Cybersecurity Trends to Watch in the New Year

Why Hackers See Small Businesses as Easy Targets

Shedding Light on Lurking Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities

Safeguarding Your Online Presence: The Importance of Browser Extension Security

When you see people working with two monitors, you might assume they're doing specialized work that requires all that screen space, or they just really like technology. But having an additional display can benefit anyone, even if you're doing accounting or document work all day. We often get used to being boxed in by the screen size we have, struggling to fit two windows next to each other or continuously clicking between layers of windows on the desktop. This can eat up time during the day, and using dual screens can help eliminate this issue. The Productivity Benefits of Dual Screens According to a study by Mavenlink, 73% of surveyed businesses say they spend over an hour per day on average just switching between different apps. But how much can using a second monitor improve productivity ? Probably more than you realize. Jon Peddie Research found that employees in all types of jobs can improve productivity by an average of 42% when using two screens. From three studies conducted over 15 years, they also found that between 2002 and 2017, there's been a significant rise in the use of two monitors, with a compound annual growth rate of 10%. The Advantages of Adding a Second Screen Do More in Less Time The biggest advantage to using a second monitor is that you can do more in less time because you're not struggling to get to the windows you need when you need them. Expands Screen Space for Laptops Laptops are great for portability, but the more portable the laptop, the smaller the screen space. Connecting your laptop to a monitor can significantly improve the experience and make it like working on a normal desktop PC. Side-by-Side Comparisons Are Easier There are a lot of tasks that require looking at data in two windows. With two monitors, you have the screen real estate you need to fully open both windows and have them right next to each other. More Freedom During Video Calls Have you ever been screen sharing on a video call and needed to check an email or review notes? With dual screens, you can choose which screen you want to share during meetings, and still have apps open on the other screen that no one can see. Fairly Inexpensive Productivity Booster Purchasing another display is a fairly low investment when looking at technology. A monitor can be purchased from anywhere between $125 to $250 on average, and with a 42% average productivity boost, it can have a pretty sweet ROI. Need Help Improving Productivity? There are several productivity boosts that you can get using the right technology tools, and they don't have to cost a fortune. Ask us how we can help you!

