How to Prevent a Printer Hack at your Small Business

printer hack

Key Takeaways:

  • Install Updates Promptly: Regularly updating your printer’s software, drivers, and operating system is crucial for maintaining security. These updates often include patches and improvements designed to prevent hackers from exploiting vulnerabilities.
  • Secure Printer Access: Implementing a password for your printer and disabling out-of-network printing are essential steps to secure your printer.
  • Limit Internet Connectivity for Sensitive Printing: For printing sensitive or classified information, it’s advisable to avoid connecting the printer to the internet. Instead, directly connect the printer to your computer only when needed, and disconnect it afterward.

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Top 5 Mac Security Tips You Need to Know

mac security tips

Key Takeaways:

  • Macs Are Not Immune to Viruses: While Mac computers are less frequently targeted than Windows PCs, they are not invulnerable. Viruses and malware specifically designed for macOS exist, so it’s crucial to take protective measures.
  • Essential Mac Security Practices: Key security tips include avoiding automatic login to prevent unauthorized access, ditching Adobe Flash due to its vulnerabilities, using full disk encryption to protect data, and keeping software up-to-date.
  • Antivirus Software Is Necessary: Despite the common belief that Macs don’t need antivirus protection, it is advisable to install antivirus software to add an extra layer of security against potential threats.

If you were to talk to most Mac owners, they would tell you Macs don’t get viruses, so there is no need to take extra precautions. While wishful thinking, that isn’t exactly true. True, Windows computers are attacked more often, but that isn’t because the Mac operation system is impenetrable.

In reality, when someone makes a virus, malware, or some other attack, they need to make it for a specific operating system. Executable files for Windows are different than those on macOS. And, as the Windows operating system is the most used operating system in the world, it makes sense why it would be targeted more frequently. With that said, you shouldn’t just leave your Mac unprotected. There are viruses made specifically for Mac computers, which is exactly why you need to follow these Mac security tips.

Our Top 5 Mac Security Tips

Avoid Using Automatic Login

If you have a desktop Mac and you use the computer at home, you probably can skip this step. However, if you use a MacBook, you’ll want to follow this step. The automatic login feature is nice. It lets you easily log into any application and website without actually typing in the password. This will lead you to two possible problems. The first is you’ll eventually forget your password. If you never type it in, you’ll eventually forget what it was. Then, if you’re forced to use a computer that isn’t yours, it may be difficult to recall what your password is. That means you’ll either be forced to put off doing your work, or you’ll have to reset all your passwords. Either way, not great.

The second and bigger issue is if someone steals your laptop, they will instantly gain access to everything on your computer. They’ll be able to check your browser history and log into your bank account, social media accounts, emails, and just about everything else. So do yourself a favor and avoid this auto-login feature.

Ditch Flash

Once upon a time, Adobe Flash was a must-have graphics feature for your computer. If you wanted to watch any kind of video or view any kind of website with motion graphics, you 100% needed to have Flash running. That is no longer the case. In fact, Adobe Flash leaves you susceptible to all kinds of problems. For a Mac, Adobe Flash is one of the most dangerous applications you can have running on it. Plus, most website has moved away from Flash, so there is little use for it. Even Adobe had started to slow down support for it (When the iPhone first came out, it refused to support Flash. A number of people were upset at the time, but it truly marked the beginning of the end for Flash Player and other Flash applications). So, if you have Adobe Flash installed, now is the time to remove it.

Full Disk Encryption

Chances are there are portions of your Mac that take advantage of disk encryption. This is a solid feature, but it isn’t utilized nearly enough. Because let’s face it, laptops are easy pickings for someone who wants to nab a computer and make a few bucks. You’re literally walking around with a $1,500 device tucked under your arm or left on a coffee shop table. Well, even if you don’t get the laptop back, you can at least protect the information stored on it, and the best way to do that is through encryption (this will also help prevent some malware from siphoning off information back to its host). By using the Apple FileVault full disk encryption service, you can protect the entire hard drive, not just a portion of it.

