Dangers of LinkedIn: 4 Security Features to Use TODAY

Posted on by
Reply

A recent report from Check Point Research revealed a shocking statistic: the Microsoft-owned business platform LinkedIn is impersonated in nearly half of all phishing attacks globally.

The Threat Landscape on LinkedIn

One common tactic scammers use is targeting individuals seeking new job opportunities. Emails like “You have 1 new invitation” or “Your profile has been viewed by 63 people” can appear authentic but must be scrutinized. Always verify the sender’s email address to ensure it’s genuinely from LinkedIn. Impersonators send emails that look identical to real ones, with links to fake LinkedIn pages designed to steal your information once you enter it.

Another tactic involves cybercriminals creating fake profiles to message users about job opportunities. Once engaged, they may ask for an upfront payment to process your application (which you’ll never see again) or direct you to a form that is actually a phishing link in disguise.

LinkedIn’s Security Features

LinkedIn is aware of these issues and is developing advanced security features to protect its users. Here are four current security features you should use:

  1. Suspicious Message Warnings: LinkedIn’s technology can detect messages that attempt to take you off the platform or are potentially inappropriate, sending you a warning notification.
  2. Profile Verification: This feature allows you to verify your profile’s authenticity by submitting an additional form of ID, earning a verification badge on your profile. This badge helps others know you are who you say you are, making it harder for scammers who frequently shut down fake profiles to stay hidden.
  3. Profile Information: This feature helps you assess the credibility of a person’s profile before responding to messages, accepting connection requests, or trusting offers. By clicking “More” on a profile and selecting “About this profile,” you can see details such as:
    • When the profile was created
    • When it was last updated
    • Whether the member has verified a phone number
    • Whether the member has a work email associated with their account
  4. AI-Generated Profile Picture Detection: Scammers use AI to generate realistic profile pictures for fake profiles. LinkedIn’s research showed users generally couldn’t distinguish between real and synthetically generated faces. To combat this, LinkedIn partnered with academia to develop and deploy advanced detection features that identify and shut down profiles using AI-generated images before they cause harm.

Stay Secure on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is an excellent resource for finding jobs, employees, and clients, but it’s important to stay secure. LinkedIn’s security features are just the first line of defense. If someone in your organization falls for a scam and clicks a malicious link, would your internal security solutions be robust enough to protect your network?

We can help you find out. We offer a FREE Security Risk Assessment to help you determine if your network is vulnerable to any type of attack. To book yours, call us at 214-550-0550 or click here to book now.

Travel Smart: Essential Cybersecurity Practices for a Hack-Free Vacation

Posted on by
Reply

Summer is a popular time for business owners and employees to step out of the office and enjoy a well-deserved vacation. Despite setting their “out of office” email responder, many people still check in on work while traveling. Unfortunately, studies show that working outside the office, whether it’s a quick check-in on vacation, connecting to the Internet at a local coffee shop, or business travelers on work trips, can lead to significant cybersecurity issues. If you or your employees plan to answer urgent emails from the airport or access network documents in a hotel lobby, it’s crucial to maintain strong cybersecurity practices to avoid exposing the company’s network to nearby hackers.

In this blog post, we’ll cover essential cybersecurity best practices to follow before and during any trip to keep your network secure from hackers.

Why Cybersecurity Matters While Traveling

Cybersecurity might not be at the top of your vacation checklist, but ignoring it can turn your dream getaway into a nightmare. Cybercriminals know summer is prime time to attack because people are more likely to let their guard down while on vacation. Most vacationers focus on enjoying their time off rather than following cybersecurity best practices, making them easy targets for hackers.

To minimize the risk of a cyberattack while traveling, here are a few best practices to cover with anyone on your team who might connect to the Internet while on vacation.

Before You Go:

  1. Back Up Your Data: If your device gets lost or damaged, you’ll want a copy of your data available to restore.
  2. Update Your Software: Ensure your operating system, web browsers, and apps are updated to the latest versions. Outdated software can compromise your device’s defense against malware.
  3. Protect Your Devices: Always lock your device using a PIN, passcode, fingerprint, or facial recognition. If you leave your device unattended and someone tries to access it, they will have full access to your private information if it’s not locked.
  4. Enable “Find My Phone”: This feature allows you to locate your device if you lose it and remotely wipe data or disable the device if it falls into the wrong hands.