Cyber threats are a perpetual reality for business owners. Hackers are constantly innovating, devising new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks. To stay ahead of these threats, a proactive approach to cybersecurity is essential, and regular vulnerability assessments are a crucial element of this approach. In 2023, there were over 29,000 new IT vulnerabilities discovered, the highest count reported to date. This staggering number highlights the importance of vulnerability assessments in identifying and addressing potential security gaps. By neglecting vulnerability assessments, businesses leave themselves exposed to cyber threats, which can have severe consequences, including data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage. Why Vulnerability Assessments Matter The internet has become a minefield for businesses, with cybercriminals constantly on the lookout for vulnerabilities to exploit. Vulnerability assessments are crucial in this ever-evolving threat landscape because they: Uncover unseen weaknesses: Many vulnerabilities remain hidden within complex IT environments. Regular assessments uncover these weaknesses before attackers can exploit them. Ensure systems are up-to-date: Experts discover new vulnerabilities all the time. Regular assessments ensure your systems are up-to-date and protected from potential security gaps. Help meet compliance requirements: Many industries have regulations mandating regular vulnerability assessments. This helps to ensure data security and privacy compliance. Enable a proactive approach: Identifying vulnerabilities proactively allows for timely remediation, significantly reducing the risk of costly security breaches. A reactive approach, where you only address security issues after an attack, can lead to significant financial losses and disruptions to your business. The High Cost of Skipping Vulnerability Assessments Neglecting vulnerability assessments can have severe consequences, including: Data breaches: Unidentified vulnerabilities leave your systems exposed, making them prime targets for cyberattacks. Just one breach can result in the theft of sensitive data and customer information. Financial losses: Data breaches can lead to hefty fines and legal repercussions, as well as the cost of data recovery and remediation. Business disruptions caused by cyberattacks can also result in lost revenue and productivity. Reputational damage: A security breach can severely damage your company's reputation, eroding customer trust and potentially impacting future business prospects. Both B2B and B2C customers hesitate to do business with a company that has experienced a breach. Loss of competitive advantage: Cyberattacks can cripple your ability to innovate and compete effectively, hindering your long-term growth aspirations. Rather than forward motion on innovation, your company is playing security catch-up. The Benefits of Regular Vulnerability Assessments Regular vulnerability assessments offer numerous benefits, including: Improved security posture: Vulnerability assessments identify and address vulnerabilities, significantly reducing the attack surface for potential cyber threats. Enhanced compliance: Regular assessments help you stay compliant with relevant industry regulations and data privacy laws. Peace of mind: Knowing your network is secure from vulnerabilities gives you peace of mind, allowing you to focus on core business operations. Reduced risk of costly breaches: Proactive vulnerability management helps prevent costly data breaches and associated financial repercussions. Improved decision-making: Vulnerability assessments provide valuable insights into your security posture, enabling data-driven decisions about security investments and resource allocation. The Vulnerability Assessment Process: What to Expect A vulnerability assessment typically involves several key steps, including: Planning and scoping: Define the scope of the assessment, outlining what systems and applications are part of the evaluation. Discovery and identification: Use specialized tools and techniques to scan your IT infrastructure for known vulnerabilities. Prioritization and risk assessment : Classify vulnerabilities based on severity and potential impact, focusing on critical vulnerabilities that need immediate remediation. Remediation and reporting: Develop a plan to address identified vulnerabilities, including patching, configuration changes, and security updates. Generate a detailed report outlining the vulnerabilities found, their risk level, and remediation steps taken. Best Practices for Vulnerability Assessments To get the most out of vulnerability assessments, follow these best practices: Conduct regular assessments: Regular assessments help identify and address new vulnerabilities as they emerge. Use a combination of tools and techniques: Utilize a combination of automated and manual testing to ensure comprehensive coverage. Prioritize vulnerabilities: Focus on critical vulnerabilities that need immediate remediation. Develop a remediation plan: Create a plan to address identified vulnerabilities, including patching, configuration changes, and security updates. Continuously monitor and evaluate: Continuously monitor and evaluate your security posture to ensure ongoing protection. Investing in Security is Investing in Your Future Vulnerability assessments are not a one-time fix; they should be conducted regularly to maintain a robust cybersecurity posture. By proactively identifying and addressing vulnerabilities, businesses can significantly reduce their risk of cyberattacks, protect sensitive data, and ensure business continuity. In today's ever-evolving threat landscape, vulnerability assessments are a vital tool in your security arsenal. Don't gamble with your organization's future – invest in vulnerability assessments and safeguard your valuable assets. Conclusion Vulnerability assessments are a critical component of a proactive cybersecurity approach. By identifying and addressing potential security gaps, businesses can significantly reduce their risk of cyberattacks, protect sensitive data, and ensure business continuity. Regular vulnerability assessments offer numerous benefits, including improved security posture, enhanced compliance, and peace of mind. Don't neglect vulnerability assessments – invest in your security and safeguard your future. Contact Us Today to Schedule a Vulnerability Assessment When was the last time your business had a vulnerability assessment? No matter your size, we can help. Our vulnerability assessment will look for any weaknesses in your infrastructure, and we'll provide you with actionable recommendations to address them. Contact us today to schedule a vulnerability assessment and take the first step towards a more secure future.

Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered a shocking statistic: mobile malware attacks surged by 500% in the first few months of 2022. This alarming trend highlights the need for individuals to prioritize smartphone security. The Risks of Mobile Devices Mobile phones have become increasingly powerful, performing many of the same functions as computers. However, people tend to secure their computers better than their smartphones, leaving them vulnerable to cyber threats . With over 60% of digital fraud occurring through mobile devices, it's essential to take proactive measures to protect your smartphone. Tips to Improve Smartphone Security 1. Use Mobile Anti-Malware Install a reliable mobile anti-malware app to protect your device from malware infections. Be cautious of free security apps, as they may contain malware. 2. Don't Download Apps from Unknown Sources Only download apps from trusted sources, such as the Apple App Store, Google Play, or the Microsoft Store. Research the app developer online to ensure they have a good reputation. 3. Don't Assume Email is Safe Be wary of unexpected emails and scam emails masquerading as legitimate. Avoid clicking on suspicious links, and consider opening emails on your PC to verify their authenticity. 4. Beware of SMS Phishing (Smishing) Smishing is a growing concern, with many spam texts containing malicious links. Be cautious of texts from unknown sources, and never click on suspicious links. 5. Remove Old Apps You No Longer Use Remove abandoned apps to prevent security vulnerabilities. Regularly update your apps to ensure you have the latest security patches. 6. Keep Your Device Updated Keep your device's operating system updated to prevent vulnerabilities. Automate updates whenever possible, and consider including your phones in a managed IT services plan. 7. Use a VPN When on Public Wi-Fi Use a VPN application to secure your data when connecting to public Wi-Fi. This will help protect your device from prying eyes. Mobile Security Solutions to Prevent a Data Breach Don't wait until your phone is infected with malware to secure it properly. Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn how to protect your device, accounts, and data.

