Virtual appointments have become increasingly popular since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic as remote working and online meetings have become the norm. Microsoft Teams is introducing a new feature that will make scheduling online meetings even easier: Virtual Appointments in MS Teams.
What are Virtual Appointments in MS Teams?
Virtual Appointments in MS Teams is a new feature that connects Microsoft Bookings with the Virtual Appointments feature in Teams. This integration allows businesses to use a scheduling calendar to book virtual appointments and meetings within the Teams platform.
Microsoft Bookings is a scheduling app that allows businesses to schedule and manage appointments with their customers. It integrates with other Microsoft applications (like Outlook and Teams) to make scheduling and organizing appointments easier.
The Virtual Appointments feature in Teams allows users to hold online meetings, webinars and video conferences. With the integration of Microsoft Bookings, businesses can now schedule and manage virtual appointments directly from Teams without needing to switch between multiple apps.
How does it work?
Businesses need to have both Microsoft Bookings and Teams. The integration of these two apps supports scheduling and managing appointments from within Teams.
The scheduling calendar in Bookings allows customers to view available appointments and book a time that works for them. When a customer books an appointment, it automatically appears in the Teams calendar and the host receives a notification.
When it is time for the appointment, the host and the customer can join the meeting from within Teams. The meeting can be held using video, audio or chat depending on the preferences of the host and the customer.
What are the Benefits of Virtual Appointments in MS Teams?
Virtual Appointments in MS Teams offer several benefits for businesses and customers including:
Streamlined Scheduling
Businesses can schedule and manage appointments directly from the Teams platform without needing to switch between multiple apps. This saves time and increases efficiency which makes scheduling appointments easier and more streamlined.
Improved Customer Experience
Virtual Appointments in MS Teams offer customers a seamless appointment scheduling and meeting experience. Customers can easily view available times and book appointments and they can join the meeting directly from Teams without needing to download any additional software.
Increased Productivity
Businesses can hold virtual appointments and meetings without needing to leave the Teams platform. This increases productivity and allows businesses to focus on what they do best.
More Flexibility
Virtual Appointments in MS Teams offer increased flexibility which makes it possible to schedule appointments and meetings from anywhere and at any time. This is especially important in today's remote working environment where businesses need to be flexible and adaptable.
How Can I Get Started With Virtual Appointments in MS Teams?
You first need to have both Microsoft Bookings and Teams. The following steps will help you set it up and start scheduling appointments:
Create a Scheduling Calendar in Bookings
Create a scheduling calendar in Bookings. This will allow customers to view available times and book appointments.
Connect Bookings to Teams
To connect Bookings to Teams, go to the Teams Admin Center and select "App Catalog". Then search for "Virtual Appointments.”
Install Virtual Appointments
Once the Virtual Appointments app is installed, you can configure it to work with your Bookings calendar.
Get Started With Virtual Appointments
The new Virtual Appointments feature makes it easier for businesses to schedule and manage virtual appointments and meetings directly from Teams. This integration offers several benefits from streamlined scheduling and improved customer experience to increased productivity and flexibility.
Virtual Appointments in MS Teams are particularly useful for businesses that rely on appointments and meetings to conduct their operations like healthcare providers, financial advisors and legal professionals. With the ability to hold virtual appointments and meetings directly from Teams, these businesses can continue to provide their services from anywhere.
Scheduling appointments and meetings remotely allows businesses to offer more flexibility to their customers. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty which provides a much-needed edge on the competition in today’s competitive business landscape.
As businesses continue to adapt to remote working and online meetings, Virtual Appointments in MS Teams offer a convenient and efficient way to schedule and manage virtual appointments and meetings. At Sound Computers, we specialize in helping our business clients integrate Microsoft Bookings with Teams to create a more efficient workflow.
Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive IT services and the benefits that you and your customers can experience with Virtual Appointments in MS Teams. Give us a call anytime at (870) 577-8060 to get started today!
There are a lot of things that have changed since the invention of the internet. One of these is online banking and how we access our accounts. You previously had to go into a local bank branch to make deposits and withdrawals. Today you can take a picture of a check and deposit it from your phone.
Approximately 73% of people around the world use some form of online banking at least once a month. People have never had such convenient account access. However, that convenience can come at a cost.
In 2021, account takeover fraud increased by 90%. New account fraud jumped a whopping 109%. As the ease of online banking has increased, so has banking-related cybercrime.
