The Cardboard Quarter Trick: A Lesson in Cybersecurity for Your Business

When I was a kid, my siblings and I ran a vending machine business. We used U-Turn machines filled with snacks and toys, and while it was a fun venture, we learned a thing or two about people’s creativity – or, shall we say, ingenuity in trying to get something for nothing. One of our machines, placed in a local pizza shop, would frequently have fake quarters in the change drawer. You see, someone figured out that the thickness of a pizza box was just about the same as a real quarter. So, they’d trace a quarter on the cardboard, cut it out, and voilà – fake coins that would slip right through the machine, letting them pocket snacks like pistachios and M&Ms without paying.

As a business owner, you might think, "How does this childhood memory relate to my company’s cybersecurity?" The answer is simple: Threat actors often impersonate legitimate sources or users, much like those counterfeit pizza box quarters. They can gain unauthorized access to your company’s data, systems, and networks without you even realizing it.

Here’s how this scenario mirrors cyber incidents:

1. Impersonation is a Common Tactic

Just like the fake coins passed off as real quarters, cybercriminals impersonate trusted entities to deceive their targets. This can come in the form of phishing emails, fake websites, or compromised login credentials. They exploit your trust to access sensitive data, install malware, or steal proprietary information.

2. Lookalike Threats Are Hard to Detect

At first glance, the cardboard quarters seemed like real coins. Similarly, a threat actor might craft an email or website that looks nearly identical to a legitimate one, making it difficult to spot the threat. Without the proper detection systems in place, your team might fall victim to these "lookalike" threats and unknowingly give hackers the keys to your business.

3. The Cost of Underestimating the Threat

When a pizza box "quarter" slipped into our vending machine, we didn’t know it until we emptied the change. In business, the cost of an undetected cyberattack can be far worse. Data breaches, intellectual property theft, and system downtime can result in massive financial losses and long-term damage to your reputation.

4. Defend Your Business Like You Would Your Vending Machines

Just as we worked to ensure our vending machines were stocked, secure, and regularly checked, your company needs a strong defense to prevent cyber threats. Regular vulnerability assessments, employee training, multi-factor authentication, and robust cybersecurity protocols are essential to guard against impersonation tactics that aim to steal from your business.

Impersonation is a growing concern in the world of cybersecurity, and it’s crucial to take proactive steps to safeguard your company’s assets. Just as the fake cardboard quarters tricked us as kids, threat actors today are getting smarter in their attempts to exploit your company. By implementing the right cybersecurity measures, you can stop these "cardboard coins" before they do any damage.

If you're unsure where to start, partnering with a managed security provider like TotalCare IT can provide you with the tools and expertise to keep your business secure from these types of attacks. Don't let your company be the next victim of a cyber scam – take action now to protect your data and your bottom line.