Stay On Top Of Software Updates

It has happened to us all. We’ll be working on the Mac, and a little window will pop up in the upper-right corner, saying an update is available. That’s great, but you’re in the middle of something, you have a dozen Internet tabs open and several other programs. So, you tell the pop-up to remind you tomorrow. This can easily turn into days, if not weeks. Don’t do this. Most of these updates have security patches. By not performing the update, you’ll leave your computer susceptible to external threats. That is why you’ll want to perform the installation of these software updates as early on as possible.

Yes, Install Antivirus Software

Don’t believe all the hype. Sure, Macs are less susceptible to external viruses for a number of reasons, but the system isn’t bulletproof. It can still be hit with malware. And if this happens, you’ll want to have antivirus software installed on your computer. This adds another line of protection for your computer system, and in today’s modern world, with all the online threats, you need to do what you can to protect yourself and your computer. Thankfully there are a number of excellent Mac-specific antivirus programs out there.

All you need to do is take advantage of these applications and install them when possible. There are a number of great options, which you can find available not only through the App Store but also through websites like CNET or directly through the manufacturer’s sites. Charlotte IT Solutions can also help connect you with a highly recommend software title as well for your exact needs.

Protect Your Mac With These Mac Security Tips

One of the true benefits of using a Mac computer is the company makes both the hardware and the software. This helps ensure the two-run more seamlessly, which does help reduce possible security threats. Because Microsoft makes Windows for numerous hardware manufacturers, not to mention all kinds of builds and hardware configurations, it can lead to some gaps in security. However, while a Mac may have some security benefits over a Windows or Chrome system, it doesn’t mean it’s foolproof. It can still be attacked by external threats. That is exactly why you need to take these Mac security tips seriously. And, should you ever need additional security help, either with your individual computer or with your overall network security, our staff here at Charlotte IT Solutions is just a phone call or email away.

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What is a VPN and How Does it Work?

what is a VPN and how does it work

Key Takeaways:

  • Importance of VPN for Security: A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is crucial for protecting your business and personal information online by hiding your IP address and encrypting your data, making it difficult for others to track your online activities.
  • Different VPN Protocols: There are various VPN protocols available, such as PPTP, L2TP, SSTP, IKEv2, and OpenVPN, each offering different levels of security and functionality.
  • Essential for Small Businesses: Small businesses, in particular, should consider using a VPN to safeguard sensitive information, including customer data, employee records, and financial transactions, to prevent potential breaches that could have severe consequences.

As a small business, you understand all too well the importance of Internet security. You go to great lengths to protect not only your business information but the secured data of your customers. Letting this kind of information out can lead to the loss of contracts, lawsuits, and even the closure of your business. When you access the Internet, there are often people watching what you’re doing. They know what websites you visit, and what searches you make, and they can track everything you do. Sometimes this is just Google monitoring you in order to provide better advertisements, but other times, Internet sleuths are watching and gathering this information.

You need to do what you can to protect yourself and your business. One such way you can do this is with the aid of a VPN. But what is a VPN and how does it work? Here is everything you need to know.

What is a VPN and How Does it Work

What is a VPN?

When using the Internet, your computer has a specific IP address attached to it. Think of this as a home address. It follows you everywhere. If you visit a website you’ve already been to the website can identify you with the IP address (even if you’ve cleaned off the cookies and other trace files websites leave behind on a computer). Other services can prevent you from accessing information based on your IP address. For example, if you’re attempting to watch a program that is only available in Canada, and the website identifies your computer is being located in the United States, it will block you from viewing the information.

Websites you visit gain a snapshot of your computer and browsing. They can see not only your IP address, but oftentimes your exact location, your Internet browser, operating system, and other data. All of this put together is an Internet presence that is difficult to shake.

A VPN will hide your IP address and other information associated with your browsing. When you use a VPN, your information is routed through a special server that blocks your information. Basically, it cleans your Internet presence, so instead of being able to see your IP and browsing data, everything is hidden. This makes it far more difficult to trace what you do online.

