Onsite Computers

September 16, 2022October 7, 2022

Raising Awareness of Digital Risks

Raising Awareness of Digital Risks: What Businesses Need to Know

Key Points:

Rapid technological advancement has led to new risks that businesses must now face.
There are many steps businesses can take to mitigate these risks, but they need to be aware of them first.
Ignoring these risks can lead to serious business consequences, including financial loss and reputational damage.

In today’s business world, technology is constantly evolving. This rapid change can be both a blessing and a curse for businesses. On one hand, new technology can provide businesses with new opportunities to grow and improve their operations. On the other hand, it can also lead to new risks that businesses must learn to manage. One of the most significant risks businesses now face is digital.

What Is Digital Risk?

Digital risk is the risk of loss or damage caused by technology. It includes risks such as cyberattacks, data breaches, and system failures. When your business scales, the attack surface area also increases. The larger your business, the more likely you are to be a target for criminals. However, this does not mean small businesses are immune to digital risks. Small businesses are often targeted. After all, they are seen as easier targets because they usually have fewer resources to dedicate to security. Digital transformation has changed how all businesses operate and has created new risks that need to be managed. Businesses must learn to manage these risks or be left behind.

What Are the Types of Digital Risks?

The complex nature of the digital risk landscape can make it difficult to identify all the risks your business faces. However, there are some common types of digital risks that businesses should be aware of, including:

Cybersecurity risks: Cybersecurity risks can be caused by weaknesses in your cybersecurity measures. This includes poor password management, unpatched software, and phishing attacks.
Data security risks: Data security risks can be caused by poor data security measures. This includes poor data management, insecure data storage, and data breaches.
Network security risks: Network security risks can be caused by weaknesses in your network security. This includes unsecured Wi-Fi networks, Denial of Service attacks, and man-in-the-middle attacks.
Compliance risks: Compliance risks can arise from not complying with regulations or industry standards. This includes GDPR compliance, PCI DSS compliance, and HIPAA (US) compliance.
Cloud security risks: Cloud security risks can be caused by weaknesses in your cloud service platforms. This includes insecure data storage, cloud service outages, and account hijacking.
Resiliency risks: Resiliency risks can be caused by failures in your ability to recover from an incident. This includes things like extended downtime, data loss, and reputational damage.
Third-party risks: Third-party risks can be caused by the actions of your business partners or vendors. This includes things like data breaches, system failures, and service outages.
Privacy risks: Privacy risks are risks to the privacy of your customers or employees. This includes things like identity theft and data leaks.

How to Manage Digital Risks

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to managing digital risks. The best approach will vary depending on the specific risks faced by your business. However, there are some basic principles that all businesses should follow when managing digital risks.

Define what digital risks are relevant to your business.
Assess the potential impact of each digital risk.
Put in place controls to mitigate the impact of digital risks.
Monitor and review digital risks regularly.
Communicate with all stakeholders about digital risks.
Be prepared to respond to incidents arising from digital risks.

By following these principles, you can ensure that your business is well-prepared to manage its digital risks. Digital risks are an increasingly important part of business in the modern world. Understanding and managing these risks can protect your business from potentially devastating impacts.

How to Mitigate Digital Risks

Given the complex nature of the digital risk landscape, businesses must take a holistic approach to manage these risks. Some steps that businesses can take to mitigate digital risk include:

Implementing strong cybersecurity measures: This includes things like two-factor authentication, data encryption, and intrusion detection.
Improving data security: Ensure adequate security measures are in place to protect your information.
Securing networks: Install proper security measures on your networks to protect them from outside threats.
Complying with laws and regulations: Familiarize yourself with the data security laws and regulations that apply to your business. Make sure you are taking steps to protect your customers’ data.
Improving resiliency: This means having a plan in place in case of a data breach or other incident, such as a power outage. You should have a backup plan for how you will keep your business running.
Working with trusted third parties: When you work with other businesses, make sure they have adequate security measures in place to protect your data.
Raising privacy awareness: This includes things like training employees on data privacy and implementing security controls.

There are different controls that businesses can put in place to mitigate digital risks. These can include technical controls, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems, and organizational controls, such as policies and procedures.

What Role Do Risk Assessments Play in Digital Risk Management?

Risk assessments are an important part of managing digital risks. They help businesses identify their risks and implement appropriate controls to mitigate them. The most effective risk management strategies will usually involve a combination of both technical and organizational controls. There are several approaches to risk assessments, but all share some common elements.