While Traveling:

  1. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN encrypts your Internet connection, ensuring your data is secure even when using public WiFi networks. Set up a VPN on your devices before you leave and use it whenever you access the Internet.
  2. Avoid Public WiFi: Public WiFi can be a hotspot for cybercriminal activity. Avoid unprotected networks whenever possible. (Yes, that means no checking your email on the beach unless you have a VPN!)
  3. Manage Location Services: Location tools are useful for navigation but can also expose your location to criminals. Turn off location services when not in use and limit how you share your location on social media.
  4. Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second verification form, such as a text message code, authenticator code, or fingerprint scan. Enable this feature for all accounts containing sensitive information before leaving home.
  5. Disable Auto-Connect Features: Some devices automatically seek and connect to available wireless networks. These features can give cybercriminals access to your devices if you connect to the wrong network. Disable this option so you only connect to wireless and Bluetooth networks you know and trust.

Conclusion

You should be able to relax on vacation. Taking these simple precautions can help keep your devices secure so you can enjoy your time off without worrying about cyber issues when you return to work.

However, these steps aren’t foolproof. To truly ensure your company’s cybersecurity measures are up to standard, it’s important to work with a professional IT team that can monitor your network 24/7, patch vulnerabilities as they arise, and alert you if something seems suspicious.

To help you prepare for your vacation and have peace of mind knowing your business is secure while you or your employees work remotely, call us at 214-550-0550 or click here to schedule a FREE IT Security Risk Assessment with our cybersecurity experts today. We’ll evaluate your current cybersecurity solutions, identify potential vulnerabilities, and help you implement a strategic security plan to keep your company safe.

Massive Layoffs in 2024 Pose a Serious Cybersecurity Threat

Posted on by
Reply

The massive wave of layoffs in 2024 brings a cybersecurity threat that many business owners overlook: offboarding employees. Even large, well-known brands with advanced cybersecurity systems often fail to protect themselves adequately from insider threats. For instance, last August marked a year since two disgruntled Tesla employees, after being let go, exposed the personal information of over 75,000 people, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and Social Security numbers.

The issue is expected to worsen. According to NerdWallet, as of May 24, 2024, 298 US-based tech companies have laid off 84,600 workers. This includes major layoffs at companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, as well as smaller tech start-ups. In total, around 257,254 jobs were eliminated in the first quarter of 2024 alone.

Whether or not you’ll need to downsize your team this year, having a proper offboarding process in place is essential for every business, big or small. Offboarding is more than a routine administrative task – it’s a critical security precaution. Failing to revoke access for former employees can lead to serious business and legal implications.

Some potential issues include:

  • Theft of Intellectual Property: Employees can steal your company’s files, client data, and confidential information stored on personal devices. They may also retain access to cloud-based applications, such as social media sites and file-sharing platforms (e.g., Dropbox, OneDrive), that your IT department might overlook. A study by Osterman Research revealed that 69% of businesses experience data loss due to employee turnover, and 87% of employees who leave take data with them. This information can be sold to competitors, used by them when hired by a competitor, or used by the former employee to become a competitor themselves.
  • Compliance Violations: Failing to revoke access privileges and remove employees from authorized user lists can render you noncompliant in heavily regulated industries. This simple mistake can result in large fines, hefty penalties, and legal consequences.
  • Data Deletion: If an employee feels unfairly laid off and retains access to their accounts, they could easily delete all their emails and any critical files they can access. If that data isn’t backed up, it will be lost forever.
  • Data Breach: This could be the most terrifying of all. Unhappy employees who feel wronged can make your company the next headline for a devastating data breach, leading to costly lawsuits. A single click can result in downloading, exposing, or modifying your clients’ or employees’ private information, financial records, or trade secrets.

Do you have an airtight offboarding process to mitigate these risks? Chances are, you don’t. A 2024 study by Wing revealed that one out of five organizations has indications that some former users were not properly offboarded. These are the organizations that were astute enough to detect it.

