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The DNS Blind Spot in Zero Trust Security

July 3, 2025

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20 min read

🕳️ The DNS Blind Spot in Zero Trust Security

Zero Trust without DNS is like locking your doors… but leaving the windows open.

The Problem With Traditional Zero Trust Models

For years, Zero Trust has revolved around identity and access management (IAM). The core idea is simple:

Never trust, always verify.

Organizations have focused heavily on verifying users and their devices before granting access to apps or systems. But there’s one massive security gap most Zero Trust architectures still overlook:

DNS — the phonebook of the internet.

Why DNS Matters for True Zero Trust

DNS isn’t just for routing traffic to websites. It’s also the primary way malware communicates with command-and-control servers, phishing domains, and other malicious resources.

If your Zero Trust strategy doesn’t monitor and control DNS traffic:

Malware can bypass your defenses
Employees can access malicious sites
Threat actors can exfiltrate data without detection

DNS is often the last blind spot for attackers to exploit.

Common DNS Attacks That Bypass Zero Trust:

DNS Tunneling: Attackers secretly exfiltrate data through DNS queries.
Domain Generation Algorithms (DGA): Malware randomly generates domains to avoid detection.
Typosquatting: Fake lookalike domains trick users into sharing credentials.

The Solution: DNS-Integrated Zero Trust

By integrating DNS-layer protection into your Zero Trust model, you can:

Automatically block malicious domains before connections are made
Detect shadow IT and unauthorized apps
Reduce phishing risks and prevent ransomware command calls
Gain visibility into all outbound traffic—whether it’s user-initiated or malware-based

✅ 4 DNS Security Must-Haves for SMBs, Healthcare, Law Firms & Schools:

DNS Filtering: Block risky or inappropriate sites before threats reach users.
Threat Intelligence Feeds: Auto-update domain blocklists with verified global threat data.
Encrypted DNS (DoH/DoT): Secure DNS queries to prevent eavesdropping.
DNS Logging and Analytics: Monitor outbound DNS requests for suspicious activity.

Why It’s Critical Now

With hybrid work, cloud apps, and mobile devices, traditional network perimeters no longer exist. Attackers know that DNS is often the easiest path inside.

You can’t secure what you don’t see — and DNS is where most attacks begin.

Don’t Leave Your Business Half-Protected

Gigabit Systems can help integrate DNS protection into your existing Zero Trust framework, delivering layered defense without adding complexity.

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Follow me for mind-blowing information and cybersecurity news. Stay safe and secure!

70% of all cyber attacks target small businesses. I can help protect yours.

Zero Trust, DNS Security, Managed IT, MSP, cybersecurity for SMB, DNS filtering, ransomware prevention

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Android users can now edit texts sent to iPhones

July 2, 2025

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20 min read

Crossed Wires, Edited Lines

Android users can now edit texts sent to iPhones — almost.

RCS Messaging Just Leveled Up (Sort Of)

After years of disjointed texting between Android and iPhone users, Google Messages is rolling out a long-awaited update: the ability to edit Rich Communication Services (RCS) messages sent from Android to iPhones. This upgrade is part of Universal Profile 3.0, which supports message editing and end-to-end encryption.

Until now, message editing was only possible within Android or iMessage ecosystems — leaving cross-platform chats a step behind. That’s finally changing… but there’s a catch.

How It Works

✅ Edit window: 15 minutes after sending

✏️ How to edit: Long-press → Tap the pencil icon → Resend

📲 On Android: Message appears cleanly edited

📩 On iPhone: Appears as a new message with an asterisk prefix

What’s the Catch?

While Android users can now initiate edits, iPhones don’t yet recognize them as edits — instead, they display the update as a new message. Worse, iPhone users can’t edit RCS messages at all (yet). Apple hasn’t updated its Messages app to fully support this function, though it’s expected alongside upcoming encryption upgrades.

This is progress — but full interoperability still has a ways to go.

Why This Matters for SMBs, Schools, Law Firms & Healthcare

If your staff text clients, parents, patients, or partners using personal or company-issued phones, communication clarity matters. Edited messages can help avoid misunderstandings, correct errors in real-time, and prevent the embarrassing fallout of a typo or wrong link.

