Technology has moved from stand-alone networks and servers to integrated cloud-based solutions. This has changed the landscape forever. Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) has become the go-to solution for application delivery models. Organizations have come to rely on SaaS applications to stay competitive. They can use them as scalable solutions to remain agile in the constantly changing universe of business. Read more
Mobile applications have become an integral part of our lives. We use them to browse the internet, network, communicate and much more. However, a mobile app opens us up to risks caused by fraudsters who may steal information or damage our phones.
According to 2024 data from Asee, over 75% of published apps have at least one security vulnerability. This means that 3 out of every 4 your favorite apps could be risky to use. It is important to be cautious while downloading and maintaining apps. Here are ten simple tips that can help keep your mobile apps secure.
Why Is Mobile App Security Important?
75% of apps risk our security and business apps are three times more likely to leak log-in information. These risks also include even the most popular apps. Those with over 5 million downloads still have at least one security flaw.
Using mobile apps is not always safe. There are many ways for hackers and criminals to steal your data. This can happen because of your internet connection, app permissions and more. We will cover ten essential security tips to keep your data safe when using mobile apps.
Top 10 Security Tips For Mobile App Users
Mobile apps can be dangerous but there are ways to reduce these risks. If you are careful about where you download apps, the permissions you allow and the internet connection you use, you can keep your data as safe as possible. Here are the top ten security tips for mobile app users:
1. Only download from official stores.
The first step of mobile app security is choosing safe apps. Some apps are not secure even when they look legitimate. It is important to be aware of the source before you click download. Always download your apps from the App Store or Google Play.
These stores check apps to make sure they are safe. Don't download from random websites. They might have fake apps that can hurt your phone.
2. Check app ratings and reviews.
Before you download an app, see what other people are saying about it. If a lot of people like it and say it is safe, it is probably fine. However, if people are saying it has problems, perhaps you don't want to install it.
3. Read app permissions.
When you find an app you want to download, stop and do research first. If you download a fake app by mistake, your device may be attacked. It can open you up to malware, ransomware and more threats.
Apps frequently request permission to access certain parts of your phone. Maybe they want to know your location or use your camera. Consider whether they really need that information. If an app requests access to too much, do not install it.
4. Update your phone’s operating system.
Keep the software on your phone up to date. New updates frequently patch security vulnerabilities. This makes it more difficult for the bad guys to hack into your phone.
5. Use strong passwords.
We use apps for many day-to-day tasks like sending emails, storing files and sharing on social media. If an app is hacked, your personal information can be stolen.
Passwords protect your apps. Make sure your password is difficult to guess. Use letters, numbers and symbols. Do not use the same password for all apps. That way if a person guesses one password, he or she cannot access all your apps.
6. Enable two-factor authentication.
Two-factor authentication means an additional step in order to log in. It can send a code to your phone or email. This will make it much harder for bad people to get into your accounts.
7. Beware of public Wi-Fi.
Public Wi-Fi is never a safe space. There may be bad guys watching what you do online. Never use public Wi-Fi on important apps. Wait until you are on a safe network to use apps for banking.
8. Log out of apps not in use.
Log out of apps whenever you are done using them. This is even more important when the apps hold personal information such as banking or email apps. In case someone steals your phone, it is much harder for them to access your apps.
9. Update your apps.
Developers of applications usually fix security issues in updates. Keep updating your apps whenever newer versions get released. It will help in safeguarding your information.
10. Use security features.
Lots of apps have additional security features. These may include fingerprint locks or face recognition. Switch these on if you can because they can help stop other people from using your apps. Even with these security tips, it is important to take other measures to protect your data. Be sure to follow our tips on safe downloads and data protection.
Stay Safe While Using Mobile Apps
It is not hard to stay safe with mobile apps. Just be careful and think before you act. Only download apps you trust. Keep your phone and apps updated. Use strong passwords and extra security when you can.
Remember that safety is in your hands. Don’t hesitate to ask for help with app security. For more mobile app security tips, feel free to contact us today.
