Small Business Pivots

Pirates, AI, and Your Business: The New Cybersecurity Battlefield | Josh Cochran

Aug 6, 2025
Guest
Josh Cochran
In this engaging discussion, Josh Cochran, owner of Diverse CTI and a seasoned entrepreneur, reveals how modern cybercriminals have transitioned online, likening them to pirates of the past. He discusses the alarming tactics hackers employ, including AI to create fake invoices and siphon funds unnoticed. Josh also debunks myths about cloud storage safety and emphasizes vital cybersecurity steps for small businesses, such as multi-factor authentication. His unique perspective combines insights from managing IT services and a family automotive business, enhancing the dialogue.
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INSIGHT

Internet As Modern Lawless Seas

  • The internet is like the lawless oceans of the past where attackers freely prey on merchant ships.
  • That analogy reframes cybersecurity as defensive protection for digital commerce and reputation.
ANECDOTE

Fake Invoices Stole $150K Over A Weekend

  • Josh described hackers using AI to scan emails, fake invoices, and steal $150,000 over a weekend.
  • They mimicked invoices and redirected customer payments to a hacker-controlled bank account.
ADVICE

Turn On Multi-Factor Authentication Now

  • Enable multi-factor authentication immediately for Office 365 and Google Workspace accounts.
  • Apply MFA broadly so stolen passwords alone cannot grant access to email or cloud apps.
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