Plus, improvements in RCS and end-to-end encryption mean safer, more secure messaging across platforms — even in BYOD environments.

Security Tip: Don’t Rely on Text Alone

Even with RCS enhancements, text messages are not a substitute for secure communications when dealing with client data, medical information, or legal matters.

🔒 Always:

Use secure apps (like Signal or encrypted portals) for sensitive communication
Enforce mobile device management (MDM) with remote wipe features
Train staff to recognize phishing links, even via SMS

What’s Next?

Google is currently A/B testing the feature with beta users of Google Messages. It works when iPhones are running iOS 18.5 or iOS 26 beta — but a full rollout may take weeks or months. Apple has been tight-lipped on timing.

Final Thought

Cross-platform messaging is finally evolving — and it’s only the beginning. As Apple and Google inch closer to full encryption and editing compatibility, your organization’s mobile policy should evolve too.

We can help audit your mobile communication tools and recommend secure, scalable solutions that protect your data and keep your team connected.

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Follow me for mind-blowing information and cybersecurity news. Stay safe and secure!

70% of all cyber attacks target small businesses. I can help protect yours.

MSP, managed IT, SMB, mobile security, RCS, Android message editing, secure texting

#CyberSecurity #ManagedIT #MobileSecurity #SmallBusinessTech #TechNews

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Outdated passwords are your weakest link. Passkeys change everything.

July 3, 2025

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20 min read

🔐 Passkeys: The Future of Login Security Is Here

Outdated passwords are your weakest link. Passkeys change everything.

What Are Passkeys?

Passkeys are a revolutionary authentication method that replaces traditional passwords with biometric verification like Face ID, fingerprint scans, or a secure device PIN. They work through cryptographic keys tied directly to your device and the website or app you’re logging into. If they don’t match, you don’t get in — period.

Unlike passwords, passkeys can’t be stolen through phishing emails, reused across sites, or cracked by brute-force attacks.

Why SMBs, Law Firms, Schools & Healthcare Organizations Should Care

You’re storing sensitive customer data, medical records, financial information, and proprietary legal documents. A single stolen password could expose your entire network. Passkeys significantly reduce your organization’s attack surface, safeguarding staff logins and cloud access.

90% of successful cyberattacks start with a stolen password. Passkeys eliminate that threat.

Real-Life Examples

Influencer Ely Rosario changed her password every 3 months but still hadn’t enabled passkeys — until now.
Julio Cordova, a regular user, preferred “old school” passwords — despite knowing the risks.
Both are like your employees and clients — aware, but not fully protected.

Top 5 Tips to Implement Passkeys Now

Check Compatibility
Platforms like Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Dropbox now offer passkey options.
Use Devices That Support Biometrics
Ensure staff use phones and laptops with Face ID, Touch ID, or secure PINs.
Deploy Passkeys with SSO Tools
Use Azure AD or Okta to manage passkey-enabled login across your org.
Train Your Team
Host a 30-minute passkey awareness session. We can help you deliver it.
Prioritize High-Risk Accounts First
Enable passkeys for admins, finance teams, and executives first.

Still Not Convinced?

Passkeys are virtually unphishable. They bind to both your device and the site. Even if an attacker creates a fake login page, your passkey won’t work — because the sites don’t match.

It’s like having a digital key that only fits one door — no copies, no fakes.

Ready to Upgrade Your Security Stack?

Gigabit Systems can help your SMB, school, law firm, or healthcare organization migrate safely to passkeys, roll out device compatibility, and eliminate weak credentials across your business.

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Follow me for mind-blowing information and cybersecurity news. Stay safe and secure!

70% of all cyber attacks target small businesses. I can help protect yours.

MSP, cybersecurity, managed IT, SMB, passwordless authentication, zero trust, identity theft protection

#CyberSecurity #ManagedITServices #ZeroTrust #SmallBusinessSecurity #IdentityProtection

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Cybercriminals have hit a new low and it should shake every business to its core

July 3, 2025

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20 min read

No Honor Among Thieves: Ransomware Targets a Charity

Cybercriminals have hit a new low — and it should shake every business to its core.

