Hybrid Operations Can Solve a Lot of Your Business’ Challenges

https://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png

Remote work has presented considerable challenges for employers and businesses around the world, and while many of these challenges are still present, some have been resolved through the use of hybrid work accommodations. This strategy allows companies to provide flexibility to employees while still retaining the advantages of in-office work.

Some Background on the Issue

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work was considered an exception rather than the norm, with many companies flat-out refusing to allow it. Businesses would invest money in providing employees with space for them to work, and the idea was that long-term remote employment would diminish the productivity of an employee over time. This kind of issue would hinder a business’ continued growth and stymie the employees’ professional development.

Of course, the pandemic had other ideas, and most employees who could work remotely were now forced to for the greater good. This eliminated many of the stressors that can come from office employment, like the commute, unnecessary in-person meetings, and so on. They no longer had to feel obligated to participate in events or meetings where their presence was not needed. However, it all came at a cost: the maintaining of productivity levels, something which is challenging for employees the longer it goes on.

All of this created the perfect storm for an event called The Great Resignation, or people leaving their jobs for full-remote work rather than return to the office. Some older employees would rather retire than be forced to work from home and learn new technology skills in the process, and some chose to retire for the exact opposite reasons, realizing that their health and safety were more important than a return to the office. The decisions of the above make sense, as they could make more money and avoid contracting COVID-19 without leaving their home, but the unfortunate side-effects of remote work became more apparent as the pandemic wore on.

The Return to the Office

Gradually, the pandemic diminished, and more employers started requiring their employees to return to the office. People were of mixed opinions on this; some thought it was unnecessary, while others were champing at the bit to see their coworkers again in a relatively normal workplace setting. The fact that many people did not want to return to the office, however, forced employers to consider the ramifications of continued remote work.

Productivity and company culture were two of the major issues on the docket for discussion, as well as the idea of a more flexible work schedule that doesn’t necessarily fall into traditional operating hours. There are so many distractions at home that it’s virtually impossible for remote employees to go about their duties completely uninterrupted. Of course, the same could be said for the office, but it’s easier to maintain focus on work when you’re, well, at work.

So, why can’t workers maintain productivity without the distraction of the workplace? The answer to this question is a bit more nuanced than you might expect. The truth is that employees with remote work are going to be more productive when they focus on their work, but this focus cannot be sustained as long due to the other distractions, comforts, and conveniences that working from home has to offer.

Really, remote workers are just as productive as they are in the office—it’s just that it’s done in less time and in a less sustained way than it might be in, say, the office. If anything, remote workers can be considered more productive in a short period of time compared to the traditional office worker. To take advantage of both circumstances, however, employers can implement a  hybrid workplace policy.

Some Hybrid Work Strategies to Consider

If you want to get the most out of both remote and in-house workers, then perhaps a hybrid solution can be an easy middle ground. It provides the flexibility workers want with the productivity expectations of employers. It also encourages an improved work-life balance, fewer commutes, and flexibility in how employees approach their work, all while making sure that the capacity for collaboration is there if it’s needed.

Granted, it’s not that simple, but it’s an improvement if implemented properly. You’ll need to have a plan if you want to get the most out of hybrid work while ensuring that everything gets done. Furthermore, consider that your best employees will make career decisions based on the ability to work remotely and the flexibility to work from home, so having this built into your work strategy can be good for both talent acquisition and retention. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Be Flexible Yourself

This big change to your operations will likely result in a shakeup in terms of how you approach certain processes and policies. Be sure to pay attention to how your team works and operates so that you can make the best decisions possible with the information you have. Your team’s newfound work strategies might give you ideas for how you can be more effective as an organization.

Promote Connection

Having a dedicated workplace culture can be great for employee satisfaction, but it’s significantly more difficult if your team isn’t always in the office. Make efforts to keep your team connected even if they are working remotely. Provide communication tools, encourage in-house gatherings, and promote camaraderie whenever possible.

Hybrid work is only effective if you provide the appropriate tools for the job, too, so if you need a hand with deploying the technology needed to maintain operations while out of the office, Reciprocal Technologies can help. To learn more, call us today at (317) 759-3972.

from: https://reciprocaltech.com/blog/hybrid-operations-can-solve-a-lot-of-your-business-challenges/

Cybersecurity Strategies for Small & Medium-Sized Businesses

https://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png

In today’s digital age, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) face increasing cybersecurity risks due to their increased reliance on technology. Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated in their methods of attack and SMB owners need to ensure they have the necessary tools and strategies in place to protect against these threats.  

This article will give you a comprehensive guide on the best cybersecurity strategies for SMBs, including tips on employee training, network security, data backup and recovery options as well as outsourcing IT services. By implementing these strategies, SMB owners can better safeguard their business operations from cyberattacks while continuing to achieve growth and success. 

Invest in a Good Anti-Virus and Firewall Software 

An essential cybersecurity strategy to implement for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) is investing in high-quality anti-virus and firewall software. These tools are essential for protecting against various types of cyber threats, including viruses, malware, spyware, ransomware, and other malicious attacks. Without adequate protection in place, SMBs are at risk of losing sensitive data or facing costly downtime due to a cyber-attack. 
 
When choosing an anti-virus and firewall software solution for your business, it’s important to do your research and select one that fits your specific needs. Look for solutions that offer comprehensive protection across all devices used by employees – computers, mobile devices etc., as well as regular updates and support services from the vendor.  

By making this investment in cybersecurity tools upfront SMB owners will be able to provide a safer environment into which they may grow their business securely while minimizing risk presented by potential attacks on their networks or IT infrastructure over time. 
 
SMB owners need comprehensive information on what antiviruses are suitable for startups with appropriate settings to not slow down working processes but maintain robust protects systems against online fraudsters at all times.  

While there is no guaranteed way to eliminate cybersecurity risks altogether, but being proactive with anti-virus measures provides additional system defenses so employees can focus more efficiently on serving clients rather than dealing with damages caused by security breaches which could result loss of revenue if not properly addressed over timely manner. 

Utilize Two-factor Authentication for All Access Points 

Another important cybersecurity strategy to implement for SMBs is to utilize two-factor authentication for all access points. Two-factor authentication requires users to provide two forms of identification in order to gain access to a system or application, such as a password and a biometric scan or security token. This additional layer of security can help prevent unauthorized access by cybercriminals who have obtained login credentials through phishing scams or other means. 
 
