Key Takeaways for the MSP Community:

• The FBI has issued an urgent warning about a sophisticated email phishing campaign targeting Gmail and Outlook users.
• This cyber threat can result in severe data breaches, identity theft, and significant financial and operational damage for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
• MSPs are essential in defending their clients by maintaining vigilance and implementing strong cybersecurity measures.

The FBI recently issued a critical warning regarding a widespread, highly targeted phishing scheme impacting Gmail and Outlook users. This phishing campaign masquerades as urgent communications from government agencies and is designed to deceive recipients into revealing sensitive information or installing malicious software. This type of attack places SMBs, which often lack comprehensive in-house cybersecurity infrastructure, at considerable risk and highlights the indispensable role of MSPs in shielding them from these threats.

Understanding the FBI’s Warning

According to the FBI’s alert, cybercriminals are crafting phishing emails that mimic legitimate government correspondence, using official logos and formal language to appear authentic. These emails contain subject lines that reference emergency government data updates or critical notifications, designed to create a sense of urgency. Recipients are prompted to click on embedded links or download attachments, which can deploy malware or redirect them to fraudulent sites where their credentials are harvested.

The strategy behind these attacks leverages psychological manipulation, exploiting fear and urgency to push recipients into quick, often careless, action. Considering that Gmail and Outlook are widely used by SMBs for daily operations, the scale of potential damage is significant.

Implications of the Phishing Campaign for SMBs

This phishing campaign poses serious threats to SMBs in multiple ways:

1. Data Breaches and Sensitive Information Theft: Email accounts often hold valuable data, including client information, contracts, and confidential documents. Once a phishing attack compromises an account, cybercriminals can access this data, potentially resulting in data breaches that can go undetected for weeks.
2. Financial Losses: Phishing is frequently used to gain access to financial accounts or manipulate victims into making unauthorized payments. For SMBs, a single incident can result in thousands of dollars in losses, which can be devastating.
3. Operational Disruption: Malware delivered via phishing emails, such as ransomware, can lock SMBs out of their systems until a ransom is paid. This type of downtime can disrupt business operations and erode customer trust.
4. Reputation Damage: SMBs rely on trust to maintain their client relationships. A data breach can harm an SMB’s reputation and lead to lost business opportunities and client attrition.

Why MSPs Are Critical in Protecting SMBs

Given the pace at which cyber threats evolve, SMBs often struggle to stay ahead of the latest tactics used by cybercriminals. This is where MSPs play an essential role. As trusted partners, MSPs can provide the knowledge, tools, and ongoing support that SMBs need to defend against these sophisticated attacks.

1. Training and Education: One of the most effective first lines of defense is employee awareness. MSPs should conduct regular training sessions to help SMB staff recognize phishing emails, particularly those that mimic government communications. Educating employees about red flags—such as unfamiliar senders, urgent language, and unexpected attachments—can significantly reduce the risk of human error.

2. Advanced Email Security Measures MSPs should implement state-of-the-art email security solutions that go beyond basic filters. AI-powered tools that detect suspicious links, scan attachments for malware, and identify anomalous behavior can prevent phishing attempts from reaching users’ inboxes.

3. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) Phishing attacks have grown more sophisticated, with some capable of bypassing basic security protocols. MSPs should ensure that their SMB clients use MFA to add an additional layer of security. This helps prevent unauthorized access even if credentials are compromised.

4. Real-Time Threat Monitoring and Incident Response Effective cybersecurity isn’t just about prevention; it’s also about swift response. MSPs should offer real-time monitoring and response services that detect and mitigate threats before they can cause damage. Additionally, having a well-defined incident response plan in place helps SMBs respond quickly and efficiently in the event of a breach, minimizing potential damage.

Guardz: Committed to Protecting MSPs and SMBs

At Guardz, we understand the unique challenges that MSPs face when safeguarding SMBs from complex cyber threats like phishing. Our platform is specifically designed to empower MSPs with the comprehensive tools and support needed to secure SMBs effectively.