This week, German charity Welthungerhilfe, an organization fighting hunger in over 36 countries, became the latest victim of a ransomware attack. Hackers demanded 20 Bitcoin (roughly $2.1 million) in exchange for not leaking the nonprofit’s stolen data. The group has refused to pay — and rightfully so.

But this isn’t just a story about a single charity. It’s a stark warning to SMBs, law firms, healthcare providers, and schools: if hackers are willing to extort a global hunger-relief nonprofit, you’re not off-limits.

🎯 What Happened?

A ransomware-as-a-service group listed Welthungerhilfe on its darknet leak site. It’s unclear if their systems were encrypted, but the attackers claim to have sensitive data and are threatening to release it unless paid in full. Welthungerhilfe is standing strong — saying they won’t negotiate with criminals.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time this group has attacked a humanitarian organization. Their previous victims include:

Children’s hospitals
Disability support nonprofits
Medical facilities across the U.S.

🚨 Why This Matters for You

If organizations like Welthungerhilfe — with global reach and security funding — can be compromised, imagine the risk for small and midsize operations without advanced protections.

Even if you think you’re too small to target, cybercriminals don’t care. They automate attacks, scan for weak points, and don’t discriminate between a million-dollar firm or a school IT network.

🔐 How You Can Stay Protected:

Implement endpoint protection across all devices
Segment your network to limit exposure
Educate your team to recognize phishing and social engineering
Back up data regularly and test restoration
Partner with a qualified MSP who understands evolving threats

It’s not just about cybersecurity anymore. It’s about resilience, reputation, and responsibility.

70% of all cyber attacks target small businesses, I can help protect yours.

Visit us at gigabitsys.com

#CyberSecurity #Ransomware #MSP #DataProtection #SmallBusinessSecurity

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Out of Thin Air: Satellite Signals Get the Green Light

July 3, 2025

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20 min read

Out of Thin Air: Satellite Signals Get the Green Light

The FCC just changed the game for mobile communications—and security.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved a critical rule waiver that clears the skies for broader phone support on T-Mobile’s cellular Starlink system, a breakthrough offering satellite-powered messaging to emergency services. Launching July 23, the T-Satellite service is about to reach more people—literally—by dropping red tape that previously blocked some phones from connecting.

But this isn’t just about sending texts from remote mountaintops. It’s about resiliency.

The Fine Print That Almost Broke the Signal

Until now, many devices couldn’t connect to T-Mobile’s satellite system because manufacturers hadn’t completed a specific FCC “Part 25” certification. Even if the phone had the technical ability, it was locked out due to paperwork.

This limitation wasn’t just inconvenient—it was dangerous. First responders and remote workers could’ve been left without coverage in critical moments. T-Mobile and SpaceX pushed back, and the FCC finally agreed.

“Providing access is also in the public interest,” the Commission stated. We couldn’t agree more.

What This Means for Small Businesses, Healthcare, and Schools

SMBs and law firms with traveling employees now gain a reliable fallback when cellular towers are out of reach.
Hospitals and clinics in rural areas gain a stronger digital lifeline during outages.
Schools can now explore backup safety options for field trips, remote campuses, or emergency drills.

But There’s a Cybersecurity Catch

While broader connectivity is a win, new satellite pathways also open new attack surfaces. Any technology that connects you to the outside world—especially over satellite—needs to be vetted. Firmware, encryption protocols, and endpoint security must now account for this expanded communication channel.

If you’re integrating satellite messaging into your stack, make sure your mobile device management (MDM) solution covers non-terrestrial connections. As we always say in IT security:

“Every connection is a potential exposure—especially the ones you don’t see coming.”

70% of all cyber attacks target small businesses. I can help protect yours.

T-Mobile satellite, Starlink cellular, FCC waiver, emergency connectivity, SMB cybersecurity, remote IT solutions, mobile endpoint protection, managed IT services

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#SMBTech

#MobileSecurity

#EmergencyTech

#ManagedIT

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OpenAI’s Mandatory Shutdown Sends a Message Tech Leaders Can’t Ignore

July 3, 2025

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20 min read

🔥Burned Out or Breaking Point?