With cyber threats constantly on the rise, businesses must take proactive steps to protect their sensitive data and assets. Threat modeling is a crucial process for identifying potential vulnerabilities and prioritizing risk management strategies. This post outlines how businesses can implement threat modeling to mitigate the risk of costly cyber incidents. What is Threat Modeling? Threat modeling is a structured approach to identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities in an organization's systems and assets. It helps businesses understand their cybersecurity risks and develop effective mitigation strategies. By proactively addressing these risks, businesses can reduce the likelihood and impact of cyberattacks. Steps to Conduct a Threat Model Identify Assets That Need Protection: Determine your most critical assets, including sensitive data, intellectual property, financial information, and email accounts. Consider what cybercriminals might target. Identify Potential Threats: Recognize potential threats to your assets, such as phishing, ransomware, malware, social engineering, physical breaches, and insider threats. Remember that human error, including weak passwords, unclear cloud policies, lack of training, and poor BYOD policies, contributes significantly to data breaches. Assess Likelihood and Impact: Evaluate the probability of each threat occurring and its potential impact on operations, reputation, and financial stability. Use current cybersecurity statistics and vulnerability assessments (ideally conducted by a trusted third-party IT provider) to inform your assessment. Prioritize Risk Management Strategies : Based on the likelihood and impact of each threat, prioritize risk management strategies. Focus on solutions that offer the biggest impact on cybersecurity within your budget and time constraints. Consider access controls, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, employee training, and endpoint device management. Ensure these strategies align with your business goals. Continuously Review and Update the Model: Cyber threats are constantly evolving, so threat modeling is an ongoing process. Regularly review and update your threat model to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with your business objectives. Benefits of Threat Modeling Improved Understanding of Threats and Vulnerabilities: Gain a deeper understanding of specific threats and vulnerabilities affecting your assets, identify security gaps, and develop targeted risk management strategies. Stay ahead of emerging threats, including those driven by artificial intelligence. Cost-effective Risk Management: Optimize security investments by prioritizing based on risk. Allocate resources effectively and efficiently to maximize impact. Business Alignment: Align security measures with business objectives, minimizing disruptions to operations and ensuring a coordinated approach. Reduced Risk of Cyber Incidents: Decrease the likelihood and impact of cyber incidents, protecting your assets and minimizing the negative consequences of a breach. Get Started Today Ready to enhance your cybersecurity posture? Contact us today to learn how our experts can help you implement a comprehensive threat modeling program.

