News & Updates
Follow our recent social media activity to get cybersecurity alerts, quick IT tips, and updates on how we’re helping Houston-area businesses stay secure and efficient.
Follow our recent social media activity to get cybersecurity alerts, quick IT tips, and updates on how we’re helping Houston-area businesses stay secure and efficient.
🔐 Cybersecurity Tech Tip 🔐
Think you can remember all your passwords?
🚫 Not a chance. The average person has 100+ passwords—and that number is only going up.
Relying on memory is like trying to juggle chainsaws blindfolded. 🎪 Instead, use a password manager to:
✅ Keep every password unique
✅ Store them securely
✅ Save your brainpower for things that matter
This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, take the easy win: ditch sticky notes and recycled passwords. Your future self will thank you. 🙌
#cybersecurityawarenessmonth #passwordmanager #techtip #StaySecure ... See MoreSee Less
✅ The cost of prevention is always less than the cost of repair.
Regular checkups keep your systems running smoothly, your data secure, and your team focused on growth.
When you invest in prevention, you’re really investing in stability, trust, and peace of mind.
Make the smart move today and keep problems from ever getting a chance to start.
Ready to safeguard your business? Contact CinchOps today and schedule your preventative IT check.
👉 cinchops.com/contact | 📲 281‑269‑6506
#ManagedIT #BusinessGrowth #Cybersecurity #CinchOps #MSP #HoustonBusiness #ReliableITSupport #ITSupport #FastIT #ManagedIT #SmallBusiness #ITSupport #FastIT #BusinessContinuity #ITResilience ... See MoreSee Less
🚨 BrickStorm: The Silent Network Squatter
Imagine this: hackers break into your business network… and instead of making noise, they sit quietly for over a year. They don’t trip alarms. They don’t set off antivirus alerts. Instead, they nest inside your VMware servers and network appliances — the very backbone of your IT — siphoning off data, credentials, and access.
That’s exactly what’s happening with the BrickStorm backdoor. Victims have discovered attackers living undetected in their environments for 393 days on average before being noticed. That’s over a year of stolen data, compromised client trust, and unknown liability.
Here’s why it’s dangerous:
❌ It bypasses antivirus. BrickStorm doesn’t run on laptops or desktops — it hides in the infrastructure your endpoint tools never check.
🕵️ It thrives in the shadows. Without proactive monitoring, attackers move laterally, escalate privileges, and exfiltrate sensitive data at will.
💸 It’s not just IT’s problem. Data breaches mean lawsuits, lost clients, and reputational damage SMBs can’t afford.
At CinchOps, we specialize in keeping businesses from becoming that statistic. Our team audits, hardens, and monitors the very systems BrickStorm abuses. With 24/7 visibility, centralized logging, and a proactive defense strategy, we make sure hackers never get a year-long lease inside your business.
Take action before they do. Book your free cybersecurity assessment today and let’s lock down your critical systems before attackers find them.
👉 cinchops.com/contact | 📲 281‑269‑6506
Full Details Here: cinchops.com/brickstorm-backdoor/
#ManagedIT #BusinessGrowth #Cybersecurity #CinchOps #MSP #HoustonBusiness #ReliableITSupport #ITSupport #FastIT #ManagedIT #SmallBusiness #ITSupport #FastIT #BusinessContinuity #ITResilience #CybersecurityAwareness ... See MoreSee Less
Here is the email Clop attackers sent to Oracle customers...
Emails sent to Oracle customers by members of the Clop ransomware group assert that the cybercriminals are solely interested in a financial payout, framing the extortion as a business transaction rather than a politically motivated attack.
The extortion emails were sent to executives of alleged victim organizations earlier this week, with attackers claiming they would provide victims copies of any three files or data rows upon request to verify their organization’s data was stolen.
“But, don’t worry,” the attackers wrote in an extortion email, which CyberScoop obtained a copy of Thursday. “You can always save your data for payment. We do not seek political power or care about any business.”
cyberscoop.com/extortion-email-clop-oracle-customers/ ... See MoreSee Less
Every business has had that moment:
💻 A crashed system
🗑️ A deleted file
📩 A suspicious email that slipped through .
Too often, the response is a shrug and an “oops.”
But “oops” doesn’t restore data. It doesn’t stop downtime. It doesn’t keep your clients happy.
At CinchOps, we believe success comes from strategy. Plan. Prepare. Protect. 🛡️ That’s how you stay ahead of threats, avoid costly mistakes, and keep your business moving forward 🚀.
🛡️Protect your future today. Schedule a free consultation with CinchOps and take the first step toward real peace of mind.
Because “Oops” isn’t a strategy. It’s an expensive lesson. 💸
👉 cinchops.com/contact | 📲 281‑269‑6506
#ManagedIT #BusinessGrowth #Cybersecurity #CinchOps #MSP #HoustonBusiness #ReliableITSupport #ITSupport #FastIT #ManagedIT #SmallBusiness #ITSupport #FastIT #BusinessContinuity #ITResilience ... See MoreSee Less
Microsoft to Launch New Secure Default Settings for Exchange and Teams APIs
Microsoft is updating its security policies to require administrator consent for new third-party applications seeking access to Exchange and Teams content.
These “Secure by Default” changes, set to roll out from late October to late November 2025, aim to enhance tenant security by giving administrators greater control over data access.
This update is a key component of the Microsoft Secure Future Initiative (SFI), which prioritizes security by default across Microsoft’s product ecosystem. The changes align with industry best practices by hardening the security posture of Microsoft 365 tenants.
Full Article: cybersecuritynews.com/secure-default-exchange-and-teams/ ... See MoreSee Less
Google Mandiant Probes New Oracle Extortion Wave Possibly Linked to Cl0p Ransomware
Google Mandiant and Google Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG) have disclosed that they are tracking a new cluster of activity possibly linked to a financially motivated threat actor known as Cl0p.
The malicious activity involves sending extortion emails to executives at various organizations and claiming to have stolen sensitive data from their Oracle E-Business Suite.
"This activity began on or before September 29, 2025, but Mandiant's experts are still in the early stages of multiple investigations, and have not yet substantiated the claims made by this group," Genevieve Stark, Head of Cybercrime and Information Operations Intelligence Analysis at GTIG, told The Hacker News in a statement.
