7 Ways to keep your email account safe

Email is one of the most essential business tools today. It enables swift, efficient communication within a company and with their customers and partners. Email’s popularity among businesses is what makes it a target for hackers looking to get ahold of critical business and client information. It’s therefore crucial to safeguard your email account, and in this blog post, we’ll discuss seven ways to help you do so. Use strong passwords Many email users fail to realize how important it is to have a strong password. A large number of people still use weak passwords, such as “123456,” “qwerty,” or even just “password.” What’s worse, they often reuse these same passwords for multiple accounts. To keep all password-protected accounts secure, utilize strong passphrases that are unique to each account. Enabling multifactor authentication for your email account is also a good security measure. With MFA, a user would have to verify their identity by providing their username and password as well as a valid fingerprint scan or an answer to a security question. This makes it more challenging for malicious actors to access your account. Encrypt emails Email encryption is a process that transforms readable text into unreadable code. This code can be read only by someone who has the corresponding decryption key, keeping your email safe from unauthorized access. Don’t ignore security updates< Always install the most recent updates for your antivirus, firewalls, and email security software. Doing so can protect you from cyberattacks, as it enables these cybersecurity solutions to detect and filter out even the newest email-based cyberthreats. Installing these updates also fixes software vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers. Do not click on suspicious links and email attachments Refrain from downloading or opening files and links in emails if you’re not 100% certain they are safe. These links may direct you to fraudulent websites or these email attachments may install malware on your computer. Beware of phishing scams Phishing is an online scam in which criminals pose as legitimate businesses or individuals to obtain personal information, such as passwords or credit card numbers. Phishing scams can use different communication platforms, but they often involve fake emails that contain links to spoofed websites. When unsuspecting users input their personal information into these fake sites, criminals can use that information to commit identity theft or fraud. Phishing scams are becoming increasingly common, so it’s important to be aware of how they work. Take note that reputable companies would never ask for such sensitive data via email. If you believe that the email you received might be from a phishing attempt, contact the company directly using the contact details on their official website. Don’t use the contact details in the dubious email as these might be fake too. Regularly monitor account activity Monitor for any suspicious behavior, which involves checking your logs for things like unusual devices or IP addresses that have accessed your account. Such activity could indicate a security breach. If you think your account was hacked, sign out of all web sessions and immediately change your password. Use different email accounts Don’t use one email account for everything. Otherwise, if someone gains access to that account, they could also easily steal any stored information or connected online accounts associated with that email. This could lead to hackers using your account for fraud and other illegal activities. That’s why you should create separate email accounts, such as a personal account dedicated to communicating with your friends and family, and a professional account for work-related tasks only. You can also create another email account for miscellaneous things, such as online shops, gaming sites, newsletter subscriptions, and the like. As we become increasingly reliant on technology, the importance of email security grows even more. To protect yourself and your loved ones, you must take steps to secure your email account. If you have any other cybersecurity concerns, contact us now and our IT experts will be glad to help you.

