August 2022 - Sound Computers | Westbrook, CT

Context-Based access uses analytical data gathered by an identity platform during the authorization and authentication process to enhance authentication procedures. These analytics-enhanced authentication techniques are more effective in improving customer safety and lowering online fraud. Context-Based access is a way of providing access to an account based on the user's context. This can be done through location, time and data usage.

Many small businesses make the mistake of skipping policies. They feel that things don’t need to be so formal. They will just tell staff what is expected when it comes up and think that is good enough.

This way of thinking can cause issues for small and mid-sized business owners. Employees are not mind readers. Things that you think are obvious might not be to them.

One constant about technology is that it changes rapidly. Technology tools that were once staples, like Internet Explorer and Adobe Flash, age out. New technology tools replace those that are obsolete. Discontinued technology can leave computers and networks vulnerable to attacks.

While older technology may still run fine on your systems, that doesn’t mean that it is okay to use. One of the biggest dangers of using outdated technology is that it can lead to a data breach.

There is a reason why phishing is usually at the top of the list for security awareness training. For the last decade or two, it has been the main delivery method for all types of attacks. Ransomware, credential theft, database breaches and more launch via a phishing email.

Why has phishing remained such a large threat for so long? Because it continues to work. Scammers evolve their methods as technology progresses. For example, they use AI-based tactics to make targeted phishing more efficient.

Large companies and small businesses are seeing an ever-growing number of cyber threats that attack their endpoints. Their regular endpoint security software may fail against advanced cyberattacks and render them ineffective and outdated. According to a report by Ponemon Institute, 2018 placed a destructive hit on 64% of organizations due to endpoint attacks. 

You have completed your annual phishing training. This includes teaching employees how to spot phishing emails. You’re feeling good about it. That is until about 5-6 months later. Your company suffers a costly ransomware infection due to a click on a phishing link.

Insider Threats have been on the rise lately and companies find it hard to figure out the best security service or strategy that will thwart them. According to research, incidents associated with insider attacks had a 44% rise in the last two years. Employees contribute to about 40% of these threats with easy access to sensitive information. Business owners must deal with such incidents by wielding weapons as strong as those used against external attackers. 

One of the big draws of a laptop computer is that you can use it anywhere. You don’t need to have it plugged in all of the time because it has an internal battery.

Your laptop may start out with several hours of battery life when you first buy it. However, the lifespan can get shorter as time goes by and battery health takes a hit. Sometimes this can be due to a lack of PC maintenance. Other times, it's due to the environments that the laptop is subject to (such as a hot car).

To increase the beneficiaries of their security services, Microsoft introduced Defender for Individuals. This new security tool will protect computers and mobile phones from the ever-growing rate of cyberattacks. Microsoft 365 subscribers with either personal or family subscriptions will enjoy this new addition across different devices: iOS, macOS, Windows and Android.