Mandiant CTO Charles Carmakal described the ongoing activity as a "high-volume email campaign" that's launched from hundreds of compromised accounts, with evidence suggesting that at least one of those accounts has been previously associated with activity from FIN11, which is a subset within the TA505 group.
thehackernews.com/2025/10/google-mandiant-probes-new-oracle.html ... See MoreSee Less
Grow Without Limits - The Future Is Wide Open!
🦖 The future belongs to businesses that adapt, innovate, and move faster than the rest.
With the right IT strategy, you don’t just avoid risks — you unlock new opportunities, streamline operations, and scale with confidence.
🌟 CinchOps is here to fuel that growth. Let’s evolve together.
Book your free consultation today and future-ready your business.
👉 cinchops.com/contact | 📲 281‑269‑6506
#ManagedIT #BusinessGrowth #Cybersecurity #CinchOps #MSP #HoustonBusiness #ReliableITSupport #ITSupport #FastIT #ManagedIT #SmallBusiness #ITSupport #FastIT #BusinessContinuity #ITResilience #CybersecurityAwareness ... See MoreSee Less
🏎️ Business is a lot like racing—success comes down to planning every move, preparing for the unexpected, and protecting your position on the track. When you’ve got the right IT strategy, you don’t just keep up—you lead the race.
Every business faces sharp turns: cyber threats, downtime, compliance hurdles, and sudden market changes. The ones that stay ahead aren’t the ones with the flashiest tech - they’re the ones with a crew that keeps their systems tuned, their defenses strong, and their roadmap clear.
At CinchOps, we help you build a race-ready IT strategy:
✔️ Plan smarter with technology that aligns to your business goals
✔️ Prepare for the unexpected with rock-solid backup and recovery
✔️ Protect your edge with enterprise-grade cybersecurity
Don’t leave your growth to chance. Book your free IT strategy session today!
👉 cinchops.com/contact | 📲 281‑269‑6506
#ManagedIT #BusinessGrowth #Cybersecurity #CinchOps #MSP #HoustonBusiness #ReliableITSupport #ITSupport #FastIT #ManagedIT #SmallBusiness #ITSupport #FastIT #BusinessContinuity #ITResilience ... See MoreSee Less
🌩️ Storms test everything in their path.
Your business doesn’t need to be one of them.
At CinchOps, we’ve weathered every kind of IT challenge—from sudden outages to relentless cyber threats. While others scramble, our proven expertise keeps your operations steady, secure, and moving forward.
Don’t just survive the storm. Thrive through it.
Let’s talk about protecting your business today.
👉 cinchops.com/contact | 📲 281‑269‑6506
#ManagedIT #BusinessGrowth #Cybersecurity #CinchOps #MSP #HoustonBusiness #ReliableITSupport #ITSupport #FastIT #ManagedIT #SmallBusiness #ITSupport #FastIT #BusinessContinuity #ITResilience ... See MoreSee Less
🚀 Microsoft Releases Windows 11 2025 Update (25H2) — What It Means for Your Business
Microsoft has rolled out the Windows 11 25H2 Update, with a focus on long-term stability, security, and enterprise readiness.
🔑 Key Highlights:
✅ Enhanced Security – Expanded vulnerability detection and AI-assisted secure coding.
✅ Faster Connectivity – Enterprise-grade support for Wi-Fi 7.
✅ Streamlined Management – IT admins can now remove select pre-installed apps via Group Policy.
✅ Legacy Cleanup – Deprecation of PowerShell 2.0 and WMIC to reduce attack surface.
✅ Extended Support – Enterprise/Education editions now receive 36 months of support (24 months for Pro/Home).
For most systems already on 24H2, this will be a seamless enablement update — ensuring business continuity with minimal disruption.
💡 At CinchOps, we help organizations adopt updates like this strategically: balancing security, performance, and productivity. If you want to ensure your systems are updated safely and aligned with your business goals, we’re here to help.
📌 Full details:
www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/windows-11-2025-update-25h2-is-now-available-heres-whats-...
👉 cinchops.com/contact | 📲 281‑269‑6506
#ManagedIT #Cybersecurity #CinchOps #MSP #FastIT #ManagedIT #ITSupport #FastIT #BusinessContinuity #ITResilience ... See MoreSee Less
🚫 Don’t just plan to bounce back - plan to never go down in the first place. Cyber threats don’t wait for the “right time” to strike, which is why prevention has to be built into every part of your business.
CinchOps delivers proactive monitoring, layered defenses, and tailored security strategies designed to shut down threats before they become costly incidents. Instead of reacting to breaches, you’ll have a system that spots risks early, blocks them at the door, and keeps your team moving without disruption.
Your business deserves more than damage control - it deserves confidence, continuity, and control.
👉 Ready to secure your business before trouble even has a chance? Let’s talk.
👉 cinchops.com/contact | 📲 281‑269‑6506
#ManagedIT #BusinessGrowth #Cybersecurity #CinchOps #MSP #HoustonBusiness #ReliableITSupport #ITSupport #FastIT #ManagedIT #SmallBusiness #ITSupport #FastIT #BusinessContinuity #ITResilience ... See MoreSee Less
✉️🕷️ New Bug in Classic Outlook Can Only be Fixed via Microsoft Support
Microsoft is investigating a known issue that causes the classic Outlook email client to crash upon launch, which can only be resolved via Exchange Online support.
According to a recently published support document, this impacts Microsoft 365 customers who use classic Outlook on Windows systems.
While the company didn't specify the root cause of this ongoing issue, it advised affected customers to open a support case from the Microsoft 365 Admin portal, which will prompt the Exchange Online support team to request a service change to mitigate it.
"This error message can occur for different reasons. Not every instance of this error is the same issue but recent support cases around this have been for user mailboxes," the company said.
www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/new-bug-in-classic-outlook-can-only-be-fixed-via-microsof... ... See MoreSee Less
🚧 Is your IT road full of potholes?
When life throws bumps in your way, you don’t just keep hitting them—you patch them.