If someone breaches your Facebook account, it can be a real pain. If a hacker breaches your bank account, it can be devastating. It can mean significant losses. These are losses that you may not be able to recoup from your financial institution.
In this article, we will take a look at the mistakes people make that leave their accounts at risk. Then we will go over some important tips on how to keep your bank account better protected.
Mistakes That Allow Criminals to Access Your Account
Not Enabling Two-factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a simple process that packs a big punch. When you enable this setting in an online account, it requires an extra step to gain access. That step usually consists of receiving a one-time passcode (OTP) by SMS and entering that at login.
Many people make the mistake of leaving this disabled. They either don’t know it is there or they think it is too inconvenient. Leaving this setting off makes it much easier for a bad actor to breach your account.
Falling for a Phishing Scam
There are several types of phishing scams that target online banking. Cyber criminals send emails that look like they come from your bank. They will even promise incredibly low rates on credit cards.
Other scams can involve warning you of unauthorized account activity. When you click the link to log in, you are actually on a fake page. It is one that is designed to look just like your normal bank website.
These are just a few ways that scammers can get your online banking login details. Once they have them, they will act immediately to get whatever they can.
Using Easy-to-Guess Passwords
If your account password is easy to remember, it is also often easy to guess. Using weak passwords is a common mistake that enables many cyber criminals.
Some best practices for passwords include:
- Make them at least 10 characters long
- Include at least one number
- Include at least one symbol
- Include at least one upper-case letter
- Don’t make them personal (e.g. don’t use your birthdate, etc)
Downloading Unsafe Mobile Apps
Banking trojans are often hidden in malicious mobile apps. These apps can look like something as innocent as a task manager. Banking trojans seek out any details they can find once they are installed. They are looking for banking and wallet apps.
Logging Into Online Banking While on Public Wi-Fi
One surefire way to give away your online banking password is to log in while on public Wi-Fi. Hackers hang out on public hot spots and spy on the activity of others. You should never type in a password or other sensitive details when connected to public Wi-Fi.
Tips for Improving Online Banking Security
Turn On Two-Factor Authentication
Enable two-factor authentication in your online banking account. This is also known as multi-factor authentication or two-step verification. According to Microsoft, it can block 99.9% of fraudulent account login attempts.
Set Up Banking Alerts
Time is of the essence when an intruder breaches your account. The faster you can notify your bank of the breach, the better. You could reduce the impact on you by having your account locked down immediately.
Set up banking alerts through your online banking. These can include things like low-balance alerts and login alerts.
Install an Antivirus & DNS Filtering On Your PC & Mobile Device
It is important to have reliable antivirus software on your PC and mobile device. Many people don’t think about protecting their phones in this way. They shop online and bank via mobile devices.
It is also good to use a DNS filter. This is a filter that protects you from going to dangerous phishing sites by blocking them.
Take Phishing Training Classes
Do you know how to identify phishing? Are you up on all the newest scams? You can make yourself less vulnerable by taking some phishing awareness classes. There are many of these for free online. You can also contact us for more personalized training options.
Knowing how to spot phishing via text, email and phone can help you avoid becoming a scam victim.
Get Help Protecting Your Family from Scams
There are some key digital solutions that we can put in place to keep your family safer from online threats. Give us a call today to schedule a chat about online security.
Cybersecurity has become a critical concern for individuals and businesses alike. With the rise of cyberattacks and data breaches, it is essential to have a robust security strategy in place. One security approach that has gained popularity in recent years is hybrid cybersecurity. In this article, we will explore what hybrid cybersecurity is and whether you should consider it for your security needs.
What Is Hybrid Cybersecurity?
Hybrid cybersecurity is a security approach that combines the best of both worlds – on-premises security and cloud security. This approach is designed to provide businesses with a flexible, scalable, and highly secure security infrastructure that can adapt to the ever-evolving threat landscape.
On-premises security involves installing and managing security solutions locally within the organization's infrastructure. This approach has been used for many years and provides a high level of control over the security of the organization's data. However, on-premises security can be expensive, time-consuming and requires a significant amount of expertise to implement and manage.
Cloud security has emerged most recently to address these pain points. It involves using cloud-based security solutions that are managed by third-party providers. This approach is highly scalable, cost-effective and easy to manage which makes it an attractive option for many businesses. However, cloud security has its own set of challenges like data sovereignty, compliance and dependency on a third-party provider.