The Future of Authentication: Why Passkeys Are Superior to Passwords Passwords have long been the primary method of securing online accounts, but they come with significant vulnerabilities. They're often easy to guess or steal, and many people use the same password across multiple platforms. This practice leaves users exposed to cyber-attacks. The sheer number of passwords that individuals need to remember leads to risky habits. Users might create weak passwords or store them insecurely, making it easier for cybercriminals to breach their accounts. Alarmingly, 61% of all data breaches involve stolen or hacked login credentials. In response to these security challenges, a better solution has emerged: passkeys. Passkeys not only enhance security but also provide a more convenient way to access your accounts. What Is Passkey Authentication? Passkey authentication generates a unique code for each login attempt, which is then validated by the server. This code is created using a combination of user information and data from the device being used to log in. Think of passkeys as digital credentials that allow you to authenticate with a web service or cloud-based account without needing to enter a username and password. This technology leverages Web Authentication (WebAuthn), a core component of the FIDO2 authentication protocol. Instead of relying on traditional passwords, it uses public-key cryptography for user verification. The authentication key is securely stored on your device—whether it's a computer, mobile device, or security key—and is used by passkey-enabled sites to log you in seamlessly. Advantages of Using Passkeys Over Passwords Enhanced Security Passkeys offer a higher level of security compared to traditional passwords. They're significantly harder to hack, especially when they incorporate biometric data (like facial recognition or fingerprint scans) and device-specific information (such as MAC addresses or location). This combination makes unauthorized access exceedingly difficult for hackers. Greater Convenience Remembering numerous complex passwords can be challenging and time-consuming. Forgetting passwords is common, and resetting them can hinder productivity—each reset takes an average of three minutes and 46 seconds. Passkeys eliminate this hassle by providing a secure, single code that can be used across all your accounts. This streamlines the login process and reduces the likelihood of forgotten or misplaced credentials. Phishing Resistance Credential phishing scams are prevalent, with scammers tricking users into revealing their login information on fake websites. With passkey authentication, this threat is greatly diminished. Even if a hacker obtains your password, they cannot access your account without the unique passkey stored on your device. This makes passkeys inherently resistant to phishing attempts. Potential Drawbacks of Using Passkeys While passkeys represent a significant advancement in authentication technology, there are some considerations when adopting them at this stage. Limited Adoption One of the primary drawbacks is that passkeys are not yet widely adopted. Many websites and cloud services still rely on passwords and haven't implemented passkey capabilities. This means you may need to continue using passwords for certain accounts until passkeys become more universally supported. Managing both passkeys and passwords can be slightly inconvenient during this transitional period. Additional Hardware and Software Requirements Passwords are free and easy to create—you simply choose them when signing up for a site. Passkeys, however, require additional hardware and software to generate and validate the codes. For businesses, this can mean initial costs for implementation. Nonetheless, the potential savings from enhanced security and improved user experience can outweigh these expenses over time. Preparing for the Future of Authentication Passkeys offer a more secure and convenient alternative to passwords. They're harder to hack and simplify the login process. Although passkeys are not yet universally adopted and may require an investment in new technology, they present a promising solution to the widespread problem of weak passwords. Embracing passkeys now positions your organization at the forefront of cybersecurity advancements. Need Help Improving Your Identity and Account Security ? There's no better time to explore passkey authentication and start integrating it into your organization. By acting now, you can enhance your security posture and provide a better experience for your users. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a more secure future.

Many small businesses make the mistake of skipping formal policies, relying on informal guidelines and verbal instructions to manage their operations. However, this approach can lead to confusion, security breaches, and even lawsuits. The Importance of IT Policies IT policies are a crucial part of your company's security and technology management. They provide clear guidelines for employees on how to use technology, handle data, and maintain security. Without these policies, your business is vulnerable to cyber threats, data breaches, and other security risks. Do You Have These Essential IT Policies in Place? 1. Password Security Policy A password security policy outlines the guidelines for creating, storing, and managing passwords. This policy should include: Password length and complexity requirements Password storage and management guidelines Multi-factor authentication requirements Password change frequency 2. Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) The AUP is an overarching policy that governs the use of technology and data within your organization. This policy should include: Device security guidelines Data storage and handling procedures Restrictions on personal use of company devices Encryption requirements 3. Cloud & App Use Policy This policy outlines the guidelines for using cloud applications and services within your organization. This policy should include: Approved cloud applications and services Restrictions on unauthorized cloud use Procedures for requesting new cloud applications 4. Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policy A BYOD policy outlines the guidelines for using personal devices for work purposes. This policy should include: Security requirements for personal devices Compensation guidelines for personal device use Endpoint management app requirements 5. Wi-Fi Use Policy This policy outlines the guidelines for using public Wi-Fi and company Wi-Fi networks. This policy should include: Safe connection guidelines VPN requirements Restrictions on public Wi-Fi use 6. Social Media Use Policy A social media use policy outlines the guidelines for using social media within your organization. This policy should include: Restrictions on personal social media use Guidelines for posting about the company "Safe selfie zones" and facility restrictions Get Help Improving Your IT Policy Documentation & Security Our team can help your organization address IT policy deficiencies and security issues. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get started on improving your IT security.