TODAY’S TECH ALERT
Image: ChatGPT
You’ve heard the same old online security advice a million times: Use strong passwords, don’t click sketchy links, keep your software updated. But there’s a massive blind spot that most people (and even big companies) are missing. Hackers know it. And they’re already inside.
⚠️ The numbers are shocking
New research from security firm AppOmni found that a whopping 75% of organizations had a SaaS-related security incident last year. Yup, that’s up 33% from 2024. And nearly 90% of them thought they were safe until a breach hit them like a ton of bricks.
👩💻 Wait, what’s ‘SaaS,’ anyway?
It stands for Software as a Service. Think about all those cloud-based tools you use daily through a browser or app. Stuff like:
Google Workspace (Gmail, Drive, Calendar)
Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel)
Zoom (video calls, webinars)
Slack (team chat)
Dropbox (file sharing and storage)
Shopify (e-commerce stores)
Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom)
Salesforce (CRM and customer data tools)
People often assume these apps are “secure enough.” They’re run by big tech, right? But that’s the trap attackers are counting on.
🤖 The new front line of cybercrime
Hackers aren’t just attacking your home network or trying to trick you with phishing anymore. They’re targeting what happens inside these platforms, like weak app connections, overly broad permissions, old integrations and identity loopholes. And when they get in? You won’t know until it’s too late.
🔐 What you can do right now
Here’s how to tighten your defenses and make yourself a harder target:
Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for every app
Email, storage, work apps, enable 2FA anywhere it’s available. This stops many attacks dead in their tracks.
Use strong, unique passwords + a password manager
Never reuse passwords. A password manager creates strong ones and remembers them for you.
Review and revoke app permissions
Go through each SaaS account’s settings and remove apps or services you don’t recognize or no longer use. These are common backdoors for attackers.
Use a VPN when on public Wi-Fi
Whether you’re at Starbucks, the airport or even a hotel, a VPN encrypts your connection and keeps snoops out.
Keep your devices and apps updated
Updates patch known security holes. Don’t ignore them.
Watch for weird account activity
If you get a “new login” alert or see strange file changes, investigate immediately.
🛡 Why I use ExpressVPN
One of the easiest and smartest ways to boost your security? Use a VPN.
I recommend ExpressVPN because it’s fast, reliable and doesn’t log your online activity. With one tap, it encrypts your internet traffic, which is a fancy way of saying no one can see what you’re doing, not even your internet provider.
It’s especially important if you’re using any of those cloud apps over public Wi-Fi. Don’t let an open network be your downfall.
If you’re serious about protecting your digital life, and you should be, make using a VPN part of your daily routine. ExpressVPN is the one I trust. Use my link to get four extra months free. By the way, if you buy, I get no kickbacks or residuals.
Photo credit(s): ChatGPT
This is a paid advertisement for ExpressVPN.
This newsletter and its content are intended for informational purposes only. They are provided without warranty of any kind. You shouldn’t construe anything provided here as legal, health, medical, technical, tax, investment, financial or any other kind of advice.
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