Implementing two-factor authentication for access points including but not limited to; email accounts, cloud services, and internal networks, can greatly reduce the risk of data breaches and protect sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands. It’s important for SMB owners to educate their employees on how to use two-factor authentication effectively and make sure that it is enabled for all relevant applications and systems. 
 
Utilizing two-factor authentication is an essential aspect of any comprehensive cybersecurity strategy for SMBs in today’s digital age. By taking proactive measures like this, you can stay ahead of evolving threats and better protect your business against cyberattacks. 

Regularly Backup Data to Cloud Storage 

One of the most crucial cybersecurity strategies for small and medium-sized businesses is to regularly backup their data onto cloud storage. Cloud storage provides a secure and reliable solution that enables SMBs to access their files from any location, with peace of mind knowing that their data is always protected. By keeping backups on the cloud, SMB owners can easily recover any lost or damaged files due to cyberattacks or human error. 
 
Moreover, cloud storage offers enhanced security features such as encryption and two-factor authentication that safeguard sensitive business information from unauthorized access. These security measures ensure that only authorized personnel have access to confidential company data thus preventing infiltration by hackers or malicious insiders. Additionally, adopting cloud-based self-service platforms for backing up and restoring data significantly reduces IT intervention cost while improving resilience across all sizes of organizations. 
 
Regularly backing up data onto the Cloud remains one of the best practices SMBs should implement to safeguard against cybersecurity risks associated with increasing reliance on technology today. It ensures minimal downtime after an incident like ransomware attacks since there are tested back-ups available allowing companies fast recovery time objectives.  

This approach improves overall resilience for SMBs regardless of the attackers’ sophistication levels in cyberspace – leaving them well poised for success amidst rising threats akin to advanced persistent cybercriminal activity targeting corporations worldwide irrespective of origin or size! 

Provide Cybersecurity Training for Employees 

An additional key cybersecurity strategy for SMBs is to provide employees with regular training and education on cyber threats. Cybercriminals often target employees as they are seen as weak links in an organization’s security infrastructure, so it is critical that all staff members are aware of potential risks and know how to respond appropriately. This can include basic training on topics such as password management, safe browsing practices, email phishing scams, and social engineering attacks. 
 
Beyond these basics, organizations may also benefit from more specialized cyber awareness programs tailored to their specific industry or position within the company. For example, a financial services firm might focus on information security policies and procedures related to customer data while manufacturing companies may need to emphasize supply chain risk management.  

By investing in ongoing employee training programs aimed at increasing cyber literacy across the organization, SMBs can significantly reduce their exposure to cybersecurity risks. 
 
Providing cybersecurity training for employees is not only essential for protecting sensitive business information but also fosters a culture of accountability and responsibility when it comes to safeguarding digital assets.  

This approach helps build resilient organizations capable of managing evolving threats over time – something increasingly important given today’s persistent threat environment where new attack vectors emerge regularly. 

Monitor the Performance of Your IT Systems 

To stay ahead of the ongoing and growing cybersecurity threats, it is critical for SMBs to continually monitor the performance of all IT systems. Regular monitoring helps detect potential security breaches or system failures before they result in significant damage to the organization’s operations or reputation. Business owners should ensure that every device connected to their network receives regular updates and patches from the manufacturer. 
 
Moreover, installing anti-virus software on all devices; engaging a secured firewall; using virtual private networks, offering multi-factor authentication options, establishing strong passwords policies can help enhance IT systems’ resiliency against cyber-attacks.  

Security audits conducted by trusted third-party vendors should be carried out annually, if possible, since they assist SMB owners in identifying vulnerabilities within their infrastructure that require immediate attention. 
 
Being vigilant about monitoring IT system performance continuously is necessary while combing this with other strengthen measures such as employee training and outsourcing sensitive IT services entities when resources are limited will improve cybersecurity resilience for SMBs a digital age where technology reliance has never been more meaningful but riskier than ever before. 

Recap 

As we’ve discussed, cybersecurity has become an issue of great importance for small and medium-sized businesses in the digital age. The threat of cyber-attacks against these organizations is constantly evolving and becoming more complex. Without proper security measures in place, SMBs can experience significant losses due to financial fraud, data breaches, or reputational damage. 
 
It is imperative that SMBs take proactive steps towards securing their systems from potential attacks by taking advice from experts in the field of cybersecurity.  

By implementing these strategies such as cybersecurity employee training, network security guidelines, data backup and recovery options among others; SMB owners can significantly reduce their exposure to cyber threats and protect their valuable assets from attacks. 

from: https://reciprocaltech.com/blog/cybersecurity-strategies-for-small-medium-sized-businesses/

Cybersecurity Burnout Is Real: Here’s How to Prevent It

https://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png

Cybersecurity is complicated, with countless moving parts that all contribute to a well-protected network. This includes password changes, multi-factor authentication, and policies and procedures that could make the average workday a headache for the average office worker. Cybersecurity burnout is a real thing, and it’s becoming a major problem for businesses that don’t approach it intentionally.

How Does Security Fatigue Work?

Imagine for a moment that you are an employee, or rather, anyone who might not necessarily have to worry about cybersecurity on a business level. You are asked to make a new password for all of your accounts once a month, and you dread having to use the multi-factor authentication tool just to get logged in to do your job. Furthermore, you have mandatory cybersecurity training scheduled for when you had intended to catch up on your important tasks.

Sound like a lot? That’s kind of the point here; people will always be the weakest link in your cybersecurity infrastructure, and all of the policies and procedures outlined above are only effective if your team has the mental bandwidth to adhere to them.

Constantly being asked to do the same thing, over and over, particularly where cybersecurity is concerned, has led employees to finding more streamlined ways to approach their own personal cybersecurity policies, just to keep up with organizational expectations. In other words, they cut corners by using the same passwords over and over again, or they use the same password and change the number at the end.

There are other aspects of security fatigue, but suffice to say that it’s when the business places so much emphasis on security and safeguards that its employees lose interest in maintaining them, resulting in less security as a whole.