What Guardz Offers to MSPs:

• Advanced Threat Intelligence: Guardz stays ahead of emerging threats with continuously updated threat intelligence. This ensures that MSPs are equipped with the latest insights to protect their clients against evolving phishing tactics.
• Phishing Simulation and Employee Training: Our platform includes simulation tools that enable MSPs to train their clients’ employees, improving their ability to identify and respond to phishing attempts.
• Comprehensive Email Protection: Guardz’s solutions are built to seamlessly integrate with existing systems, providing robust email security that filters suspicious communications and blocks potential threats.
• 24/7 Support and Incident Response: In the event of an incident, Guardz offers 24/7 support to assist MSPs with rapid response, helping to reduce downtime and mitigate potential damages.

A Partnership for Resilience

Cyber threats like those highlighted in the FBI’s warning (cross-link to the official news article) are a clear reminder of the need for robust cybersecurity partnerships. Guardz is committed to standing with the MSP community to provide the tools, training, and support necessary to protect SMBs. Together, we can create a more secure digital environment where SMBs can thrive without fear of cyberattacks.

Conclusion

In an era where cyberattacks are increasingly targeting SMBs, MSPs must stay proactive and vigilant. By partnering with Guardz, MSPs gain access to industry-leading solutions designed to combat phishing and other evolving threats. Our commitment to supporting MSPs and their clients is unwavering, ensuring that SMBs receive the protection they need to navigate today’s complex threat landscape safely.

As cybercriminals embrace cutting-edge technology, the stakes are rising for businesses worldwide. In a worrying development, hackers are now deploying artificial intelligence (AI) to write sophisticated malware, making traditional cybersecurity methods less effective. This presents a serious challenge for SMBs, which often lack the robust defenses of larger enterprises. MSPs tasked with protecting these businesses must now adapt to this new reality.

Hackers are using AI to create more evasive, adaptive, and scalable malware than anything we’ve seen before. AI-generated malware can analyze its target, learn from its environment, and evolve, bypassing even the most sophisticated defenses. For SMBs relying on MSPs for protection, the question isn’t if, but when this new breed of cyberattacks will target them.

3 Key Takeaways for MSPs:

• AI-driven malware is smarter, faster, and more adaptable: AI-written malware can change its behavior on the fly, making it harder to detect with traditional tools. This means MSPs need to step up their defenses by adopting more advanced, AI-powered solutions to stay ahead of attackers.
• SMBs are prime targets: Small businesses often have weaker cybersecurity measures, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals. MSPs must recognize this vulnerability and implement multi-layered security strategies that specifically address the unique needs of SMBs.
• MSPs can harness AI, too: While AI is a tool for attackers, it’s also a powerful asset for defense. MSPs should leverage AI-powered threat detection and response platforms that can automatically identify and neutralize threats before they cause significant damage.

The AI Advantage for Hackers

Artificial intelligence is no longer just a tool for innovation; cybercriminals are weaponizing it to write highly advanced malware. This new breed of AI-generated malware can analyze defenses, adapt to security protocols, and evade traditional detection methods with remarkable accuracy. For MSPs managing cybersecurity for SMBs, this shift represents a turning point.

AI-written malware is particularly dangerous because:

• Adaptive Attacks: AI can generate code that learns and evolves, making it harder for traditional cybersecurity tools to detect.
• Targeted Precision: AI allows attackers to customize malware for specific businesses, exploiting the vulnerabilities unique to SMBs.
• Scale: With AI, hackers can automate the creation of multiple variants of malware, enabling them to launch a higher volume of attacks with minimal effort.

The Growing Threat to SMBs

Cybercriminals often see SMBs as easy targets. With limited budgets and resources, many small businesses rely heavily on their MSPs to provide robust cybersecurity solutions. But with the rise of AI-written malware, these solutions need to evolve quickly. The ability of AI to create malware that adapts to its environment means that SMBs are more vulnerable than ever. This new type of malware can evade detection, phish employees with alarming accuracy, and exploit software vulnerabilities in ways that traditional malware never could.

A Call to Action for MSPs

For MSPs, this means the stakes have never been higher. Relying on outdated cybersecurity tools is no longer an option. As hackers increasingly leverage AI, MSPs must adopt AI-driven tools and strategies to defend their clients effectively. AI-powered detection systems can help MSPs stay one step ahead by identifying and neutralizing threats that evolve in real time, ensuring SMBs remain protected from these sophisticated attacks.