Microsoft 365 data security: 7 Ways to boost protection

Microsoft 365 has become an incredibly popular choice for enterprises of all sizes looking for a comprehensive set of tools for staying productive and secure. But as with using any software, it is important to take steps to protect your data. In this article, we will discuss seven ways to boost data protection in Microsoft 365. We will also provide tips on how businesses and employees can stay safe online. Secure mobile devices It’s common for employees nowadays to use personal smartphones or computers to access their work email, calendar, contacts, and documents, especially if they’re working remotely. This is why securing employee-owned devices should be a critical part of protecting your organization’s data. Installing mobile device management features for Microsoft 365 enables you to manage security policies and access permissions/restrictions, and remotely wipe sensitive data from mobile devices if they’re lost or stolen. Turn on policy alerts Establish policy notifications in Microsoft’s Purview compliance portal to help you meet your company’s data security obligations. With policy alerts on, your employees will receive tips about sending confidential information anytime they’re about to send messages to contacts outside of the company network. These preemptive warnings can prevent data leaks and also educate users on safer data sharing practices. Use multifactor authentication Using only a password to protect your Microsoft 365 accounts could lead to account hijacking, which could put your data at risk of being compromised. Enable multifactor authentication (MFA) so that users will be required to supply additional credentials on top of a password before they can access their accounts. MFA makes it difficult for hackers to access your accounts since they not only have to guess user passwords, but they also need to provide a second authentication factor like a one-time SMS code or a fingerprint scan. Avoid public calendar sharing Microsoft 365’s calendar sharing feature allows employees to share and sync their schedules with their colleagues. However, publicly sharing this information exposes you to security risks because it helps attackers understand how your company works, determine who’s away, and identify vulnerable users. For instance, if security administrators are publicly listed as “Away on vacation,” an attacker may see this as an opportunity to unleash malware on unattended computers. Apply session timeouts Many employees usually forget to log out of their Microsoft 365 accounts and keep their computers or mobile devices unlocked. This could give unauthorized users unfettered access to company accounts, allowing them to steal sensitive data. By applying session timeouts to Microsoft 365 accounts, email accounts, and internal networks, users will be automatically logged out after a period of inactivity. This can prevent hackers from taking over users’ devices and accessing private information. Employ role-based access controls Access management is another Microsoft 365 feature that will limit the flow of sensitive data across your organization. It lets you determine which users have access to specific files in your company. For example, rank-and-file employees won’t be able to read or edit executive-level documents, thus minimizing the risk of data leaks. Encrypt emails Encrypting classified information is your last line of defense against data breaches. If hackers intercept your emails, encryption tools will make files unreadable to unauthorized recipients. This is a must-have for Microsoft 365, where files and emails are shared on a regular basis. Partner with us to ensure your organization’s Microsoft 365 accounts are always secure and compliant with changing data security requirements. Call us today and our IT experts will help find the right cybersecurity solutions for you.

Here’s how to remove unwelcome notifications in Windows 11

Don’t be surprised if you see some ads while using your Windows 11 computer. Microsoft designed its operating systems to show notifications and ads, regardless of the version. Some users don’t mind the ads, but if you do and are wondering if there’s any way to remove such notifications, wonder no more. Here’s how to get rid of unwanted ads in Windows 11. Turn off suggested content in Settings You may find Microsoft subtly suggesting some of its products or services to you while you use certain built-in apps. If you don’t like that, you can disable this feature by going to Settings > Privacy & security > General. Then, toggle off the switch button beside Show me suggested content in the Settings app. With this feature off, the Settings app will stop displaying suggested content. Disable system notifications Microsoft has programmed Windows 11 to send push notifications of tips and tricks that introduce users to more of the company’s products. If you find these suggestions random or unwelcome, you can disable them entirely. Go to Settings > System > Notifications. Then, uncheck two boxes: the one beside Offer suggestions on how I can set up my device and the one beside Get tips and suggestions when I use Windows. This will prevent the system from showing notifications about certain Windows features or offers. Remove ads on the Lock screen Your Lock screen may display ads from time to time depending on your background settings. To prevent this, simply go to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen and choose either the Picture or the Slideshow option under Personalize your background. Then, scroll down the page and deselect the “Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen” option. Your Lock screen should now be ad-free. Uninstall pins from the Start menu Microsoft uses the pin feature on the Start menu to place ads for its own products and services or other apps found on the Microsoft Store. The apps typically vary depending on the user’s region, but some of the common ones include Prime Video and Adobe Express. They’re designed to be highly visible to lure users into clicking and subscribing to them. To remove these pins, open Start, right-click the app you want to get rid of, then select Uninstall. Keep File Explorer ad-free Microsoft also uses File Explorer to promote certain services like OneDrive. To stop getting such ads in File Explorer, open File Explorer and click the three-dotted menu on the command bar. Choose Options, then go to the View tab. Look for the “Show sync provider notifications” option, then deselect the checkbox beside it. This turns off advertisements in File Explorer. This blog is a good starting point if you want to learn about Windows 11. But if you need something a little more advanced, our managed IT services experts are second to none. Get in touch with one of our specialists today to maximize Windows 11’s full potential.

