strong password policies, multi-factor authentication, and email filtering solutions. Additionally, executives should be particularly cautious when receiving unexpected requests, especially those that involve financial transactions or sensitive information.

Protect your Microsoft 365 environment with ExchangeDefender security solutions. Try ExchangeDefender PRO for free today!

General

Have you ever been hooked by a phishing email? It’s like those annoying telemarketers calling your landline, but way more dangerous. Instead of trying to sell you a vacation package, scammers are trying to steal your identity, your money, or both.

Let’s reel in some of the most common phishing scams

  • Spear Phishing: Scammers use personal information to make their emails seem legit. They might know your name, job, or even your favorite vacation spot.

  • Whaling: This is the big game of phishing. Think of it as hunting down CEOs and other high-profile targets. Scammers use sophisticated techniques to trick these folks into giving up sensitive information

  • Smishing: This is like getting a text message from a friend asking for a favor. But instead of needing a ride, they want your bank account details.

  • Vishing: This is the phone call version of phishing. Scammers will call you pretending to be from a bank or government agency, trying to trick you into giving up your personal information.

  • Clone Phishing: This is like a scammer impersonating your friend or coworker. They’ll send you an email that looks almost identical to one you’ve received before, hoping you’ll fall for the trick.

But don’t worry, you’re not a helpless target. Here are some tips to avoid falling victim to phishing scams:

  • Be cautious of unfamiliar emails. If you receive an email from someone you don’t know or a suspicious subject line, be extra careful.

  • Verify the sender’s address. Look for typos or suspicious email addresses.

  • Avoid clicking on suspicious links. If you’re unsure about a link, hover over it to see the actual URL
    .
  • Never share personal information. Scammers will try to trick you into divulging your passwords, credit card numbers, or other sensitive data.

  • Keep your software updated. Ensure your operating system and antivirus software are always up-to-date.

Remember, staying safe online requires vigilance, knowledge, and a bit of caution. So the next time you receive a suspicious email, don’t let scammers trick you!

Tired of dealing with phishing scams? ExchangeDefender’s advanced phishing protection can help keep your inbox clean and your data safe. Ask us for a free trial!

General

In today’s digital world, online security is more important than ever. Two common threats that can compromise your personal information and security are spoofing and phishing. While these terms may sound similar, they represent distinct types of cyberattacks. In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between spoofing and phishing, how they work, and how you can protect yourself from falling victim to these scams.

Spoofing: It’s Not Who You Say You Are

Spoofing is like someone pretending to be someone else online. For example, a scammer might send you an email that looks like it’s from your bank, but it’s actually from them. They’re trying to trick you into thinking they’re someone you trust.

Phishing: A Fishing Expedition for Your Information

Phishing is a bit like a fishing expedition, but instead of catching fish, scammers are trying to catch your personal information. They might send you an email or text message that looks like it’s from a legitimate company, asking you to click on a link or download an attachment. If you do, you might end up giving away your personal information, like your passwords or credit card numbers.

The Key Differences

  • While both spoofing and phishing involve deception, there are some key differences between them:

  • Intent: Spoofing is often used to gain unauthorized access or launch other attacks, while phishing is primarily used to steal personal information.

  • Techniques: Spoofing involves technical methods to disguise the sender’s identity, while phishing often relies on social engineering techniques to manipulate victims.

  • Impact: Spoofing can have a variety of consequences, while phishing attacks are primarily used to steal personal information.

How to Protect Yourself

  • Be skeptical. If you get an unexpected email, text, or phone call, be suspicious. Don’t click on links or open attachments unless you’re sure they’re from who they say they’re from.

  • Check for typos and grammar mistakes. Scammers often make mistakes in their emails or texts.

  • Never give out personal information. Don’t share your passwords, credit card numbers, or other sensitive information with anyone unless you’re absolutely sure they’re who they say they are.


By being aware of the difference between spoofing and phishing, and by following these tips, you can help protect yourself from becoming a victim of these scams.

Looking for Spoofing AND Phishing protection that’s affordable? Go for ExchangeDefender PRO!

General

Insider threats pose a significant risk to organizations of all sizes. These threats come from individuals within an organization who have authorized access to systems and data. They can range from unintentional mistakes to deliberate acts of sabotage.