Hybrid cybersecurity combines on-premises security and cloud security to provide a highly secure and flexible security infrastructure. This approach is the best of both worlds which enables businesses to use a combination of on-premises security solutions and cloud-based security solutions depending on their specific security needs.
Instead of dealing with the potential drawbacks of one method, businesses can experience the benefits of both solutions. Implementing hybrid cybersecurity is a straightforward path to building a bulletproof data security infrastructure.
Should You Consider Hybrid Cybersecurity?
Hybrid cybersecurity can be an excellent option for businesses of all sizes for many reasons. Here are a few of the benefits you can experience when you make the switch to hybrid cybersecurity:
Scalability
Hybrid cybersecurity provides businesses with a highly scalable security infrastructure. The most common approach is using on-premises security solutions for critical data and cloud-based security solutions for less sensitive data.
Affordability
Hybrid cybersecurity can also be cost-effective for businesses. Using on-premises and cloud-based security solutions for different data types can help businesses reduce the cost of their security infrastructure overall.
Flexibility
Hybrid cybersecurity provides businesses with the flexibility to use both on-premises and cloud-based security solutions which allows them to adapt their security infrastructure to their specific security needs.
Increased Security
Increased security is another benefit of hybrid cybersecurity. When on-premises and cloud-based security solutions are used in tandem, businesses can ensure that their data is highly secure.
Compliance
Hybrid cybersecurity allows businesses to meet their compliance requirements. By using on-premises security solutions for critical data and cloud-based security solutions for less sensitive data, businesses can ensure that their security infrastructure meets the regulations that apply to them.
Redundancy
Data redundancy is the practice of keeping data backed up in two or more places. Using a combination of on-premises and cloud-based security solutions confirms that important data is highly available and can withstand a disaster.
Ready to Make the Switch?
Hybrid cybersecurity is a security approach that combines on-premises security and cloud security to provide businesses with a highly secure and flexible security infrastructure. This approach enables businesses to use both on-premises security solutions and cloud-based security solutions depending on their specific security needs.
Hybrid cybersecurity can be an excellent option for businesses of all sizes because it provides scalability, cost-effectiveness, flexibility, increased security, compliance and redundancy.
When considering hybrid cybersecurity, it is essential to choose the right security solutions for your specific security needs. It is also important to work with a trusted security provider who can help you implement and manage your security infrastructure. By taking the time to understand your security needs and working with a trusted security provider, you can rest assured your most sensitive company data is protected while you focus on growing your business.
Cybersecurity is a constantly evolving field. New threats and vulnerabilities are emerging every day and it is essential to keep up-to-date with the latest security best practices. That is why Sound Computers offers comprehensive IT security services, from network security to access control. We will work with you to identify your specific security needs and come up with customized solutions for your organization.
By staying informed about the latest security trends and taking steps to protect yourself, you can reduce the risk of a security breach and keep your data safe. Give us a call today at (860) 577-8060 to speak with our team and start making the switch to a more robust cybersecurity infrastructure.
Imagine that you are going about your day when suddenly you receive a text from the CEO. The head of the company is asking for your help. They are out doing customer visits and someone else dropped the ball in providing gift cards. The CEO needs you to buy six $200 gift cards and text the information right away. This can't be a scam because it is from the boss.
The message sender promises to reimburse you before the end of the day. You won’t be able to reach them by phone for the next two hours because they will be in meetings. This is a high priority. They need those gift cards urgently.
Would this kind of request make you pause and wonder? Would you quickly pull out your credit card to do as the message asked?
A surprising number of employees fall for this gift card scam. There are also many variations such as your boss being stuck without gas or some other dire situation that only you can help with.
This scam can come by text message or via email. What happens is that the unsuspecting employee buys the gift cards. They then send the numbers back. They find out later that the real company CEO wasn’t the one that contacted them. It was a phishing scammer.
The employee is out the cash.
Without proper training, 32.4% of employees are prone to fall for a phishing scam.
Why Do Employees Fall for Phishing Scams?
Though the circumstances may be odd, many employees fall for this gift card scam. Hackers use social engineering tactics. They manipulate emotions to get the employee to follow through on the request.
Some of these social engineering tactics illicit the following:
- The employee is afraid of not doing as asked by a superior.
- The employee jumps at the chance to save the day.
- The employee doesn’t want to let their company down.
