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Before the year wraps up, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the last 12 months and assess how technology is helping – or holding back – your business productivity. Keeping your tech fresh and efficient has become essential for any business that wants to stay competitive, meet productivity goals and make employees’ day-to-day tasks easier. Here are seven ways to boost your workplace productivity with the right tech strategies in the New Year.

1. Automate And Streamline Processes

Automating repetitive tasks saves employees time and lets them focus on high-value, creative work. Tools like workflow automation software and robotic process automation can take on routine tasks, like data entry and reporting, with speed and accuracy. By minimizing manual tasks, you reduce errors, speed up workflows and improve job satisfaction, as employees can focus on critical thinking and problem-solving.

Year-End Action: Assess your most repetitive tasks and explore automation tools that could streamline them, reducing costs and boosting productivity.
Security Note: Automating processes often requires access to sensitive data. Ensure that any automation tools you choose follow strict security protocols, especially around data storage and access. Verify that your automation software provider complies with relevant data protection standards (like GDPR or CCPA) and offers encryption and access control features.

 

2. Upgrade Collaboration And Communication Tools

The right communication tools are a game-changer for productivity. With video conferencing, project management software and messaging platforms, teams can communicate effectively, share files instantly and track projects regardless of location. These tools make it easy to stay connected, improving project flow and decision-making.

Year-End Action: Evaluate your current collaboration tools and ensure they’re up-to-date and well-integrated for seamless team interactions in the New Year.
Security Note: Collaboration tools can be a target for cyberthreats, especially when teams share sensitive information. Look for tools with end-to-end encryption and multifactor authentication to safeguard data. Educate your team on best practices for secure file-sharing and establish access controls to prevent unauthorized access to critical files and channels.

 

3. Leverage Data Analytics For Smarter Decision-Making

Today’s businesses have more data than ever – using it wisely can give you a powerful edge. Data analytics and business intelligence tools help you collect and analyze data to gain insights into operations, customer behavior and market trends. When you know where your resources are best used, you can make data-backed decisions that drive productivity and efficiency.

Year-End Action: Review your current data analytics tools and make sure they align with your business goals. If needed, explore advanced options for deeper insights.
Security Note: Data analytics tools handle large volumes of sensitive business information, making them a potential target for breaches. Make sure any analytics tools you implement offer robust data encryption and secure data storage options. Limit access to analytics dashboards to only those who need it and regularly review permissions to prevent accidental data exposure.

 

4. Embrace Remote Work

Remote and flexible work options aren’t just trends – they’re proven productivity boosters. By allowing employees to work from anywhere, you save them commuting time and help them create an environment where they can work best

Year-End Action: Ensure your remote workforce has the security infrastructure they need. This may include VPNs, secure cloud storage and cybersecurity training to protect sensitive data and keep productivity high.
Security Note: Remote work introduces various security vulnerabilities, especially around network security and device access. Require employees to use company-approved VPNs for secure remote access, enforce strong password policies and consider implementing endpoint protection to monitor and secure remote devices.

 

5. Upgrade Project Management And Task-Tracking Tools

Project management software helps teams stay organized, meet deadlines and know who’s responsible for what. With the right tools, you gain a bird’s-eye view of tasks, project timelines and team progress, keeping everyone on track and accountable. From agile boards to Gantt charts, there’s a project management approach for every team.

Year-End Action: Reassess your project management setup. Look for features like task tracking, deadline reminders and team dashboards that keep projects moving smoothly.
Security Note: Project management tools often house sensitive project information and client data, which must be protected. Choose tools with data encryption, secure access controls and the ability to assign permissions based on role. Periodically audit who has access to critical project information and adjust permissions as needed.

 

6. Invest In Employee Training And Development

A skilled workforce is a productive one. Learning management systems (LMS) and online training platforms make it easy to upskill employees, ensuring they’re proficient with the latest tools and technologies. Investing in continuous learning helps employees work more efficiently and adapt to new challenges with confidence.
Year-End Action: Evaluate your current training programs and consider adding new online courses or LMS options to keep your team’s skills sharp for the New Year.
Security Note: Cybersecurity training is critical alongside other types of professional development. Provide regular security training focused on identifying phishing scams, following secure password practices and recognizing suspicious activity. Adding cybersecurity awareness to your training program ensures that your team’s skills are current and they are equipped to avoid security pitfalls.

 

7. Enhance Security And Data Protection

Security is foundational to productivity. Employees can’t work efficiently if they’re worried about data breaches or system vulnerabilities. Cybersecurity solutions protect sensitive information, prevent data loss and ensure your business stays operational, no matter what. Knowing that data and assets are safe gives employees confidence and peace of mind.