So How Does A VPN Work Exactly?

There are a number of websites you can visit that say your Internet information is blocked through the website VPN. That generally is not the case. While your computer information does go through the website server, it isn’t going to block your data as well as specific VPN client software.

You will log onto your client VPN software. This will begin encrypting your data before opening the Internet browser and accessing the WiFi. When using a website “VPN,” you still reach that website with your IP information, and so there is only so much you can do to protect it (this would be like going to rob a bank and then putting the mask on while waiting outside). By using the VPN software installed on your computer, you’ll be protected and encrypted prior to accessing the Internet.

Why Would You Want To Use A VPN?

So you might be thinking to yourself, “Why do I need a VPN? I’m not doing anything bad on the Internet, and I’m not trying to view content from other countries. What would be the point of using a VPN?” That is a good question, but there’s an even better answer.

Chances are there is information you don’t want to get out there. If you do any kind of online banking, you need to keep this protected. If your password or login credentials are exposed, anyone could access your banking information. When you apply for a loan and enter your Social Security number, you probably won’t want this information out there. You will want to protect your social media passwords, because if someone accesses your information and then posts something bad, you may never be able to come back from a post like this.

It doesn’t matter what you do online. Chances are there is information you simply don’t want to get out, and you need to protect. You can do this with a VPN. VPN works for both individuals and businesses, and as a small business owner, you likely have more to lose, as it isn’t just your personal information but your employees’ and clients’ information as well.

There Are Different VPN Protocols

Beyond answering the questions of what is a VPN and how does it work, there are a number of different VPN protocols out there — each of these protocols functions in a slightly different way. The right VPN for you will depend on what you’re looking to accomplish (our team here at Charlotte IT Solutions can help you determine this).

The different options include a Point-To-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP), which is an older system. There is a Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP), a Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP), an Internet Key Exchange, Version 2 (IKEv2), and an OpenVPN. You will want to identify the best VPN for the needs of yourself and your company (if you own a business)

Begin Setting Up Your VPN Today

Internet security is more important now than ever before. You don’t want to leave yourself or your business exposed, so it is a good idea to invest in a Virtual Private Network. Now that you have the answers to what is a VPN and how does it work, you’ll have a better understanding as to why you need to begin using one.

If you’re ready to begin setting up your VPN or if you have further questions about what VPN might be right for your business, our staff here at Charlotte IT Solutions is ready to address all of these concerns and more. All you need to do is send us an email or give us a call at your convenience. We’ll answer all your questions and help you move forward with your business IT needs.

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What is Email Security?

what is email security

Key Takeaways:

  • Mail Security is Critical: Email is a vital communication tool for businesses, but it also creates a digital paper trail that can make your business vulnerable to hacks and data theft if not properly secured.
  • Email Encryption: Implementing email encryption is essential to protect sensitive information. Encryption ensures that even if an email is intercepted, the data within it remains inaccessible to unauthorized users.
  • Choosing a Secure Email Provider: Selecting a secure email service provider is crucial for safeguarding confidential information, especially for industries with strict regulations like healthcare. Proper email security measures can protect both business and client data.

Your business likely relies heavily on email communication to survive. As your company shifts to performing more and more of the daily activities away from a physical location, you will need to have a reliable email service to ensure you’re always able to send and receive messages between your clients and your employees.

However, you need to go beyond simply selecting an email service provider. You also need to take advantage of in-depth email security systems. When you send and receive email messages, you are creating a digital paper trail. This can be helpful for your business and its record-keeping, but it also leaves your business susceptible to potential hacks and data thieves. Due to your strong reliance on your email address, you need to answer the question of what is email security.

What is Email Security and What Are The Different Kinds Of Email Threats?

