September 27th, 2024 → 9:46 pm @ kamind // No Comments
Email Security Protocol When compared to the late 90’s when the first major Phishing attack occurred on AOL, there are many tools and mechanisms that are now available at your disposal to keep suspicious email from reaching into your inbox. Although M365 and Microsoft Azure offer a plethora of offerings, there is yet another one which should not be ignored: DMARC. What Is DMARC? It is an acronym that stands for “Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance”. Simply put, it is like any other email protocol that you may have encountered before, but it is unique in the sense that it does a highly effective job in blocking suspicious email from entering your email system. It is powerful enough that even traditional Spam based filters will reject any acceptance of it, and just ignore it. But a huge benefit of it is that DMARC can be installed and custom configured […]
September 23rd, 2024 → 2:14 pm @ kamind // No Comments
National Public Data confirmed in September 2024 that a hacker has compromised the personal records of millions of individuals. The information exposed includes the names, e-mail addresses, mailing addresses, phone numbers and even Social Security numbers of up to 2.9 billion people. Here’s what you need to know. What happened? National Public Data, a consumer data broker that specializes in providing criminal records, background checks and other forms of data to private investigators, consumer public record sites, human resources, staffing agencies, the government and more, was hacked. The incident is believed to have started in December 2023 when a third-party bad actor attempted to gain access. In April, a cybercriminal named “USDoD” posted the stolen data online in a popular criminal community. On August 6, the stolen dataset resurfaced, this time posted for free to several breach forums for anyone to access and download. The sensitive, personally identifiable information released […]
September 23rd, 2024 → 2:12 pm @ kamind // No Comments
Important News: Microsoft will NO LONGER support Windows 10 after October 2025! While these PCs will still work after the official end date of October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide product key free services that keep your device working properly and securely. These services include: Security updates Non-security updates Technical support Why Is This Important For Business Owners? Security Risks: Without regular updates, your computer will become more vulnerable to viruses, malware and hackers. This could put your business data at risk, which is why upgrading to a newer version of Windows is crucial. Software Compatibility: Many software programs are updated regularly to work with the latest operating systems. After Windows 10 reaches its end of life, some of your favorite programs might not work as smoothly or could stop working altogether. Compliance Issues: If your business deals with sensitive information or follows strict regulations, using an outdated […]
September 8th, 2024 → 11:01 am @ kamind // No Comments
In a recent article, we examined some of the key issues that are involved with sending bulk emails to your prospects and customers. Probably one of the worst consequences you can face is that of being completely blacklisted, where your domain is no longer accessible to the outside world. In this article, we look at some other ways to make sure your emails get through. What Are The Other Methods? Some of the newer methods that you have to use now, especially if you make use of your personal email accounts to send bulk emails, most notably from Yahoo and Google (Gmail), are as follows: Keeping a threshold: Most Internet Service Providers (ISP’s) also usually provide email services along with your web hosting account. They too are leery of having their account holders sending out too many emails which get marked as “Spam”. As a result, they have established thresholds […]
September 6th, 2024 → 10:08 pm @ kamind // No Comments
by Tulasi Nakka In today’s digital landscape, it’s crucial to maintain visibility over the software installed across an organization’s devices to ensure security and compliance. The challenge lies in the vast amount of data and the limited tools available for analysis. Guard+ was developed as a tool for Managers and senior security analysts to provide a fresh perspective on an organization’s security. By effectively tracking critical details such as software names, versions, vendors, and associated devices, IT administrators can preempt potential vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. This level of monitoring enables organizations to mitigate risk, enforce security policies, and maintain an up-to-date inventory of all software deployed across their infrastructure. Guard+ already enables visibility into device compliance. It allows you to identify software that requires upgrades, patches, or, in some cases, removal. This new feature in Guard+ enhances the capabilities of Managers and security analysts by providing a […]
August 23rd, 2024 → 7:15 pm @ kamind // No Comments