How do you properly offboard an employee?

  • Implement the Principle of Least Privilege: Successful offboarding starts with proper onboarding. New employees should only be given access to the files and programs they need to do their jobs. This should be meticulously documented to make offboarding easier.
  • Leverage Automation: Your IT team can use automation to streamline the process of revoking access to multiple software applications simultaneously, saving time and resources while reducing the likelihood of manual errors.
  • Implement Continuous Monitoring: You can use software that tracks who is doing what and where on the company network. This can help identify suspicious behavior by an unauthorized user and determine if a former employee retains access to private accounts.

These are just a few ways your IT team can improve your offboarding process to make it more efficient and secure. Insider threats can be devastating, and if you think this can’t happen to you, think again. You must be proactive in protecting your organization.

To find out if any gaps in your offboarding process expose you to theft or a data breach, our team offers a free, in-depth risk assessment to help you resolve it. Call us at 214-550-0550 or click here to book now.

Frustrated with piece of Technology and need Help? You’re Not Alone

Posted on by
Reply

A recent stream of Reddit comments detailed a series of poor customer service experiences with tech support. While I usually steer clear of Reddit and its chorus of chronic complainers, I browsed a few comments for research purposes, given my industry involvement. Some complaints were so outlandish – like the lady who claimed the technician took a bathroom break in her attic – that they seemed unbelievable. However, other more common issues resonated with my own experiences, and to be candid, they were frustrating!

When you face a tech emergency – be it a broken printer, hardware malfunctions, Internet connectivity issues, login troubles, or similar problems – note being able to solve the issue quickly only worsens the irritation. It leaves you with frustrated employees who can’t efficiently get their jobs done because they’re troubleshooting their tech and on hold while you are “looking into it,” and irritated customers who just want a smooth process when dealing with your organization.

This can result in losing customers and A-player employees to competitors that don’t have these same daily issues. At first, it might seem dramatic that a few unresolved “tech issues” could cause such a stir, but as these problems continue to repeat themselves with no solution in sight, resentment grows and will eventually result in people seeking organizations that don’t have to deal with such headaches.

How Co-Managed IT Can Solve These Issues

One way to get ahead of these problems is by leveraging a co-managed IT approach. Co-managed IT services provide a partnership between your internal IT team and an external IT support provider, ensuring you receive the best of both worlds. This setup allows for seamless support and rapid issue resolution, preventing the frustrations associated with tech issues you don’t work on very often.

Polling Your Employees

To assess whether your current IT support is up to par, start by polling your employees. Ask questions that will help you “grade” your current IT company and see if they’re dealing with your team as efficiently as they should. Here are a few questions to ask:

  1. Do you experience any recurring technical problems that haven’t been fully resolved? If so, what are they?
  2. How would you rate the response time of the IT support team when you encounter a technical issue?
  3. Have you found the IT support team to be knowledgeable and helpful in resolving your issues?
  4. Do you feel that the IT support team communicates effectively and keeps you informed about the status of your requests?
  5. How would you describe your overall satisfaction with the support provided by your IT team?

These questions take only a few minutes to answer and can help you gain valuable insight into whether or not your current IT team is properly handling issues or if there is trouble brewing within your organization that you weren’t aware of.

Experience the Difference with Our Co-Managed IT Services

If you want to see what excellent IT support looks like, we’ll provide TWO FREE hours of support for your organization. Here are some ways you can use your time with us:

  • Diagnose any computer network problem you are experiencing.
  • Check your network’s security against hacker attacks and viruses.
  • Scan and review spyware.
  • Check your network backup system to make sure it is working properly.
  • Diagnose slow, unstable PCs.
  • Conduct our proprietary 57-point IT Systems Security and Performance Assessment.
  • Discuss a project or upgrade you are considering, or get a second opinion on a quote you received.

To get started, give our team a call at 214-550-0550 or click here to book your call now.

Experience the benefits of co-managed IT and eliminate the frustrations of tech by yourself for good.

