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Avoid This Top IT mistake: The “Wait and See” Approach

Patience is often a virtue, and being budget-conscious is also a plus in business. Yet taking a “wait and see” approach with business tech is a top IT mistake.

There is a lot of uncertainty in the current economy. You may be looking to save money to give your business more budget leeway. But if you don’t make ongoing investments in your IT, your business could suffer.

You might skip software upgrades, but that can put your business at risk from cyber bad actors, who look to exploit weaknesses when people don’t upgrade their systems.

Deciding to put off replacing older devices or legacy hardware, you may be thinking, “What’s one more year?” It can make a big difference, actually. Your systems may have vulnerabilities that cyberattackers will leverage. Your hardware may not be able to keep up with your business during its busy times, and your people could be working on devices that are no longer supported by the manufacturer. If something does go wrong, you’re on your own.

Trying to get by with less when it comes to business technology can hurt your business. We’re not saying you have to throw all sorts of money at every new technology out there, of course; it’s about fitting the right technology to your specific business needs.

Business tech: Better now than later

Businesses today are undergoing digital transformation. Across industries, people see the advantages of IT. The right technology enhances the quality of work and boosts productivity. You have the tools needed to support faster processing and wider information distribution.

Thinking only short-term about technology, as in “it’s working fine for now,” could hurt you in the long run, however, and by not looking after your tech and keeping it current, you could be missing out on:

  • keeping your software and systems patched and protected against the latest cyber threats;
  • enjoying the greater efficiency that comes from streamlined workflows and business process best practices;
  • being able to collaborate seamlessly with team members or clients and customers via the latest cloud communications tools;
  • getting things done more easily with the hardware and software you need to keep up with your business;
  • scaling up or down as your business needs with the convenience of cloud technology;
  • having peace of mind that if there is a data breach or other system disruption, you have a backup to get your business back up.

Moving forward with an MSP

There is an inevitability to investment in business tech. You know you’re going to need it. But taking the wait-and-see approach simply puts you at risk of a cyberattack or other productivity drains. Keeping your IT current and investing in this essential area can benefit employee engagement, customer satisfaction, and your business’s bottom line.

Not sure what technology to focus on while working within your budget? Our IT experts can help. We’ll get to know your systems and your unique needs. Then, we’ll make suggestions about the smartest investment areas for your business. Contact us today at (416) 645-2469 or (905) 667-0441 or email us.

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Small Business Can’t Sacrifice Cybersecurity

For small businesses, it can be tempting to postpone cybersecurity efforts. There are many common excuses: “There’s so much to do,” “There’s not enough budget,” “Our business is too small to target,” etc. But right now, cybersecurity is a must-have for every business.

Think of it like business insurance. You don’t intend to get sued or have accidents, but you have insurance to cover if the worst happens. Similarly, having cybersecurity in place:

  • saves you time, money, and stress;
  • protects your business IT against damages;
  • provides you and your employees with peace of mind.

But small businesses are not only at risk of cyberattack. According to a study released in March 2022 by cloud security company Barracuda Networks, “on average, an employee of a small business with less than 100 employees will experience 350% more social engineering attacks than an employee of a larger enterprise.” That makes small businesses three times more likely to be targeted.

In fact, your business may already have been attacked. The Barracuda study found that one in five organizations had at least one account compromised in 2021. And hackers need only one account to launch from. An attack can spread without you knowing if you don’t have the right detection and protection tools in place.

Advice for small business leaders

Digital attacks are on the rise, and you’re going to need help. A report from Blackberry in February suggested that “one million daily security alerts are seen in 25% of security operations centers.”

But you don’t have a security operations center, right, let alone one that can process a million alerts daily. Investing in cybersecurity gives you access to that type of security reporting, plus much more.

Hackers target small businesses because they expect them to have fewer IT resources. That can mean more weak points for bad actors to exploit.

At least you are keeping your software current and patching vulnerabilities with any manufacturer updates, right? And your business probably also uses antivirus and emailing filtering. Yet, traditional email filters are no longer enough: you need to invest in additional security resources.

Take the target off your back

So, we’re back at the beginning again. Investing in cybersecurity is now on your wish list, but you can’t see how you can afford it right now. But you can’t afford not to really. According to the Australian Cyber Security Centre, “Australia spent approximately $5.6 billion on cybersecurity in 2020, and self-reported losses from cybercrime totalled more than $33 billion.”

