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Sales Webinar August 2020 Post Webinar

End User End Game

The conversation around selling your services can get uncomfortable for a variety of reasons.  We all have our own beliefs as to how we should be doing it, and few people want to acknowledge that they might be doing it wrong. Start with marketing.  Get your name out there, have a call to action, and a reason for them to respond to you.  Simply sending out a postcard with your name on it isn’t enough.  Engagement is key, along with giving them a reason to know that they need you!...
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Impersonation Nation

Business Email Compromise (BEC) is not a new term. BEC scams have been growing in popularity for some time now. If you’re not familiar with BEC, it’s when a fraudulent email is sent to a company or individual, and the email appears to be from a legitimate business resource or person, often varying from the legitimate email address by just a letter or two. There may be instructions within the scam email for the recipient to transfer money, purchase gift cards, click on a malicious link, or perform some other activity at the behest of the sender....
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Dark Economy

“This pandemic is great for my business!” said very few people. Unless you’re a hacker. And then it’s likely that business is booming. We don’t think of cybercriminals as businesspeople. We tend to think they are individuals lurking about in hoodies in their basement. Quite the opposite – or so we have found through investigations and the exposure of organizations that steal our information. These are well organized and structured businesses that thrive – or fail – within their own economies....
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Is Punishment Proper?

The emphasis on smart cybersecurity practices is vital. As professionals in the IT industry, we know this, we work to ensure policies and procedures are in place that keep the topic at the forefront of every business we support and work within. But while training employees to learn these behaviors is important, there is one aspect of it that isn’t discussed frequently, or at the very least publicly: The repercussions of making a mistake....
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Don’t Forget Me

It is easy to get left behind if you become less interesting. No, we aren’t talking about your friends or your childhood toys, although that does happen. We’re talking about YOU. Yes, don’t leave yourself behind. What? How? Explain! Remember your MySpace account? Or when your significant other wanted you to create a TikTok account so that you could make fun videos – which happened once, and you realized you would never do THAT again....
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Scare Tactics

It should hardly come as a surprise to anyone that cybercriminal activity has surged in 2020. By May of this year, the number of reported attacks had already come close to the total for 2019 according to the federal government. With the onset of COVID-19, there were a plethora of new opportunities for cybercriminals to take advantage of our uncertainties, fears, and overall lack of knowledge about this virus and how it was spreading....
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Before & After

Imagine if you had two emails that were worth a million dollars each. You would do everything that you can to protect those emails and ensure that no one deleted them. You would back them up, have multiple copies in place so that if you lost those emails, you would have a quick way to recover them. You would make sure that access was limited, with strong password protection, and everyone who had access to the delete button was properly trained on how to open and read the emails safely....
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Marketing Magic

Marketing Magic Having an in-house marketing team is not always possible for small businesses.  Also, it can be difficult to maintain an ever-growing and ever-changing list of vendors and products to market. As a Managed Service Provider you face the struggle of not only supporting your clients full time but also carrying the full-time weight of being a business owner.  This can leave little time – or headcount – for a marketing department that is hitting on all of the needs you require to get leads, maintain clients, and educate yourself on what is new to you as a managed service provider....
Juniper Research (3)

Breached Records to Skyrocket with SMBs as the Biggest Targets

A lot can happen in 5 years, and unfortunately, not always for the better. According to a recent report by Juniper Research, Cybercrime & the Internet of Threats 2018, data breaches are expected to reach 146 billion records over the next five years....
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Phone-Based 2FA: Not so Secure After All

In a time where data breaches have become the norm, there is no such thing as exercising too much caution when it comes to protecting your online assets, including your login credentials and access to accounts. Two-factor authentication (2FA), a method of confirming a user’s identity via combining two factors is widely accepted and recommended by security experts as a necessity for optimum security online. 2FA is a great added security feature to protect your account because an unauthorized individual is unlikely to supply the factors required to successfully gain access....
exactis

Exactis Database Leaks 340 Million Records of Personal Data

There is a good chance you’ve never heard of the major marketing and data aggregation company Exactis, but that doesn’t mean they don’t know you. In fact, Exactis may know a great deal of your personal information, including your email address, your home address, your habits and hobbies, your children’s ages and genders if you have any, and more. Even more alarming, if Exactis does have that information, so too may a hacker who discovered it leaked publicly on the internet. Marketwatch explores the breach and what it means for nearly every American involved....

Infographic: Cybersecurity: Fighting a Threat That Causes $450B of Damage Each Year

SME Under Threat

Study finds that 30% of SMEs lack an incident response plan

Cybersecurity issues have become very prevalent in the modern era, making headlines with their disasters and fines associated with them. While it may seem obvious that businesses should take precautions to protect themselves against these potential attacks, they have been slow to move forward with improving their security measures – especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). An article on SME dives into a recent study of how prepared SMEs are for a security incident when it comes to their data breach response plan....