What Are the Symptoms of Security Fatigue?

Cybersecurity fatigue can come with a variety of symptoms that can tell you whether or not your business is at risk. Here are some of them:

• Have you or your team members grown more lax with your password practices?
• Are you or your team members prone to connect to insecure networks without the added protection of a virtual private network, even when accessing sensitive accounts and data?
• Do you and your team keep an eye out for signs of phishing, or are most messages taken at face value?
• Are work devices commonly used for personal activity?
• Is IT kept apprised of incidents and issues promptly, or are such things only reported when the circumstances are severe?
• Do you or your team members frequently use workarounds to bypass your security?
• Are work devices kept appropriately up-to-date, or have updates been somewhat neglected?

Do these sound familiar? Chances are you’re dealing with security fatigue.

How to Cure Security Fatigue

There are ways you can take action against security fatigue, and they aren’t terribly complicated. The biggest thing to keep in mind regarding these measures, however, is that you cannot compromise your business’ security in the process. You can, however, take a lot of stress off your team’s shoulders by automatically handling a lot of processes, like patching and updates, remote management, password management, and so on, all to help productivity while maintaining security.

Reciprocal Technologies can help your business work toward a healthy cybersecurity culture. To learn more, call us today at (317) 759-3972.

from: https://reciprocaltech.com/blog/cybersecurity-burnout-is-real-heres-how-to-prevent-it/

You Need These 4 Cybersecurity Solutions for Your Business

https://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png

Modern businesses depend on cybersecurity to help keep operations from being targeted by hackers and other cybercriminals. Businesses need to be both resilient and agile in how they protect their infrastructure from these threats. Let’s discuss four of the most important ways your business can protect itself from the growing threats of malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and other cybersecurity threats.

Secure Your Endpoints

Enterprise-level security solutions that can help you protect all endpoints of your business are crucial to keeping your infrastructure secure. You should implement a firewall, antivirus solution, spam blocker, and content filter that can govern your entire computing infrastructure. This software will handle most of the hard work for endpoint protection, and keep in mind that endpoints also include mobile devices and IoT devices, too.

Implement Patches and Security Updates

Software is at the heart of your business operations, and as such, you’ll want to make sure you are keeping it all up-to-date so that your solutions aren’t putting your business in harm’s way. You need to make sure that you’re applying patches and security updates as they are released so that you’re addressing all possible vulnerabilities and bugs which could allow a threat to slip through the cracks.

Train Your Employees on Security Practices

No matter how many solutions you implement for your business, chances are you’ll still be at risk of a cyberattack against your employees. This is the downside of advanced cybersecurity solutions; criminals know they can’t break through, so they look for other avenues of access, including your staff. You should educate your employees on topics like secure password creation, phishing attacks, and routine tests that keep them engaged in your culture of cybersecurity.

Utilize Multi-Factor Authentication

Account access is something you cannot neglect for your infrastructure security, and the simple and harsh truth is that complex passwords are only a single, small part of controlling account access. You should implement multi-factor authentication so that you can use a combination of factors to guarantee that users accessing an account are who they claim to be. Measures include something you know (a password or passphrase), something you own (a smartphone or mobile device), and something you are (fingerprints, face scans, other biometrics).

Keeping your business safe is not a one-and-done kind of initiative; it’s an ongoing process that requires careful monitoring, maintenance, and evaluation. To learn more about how you can keep your company safe from today’s advanced cyberthreats, reach out to us at (317) 759-3972.

from: https://reciprocaltech.com/blog/you-need-these-4-cybersecurity-solutions-for-your-business/

Why Keeping Your Network Security Up to Par is Essential for Success

https://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png

In today’s technological age, businesses are more reliant on computers and the internet than ever before. While technology has made communication and operations streamlined, it also presents a significant threat to security if not effectively managed. Cyber attackers constantly target networks of all sizes; even small breaches can have catastrophic consequences for companies and individuals alike.

Keeping your network security up to par is essential to achieving success in today’s business world. Strengthening your network security is essential for safeguarding your data, finances, and overall business stability. Here are a few tips to help you protect your company from potential cyber threats and maintain peak performance.

Protection Against Malicious Attacks

To stay ahead in today’s competitive business landscape, it is critical for businesses to prioritize network security and take the necessary steps to safeguard against cybercrime. Recent years have seen a sharp rise in the complexity of malicious attacks, which makes investing in robust cybersecurity protocols an absolute necessity. Such threats can not only cost companies valuable data but also lead to costly outages and reputational damage.

One of the most effective ways to protect against cyber threats is by implementing multi-layered security systems that include firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems. It is also crucial for organizations to stay up to date with the latest threat intelligence information so they can anticipate and prevent potential risks before they occur. Employee education plays a key role in protecting networks from attack. Staff members should be trained on how to identify suspicious email messages or links that could put their organization at risk.

Investing in comprehensive cybersecurity measures helps businesses mitigate risk while simultaneously ensuring operations remain efficient and productive. By always keeping network security up-to-par–even during periods of minimal risk–businesses will be well-positioned for long-term success in today’s competitive digital landscape.

\Ensuring Data Privacy and Integrity

Ensuring data privacy and integrity is a vital component of effective network security. Without proper measures in place, sensitive business information can be compromised or manipulated by cyber attackers, leading to disastrous consequences for companies across all industries. It is crucial that businesses take the necessary steps to safeguard their data against potential threats.

One effective method for ensuring data privacy and integrity is encryption, which involves converting plain text into encoded ciphertext that can only be deciphered with the correct key. Encryption plays a critical role in protecting confidential information during transmission between devices or storage locations. Regular backups of important data on secure servers should be performed as an additional safety measure.

Maintaining strong network security is essential for the survival and success of any modern business. By prioritizing solutions such as encryption and consistent backup procedures to ensure data privacy and integrity are upheld, organizations can help prevent costly breaches while promoting trust with clients and customers.

Minimizing the Risk of Data Loss or Theft

As reliance on technology increases, the risk of data loss or theft also rises. Insecure networks can make businesses vulnerable to cyber-attacks, resulting in significant financial losses and reputational damage. To minimize these risks, it is essential for companies to implement robust network security measures. This includes regularly updating software and patches, implementing firewalls, restricting user access according to their role within the company, and using secure passwords.