Plus, you don’t need to do everything from scratch and buy all the necessary software and hardware yourself. Instead, you can work with a vendor to take advantage of economies of scale. Invest in a cybersecurity partner who will do a full risk analysis to find the main vulnerabilities in your business IT environment.

Partner with someone who works to secure many small businesses like yours. They’ll be the ones investing in supplemental technology with machine-learning security to protect against all types of email. They’ll know how to put the right protection tools in place, and they’ll also have the skills to detect and respond to threats post-delivery.

The damage caused by one compromised account can be devastating for a small business. Don’t risk the worst happening: protect your cybersecurity with the help of a managed service provider. We can identify any weak points in your cybersecurity and help put safeguards in place to defend your business. Contact us today at  (416) 645-2469 or (905) 667-0441 or email us.

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3 Reasons to Avoid Signing in With Facebook or Google Accounts

Nine out of ten times today when you visit a website you’re asked to sign in. To add convenience, many sites offer the ability to sign in using a Facebook or Google account. Sure, it’s simpler, but this article will share three key reasons why you might want to avoid this easy route.

It’s estimated that we each have an average of 100 passwords. That’s a lot to remember, especially as we need unique logins for every site to lower our risk of cyberattack.

At the same time, every website wants us to set up an account. It helps them get to know their users. This can help them to target marketing and product development efforts. They might also share the information with third parties as another source of income.

Still, the website wants to keep its users coming back, so they allow you to sign in with Google or Facebook accounts to streamline the process. Weigh the value of that added convenience against these three considerations.

#1 You‘re giving away more data

By using Google or Facebook to sign in on other websites, you are giving the sites greater access to information about you. Now, they not only know what you do on their sites, but you’re also allowing them to build out their picture of you with data insights from the shared sites.

Google and Facebook have powerful tools to dig deeper into your online activity, and other websites can also extract data from your Facebook and Google accounts. If you don’t read the privacy policies, you may not know what sensitive data the platforms share.

#2 You could lose access

You may join those who are deciding to quit Facebook or leave Google in favor of another platform. If you do so, and you have used that account to access other sites, you’ll have to create new logins.

Even if you’re not ever going to do away with your Facebook or Google account, you could still lose access. If there’s a major outage at one of those two sites, you won’t be able to log in at any of your connected sites either. The other websites won’t be able to authenticate you until Facebook or Google is back up and running.

#3 Your attack surface gets bigger

If you have one, unique login credential for a website, you risk your data there only if that site gets hacked. However, if you use Facebook or Google login, and bad actors compromise that account, they can access any shared sites.

Think of it like dominos. The Facebook or Google account is the first to fall, but all those other accounts you “conveniently” login to using those credentials will come tumbling down soon after. Don’t think the attacker won’t bother looking for other connected accounts. All they have to do, once they breach one account is go into your settings to see what you have connected.

Social media accounts are also a prime target. Don’t believe us? Bet you’ve seen a post from a Facebook friend (or ten) telling you to ignore strange activity due to a hacked account.

Protect your online identity

Account compromise is a top cause of data breaches worldwide. Protect your online identity by following best practices for cyber hygiene.

Need help with password security? Our IT experts can set you up with a password manager or provide other online security help. Contact us today at (416) 645-2469 or (905) 667-0441 or email us.

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How to Spot Email Spoofing

The number of emails we get daily can be overwhelming. We could be excused for not looking at them all closely – well, almost. Except that not taking care to review emails for signs of spoofing could be a real risk to your business. Learn about email spoofing and how to avoid it in this article.

First, what is email spoofing? Don’t confuse this with the foreign prince’s plea for money. Email spoofing is much more nuanced; it’s still a cyber bad guy at work. They try to get you to download malware, enter personal credentials, or give money. Yet now they are mimicking a reputable company or source of an email. The email will, at a hurried glance, appear to be legitimate, and that’s how it works. The spoofer takes advantage of our lack of attention to accomplish their aim.

With email spoofing, the scammer tries to trick you into thinking they are a source you recognize. This might be a supervisor, a colleague, a vendor, or some other entity you work with regularly. Their goal is to get you to take an action you would not otherwise do.

The email will usually look convincing. The would-be attacker will duplicate design elements and mimic the sender’s style. So, you need to be aware.

How to Identify Email Spoofing

There are several signs to look for to identify a spoof email. First, you’ll want to check the email header information. This is a good place to look for tracking information about the message.

To view headers:

  • In Gmail, open the email you want to check headers for. Next to Reply, click the three dots and choose “Show Original”.
  • In Apple Mail, open the email you want to see headers for, and click View > Message > All Headers.
  • In Outlook, open the email you want to check, and then click File > Properties.

