Teams and Sensitive Data
There’s no doubt that Microsoft Teams is a powerful communications tool. But what about security? Can you safely share sensitive data through Teams? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the security issues you need to consider when using Teams. We’ll also provide tips for keeping your data safe and secure. Let’s get started!
While convenience and ease of use are appealing factors in business communications, these benefits can quickly be outweighed by security risks. This is why it’s crucial for all employees to receive regular training on how to safely use communication platforms like Teams. This includes setting up safeguards and understanding proper handling of sensitive information. Additionally, ongoing cyber security awareness can ensure that your entire organization remains vigilant against potential threats such as phishing attacks or unauthorized access to accounts. Implementing safeguards and providing comprehensive training can not only protect your company’s confidential information, but also demonstrate a commitment to responsible data management. Ultimately, taking these measures can save your business from potentially costly mishaps and breaches down the line.
Use a Strong Password – Another important step in keeping your information safe is to use a strong password. A strong password is one that is at least eight characters long and includes a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessed passwords such as your birthdate or your pet’s name.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication – Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an additional layer of security that can be used to protect your account. With 2FA enabled, you will be required to enter a code from your mobile device in addition to your password when logging into your account. This makes it more difficult for someone to gain access to your account even if they know your password.
Be Careful with Sensitive Information – When sharing sensitive information, such as credit card numbers or social security numbers, be sure to do so using a secure method such as encrypted email or secure file sharing. Avoid sending sensitive information via unsecured methods such as regular email or instant messaging.
Watch Out for Scams – Be on the lookout for scams that could put your information at risk. Common scams include phishing emails and fake websites that are designed to steal login credentials or financial information. If you receive an unsolicited email or are directed to a suspicious website, do not enter any information and report the incident to IT immediately.
Follow Safe Computing Practices – In addition to the steps above, there are a number of general safe computing practices that you should follow in order to keep your information safe. These include never sharing your password with anyone, never downloading software from untrustworthy sources, and always logging out of accounts when you are finished using them.
Remember, even a trusted app like Teams is only as safe as the people who use it and the devices it’s installed on. If you need help with cyber security training for your employees or putting the right protections in place for your business, our team of experts can help. Get in touch today to find out more about our services and how we can help you keep your business safe online.
Are you really downloading Zoom
When it comes to online meeting and collaboration tools, Zoom is one of the most popular options. However, there have been reports that some users are having their devices hijacked and being forced to download malware when they try to use Zoom. Here are some suggestions to help you protect yourself against this attack.
- Check the URL of the website you're on
If you're not sure whether or not the website you're on is legitimate, one of the first things you should do is check the URL. A fake website will often have a URL that is slightly different from the real website, so this can be a red flag. For example, if you're trying to access Zoom's website, the URL should be https://zoom.us/. If the URL is something different, such as https://zoom.com/, this could be a sign that you're on a fake website. - Confirm the email address you received the link from
Another way to tell if a website is fake is to confirm the email address that you received the link from. If you received an email with a link to a Zoom meeting, for example, but the email address isn't from Zoom (e.g., it's from zoom@gmail.com), then this could be a sign that you're on a fake website. - Look for red flags on the website itself
Once you're on the website, there are some additional things you can look for that may indicate that it's fake. For example, if there are spelling or grammatical errors on the website, this could be a sign that it's not legitimate. Additionally, if the website looks "sketchy" or unfinished in any way, this could also be a red flag. - Scan for Viruses
Before installing any software on your computer, it is always a good idea to scan it for viruses using your antivirus program of choice. This will help to ensure that your computer remains safe and secure after installing Zoom. - Try to contact customer support
If you're still not sure whether or not the website is legitimate, one thing you can try to do is contact customer support for help. A real company will usually have some way for you to get in touch with them if you have questions or concerns (e.g., via live chat, email, or phone). If you can't find any way to contact customer support, or if they don't seem to be responsive when you do try to contact them, this could be another sign that the website is fake.
Many of us have been affected by malware, whether we realize it or not. It's important to take measures to protect yourself and your business from these fake websites and applications. By following the simple steps listed above, you can avoid being fooled by these convincing scams. If you need help implementing these tips or want more advice on how to keep your business safe, our team of experts is here to help. Get in touch today to see how we can help you protect your business from security threats.