Year-End Action: Audit your current cybersecurity measures. Make upgrades where needed to protect your business from evolving threats and support a secure, productive workplace.
Start The New Year Strong With A Strategic Tech Refresh
A year-end tech refresh helps you enter the New Year with systems that support your team, increase efficiency and drive productivity. Whether you’re automating tasks, upgrading communication tools or boosting security, investing in the right technology sets up your business for success.
If you need help crafting a tech strategy – whether it’s choosing the best software, sourcing devices, optimizing efficiency or securing your network – our IT team is here to support you. Click here to Call and start the New Year with tech that works for you, not against you.

Cyberthreats have evolved so quickly that what once seemed like science fiction is now reality. From AI-driven cyber-attacks to the power of quantum computing, the cybersecurity challenges of 2025 are shaping up to be both innovative and unnerving. Here’s a look at some of the biggest threats on the horizon and what small and medium-sized businesses can do now to prepare.

1. AI-Driven Attacks: Smarter, Faster And Harder To Detect
Artificial intelligence is a double-edged sword in cybersecurity. While it powers sophisticated defenses, it’s also supercharging cybercrime. In 2025, expect to see AI do the heavy lifting for hackers, creating highly targeted phishing scams, developing malware that adapts in real time and automating attacks that evolve faster than traditional security defenses.
How To Prepare: Invest in advanced detection tools that use machine learning to spot these smarter attacks. Educate your team on recognizing AI-enhanced phishing e-mails that are eerily personalized and authentic. Staying one step ahead of AI requires your own tech arsenal, combined with human vigilance.

2. Quantum Computing: The End Of Encryption As We Know It?
Quantum computing, once just a theory, is progressing fast, and it has the potential to break many of today’s encryption standards. Unlike traditional computers, which process data in bits (ones and zeroes), quantum computers use qubits that can represent multiple states at once, allowing them to solve complex calculations far faster. This isn’t happening tomorrow, but by 2025, quantum advancements could already be chipping away at our data-protection defenses. Imagine hackers suddenly having the tools to crack even the most robust encryptions – it’s a game-changer.
How To Prepare: If you haven’t already, start researching quantum-resistant encryption. This might seem early, but early adopters will be better positioned as quantum tech accelerates. Make this part of your long-term cybersecurity strategy to avoid being left scrambling when the time comes.

3. Social Media Exploitation And Deepfakes: The Misinformation Machines
Social media is an incredibly powerful tool – for good and for bad. In 2025, we’re looking at an escalation in the use of social media to spread misinformation and carry out sophisticated social-engineering attacks. And let’s not forget about deepfakes, the realistic yet fake audio and video content that can be used to impersonate executives, customers or anyone else you trust.
How To Prepare: Build and promote a culture of verification within your business. Encourage employees to be cautious with unexpected requests – even those that look or sound legitimate. Training and awareness are your best defenses here, helping your team recognize the signs of manipulated content and social media scams before they fall for them.

4. The Evolution Of Ransomware: It’s Getting More Personal
Ransomware attacks are no longer just about encrypting your data – they’re also about leaking it. In 2025, double extortion is the new normal: cybercriminals not only lock down your systems but also threaten to publish sensitive information if you don’t pay up. And they’re targeting new sectors – think critical infrastructure, health care and supply chains, where the impact of a breach could be catastrophic.
How To Prepare: Double down on incident-response planning and invest in backup solutions that allow you to recover quickly without paying a ransom. Regularly test your backups and keep them off-network when possible to prevent attackers from compromising them too. Ransomware may be unavoidable, but being prepared will keep it from taking your business down with it.

5. Regulatory Changes And Compliance Headaches: It’s Time To Step Up
With cyberthreats mounting, governments around the world are tightening data protection and cybersecurity regulations. By 2025, businesses will likely be facing stricter requirements for data handling, privacy and incident response. Navigating these regulations won’t be easy, especially for businesses operating internationally, where compliance demands can vary widely.

How To Prepare: Stay on top of regulatory developments in your industry and region. Designate a team member or hire a consultant to track these changes and ensure your business remains compliant. Integrating compliance into your cybersecurity strategy not only helps avoid legal issues but also strengthens your overall security posture.

Conclusion: Get Ready For The Future Of Cybersecurity
Cyberthreats aren’t slowing down – they’re advancing, adapting and becoming more sophisticated by the day. The best way to prepare? Start now. Equip your business with AI-driven defenses, explore quantum-resistant encryption, train your team on deepfake detection, fortify your ransomware response plan and ensure your compliance efforts are up-to-date.

If these predictions have you rethinking your cybersecurity strategy, now’s the time to act. Reach out for a FREE Security Risk Assessment, and we’ll help ensure your business is ready to face the future of cybersecurity head-on. Call us at 480-464-0202 to schedule now!

In 2024, cyberthreats are no longer just a big-business problem. In fact, large corporations with deep pockets are not the primary target for most cybercriminals. Less well-defended small and medium-sized businesses are increasingly at risk, with the average cost of a data breach now totaling over $4 million (IBM). For many smaller businesses, an incident like this could be devastating. This is where cyber insurance comes in. Not only does it help cover the financial fallout of a cyber-attack, but it’s also a safeguard to help your business recover quickly and keep moving forward in the event of an attack.
Let’s break down what cyber insurance is, whether you need it and what requirements you’ll need to meet to get a policy.