Check to see:

  • if the “from” email address matches the name of the person displayed as the sender;
  • that the “reply-to” address is the same as the sender or the site that the email purports to be from;
  • that the “return-path” is the same as the reply-to – you don’t want to think you are replying to “John Doe” when your response will go to “Scammy McScammer”.

The email header is a good starting point, but you’ll also want to ask yourself about the content of the message. If you weren’t expecting a message from that individual or organization, think twice. Also, look out for spelling or grammatical errors. A difficult-to-read message could indicate an unsolicited email from someone with a limited grasp of English.

If the email is pressuring you to act quickly or making an emotional plea for you to do something, be wary. Scammers often rely on urgency or our desire to help. That’s how they trick people into clicking on links or open attachments.

Better Safe Than Sorry

If you aren’t sure about an email’s legitimacy, slow down. Before you act, go to your contact list and send a direct message to that sender’s address to confirm the request. Or call the sender or company the sender apparently represents to verify that the email is a real one.

A managed service provider like CPI Networks can help you better manage email safety. Ask our IT experts to help set up email filtering and monitoring to avoid malware infection. Contact us today at (416) 645-2469 or (905) 667-0441 or email us.

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How to Prevent Password Spraying Attacks

Bad cyber actors are what the kids these days would call “try hards.” They do everything they can think of to get into your accounts. One tactic is password spraying. In case you don’t know about it, this article gives the basics and shares strategies to prevent this type of attack.

You’re probably familiar with hackers trying many different password combinations with the username. Web security services know about this form of attack, too. That’s why you can get locked out of your site for trying the wrong password too many times.

This brings us to password spraying. The cyber criminals have found a way to get around the-three-tries-and-you’re-out-of-luck defense. Instead of one user and many passwords, they use one password with many different usernames.

Think how easy this could be. Your company database is online for people to contact your employees. The bad actor takes john@yourcompany.com, jane@yourcompany.com, jamal@yourcompany.com, and so on, or they buy a list of usernames on the Dark web. Then, they try common passwords for every one of those individuals.

“Abc123,” “123456,” and … ugh … “password” are still frequently in use worldwide as passwords. So, it’s not that much of a stretch for a hacker to be able to get in with one of these common permutations.

The brute-force attack runs through a long list of users before trying the next “wrong” password. So, by the time it has finished going through the list of users with the password “abc123”, enough time has passed to avoid lockouts, and the hacker tries another password from the user list.

What to do about password spraying

The most obvious thing? Stop using any of the passwords that appear on the most commonly used worldwide lists! Do you think no one would still be using these obvious options? In 2021, there were more than 3.5 million reported uses of the “123456” password. “Password” came in second with 1.7 million reported uses. Both take less than a second to crack.

So, prefer more complicated passwords. This doesn’t have to mean that users add seven numbers, six symbols, and three capitalized letters. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines suggest length is more important. So, users can create longer yet easier-to-remember passwords.

IT administrators can also force users to change passwords at their first login to new applications. NIST further recommends checking every new password against a breached password list.

Multifactor authentication helps, as well. This requires the user to verify themselves with access credentials and extra authentication. This might be a code sent via text to a smartphone or could involve an authentication app such as Manage by MYKI .

It’s also a good idea to segment your networks so that users access only what they need to. Limiting user access can minimize the damage done if there is a breach.

Put password best practices in place

Keep your business secure with the help of CPI Networks. We can spearhead the installation of lockout policies and other security measures such as implementing company controlled MYKI Password & 2FA Management system. Our experts also stay current with the latest vulnerabilities to proactively protect your organization.

Call us at (416) 645-2469 or (905) 667-0441 or email us to discuss if CPI Networks is the right IT partner for your business? 

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How to Choose Home Computer Repair

There’s a lot of talk about the best places to use your laptop. We’ll recap that discussion briefly below, but the real focus of this article is where it’s best to put your desktop PC.

First, why does it even matter? Of course, you care how your workstation looks, but beyond the aesthetics, airflow is important too. Computers cool themselves with fans to suck in cool air and expel hot air out the back or top. If you’re not leaving room for the computer to “breath” it can overheat.

When a computer overheats it can become unstable or suddenly shut down. The hot air can also damage internal components. This is true of both laptops and desktops.

That’s why you’ll hear that it’s a good idea to put your laptop on a raised, slatted service where air can reach the vents. A table over a furnace duct or in direct sunlight should be avoided too.