That’s exactly what AI-Driven Patch Management does:
✅ Faster fixes
✅ Smarter updates
✅ Smoother performance
Don’t let hidden gaps slow your business down. Keep your systems running like fresh pavement.
Patch smarter today with CinchOps.
👉 cinchops.com/contact | 📲 281‑269‑6506
#ManagedIT #BusinessGrowth #Cybersecurity #CinchOps #MSP #HoustonBusiness #ReliableITSupport #ITSupport #FastIT #ManagedIT #SmallBusiness #ITSupport #FastIT #BusinessContinuity #ITResilience ... See MoreSee Less
🔒 Shadowserver Report: Cisco ASA Firewalls Remain Critically Exposed 🔒
The Shadowserver Foundation has identified over 48,000 Cisco ASA devices worldwide (19,600+ in the United States) that remain vulnerable to recent zero-day exploits (CVE-2025-20333 & CVE-2025-20362). Despite repeated security alerts, many organizations have yet to patch, leaving attackers with an open door.
Source: www.helpnetsecurity.com/2025/10/01/too-many-cisco-asa-firewalls-still-unsecure-despite-zero-day-a...
Observed attacker activity includes:
❗ Disabling system logging
❗ Intercepting administrative commands
❗ Forcing device crashes during investigations to erase evidence
Recommended Actions:
✅ Audit all Cisco ASA/FTD appliances — prioritize internet-facing devices
✅ Apply Cisco’s latest firmware updates without delay
✅ Reset to factory defaults after patching and reconfigure with new credentials, keys, and certificates
✅ Replace end-of-support devices that cannot be secured
✅ Conduct compromise assessments and investigate for indicators of intrusion
This is not simply a technical issue — it is a business risk. A compromised firewall can expose your entire network, disrupt operations, and damage trust.
If your organization needs guidance with firewall audits, patching, or replacement strategies, CinchOps can help ensure your defenses are effective and resilient.
👉 cinchops.com/contact | 📲 281‑269‑6506
#ManagedIT #BusinessGrowth #Cybersecurity #CinchOps #MSP #HoustonBusiness #ReliableITSupport #ITSupport #FastIT #ManagedIT #SmallBusiness #ITSupport #FastIT #BusinessContinuity #ITResilience ... See MoreSee Less
🚀 Lightning-speed recovery. Because downtime isn’t an option. ⚡
When every second counts, your business can’t afford to hit pause. With CinchOps, you get proactive protection and recovery solutions that keep you moving—no matter what comes your way.
💡 Stay secure. Stay resilient. Stay ahead.
Ready to make downtime a thing of the past? Let’s talk:
👉 cinchops.com/contact | 📲 281‑269‑6506
#ManagedIT #BusinessGrowth #Cybersecurity #CinchOps #MSP #HoustonBusiness #ReliableITSupport #ITSupport #FastIT #ManagedIT #SmallBusiness #ITSupport #FastIT #BusinessContinuity #ITResilience #KeepPunching ... See MoreSee Less
🚨🔐 October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month! 🔐🚨
Every click, every login, every download matters. Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue - it’s a business survival issue.
At CinchOps, we believe protecting your business is about more than firewalls and passwords. It’s about building a culture of security where every employee is your first line of defense.
✅ This month, we’ll be sharing practical tips, best practices, and real-world insights to help small and midsize businesses stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.
✅ From phishing awareness to data backup strategies, we’ve got you covered.
✅ And remember - cybersecurity is not a one-month project, it’s a year-round commitment.
💡 Ready to take action? Let’s talk about how we can secure your business and give you the confidence to grow without fear.
Contact us today to start your CinchOps Cybersecurity Readiness Check:
cinchops.com/managed-it-houston-free-cybersecurity-assessment/
👉 cinchops.com/contact | 📲 281‑269‑6506
#ManagedIT #BusinessGrowth #Cybersecurity #CinchOps #MSP #HoustonBusiness #ReliableITSupport #ITSupport #FastIT #ManagedIT #SmallBusiness #ITSupport #FastIT #BusinessContinuity #ITResilience #CybersecurityAwareness ... See MoreSee Less
🍋 Technology challenges are inevitable. But the way your business responds makes all the difference.
At CinchOps, we help turn IT headaches into growth opportunities - from eliminating downtime and boosting security to simplifying processes so your team can focus on what really matters: building your business.
Success isn’t about avoiding obstacles. It’s about having the right partner to turn them into stepping stones.
🚀 Ready to squeeze more growth out of your technology? Let’s make IT simple.
👉 cinchops.com/contact | 📲 281‑269‑6506
#ManagedIT #BusinessGrowth #Cybersecurity #CinchOps #MSP #HoustonBusiness #ReliableITSupport #ITSupport #FastIT #ManagedIT #SmallBusiness #ITSupport #FastIT #BusinessContinuity #ITResilience ... See MoreSee Less
🔒 New Cyber Threat: MatrixPDF Exploits in Gmail
Varonis researchers have identified a new technique called MatrixPDF, where malicious PDFs are crafted to bypass Gmail’s preview and email security filters. These files appear legitimate but contain hidden scripts designed to steal credentials or deliver malware.
Key Risks:
❗ Malicious code can execute automatically when the PDF is opened
❗ Attackers use fake “secure document” prompts to trick users
❗ Standard email gateways often fail to detect these files
What organizations should do:
✅ Educate employees about the risks of interacting with suspicious PDFs
✅ Implement advanced email security tools that analyze file behavior, not just signatures
✅ Strengthen incident response processes to limit potential exposure
📖 Read the full Varonis analysis here: www.varonis.com/blog/matrixpdf
At CinchOps, we help businesses stay ahead of evolving threats like MatrixPDF with proactive monitoring, advanced email security, and user awareness training.
Don’t wait until a breach happens - Contact us today to safeguard your business.
👉 cinchops.com/contact | 📲 281‑269‑6506
#ManagedIT #BusinessGrowth #Cybersecurity #CinchOps #MSP #HoustonBusiness #ReliableITSupport #ITSupport #FastIT #ManagedIT #SmallBusiness #ITSupport #FastIT #BusinessContinuity #ITResilience ... See MoreSee Less
🏎️ Your car needs a tire check. Your business needs a tech check.