In addition to technical solutions, educating employees about safe online practices is equally important. Employees must be aware of phishing attacks and other common tactics used by hackers to gain access to a system. Regular training sessions can help ensure that employees understand best practices and are equipped with the skills necessary for managing potential threats proactively.

Prioritizing network security safeguards not only your business but also strengthens customers’ confidence in your brand’s commitment to protecting sensitive personal information from being exposed fraudulently. With protection against external threats constantly evolving over time, keeping up-to-date improves organizations’ resilience in navigating cybersecurity challenges now and going forward long-term.

Conclusion

It is evident that networks form the backbone of modern businesses, and their security plays a crucial role in ensuring their success. The ever-increasing reliance on technology means that threats to network security are becoming more complex and sophisticated over time. Businesses, therefore, must continually adapt by adopting proactive measures to protect themselves from cyber-attacks.

It is critical for business leaders to understand that investing in network security is not just about protecting sensitive data or HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act) compliance but rather an investment in the sustainability and longevity of their organization. With every breach comes a loss of millions in recovery costs, lost opportunities as well as damage to reputation which may be hard to restore if severe enough thus rendering companies vulnerable.

The importance of staying on top of your network security can’t be overstated. In today’s tech-driven world, a strong cybersecurity strategy and ongoing vigilance are essential for any business to succeed. Building multiple layers of protection will help protect against sophisticated and ever-evolving threats, preventing potential financial distress or other damages that can result from cyberattacks. When it comes to safeguarding yourself and your company, proactive prevention is always smarter (and cheaper) than reactive response – something businesses that have experienced the consequences know all too well.

from: https://reciprocaltech.com/blog/why-keeping-your-network-security-up-to-par-is-essential-for-success/

Not Even QR Codes Are Safe from Cybersecurity Threats

https://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png

Quick response codes, or QR codes, are all over the place in today’s business world. They have largely been implemented as a means of providing contactless services throughout the pandemic and post-pandemic business environment, but they have also long been used for things like menus, document access and management, and so on. Even cybercriminals are using QR codes to their advantage, making it harder for all of us to trust them.

Let’s go over some of the key takeaways from QR code fraud and what you can do about it.

Explaining QR Codes and QR Code Fraud

QR codes have been around since 1994, and they are barcodes that can be scanned through the use of a smartphone. Essentially, the traditional barcode is limited to 20 alphanumeric characters due to being designed for horizontal scanning. A QR code takes this one step further by utilizing both vertical and horizontal space, allowing it to hold more information and to be scanned from any angle.

This makes things easier for businesses and users, but it also makes things easier for cybercriminals. They can share malicious links and malware through a medium that is a trusted way of disseminating information. People tend not to question QR codes, making them considerably more useful for this purpose than other traditional hacking mediums.

QR Codes Can Be Used in Phishing Schemes

Worse yet, they can be incorporated into various strategies to allow for more effective phishing tactics. Phishing is already problematic enough without the addition of QR codes; they just make it even more difficult to identify attacks. Plenty of people wouldn’t think twice about scanning a QR code on a business card, menu, or poster, and that’s how hackers can get you. These threats make even security-minded individuals vulnerable to attacks.

Furthermore, these attacks often don’t initiate immediately. Malware will often be uploaded to the device that scans the malicious QR code, waiting for the best opportunity to strike. For example, people might use the same device for their banking credentials or account access information, and if there is malware waiting to steal those credentials, well, that’s certainly not a good thing.

Some QR codes will also direct users to a phishing website where credentials could be harvested. Let’s say you use the QR code to view a website that appears genuine, only to find out the website is impersonating the real deal. Some cybercriminals will even place their own QR codes over legitimate ones to accept payments to their own accounts.

Knowledge is Power, in This Case

The more you know about QR codes and phishing, the more likely you are to protect yourself from these types of scams. Whether it’s your personal or professional life, you can use the following tips to avoid phishing scams:

• Treat suspicious QR codes like you would any other suspicious method; contact the other party through an alternative method to confirm legitimacy.
• You can also manually search for the resource provided through the QR code.
• Security tools like antivirus and scam alert applications can go a long way toward mitigating risk.

Reciprocal Technologies can help your organization stay safe against these types of scams and all other types of threats. To learn more, call us today at (317) 759-3972.

from: https://reciprocaltech.com/blog/not-even-qr-codes-are-safe-from-cybersecurity-threats/

Maximize Profitability with Managed Services

https://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png

Your business relies on its profits and continued profitability to succeed, but this priority is surprisingly challenging. By investing in a managed service provider, however, you can gain a considerable advantage while improving your productivity, thus resulting in increased profits for your business.

Let’s look at how a managed service provider can help your business achieve maximum profitability.

Your Employees Will Have the Requisite Tools

The right tools for the job will always be more successful and less frustrating to deal with than the incorrect ones, without a doubt. If your employees don’t have access to the tools they need to do their jobs, then you can expect their productivity to decrease, which is where the managed service provider comes in. MSPs can maintain and deploy the appropriate software and hardware solutions to your team so you know they can perform their duties as efficiently as possible.

Your Downtime Will Be Minimized

If you want to maximize profitability and productivity, then it stands to reason that you have to virtually eliminate downtime to do so. If your technology isn’t working the way it’s supposed to, then your team cannot be as effective as they could be. If you can’t support your business’ technology, even with an internal IT department that is worked to the bone, then managed IT services can help supplement the efforts to do so. In fact, some companies find it so helpful for their budgets that they outsource all of their IT needs through a managed service provider. If you’re interested, let us at Reciprocal Technologies know and we can walk you through what this might look like for your company.

You’ll Experience Fewer Redundancies

What happens when you invest in different solutions, all of which do largely the same thing? A managed service provider like Reciprocal Technologies can help you figure out where your costs are being sunk on solutions that are not bringing value to your business. This dedication to ensuring you pay only for what you need, and nothing more, is what makes working with a managed service provider so valuable. We can help you identify where you’re spending capital on software that isn’t getting utilized, or isn’t getting utilized effectively, and compare that to whether it’s bringing you a return on your investment.

Interested in Learning More?

