Deepfakes are no longer the stuff of sci-fi—they’re here, and they’re dangerous. Bad actors are using them to spread misinformation, ruin reputations, and even manipulate financial markets. And yes, they’re a favorite tool in phishing attacks too.

The question is, can you spot one before it’s too late? Knowing the different types of deepfakes—and their telltale signs—can save you from falling victim to these digital deceptions.

What Are the Different Types of Deepfakes (And How Do You Spot Them)?

1. Face-Swapping Deepfakes

This is the most common type of deepfake. Imagine someone’s face seamlessly superimposed onto someone else’s body in a video. With today’s sophisticated AI tools, these can be scarily convincing—especially in high-quality footage.

Here’s how to spot them:

• Look for inconsistencies: Check lighting, skin tones, and facial expressions. Do they look natural? Glitches like hair not moving realistically or slight misalignments around the face and neck are red flags.
• Check the source: Did this video come from a reputable news site, or some random social media account? Always verify the source before believing what you see.
• Listen closely: Does the voice match the person’s usual tone, pitch, or accent? Any incongruences could signal a fake.

2. Deepfake Audio

Deepfake audio is all about synthetic voice recordings that mimic someone’s speech patterns and intonations. Scammers use this to create fake audio messages or frame people for things they never said.

Phishing scams are everywhere. Your inbox? It’s a warzone. And if you think email security isn’t your problem, think again. Phishing remains the leading cause of data breaches and security incidents—and it’s been that way for years.

But the email landscape is changing. Big players like Google and Yahoo have raised the stakes with a new DMARC policy. Starting February 2024, email authentication is no longer optional—it’s essential. If your business sends emails through Gmail or Yahoo, you need to pay attention.

So, what’s DMARC, and why should you care? Let’s break it down. We’ll show you how email authentication works and why it’s the key to protecting your business from phishing attacks.

The Email Spoofing Problem

Picture this: You get an email that looks like it’s from your bank. It’s urgent—click the link, they say. Enter your details, they say. Next thing you know? You’ve been hacked.

This is email spoofing. Scammers disguise their email addresses to trick you into thinking they’re legit. They spoof a company’s domain to send fake emails to customers, vendors, and even employees.

Cloud computing has changed the game. It’s scalable, flexible, and cost-efficient. But here’s the problem: it’s not free of pitfalls. One big, expensive pitfall? Cloud waste.

What’s cloud waste? It’s money leaking out of your business, paying for resources you’re not even using. A staggering 32% of cloud spending is wasted. Think about that—nearly a third of your budget going straight down the drain.

But here’s the good news: that 32% is an opportunity. Optimize your cloud usage, and you’re looking at serious savings. Want to know how? Read on for nine smart tactics to slash cloud waste and get your spending under control.

1. Conduct a Comprehensive Cloud Audit

You can’t fix what you can’t see. Start with a cloud audit. This is your chance to dig into your current usage and uncover hidden inefficiencies. Look for:

• Underutilized resources
• Overprovisioned instances
• Unnecessary services

Use cloud management tools to generate detailed reports on usage patterns, costs, and performance metrics. This audit lays the groundwork for cutting waste and maximizing value.

Houston, TX — Elevate Technology, a leader in IT solutions, has unveiled its latest offering: Elevate for Teams Advanced. This innovative integration blends Microsoft Teams’ powerful collaboration tools with Elevate’s advanced cloud-based phone system. Designed to streamline business communication, this new solution offers companies a unified platform for calls, messages, meetings, and file sharing, all within the familiar Teams environment.

Why Elevate for Teams Advanced is a Game-Changer

Elevate for Teams Advanced is crafted for businesses that rely on Microsoft Teams in their daily workflows. By embedding sophisticated call management and customer interaction tools directly into Teams, Elevate Technology eliminates the need to juggle multiple apps. The result? A more efficient, productive workday.

With over 100 enterprise-grade calling features, including call queues, monitoring, whisper, and barge capabilities, users can manage all their communication needs within Teams without needing additional middleware or a Teams Phone license.