Boost staff efficiency with these tips

Employee efficiency refers to the ability of a worker to do their job effectively using the resources available to them. Increasing efficiency can have a direct impact on productivity, as maximizing their time and effort at work can lead to them completing more tasks.. In this article, we’ll talk about what you can do to boost your team’s efficiency. Provide regular feedback Performance reviews, both positive and negative, are key to inspiring your team to change the way they work for the better. After providing feedback, ask your employees what the company can do to help them improve. By doing this, you not only encourage a culture of communication but also gain useful insights into what your employees need to do their tasks effectively. Offer incentives Offering incentives is a good way to boost worker efficiency. Obviously, the first thing that springs to mind when we talk about incentives and rewards is a pay raise or some kind of financial bonus. However, managers will tell you that recognizing and appreciating the efforts of an employee goes beyond monetary rewards. Here are some ways for you to show your team you value them and appreciate their hard work: Offer additional paid vacation and sick leaves. Treat them to lunch or dinner. Praise them publicly so that everyone will recognize one another’s achievements. Send a personalized congratulatory note when they meet a goal or reach a milestone. Give them the right tools Having the tools they need to do their tasks will help your team save time and effort doing their tasks. This will free them up to do other things and lead them to be more productive. Encourage your employees to take breaks Working long hours and not taking breaks can cause chronic stress, which can be detrimental to an employee’s physical and mental health. According to a study by the World Health Organization, 745,000 deaths worldwide were directly linked to overworked employees. Taking breaks, whether it’s short, medium, or long, can help reduce stress, improve sleep, and eliminate general health issues like headaches and back pain. When employees feel refreshed and recharged, they’re likely to be more efficient at work. Provide training sessions Providing adequate training to employees ensures that they will better understand their roles and how to execute their tasks properly. It’s important to foster continued development through supplemental training sessions covering new skill sets or refreshers on existing ones. This can be done through workshops, one-on-one coaching sessions, conferences, etc. These are just some ways you can enhance the efficiency of your workers. If you want to know more, call us today.

How to improve your online security: Tips for safe surfing

For many, the internet is an important part of their everyday lives. They use it for shopping, banking, and keeping in touch with loved ones and friends. A lot of people, however, are not aware of the many cyberthreats that can steal sensitive information or corrupt their data. In this article, we will discuss how to improve your online security to ensure your safety while browsing the internet. Use a VPN A VPN, or virtual private network, is a software or service that protects your online activities. It encrypts your data and hides your IP address to prevent hackers, your internet service provider, and other third parties from monitoring your online activities and accessing your data. If you frequently access public Wi-Fi hotspots, you should always use a VPN to ensure your security and privacy. Enable multifactor authentication Multifactor authentication (MFA) is a type of access control that requires a user to supply several forms of verification to gain access to an application or online account. This includes what a user knows, like a username or password; what a user has, like a one-time code from an authenticator; and what a user is, such as a fingerprint. MFA adds another layer of defense, making it harder for cybercriminals to infiltrate your device or network. Even if your password is compromised, the intruder will not be able to access the associated account without providing the other required factors. Use complex passwords Passwords are the primary defense against unauthorized entry to your online accounts, computer, and personal information. Using long and complicated passwords makes it harder for cybercriminals to invade your network. Here’s a guide to creating strong passwords: Complex passwords should not be shorter than eight characters. You should use a combination of numbers, upper- and lowercase letters, and special characters. Avoid using names, birthdays, and other personal information. Refrain from using sequential keyboard characters like “12345” or “qwerty.” Change your passwords at least every six months to ensure the security of your network, accounts, and devices. If you find it hard to create complex passwords, a password manager like Dashlane can automatically generate them for you. Install antivirus software Antivirus software can detect and remove viruses and other harmful applications from your computer and mobile devices. Many antivirus software programs today also come with a firewall that monitors all traffic going in and out of your device. A firewall identifies and prevents suspicious data, such as phishing emails, from reaching your computer and mobile devices. If you want to learn more ways of improving your online security, give our experts a call today.