Types of Insider Threats

  • Malicious Acts: Deliberately stealing data, sabotaging systems, or causing damage.

  • Negligence: Accidentally compromising security due to carelessness or lack of awareness.

  • Espionage: Sharing sensitive information with unauthorized parties.

  • Fraud: Using their position to gain financial advantage.

Why Insider Threats Are Dangerous

  • Access to Sensitive Data: Insiders have legitimate access to critical systems and data, making them a significant threat.

  • Difficult to Detect: Insider threats can often go undetected for extended periods, as they may mimic normal user behavior.

  • Damage Potential: Insider threats can cause significant damage, including financial loss, reputational harm, and operational disruption.

How to Mitigate Insider Threats

  • Strong Access Controls: Implement robust access controls to limit user privileges and prevent unauthorized access.

  • Regular Security Awareness Training: Educate employees about the risks of insider threats and provide them with the tools to identify and report suspicious activity.

  • Behavioral Analytics: Monitor user behavior for anomalies that may indicate malicious activity.

  • Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Implement DLP solutions to prevent unauthorized data exfiltration.

  • Incident Response Plan: Develop a comprehensive incident response plan to address security breaches effectively.

By understanding the risks posed by insider threats and implementing appropriate measures, organizations can significantly reduce their vulnerability to these attacks.

General

The digital landscape is a battlefield, and your inbox is the front line. With cyber threats evolving at lightning speed, it’s crucial to equip your business with the right defenses. In this post, we’ll explore the most common IT challenges businesses face in 2024 and how ExchangeDefender can help you stay ahead.

The Modern IT Battleground

Today’s businesses navigate a complex IT environment fraught with challenges. Ransomware, phishing, and data breaches are constant threats, while the shift to remote work introduces new vulnerabilities. Simultaneously, organizations grapple with digital transformation initiatives, talent shortages, and the complexities of managing hybrid workforces.

ExchangeDefender: Your Shield Against Cyberattacks

At the heart of these challenges lies Email Security. As the primary attack vector for many cyber threats, protecting your inbox is paramount. ExchangeDefender offers a comprehensive solution to combat these threats:

  • Ransomware Protection: Our advanced threat detection capabilities identify and block malicious emails before they reach your inbox, safeguarding your sensitive data.
  • Phishing Defense: Our robust anti-phishing measures educate your employees and protect them from sophisticated phishing attacks.
  • Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Prevent sensitive information from leaving your organization through email.
  • Email Continuity: Ensure uninterrupted business operations with our email continuity solution, even in the face of email server outages.

Overcoming IT Challenges with ExchangeDefender

Beyond email security, ExchangeDefender can help you address other critical IT challenges:

  • Hybrid Work: Our solution supports remote work environments, ensuring secure email access from anywhere.
  • Cloud Migration: Seamlessly integrate ExchangeDefender with your cloud infrastructure for comprehensive protection.
  • Cost Optimization: Reduce IT expenses by consolidating email security and archiving into a single platform.

By investing in a robust (affordable) email security solution like ExchangeDefender, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to cyberattacks and build a stronger foundation for your business.

Are you ready to fortify your inbox against today’s threats? Message us to learn more about how ExchangeDefender can protect your organization.

#emailsecurity #cybersecurity #ransomware #phishing #datasecurity #exchangedefender

General

Cybersecurity threats seem to be everywhere these days, from phishing scams in your inbox to malware lurking in the downloads you click. But what if there was a way to fight fire with fire, using artificial intelligence (AI) to outsmart cybercriminals? Believe it or not, AI is becoming a powerful tool in the cybersecurity arsenal. Here are 3 ways AI is working to keep you safe online:

1. Training Champions: Simulating the Bad Guys

Think about a world where cybersecurity professionals could practice their skills against realistic cyberattacks, that look real enough to fool anyone. Well, that world exists thanks to AI! Generative AI can create convincing simulations of cyber threats, allowing security experts to hone their detection and response skills in a safe, controlled environment. The more they practice against these “fake” attacks, the better equipped they’ll be to stop the real ones that come your way.