Firstly, businesses need to identify the assets they need to protect. These include customer data, financial information, intellectual property, and company secrets. Once these assets have been identified, businesses need to identify their threats. These can come from external sources, such as hackers, or internal sources, such as employees who may accidentally or deliberately leak information.

Once the threats have been identified, businesses need to assess the likelihood of them happening and the potential impact they could have. This will help businesses prioritize the risks and put in place controls to mitigate them. Digital risks are constantly evolving, so businesses must regularly review their risk assessments and update their controls accordingly. This will help ensure that they are prepared for the latest threats and can continue to protect their assets effectively.

Wrapping Up

Digital risks are an inevitable part of doing business in the digital age. However, many businesses are still unaware of the potential risks they face. From data breaches and cyberattacks to reputational damage and loss of customer trust, digital risks to businesses are real and should not be ignored. Businesses must understand their digital risks and take appropriate measures to protect themselves. This includes ensuring that their data is secure, their online reputation is managed effectively, and their customers’ trust is not compromised.

While there are steps you can take to mitigate these risks, it’s important to remember that there is no single silver bullet. The best approach is to take a comprehensive and proactive approach, implementing multiple layers of security and constantly monitoring your systems for vulnerabilities. Now is the time to start if you’re not already taking steps to protect your business from digital risks. Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated and widespread, and the consequences of a breach can be devastating. Don’t wait until it’s too late – take action now to protect your business.

September 12, 2022October 3, 2022

How Do Phishing Scams Work?

You may have heard of the term “phishing,” but you may not be completely aware. If you operate a business or even conduct any kind of transactions online – which represents the majority of people – you may be susceptible to a phishing attack. When executed correctly, a phishing attack can leave you or your business in major personal or financial trouble.

In this post, we’ll dive deeply into defining a phishing scam, understanding the common traits, and identifying the various types of scams. Finally, we’ll look at what you can do to prevent a phishing attempt from disrupting you or your organization.

What is a Phishing Scam?

A phishing scam starts with a hacker or malicious actor reaching out to you. These individuals are looking to access information that you hold. To gain access to this, they’ll attempt to contact you (usually by email, but it can also be via phone or text) with a message prompting you to click on a link.

These scams use social engineering tactics compelling you to comply (more on those below). Once you or someone within your organization clicks the link, it may then upload destructive malware or viruses to your device, system, or network. This malware then provides them access to your personally identifiable information (PII), financial information like credit card numbers, or other information you don’t want falling into the wrong hands.

How a Phishing Scam Works

As noted above, phishing scams use social engineering tactics to trick recipients into complying with a requested action. Hackers will pose as an institution the individual knows or trusts to gain their trust.

For example, let’s say you receive an email from your bank asking you to log in to your account due to a problem. At first glance, the email may appear legitimate as it contains your bank logo and a similar font. But have your bank ever contacted you in this way before? The answer is likely no, as banks don’t ask you for information like this over email.

Everything from the email address the hacker uses to the language they use in the email might appear legitimate. That’s why it’s important to examine them carefully and err on the side of caution.

The Common Traits of a Phishing Scam

Every phishing attempt looks different, but they tend to have some traits in common across attacks. For one, email phishing attacks prompt you to click a link within your email.

Additionally, many attacks attempt to create a false sense of urgency. They’ll say there’s an issue with your account or suspicious activity that you’ll need to log in to resolve. This is, of course, a ruse meant to create a feeling of panic in the recipient. The hackers are banking on you, reacting without thinking.

Other phishing scams mimic or recreate an email address for a friend or family member. Have you ever gotten an email from a family member that contained a link but didn’t look right? It was almost certainly a phishing attempt.

You may also get an email from what you believe to be a trusted source, like your employer or healthcare provider. If the email looks suspicious, it likely is. Your default stance should always be to follow up with the sender to confirm the email’s legitimacy.

It bears repeating: if anyone asks you for any type of sensitive information over an email, text, or phone, you’re probably on the receiving end of a phishing attempt.

The Different Types of Phishing Scams

While phishing attempts happen over email, similar attacks happen over phone or text. Email phishing scams involve you clicking on a bad link. The other types of scams have different tactics with the same desired outcome for the hacker.

In the case of phone attacks (also known as vishing), you’ll receive a call from someone asking you to relay personal information over the phone. You may even be prompted to dial a specific number. These attackers often spoof numbers from trusted institutions like your bank. They might tell you that a friend or family member needs assistance to increase your feeling of urgency. They can also ask you to verify personal information to authenticate your identity to them – when, in fact, they’re stealing the information themselves.

Another common phishing scam is attacks conducted over SMS text messages (also known as smishing). These operate similarly to email attacks. You’ll receive a text from someone or some institution you trust asking you to click on a link.