Reciprocal Technologies provides managed services to businesses just like yours in the Indiana community. To learn more, just pick up your phone and call us today at (317) 759-3972.

from: https://reciprocaltech.com/blog/maximize-profitability-with-managed-services/

AI Might Be the Next Big Thing for Your Email Security

https://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png

While artificial intelligence is being adopted across numerous industries, one that many people may not think of is the cybercrime industry. Fortunately, AI can also be used to stop some forms of cybercrime, such as phishing. Let’s talk about how AI might soon be an integral part of your phishing prevention.

How Can AI Help You Stop Phishing?

First, it will be helpful to understand exactly what AI is, and how it works.

By collecting and parsing through data, AI is simply a computer program that makes continuously improving decisions based on the analysis of its past results. While this is technically a process that a human being is capable of, the program can do so more accurately with a lot less independent biases and much, much faster.

This is precisely why AI is such a strong choice for phishing mitigation. Let’s dive into some of the specific ways that it can show its worth:

1. AI can look beyond the surface of an email to identify signs of phishing, which means that indicators that an email is a phishing attempt—like too many IP addresses being connected to before the message lands in an inbox—are far easier to spot with AI’s help.
2. AI can also spot odd behaviors in the message itself, tracking patterns in a given contact’s behaviors to spot abnormalities.
3. On a related note, the context of the message itself can be examined for any red flags, ensuring that the warning signs your team members should keep an eye out for are responded to appropriately before they can ever touch a potential threat.
4. Finally, AI can be used to identify if a message seems odd when the sender and recipient and their roles are taken into consideration.

This Does Not Mean That Phishing is No Longer a Concern

While tools like these are immensely helpful, there are a few reasons that you and your team cannot be let off the hook. Not only can these platforms still let threats through, it isn’t as though phishing is exclusively attempted via email messages, either. Your team members still need to serve as the last line of defense.

We can help you stay secure as well through our assortment of security tools. Find out how by giving us a call at (317) 759-3972.

from: https://reciprocaltech.com/blog/ai-might-be-the-next-big-thing-for-your-email-security/

What Can Businesses Learn from Schofield’s Laws of Computing?

https://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png

We frequently write about topics in relation to business IT, but one that we have yet to cover is Schofield’s Laws of Computing. What are these laws, and what can businesses learn about them?

Introducing Schofield’s Laws

Jack Schofield was born in Yorkshire on March 31, 1947, and he was a writer for The Guardian until his passing in 2020. His work was popular in technology media outlets, but one of his better-known works includes a collection of best practices published through The Guardian. These Laws of Computing are over two decades old, but they still contain valuable lessons that businesses can learn.

These laws are as follows:

1. Never put data into a program unless you can see exactly how to get it out.
2. Data doesn’t really exist unless you have two copies of it. Preferably more.
3. The easier it is for you to access your data, the easier it is for someone else to access your data.

We can learn a lot by looking at these laws of computing. Let’s dive in.

Protecting Data Portability

One of Schofield’s Laws of Computing concerns data portability. Let’s say you are working with a service provider and they raise their prices or make changes to your terms of service. This law protects your right to have that data transferred elsewhere if you don’t want to accept those terms of service.

This principle states that businesses should be able to remove their data from any software or service, for any reason, in the above specified conditions.

Endorsing Data Redundancy

Redundancy is a term that you hear a lot in business technology, and for good reason. Schofield claims it’s a necessity, and we’d argue the same. You should have at least one copy to rely on in case your primary data cannot be accessed (of course, we would say you need at least three), and there are so many reasons why you might lose access to your original data that it’s almost mind-boggling.

Consider the possibilities of malfunctioning devices or infrastructure, user error, criminal activity, and so on. These are only the tip of the iceberg. Schofield mentions some other, less common situations, like issues on the provider’s end. What do you do when your cloud data is lost, or if the provider goes out of business?

Raging Against Cybersecurity Challenges

There’s a reason why we take security so seriously, and that’s because it’s more important than ever in today’s ever-online and ever-connected world. Cybercriminals have more opportunities to steal your data, and while your accounts and information might be more accessible and convenient than ever before, the same holds true for criminals.

Simply put, security measures like multi-factor authentication are inconvenient, but they are necessary to preserve your data’s security.

Let Us Help You Implement Security Best Practices

Managed services like those offered by Reciprocal Technologies can help you best utilize your business technology, including leveraging the best practices of these laws to your advantage. To learn more, call us at (317) 759-3972.

from: https://reciprocaltech.com/blog/what-can-businesses-learn-from-schofields-laws-of-computing/

Cloud Tools Can Present More Value for Cost-Conscious Businesses

https://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png

Running a business is often a circus. Many times it requires several juggling acts and a dog and pony show to just get things done. This couldn’t be more true nowadays as business owners are considering how to operate with rising inflation and labor shortages threatening to stymie their organizational progress. Today, we’re going to look at some ways you can stretch your capital.

The BIG Difference Between Cost and Value

The first consideration you need to make to get your operational capital go further is not just the cost of something, but its value to your business. Obviously, for the big purchases, you do your best to understand the potential value of the investment, otherwise you wouldn’t pull the trigger on it. Today, it’s important for businesses to look for value in every single investment they make. Not only to get a positive ROI in the short term, but how these decisions will make a difference in the long term. This means finding value in new technologies or even making cuts to long-standing programs that aren’t working toward the ultimate success of your business. 

Consider the Cloud

One place that any business that relies on their information systems can always find value is in the cloud. Cloud computing is a great solution for any business that needs to expand their computing infrastructure. Purchasing cloud resources is like renting the specific tool you need at the moment you need it. Do you need remote access to your CRM? Do you need email or telephone systems? Do you need more storage? This and a lot more is available through the cloud. Let’s take a look at some specific solutions that will help you stretch your technology budget. 

Additionally, there are many other software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications that can fill any need your business may find necessary. You can get productivity apps through one of many cloud-based productivity suites, you can get specialized apps that you couldn’t do business without through the cloud. You can even get the network security tools you need through cloud computing. 

Good Communications Make a Difference

Having solid communications can do a lot of good for a business. Not only does your staff need tools to push workplace initiatives ahead, they need access to powerful communications options. This includes email, collaboration tools, etc. 