Key Features at a Glance

• Seamless Single-App Experience: Manage calls, SMS, and customer interactions within the Teams app, simplifying communication with just one platform.
• Advanced Calling Features: Access enterprise-level calling tools directly in Teams, such as advanced hunt groups.
• Two-Way Presence Synchronization: Align team statuses across Elevate and Teams for a cohesive experience.
• Unlimited Domestic and International Calling: Connect with clients and team members worldwide, covering 33 countries.
• Easy Sign-In with O365 Credentials: Use existing Microsoft credentials for effortless access to Elevate.

Transforming Business Communication

“Elevate for Teams Advanced is more than just an integration,” says Donnie Rollins, CEO of Elevate Technology. “We’re delivering a revolutionary solution that caters to the evolving needs of modern businesses. By merging Microsoft Teams with our telephony capabilities, we’re raising the standard for business communications.”

This integration is ideal for organizations looking to boost productivity, streamline communication, and minimize tech-related disruptions. Companies can now manage calls, SMS, meetings, and file sharing—all from a single platform, making collaboration smoother and more efficient than ever.

The cyber threat landscape is a minefield. Hackers evolve their tactics faster than you can say “data breach.” Your business? It’s juggling mountains of data while trying to fend off relentless attacks. It’s a headache no one asked for.

Enter Microsoft Security Copilot. This generative AI-powered security tool is like having an elite security team at your fingertips 24/7. It doesn’t just detect threats—it outsmarts them, giving your team the tailored insights they need to defend your network like pros.

Let’s break down what Microsoft Security Copilot is, how it works, and whether it’s the secret weapon you’ve been missing in your cybersecurity arsenal.

What Is Microsoft Security Copilot?

Think of Microsoft Security Copilot as the James Bond of cybersecurity. It’s sharp, fast, and always one step ahead. Powered by AI and machine learning, this tool transforms how security teams handle threats. It processes signals, assesses risk, and responds to incidents—all at machine speed.

Whether you’re tracking a potential breach, managing security posture, or generating executive summaries, Copilot’s got your back. And here’s the kicker: you don’t need to be a tech genius to use it. Thanks to its natural language integration, you can ask it plain-English questions like:

QR codes. They’re everywhere. On restaurant menus, flyers, posters, even your favorite coffee shop's rewards program. You whip out your phone, scan, and—boom—you’re on a link, grabbing a coupon, or watching a video. Easy, right?

But hold on. That little square of convenience might just be hiding a nasty secret. Cybercriminals have caught on to the QR code craze, and they’re turning these innocent-looking boxes into traps for your personal info, your money, and even your device’s security.

Let’s peel back the curtain on the latest scam. More importantly, let’s talk about how to protect yourself before curiosity turns into regret.

QR Codes: From Humble Beginnings to Hacker Heaven

Originally designed to track parts in car manufacturing, QR codes are now the Swiss Army knife of modern marketing. They’re fast, convenient, and found everywhere from retail to hospitality.

But cybercriminals are smart. They saw an opportunity and pounced. Now, a wave of phishing scams is targeting the trust you place in QR codes. The result? Fake codes that lead you straight into the hands of scammers.

Chrome has been king of the browser hill for years. But Microsoft Edge? It’s not just creeping up behind Safari and Chrome. It’s coming for the throne.

Edge didn’t just leapfrog Firefox to claim the #3 spot—it’s now packed with features that’ll make you sit up and rethink what you want in a browser. It’s not just about surfing the web anymore. Edge is your productivity coach, your security guard, and your ultimate online companion.

From Workspaces that make your projects feel like a dream to a built-in VPN that guards your privacy like Fort Knox, Microsoft Edge isn’t playing around. Ready to see what all the fuss is about? Let’s dig in.

A Whole New Way to Work: Microsoft Edge Workspaces

What Are Workspaces?

Ever feel like your online life is a mess? Tabs everywhere, documents lost in the shuffle, projects scattered to the digital winds? That’s where Microsoft Edge Workspaces swoop in like a superhero.