HIPAA-approved social media guidelines for businesses

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) was established with the goal of protecting the privacy of medical providers and their patients. The act sets standards for how healthcare organizations must protect patient information, including what kind of security measures must be in place to keep data safe. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some best practices for social media use in HIPAA-compliant organizations. What social media actions violate HIPAA rules? Posting patients’ protected health information (PHI) on social media without the patients’ permission or authority, even if it’s accidentally, is a violation of HIPAA regulations. This includes actions like: Sharing pictures with patient information visible in the background Sharing any form of PHI (such as images or videos) Posting any information that could identify an individual Sharing gossip about a patient, even if the patient’s name is not mentioned What are the consequences of violating HIPAA? The healthcare industry should never treat HIPAA violations lightly. If an employee is found guilty of breaking a HIPAA rule, they could face fines between $100 and $1.8 million depending on the severity of the violation. They could also face a 10-year jail sentence, lawsuits, job termination, and revocation of their medical license. How can healthcare organizations prevent violations? There are simple ways to avoid HIPAA violations while using social media: Don’t post stories about patients on social media. Even if a patient’s name is omitted, they could still be identified by their diagnosis or treatment. Check the background of your photos before posting. This ensures that you don’t violate policies prohibiting the posting photos of a patient or their information, whether intentional or not. Prohibit employees from offering medical advice on social media. It’s best to refrain from posting diagnoses or treatment plans on social media, even if a patient asks for medical advice. Always get written permission. Sometimes, a patient’s story is too great not to share. Maybe they made an astonishing recovery or exhibited great strength in the face of adversity and you want to share their accomplishment. In cases like these, ask for written permission from the patient before posting their story or anything that pertains to them on social media. Train employees on HIPAA security and HIPAA privacy procedures and policies. Make sure to cover topics such as workstation use, workstation security, and personal device usage for work. This ensures that employees comply with HIPAA rules and are protecting patient information, whether it be electronic, written, or oral. By taking the steps outlined in this article, you can create a safe and confidential environment for all patients. Feel free to call us today if you need help in creating policies and procedures to ensure your staff’s compliance with HIPAA social media rules, or if you need help managing the IT and privacy of your healthcare organization.

How to protect your business from hurricanes

In 2021, the United States experienced one of the most active storm seasons on record, upsetting businesses already dealing with a pandemic. For companies without a good disaster recovery plan, the consequences were devastating. This is why your business should have a hurricane disaster recovery plan. What is a hurricane disaster recovery plan? A hurricane disaster recovery plan is a written set of procedures on how to respond to a hurricane. Just like a standard disaster recovery plan, this policy contains steps that should be taken before, during, and after a hurricane, including: How to anticipate and mitigate the effects of a hurricane Emergency procedures to ensure everyone’s safety Steps for restoring vital business systems and operations Long-term plans for full business recovery How to create a hurricane disaster recovery plan While each organization’s hurricane disaster recovery plan is unique to its industry, the basic framework should contain the following: 1. Risk assessmentConducting a comprehensive risk assessment will help pinpoint vulnerabilities your company must address. This lets you prioritize the most critical parts of your planning and help you shape your hurricane disaster recovery policy. 2. Preventive planningWhile it’s impossible to stop a hurricane, anticipating and carefully planning for it can help prevent serious damage to your business. Think about how people board up their windows before a hurricane strikes. You need to take preventive steps to protect vital aspects of your business from a hurricane. This includes: Backing up your dataData backup is an important component of any disaster recovery strategy. Even if a hurricane does not completely destroy your IT infrastructure, the disruption caused by the loss of huge quantities of data can lead to lost productivity and revenue.Having a robust data backup system allows you to quickly restore vital business data and minimize downtime caused by a hurricane. Examples of data backup solutions include: Off-site backups – Storing copies of your backups in off-site data backup centers in areas rarely hit by hurricanes is an ideal solution. This ensures that you will have secure copies of your data even if your servers and computers are destroyed during a hurricane. Cloud storage – Cloud storage lets you access your data and files remotely, as long as you have a stable internet connection. This allows employees to work from home in case your offices suffer severe damage. Protecting physical assetsDuring a hurricane, the biggest threat to your servers and other electronic equipment is flooding and water damage. Here are some ways you can keep them safe. Avoid storing servers in the basement, as this is usually the first area that will be flooded. Choose a storage room with no water pipes in the walls and ceiling to prevent water from leaking in. Install flood detectors to warn you if water enters your facility. Invest in turtle shells to protect electrical equipment from leaks. 3. ResponseThis covers the emergency procedures that should be taken during a hurricane to minimize the risk of injury to employees, such as: Guidelines on how to protect oneself from strong winds Where to take refuge if trapped in the building Evacuation policies to ensure everyone’s safety You should also include the names and contact information of emergency personnel to ensure all safety measures are carried out properly. 4. RestorationThis contains steps on how to restore critical business operations and systems after a hurricane, and who will be responsible for the restoration process. It should include clear instructions on what needs to be restored first, such as: Data backups Power Network access Servers and other damaged equipment Conducting a business impact analysis will identify critical business systems and help you formulate an effective restoration plan that will get your business back up and running as soon as possible. 5. RecoveryEven if your company restores vital systems quickly, you still need a complete, long-term recovery plan. It should include details on how the company will fully restore operations to pre-hurricane levels. Here are some examples: Repairing of damaged structures Replacement of destroyed equipment Relocation of business if needed Returning the workforce to full capacity Hurricanes are unpredictable, but having a disaster recovery plan in place will help you recover as quickly as possible. Talk to our experts today to learn more about disaster recovery planning.