- The employee may feel they can advance in their career by helping.
The scam’s message is also crafted in a way to get the employee to act without thinking or checking. It includes a sense of urgency. The CEO needs the gift card details right away. Also, the message notes that the CEO will be out of touch for the next few hours. This decreases the chance that the employee will try to contact the real CEO to check the validity of the text.
llinois Woman Scammed Out of More Than $6,000 from a Fake CEO Email
Variations of this scam are prevalent and can lead to significant financial losses. A company isn’t responsible if an employee falls for a scam and purchases gift cards with their own money.
In one example, a woman from Palos Hills, Illinois lost over $6,000. This was after getting an email request from who she thought was her company’s CEO.
The woman received an email purporting to be from her boss and company CEO. It stated that her boss wanted to send gift cards to some selected staff that had gone above and beyond.
The email ended with “Can you help me purchase some gift cards today?” The boss had a reputation for being great to employees so the email did not seem out of character.
The woman bought the requested gift cards from Target and Best Buy. Then she got another request asking to send a photo of the cards. The wording in the message was very believable and non-threatening. It simply stated, “Can you take a picture? I’m putting this all on a spreadsheet.”
The woman ended up purchasing over $6,500 in gift cards that the scammer then stole. When she saw her boss a little while later, her boss knew nothing about the gift card request. The woman realized she was the victim of a scam.
Tips for Avoiding Costly Phishing Scams
Always Double Check Unusual Requests
Despite what a message might say about being unreachable, check in person or by phone. If you receive any unusual requests or one relating to money, verify it. Contact the person through other means to make sure it is legitimate.
Don’t React Emotionally
Scammers often try to get victims to act before they have time to think. Just a few minutes of sitting back and looking at a message objectively is often all that is needed to realize it is a scam. Don’t react emotionally. Ask if this seems real or does it seem out of the ordinary.
Get a Second Opinion
Ask a colleague your company’s IT service provider to take look at the message. Getting a second opinion keeps you from reacting right away. It can save you from making a costly judgment error.
Need Help with Employee Phishing Awareness Training?
Phishing keeps getting more sophisticated all the time. Make sure your employee awareness training is up to date. Give us a call today to schedule a training session to shore up your team’s defenses.
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!
Microsoft released the Windows 11 OS (operating system) over a year ago. It was largely well-received as stable and user-friendly. The OS is not a large departure from the Windows 10 experience but it does offer a lot of enhancements over the older environment.
With several improvements and a free upgrade for Windows 10 users, it still lags in adoption. As of November 2022, Windows 10 still owns the lion’s share of Windows PCs. It has a 69.75 percent usage share as compared to 16.13 percent for Windows 11.
People are slowly upgrading to the newer OS. However, it is natural for some to take a wait-and-see stance. They want to make sure it is worth the time to upgrade. Additionally, no one wants to have to relearn their computer desktop.
The good news is that Windows 11 has a similar workspace feel to its predecessor but it packs a lot of great productivity and security benefits that Windows 10 lacks.
Here are some of the coolest features in this current Windows OS. After taking a look, you may choose to go ahead and take the plunge into the Windows 11 universe.
Snap Layouts
Most people are working with more than one app open at a time. It is not unusual to need to reference two different windows while doing side-by-side work. Switching back and forth between apps can be tedious. It is also time-consuming.
Approximately 68% of app users say that switching between apps costs them at least 30 minutes per day. Trying to size two windows next to each other can also be frustrating. You lose the scroll bar or can’t get to the menu items unless you resize.
Enter snap layouts. This nifty feature in Windows 11 solves the multi-app problem. Simply hover over the maximize icon at the top of any window to get access to a snap layout.
Choose the area you want for the active app and it will snap into place and allow you to choose apps for the other slots.
Master Search
Need to find a document, website, image or app quickly? Use the Windows 11 master search. Just click the search icon on your desktop. You will get a search bar that will populate results from the entered keyword.
As an added touch, Microsoft populates fun topics into the search bar daily. Learn more about James Webb Space Telescope, Coffee Day or other fun subjects.
Once you enter your keyword, you can further refine your search. Refine it according to the type of search result you want (apps, documents, web, etc).
Clipchamp Video Editor
In the latest Windows 11 update, Microsoft gifted users with a free video editor. The new Clipchamp app makes it easy to edit videos. You don't need to download any extra software.