Workspaces let you organize your browser into customized zones for each project, trip, or hobby. It’s like having a dedicated desk for every part of your life—minus the clutter and chaos.

Smart home gadgets are a modern-day miracle. Voice-activated assistants, connected cameras, smart thermostats—they’ve transformed our lives, making homes run smoother and smarter.

But there’s a catch. A sinister one.

A bombshell study from Which?, a leading consumer advocate group, has uncovered something that should make you sit up and take notice. These devices aren’t just listening to your commands—they might also be snooping on your private moments.

Let that sink in.

You invited them into your home, thinking they were just your friendly neighborhood helpers. Instead, some of them are acting more like spies in disguise. Creepy? You bet. But don’t panic just yet.

Has Your Software System Turned into a Tangled Mess?

Once upon a time, your company’s software was sleek, nimble, and made everything easier. But now? It’s a tangled web of shortcuts, patches, and workarounds. Welcome to the world of technical debt—it’s the silent saboteur that sneaks up on your system and starts slowing you down.

If left unchecked, technical debt can become a roadblock to efficiency, standing in the way of progress and innovation. But don't worry. Here’s how you can get ahead of it and keep your tech environment lean, mean, and running like a well-oiled machine.

What is Technical Debt?

Think of technical debt as interest on a loan you never wanted in the first place. It piles up whenever quick-fix IT solutions are chosen over more sustainable, long-term options.

At first, it seems harmless. But over time, those hasty decisions start to weigh down your system. They compound into a mess that slows progress and creates future complications you never saw coming. Addressing technical debt is crucial for keeping your technology stack robust and efficient. Here’s how you can tackle it head-on.

Artificial intelligence (AI) can be a game-changer. It’s the kind of tool that can supercharge your team’s productivity, creativity, and overall efficiency. But let’s be honest, AI comes with its own set of hurdles and risks. If you don’t address them head-on, you’ll miss out on the incredible potential AI has to offer.

Without clear "AI rules," you might not even know when AI is handling business data. And your employees? They might be too intimidated to use AI at all, which means losing out on huge time savings. To give you an idea, 64% of businesses expect AI to boost their productivity. You don’t want to be left behind.

So, how do you introduce AI into your workflow while sidestepping the pitfalls? We’ve got 9 tips to help you set up AI guidelines that work for your business and your team.

Define the Scope and Purpose of AI Use

Before diving into AI, you need a clear vision of what you’re aiming for. What are your business goals? How does AI fit into that big picture? If you don’t have a crystal-clear plan, your team won’t either.

Communicate this vision to your employees. Show them how AI will make their jobs easier, more efficient, and more productive. This way, everyone’s on the same page and you avoid any confusion or frustration right from the start.

You know those browser extensions you’ve downloaded? Yeah, the ones you installed to block ads, save passwords, or “boost productivity”? Well, they’re like the apps cluttering up your phone—cool in theory, but most of them just sit there, unused. And while you’re ignoring them, they could be working overtime… to compromise your privacy.

With over 176,000 extensions on Google Chrome alone, it’s easy to get lost in the possibilities. But while some can genuinely improve your online experience, others? They might be opening doors you didn’t even know existed—doors that lead directly to your sensitive info.

Let’s cut through the noise and talk about the risks you’re not thinking about. And don’t worry, I’ll show you how to stay safe while keeping those nifty tools around.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Browser Extensions

Look, browser extensions can be great. They block ads, manage passwords, even help you focus when you’re supposed to be working. But here’s the thing: for every helpful extension, there’s one lurking with a hidden agenda.

The ease of downloading them? That’s exactly what makes them dangerous. You might be one click away from compromising your entire online presence.

In today’s high-speed digital world, data isn’t just important—it’s everything. It’s what powers your operations, shapes your decisions, and connects you to your customers. But there's a silent predator lurking in the shadows of this data-driven universe. A predator that can tear through your business in ways you haven’t even imagined: the data breach.