The Role of MSPs in the Age of AI-Driven Cyber Threats

MSPs are at the frontline of defense for SMBs, and the rise of AI-written malware necessitates a shift in how they approach cybersecurity. While AI is a formidable tool for attackers, it is also an asset for defense.

Here’s how MSPs can combat this emerging threat:

• AI-Powered Detection: Use AI-driven cybersecurity tools that can identify and respond to malware by recognizing patterns and behaviors typical of AI-written code.
• Proactive Threat Hunting: Regularly assess and update cybersecurity protocols to ensure that any suspicious activity is flagged before it becomes a full-blown attack.
• Continuous Education: Educate SMB clients about the dangers of phishing and the importance of vigilance. AI-written malware often gains a foothold through convincing social engineering schemes.
• Layered Security Approach: Implement multi-layered defenses, combining automated AI detection tools with human oversight to address all potential threats.

AI at the Core of Guardz: A Unified Defense for MSPs

As the cybersecurity landscape becomes more complex, the need for AI-driven defense strategies has never been greater. Guardz understands the unique challenges faced by MSPs and their SMB clients. Our unified detection and response platform is powered by AI, designed specifically to counter these evolving threats in real time. By integrating AI at the core of our cybersecurity solution, we ensure that MSPs can proactively protect their clients from the next generation of malware.

Hackers are using AI to change the game—MSPs need to do the same. With Guardz, you’re not just reacting to cyber threats—you’re staying ahead of them.

Let AI be the cornerstone of your defense strategy with Guardz. Protect your clients today, and secure their future against the unknown threats of tomorrow.

Conclusion

The emergence of AI-written malware marks a new era in cybersecurity challenges. As we navigate through Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it’s vital that MSPs recognize the increasing risks facing SMBs and take proactive steps to defend against AI-driven attacks. Staying ahead of cybercriminals requires a combination of the right tools, continuous education, and a layered security strategy that evolves with the threat landscape.

Now is the time for MSPs to upgrade their defenses and ensure they are prepared for the future of cybersecurity. Let Guardz help you protect your clients from the next generation of cyber threats.

Key Takeaways:

• Shopping Season is Hunting Season – Massive sales like 11.11 and Black Friday drive high traffic and easy prey for cybercriminals, often leading to increased phishing and social engineering attacks. 
• Hackers Aren’t Bargain Hunting; They’re Data Hunting – As people scramble for deals, threat actors exploit weak security practices, outdated software, and user mistakes.
• Protection Requires Preparation – Proactive defenses, employee training, and continuous monitoring can be the difference between a successful attack and a near miss.

As shoppers flood online marketplaces during November’s major shopping events—such as 11.11 Singles’ Day in China and Black Friday in the U.S.—cybercriminals are equally busy, capitalizing on this surge in online transactions to launch a variety of cyber attacks. With a staggering $139 billion spent on Singles’ Day in 2022 alone, it’s no wonder that these shopping days have become prime hunting grounds for cybercriminals. For small and medium businesses (SMBs) and their Managed Service Providers (MSPs), who may lack the resources and defenses of larger organizations, this season requires particular vigilance.

From phishing emails disguised as shipping notifications to ransomware attacks targeting weakened infrastructure, let’s explore the specific threats that crop up during November’s shopping frenzy, how these attacks are conducted, and practical steps MSPs and SMBs can take to safeguard their systems.

The Threats and Tactics: A Closer Look

1. Phishing Attacks

During the holiday shopping season, phishing attacks spike as cybercriminals leverage consumers’ eagerness for deals and businesses’ reliance on digital communications. Phishing emails impersonating major brands such as Amazon or Walmart inform recipients about “order issues” or “exclusive offers,” leading them to fake sites designed to steal their credentials or install malware.

• Example: On Black Friday 2022, attackers sent emails mimicking major retailers with subject lines like “Important: Order Delayed” or “Exclusive Discount Inside.” Unwitting recipients who clicked these links were led to credential-stealing pages. Once credentials were obtained, attackers often gained unauthorized access to users’ accounts or even business systems.
• How It’s Done: Using advanced “phishing kits,” cybercriminals replicate the look and feel of genuine websites with logos, brand colors, and similar messaging. These kits are available on the dark web, allowing even amateur cybercriminals to conduct sophisticated phishing campaigns that bypass spam filters. Phishing is effective during this season because of increased email traffic; people are expecting shipping updates, order confirmations, and promotional emails, which lowers their guard.

