Become the IT Hero Your Workplace Needs | Y-Not Tech Services – Lethbridge, AB IT Support

May 13, 2024 by Tony Whitney

Become the IT Hero Your Workplace Needs

As an employee, you’re the backbone of your company’s operations. You understand the ins and outs of your workplace better than anyone. But amidst the hustle and bustle of daily tasks, you may have noticed some glaring IT issues that could potentially jeopardize your workplace security and efficiency.

Imagine this scenario: sensitive information such as patient data being passed around via unencrypted emails, or employees casually taking laptops out and about without considering the implications if the device were stolen. [Read more…]

How SIM Swaps Bypass Your Online Security | Y-Not Tech Services – Lethbridge, AB Computer Help

April 28, 2024 by Tony Whitney

How SIM Swaps Bypass Your Online Security

Have you ever been in the middle of an important phone call or task on your phone when you suddenly see those dreaded words, “SOS only” or “No Signal”?

Most of the time, it’s simply due to poor signal strength in your area or a temporary glitch with your carrier’s network. But what if losing your phone connection wasn’t so innocent?

What if an unknown hacker actively removes you from your mobile number to take it over for their own malicious purposes? This is the frightening reality of a cybercrime called “SIM swapping,” and it’s a growing threat that has affected many unwitting victims. [Read more…]

When Your IT Goes Wrong, Who Do You Call? | Y-Not Tech Services – Lethbridge, AB IT Support

April 22, 2024 by Tony Whitney

When Your IT Goes Wrong, Who Do You Call?

It’s a Tuesday afternoon, and you’ve just sat down to focus on an important project. But suddenly, you notice your internet connection isn’t working. A few minutes later, the printer on the other side of the office starts beeping with an error. Then, a pop-up appears on your computer saying your antivirus subscription needs to be renewed.

You sigh in frustration. Not again! In the back of your mind, you see the notification from last week that your backup failed, but you haven’t had time to look into it. [Read more…]

This Familiar Pop-up Could Be Hiding a Nasty Surprise | Y-Not Tech Services – Lethbridge, AB IT Support Business

April 6, 2024 by Tony Whitney

This Familiar Pop-up Could Be Hiding a Nasty Surprise

If your business uses Microsoft 365 applications, you or your employees may have encountered a pop-up window requesting permission to access various account data.

In this article, we’ll cover choosing the safest option next time you encounter this pop-up. [Read more…]

4 Reasons Why Sending Bulk Email From Your Inbox is a Bad Idea | Y-Not Tech Services – Lethbridge, AB IT Support

March 28, 2024 by Tony Whitney

4 Reasons Why Sending Bulk Email From Your Inbox is a Bad Idea

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 Dangers | Y-Not Tech Services – Lethbridge, AB IT Support Company

March 18, 2024 by Tony Whitney

Casual Social Media Posts and Hidden Dangers

Social 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…]

Do You Think You’d Fall for a Deepfake Scam? | Y-Not Tech Services – Lethbridge, AB IT Support

March 5, 2024 by Tony Whitney

Do You Think You’d Fall for a Deepfake Scam?

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 Unusual Request

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.

Initial Suspicions

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 Fake Video Call

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.

Selling the Ruse

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.

Falling for the Scam

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.

The Evolving Threat

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.

Preventing Future Attacks

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:

Struggling With Tech Issues? Avoid the Most Common Help Desk Holds | Y-Not Tech Services – Lethbridge, AB IT Support

February 20, 2024 by Tony Whitney

Struggling With Tech Issues? Avoid the Most Common Help Desk Holds

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…]

Is Sensitive Data Hiding in Employee’s Personal Inboxes? | Y-Not Tech Services – Lethbridge, AB IT Support

January 30, 2024 by Tony Whitney

Is Sensitive Data Hiding in Employee’s Personal Inboxes?

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…]

Don’t Settle for Less: Upgrade Your IT Provider | Y-Not Tech Services – Lethbridge, AB Managed Service Provider

January 2, 2024 by Tony Whitney

Don’t Settle for Less: Upgrade Your IT Provider

As 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.

Poor Communication and Lack of Responsiveness

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.

Techs Unfamiliar with Your Environment

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.

Lack of Focus

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.

Don’t Settle for “Better the Devil You Know”

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.