Clipchamp has a lot of the features you would expect to have to pay for. These include templates, effects, video resizing, green screen and more.
MS Teams Video, Audio & Text Messaging
Video calls have become the norm since the pandemic but not all video software is easy to use. Most of us need to wait on someone late to a call because they were struggling with the app.
Windows 11 comes with Microsoft Teams preinstalled. This gives you a simple click-to-call experience. You can easily invite someone to a video or audio call. The person does not need to have a Microsoft account to connect with you. This makes things easy on both sides.
Another great feature of the Teams app in this OS is the fact that you can use it for SMS messaging. Instead of needing to drag out your phone, just text someone from your desktop.
Accessibility Features
Windows 11 has some great accessibility features. They are designed to help ensure everyone can use their computer as they want. Those with disabilities can enjoy these features as well as those that like the extra flexibility they offer.
Four of the newest accessibility features in the OS include:
- System-wide live captions
- Focus sessions
- Voice access
- More natural voices for Narrator (Windows’ built-in screen reader)
Collections in Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge is the default browser for Windows. It is worth checking out if you haven’t yet and especially because of a feature called “collections.”
If your bookmarked favorites are becoming a mess, you will love this Edge capability. If you click the “plus” icon at the top of an Edge browser window, you will get the collections panel. Add a collection subject and click to add webpages.
You can see a preview of what you have added and everything is nicely organized. Collections are easy to access and easy to delete when you are finished with them.
Microsoft Defender SmartScreen
Phishing remains the biggest online security threat. It is used to enable many forms of cyberattacks from ransomware to credential theft. A significant number of phishing messages send users to malicious websites. You often don’t know until it is too late that you have landed on a malware-laden site.
Windows 11 includes Microsoft Defender SmartScreen. This app helps protect you from those dangerous phishing sites. The app checks URLs in real time against a dynamic list of reported phishing sites. It will warn you if a site is potentially dangerous.
Want an Expert to Help with Your Windows 11 Upgrade?
It can be intimidating to upgrade your system’s operating system. Why not get a pro to help? Give us a call today to schedule a chat about a Windows upgrade.
If you are still using Windows 8.1, it is time to start thinking about upgrading. Microsoft ended support for Windows 8.1 on January 10, 2023, which means they will no longer be providing security updates, bug fixes or technical support.
While it may be tempting to continue using Windows 8.1, doing so can leave your computer vulnerable to security risks and software incompatibility issues. In this article, we will explore what to do when software is sunset and how to upgrade to a newer operating system.
What Is Software Sunset?
Software sunset (also known as end-of-life) is the point at which software developers stop supporting a particular version of their product. This can happen for several reasons including the release of a new version of the software or a shift in the developer's business focus.
When software is sunset, it means that the developer will no longer be providing updates or technical support for that version. This can leave the software vulnerable to security risks, compatibility issues with new hardware or software and other problems.
What Happens When Windows 8.1 is No Longer Supported
When Microsoft ended support for Windows 8.1, it meant that they would no longer be providing support for the operating system. This can leave your computer open to security risks including:
- Viruses
- Malware
- Ransomware
- Security breaches
As new hardware and software is released, they may not be compatible with Windows 8.1. This can make it difficult to use new software or hardware on your computer which limits your productivity and potentially leaves you at a disadvantage in your personal or professional life.
What Are The Upgrade Options For Windows 8.1?
If you are currently using Windows 8.1, it is important to start thinking about upgrading to a newer operating system. Here are a few options to consider:
Upgrade to Windows 11
Windows 11 is the latest version of the Windows operating system and it is widely considered to be an improvement over Windows 8.1. Upgrading to Windows 11 will ensure that you continue to receive security updates and bug fixes as well as support for new hardware and software.
Switch to a Different Operating System
While Windows is one of the most popular operating systems, it is not the only option available. There are many other operating systems to choose from with some of the top choices being:
- MacOS
- Linux
- Chrome OS
Each has its advantages and disadvantages. It is important to research your options and choose the one that is right for you.
Upgrade Your Hardware
If your computer is older and not capable of running a newer operating system, you may need to upgrade your hardware. This can be costly but it may be necessary if you want to continue using your computer for the next few years.
How Should I Prepare to Upgrade to Windows 11?
Before you upgrade to a new operating system, there are a few steps you should take to ensure a smooth transition:
Back up Your Data
Before you make any changes to your computer, it is important to back up your data. This will ensure that you don't lose any important files if something goes wrong during the upgrade process.