OK, But Where Do I Put My PC?

You don’t want to put your computer somewhere it is going to get dusty, which is a good reason not to put it on the floor. It’s exposed to more dust, hair, and other junk that way. Since the computer’s fans are sucking in cool air, they can suck in the debris too.

Also, on the floor, you risk accidentally hitting or kicking the PC. Sudden jolts are bad for mechanical hard drives. Plus, USB drives or anything else plugged into the front could be knocked out, which damages the port.

Some desks have cabinets under the desk where you can put the computer. But, these may not have been designed with enough airflow.

It’s best to set up your computer on a stable surface to avoid any bumps or drops. You also want to position it so that the cord is not going to create a tripping hazard. If you fall, you could damage the power connection or, worse, knock the computer off your table or desk.

Since the big thing is airflow, you also don’t want to set the PC too close to the wall. This can damage cables in the back if they bend too much. Or, when the hot air exhausts out the back, it will be harder to expel the heated air.

Securing Your Desktop PC

Putting your PC parallel to the monitor, safely stable on your desk or table, with good airflow and room for the cords is your best option for the safety and longevity of your desktop computer.

Need help setting up your desktop PC or finding the best place to position it in your home? Our tech experts are available to help. Contact us today at (416) 645-2469 or (905) 667-0441 or email us to discuss if CPI Networks is the right IT partner for your business? 

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Why You Might Wait to Upgrade to Windows 11

Microsoft is rolling out the next iteration of its operating system, Windows 11. Of course, new = better, right? But, when it comes to Windows 11, you may want to consider waiting. Here’s why.

Typically, software updates are something to install as a matter of course. The manufacturer, after all, is delivering the latest and greatest in its upgrade. This can be new efficiencies, improved processes, and increased security.

CNN calls the Windows 11 release “the biggest update we’ve seen to Microsoft PC software in more than half a decade.”

But when it comes to Windows 11, do some research first. You may not want to be an early adopter.

When to Upgrade

There are still people using Windows 7 and Windows 8, even though these systems are no longer supported by the manufacturer. That, we do not recommend. Without support or security updates, these systems are vulnerable to malware attacks.

Meanwhile, the release of Windows 11 indicates Windows 10 is on its way out. Yet Microsoft has said it will support Windows 10 until October 14, 2025. The company typically keeps a ten-year lifespan for its products.

So, you don’t need to upgrade immediately. And for some businesses, it makes sense to wait longer to make the switch from 10 to 11. After all, it is not yet an essential upgrade.

Those on Windows 10 will see some advantages, yes. We’ll talk more about that next. But, unless you’re a heavy multitasker or need a sleeker visual design on your desktop, you can wait.

By waiting, you’ll also get the advantage of others being the ones to discover the launch issues and bugs. The software has been available in beta since June. Still, as more users get access, you can expect more updates on the horizon.

To help you decide if you’re ready to upgrade, you’ll first want to see if you are eligible for the free upgrade. Also, visit Microsoft’s website to see if your PC can run the software (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11-specifications).

If you have a custom-built desktop, you’ll want to run a health check to see if you have the TPM 2.0 Windows 11 requires. This is a specific security module, so you don’t want to overlook this!

Why Upgrade to Windows 11

Windows 11 is a redesigned operating system aiming at improved user navigation. Expect:

  • a more Mac-like experience;
  • integration with Android apps;
  • a facelift for Microsoft Teams;
  • streamlined switching from monitor to laptop;
  • direct access to widgets from the Taskbar;
  • a few gaming performance enhancements.

How to Upgrade 

The upgrade is rolling out gradually. Those who recently purchased a new laptop before Windows 11 was pre-installed have access now. 

If you are an existing Windows 10 user, you’ll see the Windows 11 upgrade sometime between now and mid-2022. Most users will go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for Updates. If available, you’ll see a Feature update to Windows 11. Click Download and install. 

Remember to backup all your important documents before starting the installation process! 

Also, don’t fall for any fake versions of Windows 11. Wait to receive an official notification of a systems update. Do not click on links promising the software on social media or via email. You could end up downloading malware. 

More on Upgrading Your OS 

If you are in the market for a new laptop, make sure you’re getting one with Windows 11 pre-installed. That way, you’ll be sure to get one that will be able to run the new operating system without hassle. 

Want to be sure you’re ready for the upgrade and need it now? We can help verify your eligibility and run a health check. We’ll also help you determine if you can safely continue with the software you’re using right now. We’re here to help. Call us now at (416) 645-2469 or (905) 667-0441 or email us to discuss if CPI Networks is the right IT partner for your business? 