OpenAI’s Mandatory Shutdown Sends a Message Tech Leaders Can’t Ignore

In a world obsessed with uptime and innovation, OpenAI just hit pause — mandating a full week of shutdown for its workforce. While framed as “recharging,” the move follows a dramatic poaching spree by Meta, which reportedly lured away at least eight top researchers with eye-popping $100M offers.

For SMBs, law firms, healthcare providers, and schools — the real question isn’t “What’s happening at OpenAI?” but “What happens when overworked IT teams or tech partners become the next target or casualty?”

What This Has to Do With Cybersecurity

In cybersecurity, burnout is a threat vector. Exhausted minds miss red flags. Underpaid staff cut corners. And in the talent arms race, even vendors and service providers can vanish overnight — poached, bought out, or burned out.

If a juggernaut like OpenAI is vulnerable to internal collapse from pressure and brain drain, what about your outsourced MSP? Your internal sysadmin? Your compliance consultant?

What You Can Do Today:

Audit your vendors and partners. Who handles your data and security? What’s their continuity plan?
Prioritize mental bandwidth. Burned-out teams don’t patch vulnerabilities — they introduce them.
Red team your staffing assumptions. Would your operations survive if your “Satoshi” walked out tomorrow?

OpenAI’s internal crisis is more than Silicon Valley drama — it’s a warning shot. Tech giants are leaking talent like sieves. The ripple effects will hit supply chains, tool vendors, and eventually your business.

Don’t get caught off guard because your cybersecurity provider took a “mandatory recharge.”

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Follow me for mind-blowing information and cybersecurity news. Stay safe and secure!

====================================

70% of all cyber attacks target small businesses. I can help protect yours.

MSP, cybersecurity, burnout in tech, managed IT services, tech talent poaching, small business security, vendor risk management

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Crypto

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Vanished, But Not Forgotten

July 3, 2025

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20 min read

Vanished, But Not Forgotten

$20K Bitcoin Vanishes Into Satoshi’s Digital Void

In the shadowy world of cryptocurrency, some mysteries never fade — they only grow deeper.

On June 30, a puzzling transaction lit up the blockchain: $20,000 in Bitcoin sent to Satoshi Nakamoto’s untouched wallet, an address frozen in time since the elusive founder vanished in 2011. That brings the total locked away in Satoshi’s wallet to a staggering $117 billion — funds that have never been moved, never been spent, and likely never will be.

This isn’t the first time a transfer like this has occurred. One year ago, a user sent over $1.17 million in Bitcoin to the same address. In February, another $200,000 followed. Whether these are tribute transactions, mistaken transfers, or encrypted messages to the unknown creator, one thing is certain: no one’s getting that money back.

But while Nakamoto’s wallet is considered cryptographically unreachable, your business’s data isn’t.

These mystifying transfers are a stark reminder of the irreversibility of blockchain and the dangers of digital missteps. One wrong click, one social engineering ploy, and your company could be sending more than a tribute — you could be handing over credentials, funds, or IP to attackers who won’t vanish like Satoshi.

💼

SMB Takeaway

You may not be guarding $117 billion, but you are guarding something just as irreplaceable: trust, reputation, and sensitive client data. Make sure your cybersecurity posture reflects that.

🔒 At Gigabit Systems, we help SMBs, healthcare, law firms, and schools stay one step ahead of digital threats — from crypto-cons to phishing attacks. In a world of irreversible transactions, proactive defense is your only safeguard.

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70% of all cyber attacks target small businesses. I can help protect yours.

#CyberSecurity #BlockchainSecurity #ManagedIT #MSP #SMBProtection

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Burn Notice: SHIB Sets Billions Ablaze

July 3, 2025

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20 min read

🔥 Burn Notice: SHIB Sets Billions Ablaze

The Shiba Inu community just torched over 1.3 billion tokens.

The meme coin with serious momentum—Shiba Inu (SHIB)—just crossed another major threshold: 1,310,871,032 SHIB tokens permanently burned in a single push. This marks a long-term strategy to cut supply, increase scarcity, and—supporters hope—drive long-term value.

But while the crypto community celebrates, SMBs, law firms, and healthcare providers need to pay attention to the cybersecurity signals beneath the blockchain hype.

What’s Actually Happening?