Check for Compatibility Issues
If you are upgrading to a newer version of Windows, make sure that your hardware and software are compatible with the new operating system. You can use Microsoft's Upgrade Assistant tool to check for compatibility issues before you begin the upgrade.
Consider a Clean Install
While upgrading your operating system is generally a straightforward process, you may encounter issues during the upgrade. Consider doing a clean install of the new operating system to avoid any potential problems.
Ready to Upgrade?
When software is sunset, it is important to take action to ensure that you are still able to use your computer safely and effectively. If you're still using Windows 8.1, it is time to start thinking about upgrading to a newer operating system.
While the process of upgrading can be intimidating, it is essential to take the necessary steps to keep your computer secure and up to date.
There are several upgrade options to consider including upgrading to Windows 11, switching to a different operating system or upgrading your hardware. Before you upgrade, be sure to back up your data, check for compatibility issues and consider doing a clean install.
At Sound Computers, we strive to educate our customers about the dangers of staying on an unsupported operating system and leaving your computer vulnerable to security risks and compatibility issues.
If you need assistance upgrading your computer, call us at (860) 577-8060 to speak with one of our experts and learn more about our IT services.
By taking the time to upgrade, you can ensure that your computer is running smoothly and securely for years to come.
No business wants to suffer a data breach. Unfortunately, in today’s environment, it is difficult to completely avoid them. Approximately 83% of organizations have experienced more than one data breach (IBM Security 2022 Cost of a Data Breach Report).
These breaches hurt businesses in many ways. There is the immediate cost of remediating the breach. There are the lost productivity costs. You can add lost business on top of that as well as lost customer trust. A business could also have extensive legal costs associated with a breach.
According to IBM Security’s report, the cost of a data breach climbed again in 2022. The global cost of one breach is now $4.35 million (up 2.6% from last year). If your business is in the U.S., the cost rises to $9.44 million. In Canada, the average data breach costs companies $5.64 million.
Costs for smaller companies tend to be a little lower. However, breaches are often more devastating to SMBs. They don’t have the same resources that larger companies do to offset all those costs.
It is estimated that 60% of small companies go out of business within six months of a cybersecurity breach.
Companies don’t need to resign themselves to the impending doom of a data breach. There are some proven tactics they can take to mitigate the costs. These cybersecurity practices can limit the damage of a cyberattack.
All these findings come from the IBM Security report. They include hard facts on the benefits of bolstering your cybersecurity strategy.
Cybersecurity Tactics to Reduce the Impact of a Breach
Use a Hybrid Cloud Approach
Most organizations use the cloud for data storage and business processes. Researchers found that 45% of all data breaches happen in the cloud. However, all cloud strategies are not created equally.
Breaches in the public cloud cost significantly more than those in a hybrid cloud. What is a hybrid cloud? It means that some data and processes are in a public cloud and some are in a private cloud environment.
What some may find surprising is that using a hybrid cloud approach is also better than a private cloud.
Graph from: IBM Security/Ponemon Institute 2022 Cost of a Data Breach Report
Put in Place an Incident Response Plan & Practice It
You don’t need to be a large enterprise to create an incident response (IR) plan. The IR plan is simply a set of instructions. It is for employees to follow should any number of cybersecurity incidents occur.
Here is an example. In the case of ransomware, the first step should be disconnecting the infected device. IR plans improve the speed and effectiveness of a response in the face of a security crisis.
Having a practiced incident response plan reduces the cost of a data breach. It lowers it by an average of $2.66 million per incident.
Adopt a Zero Trust Security Approach
Zero trust is a collection of security protocols that work together to fortify a network. An example of a few of these are:
- Multi-factor Authentication
- Application Safelisting
- Contextual User Authentication
Approximately 79% of critical infrastructure organizations haven’t adopted zero trust. Doing so can significantly reduce data breach costs. Organizations that don’t deploy zero trust tactics pay about $1 million more per data breach.
Use Tools with Security AI & Automation
Using the right security tools can make a big difference in the cost incurred during a data breach. Using tools that deploy security AI and automation brought the biggest cost savings.
Data breach expense lowered by 65.2% thanks to security AI and automation solutions. These types of solutions include tools like advanced threat protection (ATP). They can also include applications that hunt out threats and automate the response.