2. Malware and Ransomware Attacks

Malware and ransomware attacks increase around the holidays as cybercriminals know SMBs may be more vulnerable with reduced staff or resources stretched thin. Attackers may use phishing emails or fake websites to install malware, which can lock down critical systems or create backdoors for further exploitation.

• Example: In 2021, the REvil ransomware group exploited this seasonal weakness by targeting multiple U.S. and European retailers, disrupting sales and demanding substantial ransoms. These attacks not only caused financial loss but also eroded customer trust.
• How It’s Done: Ransomware is often delivered through infected attachments or disguised as free software (e.g., “holiday discount apps”). Once installed, it encrypts files and demands payment in exchange for decryption. Malware may also include spyware that quietly monitors activity and extracts sensitive data over time, going undetected for months. Ransomware is especially harmful because it can halt operations, leading many SMBs to consider paying quickly to restore services.

3. Fake E-commerce Websites

Cybercriminals create fake websites that closely mimic popular brands, offering “deals” on products that don’t exist or capturing sensitive customer data.

• Example: Forbes reported an 85% rise in counterfeit e-commerce sites during the Black Friday weekend in 2022. Cybercriminals designed these sites with similar URLs and visuals to reputable brands, leading many consumers to unknowingly enter their payment details and personal information, which were then harvested and sold on the dark web.
• How It’s Done: These fake sites often use “typosquatting” (domains that look like real brands but have small misspellings) or buy ad space to appear prominently in search results. Shoppers, eager to grab a good deal, may click without checking the URL carefully, entering their payment information and ultimately being defrauded.

4. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks

DDoS attacks, which overwhelm servers with traffic to render websites inaccessible, can be devastating during the holiday season when e-commerce is at its peak.

• Example: In November 2020, several European e-commerce sites fell victim to DDoS attacks, causing hours of downtime and revenue loss. Attackers, believed to be a hacktivist group, flooded the sites with traffic, disrupting sales and customer access.
• How It’s Done: Attackers use botnets, networks of compromised devices, to send massive volumes of requests to a target website, overwhelming its server. During peak times, even a small increase in traffic can disrupt a website’s functionality, making it vulnerable to DDoS attacks. Sometimes, DDoS attacks serve as distractions while hackers exploit other security gaps, causing a double blow to the business.

5. Credential Stuffing and Account Takeover Attacks

Cybercriminals use leaked credentials from previous data breaches to access user accounts, especially as consumers reuse passwords across multiple sites.

• Example: In 2022, online retailers saw a spike in account takeover attempts during Black Friday, with attackers using “credential stuffing” to hijack customer accounts. They used compromised accounts to make fraudulent purchases, change delivery information, or steal loyalty points.
• How It’s Done: Using automated tools, attackers enter lists of leaked usernames and passwords across different sites, searching for matches. Once they gain access, they can make purchases, steal loyalty points, or further compromise customer information. During the shopping season, credential stuffing can go unnoticed, as increased traffic and legitimate activity mask malicious logins.

How Cybercriminals Execute These Attacks

The methods behind these attacks are as sophisticated as they are varied. Here are some commonly used tools and tactics:

• Botnets: Used for DDoS attacks, botnets allow cybercriminals to overwhelm servers with requests. They can also automate credential stuffing, trying countless username-password combinations in seconds.
• Phishing Kits: Phishing kits provide templates, login pages, and scripts for harvesting credentials, making it easy for attackers to mimic legitimate sites and launch convincing phishing campaigns.
• Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS): RaaS platforms allow cybercriminals to “rent” ransomware tools for a share of the profits. This business model lowers the barrier to entry, making ransomware attacks accessible to less tech-savvy criminals.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI is increasingly being used to enhance phishing campaigns, making them more personalized and effective. AI-driven phishing emails are highly targeted, increasing their success rates.