How to Respond to a Phishing Scam

The first step is to be aware that phishing scams exist. Knowing what they might look like helps you know what to watch out for. If you are part of an organization, create this culture of awareness with your team. By educating your staff on what to expect, you’ll be able to prevent them from impacting your business in the future.

But what happens when you do receive a phishing attempt? The most important action you can take is this: nothing at all. Don’t interact or engage with a phishing attempt. If it’s a text or email, don’t click the link. If you’re on the phone with someone attempting to scam you, don’t engage – simply hang up as soon as possible.

Phishing Scams are Growing Increasingly More Common

In summary, phishing scams tap into sophisticated social engineering techniques, using people’s fears to gain access to sensitive information. This information can then be used to defraud the person or organization financially or steal their identity. They can be carried out over email, phone, or text message. When you get a phishing attempt, the best action is no action. Don’t engage – just block and delete.

The sad reality of phishing scams is that they aren’t going away anytime soon. You can’t prevent them from happening. All you can do is maintain awareness and constant vigilance of an attack possibly occurring. Be wary of emails that look suspicious and even those that don’t – as phishing strategies become more complex, you’ll be more likely to fall prey to one. Exercise utmost caution when communicating with anyone over email, phone, or text.

Contact us today for more on how we can help your organization navigate phishing attempts or provide other managed IT services.

September 12, 2022September 14, 2022

The Benefits of Azure Virtual Desktop Remote App Streaming

The Benefits of AVD Remote App Streaming: Why You Should Stream Your Apps

Key Points:

Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop app streaming can help reduce latency and improve performance when using apps on a remote device.
AVD can help improve the quality of your app experience by providing a consistent connection and reducing buffering.
AVD can help you save on data usage by compressing it before sending it over the internet.

In today’s world, more and more people are working remotely. Whether you’re a freelancer, work for a remote company, or often travel for business, there’s a good chance you’ve had to access work applications from a non-traditional office setting. If you have, you know that it can often be a frustrating experience. Latency, poor internet connection, and inconsistent performance can make using remote apps challenging. That’s where Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) comes in.

Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is a cloud-based app streaming service that allows users to access their apps and desktops from anywhere, on any device. AVD is an alternative to traditional desktop virtualization solutions. AVD can be used to deliver a virtual desktop experience to any device, including PCs, Macs, tablets, and smartphones. AVD is easy to set up and manage and provides a high-quality user experience. AVD includes several features that make it an attractive solution for organizations looking to provide remote access to apps and desktops.

What Is Azure Virtual Desktop(AVD) Remote App Streaming?

Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) remote app streaming is a feature that allows users to access their applications remotely. The apps are streamed from a server to the user’s device, and the user can interact with them as if they were running locally. Users can use AVD remote app streaming to access their apps anywhere, on any device.

App streaming allows you to use remote apps with little to no lag, even on a poor internet connection. That’s because data is compressed before it’s sent over the internet, meaning there are fewer data to transfer and less chance of lost packets or delays. App streaming can also help reduce bandwidth usage, as only the data needed to run the app is sent, rather than the entire application.

There are many other benefits to using AVD app streaming, which we’ll explore in more detail below.

What Are the Benefits of Using AVD Remote App Streaming?

Reduced Latency

One of the biggest benefits of using AVD app remote streaming is reduced latency. Latency is the time it takes for data to travel from your device to the remote server and back again. When you’re using a remote app, any latency can cause problems, as it can make the app feel unresponsive. AVD app streaming eliminates the need for a server round-trip, which can often add several seconds of delay.

Improved Performance

Another benefit of AVD remote app streaming is improved performance. When you’re using a remote app, any inconsistency can be frustrating. Buffering, slow load times and freezing can make using a remote app challenging. AVD’s remote app streaming feature helps to eliminate these issues by allowing you to stream your apps directly to your device. This means you can enjoy a smooth, seamless experience without frustrating interruptions.

Increased Flexibility

AVD’s remote app streaming feature also provides you with increased flexibility. This feature is not tied to a single device or location. You can easily stream your apps to any device with an internet connection. This means you can use your apps on your phone, tablet, or laptop – wherever you happen to be. You’re not limited to using them just on your AVD device.

Access to More Features

You gain access to more features when you use AVD’s remote app streaming feature. Some remote apps offer limited functionality. With AVD, you can take advantage of the app’s full feature set. This includes using the app’s camera, microphone, and other sensors. You also have access to the app’s file system. This means you can save files locally on your device for offline use.