What Is Cyber Insurance?

Cyber insurance is a policy that helps cover the costs related to a cyber incident, such as a data breach or ransomware attack. For small businesses, this can be an essential safety net. If a breach happens, cyber insurance can help cover:

● Notification Costs: Informing your customers about a data breach.
● Data Recovery: Paying for IT support to recover lost or compromised data, such as restoring computer systems.
● Legal Fees: Handling potential lawsuits or compliance fines if you’re sued because of an attack.
● Business Interruption: Replacing lost income if your business shuts down temporarily.
● Reputation Management: Assisting with PR and customer outreach after an attack.
● Credit Monitoring Services: Assisting customers impacted by the breach.
● Ransom Payments: Depending on your policy, cyber insurance will cover payouts in some cases of ransomware or cyber extortion.

These policies are typically divided into first-party and third-party coverage.

● First-party coverage addresses losses to your company directly, such as system repair, recovery and incident response costs.
● Third-party coverage covers claims made against your business by partners, customers or even vendors who are affected by the cyber incident.

Think of cyber insurance as your backup plan for when cyber risks turn into real-world problems.

 

Do You Really Need Cyber Insurance?

Is cyber insurance legally required? No. But, given the rising costs of cyber incidents, it’s becoming an essential safeguard for businesses of all sizes. Let’s look at a couple of specific risks small businesses face:

● Phishing Scams: Phishing is a common attack targeting employees, tricking them into revealing passwords or other sensitive data. You would be shocked at how often we do phishing tests in organizations and multiple people fail. Your employees cannot keep your business safe if they don’t know how.

● Ransomware: Hackers lock your files and demand a ransom to release them. For a small business, paying the ransom or dealing with the fallout can be financially devastating. Not to mention, in most cases, once the payment is received, the data is deleted anyway.

● Regulatory Fines: If you handle customer data and don’t secure it properly, you could face fines or legal actions from regulators, especially in sectors like health care and finance.

While having strong cybersecurity practices is critical, cyber insurance acts as a financial safety net if those measures fall short.

The Requirements For Cyber Insurance

Now that you know why cyber insurance is a smart move, let’s talk about what’s required to qualify. Insurers want to make sure you’re taking cybersecurity seriously before they issue a policy, so they’ll likely ask about these key areas:

1. Security Baseline Requirements
○ Insurers will check that you have basic security measures like firewalls, antivirus software and multifactor authentication (MFA) in place. These are foundational tools to reduce the likelihood of an attack and show that your business is actively working to protect its data. Without them, insurers may refuse coverage or deny claims.

2. Employee Cybersecurity Training
○ Believe it or not, employee errors are a major cause of cyber incidents. Insurers know this and often require proof of cybersecurity training. Teaching employees how to recognize phishing e-mails, create strong passwords and follow best practices goes a long way toward minimizing risk.

3. Incident Response And Data Recovery Plan
○ Insurers love to see that you have a plan for handling cyber incidents if they occur. An incident response plan includes steps for containing the breach, notifying customers and restoring operations quickly. This preparedness not only helps you recover faster but also signals to insurers that you’re serious about managing risks.

4. Routine Security Audits
○ Regularly auditing your cybersecurity defenses and conducting vulnerability assessments help ensure your systems stay secure. Insurers may require that you perform these assessments at least annually to catch potential weaknesses before they become big problems.

5. Identity Access Management (IAM) Tools
○ Insurers will want to know that you’re monitoring who is accessing your data. IAM tools provide real-time monitoring and role-based access controls to make sure that only select people have access to the data they specifically need when they need it. They’ll also check that you have strict authentication processes like MFA to enforce this.

6. Documented Cybersecurity Policies
o Insurers will want to see that you have formalized policies around data protection, password management and access control. These policies set clear guidelines for employees and create a culture of security within your business.

This is only the tip of the iceberg. They’ll also consider if you have data backups, enforce data classification and more.

Conclusion: Protect Your Business With Confidence
As a responsible business owner, the question to ask yourself isn’t if your business will face cyberthreats – it’s when. Cyber insurance is a critical tool that can help you protect your business financially when those threats become real. Whether you’re renewing an existing policy or applying for the first time, meeting these requirements will help you qualify for the right coverage.

If you have questions or want to make sure you’re fully prepared for cyber insurance, reach out to our team for a FREE Security Risk Assessment. We’ll evaluate your current cybersecurity setup, identify any gaps and help you get everything in place to protect your business. Call us at 480-464-0202.

Have you ever casually talked about a product or service while your phone was nearby and then suddenly started seeing ads for it on your social media feed? Your phone is listening. If that concerns you, this should really worry you: your devices are tracking you too! From the phone itself to the apps you download and access, there are multiple ways that your device can ping your location.