Through the community-driven ShibTorch platform on the Shibarium Layer-2 network, SHIB holders burned over 1.3 billion tokens. The process involves:

Accumulating BONE (another Shibarium token)
Bridging BONE to Ethereum (L1)
Swapping BONE for SHIB
Burning SHIB permanently to reduce total supply

As of now, over 410 trillion SHIB have been removed from circulation—more than 41% of the total initial supply.

What It Means for SMBs and Beyond

You may not be holding SHIB, but your employees, clients, or vendors might be. And if you’re accepting crypto or storing digital assets, you’re part of the new risk economy.

Consider:

Decentralized networks are prone to phishing, spoofed tokens, and social engineering scams
Token burn mechanisms can be mimicked by threat actors to disguise illicit transactions
Wallets and exchanges are frequent targets for ransomware and data harvesting
Fake apps and browser extensions often mimic crypto-related tools to trick non-tech-savvy users

If your IT policy doesn’t include crypto risk hygiene, you’re behind.

The Real Burn Rate: Your Security Budget

While SHIB supply burns, your digital attack surface expands. Small businesses and professional firms need to ask:

Who manages our digital wallet access?
Are crypto-related domains or tokens interacting with our network?
Do we have asset protection protocols for staff using crypto apps or browser wallets?
Are we monitoring for DNS spoofing, phishing domains, and browser plug-in risks?

Crypto Isn’t Just Currency—It’s a Cyber Threat Vector

The meme coins may burn fast, but cybersecurity damage burns forever. And with AI now weaponizing crypto scams, there’s no room for guesswork.

70% of all cyber attacks target small businesses. I can help protect yours.

#CyberSecurity #Cryptocurrency #SHIB #ManagedITServices #BlockchainSecurity

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FBI busts U.S. laptop farms feeding North Korean cybercrime machine.

July 2, 2025

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20 min read

Hired by You. Funded by North Korea.

FBI busts U.S. laptop farms feeding North Korean cybercrime machine.

The U.S. Justice Department just dismantled a covert IT scheme that’s more than fraud—it’s a threat to national security, business integrity, and global cybersecurity.

Nearly 200 laptops, 29 domains, and $7.74 million in digital assets were seized. The operation exposed a network of North Korean operatives masquerading as U.S.-based IT workers, infiltrating over 100 American companies, including tech startups, blockchain firms, and potentially defense contractors.

How It Worked

North Korean nationals—some using deepfaked documents and AI-enhanced profiles—posed as remote developers, using:

Stolen or fake identities
Shell companies and U.S.-based facilitators
KVM switches (like TinyPilot) to remote into employer-issued laptops
Fake job listings and LinkedIn profiles to bypass screening

They were assisted by individuals in the U.S., China, Taiwan, and UAE, including Zhenxing “Danny” Wang of New Jersey, who helped launder over $5 million to DPRK-linked entities.

Why It’s So Dangerous

Once hired, these “employees”:

Accessed export-controlled military technology
Stole over $900,000 in cryptocurrency
Altered smart contracts at a blockchain R&D firm
Used VPNs, AI image enhancement, and remote management tools
Exploited corporate trust to infiltrate sensitive environments

“North Korea’s most talented employees may already be working for you.” – U.S. DOJ

Not Just Government Targets

SMBs, schools, healthcare orgs, and law firms that use contract developers or outsource IT roles are just as vulnerable.

You trust résumés, interviews, and device logins—but North Korean operatives have weaponized identity, software, and even your hiring process.

This isn’t a phishing email. This is credentialed access with a W-9 on file.

What You Should Do Now

✅ Vet every remote hire with layered ID verification

✅ Use endpoint detection and geolocation-based behavioral analytics

✅ Watch for inconsistent device usage or suspicious remote access activity

✅ Avoid letting remote users control company-issued devices via KVM

✅ Work with MSPs who know how to detect embedded threats

They Weren’t Just Stealing Money. They Were Stealing Trust.

The lines between cybercrime and cyberwarfare are gone. This isn’t just IT fraud—it’s infiltration, surveillance, and a direct threat to your clients, your data, and your country.

70% of all cyber attacks target small businesses. I can help protect yours.

#CyberSecurity #InsiderThreats #NorthKorea #RemoteWorkRisks #ManagedITServices