Staying cautious and skeptical is your best defense. If something feels off — trust your gut and delete the message.
July 2025 Newsletter
Imagine waking up one morning to learn that 16 billion usernames and passwords—yes, billion—have been exposed online. This wasn’t a hack of a major company like Apple or Facebook. Instead, it was the result of infostealer malware and previously leaked data being compiled into massive databases, making them easier than ever for hackers to use.
What happened?
This enormous leak included 30 separate datasets—some with over 3.5 billion credentials each. The files were briefly posted online and then removed, but the damage was already done. Hackers now have a giant playbook for launching widespread cyberattacks using real, working login data from users around the world.
Think Deleted Files Are Gone for Good? Think Again.
Deleting a file doesn’t always mean it’s gone forever. When you hit “delete,” your computer only removes the file’s reference—not the actual data. That data can often be recovered using forensic tools, especially if it hasn’t been overwritten yet.
This poses serious risks, especially for businesses handling sensitive information. Whether it's client data, financial records, or proprietary documents, deleted files can become liabilities if not properly wiped.
Best Practices:
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Use secure deletion tools that overwrite data.
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Encrypt sensitive files to protect them even after deletion.
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Partner with an IT provider to ensure compliant data destruction practices.
Want to make sure your data is really gone? Reach out to our team to learn how to safely and securely dispose of digital files.
Catch of the Month: "Friendly" Scam Texts
A new wave of scam texts is targeting users with messages that seem friendly — but are anything but. These messages often say things like: “We haven’t seen each other for a long time, maybe we should make an appointment to meet for coffee.” The goal? To bait you into replying and initiate a phishing or malware scheme.
This is a form of smishing (SMS phishing), where scammers impersonate acquaintances to gain your trust and lure you into clicking malicious links or sharing personal information.
How to Defend Yourself:
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Don’t Respond – If you don’t recognize the number or the message seems vague, ignore it.
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Report & Block – Use your phone’s “Report Junk” or “Block” options to prevent future contact.
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Educate Your Team – These scams often target employees. A quick reminder can save your business from a data breach.
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Never Click Suspicious Links – Even a friendly “coffee invite” could hide malware.
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Use Mobile Security Tools – Enable spam filters and anti-phishing tools on all devices.
You are cordially invited to MVP’s business event:
The Cyber Suite
Cybersecurity at the Speed of AI: Are You Ready for What’s Next?
Date: Friday, August 15, 2025
Time: 4:30 PM – Doors Open | Food, cocktails, prizes & networking
5:00 PM – VIP Presentation
6:35 PM – First Pitch | Enjoy the game from our private suite!
Location: Buffalo Bisons at Sahlen Field in Buffalo, NY
How to Keep Your Remote Workforce Secure & Productive
This webinar explores how to empower remote teams by fostering strong communication, seamless collaboration, and a supportive culture—no matter where employees work. It also covers practical strategies to protect company data without disrupting productivity.
How to Survive a Cyber Attack Without Losing Your Business
This webinar walks you through building an effective cyberattack response plan to reduce downtime, protect your reputation, and limit financial impact. It also covers key preventative measures and recovery strategies to strengthen your business against future threats.
MVP In The Community
The MVP Network Consulting team is proud to support causes that make a difference in our community. We recently joined the benefit for Samantha Piscitello on July 19th at the TTPD Police Club, helping raise funds for her courageous battle against Stage IV metastatic breast cancer—with all proceeds going directly toward her medical expenses. Next, we invite you to join us at the Wings Flights of Hope Annual BBQ on August 2nd, 2025, from 4–11 PM at The Wings Meeting Place (3964 California Road, Orchard Park). This event supports life-saving medical flights for those in need—another great opportunity to give back and stand with our community.