Luckily, there are ways around allowing your phone to spy on you. In today’s article we’ll share why it’s so dangerous, the top six ways your phone is tracking you and how you can shut it down.

Why Is It Dangerous?

This data is a hot commodity for Internet marketers. The collected data is used to target you with the local and interest-based ads you’re most likely to be interested in. This digital “stalking” is legal as long as they give you the option to opt in or out. However, marketing execs aren’t the only ones interested in your data. Cybercriminals are too. Here are the reasons allowing your phone to track you is a no-go:

1. Privacy Invasion: Phone tracking allows apps, websites and third parties to collect extensive information about your location, habits and behaviors without your full knowledge. This constant surveillance can lead to a significant invasion of privacy, making users vulnerable to targeted advertising, data harvesting or even malicious tracking for more harmful purposes.

2. Identity Theft And Fraud: If your phone’s tracking data falls into the wrong hands – such as hackers or cybercriminals – it can be used to gather personal details and patterns. This data can enable identity theft, financial fraud or unauthorized access to sensitive accounts, causing financial and emotional harm.

3. Physical Security Risks: By sharing your real-time location data, phone tracking can expose you to physical security threats. For example, stalkers or criminals can exploit this information to track your whereabouts, compromising your safety. Publicizing your movements can also make it easier for bad actors to predict your routines or target you when you’re most vulnerable.

How Your Phone Is Tracking You

1. Location Services: Your phone’s GPS and location services track your whereabouts in real time, recording where you are and how long you stay there. Using “Frequent Locations,” your phone makes assumptions about where you work and live based on when you visit and how long you stay. While this is helpful for finding directions or nearby restaurants, constant tracking can also reveal your movement patterns, leaving you vulnerable to privacy invasion.

Both Apple and Android give you the option to turn this feature off. Exact instructions will vary by specific model and operating system; however, here are basic instructions:

How to turn it off:

● 
iPhone: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services. Toggle off Location Services or manage individual app permissions. Scroll down to System Services. Select Significant Locations to see the logged record of where you’ve been and toggle it off. You can also clear your history by clicking Clear History.

● 
Android: Go to Settings > Location > App Permissions, and either disable location tracking for specific apps or turn off Use Location entirely. To delete your device’s location history, tap Delete Location History at the bottom of the screen under Location History.

 

2. App Permissions: Many apps request access to your contacts, photos, microphone and camera, allowing them to track your activity, even when you’re not actively using the app, and collect more information than necessary. You can adjust this and should review it regularly to make sure you aren’t compromising your privacy.

How to turn it off:

● iPhone: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security. From there, check categories like Camera, Microphone and Contacts to review and adjust app permissions.

● Android: Go to Settings > Apps > Permissions. Here you can manage which apps have access to sensitive data like contacts, microphone and camera.

 

3. Wi-Fi And Bluetooth Connections: Your phone constantly scans for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections, allowing third parties to track your location based on the networks and devices you’ve interacted with.

How to turn it off:

● iPhone: Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen and toggle off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. For full control, go to Settings > Wi-Fi & Bluetooth to disable scanning.

● Android: Go to Settings > Location > Wi-Fi & Bluetooth scanning. Disable these options to prevent your phone from constantly searching for networks and devices.

 

4. Browsing Activity: Web browsers and apps monitor your search history and the websites you visit. This data is used to build profiles about your preferences, feeding you targeted ads and potentially selling your behavior patterns to third parties.

How to turn it off:

● iPhone & Android: Use your browser’s private or incognito mode for safer browsing. In Google Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy & Security and turn off Web & App Activity. Additionally, clear your browsing history and cookies regularly.

 

5. Ad Tracking: Your phone assigns you a unique advertising ID that companies use to track your behavior across apps and websites. This ID follows your activity, providing advertisers with insight into your interests to serve personalized ads.

How to turn it off:

● iPhone: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking and toggle off Allow Apps to Request to Track. You can also go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Apple Advertising to disable personalized ads. *This does not mean you won’t still see ads; you just won’t see personalized ads.

● Android: Go to Settings > Privacy > Ads, then toggle on opt out of Ads Personalization.

 

6. Social Media And Search Engines: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Google track your online interactions, searches and location to create detailed profiles of your habits and interests. They use this data for advertising and content recommendations, which can feel invasive.

How to turn it off:

● Social Media: Go to each platform’s settings (e.g., Facebook > Settings & Privacy > Privacy Shortcuts) to review what data is being collected and manage ad preferences.

● Google: Go to Google Account > Data & Privacy > Web & App Activity to control how Google tracks your search and activity history. You can also adjust Ad Settings to limit ad tracking.

 

By adjusting these settings, you can significantly reduce the amount of personal information your phone tracks, giving you more control over your privacy.

Why This Matters For Business Owners:

For a business owner, protecting your personal privacy is just as crucial as securing your company’s sensitive information. The same tracking methods that follow your every move can also expose your business to risks. Hackers, cybercriminals and even competitors can exploit these vulnerabilities to gather valuable data about your business activities, customer interactions and confidential communications.

