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    13Dec, 2023
    Tech-tips for SW Florida Professionals

    (Ho, ho, ho….)

    Tip: Technology Tips for a Smooth Holiday Season

    The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, and technology often plays a significant role in making the festivities even more memorable.

    Whether you’re giving or receiving new devices, hosting family gatherings, or simply wanting to ensure the security of your digital and physical assets, these technology tips will help you make the most of your tech during the holiday period.

    Preparing New Devices

    If you’re planning to give someone a new phone, tablet, or gaming console, it’s essential to set it up properly before wrapping it. Most devices require initial updates to ensure optimal performance and security. By turning on and updating the device beforehand, you can avoid the frustration of slow updates on Christmas morning when everyone is eager to start using their new gadgets.

    Securing Devices Digitally and Physically

    During the holidays, especially with young children, it’s crucial to digitally and physically secure your devices. Implementing digital security measures, such as setting up passwords or PIN codes, can prevent accidental deletion of important documents or unauthorized access to personal information.

    Additionally, be mindful of the physical safety of your devices. With the excitement and chaos of holiday gatherings, accidents can happen. Keep devices out of reach of young children or consider using childproof cases to protect them from accidental drops or spills. Also, be careful with charging cables and ensure they’re placed in safe locations where they won’t be tripped over, potentially causing the device to fall.

    Guest Wi-Fi Network

    If you’re hosting family and friends during the holiday season, it’s a good idea to set up a guest Wi-Fi network if your router supports it. A guest network provides a separate Wi-Fi connection for your guests, while keeping your main network secure. This separation prevents guests from accessing shared folders or other resources on your network, protecting your sensitive information from any potentially infected devices brought by your guests.

    Even if you completely trust your guests, their devices might unknowingly be infected with malware that could spread to your own devices. Setting up a guest network creates an extra layer of security and peace of mind.

    Need Tech Help? We’re Here for You!

    While these tips can help you navigate the holiday season smoothly, we understand that technology can sometimes be challenging. If you encounter any issues or need assistance with your tech, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our team of experts is here to help you with any tech-related concerns and ensure you can fully enjoy the holiday season without technological hiccups. Call us today at 941-447-8582.

    Remember, the holidays should be a time of relaxation and enjoyment, and with a little bit of preparation and caution, you can make the most of your technology while keeping it secure. Wishing you a joyful and tech-savvy holiday season!

    Fun Fact: The U.S. state of Florida has a total of 4,510 islands that are ten acres or larger.

    (Anna Maria Island, Manatee County)

    This is the second-highest number of islands of any state of the United States; only Alaska has more.

    Major island chains include the Florida Keys, the Ten Thousand Islands, the Sea Islands, and the barrier islands of the Atlantic coast, the Panhandle Gulf of Mexico coast, and the Tampa Bay Area and Southwest Florida Gulf coast.

    Tool: Protect Your Business with Passwordless Authentication

    (A great option if you are tired of remembering your PW)

    “123456,” “letmein,” and “password” remain all too common passwords. It’s difficult to believe, but people still use simple, obvious passwords. They even repeat them across sites to avoid having to remember various logins. It’s a major problem for business, one you can address with passwordless authentication.

    What is passwordless authentication?

    As the name suggests, it means accessing information technology without a password. Yet there are different options that qualify as passwordless authentication.

    Magic links are gaining popularity. In this approach, the user provides their email address. The system then emails a link to click that provides immediate access. Hidden from view, the system is ensuring it can find the user’s email address before authenticating.

    Possession factors are another common solution. A user can authenticate their account only using something that they own. The system could rely on:

    • a code sent to, or generated by, a known authenticator app (e.g. Okta or Authy);
    • a one-time password sent via text message to the user’s registered smartphone;
    • a hardware token (e.g. a key fob or thumb drive, such as Yubikey). These may connect to the system or generate a one-time access code remotely.

    A third alternative identifies people using biometrics. Using physical attributes, such as fingerprints or retinal scans, the system authenticates users. Biometrics sounds more sci-fi than the other options, yet many iPhone users already unlock their devices with facial scans.