Going on a road trip without checking your tires is asking for trouble. One weak spot and you’re stuck on the side of the highway. The same thing happens with IT — a single unchecked risk can derail your entire business.
Downtime, data loss, security breaches — those are the business version of blowouts. And they always hit when you least expect them.
At CinchOps, we make sure your IT is ready for the long haul. Our risk assessments and proactive monitoring catch problems before they leave you stranded.
Don’t wait for the blowout!
👉 cinchops.com/contact | 📲 281‑269‑6506
#ManagedIT #BusinessGrowth #Cybersecurity #CinchOps #MSP #HoustonBusiness #ReliableITSupport #ITSupport #FastIT #ManagedIT #SmallBusiness #ITSupport #FastIT #BusinessContinuity #ITResilience ... See MoreSee Less
⚠️ Security Advisory: Critical Sudo Vulnerability Actively Exploited ⚠️
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued an alert regarding CVE-2025-32463, a newly discovered and actively exploited vulnerability in sudo. This flaw, rated CVSS 9.3 (critical), allows a local attacker to execute commands as root through improper handling of the -R (chroot) option, even without being listed in the sudoers file.
📖 Full report:
thehackernews.com/2025/09/cisa-sounds-alarm-on-critical-sudo-flaw.html
What This Means for Businesses
-----------------------------------
This vulnerability affects Linux and Unix systems, but its impact extends to mixed environments where Linux components are part of larger infrastructures. Exploitation in the wild has already been confirmed, making rapid action essential.
CinchOps Coverage
----------------------
CinchOps provides comprehensive support across:
✅ Windows, macOS, and Linux
✅ Legacy systems including mainframe, AS/400, and z/OS
CinchOps monitors and mitigates critical vulnerabilities to ensure business continuity and minimize risk exposure.
Recommended Immediate Actions
--------------------------------------
⚙️ Verify sudo versions in your environment and upgrade to 1.9.17p1 or later.
⚙️ Apply vendor patches or recommended mitigations without delay.
⚙️ Audit and monitor privileged account activity for signs of misuse.
⚙️ Engage with your security partner to validate system integrity.
At CinchOps, we specialize in proactively addressing threats like these, providing the assurance that your IT infrastructure remains secure and resilient.
👉 cinchops.com/contact | 📲 281‑269‑6506
#ManagedIT #businessgrowth #CyberSecurity #cinchops #MSP #houstonbusiness #ReliableITSupport #ITSupport #fastit #ManagedIT #smallbusiness #ITSupport #fastit #BusinessContinuity #ITResilience ... See MoreSee Less
When every second counts, hesitation isn’t an option.
Imagine this: your systems crash, your data is locked, and your team is frozen in place. Customers are waiting, deadlines are slipping, and every minute feels like a financial and reputational hit.
The difference between a short setback and a full-blown disaster? Preparation.
✅ Backups that ensure your critical files aren’t gone for good.
✅ Recovery plans that get you operational in hours, not days.
✅ Cybersecurity that blocks threats before they have a chance to strike.
This isn’t just IT - it’s survival, resilience, and business continuity.
CinchOps makes sure your data, your team, and your business stay protected when the unexpected happens.
Ready to safeguard your future?
👉 cinchops.com/contact | 📲 281‑269‑6506
#ManagedIT #BusinessGrowth #Cybersecurity #CinchOps #MSP #HoustonBusiness #ReliableITSupport #ITSupport #FastIT #ManagedIT #SmallBusiness #ITSupport #FastIT #BusinessContinuity #ITResilience #KeepPunching ... See MoreSee Less
Is your IT helping your business grow, or holding it back?
Too many small and mid-sized businesses waste time battling slow systems, patchy cybersecurity, and unresponsive support. That’s not just frustrating—it’s expensive. Every minute lost to downtime or tech confusion is a minute stolen from your growth.
At CinchOps, we flip the script. Our team aligns technology with your business goals so IT becomes a driver of productivity instead of a drain on resources.
Here’s what that looks like:
✔️ Stronger cybersecurity to protect against costly threats
✔️ Reliable systems that keep your team moving without interruptions
✔️ Responsive support that speaks your language—not jargon
✔️ Strategic guidance to keep you one step ahead of the competition
Your business deserves IT that clears the path forward, not one that puts up roadblocks.
👉 cinchops.com/contact | 📲 281‑269‑6506
#ManagedIT #BusinessGrowth #Cybersecurity #CinchOps #MSP #HoustonBusiness #ReliableITSupport #ITSupport #FastIT #ManagedIT #SmallBusiness #ITSupport #FastIT #BusinessContinuity #ITResilience ... See MoreSee Less
🚨 Attention Houston Manufacturing, Utility, and Oil & Gas Leaders 🚨
Report Link: www.ic3.gov/CSA/2025/250929.pdf
The FBI has recently issued updated guidance regarding Operational Technology (OT) security. Organizations that rely on SCADA systems, control networks, or other forms of critical infrastructure should take note.
The recommendations are particularly relevant for businesses operating in the Greater Houston area, where the energy, utilities, and manufacturing sectors remain a prime target for cyber threats.
Key Takeaways
----------------
- Organizations must maintain a comprehensive and up-to-date record of all OT assets. Unknown devices, undocumented connections, or shadow systems create significant vulnerabilities.
- Connectivity introduces risk. Systems that were once thought to be “air-gapped” are increasingly connected to enterprise networks, vendor portals, and cloud services. Each new connection represents a potential attack vector.
- Third-party access requires careful oversight. Vendors, contractors, and integrators often introduce new equipment or remote access capabilities. Without proper controls, these relationships can expose organizations to avoidable risks.
- Insufficient segmentation and lack of visibility amplify the impact of attacks. Without proper network zoning, access controls, and monitoring, a breach in one area can quickly spread throughout an OT environment.
Why Houston Is Particularly Vulnerable
-------------------------------------------
- Houston’s energy, utilities, and manufacturing industries are among the most highly targeted sectors for disruption, intellectual property theft, and safety-related attacks.
- Many organizations in the region rely on legacy OT systems that were never designed with modern cybersecurity in mind.
- The high degree of interdependence across industrial operations means a compromise in one system can ripple through pipelines, grids, safety mechanisms, and compliance requirements.