A short guide to IT security lingo

As more and more businesses move their operations online, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has never been greater. However, many employees are still unfamiliar with many cybersecurity terms. Here are some of the most commonly used terms in IT security. By understanding these terms, you will be better equipped to protect your business from cyberattacks. Malware For a long time, the phrase “computer virus” was misused to refer to any type of attack that harmed computers and networks. The more appropriate term for these harmful programs and files is “malicious software,” or “malware.” Whereas a virus is a specific type of malware designed to replicate itself, any software created for the purpose of destroying or accessing networks and data with the intent to steal, corrupt, or encrypt these should be referred to as malware. Ransomware Don’t let all other cyberthreats ending in “-ware” confuse you; they are all just subcategories of malware. Currently, one of the most notorious of these is ransomware, which is malware that encrypts valuable data until a ransom is paid for the decryption key. In a ransomware attack, the victim organization may feel compelled to pay the ransom to regain access to their data. Intrusion prevention system (IPS) There are several ways to safeguard your network from malware, but an IPS is one of the nonnegotiables. An IPS sits behind your company’s firewall and monitors for suspicious and malicious activity that can be halted before it can exploit or take advantage of a known vulnerability. Social engineering Not all types of malware rely solely on fancy computer programming. Experts agree that the majority of attacks require some form of social engineering to succeed. Social engineering is the act of tricking people, rather than computers, into revealing sensitive or protected information. For some cybercriminals, it’s less tedious to convince a potential victim to give them the data they need than to create and deploy complicated software to obtain the same information. Phishing Phishing is a type of social engineering scheme that involves defrauding people using an app or a website that impersonates a trustworthy or often well-known business in an attempt to obtain confidential information. Just because you received an email that says it’s from the IRS doesn’t mean that it is. Don’t take such emails at face value — always verify the source, especially if the emails are requesting your sensitive data. Antivirus Antivirus software is often misunderstood as a way to comprehensively secure your computers and workstations. These applications are just one piece of the cybersecurity puzzle and can only scan the drives on which they are installed for signs of well-known malware variants. Zero-day attacks When a vulnerability is found within a piece of software, vendors will release an update to fix the gap in security. However, cyberattackers can release a piece of malware that exploits the security vulnerability before software developers can address it. This is known as a zero-day attack. Patch When software developers discover a security vulnerability in their programming, they usually release a small file to update and “patch” this gap. Patches are essential to keeping your network secure from the vultures lurking on the internet. By checking for and installing patches as soon as these become available, you keep your software protected from the latest malware. Redundant data When antivirus software, patches, and intrusion prevention fail to keep your information secure, there’s only one thing that will: quarantined off-site storage. Duplicating your data offline and storing it somewhere other than your business’s workspace ensures that even if your systems get infected with malware, you’re equipped with backups to keep your business running. Our cybersecurity professionals are always available to impart more in-depth knowledge of the many different kinds of cyberthreats. Get in touch with us today and find out how we can help you with your IT security woes.