Why MSP relationships fail

Posted on by
Reply

Why MSP relationships fail

A lot of SMBs opt for managed service providers who can help handle their IT requirements, and for the most part, it works well. Almost everyone knows the benefits of having a MSP manage your IT. Increased cost savings, ability to focus on your business without worrying about IT, better IT support and expertise, and so on. But, there are times when the managed IT services model fails, leaving business owners to wonder what went wrong. This blog discusses some key reasons why MSP relationships fail.

You didn’t do a reference check
Did you just pick the first MSP you found on the Google search? Did you just go by the presentations they gave you, or the information on their website? Always remember to ask your MSP for references. Talk to someone they work with and get feedback.

They don’t have enough staff
If your MSP is short of staff, they won’t be able to give you the attention you need. One of the biggest advantages of bringing an MSP onboard is having someone who proactively manages and monitors your IT requirements– something you cannot do without a full fledged IT department. So, it is important that your MSP is well-staffed.

They are not experienced enough
Before you bring an MSP on board, make sure you pay attention to how long they have been in business. This is important because the whole idea behind hiring an MSP is to leverage their knowledge and expertise. Secondly, someone who has been in the business for quite some time is more likely to be able to scale with you as you grow.

They said they will be there, but…
You want your MSP to be available 24/7, because with IT, you never know when the problem will arise. Not only should your MSP be proactively monitoring your IT infrastructure to ensure everything runs smoothly, they should also be able to resolve IT problems when they happen–time and day notwithstanding, so that your business is back up and running as soon as possible.

They are not able to provide you with all that you need
Sometimes, as you grow, your IT needs change. You may need much more support and new technologies that you didn’t think you’d need earlier. In such cases, if your MSP is not able to grow and scale with you, then the relationship won’t work.

When choosing an MSP, think of the whole process as a partnership, and not a one-time deal. When you look at the relationship as a long-term one, you are more likely to consider all the factors that go into making your relationship with the MSP work in the long run.

Do your homework: 3 things to do when looking for an MSP

Posted on by
Reply

Do your homework: 3 things to do when looking for an MSP

Thinking of hiring a Managed Service Provider, but not sure how to go about it? Here are a few things to do before you zero in on one.

Figure out what you have already
The first step in a good plan is to figure out where you stand currently. Before you talk to an MSP, conduct an audit of your IT infrastructure to decide what you have currently. List all your hardware and software. When performing this IT audit, don’t forget other technologies that you are using, such as biometric access systems, CCTV systems and even telephone systems. You may think they are irrelevant as they are not directly related to your IT infrastructure, but, in the near future you may want them all to be connected to one another, and so, including them in the audit and inventory right now is a good idea.

Figure out what you need
This is the next step. After you determine what you already have, the next step is to figure out what you need. What do you want to add on or remove from your existing IT infrastructure? Are your servers too slow? Do you want to switch to the Cloud instead of traditional services? Do you want a Unified Communications set up instead of your current PBX phone line? Do you want to shift to a work-from-home model and need the infrastructure to support that?

Do your research
Now that you are clear about what you have and what you need, start doing your research. If you have an in-house IT team, you can ask them to evaluate the various options that can help you reach your goal. If not, then there are plenty of resources available online for SMBs that help with tech questions. https://www.sba.gov/learning-center is one great resource and a Google search will get you more.

As a part of this research, you should also make a list of credible MSPs in your area and learn more about them. A Google search can help you with that, but it would be even better if you reach out to a couple of your peers requesting them to refer you to their MSPs, if they have one.

Hiring an MSP means trusting them with your IT infrastructure, so it is very important that you have a clear understanding of what you really want and need, so you can share your expectations with your new MSP. This transparency and clarity goes a long way in determining the success or failure of your relationship with the MSP.

5 Lesser known benefits of choosing the co-managed IT model

Posted on by
Reply

5 Lesser known benefits of choosing the co-managed IT model

Even companies with IT staff on their payroll can’t deny having an MSP onboard offers benefits that exceed what they get from having just an in-house team. This blog explore 5 lesser known reasons why the co-managed IT model is popular.

An extra hand during emergencies
In the event of any unforeseen emergency such as a natural disaster or a terror attack, you may need additional IT support to get things up and running again. Your IT team may not be able to do it all instantly and of course adding to your IT staff wouldn’t be an option during such times. In a co-managed IT services model you will have your MSP to support your IT team which will help you recover faster.