One of the most powerful tools your business can use is a VoIP solution. Voice over Internet Protocol is one of the most useful and cost-effective tools that a business can use. By replacing your traditional phone system with a VoIP system, your business is gaining the ability to control costs, gain superior functionality from your business’ communications solution, and provide additional ease of access through third-party integrations with VoIP providers. 

To save money there are plenty of other cloud-based options available. Your business can utilize productivity software in the cloud. Useful tools like payroll software or the more comprehensive customer relationship management (CRM) can all be procured as a cloud service, giving your team anywhere, anytime access to software designed to keep your business in order and keep projects and services on budget and meeting deadlines. 

If yours is one of the millions of small businesses looking to stretch your budget a little more to make your business more cost-conscious, call the IT professionals at Reciprocal Technologies today at (317) 759-3972 to learn how our professional consultants can help you deploy the technology your business needs for a price you can manage. 

from: https://reciprocaltech.com/blog/cloud-tools-can-present-more-value-for-cost-conscious-businesses/

You Can’t Print Money, but You Can Save It… With Managed IT

https://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png

Even the most lucrative businesses never have enough capital and resources to do everything they would like to do. Whether it’s paying an unexpected bill or purchasing something you truly need, there are plenty of ways to spend more than you think for your business, especially with technology. Let’s go over some of the ways you can use technology to actually save money for your business.

How to Get the Best Value from Your Tech

When looking for technology that represents the best cost-saving value for your business, you’ll first want to focus on getting a return on your investment. In other words, which technology can you implement to get the most ROI?

One that comes to mind is the implementation of technology to support remote workers, as it allows you to potentially downsize and save money on office space or utilities like electricity. Remote technologies can be used in the office, too, so it’s not even like they are an exclusive solution that is only for remote employees. Laptops, a virtual private network, and communication tools can all be beneficial when implemented correctly.

Assuming your staff can do the same amount of work from home without coming to the office, you’ll start to see a return on your investment when your next utility bill comes in. You’ll spend a lot less on heating, cooling, and rent/mortgage. It’s a value that you might not immediately expect from remote working, but it’s one that is important all the same.

Ultimately, ROI is not a new concept, but technology gives you more creative and innovative ways to maximize it. Let’s go over some of the best solutions you can implement to get the most bang for your buck.

Cloud Computing

Small and medium-sized companies that want to compete with their larger counterparts should consider implementing similar solutions to those counterparts. Cloud computing gives businesses of all types the ability to use technology to their advantage, including the same resources used by big names in your industry, without the hefty price tag you might think is associated with them.

Businesses can get just about any solution they need delivered through the cloud. You can gain the ability to run full servers, deploy web-based applications for administration and productivity, and other tools and services that you might need. Software as a Service is remarkably helpful for businesses that want the predictable and budget-friendly expenses of a monthly payment or subscription.

Voice over IP

One SaaS tool you can implement that can bring great ROI is a hosted VoIP platform. You can take advantage of a reliable and feature-rich telephone system that isn’t tied to a local provider, meaning you can free yourself from the unnecessary service that they might charge you for. You can instead use your Internet connection to do everything you would with your telephony system. You can even access your work phone on your mobile device!

Managed IT Solutions

If you want to make the most of your technology, then we recommend that you work with someone who knows how to work with it, like a managed IT provider. The right provider will work with you to implement the best and most ROI-friendly solutions on the market. With experts on your side, you’ll be that much more likely to succeed and get the best value out of your technology.

Let Us Help

Reciprocal Technologies can implement the best solutions out there for your business. To learn more, call us today at (317) 759-3972.

from: https://reciprocaltech.com/blog/you-cant-print-money-but-you-can-save-it-with-managed-it/

Your Password Can Probably be Cracked Faster Than You’d Think

https://reciprocaltech.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/image1.jpg

Whether you’re talking about identity theft, data breaches, or any other form of cybercrime, one of the leading causes of successful cyberattacks is the use of insufficiently secure passwords. Just how easy is it for someone to bypass such a password? Let’s consider the facts.

How to Crack a Password

Cybercriminals come correct, first of all. Not only do many of them have access to some pretty sophisticated tools and resources, they go about their selfish and deceitful activities with a strategy based on the average user’s online conduct.

For the cybercriminal, bypassing a password is really a numbers game. Chances are good that, if they try some commonly used passwords, a cybercriminal will eventually hit pay dirt. For instance, a cybercriminal’s first guesses could look like the following:

• 123456789
• guest
• qwerty
• password
• a1b2c3

Since these are some of the world’s most common passwords—with an estimated 10 to 20% of accounts using a similar password—trying different variations of them or adding one or two symbols gives a cybercriminal a pretty good chance of getting in.

If we imagine ourselves to be cybercriminals, this knowledge helps to simplify our process immensely. If we invest in a password cracking tool, which effectively just tries every dictionary word and randomized combination of characters, increasing in length as it goes, chances are good that we will ultimately get in.

It’s just like trying to guess a combination lock number. While it’s going to take some time, you could try every possible combination—1-1-1, 1-1-2, 1-1-3—until you either get it, or the bike’s owner is back and not-so-politely asking you to step away from their property. 

The more variables there are to try, the more possible options there are—increasing at exponential rates, making it impossible to manually try every single combination. A computer, on the other hand, could try…and much, much faster. That’s how a password-cracking tool operates.

How Long Before a Password is Cracked?

It all depends on the password. Many of the tools that these cybercriminals will use will try the usual suspects first, and will therefore crack the password immediately. The shorter, weaker passwords can take fractions of a second, with these tools testing millions of potential credentials in that time.

It also depends on the hardware the cybercriminal is using, as a more powerful system will allow the attacker to test potential passwords that much faster. Let’s go over how speedily a reasonably powerful laptop could crack a password, based on how long the password is, and how complicated it is:

As pictured, weak—or short and simple passwords—would fold immediately, holding out for a few seconds or minutes at best. However, once a password is designed to be longer and more complex, the likelihood of a password being cracked within someone’s lifetime becomes far smaller…arguably impossible.