3 Types of hackers: What you need to know

While there are many similarities among hackers, there are also some key differences among them. Some hackers want money for themselves and resort to evildoings, while others just want to make the world a better place. In this blog post, we will discuss the three main types of hackers and what you need to know about them. A complicated history In the 1950s, the term “hacker” was vaguely defined as someone who explored the details and limits of computer technology by testing them for a variety of purposes. But by the 1980s, when computers became more accessible, “hacker” became closely associated with teenagers who broke into government computer systems. These teens referred to themselves as hackers, perhaps because the word has an aggressive ring to it. Believe it or not, several of those pioneering hackers now run multimillion-dollar cybersecurity consulting businesses, while countless others still run amok online, hoping to make a quick buck off of hapless victims. 3 Types of hackers Knowing the history of hacking can give you a background on the different kinds of hackers, and this information can also help protect your business from cybersecurity threats. Let’s take a look at the three main types of hackers that can impact your organization. “Black hat” hackers Black hat hackers create programs and campaigns to commit all sorts of malicious acts. They’re what most non-IT people think of when the term hacker is mentioned. Black hat hackers typically use hacking tools to attack websites and steal data. They may also create viruses or malware to damage computers and other devices. They commit crimes such as identity theft, credit card fraud, and extortion for their sole benefit, but they can also work for a corporation or a state and commit espionage and cyberterrorism. Kevin Mitnick is a prime example of a black hat hacker. In the 1990s, Mitnick went on a two-and-half-year hacking spree, committing wire fraud and stealing millions of dollars of data from telecom companies and the US National Defense warning systems. After spending five years in prison, he set up his eponymous cybersecurity firm and became its CEO and Chief White Hat Hacker. “White hat” hackers Sometimes referred to as ethical hackers or network security specialists, white hat hackers are considered the good guys. They use their hacking skills to find weaknesses in websites and systems to help fix these vulnerabilities so that they can’t be exploited by black hat hackers. Whether it’s selling what they find to hardware and software vendors in “bug bounty” programs or working as full-time technicians, white hat hackers are interested in making an honest buck. Linus Torvalds is a great example of a white hat hacker. After years of experimenting with the Sinclair QDOS operating system, he released Linux, a secure open-source operating system. Linux is built to prevent malware, rootkits, and other computer pests from being installed onto your device and operated without your knowledge. This is because most infections are designed to target Windows computers and can’t cause any damage to the Linux OS. “Gray hat” hackers Gray hat hackers fall somewhere in between black hat and white hat hackers. Whether a gray hat hacker works as a security specialist or is a cybercriminal, the majority of their work is usually conducted over the internet. While most gray hat hackers usually enjoy the anonymity that gives them the opportunities to try their hands at both white hat and black hat hacking, not all gray hat hackers live in the shadows. For example, Marcus Hutchins is a known gray hat hacker. He’s most famous for stopping the WannaCry ransomware by finding a “kill switch.” However, Hutchins also created the Kronos banking malware. He was arrested in 2017 and pleaded guilty, accepting full responsibility for his mistakes. He now uses his talent by working for Kryptos Logic cybersecurity firm. According to Hutchins, he has since been using the same skills that he misused several years ago for “constructive purposes“. The rapid evolution of the cyber realm means there is more information available online every day, and there are many sorts of hackers looking to misuse it. While the purpose behind each hacker’s action varies, the danger they pose to your data and company is constant. If you think your website or data has been hacked, contact our cybersecurity experts as soon as possible. You can also contact us if you have any questions about how to secure sensitive business information.

Cloud computing in healthcare: 5 Benefits you can’t ignore

Cloud computing has revolutionized the way businesses operate, and practices in healthcare are no exception. Cloud-based solutions offer many benefits over traditional methods, including reliability, convenience, security, and scalability. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the main advantages of cloud computing in the healthcare industry. Better data backup and recovery Data loss is a major concern for healthcare practices. For instance, your business continuity may suffer when your office IT suddenly becomes inaccessible. Even a couple of days or even just a few hours of downtime can have serious repercussions for your organization. But with a cloud storage solution, data loss is not something you should worry about. Nearly every cloud solution stores files in more than one location so backups can be restored quickly if anything goes wrong. Efficient information access Updating patient records used to be a manual and time-consuming activity. In the past, doctors had to either lug around reams of documents or spend hours in front of a computer to retrieve health records. But with cloud applications for managing electronic medical records (EMRs), doctors are now able to conveniently access medical records anytime and anywhere with an internet connection. Improved security and HIPAA compliance The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) stipulates rules and regulations on protecting patient health information. Whether you use a browser-based tool or a mobile app, cloud computing makes it easy to adapt to HIPAA regulatory updates and changes. For instance, a vendor can update its data encryption standards in the cloud. These changes will automatically take effect on all accounts and devices without needing to reinstall programs or manually update certain configurations. Reduced costs Implementing a cloud solution can also eliminate the need for on-site hardware, maintenance fees, and expensive one-time software licenses. And in terms of less quantifiable cost reductions, the ability to access work from anywhere at any time boosts productivity and makes your IT department more efficient. Scalability Unlike in-house hardware, you can easily scale cloud storage solutions in a matter of minutes. Through the cloud, web-based EMR software enables you to retrieve records in a few seconds, and it also gives you more storage than you can ever need. Scalability combined with efficiency allows you to organize your data in a simpler manner. Want to learn more about the ideal cloud computing solutions for your healthcare organization? Get in touch with our tech experts today for personalized recommendations.