In today's digital world, mobile apps have become an essential part of our daily life. From banking and shopping to social networking and entertainment, we use these applications for almost everything. Read more
In today’s digital landscape, securing our online accounts has become more crucial than ever. With cyber threats evolving rapidly, traditional password-based security measures are no longer sufficient. This is where multi-factor authentication (MFA) and two-factor authentication (2FA) come into play. They offer an additional layer of protection for our sensitive information. Read more
Advanced AI is a new buzzword in cloud computing. The launch of tools like ChatGPT and Bard have made big waves. Developers are now racing to introduce the next level of features to apps. They contain features that do part of your work for you like writing emails or making follow-up checklists based on contact data.
These AI-based applications do much more than automate processes. People are using them to write business correspondence, create websites and write scripts. AI is also quickly transforming the everyday office workflow.
Microsoft is one of the biggest players in the office application field. It is at the forefront of introducing transformative technology. The company is about to transform Microsoft 365 in a huge way with its new Copilot tool.
Microsoft 365 Copilot is a new tool designed to help users get the most out of their Microsoft 365 apps. This revolutionary tool is an intelligent and personalized assistant. It is designed to help users navigate and use M365 more efficiently.
In this article, we will take a closer look at Microsoft 365 Copilot and tell you the key ways that it is going to improve M365 apps and your business workflows.
What is Microsoft 365 Copilot?
Microsoft 365 Copilot is an AI-powered assistant. It helps users with their day-to-day tasks in M365 apps. It is like having a personal assistant right in your Office apps. Users can ask questions, get help with tasks and receive personalized recommendations. Copilot responds leveraging the context of their usage patterns.
Microsoft 365 Copilot works across all M365 apps. This includes:
- Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Outlook
- Teams
Whether you are doing any number of tasks, Microsoft 365 Copilot is there to assist you. This includes working on a document, meeting scheduling or collaborating with a team.
How Does Microsoft 365 Copilot Work?
Microsoft 365 Copilot uses AI and machine learning to understand users' needs. It provides personalized help. It uses data from users' interactions with M365 apps. It learns a user's usage patterns and offers recommendations based on their preferences.
For example, say you frequently use certain features in Excel. Microsoft 365 Copilot will learn this. It will offer suggestions when it detects that you're working on a similar task.
Say that you are working on a presentation in PowerPoint and struggling with design. Microsoft 365 Copilot can offer design suggestions based on your company's brand guidelines.
Microsoft 365 Copilot can also help users with common tasks like scheduling meetings and managing emails. Users can simply ask Copilot for help. They can ask it to schedule a meeting or find an email from a specific person and Copilot will take care of the rest.
Why is Microsoft Copilot Important?
Copilot is important because it can help users be more productive and efficient. By providing personalized support, the tool can save users time and reduce frustration.
Imagine you are working on a report in Word and you are struggling to format a table. Instead of spending time searching for a solution online or trying to figure it out on your own, you can simply ask Microsoft 365 Copilot for help. Copilot can offer suggestions. It can even walk you through the process which will save you time and reduce frustration.
Microsoft 365 Copilot is also important because it can help users get more out of their M365 apps. Many users may not be aware of all the features and capabilities of their M365 apps. Copilot can help users discover new ways to work more efficiently and effectively.
The capabilities of Copilot go even further. Say that you need to give your team an update on a marketing strategy. You won’t need to dig out emails, chat threads or meeting notes. Instead, you can ask Copilot to “tell my team how we updated the marketing strategy.” The app will then search all those places for you and craft an update for your team.
Need a first draft of a meeting agenda or presentation? Just ask Copilot. It can access existing M365 documents and content and craft an initial draft for you.
Benefits of Using Microsoft 365 Copilot
Personalized Help
Microsoft 365 Copilot provides personalized help based on users' usage patterns and preferences. This means that users get the help they need when they need it without needing to search for solutions on their own.