The fallout from a breach doesn’t end when you patch the vulnerability. Far from it. In fact, nearly half of all data breach costs—49% to be exact—pile up in the second year and beyond. This means the true damage is often more like a ticking time bomb than a one-time explosion.

Let’s break down the long-term costs of a breach. Plus, I’ll walk you through a real-world horror story that shows how a single breach can keep a business in the red for years. The damage? Financial loss, a shattered reputation, and relentless government oversight. Buckle up.

The Hidden Price Tag of a Breach

The Nightmare at First American Title Insurance Co.

Back in 2019, First American got hit with a breach that sent shockwaves through their system. The New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) made sure the world knew by slapping them with a $1 million fine in 2023. Why? For letting sensitive consumer information slip through their fingers.

880 million documents—loaded with personal and financial data—were left exposed, in a massive violation of data protection laws. But here’s the kicker: That fine didn’t come down until four years after the breach. It’s the perfect example of how the costs keep creeping up long after you think you’ve fixed the problem.

Forget Everything You Thought You Knew About Business Growth

What if I told you there’s a cutting-edge technology so powerful, it can open doors you didn’t even know existed? A tool so revolutionary, small businesses can finally compete with the big players. It’s affordable, it’s game-changing, and it’s called Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI).

You’ve probably heard the buzz. GenAI isn’t your run-of-the-mill automation—it’s on a whole different level. We’re talking about a technology that creates content, generates solutions, and unlocks growth in ways that used to sound like science fiction.

Got a small business? Struggling to carve out your space in this hyper-competitive market? GenAI is the ally you didn’t know you needed. It can turbocharge your creativity, supercharge your efficiency, and catapult your business into the fast lane of growth.

So, how are smart small businesses tapping into this limitless potential? Let me show you how they’re flipping the script—revamping their marketing, streamlining operations, and bringing innovation front and center.

In today’s digital age, cybersecurity isn’t just important—it’s critical. With businesses more dependent on technology than ever, the door is wide open for cyber threats.

Here’s the kicker: 66% of small businesses are sweating bullets over cybersecurity risks, yet 47% don’t even know where to start when it comes to protecting themselves. This leaves them sitting ducks for attacks that can cost a fortune.

But here’s the challenge: convincing the bigwigs to shell out for cybersecurity isn’t always easy. Sure, they get that protection matters, but they want cold, hard numbers to justify the spend.

That’s where we come in. We’ll break down how to show the real, measurable benefits of cybersecurity investments. This will not only help you make a rock-solid case for better security at your company but also show you how these investments can actually pay off.

How to Prove the Dollars and Cents of Cybersecurity

Why is it so tough to put a dollar figure on cybersecurity? The benefits often hide in the shadows, preventing disasters rather than raking in revenue. Unlike a new piece of equipment that directly boosts profits, cybersecurity is more like an insurance policy—it’s there to reduce risks, not immediately fatten the bottom line.

Technology is tearing through the workplace like a high-speed train, and if you’re not on board, you’re getting left behind. From the rise of AI to the explosion of web3, and the wild world of the metaverse, the way we work is undergoing a seismic shift. It’s not just about keeping up—it’s about staying ahead. Let’s cut through the noise and zero in on the tech trends that are reshaping the future of work in 2024 and beyond.

1. Artificial Intelligence: The Powerhouse Behind Productivity

Let’s get real—AI isn’t just some tech buzzword to toss around at cocktail parties. It’s the engine driving the modern workplace, automating the boring stuff so you can focus on what really matters: strategy, creativity, and making big moves.

AI’s been around the block, but recent breakthroughs in computing power and algorithm wizardry have taken it from theory to a game-changer. We’re talking about AI that can do it all—from crunching numbers to handling customer service, from whipping up designs to crafting products.

But don’t get too cozy. AI brings a heap of challenges. Ethical landmines, social shake-ups, and the potential to upend the workforce as we know it. The key? Adopt AI smartly, keep it human-focused, and make sure your team is equipped to roll with the changes.