Article: What Happens When Your Small Business Is Hacked

Don’t count on getting your data back even if you pay the ransom

Ransomware, a popular form of a cyber-attack usually involves criminals tricking their victims into installing malware. The malware causes serious issues for its victims by preventing them from accessing their files unless a ransom is paid to the criminal. An article on Inc. explains why ransomware is becoming more dangerous and how you can ensure your business does not suffer from its devastation....
Wannacry

Is the massive global cyberattack enough to get people to care about their online security?

A major cyberattack took the world by storm Friday, hitting 150 countries and affecting 200,000 computers and over 20 hospitals in the U.K. This attack serves as a major wakeup call to both companies and consumers that securing systems and devices is vital. Although this incident should prompt immediate action in increasing security measures, if history repeats itself, it will not. An article on MorningStar goes into detail on why this massive cyberattack will not be enough to convince people to care about their online security....
BSN 2.15.2021

Unemployment Scams

We tend to not ask too many questions and let things slide when we aren’t certain about the situation.  Is that normal?  Should that happen like that?  I guess so.  I don’t really know. I mean, it seems ok?? And as with all things related to COVID-19, there’s an air of uncertainty that hasn’t left the planet in nearly a year.  So, we’re all a little uncertain.  We’re all a little confused about what is actually ok or normal.  It’s all new. ...
BSN 2.8.2021

Heartbreak of a Different Kind

Dating or cultivating relationships is hard enough, let alone trying to do it successfully during a pandemic.  You’re putting your heart in the hands of the internet gods and trusting that they will guide you safely along the corridors of the unknown and unseen. ...
BSN 2.1.2021

Degree of Awareness

This week a friend shared a story about her college-aged daughter Jane and her recent experience in finding a job.  She is in graphic design and has a portfolio, so when she came across a well-known company that creates sports-branded gear that was hiring, it was something she wanted to pursue....
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Home Security

When establishing a safe environment at home, we put locks on the doors, latches on the gate, and home security systems that keep uninvited visitors out, and alert us to any intruders otherwise. What we see is what we address – as is the case with most things and situations. But hidden somewhere in your house is an unlocked door – or doors - that may be giving access to information that can be accessed and stolen much more easily than the family heirlooms and jewels. Your home network is an entry point that is far too often overlooked....
BSN 10 19 2020

Smart Appliances & Cybersecurity

And so, the season starts.  Which one is it that we’re referring to?  Cyber Monday, Black Friday, Prime Day…all of these sales tend to lean towards exceptional deals on electronics, and today that means the “smartest” of appliances are being purchased and set up in our homes. By getting the latest and greatest, are we inadvertently putting a spy in our home? Do smart appliances have the ability to hear and see what we are doing?...
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We Don’t Negotiate

The United States government has been known to take a stand of ‘we don’t negotiate with terrorists’ when it comes to discussions of ransom. Whether this has 100% certainty to it can be argued in more ways than we care to discuss here....
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It Was to Be Expected

We knew that any type of newsworthy topic was going to give cybercriminals so much opportunity - and COVID-19 gave them so much bang for the buck.  Just because this was something affecting the world in a detrimental way would never be reason enough for hackers to take a break.  They were going to take full advantage of the situation regardless of how much worse it could make things for people during their time of need or vulnerability....
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Dark Economy

“This pandemic is great for my business!” said very few people. Unless you’re a hacker. And then it’s likely that business is booming. We don’t think of cybercriminals as businesspeople. We tend to think they are individuals lurking about in hoodies in their basement. Quite the opposite – or so we have found through investigations and the exposure of organizations that steal our information. These are well organized and structured businesses that thrive – or fail – within their own economies....
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End of Year Preparation

As the end of the year gets closer, it's not just the holiday season that demands our attention—it's also a crucial time for businesses to reflect, analyze, and prepare for the upcoming year. Wrapping up the current year smoothly can set the stage for a successful start to the new one. Let's review the importance of various tasks that ensure business is well-prepared for the year ahead. Software Updates...
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The Growing Influence of AI on Phishing Emails

A recent report has unveiled a significant and concerning trend in cybersecurity. The report, compiled by SlashNext Threat Labs, reveals a staggering 1265% surge in malicious phishing emails since Q4 2022. This annual report spans a 12-month analysis of threats across various channels, including email, mobile, and browsers, from Q4 2022 to Q3 2023....
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Recognizing and Defending Against Deepfake Scams

Small businesses, just like large corporations, can fall victim to deceptive tactics. If you haven't yet heard about deepfake, read on and explore what these scams are and learn practical tips on how to recognize and defend against them. It is important to know in order to protect yourself and safeguard your business's reputation and finances....
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20 Years of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) has come a long way since its inception in 2004. Over the past two decades, it has evolved into a vital campaign with a crucial role in educating and empowering individuals and organizations. This is especially true for small businesses. Let's take a closer look at the 20 years...
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Recognizing and Avoiding Text Phishing Scams