By taking steps to limit how your phone tracks you and adjusting your privacy settings, you’re not just protecting yourself – you’re also safeguarding your business from potential data breaches, identity theft and targeted cyber-attacks. In today’s world, cybersecurity isn’t just a technical issue, it’s a strategic one, and staying ahead of threats starts with being informed and proactive.

If you’re concerned about your business’s overall security, don’t wait for a problem to occur. Schedule a FREE Security Risk Assessment with our team today, and let’s ensure your entire network is protected from top to bottom. Our experts will identify vulnerabilities and recommend tailored solutions to keep your business safe. Call us at 480-464-0202

Ah, the holiday season – when everything gets festive, sales go up and your to-do list grows longer than your wish list. For businesses, this time of year can be make-or-break, but while you’re decking the halls, your IT infrastructure might be decking you with unwanted downtime and cyberthreats. The last thing you need during the holiday rush is a tech meltdown. So, how can you make sure your business technology keeps up with the festive pace? Proactive IT support is the answer.

Why The Holiday Season Puts Your IT Systems To The Test

During the holidays, your business faces unique pressures that can turn minor IT problems into major crises. Here are some common issues you might encounter:

• Increased System Load: With more customers shopping, visiting your website or using your online services, your IT systems face more strain than usual. Without proper optimization, this can lead to frustrating slowdowns or, worse, full-blown outages. And as we all know, downtime during peak season is a surefire way to lose revenue.
• Cybersecurity Threats: Cybercriminals know that businesses are distracted by the holiday hustle and bustle. They take advantage by launching phishing attacks, ransomware and other exploits during this time. A single data breach could cost you not just money but your reputation too.
• Outdated Systems: Many businesses put off IT updates until it’s too late. While you might get away with it during quieter months, outdated tech during the holiday rush is a recipe for disaster. Slow performance or unexpected failures can grind your operations to a halt.

The Case For Proactive IT Support

Rather than playing catch-up when things go wrong, reliable and proactive IT support helps you avoid these problems before they happen. Here’s how it works:

1. 24/7 Monitoring: Proactive IT services monitor your systems around the clock, identifying and resolving issues before they can disrupt your business. Imagine catching a potential server overload before it crashes during Black Friday – priceless, right?
2. Scheduled Maintenance: With proactive IT support, your systems are regularly updated, patched and maintained. This ensures your technology is always in tip-top shape, so you’re not scrambling to fix things when you should be focusing on sales.
3. Load Testing And Optimization: Before the holiday rush, your IT provider can perform load testing to see how your systems handle increased traffic. They can then optimize performance to make sure your network doesn’t crumble under pressure.
4. Cybersecurity Defense: Proactive support means staying ahead of hackers. From implementing multifactor authentication to setting up firewalls and monitoring for suspicious activity, an IT provider helps ensure your business isn’t a sitting duck for cyber-attacks.

The Financial Upside Of Proactive IT

The benefits IT services provide are ones that pay for themselves in the long run. Here’s why:

• Reduced Downtime Costs: Downtime during the holiday season could cost your business thousands of dollars per minute in lost revenue. By staying ahead of IT problems, you minimize downtime and keep the cash flowing.
• Increased Productivity: Your employees will thank you when they don’t have to spend their time troubleshooting tech issues. With fewer disruptions, they can focus on doing their jobs, which boosts overall productivity.
• Lower Long-Term Costs: Emergency fixes, lost data and hardware failures are expensive to deal with on the fly. By investing in regular maintenance and monitoring, you avoid costly surprises down the road.

Are You Ready For A Tech Refresh?

So, how do you get started with better, more reliable IT support? It’s time to partner with a trusted IT team. We’ll audit your IT infrastructure to determine what is outdated or slowing you down and where you’re at risk. Once we complete the audit, we’ll help you optimize your systems and keep things running smoothly all year long.

And the best part? You don’t have to do this alone. We’re offering a FREE Network Assessment to help you identify vulnerabilities in your current setup. Our experts will evaluate your entire network and recommend solutions that will keep your business humming through the holidays and beyond.

Get Your FREE Network Assessment Today!

Don’t wait until a tech meltdown ruins your holiday season. Get proactive with your IT support now! Click here to schedule your FREE Network Assessment today, and let’s ensure your business stays on top of its game when it matters most.

This year has been a busy one for cybercriminals, with some massive data breaches making headlines and costing companies millions. From health care giants to project management platforms, no industry is immune to the risks. But what do these breaches mean for small to midsize businesses? The same vulnerabilities exist for you, and the consequences of not addressing them can be catastrophic.

Let’s recap five of the most significant breaches of 2024 so far and discuss how your business can stay protected.