No Need to Install the App Individually

Another big advantage of AVD’s remote app streaming feature is that you only have to install the app once. With some remote apps, you must install the app on each device you want to use. This can be a hassle, especially if you have multiple devices. With AVD, you can install the app once and use it on any compatible device.

Improved Productivity

AVD’s remote app streaming feature can also help to improve productivity. By allowing users to access their apps from any location, they can get work done more efficiently. This is especially beneficial for users who need to access their apps while away from their desks. With AVD, they can stay productive even when they’re on the go.

Enhanced Security

AVD’s remote app streaming feature also provides enhanced security. This is especially important for users who work with sensitive data or need access to their apps from public Wi-Fi networks. With AVD, they can be sure that their data is safe and secure.

Reduced Costs

AVD’s remote app streaming feature can also help to reduce costs. By streaming apps remotely, users can avoid the need to purchase and install multiple copies of their apps. This is especially beneficial for users who have multiple devices or who travel often. With AVD, they can save money by streaming their apps remotely.

When Should You Opt for AVD Remote App Streaming?

There are many situations where AVD remote app streaming can be beneficial. Here are some examples:

When You Need to Use a Specific App That Is Not Available on Your Current Device

For example, if you’re using a work-issued device, you may not have access to certain apps that you need for your job. In this case, AVD remote app streaming can give you the access you need without switching devices.

When You’re Using a Public Device and Don’t Want to Install Apps

If you’re using a library computer or another public device, you may not want to install apps on that device. AVD remote app streaming can give you the same functionality without installing anything.

When You Want to Save Space on Your Device

If you have limited storage on your device, you may not want to install apps that you don’t use regularly. AVD remote app streaming can allow you to use apps on an as-needed basis without wasting valuable storage space.

The fundamental difference between AVD’s app streaming and other offerings is that AVD doesn’t require the same high-powered hardware at the app streaming destination as is typically needed to run the app natively. Remote app streaming brings you many benefits without the expense of powerful destination hardware.

Wrapping Up

AVD remote app streaming can be a great solution for several different situations. If you need to use a specific app that is unavailable on your current device, if you want to use an app that doesn’t support it, or if you simply want to save battery life, streaming an app can be a great option. As employees continue to work remotely, AVD remote app streaming can help keep everyone connected and productive.

September 9, 2022September 13, 2022

Microsoft Intelligent Data Platform: Unlocking the Power of Data for Businesses

The Microsoft Intelligent Data Platform: Unlocking the Power of Data for Businesses

Key Points:

Microsoft’s Intelligent Data Platform is designed to help businesses make the most of their data.
The platform can gain insights into customer behavior, trends, and patterns. It can also be used to predict future behavior.
The platform can help businesses make a better product, marketing, and operations decisions.

All businesses strive to work faster and smarter, and Microsoft has developed the perfect platform to make this happen. Microsoft’s Intelligent Data Platform is designed to make data more valuable by making it more accessible and useful.

What Is the Microsoft Intelligent Data Platform?

The Microsoft Intelligent Data Platform is a comprehensive data platform that helps organizations unlock the value of their data to improve business outcomes. The platform integrates data analytics, databases, and governance capabilities to enable businesses to make better decisions with their data. Microsoft’s Intelligent Data Platform empowers organizations of all sizes to turn data into insights and use those insights to drive business transformation.

It also includes a set of services that helps organizations turn data into insights, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence. The Microsoft Intelligent Data Platform is the latest evolution in data management. It builds on the success of previous generations of data platforms, such as the SQL Server and Azure. Microsoft’s Intelligent Data Platform is designed to help you manage data at scale.

The Microsoft Intelligent Data Platform is built on three pillars:

A flexible data model that can be easily adapted to your needs
A scalable architecture that can handle large amounts of data
A set of powerful tools that make it easy to work with data

Benefits of the Microsoft Intelligent Data Platform

Businesses and organizations are striving for innovation and success in the digital age. They must adopt new ways of working with data to stay ahead of the competition. In a world surrounded by technology, it can be quite challenging to keep up with the constant changes and maintain a high level of productivity.

Identifying application and platform features that will push your business forward can also be difficult. What features should you look for? What aspects are important and will help you succeed? With the introduction of the Microsoft Intelligent Data Platform, businesses now have access to powerful tools and technologies that can help them drive innovation and transformation.

Here are a few of the benefits of the Microsoft Intelligent Data Platform:

Turning Insights Into Better Business Operations

While big data technologies seem to be the industry’s main focus, it is important not to lose sight of the data itself. Data has always been a critical part of business, but its importance has only grown recently.