Windows Hello makes logging in hassle-free

You can now log in faster and more securely to your Windows 10- or 11-powered device with Microsoft’s Windows Hello. This feature allows you to log in to your computer without having to enter a password. All you need is a fingerprint, iris, or facial scan, or a PIN code. How to set up Windows Hello To get started with Windows Hello, click the Start menu icon and open Settings. From there, choose Accounts, followed by Sign-in options. You should see options for setting your PIN or scanning your face, iris, or fingerprint. Select which method you want to set up and follow the prompts to create a login profile. You can even save your biometric data or scan more than once to boost accuracy. The system collects more data every time you scan, so it’s better to complete a few scans before enabling the login feature. After setting up your account, you can start adding other trusted users who share the same device. Each of them can set up their own PIN or biometric profile in a separate account. Passwords and PIN codes can be used as backup login options in case the camera or fingerprint scanner aren’t working. Limited availability As of this writing, Windows Hello is only available on select Windows 10 and 11 laptops and tablets. To see which devices have Windows Hello, go to the Windows website, scroll down to the “Filter by” section, then select the Windows Hello option under the “Features” column. The resulting selection lists devices that have the infrared camera and/or fingerprint scanner required to enable this feature. Microsoft’s promise of security Your Windows Hello login info is saved only on your device and never on Microsoft’s servers. Furthermore, Microsoft assures users that third parties cannot access locally saved PIN codes and biometric data. All of this means that you never need to worry about your login info falling into the wrong hands. In addition to Windows Hello, there are other Windows features that can make your life easier. Our IT experts can help you get more out of your Windows devices. Contact us today!

Why IT security audits are important

In today’s world, it’s important for organizations to take their cybersecurity measures seriously to avoid cyberattacks and data breaches. A good way for companies to keep their security up to date and compliant is to conduct regular IT security audits. What is an IT security audit? An IT security audit is a thorough evaluation of the cybersecurity measures of your organization. Performing IT security audits will help you identify and assess vulnerabilities in your networks, associated devices, and applications. It involves scanning for security vulnerabilities and performing penetration tests to determine how well your IT infrastructure can defend against various cyberattacks. The results of these tests will help you customize security policies and achieve compliance. Types of IT security audits There are two forms of IT security audits, namely: Internal audit In an internal IT security audit, a company uses its own resources and auditors to conduct the assessment. The organization conducts an internal audit to determine if its systems and cybersecurity policies are compliant with its own rules and procedures. External audit An external audit is carried out by a third-party. External audits are performed when a company needs to ensure that it’s complying with industry standards and government regulations. Why is an IT security audit important? An IT security audit provides a roadmap for your company’s key cybersecurity vulnerabilities. It shows where your organization is meeting important security criteria and where it doesn’t. IT security audits are essential for creating risk assessment plans and prevention strategies for businesses dealing with sensitive and confidential personal data. What does an IT security audit cover? During an IT security audit, every system an organization uses will be checked for weaknesses in the following areas: Network vulnerabilities Auditors identify vulnerabilities in any network component that cybercriminals could use to access valuable information or cause systemwide damage. This includes unsecured access points, instant messages, emails, and network traffic. Cybersecurity controls In this part of the audit, auditors will check how effective an organization’s security controls are. This includes assessing how well the company has implemented existing policies and procedures to protect its information and infrastructure. For example, an auditor will evaluate an organization’s existing security policy on data breaches to determine if the proper measures are in place and if everyone is strictly adhering to those measures. Data encryption This will verify that your company has controls in place to manage the data encryption process effectively. This is to ensure that digital data is kept confidential and protected while being stored on site, in the cloud, on portable devices, and while it is in transit. If you need help in conducting an IT security audit for your business, contact us today to see how our managed solutions can help.

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