1. National Public Data

A couple of months ago, a hacking group claimed to have stolen 2.7 billion personal records from a background checking and public data-brokering site. The data includes sensitive information like Social Security numbers, addresses and more. Portions of the data have been released on the dark web, though experts are still evaluating its accuracy, as the combined populations of the countries listed amount to only about half a billion. However, it’s likely that many Social Security numbers have been compromised.
Since this breach affects so many people, everyone now has an incentive to monitor their financial and online identities closely, and it’s imperative that they do so immediately. A practical step is freezing your credit to protect against identity theft and unfreezing it when needed for activities like applying for loans or credit cards. Find out if you were exposed here!

2. Ticketmaster

A significant data breach at Ticketmaster exposed the personal and financial information of over 560 million customers. Hackers accessed the company’s database during April and May, stealing sensitive details such as names, e-mails, phone numbers and payment information. This breach exposed serious flaws in Ticketmaster’s security, raising concerns among consumers. Many victims reported unauthorized transactions and identity theft following the incident. Additionally, this breach added to the legal troubles of Ticketmaster’s parent company, Live Nation, which was already facing a lawsuit from the US Department of Justice for anticompetitive practices.

3. Change Healthcare

In February 2024, Change Healthcare was hit by a massive ransomware attack that exposed the personal information of over 145 million people. This breach, one of the largest in health care history, compromised sensitive data, including names, addresses, Social Security numbers and medical records. The incident had far-reaching effects on patients, health care providers and insurance companies, prompting many in the health care industry to reconsider their cybersecurity strategies to prevent similar attacks in the future.

4. AT&T

In March, AT&T was the victim of a data breach that compromised the personal information of approximately 73 million current and former customers. This giant breach included sensitive data such as Social Security numbers, account details and passcodes. The breach was linked to data from as far back as 2019, which surfaced on the dark web in March 2024. This incident is part of a series of attacks on AT&T, following a 2023 breach that impacted 9 million users. In response, AT&T launched an investigation to contain the malware while maintaining services for current customers. The breach has also opened the company up to the possibility of multiple class action lawsuits.

While you may not manage millions of customers like AT&T, your business can still fall victim to cyber-attacks. It’s crucial to protect your network by implementing robust security measures, training employees on password and phishing prevention, and maintaining an active cybersecurity strategy.

5. Dell

In May, Dell experienced a security breach when a hacker known as Menelik used a brute-force attack to infiltrate one of their resellers’ client portals. This breach exposed 49 million records containing sensitive data, including customer names, e-mail addresses, payment information and account details. The incident sparked significant concerns about Dell’s cybersecurity practices, leading the company to issue a public apology and pledge to enhance its security protocols. In response to the breach, Dell has faced increased regulatory scrutiny and may encounter legal challenges as more details about the impact emerge.

What Does This Mean For You Personally?

We have several blogs on what to do if you’re affected by a data breach, but the most important action is to freeze your credit and check your bank account. Websites like www.haveIbeenpwnd.com can tell you if your e-mail has been exposed in a breach.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

While these breaches happened to major players, small to midsize businesses are far from off the radar. In fact, SMBs are increasingly targeted because they often lack the robust security measures that larger companies have. Cybercriminals know this, and the stakes couldn’t be higher: a single breach could cost your business thousands in downtime, lost data and damaged reputation.

Protect Your Business With A FREE Security Risk Assessment

If these stories have you thinking about your own vulnerabilities, that’s a good thing. The best defense is a proactive one. We’re offering a FREE Security Risk Assessment to evaluate your network for potential risks. Our experts will assess your system’s vulnerabilities, help you patch the holes and ensure your business is fortified against attacks.

Don’t wait until you’re the next headline – get your FREE Security Risk Assessment today! Click here to schedule or call our office at 480-464-0202.

National Public Data confirmed in September 2024 that a hacker has compromised the personal records of millions of individuals. The information exposed includes the names, e-mail addresses, mailing addresses, phone numbers and even Social Security numbers of up to 2.9 billion people. Here’s what you need to know.

What happened?

National Public Data, a consumer data broker that specializes in providing criminal records, background checks and other forms of data to private investigators, consumer public record sites, human resources, staffing agencies, the government and more, was hacked. The incident is believed to have started in December 2023 when a third-party bad actor attempted to gain access.

In April, a cybercriminal named “USDoD” posted the stolen data online in a popular criminal community. On August 6, the stolen dataset resurfaced, this time posted for free to several breach forums for anyone to access and download.

The sensitive, personally identifiable information released included names, addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses and Social Security numbers for millions of people, some of whom are deceased. The data also contained previous addresses and, in some instances, alternate names.

The official data breach notice that was filed in Maine indicated that 1.3 million records may have been breached; however, some lawsuits are suggesting as many as 2.9 billion records have been exposed.

As the investigation continues, many cyber experts are finding that some of the data released was inaccurate, and aside from the Social Security numbers, most of it is already public and easy to find online.

So why is this breach dangerous if the information can be found with a quick Google search?

There are several reasons to be concerned. Having all this critical information in one place makes it easy for criminals to use the information needed to apply for credit cards and loans or open new bank accounts.