Time Saving
Microsoft 365 Copilot can help users save time on common tasks such as scheduling meetings and formatting documents. It can take on many information gathering tasks (like summarizing meeting notes). This saves users considerable time for manual tasks such as searching for information.
Knowledge workers spend an average of 2.5 hours per day searching for information.
Reduced Frustration
Microsoft 365 Copilot can help reduce frustration. It provides solutions when users are stuck on a task. The tool can also help users struggling with an Excel chart or table. Instead of figuring out how to generate it, they can simply give a command to Copilot to do it for them.
Improved Productivity
Microsoft Copilot handles tasks that go beyond what business apps have historically done. For example, you can use it in PowerPoint to create a presentation for you. Use a command such as, “Create a six-slide presentation based on (this) document.” You can also tell it to find appropriate Microsoft stock photos and insert them.
The sky is the limit right now for how much this tool is going to impact office productivity.
When Will Microsoft 365 Copilot Be Available?
At the writing of this article, Microsoft hasn’t announced a release date yet. It is currently testing Copilot with a limited number of users. You will most likely see it coming out sometime soon.
Improve Your Microsoft 365 Value & Security
Need help with security or setup in Microsoft 365? Give us a call today to talk to one of our cloud app experts.
In recent years, online shopping has become more popular than ever before. With the convenience of being able to purchase items from the comfort of your own home, it is no surprise that many people are turning to shopping apps to make their purchases.
However, a new concern has emerged. There are shopping apps that spy on peoples’ phones. This is a serious risk to data security that needs to be addressed because it has the potential to compromise the privacy and security of individuals and the companies they work for.
Shopping Apps Recently Found to Be Spying
Recent events have brought this issue to the forefront. In one example, a popular shopping app called Shein was caught spying on users' copy-and-paste activity. According to a report by MSN, the app in question was monitoring users' clipboard data and sending it back to the app's servers. This type of behavior is concerning because it means that the app has access to potentially sensitive information like passwords or other personal data.
In another example, Pinduoduo, a Chinese shopping app, was recently found to be infected with malware. According to a report by CNN, cybersecurity researchers discovered that the malware was designed to steal personal information from the device. The malware was able to access a wide range of sensitive data including usernames, passwords and credit card information.
These incidents highlight the serious threat posed by shopping apps that spy on employees' phones. When an app has access to a smartphone that also has access to business apps and data, it can potentially monitor everything the employee does (including their emails, text messages and other communications). This can put both the employee and their company at risk because sensitive information could be compromised.
What Can You Do to Improve Mobile Device Security?
Many companies rely on an employee's ability to use their personal mobile devices for work. However, this doesn’t mean you still can’t put device security measures in place to protect business data. Here are some ways to protect your network & data against invasive apps.
Implement a Mobile Device Management (MDM) Solution
MDM software can help you manage and secure the smartphones used by your employees. With an MDM solution, you can enforce security policies, remotely wipe devices if they are lost or stolen and monitor for potential security threats.
Applications like Intune (part of Microsoft 365) can help you better separate the “work” and “personal” functions of employee devices used for business.
Train Employees in Security Best Practices
Educate your employees on the importance of smartphone security and provide them with training on how to use their devices safely. This can include things like not clicking on suspicious links or downloading apps from unknown sources.
It is also a good idea to put out alerts in a company newsletter or team channel when news stories like the ones mentioned above come out. Sending your staff security updates like this helps foster a culture of cybersecurity and keeps everyone informed.
Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication
Require your employees to use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. This will make it more difficult for attackers to gain access to your employees' devices and data.
Keep Software Up to Date
Ensure that all smartphones used by your employees have the latest software updates installed. Updates often include security patches that address known vulnerabilities.
This is another place where using a mobile device management solution can help. MDMs can deploy updates automatically to all managed devices.
Limit Access to Sensitive Data
Only give employees access to the data and applications they need to do their jobs. This will limit the potential damage if a smartphone is lost or stolen.
One of the ways you can do this is through automated data protection policies. Once implemented, they can prevent activities like downloading, copying and sharing certain types of documents.