That is, however, assuming that your password’s length and complexity aren’t wholly reliant on a combination of otherwise common (and therefore, insecure) words or phrases. Sure, “!password12345” may seem to meet some of the basic requirements for a password—and based on the password chart above, should take a million years to figure out—the use of common password trends makes it far easier to figure out.

This is precisely why we always advocate for more stringent password practices to ensure each and every one is sufficiently secure. These practices include the aforementioned length and complexity requirements, and avoiding things that could be guessed somewhat easily, including pet names, birthdays, and other common factors. Of course, passwords should never be used more than once, as in, you need a separate password for each account you’re securing.

It is also important to keep in mind that the results generated above could be accomplished using resources that are out there and available, using a basic tool on a common laptop. An invested cybercriminal very well could have additional resources at their disposal, things like botnets and significant cloud resources, along with the hardware needed to power through a brute force attempt much faster than our hypothetical mid-range laptop could.

The big takeaway: ALWAYS use strong and secure passwords.

from: https://reciprocaltech.com/blog/your-password-can-probably-be-cracked-faster-than-youd-think/

World Password Day Presents an Opportunity to Improve Your Security

https://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png

World Password Day is indeed a thing, and it’s a thing to celebrate in the world of business technology, as it celebrates password awareness and advocates account security in a time when cybersecurity has never been more important. To help you observe World Password Day, we want to go over why passwords are important and why you need to take password security seriously.

World Password Day Says Passwords Are Important…

In 2005, a security researcher named Mark Burnett wrote a book titled Perfect Passwords. One of the key ideas from this book was that users create their very own password days, or time when they take a close look at their password security practices. Intel then took this advice and created a global observance, identifying the first Thursday in May as World Password Day. Since 2013, World Password Day has encouraged many individuals to refresh their passwords and increase awareness of the important security measures in both a professional and personal setting.

Of course, what’s a World Password Day without some best practices? Here are some to think about:

• Use unique passwords for each account—no reusing them across accounts.
• Use alphanumeric characters and symbols whenever you can.
• Each password should be complex enough that it is difficult to guess; we recommend using a passphrase that is easy to remember, but difficult to guess.
• Don’t store your passwords in a place where anyone can access them. Use a password manager approved by your IT department.

…But There is More to Security Than Strong Passwords

While strong passwords certainly go a long way toward keeping your accounts safe, it’s equally important to acknowledge that passwords as authenticators are simply not as effective as they used to be. We recommend using multi-factor authentication whenever possible, as having multiple keys to your accounts will make it less likely that the conditions will be met for a hacker to infiltrate said accounts.

Take World Password Day and Make It About Holistic MFA Security

Reciprocal Technologies can help you implement the right tools for the right job, especially when it comes to network security, multi-factor authentication, and other business security tools. To learn more, call us at (317) 759-3972 today.

from: https://reciprocaltech.com/blog/world-password-day-presents-an-opportunity-to-improve-your-security/

Internet of Things Security: Important for Home and Business Networks

https://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png

The Internet of Things is pervasive in the way that many devices which you might not expect to be connected are, in fact, connected to the Internet. Smart speakers, smartphones, smart appliances, you name it, could potentially be a security threat if left unchecked. This doesn’t just go for businesses, either; even consumer smart devices could leave users vulnerable.

Why is the Internet of Things So Vulnerable?

The IoT is insecure, and this fact comes from several contributing factors. For one, smart devices have forced manufacturers into a position where they have to get a lot of devices into the hands of consumers, leading them to cut corners on built-in security functionality. Another reason is that people simply don’t realize just how insecure the devices are, which in turn means that the consumers are not doing enough on the network side of things to keep these devices from creating problems.

Make no mistake, smart devices are helpful, but they are also a security professional’s worst nightmare. If left unchecked, even benign devices can become problematic in the hands of a hacker—and that’s before we even get to the privacy concerns that come from hacked webcams, hacked lighting and heating systems, or even hacked account information connected to these devices. In large numbers, IoT devices can be turned into a botnet, which is a collective body of hacked devices that can launch large-scale attacks against other individuals or organizations. Truly scary stuff.

How You Can Secure Your At-Home IoT Network

You should know that there is quite a lot at stake with your network, but there are ways to keep your devices safe. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Secure your router: Securing your router will impact other areas of security for your network, including your IoT devices. If you change your SSID and password, you’ll be well ahead of others in wireless network security.
• Use a guest network: If you want to make sure your IoT devices aren’t causing any grief for your main network, you can set up a guest network for them.
• Change individual device passwords: While this might take a while, it’s well worth the extra security you get from making sure each password is updated regularly.
• Make those passwords complex and unique: The same can be said for using complex passwords; it might be a hassle, but it’s remarkably important for security purposes. You can use upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols to get the most out of your secure passwords.
• Use two-factor authentication: Multi-factor authentication is also a wonderful way to get more security for your IoT devices, and it can make a big difference.

We recommend that you pay attention to IoT devices on your network, as letting them fly under the radar could become a problem in the face of hacking attacks. To make sure this doesn’t spell trouble for your business, call us today at (317) 759-3972.

from: https://reciprocaltech.com/blog/internet-of-things-security-important-for-home-and-business-networks/

Mobile Tools are Completely Changing Business

https://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png

You always read that “business has changed”. This is true because society has changed; and technology supports this new normal. More people use their mobile devices for a majority of their communication, their browsing, and a lot more, and it is changing the way business is conducted; it’s just not always easy to separate work use from personal usage. Let’s take a look at some of the ways mobility has changed the way people approach work, and how that shift in perspective has changed business.

The Rise of Mobile

The rise of business mobility didn’t just happen overnight, but it was a fairly rapid ascension. It’s been years since mobile has overtaken desktop computing for most things. In fact, nearly 70 percent of all computing is now done using mobile devices; and the number grows every year. As mobile devices get bigger, get extra screens, and gain substantial (and downright impressive) computing capabilities, it stands to reason that people would be using them more to do work-related tasks. 

Here are some of the ways people are utilizing their mobile devices to enhance their professional lives:

Urgency 

Many businesses are being forced to do more with less and that means that many times the people responsible for the generation of a product or service are also responsible for the support of it. If a client has a problem outside of work hours, employees might be asked to handle support calls with clients when off the clock. Technology has come far enough that this can happen at any time in nearly any place. 