Efficient Working from Home
When it comes to working from home, bosses can be a little skeptical. They may think their people are less productive when not in the office. However, new research shows that this is not always the case. In fact, sometimes employees can be more productive when working from home. So how can you make sure that your remote workers are being productive? Here are a few tips.
- Set Clear Expectations
The first step to ensuring that your remote workers are being productive is to set clear expectations. What do you expect them to accomplish each day? How many hours do you expect them to work? What tasks do you need them to complete? By setting clear expectations, you will give your workers a roadmap for success and help to hold them accountable. - Provide Them with the Right Tools
It's important for employers to ensure that their employees have the necessary equipment to do their jobs effectively. This includes a computer with reliable internet access, as well as any software or applications required for the job. It's also crucial to have a backup plan in case of technical issues, and make sure that appropriate cybersecurity measures are in place. Providing remote workers with the right tools not only boosts their productivity, but also helps to maintain a professional image for your company. Don't leave your remote workforce at a disadvantage – invest in the tools they need to succeed. - Encourage Communication
Another key to ensuring productivity among remote workers is encouraging communication. Workers who feel like they are in the dark are more likely to become frustrated and less productive. Make sure that your workers know that they can come to you with questions or concerns. Additionally, consider using a project management tool like Asana or Trello to help keep everyone on the same page. - Check in Regularly
In addition to encouraging communication, it is also important to check in with your remote workers on a regular basis. This can be done through weekly or daily check-ins, either in person or over video conferencing. Checking in will help you to ensure that everyone is on track and will allow you to address any issues that may be hindering productivity. - Offer Flexibility
Finally, one of the best ways to ensure productivity among remote workers is to offer flexibility. Everyone has different needs and schedules, so it is important to be flexible when it comes to things like working hours and deadlines. By offering flexibility, you will show your workers that you trust them and that you are willing to work with them to find a schedule that works best for everyone involved.
As the world increasingly moves towards a more digital environment, it's important to make sure that you have the proper tools and systems in place to stay connected. A reliable internet connection, computer, and a backup system in case of power outages or technical difficulties. Cybersecurity for your remote worker is essential to consider as well. If you’re not sure where to start or what else you might need, our team of experts are here to help. We can assess your situation and make recommendations tailored to your specific needs. Contact us today to get started!
Android 13 - The Safer Choice for Your Business
With more and more of us working from home, the line between personal and work life is becoming increasingly blurred. It's not uncommon for staff to use their personal mobile for work purposes, and while this might not seem like a big deal, it can actually put your business data at risk.
Android 13 is the latest operating system from Google, and it comes with a number of features aimed at keeping business data safe and secure. IT admins will benefit from more control over how business devices are used, while employees will appreciate the ability to maintain a good work/life balance. If you have a Google device, you should already have access to Android 13.
Why Android 13 is Safer for Your Business
- One of the key benefits of Android 13 is that it provides IT admins with more control over how business devices are used. This includes the ability to enforce password strength requirements, as well as restrict which apps can be installed on business devices. These measures can help to prevent sensitive business data from being leaked if a device is lost or stolen.
- Another great feature of Android 13 is the Work Profile mode. This allows employees to keep their personal and work data separate, so they don't have to worry about sharing confidential information with their contacts. What's more, IT admins can remotely wipe work data from devices without affecting any personal data.
If you're looking for a mobile operating system that offers better security for your business, Android 13 is the way to go. With more control for IT admins and features that help maintain a good work/life balance, it's the safer choice for businesses of all sizes. If you want to talk through the best way to manage mobile devices for your business, get in touch.
Make sure your cloud server is protected from this
Small and medium businesses are increasingly turning to the cloud to host their servers. This can be a great way to save on costs and improve efficiency, but it's important to make sure your server is protected from cyber attacks. In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the pros and cons of using a cloud server so that you can make the best decision for your business.