There are several potential threats you will stumble into when it comes to your email. Some of these threats can be easily avoided as long as some common sense is practiced:

  1. For starters, don’t open emails if you don’t know the sender.
  2. Next, don’t click on any links within the emails or download any attachments unless you specifically know who is sending it to you. And even if you know who is sending you a message, make sure to scan the file for attached malware and other viruses ahead of time. The sender’s computer may be infected, and there might be a leached virus attached to the data they sent you.
  3. If you receive an email that looks authentic, such as one from Apple or Amazon, and it says your system has been hacked, or there is another issue with your service, and you need to follow a provided link, check the actual sender email address. Unless it comes from an official email account within the company, do not click on the message or link.

Pro-Tip: What if you are not sure? You can Google the email address to see if there are records of it being real or fake.

Is Email Encryption The Answer? (This is especially important in the medical and legal fields)

Unless you are using a random email password generator, a skilled hacker will likely be able to figure out your email password if they wanted to. Of course, with a password generator, it is challenging to remember the password, which means you’ll end up resetting your own password time and time again. This is why you need to rely on other forms of protection beyond having a quality password you can remember. Email encryption is one of the most critical steps you can take to protect the information within your email account. With email encryption, every message you send will be encrypted. This way, should an outside entity intercept the message, they will not be able to access the encrypted information.

There are several encryption options available. Some of these options will require you to encrypt the message before you send it personally. This can be helpful if you want only to encrypt certain messages. There is a downside to this, though. If you pick and choose the messages to be encrypted, would-be hackers will know which messages contain valuable information and which messages they can avoid. Instead, you may want to consider an email service that provides seamless encryption. This will encrypt the message when you click send. So, once you click the send button, the service will encrypt the file and then send it out. There is a fraction of a second delay with this, but the minuscule delay is well worth it when it comes to the overall security of your emails.

If you use a closed network and send messages within the network from one employee to the next, you may want to implement network encryption. This way, anyone outside the network is not able to read the information or access it. To know what will work best for your business, you will want to consult an IT security professional. Charlotte IT Solutions can help you with determining the best kind of email encryption security for your company requirements.

It Starts With Selecting The Most Secure Email Provider

As the information you send via email becomes more and more confidential, the heat gets turned up on the necessary protocols you need to take. If you work in the medical industry, you are already well aware of HIPAA requirements for client information protection. The requirements go a long way in protecting client information. Well, you don’t need to be in the medical community to take advantage of these kinds of security protocols.

By using a secure email service provider, you will instantly up the security every single email message receives when you send one out, or you receive an incoming message. However, unless you’re in the medical community, you may lack the insights into HIPAA requirements or other extreme forms of information security. Charlotte IT Solutions can help you with this. By aiding in meeting HIPAA requirements via a secure email service provider, you will take a significant step in protecting every bit of data that passes through your email address.

Protect Your Email And Your Clients With Proper Email Security Measures

Now that you have the answer to what is email security, you understand the importance of implementing email security measures. By taking advantage of these practices, you will protect not only your own business but your clients as well. It will prevent confidential information from getting out and from your customer’s financial data from leaking.

With just how vital your email account is, you need to take email security seriously. That is precisely why you need to bring in a professional service provider like Charlotte IT Solutions to make sure you’re doing everything you can to protect your business, your customers, and all your employees.

So, if you’re ready to take the next step in your company’s information security network, now is the time to reach out and contact the team at Charlotte IT Solutions.

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Should My Small Business Conduct Cybersecurity Awareness Training for Employees?

Cybersecurity Awareness Training for Employees

Key Takeaways:

  • Employee Training is Essential: Cybersecurity awareness training is crucial for all employees, as they often are the weakest link in security. This training helps prevent breaches caused by human error.
  • Awareness of Common Threats: Employees should be trained to recognize various cybersecurity threats like phishing, malware, and ransomware, which are increasingly sophisticated and difficult to detect.
  • Preparedness for Incidents: It’s vital for employees to know the correct steps to take immediately after a security incident to minimize damage and prevent the spread of malicious software.

Cybersecurity threats are everywhere, and one of the biggest mistakes you can make is assuming your company is simply too small to be hit. In reality, as a small business, you’re a more likely target than the giant corporations. Sure, it makes national headlines when Target or Home Depot have a data breach, but that’s due to the size and the number of consumers impacted. A small business like yours won’t turn heads. In fact, cybercriminals are usually more interested in a quick smash and grab of Internet-based data than attempting to hack through the security of a major company. That puts your business in the crosshairs.