Recommended Actions
--------------------------
- Establish and maintain a definitive OT record by mapping every sensor, controller, edge device, and network connection.
- Classify assets based on business and safety risk, including criticality, exposure, and availability.
- Implement strict network segmentation and enforce least-privilege access to reduce lateral movement opportunities.
- Carefully vet and limit third-party access, ensuring contractual enforcement of access policies and adopting Just-in-Time access models where possible.
- Review and update asset inventories, access models, and segmentation controls regularly, as OT environments continually evolve.
The Bottom Line
------------------
Within Houston’s industrial ecosystem, OT architecture represents the true front line of defense. A breach is not simply an IT problem - it can result in operational disruption, regulatory consequences, reputational damage, and even physical harm.
For organizations seeking to strengthen their OT security posture, expert support is available.
Contact CinchOps today to schedule an OT security review or segmentation design consultation.
👉 cinchops.com/contact | 📲 281-269-6506
#ManagedIT #BusinessGrowth #Cybersecurity #CinchOps #MSP #HoustonBusiness #ReliableITSupport #ITSupport #FastIT #ManagedIT #SmallBusiness #BusinessContinuity #ITResilience ... See MoreSee Less
🚨Comprehensive Cybersecurity Analysis from the First Half of 2025
The first half of 2025 revealed critical gaps between security testing and real-world attacks, with over 4,071 ransomware breaches across 109 countries despite a 35% drop in payments. CLOP leads ransomware groups with 411 breaches, while the US accounts for 54.5% of all attacks. Manufacturing and services sectors face the highest risk, with businesses of all sizes targeted.
The cybersecurity environment in early 2025 has exposed a troubling reality – there’s a significant disconnect between how organizations test their security defenses and how real attackers actually operate. Based on Ontinue’s comprehensive 1H 2025 Threat Intelligence Report, this gap is allowing cybercriminals to maintain prolonged access to business systems while security teams remain unaware of their presence.
cinchops.com/comprehensive-cybersecurity-analysis-from-the-first-half-of-2025/ ... See MoreSee Less
OpenAI is Routing GPT-4o to Safety Models When It Detects Harmful Activities
ChatGPT routes some conversations to different models than what is expected. This can happen when you're using GPT-5 in auto mode, and you ask AI to think harder. It'll route your requests to GPT-5 thinking.
While that's good, what has upset users is an attempt to route GPT-4o conversations to different models, likely a variant of GPT-5.
This can happen when you're having a conversation with GPT-4o on a sensitive or emotional topic, and it feels that it is some sort of harmful activity. In those cases, GPT-4o will switch to gpt-5-chat-safety.
www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/artificial-intelligence/openai-is-routing-gpt-4o-to-safety-models-w... ... See MoreSee Less
🏎️ Every champion driver has a pit crew that keeps them running at peak performance. Your business deserves the same.
At CinchOps, we’re your expert P“IT” Crew—ready to keep your systems secure, efficient, and moving full speed ahead.
Don’t let IT slow you down. Let’s get you back in the driver’s seat.
Schedule Your Free IT Consultation Today
👉 cinchops.com/contact | 📲 281‑269‑6506
#ManagedIT #BusinessGrowth #Cybersecurity #CinchOps #MSP #HoustonBusiness #ReliableITSupport #ITSupport #FastIT #ManagedIT #SmallBusiness #ITSupport #FastIT #BusinessContinuity #ITResilience ... See MoreSee Less
☔💻 The digital storm is real - but you don’t have to get drenched.
An unpatched system is like walking outside without an umbrella during a malware downpour.
✅ Keep your systems updated. ✅ Keep your data safe. ✅ Keep your future secure.
🌦️ Don’t wait for the storm to hit - get covered today.
👉 cinchops.com/contact | 📲 281‑269‑6506
#ManagedIT #BusinessGrowth #Cybersecurity #CinchOps #MSP #HoustonBusiness #ReliableITSupport #ITSupport #FastIT #ManagedIT #SmallBusiness #ITSupport #FastIT #BusinessContinuity #ITResilience ... See MoreSee Less
Microsoft Flags AI-Driven Phishing: LLM-Crafted SVG Files Outsmart Email Security
Microsoft is calling attention to a new phishing campaign primarily aimed at U.S.-based organizations that has likely utilized code generated using large language models (LLMs) to obfuscate payloads and evade security defenses.
"Appearing to be aided by a large language model (LLM), the activity obfuscated its behavior within an SVG file, leveraging business terminology and a synthetic structure to disguise its malicious intent," the Microsoft Threat Intelligence team said in an analysis published last week.
The activity, detected on August 28, 2025, shows how threat actors are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) tools into their workflows, often with the goal of crafting more convincing phishing lures, automating malware obfuscation, and generating code that mimics legitimate content.
thehackernews.com/2025/09/microsoft-flags-ai-driven-phishing-llm.html ... See MoreSee Less
☕ Just like the perfect cup of coffee, robust risk management is all about balance.
At CinchOps, we seamlessly blend people, process, and technology to create protection that’s smooth, strong, and built to last.
Because when it comes to your business, you shouldn’t settle for anything less than a rich, full-bodied defense. 💪🔐
Ready to taste the difference of proactive IT and cybersecurity?
👉 cinchops.com/contact | 📲 281‑269‑6506
#ManagedIT #BusinessGrowth #Cybersecurity #CinchOps #MSP #HoustonBusiness #ReliableITSupport #ITSupport #FastIT #ManagedIT #SmallBusiness #ITSupport #FastIT #BusinessContinuity #ITResilience ... See MoreSee Less
🚨 Hackers use Weaponized Microsoft Teams Installer to Compromise Systems With Oyster Malware
A sophisticated malvertising campaign is using fake Microsoft Teams installers to compromise corporate systems, leveraging poisoned search engine results and abused code-signing certificates to deliver the Oyster backdoor malware.
The attack was neutralized by Microsoft Defender’s Attack Surface Reduction (ASR) rules, which blocked the malware from establishing contact with its command-and-control server.