Practical Steps for MSPs and SMBs to Stay Protected

1. Employee Education and Training: Employees are the first line of defense. Conduct regular cybersecurity training on identifying phishing emails, verifying website authenticity, and reporting suspicious activity.
2. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enable MFA across all accounts to provide an additional layer of protection. This is particularly effective against credential stuffing.
3. Security Patches and Updates: Ensure systems are up-to-date with the latest security patches. Many successful attacks exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software.
4. Network Monitoring: Use real-time monitoring tools to detect unusual activity like traffic spikes or repeated login attempts, which can signal a DDoS attack or credential stuffing.
5. Phishing Simulations and Drills: Conducting regular phishing simulations can highlight employee vulnerabilities and improve their response times to real threats.

Guardz: A Partner for MSPs and SMBs During High-Risk Periods

At Guardz, we’re committed to strengthening cybersecurity for SMBs and MSPs, particularly during high-risk seasons. Our platform offers customized cyber awareness training modules that equip employees to recognize phishing attempts and other social engineering tactics. Leveraging AI-driven phishing simulations, Guardz enables businesses to test and improve employee responses to real-world cyber threats. With a focus on proactive defense, Guardz provides MSPs with tools to foster a security-first culture, empowering SMBs to navigate the holiday season securely and confidently.

By incorporating Guardz’s platform into your security strategy, you’re not just protecting your business—you’re protecting your customers, reinforcing trust, and ensuring smooth operations through the busiest shopping season of the year.

Demystifying 5 Main Cybersecurity Myths

Myth #1: Phishing attacks are easy to detect

Myth #2: Cybersecurity services sell themselves

• Return on Security Investment (ROSI)
• Mean Time to Detect (MTTD)
• Mean Time to Respond (MTTR)
• Cost of Incident Response
• Risk Mitigation Cost
• Cost per Security Incident

Myth #3: I know how many devices I manage

Myth #4: Only large companies are targeted

Myth #5: More tools translate to better security

Consolidate Your Cybersecurity with Guardz

As the 2024 U.S. election cycle heats up, cybercriminals are ramping up efforts to exploit the political landscape. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and managed service providers (MSPs) are particularly vulnerable during this period. From phishing campaigns to sophisticated nation-state attacks, the election introduces new risks that could severely impact businesses and the MSPs that support them.

Key Takeaways: 

• Phishing attacks targeting SMBs during the election cycle are expected to surge, making MSPs essential for providing advanced email security and awareness training.
• Nation-state actors may use SMBs as entry points for more extensive cyber-attacks, especially those connected to election systems or critical infrastructure, putting increased pressure on MSPs to secure their clients.
• The election could bring about shifts in cybersecurity regulations and insurance requirements, which will have a lasting impact on both SMBs and MSPs, requiring proactive measures to stay compliant.

As we dive deeper into these emerging threats, let’s explore the real-world impact and the vital role MSPs will play in securing SMBs during this critical time.

1. The Surge in Politically-Themed Phishing Campaigns Targeting SMBs

Election seasons are prime for cybercriminal activity, and phishing campaigns remain one of the most common attack vectors. With email inboxes flooded by political ads, voting information, and donation requests, it’s easy for malicious actors to disguise phishing emails as legitimate election-related communication. SMBs, often with fewer cybersecurity resources, are prime targets for these attacks, which may lead to credential theft, ransomware infections, or data breaches.

Example: Phishing Emails Disguised as Voter Information

During the 2020 U.S. elections, phishing emails disguised as official voter registration updates surged. Many businesses received emails claiming to offer polling information or requesting donations for political causes. These emails contained malicious links designed to steal login credentials or deliver malware. The rise of generative AI has made crafting convincing phishing messages easier, allowing cybercriminals to scale their operations.

In a recent incident in 2024, reports indicate a notable increase in phishing attacks related to the election cycle, with many attackers leveraging topics like voter registration and political donations.​

ReliaQuest

GovTech.

SMBs that lack strong defenses are especially vulnerable to these attacks.

For MSPs, the solution lies in proactive measures, including anti-phishing solutions, advanced email filtering, and security awareness training for their SMB clients.

2. Nation-State Attacks on SMBs Connected to Critical Infrastructure

Election interference has evolved from a national concern to one that directly impacts businesses—particularly those providing services to government agencies or critical infrastructure. Nation-state actors target SMBs as weak links in the supply chain, seeking access to larger systems through their less secure networks. This makes SMBs that work with election technology or government contracts especially vulnerable during the election cycle.