Thankfully, as long as you do what you can to protect your company, most online criminals will test your security, find it is intact, and then move on to the next target. However, with all of that said, your Internet security is only as strong as the weakest link, which is absolutely why you need to conduct cybersecurity awareness training for employees.

Do You Really Need Cyber Security Awareness Training For Your Employees?

As a business owner, you’ve probably discovered you can never assume any one individual knows something you consider to be common knowledge. This includes Internet security. You might believe all of your employees know what to do and what not to do when it comes to keeping your business safe, but, realistically, you can’t assume anything. Far too many business owners fall into this trap because the vast majority of security breaches don’t come from someone sneaking under the company’s firewall. It comes from an employee willingly allowing the cybercriminal in by opening a corrupt email or bad link.

This one simple mistake exposes the financial information of your business and your customers. Depending on how severe it is, the mistake may end up putting you out of business. So while you have proven you take cybersecurity seriously by reading this blog, you need your employees to take it just as seriously. The best way to do this is to conduct cybersecurity awareness training for employees.

What Should You Train Your Team Members To Look Out For?

There are so many forms of online cybersecurity threats; it’s enough to make your head spin. But that is one of the reasons why you absolutely need to take advantage of security awareness training.

Phishing scams you’ve probably heard of before, and many of these come in the form of fraudulent emails. Basically, these trick individuals into clicking on bad emails that are infected. Even if your business does not allow external email access, it doesn’t mean business email accounts won’t receive these messages.

Malware and ransomware are other forms of Internet security risks. Malware might cause your system to crash as it eats up space and blocks access to important files while ransomware will wrap itself around your network and prevent you from doing anything before you pay for a passcode that removes the infected files (don’t ever pay for the ransomware passcode as other files have likely been infected, which will just launch another ransomware and continue in a never-ending cycle).

Whaling, baiting, business email compromise, water hole attacks, and all other kinds of sneaky ways of attacking your business and its network are out there. With so many threats, both you and your employees need to make sure you are protected and safeguarding the business.

Review Examples and Hold Demonstrations

Even if all your employees know better than to open certain emails and click on certain links, cybercriminals are getting more and more sneaky with how they go about camouflaging what they are doing. In fact, there are some emails and pop-ups that look almost perfect. You yourself may have experienced the “Flash Update” pop-up before. It sure looks like something your computer would tell you to do, but then when you click on it, the entire computer goes into a tailspin. This is just one example. There are hundreds more. The best way to protect your business and to make sure your employees know what to look for. With cybersecurity awareness training will help educate your employees on what to look out for and what is going on in the world of malware, sleuthing, and other forms of spyware.

Know What To Do If An Incident Occurs

Mistakes do happen. You can have the most educated staff in the world, but this doesn’t stop mistakes from sneaking in. Should an issue arise, it is important for your employees to know what to do. As is the case with fire, what you do immediately after the fire starts will make or break the outcome. If you work quickly, you can qualm the spread of the virus and prevent it from spreading throughout the rest of the company’s network.

You need to have security protocols in place, and your employees should know what to do when they have identified a virus, or they know their computer is being attacked. They might be able to limit the infection to just one desktop without the malware moving through the rest of the network. By going over this information during the cybersecurity awareness training program, your employees will help prevent a bad situation from getting worse.

Schedule Your Cyber Security Awareness Training for Employees Today

When it comes to protecting your business, Charlotte IT Solutions is here for you. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been in operation, the size of your company, or the products and services you offer, we are here for you. So, whether you want to schedule cybersecurity awareness training for your employees or you’re interested in one of the other services we offer, now is the perfect time to give us a call or send us an email. It is more important now than ever before to have a well oiled, Internet-based company. Because while you don’t know what the future holds, you can prepare for it. Do exactly that with our team at Charlotte IT Solutions.

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