    In fact, behavioral biometrics can also help identify imposters if they do get into a system. The software learns how an individual typically interacts with a keyboard or touch screen. If a user in a session shows different habits the authentication software could flag a potential threat.

    Securing your business from cyberattack

    It’s abundantly clear that passwords can be cracked. As many as 23.2 million people were using “123456” as their password in 2022 breaches, so hackers can start with a simple guess.

    Bad actors can also program computers to guess options over and over until they get in. Humans would take ages to do this, but machines can do it quickly. In fact, it’s estimated that a 10-digit numeric password won’t stall a hacker. Even adding one lowercase letter only takes them one minute to crack.

    Passwordless authentication adds another hurdle. They often need the cybercriminal to have direct access to your email address, or to have your smartphone or hardware token in their hands.

    Securing your business from cyberattack

    We can’t tell you that passwordless authentication is 100% safe. Nothing is, as technology and the ways criminals attack continue to evolve. Yet these approaches beat passwords by requiring more effort to infiltrate your systems.

    Want to avoid being an easy target for cyberattacks? Talk to our experts about authentication methods and shoring up your security posture.

    Resource: Take advantage of Ricoh Business Booster

    (FREE Business Boosters for Commercial Printing)

    …One of the many benefits you receive by partnering with a leader.

    Ricoh Business Booster is a unique business development program designed exclusively for Ricoh Commercial Printing Business customers. With the information, education and resources available, you’ll be able

    to strengthen your operations, broaden your revenue streams and stay ahead of the curve.

    At the program’s core is RicohBusinessBooster.com, a robust,

    continuously updated website that provides a wealth of information and exclusive resources, all in one place, from a partner you trust. We provide content on a wide range of topics, from graphic arts, commercial print, sign & graphics, critical communications, direct mail and more. We cover all spectra of the market so that you can benefit from the information that’s most relevant to your business.

    As a partner who is with you every step of the way, we encourage you to take advantage of these resources. Use them to create your own marketing materials, promote your services, educate your sales team, discover new opportunities and more.

    On this Date In History: December 15th 1791

    (Protect you freedom and liberty)

    Bill of Rights ratified when Virginia gives its approval, becomes amendments 1-10 of the US constitution.

    Trend: Beware of the Norton Subscription Renewal Email Scam

    (Have a scam free Christmas)

    Have you recently received an email claiming to be from Norton informing you of an upcoming subscription renewal? Be cautious, as this could be a scam.

    The “Norton Subscription Renewal Email Scam” is making the rounds. This article aims to inform you about what to look for and how to avoid it.

    The Deceptive Email

    The Norton Subscription Renewal Email Scam involves a fake invoice for antivirus renewal. Norton, a well-known antivirus brand, is being used as a disguise to trick users into believing they need to renew their subscription immediately. The scammers prey on the trust associated with the Norton brand to deceive their victims.

    Recognizing the Scam

    Several red flags can help you identify the Norton Subscription Renewal Email Scam. First, the price mentioned in the email is often exorbitant, and a sense of urgency is created by stating that the invoice must be paid within 24 hours. The email may also instruct you to call their billing department to cancel the subscription or request a refund for the amount that hasn’t actually been charged.

    The Scam Unfolds

    Once you call the provided number, the scam begins to unfold. The scammer on the other end of the line may request remote access to your computer, claiming they need to resolve the issue or process the refund. This is a major red flag, as legitimate companies such as Norton would never ask for remote access to your computer over the phone.

    The scammer might then ask you to log into your bank account and note the current balance. They will then manipulate the code on the Web page to make it appear that they have refunded a larger amount of money than they were supposed to. They will demand that you repay the excess amount back to them, insisting that it was a mistake. Unfortunately, the initial refund never occurred, and by paying the difference back to the scammer, you have fallen victim to their scheme.