The multi-stage attack highlights an increasing trend of threat actors using legitimate services to appear trustworthy and evade traditional security measures.
cybersecuritynews.com/weaponized-microsoft-teams-installer/ ... See MoreSee Less
🚨 Heads-up, Houston-area businesses: Microsoft is officially phasing out VBScript after nearly 30 years. If your systems still rely on it for automation, installers, or legacy apps, you’ve got work to do.
👉 Read more: Microsoft’s VBScript Deprecation: cinchops.com/microsofts-vbscript-deprecation/
Key things you need to know:
💾 It’s being retired in 3 phases — starting now (in Windows 11 24H2) still “enabled by default,” then “optional,” and finally gone altogether.
💾 This isn’t just about keeping up with the times — it’s a security move. VBScript is a favorite vector for malware campaigns (e.g. Lokibot, Emotet).
💾 The good news? Modern alternatives like PowerShell or JavaScript can pick up most of the slack — but you need a migration plan now.
What you should do now:
✅ Inventory all VBScript usage in your environment (hidden scripts, custom tools, app dependencies)
✅ Prioritize which scripts / systems must be migrated first
✅ Plan, test, and transition — don’t wait until the deadline
📌 Contact CinchOps to audit your VBScripts, build a migration strategy, and secure your systems before this deprecation leaves you exposed.
👉 cinchops.com/contact | 📲 281‑269‑6506
#ManagedIT #BusinessGrowth #Cybersecurity #CinchOps #MSP #HoustonBusiness #ReliableITSupport #ITSupport #FastIT #ManagedIT #SmallBusiness #ITSupport #FastIT #BusinessContinuity #ITResilience #KeepPunching ... See MoreSee Less
🚦 Get your IT race ready. Avoid hidden potholes. 🏎️💨
In business, just like on the track, one unexpected pothole can throw you off course. Don’t let downtime, data loss, or security gaps slow your momentum.
“Smooth tracks, faster laps - CinchOps keeps your IT road clear.”
With CinchOps as your pit crew, your business runs faster, safer, and ready for the win. 🏁
❓ Ready to take the lead? Let’s clear your IT roadblocks today.
👉 cinchops.com/contact | 📲 281‑269‑6506
#ManagedIT #BusinessGrowth #Cybersecurity #CinchOps #MSP #HoustonBusiness #ReliableITSupport #ITSupport #FastIT #ManagedIT #SmallBusiness #ITSupport #FastIT #BusinessContinuity #ITResilience ... See MoreSee Less
🦖➡️💡Technology moves fast—and if your IT can’t keep up, you risk becoming extinct.
At CinchOps, we keep your business sharp, agile, and secure. Don’t let outdated systems drag you into the past. Stay sharp with modern IT solutions designed for growth, resilience, and SMB-friendly pricing.
⁉️Ready to evolve? Let’s talk!
👉 cinchops.com/contact | 📲 281‑269‑6506
#ManagedIT #BusinessGrowth #Cybersecurity #CinchOps #MSP #HoustonBusiness #ReliableITSupport #ITSupport #FastIT #ManagedIT #SmallBusiness #ITSupport #FastIT #BusinessContinuity #ITResilience ... See MoreSee Less
🚨 Attention Houston businesses (and everyone on Facebook): there’s a sneaky new phishing campaign you need to know about.
🔍 FileFix Campaign Hides StealC Malware in Images
This isn’t your grandma’s phishing hack. Attackers are using steganography (hiding code inside legitimate-looking JPGs) to embed malicious PowerShell commands that steal passwords, crypto, and business data.
Here’s how the con works:
1. You get a warning that your Meta/Facebook account will be suspended.
2. You click what looks like an official support link.
3. They trick you into pasting a command into File Explorer — which in reality fetches a “harmless” image.
4. That image isn’t just a picture — it’s carrying hidden malware that runs behind your back. Boom: stolen data.
What You Can Do Right Now:
✅ Don’t ever paste commands you don’t understand — especially from random websites.
✅ Lock down PowerShell, CMD, and other script execution permissions.
✅ Use an endpoint detection & response (EDR) tool that flags weird image-triggered behavior.
✅ Train your team — social engineering is evolving fast, and the weakest link is human.
✅ If you use Facebook or Meta for any part of your business, treat your account like a crown jewel.
🔒 Don’t wait until attackers are rummaging through your files. CinchOps helps Houston businesses stay ahead of threats with enterprise-grade cybersecurity, and simplified IT.
Contact CinchOps today and let’s lock this down before it becomes a problem.
👉 cinchops.com/contact | 📲 281‑269‑6506
#ManagedIT #BusinessGrowth #Cybersecurity #CinchOps #MSP #HoustonBusiness #ReliableITSupport #ITSupport #FastIT #ManagedIT #SmallBusiness #ITSupport #FastIT #BusinessContinuity #itresilience
cinchops.com/filefix-campaign-hides-stealc-malware-in-images/ ... See MoreSee Less
🔥 Tired of tech headaches slowing you down?
Downtime, long waits for fixes, and ballooning IT costs aren’t just annoying—they’re bad for business.
Here’s how a Managed Service Provider flips the script:
🚫 Fewer incidents = less stress.
👨💻 24/7 experts on call, no more waiting for “office hours.”
📈 Built-in scalability so IT never holds growth back.
⏳ No endless hiring or training battles in a talent shortage.
💸 Enterprise-level protection at small business prices.
Contact us today and start your journey with CinchOps.
👉 cinchops.com/contact | 📲 281‑269‑6506
#ManagedIT #BusinessGrowth #Cybersecurity #CinchOps #MSP #HoustonBusiness #ReliableITSupport #ITSupport #FastIT #ManagedIT #SmallBusiness #ITSupport #FastIT #BusinessContinuity #ITResilience ... See MoreSee Less
🥊 Recovery > Impact 🥊
It’s not about how hard the punch lands… it’s about how quickly you get back up, reset, and keep moving forward.