Triggers 

The smartphone has become a professional’s most useful tool when it comes to jotting down notes or researching things off the cuff. For example, say you see something in a shop window or on a flier, you can immediately get more information in seconds with your smartphone. Businesses have been leveraging this notion for some time. Say an idea comes to a project manager off the clock. If this manager doesn’t want to wait to inform his/her team about it, they can simply update the collaboration software or send direct messages to the team members that would be able to act on this information. 

Project Management and Scheduling 

One of the most important parts of any business is the management of the worker and the dissemination of tasks. Project management software has come a long way to where now there are mobile apps that can keep teams in the know and up-to-date while also providing communication, file sharing, and much more. 

Networking 

Since your employees are constantly using their phones to check social media, browse the web, and communicate with the people in their lives, it stands to reason that you can make it work for you. Encouraging your employees to network and find products and services that are in competition with yours can really help them understand your business better and it can result in better ideas flowing through your collaboration apps.

Issues with the Mobile Workforce

While more and more workers seek additional flexibility and embrace the intrusions that sometimes come with it, some workers are concerned that they are being taken advantage of. For example, some workers don’t want to be bothered with work-related issues when they are off the clock. They don’t want their superiors and contemporaries blowing up their phone to send memes or give suggestions on how they can do their job better when they are out to dinner on a Friday night. 

For a long time, business owners tried to find a solution for the loss of productivity they would see when their employees would check their phone five times a minute throughout the workday. With the advent of mobile device management software, Bring Your Own Device policies, and cloud-based management and productivity applications that make it easier to use the mobile device than it is to return to a workstation to do a litany of business-centric tasks, businesses have tools that can help them provide the flexibility their employees demand, while also facilitate getting work done. 

There is a lot of technology out there that can help you enhance your business through mobility and we can help point you in the right direction. If you would like to talk to one of our IT professionals about enhancing your business’ mobile footprint, give us a call today at (317) 759-3972. 

from: https://reciprocaltech.com/blog/mobile-tools-are-completely-changing-business/

You Love Your Pets, But Your Technology Doesn’t

https://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png

Pets do weird things every so often… like laying on top of keyboards or sidling up next to computer monitors. If you’re not careful, your furry companions might accidentally cause a lot of damage to your technology. Some studies have indicated that pets cause around $3 billion worth of damage to technology annually—pretty shocking stuff. Let’s go over how you can minimize the chances of this happening to you.

How Do Pets Damage Our Computers?

The biggest culprits in terms of pet-caused damage to computers is likely going to be their fur, which is shed routinely and can often find itself on not just your furniture, but in your computer. Other issues stem from pets chewing on cords or destroying devices they get their paws on, like a cat eating a phone charger or a dog nabbing the television remote. It’s not beyond the realm of possibility that a dog might pull a cabled device off a table without realizing what they are doing, either, causing damage to the device.

It really is remarkable just how much fur can get trapped inside a device. We bet that if you investigated your own, you’d be horrified by the state of its innards.

How You Can Protect Your Technology

Even if pets don’t mean to cause harm, you should still take measures to protect your technology from them. Here are a couple ways you can do this:

Keep Your Workspace Clean

The best thing you can do to keep your pets from getting into your technology is to keep your workspace clean. For example, if you don’t want your cat to set up shop on your laptop, maybe close it or move it somewhere they aren’t likely to lay on it. Pets like the warmth associated with running technology, so do yourself a favor and keep it off the floor whenever possible.

Bundle Your Cords

Cords can be quite tantalizing for your pets who might want to find something stringy to chew on—particularly cats and puppies. It’s dangerous for both your pets and for your technology, so make sure you keep your cords bundled and organized with a Velcro band. They’ll be less likely to chew on things that way.

Keep Liquids Away from Your PC

You might not consider keeping liquids away from your PC until you’ve had your entire cup of coffee spilled all over your keyboard by your cat, who just had to jump up on the computer desk while you were in that meeting. We recommend that you just keep liquids away from the computer as often as possible to avoid having your furry companions accidentally knocking them over or causing irreparable damage.

Pets are great… but they’re not great for technology. Do yourself a favor and take preventative measures for your tech to ensure your best friends don’t inadvertently become your technology’s worst enemies.

from: https://reciprocaltech.com/blog/you-love-your-pets-but-your-technology-doesnt/

Tip of the Week: Here Are 3 Lesser Known Windows Tricks to Try Out

https://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png

Technology is remarkably useful for plenty of business-related tasks, but even the most knowledgeable user isn’t going to know all of the features available to them. This is why we like to cover even small, basic tips that people can use to get just a little more value out of their technology. Here are three ways you can get more out of your Windows operating system.

Use Built-In Dictation

We recommend that you try out the dictation systems built into the newer versions of the Windows operating system. You can type Windows key + H to open it up. You’ll see the dictation toolbar appear on the screen, and you can then use your voice to fill out any of the text fields in any window.

Try Out Multiple Desktops

Microsoft has rolled out multiple desktop features for the past couple versions of Windows, but have you tried using it yet? You can separate projects completely from one-another and seamlessly transition between the two as needed. Sounds pretty neat, right?

To turn this feature on, you just have to right-click the taskbar and select Taskbar Settings. From here, you can toggle on the Task view option. This creates a Task view icon to the right of the Start icon on the taskbar. When you push it, you’ll create a brand new desktop environment that you can use to separate projects and keep your tasks organized.

Enable Focus Assist

Distractions are everywhere, so any tool you use that can help make them less intrusive is welcome. You can help control how much you’re affected by notifications and other distractions through the use of the Focus Assist feature. To activate it, all you have to do is go to Settings > System > Focus Assist.

You can configure the software to turn on during specific hours of the day, allowing you to control how intrusive notifications are. For example, you might turn off notifications for various applications that don’t need to be turned on during the workday so you can focus on what matters most.

If you want to make the most of your Windows operating system, we recommend keeping your eyes on our blog. We cover all kinds of great tips and tricks you can use to fully leverage your business technology. Of course, you can also get in touch with us at (317) 759-3972, too!

from: https://reciprocaltech.com/blog/tip-of-the-week-here-are-3-lesser-known-windows-tricks-to-try-out/