How to Get Started Improving Your Cyber Resilience
Many of these ways to lower data breach costs are simply best practices. You can get started by taking them one at a time and rolling out upgrades to your cybersecurity strategy.
Working with a trusted IT provider, put together a roadmap. Address the “low-hanging fruit” first. Then move on to longer-term projects.
As an example, “low-hanging fruit” would be putting multi-factor authentication in place. It is low-cost and easy to put in place. It also significantly reduces the risk of a cloud breach.
A longer-term project might be creating an incident response plan. Then you would set up a schedule to have your team drill on the plan regularly. During those drills, you could work out any kinks.
Need Help Improving Your Security & Reducing Risk?
Working with a trusted IT partner takes a lot of the security burden off your shoulders. Give us a call today to schedule a chat about a cybersecurity roadmap.
Misconfiguration of cloud solutions is often overlooked when companies plan cybersecurity strategies. Cloud apps are typically quick and easy to sign up for. The user often assumes that they don't need to worry about security because it is handled.
This is an incorrect assumption because cloud security is a shared model. The provider of the solution handles securing the backend infrastructure but the user is responsible for configuring security settings in their account properly.
The problem with misconfiguration is huge. It is the number one cause of cloud data breaches. It is also an unforced error. Misconfiguration means that a company has made a mistake. It hasn't adequately secured its cloud application.
Perhaps they gave too many employees administrative privileges. They may have neglected to turn on a security function that prevented the downloading of cloud files by an unauthorized user.
Misconfiguration covers a wide range of negligent behavior. It all has to do with cloud security settings and practices. A finding in The State of Cloud Security 2021 report shed light on how common this issue can be. 45% of organizations experience between 1 and 50 cloud misconfigurations per day.
Some of the main causes of misconfiguration are:
- Lack of adequate oversight and controls
- A team lacking security awareness
- Too many cloud APIs to manage
- No adequate cloud environment monitoring
- Negligent insider behavior
- Not enough expertise in cloud security
Use the tips below to reduce your risk of a cloud data breach and improve cloud security.
Enable Visibility into Your Cloud Infrastructure
Do you know all the different cloud apps employees are using at your business? If not, you’re not alone. It is estimated that shadow IT use is approximately 10x the size of known cloud use.
When an employee uses a cloud app without authorization, it is considered “shadow IT.” This is because the app is in the shadows and outside the purview of the company’s IT team.
How can you protect something you don’t know about? This is why shadow cloud applications are so dangerous and why they often result in breaches due to misconfiguration.
Gain visibility into your entire cloud environment so that you know what you need to protect. One way you can do this is through a cloud access security application.
Restrict Privileged Accounts
The more privileged accounts you have, the higher the risk of a misconfiguration. There should be very few users that can change security configurations. You don’t want someone that doesn’t know better to accidentally open a vulnerability such as removing a cloud storage sharing restriction. It could leave your entire environment open for hackers.
Audit privileged accounts in all cloud tools. Then reduce the number of administrative accounts to the least needed to operate.
Put in Place Automated Security Policies
Automation helps mitigate human error. Automating as many security policies as possible helps prevent cloud security breaches.
For example, if you use a feature like sensitivity labels in Microsoft 365, you can set a “do not copy” policy. It will follow the file through each supported cloud application. Users don’t need to do anything to enable it once you put the policy in place.
Use a Cloud Security Audit Tool (Like Microsoft Secure Score)
How secure is your cloud environment? How many misconfigurations might there be right now? It is important to know this information so you can correct issues to reduce risk.
Use an auditing tool like Microsoft Secure Score. You want a tool that can scan your cloud environment and let you know where problems exist. It should also be able to provide recommended remediation steps.
Set Up Alerts for When Configurations Change
Once you get your cloud security settings right, they won’t necessarily stay that way. Several things can cause a change in a security setting without you realizing it. These include:
- An employee with elevated permissions accidentally changes them.
- A change caused by an integrated 3rd party plug-in.
- Software updates.
- A hacker that has compromised a privileged user credential.
Be proactive by setting up alerts. You should have an alert for any significant change in your cloud environment (like when the setting to force multi-factor authentication gets turned off).
If an alert is set up, then your team knows right away when a change occurs to an important security setting. This allows them to take immediate steps to research and rectify the situation.
Have a Cloud Specialist Check Your Cloud Settings
Business owners, executives and office managers aren’t cybersecurity experts. No one should expect them to know how to configure the best security for your organization’s needs.