“Every champion was once a contender who refused to give up.” - Rocky
Resilience is the real power. 💥
Stay resilient, keep moving forward — with CinchOps in your corner.💪🔥
👉 cinchops.com/contact | 📲 281‑269‑6506
#ManagedIT #BusinessGrowth #Cybersecurity #CinchOps #MSP #HoustonBusiness #ReliableITSupport #ITSupport #FastIT #ManagedIT #SmallBusiness #ITSupport #FastIT #BusinessContinuity #ITResilience #KeepPunching ... See MoreSee Less
🔐 New CinchOps Cybersecurity Update: Watch Out for the BrickStorm Backdoor 🔐
State-sponsored Chinese hackers have quietly held persistent access to U.S. companies for nearly 393 days using a stealthy backdoor called BrickStorm. They’re targeting legal firms, tech companies, SaaS providers, and energy firms - systems many think are “secure enough.”
💥 What’s the big deal?
❗They avoid detection by skipping traditional endpoint defenses
❗They infiltrate VMware infrastructure, network appliances, and virtual environments
❗They exfiltrate data, stay hidden, and compromise strategic assets
📌 Here’s what’s critical:
✅Network appliances & virtualization systems can’t be ignored
✅Visibility across every device is essential
✅Real-time detection & response must be part of your approach
✅Credential hygiene, MFA, and segmentation are non-negotiables
CinchOps is on it — we’ve got infrastructure hardening, advanced threat monitoring, and response strategies built for today’s stealthiest adversaries.
👉 Read the full update here: cinchops.com/brickstorm-backdoor/
If you’re in legal, SaaS, energy, or business services, this matters directly. Let’s talk before someone else turns your network into a stealth fortress. 💡
📞 Don’t leave your business exposed — contact CinchOps today
👉 cinchops.com/contact | 📲 281‑269‑6506
#ManagedIT #BusinessGrowth #Cybersecurity #CinchOps #MSP #HoustonBusiness #ReliableITSupport #ITSupport #FastIT #ManagedIT #SmallBusiness #ITSupport #FastIT #BusinessContinuity #ITResilience ... See MoreSee Less
🚨 The Hidden Truth About Web Application Firewall (WAF) Protection 🚨
Did you know that over 50% of enterprise external assets are completely unprotected by a WAF—and the numbers are even worse for assets handling personal data? 😱
Yes — that means many companies are leaving the front door wide open.
In our latest article, we break down:
✅ How WAFs act as the critical line of defense for web apps
✅ Why so many organizations have massive coverage gaps
✅ The risk those blind spots introduce — from credential stuffing to injection attacks
✅ How you can take practical steps to remediate gaps right now
✅ How CinchOps can help you audit, consolidate, monitor, and harden your defenses
👉 Read the full breakdown: cinchops.com/the-hidden-truth-about-web-application-firewall-protection/
📞 Don’t leave your business exposed — contact CinchOps today to secure your web applications with enterprise-grade protection.
👉 cinchops.com/contact | 📲 281‑269‑6506
#ManagedIT #BusinessGrowth #Cybersecurity #CinchOps #MSP #HoustonBusiness #ReliableITSupport #ITSupport #FastIT #ManagedIT #SmallBusiness #ITSupport #FastIT #BusinessContinuity #ITResilience ... See MoreSee Less
📰❗ Amazon reaches $2.5 billion settlement with FTC over ‘deceptive’ Prime program
Amazon will pay $2.5 billion to settle Federal Trade Commission allegations that the company duped users into paying for Prime memberships, the regulatory agency announced Thursday.
The surprise settlement comes as Amazon and the FTC were just three days into the trial in a Seattle federal court. Opening arguments in the case occurred Tuesday, but the settlement allows Amazon to avoid having a jury at the trial return a verdict with potentially larger damages than the settlement with the FTC.
The lawsuit, filed by the FTC in June 2023 under the Biden administration, claimed that Amazon deceived tens of millions of customers into signing up for its Prime subscription program and sabotaged their attempts to cancel it. Three senior Amazon executives were at risk of being held individually liable if the jury sided with the FTC.
Amazon will pay a $1 billion civil penalty to the FTC and will refund $1.5 billion to an estimated 35 million customers impacted by “unwanted Prime enrollment or deferred cancellation,” the agency said. Under the terms of the settlement, Amazon will give $51 to eligible customers within 90 days.
www.cnbc.com/2025/09/25/amazon-ftc-prime-settlement.html ... See MoreSee Less
🚀 The pace of technology doesn’t wait for anyone. Businesses that cling to outdated IT risk becoming the next fossil in the digital age.
🦖 At CinchOps, we help you squeeze every ounce of value from your current IT investments - but let’s be real, some systems eventually outlive their usefulness. When that point comes, we make the transition seamless, secure, and built for growth.
🛡️ Stay ahead. Stay secure. Stay thriving.
Ready to evolve your IT before it holds you back? Contact CinchOps today and let’s build your future together.
👉 cinchops.com/contact | 📲 281‑269‑6506
#ManagedIT #BusinessGrowth #Cybersecurity #CinchOps #MSP #HoustonBusiness #ReliableITSupport #ITSupport #FastIT #ManagedIT #SmallBusiness #ITSupport #FastIT #BusinessContinuity #ITResilience ... See MoreSee Less
🚨 Cyber threats don’t wait — and neither should your business. 🚨
Think of cybersecurity like car insurance: it’s not just about prevention, it’s about how quickly you can recover after an incident.
That’s where an Incident Response Plan comes in. With the right plan in place, your business can:
🔎 Identify threats
🛡️ Protect your data
⚡ Detect breaches
📢 Respond fast
💪 Recover stronger
Don’t leave your business exposed to today’s sophisticated attacks.
Contact us today and start your journey with CinchOps.
👉 cinchops.com/contact | 📲 281‑269‑6506
#ManagedIT #BusinessGrowth #Cybersecurity #CinchOps #MSP #HoustonBusiness #ReliableITSupport #ITSupport #FastIT #ManagedIT #SmallBusiness #ITSupport #FastIT #BusinessContinuity #ITResilience ... See MoreSee Less
🚨 Cisco Warns of Actively Exploited SNMP Vulnerability Allowing RCE or DoS in IOS Software
Cisco has warned of a high-severity security flaw in IOS Software and IOS XE Software that could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code or trigger a denial-of-service (DoS) condition under specific circumstances.
The company said the vulnerability, CVE-2025-20352 (CVSS score: 7.7), has been exploited in the wild, adding it became aware of it "after local Administrator credentials were compromised."