The Pros of Using a Cloud Server — There are many reasons why you might want to consider using a cloud server for your business. One of the biggest advantages is that you can use as little or as much storage as you need, without having to worry about limitations or huge bills. This is perfect for businesses that are growing and need to be able to scale up their storage capacity quickly and easily. Additionally, with a cloud server, your team can access any data anywhere. This is especially useful in today's hybrid work world, where more and more people are working remotely.
The Cons of Using a Cloud Server — Despite the many advantages of using a cloud server, there are also some potential drawbacks that you should be aware of. For example, a recent report has revealed that cloud servers are increasingly being used as an entry point for cyber criminals to launch attacks. This is because they offer an easy way for hackers to gain access to sensitive data. As such, it's vital that your business does full research when choosing a cloud server to make sure it meets all your requirements and is as safe as possible. Additionally, it's important to keep in mind that even with all the security measures in place, it's never possible to prevent 100% of attacks. However, if you take all the right steps to keep your business safe—such as regularly backing up data and using strong passwords—your chances of suffering a successful attack go down dramatically.
As you can see, there are both pros and cons to using a cloud server for your small business. It's important to weigh all the factors carefully before making a decision. If you do decide that a cloud server is right for your business, we can advise you on the best way to set it up and keep your data safe. Contact us today to learn more!
Your USB cable is about to get a speed boost
SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.1 Gen 2) was first introduced in 2013 and has become the new standard connection for many of our devices. The existing cables were designed for USB 2.0 and identified with the SS logo. But what’s next for these cables? With the release of USB 4, a new speed boost is coming that will support businesses even more.
The new standard offers double the transfer speeds of USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 at 20Gbps. It is also compatible with Thunderbolt 3. This means that you can connect your Thunderbolt 3 device to a USB 4 port and still get full performance. The increased transfer speed will be a great help for businesses that need to move large files quickly between devices.
There is also a new connector type-C that will be available with USB 4. This connector is smaller and more versatile than the existing Type-A and Type-B connectors. It can be used with any device that has a USB port, so you won’t need to keep track of multiple types of cables anymore. The small size of the connector also makes it more difficult to accidentally unplug your devices.
Best of all, USB 4 is backward compatible with earlier versions of USB, which means you won’t need to replace all your existing cables when the new standard comes out. Your existing cables will still work with USB 4 devices, although you won’t get the full performance benefits of the new standard unless you upgrade to a newer cable.
When upgrading to USB 4, you'll get the maximum benefits by also upgrading your cables too for optimal performance in your business transfers!
If you want improved productivity and performance in your business before the end of the year, contact us. There are always ways to make things faster in every business.
How to Protect Your Business from the Latest USB Scam
Cyber criminals are always coming up with new ways to scam us into handing over login details or sensitive data. But sometimes they go back to basics. The latest scam involves USB drives that are made to look like they're from Microsoft. The packaging and branding on the drives are very convincing, but don't be fooled! If you receive one of these drives in the mail, do not plug it into your computer. Doing so could give the scammers access to your system and allow them to steal sensitive information.
The packaging and branding of these scams make them appear legitimate, potentially tricking unsuspecting individuals into plugging the USB drive into their computer. It is important to remember that Microsoft or any other reputable company would never send unsolicited packages containing hardware for installation updates. If you receive a package like this, do not install any hardware or software without verifying its authenticity with the company it claims to be from. Otherwise, you risk giving cyber criminals access to your system and all of the personal information stored on it.
Whether it's a flash drive that you received in the mail or a download link that was sent to your email, it's important to stay vigilant when it comes to potential scams and viruses. If you receive a USB drive from an unexpected source, do not plug it in without double checking first. The same goes for any software or programs that you might be asked to install - unless it is directly requested by someone you know and trust, make sure to scan it with anti-virus software before proceeding. Having anti-virus protection installed on your computer can also help to catch any sneaky malware trying to sneak its way onto your system. Ultimately, being cautious and double checking before installing anything can go a long way in protecting yourself from online scams.
Anti-virus software is an important first line of defense against malware, but it’s not foolproof. The best way to protect yourself from online scams is to be cautious about what you download and install on your computer. If you’re not sure whether something is safe, err on the side of caution and don’t install it. If you need help deciding which anti-virus software to use or how to stay safe online, our team of experts can assist you. Get in touch today to learn more.