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Outsourcing to an MSP: Custom-size Your Partnership

When it comes to business technology, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Managed service providers (MSPs) know this firsthand. That’s why you’ll find they make it easy to partner with them for different levels of outsourced IT. This article outlines the three tiers of MSP outsourcing typically available.

Small and mid-sized businesses share many challenges. They need to manage resources, follow regulations, and combat cyberthreats. At the same time, they grapple with constant changes (e.g. growing workforce mobility). Yet for all these commonalities, the technology used in each business can vary, and so too can the level of in-house expertise to manage and maintain IT.

So, many businesses turn to MSPs to get to know their IT infrastructure. The MSP can act as an IT watchdog, offer specific value-added services, or replace an in-house IT team.

MSP as IT Watchdog

This level of MSP engagement is for the business that wants expert backup support. The MSP watches over the business infrastructure and makes sure everything runs smoothly.

The MSP will use remote monitoring to keep tabs on the IT environment. They won’t make any changes if an issue arises – that’s up to the business – but they’ll help detect concerns to avoid any business disruption.

Many businesses don’t have the personnel for around-the-clock IT monitoring. This basic level of MSP service is a good way to track critical networks, systems, and databases 24/7/365.

MSP’s Menu of Services

MSPs also offer a menu of value-added services on top of the monitoring. The added tasks outsourced can depend on your expertise, budget, and desire to be hands-on with IT.

Value-add services MSPs offer include:

  • taking responsibility for installing software updates;
  • fixing security vulnerabilities as they are detected;
  • suggesting current, reliable, and secure technology solutions to improve your operational performance;
  • handling data backup and disaster recovery;
  • serving as your IT help desk for employees.

Partnering with the MSP for these services can save the business time and money. Consider data backup: The MSP may have its own data centers for all its clients, which might mean a better rate on essential data backup thanks to economies of scale.

MSP as IT Team

Other businesses can benefit from handing over all IT to a trusted MSP. For one thing, this saves the business from having to recruit, train, and keep its own IT team in a tight labor market.

The MSP continues to remotely monitor and manage the IT infrastructure, but they now have full responsibility. It’s not a matter of picking from the services available on the a la carte menu above. All those tasks are the MSPs responsibility.

Many internal IT teams are reactive, as they don’t have the bandwidth to act otherwise. Yet with an MSP in place of an overwhelmed IT staff, you gain a proactive partner. The MSP secures applications and networks, manages mobility, and handles any incidents. They keep your business running by avoiding disruptions leading to revenue loss, customer churn, and reputation damage.

Putting an MSP in charge of IT can concern some business owners who are reluctant to give up control, but an MSP brings the benefits of specialized experience with technology (and, ideally, your industry). They have the tools to provide data analytics, improve cybersecurity and continually better your business.

An MSP Partnership to Suit You

On any of these three levels, you want to work with an MSP that will become an extension of your business. The right MSP becomes a trusted partner looking out for your business’s best interests. Call us today at (416) 645-2469 or (905) 667-0441 or email us to discuss if CPI Networks is the right IT partner for your business? 

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How Hackers Get Around SMS Two-Factor Authentication

Every time you’re online and a site sends a separate code to check your identity, you’re using two-factor authentication. It’s become the norm. So, of course, hackers have figured out how to get around this, too. This article shows you how they do it and how to stay safe.

With billions of usernames and passwords leaked, access credentials everywhere are at risk, especially if you are reusing your log-in information on more than one site (don’t do it!).

Business websites want to offer a secure user experience, so two-factor authentication (2FA) has become the norm. It’s meant to help stop automated attacks in which bad actors use the leaked usernames and passwords.

Still, if the site you’re visiting uses short message service (SMS) to send a one-time code to your phone, you could still be at risk.

Hackers, using information they have from a data leak, can call your telephone company. They use your name, date of birth, and other identifiers available on the Dark Web, to impersonate you. Then, say you’ve lost your phone, they transfer your phone number to a device with a different SIM card.

That means when the one-time SMS code gets sent your phone number, the message will instead go to their device.

Android Users Also Beware

On Android devices, hackers have an easier time getting access to text messages. If they have access to your leaked Google credentials, they can log into your Google Play account. From there, it’s simply a matter of installing a message-mirroring app on your smartphone.

The app synchronizes notifications across your different devices. It’s for when you really need to be connected, and you’ll be able to see your phone’s SMS alerts on your tablet!