The information included, such as childhood street names or the last four digits of your Social Security number, are often answers to security questions and can help hackers bypass authentication and access your private accounts.

Some cyber experts are suggesting watching for a surge in phishing and smishing (phishing over SMS) attacks as well.

Can you be affected even if you’ve never heard of National Public Data or purchased data from them?

Yes! Just because you haven’t interacted with them doesn’t mean other organizations, businesses, landlords, etc., haven’t leveraged their resources to dig up information on you.

What should you do to protect yourself?

Step 1: Check to see if your data has been exposed. You can use tools like https://npd.pentester.com/ to find out if your information has been compromised. If so, it’s important to take immediate action.

Step 2: Request a copy of your credit report and then freeze your credit. One of the best ways to protect your identity is to freeze your credit and set up alerts. This prevents criminals from opening up new lines of credit in your name. To do this, contact all three major credit bureaus – Equifax, TransUnion and Experian – and request a freeze.

The process is free and should take you less than 10 minutes per site to complete. If there are others in your house over the age of 18, it’s a good idea to freeze their credit too. Anyone with a Social Security number is vulnerable following a breach of this size.

Once you have a copy of your free credit report, review it for anything that you didn’t authorize. Don’t forget to set up alerts and review your credit regularly.

Step 3: Watch out for phishing scams. As mentioned, many cybercriminals will try to leverage this information to scam you through phone calls, text messages, e-mails and even social media sites. Be cautious!

A data breach is devastating for everyone involved – the business hacked and the customers or employees whose data is leaked. As a business owner, it is your responsibility to make sure you are taking the highest precautions to protect your business and its data. If you want to do a full assessment and find out if any of your information has been leaked or if your network is vulnerable to a breach, we’ll do a FREE Security Risk Assessment. This deep dive into your network will provide you with a blueprint for security steps to take. To book yours, call our office at 480-464-0202.

Software updates can feel like a nuisance, but skipping them is one of the easiest ways to leave your systems vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Hackers are constantly looking for weaknesses, and outdated software is like an open door to your network.
But how do you know when it’s time to update, and should you always trust your computer to tell you? Here are five clear signs it’s time to update, plus tips on how to handle updates safely.

1. Your Software Is No Longer Supported
If the software provider has stopped releasing updates for your current version, it’s a major red flag. Unsupported software often has known vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can easily exploit. Check for announcements from your software providers about end-of-life support and upgrade as soon as possible.
Tip: Don’t wait for the software to “break” before updating. Plan ahead and migrate to newer versions while you still have full support.

2. You Notice Slower Performance
A sudden slowdown in your software’s performance can be a sign that it’s out-of-date. Newer versions of software are optimized to run more efficiently, and skipping updates might leave you with buggy, sluggish software.
Tip: If you notice performance drops, check the settings for pending updates or visit the provider’s website to manually download the latest version.

3. You Receive Security Alerts
Has your antivirus or security software flagged vulnerabilities in an application you use? If so, an update is likely overdue. Cybercriminals thrive on exploiting security gaps in outdated software. Always pay attention to security alerts and take them seriously.
Tip: Use a trusted antivirus tool that can integrate with your software and alert you when updates are needed. Make sure you verify the authenticity of any update alerts before clicking.

4. You Haven’t Updated In Over 6 Months
If it’s been more than six months since your last software update, you’re probably due for one. Many providers release updates on a regular schedule to patch vulnerabilities and enhance features.
Tip: Set a reminder to check for updates regularly, rather than waiting for the computer to alert you. This is especially important for critical software, like operating systems and antivirus programs.

5. New Features Have Been Announced
Sometimes updates come with more than just security patches – they also bring new features. If you hear about exciting new functionality that you don’t have, it’s a sign you’re behind on updates.
Tip: Keep an eye on announcements from your software providers. Follow their blogs or sign up for notifications so you’re always aware of improvements.
How To Update Safely

While updating software is crucial, you should always be cautious about how you do it. Here’s how to ensure your updates are safe:

• Verify The Source: Always download updates directly from the provider’s official website or trusted app store. Avoid third-party sites or suspicious links.
• Back Up Your Data: Before any major update, back up important data to an external location. This ensures that if something goes wrong, you won’t lose critical files.
• Restart Your Device: Once the update is complete, restart your computer to ensure that the new features and patches are properly installed.
  By staying on top of software updates, you’re not only improving performance but also protecting your systems from potential threats. Don’t wait until it’s too late
• keep your software up-to-date and ensure your network stays secure.

Need help managing your software updates? Call us at 480-464-0202.

Phishing attacks are the most common cybercrime attack for one reason…they work. Every day, over 3.4 billion spam e-mails reach unsuspecting users’ inboxes. Phishing e-mails have held the top spot as the most frequent form of attack for years because they’re easy to implement, easy to scale and continue to fool people. AI tools like ChatGPT are now making it even easier for cybercriminals to create e-mails that look and sound like they’re coming from humans instead of bots and scammers. If you’re not careful, the effects of phishing scams can be detrimental.

