When it happens, you feel powerless. You get an email or letter from a business saying someone breached your data. It happens all too often today.Data breaches happen at banks, online sites like Facebook, and ecommerce stores. Not only that, but governments are also victims. This leaves things like your address, SSN, and credit card details exposed to thieves. A business getting hacked is something you have little control over. But you can take important steps afterwards. We’ve outlined the most important things to do below. These steps can help you mitigate the financial losses.Change Your PasswordsThe very first thing you should do is change your passwords. Change the password for the service that sent you the breach notification first. Then, change it for any logins using the same password. This is one of the reasons it’s a best practice to use unique logins for every site. Many people get in the
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The world has gone digital. We see it everywhere people shop for goods and services. Cash, check, or debit used to be the norm. Now, there are payment wallets that people expect businesses to accept. They include things like Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and more.Small businesses need to keep pace with these new methods of payment. It’s essential to adapt to stay competitive. You can easily lose business if people can’t pay the way they like.As a trusted managed IT service provider, we’re here to help. Many of our clients are navigating this shift to cashless wallets. We’ll help you find solutions to ensure your business thrives in the cashless era.Why Go Cashless?It’s not just about convenience; it’s about meeting customer expectations. People want fast, easy, and secure payment options. The pandemic accelerated this trend. Now, consumers expect businesses to offer digital payments in several forms.Here’s why going cashless
There are many types of malware. One of the most common is called “malvertising.” It crops up everywhere. Including social media sites and websites. You can also see these malicious ads on Google searches.Two things are making malvertising even more dangerous. One is that hackers use AI to make it very believable. The other is that it’s on the rise, according to Malwarebytes. In the fall of 2023, malvertising increased by 42% (month over month).It’s important to inform yourself about this online threat. Knowledge is the power to protect yourself. Especially when it comes to malicious cybercriminals. Below, we’ll help you understand malvertising. We’ll also give you tips on identifying and avoiding it.What Is “Malvertising?”Malvertising is the use of online ads for malicious activities. One example is when the PlayStation 5 was first released. It was very hard to get, which created the perfect environment for hackers. Several malicious ads
Today’s businesses are no stranger to the word cybersecurity. They are facing a growing wave of cyberattacks. These come from ransomware to sophisticated phishing schemes. How do you stand ahead of these threats? A strong cybersecurity strategy is essential. One crucial component of this strategy is event logging. It’s one that not every business owner is aware of.Think of event logging as a digital detective. What does tracking activities and events across your IT systems do? It helps you spot potential security breaches and respond swiftly. As your managed IT service provider, we’re committed to helping you. We can help you understand the importance of event logging as well as how to put in place best practices to safeguard your network.What Is Event Logging?Event logging is the act of tracking all events that happen within your IT systems. “Event” can be many different things, such as:Login attemptsFile accessSoftware installsNetwork trafficDenial
Artificial Intelligence is no longer a technology reserved for companies with big budgets. Today, small businesses can access AI tools that help in several ways. Such as streamlining operations, improving customer experiences, and boosting profits. The rise of affordable AI solutions has opened the door for small businesses. They can leverage these powerful technologies without spending a fortune. This post will explore seven great examples of how to use AI to succeed in a competitive market.1. Streamlining Customer Support with AI ChatbotsSmall businesses often struggle with limited customer service resources. AI-powered chatbots provide a cost-effective solution. They automate responses to common customer inquiries. And can sound less robotic than non-AI chatbots.Here are a couple of ways AI chatbots add value to small businesses.Reducing Response TimesAI chatbots can handle several conversations at once. This significantly reduces customer wait times. Chatbots work 24/7, ensuring support is always available. This removes the burden on