    Protect Yourself

    To protect yourself from falling victim to the Norton Subscription Renewal Email Scam, it’s important to remember a few key points:

    • Be suspicious of unsolicited emails: If you receive an unexpected email regarding Norton subscription renewal or any other service, take the time to verify its authenticity before taking any action.
    • Verify with trusted sources: If you are a Norton customer, contact Norton directly, either through their official website or customer support hotline, to confirm the legitimacy of the email and the renewal request.
    • Never give remote access to your computer: Legitimate companies will never ask for remote access to your computer over the phone. If someone requests this, it’s a clear indication of a scam.

    Reach Out for Help

    If you have fallen victim to the Norton Subscription Renewal Email Scam or need cybersecurity assistance, we are here to help. Scammers may have planted malware on your computer when they had access. Call us today at 941-447-8582.

    Remember, staying informed and cautious is the best defense against scams. Stay vigilant, question suspicious emails or phone calls, and seek professional assistance when needed. Together, we can protect ourselves and create a safer digital environment.

    11Dec, 2023
    Small Breach, Massive Fallout: The Danger of Inadequate Security Measures

    In our modern, highly interconnected world, it’s crucial to recognize that even minor computer security issues have the potential to rapidly escalate into significant problems.

    This article provides an example of the chain reaction that can occur when even minor computer security issues are not addressed.

    The Domino Effect of a Leaked Password

    Imagine a user’s password was leaked due to a security breach on another service. This seemingly minor issue can be the starting point for a significant security breach.

    Let’s delve into how this can escalate into more significant problems.

    Step 1: Access to Email Account

    According to a recent survey conducted by Google, a staggering 65 percent of individuals admit to reusing passwords across multiple websites, if not all of them.

    A hacker can access the victim’s email account if the leaked password is the same as that used for the victim’s email address. Once inside, they can access all incoming and outgoing messages, contact lists, and any sensitive information stored within the account.

    Step 2: Exploiting “Forgot Password” Features

    Once hackers control the compromised email account, they can exploit the “forgot password” feature on other online services. By initiating password resets, they can intercept the password reset emails sent to the compromised email address. This allows the hacker to change passwords for other online accounts, effectively locking out the rightful owner and gaining unauthorized access.

    Step 3: Unauthorized Access to Other Services

    With access to the compromised email account and control over password resets, hackers can gain further unauthorized access to a wide range of services linked to that email address. This includes social media accounts, online banking services, e-commerce platforms, and cloud storage.

    From here, they can gather privileged information about the victim, such as bank account numbers and tax records, which will help with further attacks.

    Step 4: Further Exploitation and Damage

    Once hackers have access to these accounts, they can exploit them differently. This could be to steal money, conduct fraudulent transactions, or use these compromised accounts to launch more sophisticated phishing attacks against people who know and trust the victim.

    Preventing Escalation: The Importance of Robust Security Practices

    It is crucial to adopt robust security practices to prevent minor computer security issues from escalating into major breaches. Here are some key measures to consider.

    Strong, Unique Passwords

    Using a strong, unique password for each online account is vital. A strong password should combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Consider using a password manager to store and generate complex passwords securely.

    Two-factor authentication (2FA)

    Enabling two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security. With 2FA, even if a password is compromised, hackers would still need a secondary verification method, such as a unique code sent to a trusted device, to gain access to an account.

    Regular Security Audits

    Perform regular security audits of your online accounts and systems. This includes checking for suspicious activities, reviewing privacy settings, and updating software and applications to their latest versions, as updates often contain security patches.

    Security Awareness and Education

    Invest in educating yourself and your team about computer security best practices. Stay informed about common phishing techniques, regularly update your knowledge on emerging threats, and exercise caution when interacting with suspicious emails, links, or attachments.

    Timely Response to Security Breaches

    Take immediate action if you suspect a security breach or notice suspicious activities. Change passwords and seek help from a managed service provider to assess and mitigate any potential damage.

    Conclusion

    Minor computer security issues can quickly snowball into significant problems if not addressed promptly. Reach out to us today to learn how we can prevent minor issues from becoming big ones. Call us at 941-447-8582