Especially useful when you have a small in-house IT team
For a lot of SMBs, an in-house IT team comprises one or two IT technicians who take care of all their IT needs. But what happens when they are both out of office at the same time, due to unforeseen circumstances? You can only cross your fingers and hope no major IT problem comes up. But, in the co-managed IT services option, your virtual IT team is just a call away!

24/7 Support
24/7 IT support is a luxury for most SMBs. Their in-house IT staff usually works the same hours at the business. Most managed service providers, however, offer 24/7 services at affordable costs.

You still retain control over your IT
In a co-managed services model, you are not completely entrusting your IT to an MSP, as your in-house IT team will be collaborating with your managed services provider to meet your IT needs better. Thus, you retain quite a bit of control over your IT.

You get useful IT insights
When you bring an MSP onboard, you benefit from their expertise and on-ground experience. They can advise you on the latest IT trends in your industry and help streamline your processes and IT infrastructure based on what’s effective. This kind of insight cannot be gained with an in-house IT team as they would only be working with you.

Co-managed IT model is not replacing your IT team with an MSP. It is augmenting your existing IT support setup with an MSP and leveraging their expertise to bring thought leadership IT strategies into your organization.

“Savings” That Could Cost You EVERYTHING

Posted on by
Reply

As a business leader, you’re always looking for ways to increase revenue, cut expenses and grow your bottom line. Implementing AI tools, shopping services and running a more efficient operation are great ways to do that. One place you do NOT want to cut corners is using free antivirus or firewall software.

In today’s blog, we’ll share why these seemingly helpful software solutions are a detriment to your business and why a 10-minute call with our team might just be the best investment you’ll make this year.

Free software often lacks necessary features and is limited in what it can detect.

Free antivirus software and firewall solutions can protect your business against some known viruses but not all of them, and they likely won’t have the ability to protect you against other comprehensive threats, like malicious files, unknown or unidentified threats and more. Cybercriminals are constantly rolling out new and “improved” viruses to trick even the most robust security solutions, which makes it difficult to believe that free, infrequently updated antivirus solutions could offer the level of protection needed to keep you secure.

There’s no such thing as a free lunch.

While free cybersecurity solutions sound like a good way to save a few bucks, you have to stop and realize these programs will make their money somewhere. The most common ways they make money are through ads, sponsored recommendations and collecting and selling user data. They collect and sell your personal information, like age and gender, and installed apps, to third-party advertisers.

Some free solutions are already infected with malware.

Ironically, these free cybersecurity tools can come with malware already installed to infect your computer upon downloading them. It’s also difficult to determine the difference between real free software solutions and fake ones created by hackers looking to trick unsuspecting business owners who hope to save a buck into downloading an infected version that immediately opens up your network to them.

Free antivirus software is mostly reactive, detecting infections after they’ve happened.

The point of having cybersecurity solutions is to try to prevent a data breach from occurring in the first place. Most free solutions are reactive and won’t keep unwanted intruders out; they simply alert you when one has already breached your network. If you’re going with a free solution, make sure you have a robust recovery plan in place. You’ll likely need it.

Cybersecurity solutions are not as expensive as most business owners think and are more cost-effective than dealing with a data breach. If you have been using free antivirus or firewall software in your organization, it’s time to level up. Our cybersecurity experts will provide you with a FREE Security Risk Assessment that will detail if and where you’re vulnerable and what to do about it. Schedule yours by clicking here or calling us at 214-550-0550.

The Silent Danger: A Powerful Lesson For Every Business From This $1.6 Billion Ransomware Attack

Posted on by
Reply

In recent months, the alarming cybersecurity breach at Change Healthcare, the health care payment-processing company under the health care giant UnitedHealth Group, has thrown a spotlight on a chilling reality: cyberthreats can lurk undetected within our networks, ready to unleash chaos at a moment’s notice. The breach, executed by the notorious ALPHV/BlackCat hacker group, involved the group lying dormant within the company’s environment for nine days before activating a crippling ransomware attack.