The app won’t work unless you give it permission when prompted to do so, but too many people don’t stop to read alerts from their own accounts: they assume it’s another necessary update and go on with their day. Otherwise, the hacker might call you in a social engineering ploy pretending to be a legit service provider. They’ll be familiar to you, so you’re more likely to listen when they ask you to give permission.

Again, when the one-time SMS code gets sent to your phone, because of the message-mirroring app, the hacker’s device will also receive the code.

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?

It starts with using unique passwords for all sites you visit. Worried you’ll forget them? A password manager like MYKI can keep all your access credentials in one secure place for you and your team. You should also confirm that your credentials haven’t been compromised. If you use MYKI’s password service, you can  “check passwords” to see if there are any issues. 

Change any passwords that have been involved in a leak!

To avoid the SMS concern specifically, avoid using one-time SMS codes to verify your identity. Instead, you can use a non-SMS authentication tool such as MYKI password manager authenticator, which provides two-step verification services within the app itself.

Need help learning if your credentials have been leaked? Or want assistance setting up more security for your online activity? We can help. Contact our IT experts today at  (416) 645-2469 or (905) 667-0441 or email us. 

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7 Common Business IT Myths Debunked

MythBuster programs on television never focus on business misconceptions about IT. Too bad, because believing these myths can be both costly and dangerous to your business. This article debunks seven common business IT myths.

Sometimes myths are harmless, but when it comes to business IT myths, not knowing the truth is damaging. Make smarter tech decisions with accurate information and a better understanding of IT.

Myth 1: Consumer PCs are interchangeable with business PCs.

Sorry, this one’s false. Selecting a business-grade computer can impact productivity. Don’t squander your competitive advantage by relying on consumer PCs to get the job done.

Consumer PCs are largely about getting the price point down by using lower-quality materials, whereas business computers are built to last, use higher-quality components, and go through more testing. They have business-appropriate features such as fingerprint readers or encryption tools, and better warranties and support.

Myth 2: Apple computers can’t get viruses.

Microsoft Windows users are targeted more often because there are more Microsoft users, and the payoff is bigger. Plus, Windows PCs run any program requested, regardless of danger, whereas Apple has steps in place to prevent unauthorized malware from running.

This myth is also untrue. In fact, in September, Apple released a security update to fix its phones, tablets, and watches. Victims didn’t even have to click on a malicious file to risk device infection. So, if you’re using an Apple device, go into Systems and make sure you’ve upgraded to iOS 14.8, macOS 11.6, and/or watchOS 7.6.2.

Myth 3: One backup is enough.

In the case of data backups, you are much safer taking a 3-2-1 approach to data backup. Have three data backups available on at least two different mediums, one of which should be off-site.

You might backup your data to:

  • a second hard drive;
  • an external hard drive;
  • a thumb or USB flash drive;
  • a cloud service.

Myth 4: Antivirus software completely prevents infection.

Antivirus software is valuable, yes, and your business should consistently upgrade its antivirus software. But no antivirus is going to protect your business from every threat.

Security programs do their best to keep up with new threats and vulnerabilities, but infections can spread across the internet quickly. Plus, bad guys are getting better at crafting variations to evade antivirus tools. As a result, make antivirus software only one piece of your cybersecurity strategy.

Myth 5: Cybercriminals only target enterprises.

Attacks on enterprises grab the headlines, but nearly half of the cyberattacks hit small businesses. The bad actors know that small businesses are more resource-constrained and don’t have cyberattack prevention plans in place. It is easier to go after the little fish than targeting the enterprises with IT teams as big as a basketball squad.

Myth 6: It’s OK to wait until the computer fails to replace it.

You can wait, but it’s not going to be the best thing for your business. Long before a computer fails it could be slowing down your business. Older PCs disrupt productivity and reduce employee satisfaction.

As the computer ages, you’ll lose time loading applications and dealing with crashes. You may also be leaving your systems vulnerable to cyberattack if you can’t upgrade the software.

Myth 7: IT outsourcing is not effective for small businesses.

Maybe you think your IT systems are too small to need ongoing maintenance or monitoring, or (Myth 5) that you’re not at risk. Yet, IT systems of any size need ongoing, consistent attention, and outsourcing can help free up your IT resources to do more value-add tasks.

A managed service provider (MSP) can monitor hardware and backups, streamline systems for speed, and keep security current. The MSP can also manage firewalls, and identify and protect against threats. Partner with us for business IT support today! Call us now at  (416) 645-2469 or (905) 667-0441 or email us. 

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