So you’ve got an exciting new announcement for your clients – a new service launch, a big sale – and you want to spread the word.
You load up your email client, mass-add everyone in your address book, and get ready to press the Send button.
Hold up for a minute! You may not want to do this.
There are some significant downsides to consider before blasting emails from your inbox. [Read more…]
Casual Social Media Posts and Hidden DangersSocial media is a powerful marketing tool for small businesses, allowing you to share updates and engage with customers easily. However, what you share on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram could put your company at risk of a cyberattack. [Read more…]
Protecting Kids in the Evolving Digital LandscapeFrom online bullying to inappropriate content, the internet poses unique risks to children that didn’t exist just a decade ago. While basic safety measures such as avoiding suspicious links and keeping personal details private are still necessary, today’s kids face a more complex threat landscape that demands continuous vigilance from parents. [Read more…]
With Deepfakes becoming increasingly sophisticated, it’s a legitimate question. But what exactly is a Deepfake exactly?
Deepfakes are videos or images manipulated using artificial intelligence (AI).
Deepfake AI has the ability to train itself on lots of real photos and videos, learn how to move people’s faces, and emulate their voices to make it seem like they are saying or doing something they really are not.
AI is very good at emulating people because it’s seen many real examples.
A recent incident at a large multinational company shows how convincing these deceptions can be.
The incident began when an employee in the company’s Hong Kong office received an email, supposedly from their Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in the UK headquarters. The CFO requested an immediate and sizable money transfer to an offshore account, citing an urgent acquisition deal.
As the request lacked important details and was highly atypical, the savvy employee grew suspicious that it could be a phishing attempt. However, the scammers had a more devious plan to sell the deception.
The scammers scheduled a video call with the employee. Through Deepfake technology and previously captured sources, they generated remarkably life-like digital imitations of the CFO and other executives.
During the brief call, the fake participants did just enough to confirm the money transfer request and add pressure due to the supposedly sensitive deal. Faced with what seemed an authentic interaction, the employee’s doubts were eased.
Believing he had verified the request through a live video call, the employee initiated the large, fraudulent money movement. It wasn’t until double-checking with head office that the deception was uncovered.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder that even conscientious employees can fall victim to a well-planned Deepfake scam. While live video interaction was once considered an ironclad way to verify identities, the latest Deepfake techniques mean any communication channel is now vulnerable to sophisticated spoofing.
Businesses can take steps to prevent such a costly deception.
Companies should implement multiple-level approval processes for money transfers, regardless of the sender’s apparent seniority.
Additionally, questioning aspects of interactions and observing participants could help uncover anomalies that indicate Deepfakes.
To learn more about Deepfakes and how to protect your organization, reach out to one of our security experts. We’d be happy to assess your security posture and policies to recommend tailored improvements.
Book an appointment:
As a business owner, your top priority is keeping costs low while still supporting growth. When your managed service provider recommends investing in a robust stack of cybersecurity software, it’s natural to wonder whether we really need all those solutions. [Read more…]
We’ve all been there: an unexpected tech glitch throws a wrench in your works at the worst possible moment. As annoying as it is, staying calm and providing full transparency with your IT friends will have you back up and running in no time.
In this article, we’ll share what essential details to include in a help ticket to get you up and running quickly. [Read more…]
Do You Really Need to “Safely Eject” USB Drives Anymore?We’ve all been there: rushing to grab your USB drive only to be stopped in your tracks by an ominous warning about “safely removing” it first. But does this advice from the days of yore still apply in the era of Windows 10 and 11?
As your organization grows, so does the trove of valuable information flowing through employee inboxes daily. Proposals, contracts, intellectual property, customer records: your business lives and breathes through email. But are you really in complete control of this sensitive data?
For many large companies, lack of oversight over how staff access and manage work communications has become an Achilles’ heel. Why? Many employees find it convenient to use personal Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo accounts rather than their official company address. [Read more…]
If you’ve been swamped with spam lately, you’re not alone. Unwanted marketing messages clogging up our inboxes seem to be part of everyday digital life. But have you ever stopped to wonder how on earth all those spammers acquired your email address? [Read more…]
Don’t Settle for Less: Upgrade Your IT ProviderAs a business owner, you may already have an existing managed service provider (MSP) that handles your IT needs. However, have you ever considered whether they truly meet your expectations? Settling for the status quo and sticking with the “devil you know” may not always be the best approach to your business’s IT infrastructure.
In this article, we will explore some common pitfalls of working with an inadequate MSP and why it’s crucial to consider the possibility of finding a better partner for your technology needs.
One of the key indicators of a subpar MSP is poor communication and a lack of responsiveness. Effective communication is crucial for any business relationship, and the same holds true for your MSP.
If you find yourself struggling to understand technical concepts, it may be a sign that they are not effectively bridging the gap between technical jargon and your non-technical understanding.
Furthermore, some MSPs outsource their support to offshore teams, which can lead to a language gap and further complicate communication. The language barrier can hinder effective problem-solving and cause frustration for you and your team.
It’s important to work with an MSP that has technical expertise and excels at clear and concise communication, ensuring that you are always kept in the loop and understand the solutions being implemented.
Another red flag to watch out for is when your MSP’s technicians are unfamiliar with your business environment. You may have initially signed up with an MSP because of an all-star technician who understood your specific needs and requirements. However, that technician may have moved on or been assigned to other clients.
In that case, you may be left with replacement staff who lack the knowledge and understanding of your unique business and its technology infrastructure. When your current MSP’s technicians are unfamiliar with your environment, it can lead to inefficiencies, delays, and potential security risks.
It’s essential to work with an MSP that invests time and effort in understanding your business and its technological landscape, ensuring they can provide the most relevant and effective support.
Some MSPs handle a wide range of clients and may not be able to give your business the attention it truly deserves. While it’s understandable that MSPs work with multiple clients, it’s crucial to assess whether your current provider can genuinely meet your needs.
If your requests are frequently deprioritized, response times are slow, or you are not receiving the level of support you require, it may be a sign that your MSP’s attention is divided among larger clients or other commitments.
A lack of focus by your MSP can seriously affect your business’s productivity, efficiency, and overall growth.
Working with an MSP that prioritizes your business and provides dedicated support is essential, as it ensures your IT infrastructure remains robust and aligned with your goals.
When it comes to your business’s IT needs, settling for the “devil you know” may prevent you from experiencing the full potential of a high-quality MSP.
If you’re unsure whether your current MSP is truly meeting your needs, it’s worth exploring other options. At our MSP, we believe in the power of a strong partnership and the positive impact a reliable and responsive MSP can have on your business.
We invite you to have a chat with our team to discuss your current challenges and goals, and how we can leverage our expertise to take your IT infrastructure to the next level. Remember, it costs nothing to explore your options and see how much better your MSP experience can be.
Don’t let the fear of change prevent you from experiencing the benefits of a highly skilled and dedicated MSP. Take the leap and explore the possibilities of a partnership with an MSP that can truly meet your needs and help your business thrive. Book an appointment today.