It is best to have a cloud security specialist from a trusted IT company check your settings. We can help ensure that they’re set up to keep your data protected without restricting your team.
Improve Cloud Security & Lower Your Chances for a Data Breach
Most work is now done in the cloud and companies store data in these online environments. Don’t leave your company at risk by neglecting misconfiguration. Give us a call today to set up a cloud security assessment.
Cybersecurity researchers uncovered an alarming mobile statistic. During the first few months of 2022, mobile malware attacks surged by 500%. This is alarming both in scale and because many people are not yet protecting smartphones.
For years, mobile phones have become more powerful. They now do many of the same functions as a computer but with a much smaller screen. However, people tend to secure their computers better than they do their smartphones.
This is a behavior that needs to change. Over 60% of digital fraud now occurs through mobile devices. That makes them highly risky if proper safeguards are not followed.
Many of these are the same types of protections you have on your computer. It is time to start thinking about your smartphone as a mini-computer and keeping it just as secure.
Tips to Improve the Security of Your Smartphone
Use Mobile Anti-Malware
Your mobile phone needs antivirus/anti-malware too! Malware can and does infect smartphones and tablets. You need to ensure that you have a reliable mobile anti-malware app installed.
Beware of those freebies. Freebies are great when you’re talking about food but not when it comes to security apps. Malware is often hidden inside free apps. These apps are ironically supposed to make you more secure.
Don’t Download Apps from Unknown Sources
Only download mobile apps from trusted sources. Do not download outside a main app store. Trusted app stores include places like:
- Apple App Store
- Google Play
- The Microsoft Store
- Amazon Appstore
You also should research the app developer online. Make sure they have a good reputation. Once you download a dangerous app to your phone, it can infect it with malware. That malware can remain behind even if you delete the app later.
Don’t Assume Email is Safe
Many people prefer checking email on their phone rather than PC because it is so handy. They have a false sense of security about the safety of emails when viewed on a mobile device.
You can’t assume an email is safe just because you’re not on your computer. Be just as wary about unexpected emails and scam emails masquerading as legitimate.
It is difficult to hover over a link without clicking when on a smartphone. If you see something questionable and want to check the link, open the email on your PC where you can do that.
Beware of SMS Phishing (aka “Smishing”)
In March of 2022, text spam outpaced robocalls. Unwanted text messages rose by 30% which is ten percent higher than robocalls. Many of those spam texts are smishing.
Smishing is the text version of phishing. These texts usually contain malicious links. A hacker can potentially breach your device if you click them. The message may also ask you to text back personal information.
Be on the lookout for text messages that don’t quite make sense. For example, getting a shipping notification when you haven’t ordered anything. Also, beware of texts from unknown sources.
Phishing via text message is a growing concern. It is also one that most people aren’t aware of yet so they often get caught in its trap.
Remove Old Apps You No Longer Use
Approximately 2.6 million apps haven’t had an update in a year or more. Apps are often abandoned by the developer. This can leave security vulnerabilities on your device. Hackers seek out these types of vulnerabilities to exploit. If they aren’t addressed, they remain a danger.
Go through your device and remove old applications that you are no longer using. There is no reason to keep them around and potentially leave your device at risk.
Additionally, look at the time of the last update. If it is over a year, you may want to consider replacing that app with something more current. App updates often include security-related items. It is not good when a year or more goes by without the developer making any type of update to the app.
Keep Your Device Updated
Speaking of updates, you also need to keep your device's operating system updated. Are you using the current version of Android or iOS? Not installing updates can mean your phone has vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities allow hackers to breach your data.
Automate updates when possible. If you have a company with several devices, it is a good idea to include your phones on a managed IT services plan.
Use a VPN When on Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi is dangerous. Most people understand that but many connect to it out of necessity. You may worry about going over your data plan allotment. Your mobile carrier reception may be slow. Both cases are reasons people opt to connect to unsecured public hot spots.
You can connect to public Wi-fi with less risk if you use a VPN application. VPNs stand between your device and the internet. They route your data through a secure server. This keeps it away from prying eyes that may be lurking on that public Wi-Fi.
Mobile Security Solutions to Prevent a Data Breach
Don’t wait until your phone is infected with malware to secure it properly. We can help you with automated solutions that protect your device, accounts and data. Contact us to schedule a consultation.