Example: SMBs as a Backdoor into Election Systems

During previous election cycles, hackers targeted software companies supplying election technology to various state governments. By compromising these smaller vendors, nation-state actors gained access to voter databases and sensitive election-related systems. This pattern is expected to continue in 2024, with reports of increasing activity on the darknet aimed at facilitating such attacks.​

Cyber Security Intelligence

One of the most recent cases involves Iran, where hackers have reportedly targeted U.S. presidential campaigns, exploiting SMB vulnerabilities to gain access to sensitive data​

ReliaQuest

For MSPs managing these clients, it’s crucial to employ a multi-layered defense strategy that includes endpoint protection, intrusion detection systems, and network segmentation. Regular security assessments and proactive monitoring are necessary to mitigate these risks.

3. New Regulations and Increased Demand for Cybersecurity Insurance

As election-related cyberattacks increase, SMBs—especially those in critical sectors—could face new compliance requirements. Additionally, with the rising risk of ransomware attacks and data breaches, more businesses are seeking cybersecurity insurance to protect against financial losses.

Example: The Shift Toward Cybersecurity Compliance

After the 2020 elections, several states began focusing more on cybersecurity regulations for companies working with critical infrastructure. These requirements included mandatory incident reporting and compliance with frameworks like NIST and the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). Similarly, the 2024 election cycle is driving demand for cybersecurity insurance as businesses look to protect themselves from potential damages.​

Cyber Defense Magazine

MSPs can assist SMBs by offering managed compliance services to help them stay up-to-date with evolving regulations. Additionally, bundling cybersecurity solutions with insurance products provides added value to SMB clients.

Disinformation Campaigns and Their Impact on SMBs

Disinformation campaigns, often designed to influence public opinion during elections, can also impact businesses, especially those with a strong online presence. Cybercriminals may spread false information about a company’s services or leadership, leading to reputational damage.

Example: Fake Reviews and Social Media Attacks

In the past, SMBs have been victims of disinformation campaigns that spread fake reviews or social media posts during election periods. For example, in one notable case, a small business was falsely accused of political affiliations, resulting in lost customers and a barrage of negative reviews​.

Cyber Security Intelligence

These campaigns can have a devastating effect on businesses that rely on their local reputation.

MSPs can help mitigate these risks by monitoring their clients’ digital presence and using tools to detect and respond to disinformation. Setting up alerts for unusual online activity and implementing account takeover protections are key steps in safeguarding against these threats.

Supply Chain Attacks: A Growing Threat for SMBs During Elections

Election cycles also see a rise in supply chain attacks, where cybercriminals target smaller vendors to gain access to larger networks. SMBs that provide software, hardware, or services to election offices are particularly at risk of these attacks, which are often aimed at disrupting or influencing the election process.

Example: Targeting SMB Vendors in the Supply Chain

In the 2016 U.S. election, hackers targeted a small software company that provided voter registration services to several states. By breaching this vendor, the attackers gained access to sensitive voter data, disrupting registration systems. With the 2024 election approaching, similar attacks are expected, with hackers actively working on the darknet to coordinate such efforts.​

CISA

For MSPs, securing their clients’ supply chains is a top priority. This includes strong vendor management practices, regular security assessments, and ensuring that all software and hardware are updated and patched. Establishing contingency plans can also help SMBs quickly recover from any potential supply chain disruptions.

Conclusion: Guardz’s Commitment to Securing SMBs and MSPs During Critical Times

As we move through the 2024 election season, the cybersecurity landscape for SMBs and MSPs will become more complex and challenging. From phishing attacks to nation-state threats and supply chain vulnerabilities, the risks are significant. However, MSPs play a crucial role in helping SMBs navigate this turbulent environment by providing comprehensive security solutions, compliance support, and proactive protection.

At Guardz, we are deeply committed to the MSP community, understanding the unique challenges they face—especially during election cycles. Our mission is to empower MSPs with the tools and knowledge they need to secure their clients effectively. With AI-powered security solutions, managed detection and response (MDR), and cybersecurity insurance offerings, Guardz ensures that MSPs can stay ahead of emerging threats and continue to provide top-tier security services to their SMB clients.

Let’s work together to ensure that, even during times of political uncertainty, your clients remain secure and confident in their digital environments.