When 8.5 million Windows devices, including those at airlines, banks and hospitals, suddenly displayed the “Blue Screen of Death,” people began to panic. “We are under a cyber-attack!” most speculated. Fortunately, that was not the case, but the real reason behind the outage is alarming and something every business owner should be concerned about. So, What Happened? On July 19, 2024, millions of Windows devices crashed, triggering an endless reboot cycle and an unresolvable blue screen. This issue caused massive global disruptions. Airlines had to ground flights, leaving thousands of passengers stranded in airports and unable to book new routes home. Electronic health record software was knocked offline, forcing providers to cancel or delay nonemergency procedures, surgeries and medical visits. Several major banks also went offline, leaving customers unable to access their accounts. These were just some of the significant issues caused by what is now labeled the largest IT […]
August 23rd, 2024 → 7:14 pm @ kamind // No Comments
Even if you’re tired of hearing about AI, the reality is that those who embrace it, find the tools that work and learn how to use them efficiently WILL get ahead of those who refuse to try. However, sorting through the thousands of AI-powered programs on the market can feel like a daunting task, which is why we want to highlight one that we support. Microsoft Copilot is an advanced AI-driven tool that leverages artificial intelligence to automate routine tasks, analyze data, facilitate collaboration and more. Its chat-like design works seamlessly across commonly used Microsoft applications like Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel and Teams and can significantly boost productivity. Unfortunately, most companies often underutilize it. Today, we’re sharing seven ways you should use Microsoft Copilot to enhance efficiency in your business. Automating Routine Tasks – Routine tasks like data entry, scheduling and managing e-mails are time suckers. Microsoft Copilot can handle […]
August 19th, 2024 → 6:06 pm @ kamind // No Comments
As you might know, the CMMC is an acronym that stands for the “Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification”. Put in simpler terms, if you are a defense contractor, or even a subcontractor, you need to be certified at a particular Maturity Level before you will even be allowed to bid for a contract that is sponsored by the Department of Defense (DoD). The primary reason for this is that the DoD is entrusting into your care confidential Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) datasets, which are needed to fulfill the terms of a contract, if you are awarded one. It is important to note that the CMMC has been through many revisions since its inception, with the main one being a reduction to three Maturity Levels, versus the five that existed in the CMMC 1.0. In December 23, 2023, the DOD published rule 32CFR in the federal register […]
August 17th, 2024 → 7:43 am @ kamind // No Comments
When it comes to selecting the right Microsoft 365 license for your business, understanding the security features and limitations of each option is crucial. Microsoft 365 Business Premium is designed for small to medium-sized businesses, while the Enterprise E3 and E5 licenses cater to larger organizations with more complex needs. Let’s break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision. Microsoft 365 Business Premium Designed For: Smaller businesses on a budget. Features: Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Email and calendaring Microsoft Teams OneDrive SharePoint Basic security features like Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Limitations: Limited to 300 users Lacks advanced security, compliance, and analytics features found in the Enterprise plans Microsoft 365 Business Premium provides essential tools and basic security for smaller businesses. However, its limitations in advanced security and compliance make it less suitable for organizations with more stringent security requirements. Microsoft 365 Enterprise E3 Designed […]
August 14th, 2024 → 8:00 pm @ kamind // No Comments
By: Tulasi Nakka Introduction In today’s digital age, robust security is more crucial than ever, with cyber threats growing increasingly sophisticated. One of the most effective ways to protect sensitive data is through Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), which adds an extra layer of security by requiring multiple forms of verification. This article explores the importance of MFA in modern cybersecurity. By analyzing key metrics from our User Sign In Reports, we gain insights into MFA’s effectiveness, identify potential vulnerabilities, and make informed decisions to enhance our defenses. Whether you’re an IT professional or simply interested in digital security, this article provides essential insights into the role of MFA in safeguarding your digital assets. What is MFA and Why is it Important? Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security measure that requires users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a resource such as an application or an online […]