Implement Encryption
Encrypt all sensitive data stored on smartphones including emails, text messages and files where possible. This will help protect the data if the smartphone is lost or stolen. Securing a business VPN account and requiring use when employees are connecting outside the office keeps traffic better protected as well.
Require Installation of a Reliable Mobile Antivirus
Mobile devices also need to have antivirus and anti-malware protection. You can provide this through a mobile device management solution or directly through a company subscription to a reliable antivirus solution.
Conduct Regular Security Audits
Regularly audit smartphone security to identify potential vulnerabilities or areas for improvement. This can include things like testing for malware or checking that security policies are being enforced.
Get Help with Smart Mobile Device Security Solutions
Sound Computers provides enterprise mobility management solutions that can significantly reduce your risk of a data breach. Contact us today to learn more.
It is a common theme. You begin seeing these amazing CGI images of your friends on Facebook or Instagram. You think, “How can I make one?” Enter Lensa AI.
Filters and self-portrait apps have come a long way. You can now make yourself look like Hollywood’s version of a character in the next hit animated film. It still kind of looks like you but as a dream version with “perfect” hair, skin and facial features.
The latest of these modern vanity marvels to make the rounds is Lensa AI. You upload about 10 photos so the app can feed that data into its AI algorithm. Once it maps your facial features, it generates several fantasy selfies of you.
These magical avatars don’t come for free though. While you can download the app for free and use it in a limited fashion, you need to pay to do more. To get unlimited access for one week, it will cost you $2.99. There are several pricing tiers for its avatar packs and membership access. These range from $3.99 for Avatars Pack 1 to $35.99 for full membership.
It sounds like a little harmless digital fun. That is what many companies making apps like this would like you to think. Vanity is an easy sell and who doesn’t want to have a fabulous profile pic?
But for Lensa AI and several similar self-portrait apps, you’re paying more than you know. The cost comes from the data privacy rights you’re giving up. These can go far beyond the app itself.
Why Worry About Data Privacy with Lensa AI & Similar Apps?
Thanks to laws like GDPR, software and app developers need to tell you what they do with your data. Looking at the app at the Mac App Store, a few alarming things jump out.
Data Used to Track You
Once you download the Lensa AI app, it can track your phone activity. The app store states that the app may use purchases and unique identifiers to track you. This doesn’t mean only tracking you while in Lensa AI. It can track you across websites and apps owned by other companies.
Data Collected
Lensa AI scours your device for a lot of different data points. By downloading it, you permit it to do this. Some of the tracking links to you personally (such as linked to your name, IP address or phone number). It collects a lot of other data but not with your name or another identifier on it.
Data collected and linked to you:
- User content (such as the images you upload)
Data collected but not linked to you:
- Purchases you make on websites or apps
- Usage data for apps
- Identifiers (this isn’t specified but could mean things like city or gender)
- Diagnostics from your device.
Loss of Rights to Your Uploaded Images
What apps like Lensa AI do with your data is a grey area. Many tech companies (such as Facebook) have been known to act irresponsibly with user data. Many are purposely vague in their terms and conditions which leaves the door open.
One section from the Lensa AI Terms that users agree to states the following:
“…solely for the purposes of operating or improving Lensa, you grant us a time-limited, revocable, non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide, fully-paid, transferable, sub-licensable license to use, reproduce, modify, distribute, create derivative works of your User Content, without any additional compensation to you…”
For the sole purpose of “operating” Lensa could mean anything. It could mean that to make more money to operate the business the company needs to use your images. Note that it also states it can modify, distribute, etc. YOUR user content.
Things You Can Do to Protect Your Data Privacy
Don’t Immediately Jump on Every Fad
This one may be hard when you see all of your friends using a new app. It is natural to want to be a part of that but try waiting a week. Most likely those avatar images from the latest selfie app won’t be blowing up your feed anymore.