Since it’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month and phishing e-mails are one of the top causes of attacks, we created this simple guide to help you and your team successfully identify phishing e-mails and understand why it’s so important to do so.

What can happen? Here are 4 significant dangers associated with phishing attacks:

1. Data Breaches

Phishing attacks can expose your organization’s sensitive information to cybercriminals. Once your data is exposed, hackers can sell it on the dark web or hold it for ransom, demanding thousands, millions or even more for its return – and they likely won’t return it anyway. This can result in financial and legal repercussions, damage to your reputation and loss of customer trust.

2. Financial Loss

Cybercriminals often use phishing e-mails to steal money directly from businesses. Whether it’s through fraudulent invoices or unauthorized transactions, falling victim to phishing can have a direct impact on your bottom line.

3. Malware Infections

Phishing e-mails can contain malicious attachments or links that, when clicked, can infect your systems with malware. This can disrupt your operations, lead to data loss and require costly remediation efforts.

4. Compromised Accounts

When employees fall for phishing scams, their accounts can be compromised. Attackers can then use these accounts to launch further attacks or gain unauthorized access to sensitive company data.

And the list goes on. However, there are actions you can take to prevent becoming the next victim of a phishing attack.

Here is the S.E.C.U.R.E. Method you and your employees can use to help identify phishing e-mails.

S – Start With The Subject Line: Is it odd? (e.g., “FWD: FWD: FWD: review immediately”)

E – Examine The E-mail Address: Do you recognize the person? Is the e-mail address unusual? (e.g., spelled differently) or unknown (not the one they usually send from)?

C – Consider The Greeting: Is the salutation unusual or generic? (e.g., “Hello Ma’am!”)

U – Unpack The Message: Is there extreme urgency to get you to click a link or download an attachment or act on a too-good-to-be-true offer?

R – Review For Errors: Are there grammatical mistakes or odd misspellings?

E – Evaluate Links And Attachments: Hover over links before you click them to check the address, and do not open attachments from anyone you don’t know or weren’t expecting to receive mail from.

It’s also important to have a cybersecurity expert monitor your network and eliminate e-mail spam before your employees can make a mistake. Make sure you’re taking proper precautions to protect your network. These phishing attacks work and happen all the time. We don’t want YOU to be the next victim.

If you need help training your team on cybersecurity best practices or implementing a robust cybersecurity system, or just want a second set of eyes to examine what you currently have in place and assess if there are any vulnerabilities, we are ready to help. Call us at 480-464-0202.

Important News: Microsoft will NO LONGER support Windows 10 after October 2025! While these PCs will still work after the official end date of October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide product key free services that keep your device working properly and securely. These services include:

• Security updates
• Non-security updates
• Technical support

Why Is This Important For Business Owners?

1. Security Risks: Without regular updates, your computer will become more vulnerable to viruses, malware and hackers. This could put your business data at risk, which is why upgrading to a newer version of Windows is crucial.
2. Software Compatibility: Many software programs are updated regularly to work with the latest operating systems. After Windows 10 reaches its end of life, some of your favorite programs might not work as smoothly or could stop working altogether.
3. Compliance Issues: If your business deals with sensitive information or follows strict regulations, using an outdated operating system could lead to compliance issues. It’s important to stay current to avoid potential fines or legal problems.

What Are Your Options?

Microsoft encourages users to migrate to the latest version before the end-of-life date. This can present challenges for some PC owners, as not all devices currently running Windows 10 are compatible with Windows 11. If you try to upgrade one of those PCs to Windows 11, but the device does not meet the stringent hardware requirements of the new software, you’ll encounter an error message.

If your device isn’t compatible with Windows 11, you have a few options. You can:

• Buy a new PC that is compatible
• Pay for Microsoft’s Windows 10 security updates (available for up to three years but no longer free!)
• Switch from the Windows operating system to Linux
• Try to upgrade “incompatible” PCs, using a technical loophole
• Ignore the deadline and put your business at risk (we do NOT recommend this one!)

Whatever you decide, make sure to back up your data! Before making any changes, always back up your important files. This ensures that nothing gets lost during the upgrade process.

Planning Ahead

It’s important to be proactive about the transition. There has been some discussion that Microsoft will extend the deadline, but that’s not a strategy you want to bet your business on. You don’t want to wait to take action until you’re out of options and your business is at risk because you no longer have security protection.

The best step is to work with your IT provider to determine what option makes sense for your organization. If your computers are fairly new, paying for ongoing security updates might make sense. If your devices are older and nearing the end of their life anyway, new PCs could be the way to go. An experienced IT team or a tech consultant can help you with the upgrade process. They can make sure everything runs smoothly and minimize any downtime for your business.

If you’re looking for someone to guide you in making the right decision, get in touch with our team. During this quick conversation, we’ll be able to map out the next steps to take to start transitioning to Windows 11 efficiently. To schedule, call us at 480-464-0202.