Phishing scams have become increasingly sophisticated and prevalent. One form that has gained traction is text phishing, or "smishing" (SMS phishing). This involves sending fraudulent text messages with the intent to deceive individuals into revealing sensitive personal information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or social security numbers. These messages...
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MGM Data Breach: A Reminder for Personal Cybersecurity

Technology permeates almost every aspect of our lives, and the security of our personal information is more crucial than ever. Recently the MGM data breach that was reported reminds us that we must proactively safeguard our sensitive data, for no entity can guarantee foolproof protection. According to the Reuters article, MGM, a renowned...
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Establishing a Baseline for Cybersecurity Knowledge

The weakest link in any organization's cybersecurity infrastructure is often its employees. To address this vulnerability, it is crucial to have a baseline understanding of where employees stand in terms of cybersecurity knowledge. This knowledge forms the foundation upon which effective training and comprehensive protection for the business can be built....
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Cybersecurity in 2023: Weathering the Storm

This year so far in cybersecurity has seen a significant surge in cyber threats and breaches, underscoring the need for robust defenses and preparedness. The shifting landscape of cyber threats in recent years can be likened to a storm, gaining intensity and unpredictability. Understanding these shifts and the importance of adequately training the human workforce is ...
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Breaking Down the Baseline Employee Cybersecurity Assessment – General Cybersecurity Knowledge

Assessment Overview Our recent launch of the Baseline Employee Cybersecurity Assessment provides MSPs with a new tool to add to their prospecting and baseline risk detection efforts.  As an MSP it gives you the opportunity to show prospects and clients that human security plays a key role in protecting their organization and that without proper ongoing training, employees are an easy entry point for cybercriminals. While a security risk assessment will identify any gaps in a business environment, the human element should never be overlooked or assumed to be foolproof....
BSN 12.21.2021

Introducing the Baseline Employee Cybersecurity Assessment

Is it good or bad news to know that ransomware and phishing are no longer terms that need further explaining to most people?   Yes, it is favorable when you’re trying to explain how important a cybersecurity plan is for your clients to have – you don’t necessarily need to start at the beginning when it comes to identifying the risk factors.  But having a “place to start” is sometimes comforting to people when they are venturing into the unknown, and while a security risk assessment is critical to a business and an invaluable tool to you as an MSP, sometimes management has a hard time accepting that their team may be part of the risk landscape....
BSN 11.15.2021 2

Do Your Healthcare Clients Need an Annual Checkup?

Do Your Healthcare Clients Need an Annual Check-Up? As a Managed Service Provider, you’re in the business of keeping other businesses running.  Which vertical they are in, or what products and services they provide may not be the most pressing detail.  Unless you’re talking about healthcare.  There are two common views when it comes to supporting clients in the healthcare industry and those are: support their network and leave HIPAA out of it, or to avoid taking on those clients altogether because of the complexity of HIPAA....
BSN 11.8.2021

IT Nation Week

‘Tis the season for gathering with friends and family and this year feels especially special because of the limited human interaction we’ve had over the past year.  Or is it years now? It feels like years.   While Thanksgiving is just around the corner, the type of gathering we are referring to is IT Nation in Orlando this month.  If you are not familiar with this event, it is the annual ConnectWise convention held in Orlando Florida where IT professionals get together to taut their wares, discuss new technologies, and have a great time being social.  We’ll get to that social part in a minute, but first, let’s cover the basics. ...
BSN 10.11.2021 2

MSPs Should Make Everyday Cybersecurity Awareness Day!

It Starts at Home With October being designated National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CSAM) by the National Cyber Security Alliance and the United States Department of Homeland Security, we are seeing promotional material from a variety of public-facing businesses.  Everyone from our banks to our credit cards to the grocery store is promoting it on their various platforms.  Which is great…but shouldn’t every day be a day that we’re aware of cybersecurity? This should be true especially if you’re in any way associated with the technology sector. ...
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Cy-BURN-out

New normal. Our new reality. The various ways that we describe everyday life in the time of a global pandemic. It means a lot of change, in a lot of ways, for a lot of people. While parenting is definitely more challenging when it comes to managing to homeschool and work from home at the same time, there is another group that might not be getting as much press when it comes to feeling overwhelmed. The IT industry....
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Home Office Security – Never Too Late to Evaluate

We are past the point of whether or not working remotely, or from home, is something we are unsure of. It is likely our permanent setup, or at the very least, a long term one that we need to move forward with and in confidence. These recommendations should be for readers who find themselves in this situation as well as any IT provider that oversees clients and their cybersecurity....
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It Was to Be Expected

We knew that any type of newsworthy topic was going to give cybercriminals so much opportunity - and COVID-19 gave them so much bang for the buck.  Just because this was something affecting the world in a detrimental way would never be reason enough for hackers to take a break.  They were going to take full advantage of the situation regardless of how much worse it could make things for people during their time of need or vulnerability....
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