AI Threats & Ransomware: Oregon SMB PlaybookSeries: No Tricks, Just Security — Part 2 of 4
Last week: Four habits that make security routine.

Next up: smart cameras and office IoT … the overlooked back doors.

10D Tech—local managed IT & cybersecurity with offices in Corvallis and Portland. Serving Oregon & SW Washington.

Corvallis/Albany/ Bend/ Eugene (541) 243-4103   •   Portland/Salem (503) 971-9103

AI is helping good teams work faster—and bad actors, too. The result isn’t a sci-fi villain; it’s the same old scams with sharper teeth. For Oregon SMBs in Portland, Salem, Eugene, and Bend, the real risk is AI making social engineering and ransomware more convincing, more targeted, and quicker to deploy. 10D Tech helps Oregon teams separate hype from impact and implement controls that blunt AI-powered attacks.

Want a concise readiness readout? 10D Tech’s Free IT Checkup delivers a plan tuned to your business. https://www.10dtech.com/is-this-you/

1) Deepfakes in Meetings: Trust, But Verify

Deepfake audio/video can mimic leaders or vendors in Teams/Zoom. The con is simple: “Install this plugin,” “Approve that payment,” or “Share your login so we can fix access.”

Spot the tells: odd lighting, mismatched lip sync, awkward pauses, or rushed requests.

  • Out-of-band checks: verify unusual requests by phone or known channel.
  • Meeting security: authenticated join; lock meetings; disable risky add-ons.
  • Teach the pause: staff script: “I’ll confirm via our standard channel.”

2) AI-Polished Phishing: Fewer Typos, More Traps

  • Email controls: SPF/DKIM/DMARC, safe links/attachments, geo rules.
  • MFA everywhere: email, finance, HR, remote access.
  • User drills: short, frequent simulations with quick feedback.

For ongoing tuning and monitoring, 10D Tech Managed Cybersecurity keeps filters and rules sharp.

3) Fake “AI Tools”: Malware in Costume

  • Allow-list apps from trusted sources only.
  • Endpoint protection (EDR) to detect suspicious behavior.
  • Ask first—route new tool requests through IT/MSP.

4) The Ransomware Tie-In (Primary Risk)

Layer A: Identity & Access

  • MFA on critical apps; conditional access; least privilege.

Layer B: Endpoint Protection

  • EDR/XDR on servers/workstations; patch fast; USB controls.

Layer C: Email & Web

  • Advanced phishing defenses; DNS/web filtering.

Layer D: Backups Built for “Worst Day”

  • 3-2-1 with immutable
  • Isolated credentials/tenant.
  • Tested restores (file, VM, core app).

Fastest route without extra headcount: 10D Tech Data Backup & Disaster Recovery and Managed Cybersecurity.

EXAMPLE: Sam’s “Almost Wired $68,400” Afternoon

A deepfake “client CFO” pushed an urgent wire. Sam verified by phone. Logs showed a prior phish; 10D Tech EDR blocked script abuse, forced resets, and added domain blocks. Process won: verify by phone, EDR on endpoints, MFA on email.

Not sure your controls would have caught this? 10D Tech will pressure-test them and fix the gaps. (541) 243-4103 • (503) 971-9103

Here’s Your Ransomware-Ready Playbook:

  1. Identity: MFA + conditional access.
  2. Endpoints: 24×7 EDR; defined patch windows; allow-listing.
  3. Email: safe links/attachments; DMARC p=quarantine/reject.
  4. Backups: immutable + offsite; quarterly restore drills; documented RTO/RPO.
  5. DRP: quick start + runbook; call tree; client notice; semi-annual tabletop.

Need rapid help? Emergency IT Support & Incident Response.

The Oregon Angle: Local Patterns

  • Portland/Beaverton SaaS & pro services: invoice fraud via mailbox compromise.
  • Mid-Valley manufacturers: PO-themed phishing.
  • Eugene/Corvallis clinics & nonprofits: look-alike domains; “shared document” lures.

IT Checkup

Worried about AI-boosted scams or ransomware? Get a Free IT Checkup with 10D Tech. We’ll review identity, endpoints, email controls, and backups, then hand you a plan that fits your Oregon business.
Book My Free IT Checkup • Call (541) 243-4103 • (503) 971-9103

FAQs

Q: What’s the single best step to reduce ransomware risk?
A: Turn on MFA for email and admin accounts, then deploy EDR on endpoints. These two moves stop many attacks outright.

Q: Do I really need immutable backups?
A: Yes. Immutability prevents attackers from encrypting or deleting your backups. Pair this with offsite storage and regular restore tests. See 10D Tech Data Backup & Disaster Recovery. https://www.10dtech.com/services/data-backup-disaster-recovery

Q: How do I verify a suspicious payment request?
A: Use a known phone number to call the requester. Never approve payments based solely on email or chat.

Q: Do we need a formal disaster recovery plan?
A: A short plan beats none: roles, contacts, top systems, RTO/RPO, and a checklist. We’ll help you create one that fits your size.

Q: What if someone clicked a bad link?
A: Don’t scold … respond. Isolate the device, reset credentials, review logs, and check EDR. If things escalate, call 10D Tech Emergency IT Support & Incident Response. https://www.10dtech.com/services/emergency-it-support