In today's digital world, technology is a key driver of efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness. For small businesses, modernizing workforce technology presents a unique opportunity to enhance operations, but it can also be a daunting challenge.

Adopting the latest technology can empower small businesses to excel in the digital age. Yet, many struggle to keep pace with modernization. In fact, over 30% of small businesses haven’t upgraded their systems in more than four years.

Several factors contribute to this reluctance to upgrade, including:

• Limited financial resources
• Uncertainty about how to approach modernization
• A belief that the "old way" is still sufficient

However, the benefits of upgrading are significant. Research shows that 45% of businesses that modernize their technology see an improved return on their IT investments. Other advantages include better employee retention, reduced cybersecurity risks, and increased productivity.

If your small business is ready to modernize its workforce technology, here are some essential steps to guide you:

Unlock the power of seamless integration and enhanced connectivity with Elevate for Teams Advanced. This robust solution merges Elevate's global cloud-based calling and SMS capabilities directly into your Microsoft Teams interface. Experience the ease of handling all your communication needs within the Teams app, optimizing your workflow and boosti...

In our previous brief, PinnacleOne brought executive attention to the likely future developments of AI’s application to offensive cyber operations.

This week, we focus decision-makers on the ten strategic challenges that will define a new global disorder.

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Insight Focus | The New Global Disorder

Classifying AI like nuclear physics secrets. Banning sales of foreign chip products that only tangentially touch U.S. tech. Adding more Chinese chipmaking firms to the Restricted List. Cajoling allies to cut-off more chipmaking tool sales. These are just a few of the recent signs that the Tech War is heating up as the economic and national security stakes drive U.S. policymakers to escalate in the face of increasing strategic challenges.

Streamline and Save with Managed IT ServicesAs your business evolves, so do your IT needs—digitization, network management, security, and mobile support. Meeting these demands can be challenging and costly, but it doesn't have to be. Managed IT services provide exceptional care, often at a comparable or even lower cost than maintaining an in-house ...

The Good | Interpol-Led Operation Cracks Down on West African Cybercrime Syndicates

The axe has fallen hard on West African crime syndicates as part of Operation Jackal III, a months-long law enforcement effort run across 21 countries. This week, Interpol reported some 300 arrests, the identification of over 400 suspects, 720 blocked bank accounts, and the seizure of $3 million in illicit funds, all to dismantle multiple criminal networks globally.

Amongst the affected crime syndicates, Black Axe has been a prominent plague within Africa and across the world. Their operations span human trafficking, drug smuggling, violent crimes, and significant cases of cyber fraud where victims were forced to sell their homes as a result of the scams. Believed to have been in operation for decades, Black Axe is closely linked to business email compromise (BEC) schemes, ‘romance’ fraud, and other identity scams.

In Argentina, authorities cracked down on a Nigerian-based transnational criminal infrastructure using millions in ‘supernotes’, counterfeit banknotes of very high quality, to open bank accounts in various countries in South America. Portuguese authorities similarly dismantled another Nigerian group that was laundering funds from online scam victims all across Europe. The data found on the seized devices revealed a mass network of cryptocurrency transactions indicative of a sophisticated money laundering operation.

The financial fraud industry is a dangerous and extensive one in West Africa, highlighting the success of the operation in reducing the ability for organized crime leaders to develop and extend their reach. Cross-border collaboration continues to be instrumental in combating deep-rooted criminal networks. Interpol currently has 196 member countries and works with national police forces to exchange intelligence and provide real-time access to databases leading to more efficient arrests.

The Bad | Flaws in SAP AI Core Expose Sensitive Customer Data & Allow Service Takeovers

Cybersecurity researchers this week reported on five critical security flaws in SAP AI Core, a cloud-based platform for creating and deploying AI workflows, which could be exploited to access tokens and customer data. The flaws, dubbed “SAPwned”, could allow attackers to infiltrate customers’ data and contaminate internal artifacts, potentially spreading to other services and environments.