The issue, per the networking equipment major, is rooted in the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) subsystem, arising as a result of a stack overflow condition.
An authenticated, remote attacker could exploit the flaw by sending a crafted SNMP packet to an affected device over IPv4 or IPv6 networks, resulting in DoS if they have low privileges or arbitrary code execution as root if they have high privileges and ultimately take control of the susceptible system.
The company said the issue affects all versions of SNMP, as well as Meraki MS390 and Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches that are running Meraki CS 17 and earlier. It has been fixed in Cisco IOS XE Software Release 17.15.4a. Cisco IOS XR Software and NX-OS Software are not impacted.
"This vulnerability affects all versions of SNMP. All devices that have SNMP enabled and have not explicitly excluded the affected object ID (OID) should be considered vulnerable," Cisco said.
thehackernews.com/2025/09/cisco-warns-of-actively-exploited-snmp.html ... See MoreSee Less
🏗️ Every strong business needs a solid foundation. Resilience isn’t built overnight — it’s designed with intention.
🔒 Map out your success by focusing on the five essentials:
✅ Identify risks
✅ Protect your assets
✅ Detect threats
✅ Respond quickly
✅ Recover stronger
At CinchOps, we turn these principles into action, helping your business stay agile, secure, and ready for whatever comes next.
Don’t wait for disruption to test your defenses. Schedule a consultation with CinchOps today and start building your blueprint for resilience.
👉 cinchops.com/contact | 📲 281‑269‑6506
#ManagedIT #BusinessGrowth #Cybersecurity #CinchOps #MSP #HoustonBusiness #ReliableITSupport #ITSupport #FastIT #ManagedIT #SmallBusiness #ITSupport #FastIT #BusinessContinuity #ITResilience ... See MoreSee Less
NC5221 Uses BRICKSTORM Backdoor to Infiltrate U.S. Legal and Technology Sectors
Companies in the legal services, software-as-a-service (SaaS) providers, Business Process Outsourcers (BPOs), and technology sectors in the U.S. have been targeted by a suspected China-nexus cyber espionage group to deliver a known backdoor referred to as BRICKSTORM.
The activity, attributed to UNC5221 and closely related, suspected China-nexus threat clusters, is designed to facilitate persistent access to victim organizations for over a year, Mandiant and Google Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG) said in a new report shared with The Hacker News.
It's assessed that the objective of BRICKSTORM targeting SaaS providers is to gain access to downstream customer environments or the data SaaS providers host on their customers' behalf, while the targeting of the U.S. legal and technological spheres is likely an attempt to gather information related to national security and international trade, as well as steal intellectual property to advance the development of zero-day exploits.
thehackernews.com/2025/09/unc5221-uses-brickstorm-backdoor-to.html ... See MoreSee Less
Rice Real Estate Co. reveals plans for new 200K-square-foot building in Ion District
Rice Real Estate Co., the real estate development arm of Rice University, has unveiled plans to add a new 200,000-square-foot research, laboratory and office facility to its innovation district in Midtown.
The Arc at the Ion District, which is being developed in partnership with Dallas-based Lincoln Property Co., aims to build upon the district’s capabilities as a hub for innovation, Rice Real Estate co. said Sept. 16.
The Arc will join the original Ion building at 4201 Main St., which is now over 90% leased to such tenants as Chevron, Microsoft, Aramco, Baker Botts, Exxon Mobil, Oxy, BP, Shell, United, Transocean and Woodside Energy, as well as leading startups and investors such as Persona AI and Liongard.
www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2025/09/16/rice-real-estate-the-arc-ion-new-research-building.html ... See MoreSee Less
🚀 Small business, big goals? Don’t let IT slow you down.
Building an in-house IT team can drain time, money, and focus. That’s where we come in.
✅ One partner for all your IT needs
✅ More productivity, less stress
✅ Efficiency that fuels growth
With a trusted IT Partner by your side, you get the freedom to zero in on what matters most - growing your business.
💡 Let us handle the tech headaches while you focus on the big picture.
Contact us today and start your journey with CinchOps.
👉 cinchops.com/contact | 📲 281‑269‑6506
#ManagedIT #BusinessGrowth #Cybersecurity #CinchOps #MSP #HoustonBusiness #ReliableITSupport #ITSupport #FastIT #ManagedIT #SmallBusiness #ITSupport #FastIT #BusinessContinuity #ITResilience ... See MoreSee Less
📺 Hackers love to change the channel of your business to drama, suspense, and disaster.
With CinchOps, you keep it locked on productivity, progress, and profit.
Don’t hand them the remote.
Ready to stay in control? Let’s talk.
👉 cinchops.com/contact | 📲 281‑269‑6506
#ManagedIT #BusinessGrowth #Cybersecurity #CinchOps #MSP #HoustonBusiness #ReliableITSupport #ITSupport #FastIT #ManagedIT #SmallBusiness #ITSupport #FastIT #BusinessContinuity #ITResilience ... See MoreSee Less
⚠️ Every day you delay a patch, you’re rolling the dice with your business.
Hackers are scanning 24/7 for systems running outdated systems and software — and once they find one, it’s too late.
Patch management isn’t optional. It’s the difference between staying operational and being tomorrow’s breach headline.
Don’t wait for a wake-up call. Lock down your systems today.
👉 cinchops.com/contact | 📲 281‑269‑6506
#ManagedIT #BusinessGrowth #Cybersecurity #CinchOps #MSP #HoustonBusiness #ReliableITSupport #ITSupport #FastIT #ManagedIT #SmallBusiness #ITSupport #FastIT #BusinessContinuity #ITResilience ... See MoreSee Less
Cloudflare mitigates new record-breaking 22.2 Tbps DDoS attack
Cloudflare has mitigated a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack that peaked at a record-breaking 22.2 terabits per second (Tbps) and 10.6 billion packets per second (Bpps).
DDoS attacks typically exhaust either system or network resources, aiming to make services slow or unavailable to legitimate users.
Record-breaking DDoS attacks are becoming more frequent, as just three weeks ago, Cloudflare disclosed that it mitigated a massive 11.5 Tbps and 5.1 Bpps attack, the largest publicly announced at the time. ... See MoreSee Less