This incident, which severely impacted the US health care system, a network with a large budget for cybersecurity, underscores an urgent message for all business leaders: a robust cybersecurity system and recovery plan are not optional but a fundamental necessity for every business out there.

The attack began with hackers using leaked credentials to access a key application that was shockingly left without the safeguard of multifactor authentication.

Once inside, the hackers stole data, locked it down, and then demanded a hefty ransom.

This action stalled nationwide health care payment-processing systems, for thousands of pharmacies and hospitals causing them to grind to a halt!

Then things got even worse!

The personal health information and personal information of potentially millions of Americans was also stolen. The hackers set up an exit scam, demanding a second ransom to not release this information.

This breach required a temporary shutdown, disconnecting entire systems from the Internet, a massive overhaul of the IT infrastructure and significant financial losses estimated to potentially reach $1.6 billion by year’s end. Replacing laptops, rotating credentials and rebuilding the data center network were only a few of the actions the UnitedHealth Group had to take. More than financial, the cost was deeply human – impacting health care services and risking personal data.

While devastating, it’s a powerful reminder that threats can dwell in silence within our networks, waiting for an opportune moment to strike.

It is not enough to react; proactive measures are essential.

Ensuring systems are secured, implementing multifactor authentication, regularly updating and patching software and having a recovery plan in place in the event of an attack are steps that can no longer be overlooked and are basic requirements for doing business in today’s world.

Also, the idea that “We’re too small to be a target” is false. Just because you’re not big enough to make national news, doesn’t mean you’re too small to be attacked!

Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue; it’s a cornerstone of modern business strategy. It requires investment, training and a culture of security awareness throughout the organization.

The fallout from a breach reaches far beyond the immediately affected systems. It can erode customer trust, disrupt services and lead to severe financial and reputational damage, and your business, will be the one blamed.

As we consider the lessons from the Change Healthcare incident, it’s your duty to make cybersecurity a top priority. Investing in comprehensive cybersecurity measures isn’t just a precaution – it’s a fundamental responsibility to our customers, our stakeholders and our future.

Remember, in the realm of cyberthreats, what you can’t see can hurt you – and preparation is your most powerful defense.

Is YOUR organization secure? If you’re not sure, or just want a second opinion, our cybersecurity experts will provide you with a FREE Security Risk Assessment that will detail if and where you’re vulnerable and what to do about it. Schedule yours by clicking here or calling us at 214-550-0550.

Four reasons to opt for the co-managed IT services model

Posted on by
Reply

Four reasons to opt for the co-managed IT services model

Co-managed IT services model is one in which the business has its own IT team, but still contracts with an external managed services provider for certain services. In this blog we discuss four benefits of a co-managed IT services model.

Expertise
Your in-house IT team may not have all the expertise needed to manage all your IT requirements. There are new developments happening in the tech space everyday and an MSP is better positioned to stay up-to-date with them as IT is their business.

Flexibility
Opting for a co-managed IT services model allows you the flexibility to scale your IT up or down based on your business requirements. This is especially useful for companies that experience seasonal spikes in their business, such as CPA firms, around taxation times, or retail businesses around the Holidays. You don’t have to hire new IT staff to handle the sudden extra load on your IT.

Lower costs
Choosing a co-managed IT services model saves you costs that you would otherwise incur when hiring new IT staff. Bringing someone on your payroll involves HR expenses including health insurance, 401 (k) etc., which can be avoided when bringing an MSP onboard.

Help your IT team focus better
Research indicates that in companies that have an in-house IT team, their IT specialists are so caught up with the day-to-day IT tasks that they don’t have the time to focus on new technology. Tasks like security patches, software updates, backups etc., keep them busy, so they don’t get time to research or learn about the latest on the tech front. This defeats the purpose of having an in-house IT team, doesn’t it? If you could have your MSP take care of the mundane IT routine, you will be enabling your in-house IT technicians to focus on new technology, which will help you become more efficient as a business.

If you already have an in-house IT team, it is not unusual to think you don’t need the services of a managed services provider. But, as you can see, co-managed IT has its advantages and you shouldn’t strike an MSP off your list completely just because you have your in-house IT technicians.