Read App Terms & Conditions
Take the time to read an app’s terms. You are often giving up more data privacy rights than you realize. This includes giving an app the ability to track just about everything you do on your device. Be aware of what is at risk before you download a new app.
Restrict Data Collection
If you can’t resist an app’s charms, at least make it as secure as possible. This includes taking the time to restrict its data collection features where possible.
Use your phone’s privacy and security settings to turn off data sharing. For the Lensa AI app, you can also contact the company to request that it delete your data from its servers. Its privacy policy states to email privacy@lensa-ai.com for questions and concerns.
Get a Device Privacy Checkup
The more apps you use means the more complicated data privacy can get. Don’t leave it to chance. We will be happy to help. Give us a call today to schedule a device privacy checkup.
The cloud has revolutionized the way we store, share and access data. Thanks to apps like Google Drive, Dropbox and OneDrive, we can easily access our files from anywhere in the world. However, with the convenience of cloud apps comes the risk of security problems. In this article, we will explore how using too many cloud apps can become dangerous and what you can do to protect yourself.
The Risks of Using Multiple Cloud Apps
When you use multiple cloud apps, you increase the risk of a security breach. Here are a few ways that using too many cloud apps can cause security problems:
Weak Passwords
With multiple cloud apps, it is easy to fall into the trap of using the same password for all of them. This means that if one of your cloud apps is compromised, all of your other cloud apps are at risk as well. While it may be easier to remember the same password across all of your accounts, taking the extra step to store unique passwords for each one is worth it.
Lack of Visibility
When you use multiple cloud apps, it can be difficult to keep track of all of your data. This lack of visibility can make it easier for cybercriminals to steal your data without you even realizing it.
Third-Party Access
Many cloud apps require third-party access to your data to function properly. This can increase the risk of a security breach because third-party apps may not have the same level of security as the cloud app that you are using.
Data Breaches
Cloud apps are not immune to data breaches. When you use multiple cloud apps, you increase the risk of a data breach because each app is a potential entry point for cybercriminals.
Protecting Yourself When Using Multiple Cloud Apps
If you are using multiple cloud apps, it is easy to fall victim to hacks and data breaches that put your sensitive information at risk. To avoid these consequences, here are a few steps that you can take to protect yourself from security problems:
Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Make sure that you're using a strong, unique password for each of your cloud apps. If you find it hard to remember different passwords off the top of your head, it is recommended to use a password manager like LastPass or 1Password. These tools will help you generate unique passwords for each account and store them so you can easily access them when it comes time to sign in.
Limit Third-Party Access
Be cautious about granting third-party access to your data. Only grant access to apps that you trust and that have a good track record of security.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your cloud apps. With two-factor authentication enabled, you will need to enter a code in addition to your password to access your account.
Keep Your Apps Up-To-Date
Make sure that you are using the latest version of each of your cloud apps. This will confirm that any security vulnerabilities are patched as soon as possible.
Use a VPN
A virtual private network (VPN) can add an extra layer of security to your internet connection. When you use a VPN, all of your internet traffic is encrypted which makes it more difficult for cybercriminals to steal your data.
Monitor Your Accounts
Regularly monitor your cloud app accounts for any unusual activity. If you notice anything suspicious, change your password immediately and contact the app's support team.
Use a Cloud App Aggregator
Consider using a cloud apps aggregator like MultCloud or Otixo to manage all of your cloud apps in one place. This can help you keep track of all of your data and reduce the risk of security problems.
Stay Safe While Using Cloud Apps
The convenience of cloud apps has made them an essential tool for many people, but using too many cloud apps can increase the risk of security problems. By using strong passwords, limiting third-party access, enabling two-factor authentication, keeping your apps up-to-date, using a VPN, monitoring your accounts and using a cloud app aggregator, you can reduce the risk of a security breach and keep your data safe.
It is always better to be cautious and take steps to protect yourself than to suffer the consequences of a security breach. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy the convenience of cloud apps without putting your data at risk.
If you need guidance on keeping your information safe while using cloud storage apps, you can trust Sound Computers. We have years of experience helping our clients lock down their most sensitive data with our comprehensive IT security services.