Customer service is at the heart of any successful business. Customer expectations continue to evolve. Companies must evolve strategies and tools used to meet those expectations. 55% of customers like self-serve customer service over speaking to a representative.Technology has become a game-changer in this regard. It offers innovative solutions that improve efficiency, personalization, and satisfaction. So, what kinds of technology can boost your customer experience? Below, we’ll explore several options transforming customer service today as well as explain how they can help your company stay competitive.1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine LearningAI and Machine Learning are leading the charge in revolutionizing customer service. These technologies are enhancing everything from customer interactions to backend processes. They’re making service more efficient and personalized.AI-Powered Chatbots: Chatbots have become a staple in customer service. AI-powered chatbots can understand and respond to natural language. They make interactions feel more human-like. They can also handle a wide
Data breaches are an unfortunate reality for businesses of all sizes. When a breach occurs, the immediate response is critical. How a company manages the aftermath can significantly impact its reputation. As well as financial stability and legal standing.The average cost of a data breach has reached 4.88 million USD.Effective damage control requires a well-planned approach. But there are common pitfalls that can exacerbate the situation. This article will guide you through the key steps of data breach damage control. As well as highlight the pitfalls you should steer clear of to reduce the impact.Pitfall #1: Delayed ResponseOne of the most critical mistakes a company can make after a data breach is delaying the response. The longer it takes to respond, the more damage can happen. A delayed response increases the risk of further data loss. It also erodes customer trust.Act QuicklyThe first step in damage control is to act
Microsoft Teams continues to evolve. It is a powerful hub for collaboration and communication in the modern workplace. With the integration of AI-driven Copilot, Teams is pushing the boundaries. It’s innovating how we interact with technology to streamline workflows. As well as improve productivity and unlock new business value.Recent updates to Copilot in Teams include:Enhanced agent capabilitiesSmarter AI interactionsExtra features to support teams in accomplishing tasks more efficientlyWe’ll explore the latest updates to Copilot in Teams, including new features and intelligent agents as well as how these innovations can transform how your business operates.What is Copilot in Microsoft Teams?Copilot is Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant. It’s embedded in tools like Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. It’s designed to assist with various tasks.In Microsoft Teams, Copilot acts as an intelligent agent. It helps users by doing things like:Automating processesManaging tasksAnalyzing dataProviding real-time insightsCopilot’s key strength is its ability to leverage existing data. It
Data is one of the most valuable assets a business can have. Managing this data throughout its lifecycle can be challenging. Data lifecycle management (DLM) refers to several processes and policies. They govern the handling, storage, and eventual disposal of data.Businesses generate and store vast amounts of data. As this happens, the importance of effective DLM becomes more critical. Navigating the challenges of data lifecycle management requires a comprehensive approach. One that balances security, compliance, and operational efficiency.Understanding Data Lifecycle ManagementData lifecycle management involves the governance of data. It starts from its creation to continues to its eventual disposal. The lifecycle includes several stages:Data creationStorageUseSharingArchivingDeletionEach stage presents its own set of challenges. Mismanagement at any stage can lead to security risks as well as regulatory non-compliance and increased operational costs. Implementing a robust DLM strategy ensures proper data handling at every stage. This maximizes its value while minimizing risks.The Importance
Email is a fundamental communication tool for businesses and individuals alike. But it’s also a prime target for cybercriminals. Cyberattacks are increasing in sophistication. This means enhancing your email security has never been more critical.Ninety-five percent of IT leaders say cyberattacks have become most sophisticated. Over half (51%) have already seen AI-powered attacks in their organization.By taking proactive measures, you can protect your sensitive information as well as prevent unauthorized access and maintain communication integrity. Here are six simple steps to enhance your email security.1. Use Strong, Unique PasswordsPasswords are the first line of defense for your email accounts. A weak password is like an open invitation for cybercriminals. To enhance your email security, use strong, unique passwords. Ones that are difficult to guess.Create Complex PasswordsA strong password should include a mix of:Letters (both uppercase and lowercase)NumbersSpecial charactersAvoid using common words or phrases. Also, avoid easily guessable information like your