2. Phishing Emails? No Problem! AI Spots the Fakes

Phishing emails are a classic trick used by cybercriminals to steal your personal information. But AI is making it harder for these emails to slip through the cracks. AI can be trained to identify the subtle clues in a fake email, like unusual phrasing or suspicious sender addresses. By constantly analyzing emails and learning from new phishing attempts, AI helps keep your inbox safe from these deceptive messages.

3. Digital Neighborhood Watch for Unusual Activity

Imagine your computer network as a bustling neighborhood. Normally, things follow a predictable pattern – emails flow in and out, websites are accessed, and data travels along its usual routes. But what if a stranger showed up, acting strangely? AI can monitor your network traffic and learn what “normal” activity looks like. Then, if something unusual happens, like a sudden surge in data or a suspicious connection attempt, AI can raise the alarm. By constantly watching for anomalies, AI helps identify potential cyberattacks before they can cause any damage.

As AI continues to evolve, it will likely play an even greater role in keeping us safe online. So next time you see an article about a cyber threat, remember that there’s a whole team of AI warriors working behind the scenes to keep you protected!

General

The rise of remote work has transformed the way we operate. While it offers flexibility and convenience, it also introduces new security challenges. One of the biggest concerns is keeping sensitive business communications secure, especially when employees access email from personal devices and unsecured networks.

This is where ExchangeDefender Corporate Email Encryption comes in. It acts as a powerful shield, safeguarding your confidential information even when emails travel outside your company network. Here’s how encryption helps overcome remote work security challenges:

Protection Against Data Breaches

Encrypted emails are rendered unreadable to anyone who doesn’t have the decryption key. This minimizes the risk of data breaches even if a device is lost, stolen, or hacked.

Compliance Made Easy

Many industries have strict data security regulations. Encryption ensures compliance with data privacy laws like HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI DSS, giving you peace of mind.

Secure Communication Across Devices

Employees can access and send encrypted emails from any device, whether it’s a work computer, a laptop at a coffee shop, or even a personal phone. Encryption ensures sensitive information remains secure regardless of location or device.

ExchangeDefender Corporate Email Encryption
offers additional benefits like:

  • Easy Integration: The service seamlessly integrates with existing email systems, requiring minimal disruption to your workflow.

  • User-Friendly Experience: Both senders and recipients can use encryption easily, without needing extensive technical knowledge.

  • Advanced Features: The service offers features like pattern matching and lexicon-based encryption for comprehensive data protection.


By implementing ExchangeDefender Corporate Email Encryption, you can empower your remote workforce to collaborate securely, while safeguarding your business from costly data breaches and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Ready to learn more? Visit ExchangeDefender today to explore how Corporate Email Encryption can take your remote work security to the next level! Link to ExchangeDefender Corporate Email Encryption

ExchangeDefender General Security Spamfilter

ExchangeDefender is giving users more power to lock down their valuable data. Now that ExchangeDefender handles business continuity and backups for M365/Gmail tenants there is even more information in ExchangeDefender that demands more flexibility with security policies. First, let’s talk about the upcoming feature that allows you to lock down your ExchangeDefender SPAM Quarantine Report activity.

Bit of background: ExchangeDefender Quarantine Reports are an immensely popular ExchangeDefender feature (coming up for an upgrade this spring btw!) that sends users a list of quarantined messages with a set schedule. Users tend to rarely look in Junk Items or review SPAM unless they are waiting for something so this is a cool feature that our users just love. Scroll down the list of quarantined messages and release or trust just by tapping the link. Super convenient, but does it meet your security requirements?

ExchangeDefender Quick Release feature now enables you to choose between convenience and a more secure release process. For many organizations, having the message released or get added to trusted senders with just a click is a huge time saver and user convenience. But if your Microsoft M365 / Gmail account gets compromised (which happens ALL the time) or you deploy a new security/business/CRM (mostly AI stuff) that scans links then this “convenience” can turn into an Inbox packed with SPAM messages that some hacker/service inadvertently released.

If this happens to you, know that ExchangeDefender can help with the “Secure Release” setting. By enforcing Secure Release, when the user clicks to release or trust a message they will be prompted to authenticate before they can release/trust the message. This way if you get hacked or install link scanning/crawling software in your tenant will not be able to access the messages without a password.

Now please, go setup your favorite authenticator app with ExchangeDefender MFA (next up, you can set it to be mandatory/required)