Give us a call at (860) 577-8060 to consult with our team about the best solutions for you and take the first step toward leveling up your cybersecurity today!
If you follow Microsoft products, you may know about Microsoft Ignite. It generates many exciting updates and announcements every year in the Microsoft world.
Microsoft held its most recent conference last October. In the rush of the recent holidays, you may have missed some of the highlights. So, we’re bringing them to you now.
One thing that you will notice is that Microsoft Teams got a lot of love at the event. Microsoft is now describing Teams as “the app at the center of Microsoft 365.” We can see why the company keeps enhancing this virtual workspace. Teams now has over 280 million users. It is not surprising because Microsoft has introduced over 450 new Teams features just in the last year.
We will go over some Teams features below along with other Microsoft App announcements from Ignite. These may give you some ideas for your next digital workflow upgrade.
Teams Premium
There is a new Teams Premium offering from Microsoft that adds a whole new AI component to the platform. This service includes several AI-powered features. They make it seem like you have your own meeting assistant.
Some of the cool features include automatically generating chapters from a Teams meeting. The app also generates personalized highlights for you. This saves you from having to rewatch the meeting later.
If you are meeting internationally, you can enjoy real-time translations for captions. Meeting guides is another new feature. It sets up your meeting options according to your needs.
360-Degree Intelligent Camera for Teams Meetings
SmartVision 60 is the first 360-degree, center-of-room intelligent camera. It has the ability to track the speaker as they are moving. The camera is also due to have a people recognition feature coming soon.
Virtual meetings can feel much more like real meetings using SmartVision 60. Instead of just seeing a small video feed of one person, the movement of the camera can capture a whole team.
Cisco is Now a Certified Devices Partner for Teams Rooms
Those that are fans of Cisco meeting products will be pleased to know that they now have more options. Microsoft announced that Cisco is now a Teams Room Certified Devices partner. You can now start Teams meetings across all certified Cisco meeting devices.
Microsoft Places
One of the virtual workspace apps to support the new hybrid movement is Microsoft Places. This is a team management app that integrates with the rest of the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.
The office is still around but for how long? Much of the world had to do things virtually during the pandemic. Many companies and employees found they like it better that way. Seventy-four percent of US companies have or plan to put in place a permanent hybrid work model.
Microsoft Places is one more way Microsoft is leading the hybrid office revolution. Some of the app’s features include:
- Manage and track where employees are working (at home or in the office).
- Track whether coworkers are away or available.
- Track physical room use to make strategic decisions.
Hours & Location Feature in Outlook & Teams
Another feature announcement related to the hybrid working world is hours and location. This is a new capability added to Teams and Outlook to make it easier to schedule in-person meetings.
It can get tricky to plan in-person meetings when you don’t know who is working at the office and who is remote. If you plan without checking, you're bound to alienate someone. They won't be happy if they were planning to work from home that day.
The new hours and location feature allows people to specify where they are working. They can adjust this from hour to hour. It takes the guesswork out of scheduling.
Loop App Private Preview
Another exciting app announcement that Microsoft made was about its Loop app. It stated that Loop entered private preview. This gives some organizations a chance to check it out.
Loop is a collaborative workspace app that helps teams ideate in a virtual space. All data pulled in from Microsoft 365 apps sync automatically to stay up to date.
Microsoft Clipchamp Video Editor
You may have noticed an unfamiliar app popping up on Windows. Microsoft Clipchamp was formally announced at the Ignite event. It is a quick and easy video editor for Windows PCs.
Have you ever felt frustrated trying to fix a video and not having the right tool to do it? Then you may want to take a closer look at what Clipchamp has to offer. It looks to have a fairly low learning curve.
Get Help Navigating the Microsoft 365 Universe
Microsoft 365 has come a long way in a short period. There are many different app integrations that you can use to power your workflow but it can get a bit complicated without an expert to help. Give us a call today to schedule a Microsoft consultation.