With the proliferation of digital devices and the rise of the Internet of Things(IoT), businesses are collecting more data than ever. This data can improve nearly every aspect of a business, from marketing and sales to operations and customer service. With machine learning capabilities, businesses can use data to predict future trends. This means there will be opportunities to make your data work for you.

Data analytics was once seen as a tool for only the most technical users. However, with the Microsoft Intelligent Data Platform, businesses of all sizes can use data insights to improve their operations. By analyzing data, businesses can identify inefficiencies and bottlenecks in their operations. They can then make changes to improve their processes and make them more efficient.

Data-Driven Decision Making

In the past, business decisions were often made based on gut feeling or intuition. However, the Microsoft Intelligent Data Platform allows businesses to make decisions based on data. With data-driven decision-making, businesses can avoid the pitfalls of intuition-based decision-making, such as confirmation bias and the sunk cost fallacy.

Businesses can identify trends and patterns that they would otherwise miss with the right data. They can also test different hypotheses to see which one is most likely to lead to success. Businesses can gain a significant competitive advantage by using data to drive their decisions.

Secure Data Sharing and Collaboration

Quality and security are important considerations for any business that shares data. The Microsoft Intelligent Data Platform includes features that help ensure the quality and security of data. With these features, businesses can be confident that their data is accurate and secure. These features will become even more valuable as data governance becomes more important. Data governance is managing data to ensure its quality and security.

This is important for businesses of all sizes, but it is especially critical for businesses that handle sensitive data. With the right data governance practices in place, businesses can ensure that their data is accurate and reliable. The Microsoft Intelligent Data Platform from Microsoft includes features that help businesses manage their data and ensure its quality. With these capabilities, businesses can gain the trust of their customers and partners.

Greater Insight Into Your Data Sources

Businesses and organizations must understand their data sources, capabilities, and limitations. Doing so can help you prioritize your data initiatives, focus on areas with the greatest impact, and avoid issues arising from incorrect assumptions about your data. Organizations often have a wealth of data at their disposal, but not all are useful for decision-making. To make the most informed decisions, you need to understand what data is available to you, where it comes from, and how accurate and reliable it is.

There are many factors to consider when assessing your data sources, but some key questions you should ask are:

What data do we have?
Where does it come from?
How accurate is it?
How complete is it?
How timely is it?

Answering these questions can help you understand your data capabilities and limitations, which is essential for making informed decisions.

Final Thoughts

Data is critical to any organization, but not all data is created equal. To make the most informed decisions, you need to understand the provenance of your data. The Microsoft Intelligent Data Platform makes it easy to understand the data in your organization, so you can make more informed decisions. With this platform, businesses of all sizes will find it easier to understand their data capabilities and limitations. As a result, they can focus on areas that will have the greatest impact and avoid issues arising from incorrect assumptions about their data.

September 5, 2022September 29, 2022

Benefits Of Windows 365 For Small And Large Business

Benefits Of Windows 365 For Small And Large Businesses

KEY POINTS FROM THE ARTICLE:

Windows 365 is a cloud-based PC that uses a subscription model to help organizations cost-effectively scale operations.
Windows 365 offers businesses top-tier end-user experience, easy IT administration, seamless health and performance monitoring, reliable security, and compliance with US and international regulations.
Users can log into their PC from any device.
We are a trusted Microsoft partner that can help businesses to get started on Windows 365.

Windows 365 is your PC in the cloud. Users can now stream personalized experiences using any device, anywhere. While individuals and teams work seamlessly, it is easy for IT managers to configure and manage devices. The wholesome experience includes accessing a personal desktop, content, apps, and settings.

Benefits Of Windows 365 To Businesses

Windows 365 is an excellent way for businesses to transition to cloud-based solutions. Organizations can now secure and optimize hybrid work. Let us consider the key benefits of Windows 365 to businesses of all sizes.

Top-tier User Experience

Windows 365 optimizes employee productivity through automation and simplification. Unlike on-premises software, the cloud-based solution offers users automatic upgrades at no extra fees. Businesses can now enjoy the superiority of the latest Microsoft innovations in daily operations. The time and financial costs of manual software upgrades are eliminated.

Users no longer have to carry multiple devices when moving from one place to another. One can access their virtual PC from a website and resume their session where they left off. Individuals can now work faster since the cloud PC is independent of the physical one—users can select preferred features such as optimal processing power and storage. The IT department handles all configurations, freeing up teams to focus on goal attainment. Microsoft also offers faster internet speeds for cloud PCs than for traditional devices. Making workloads easily manageable can improve employee morale and organizational productivity.

Easy Administration

Microsoft uses familiar tools such as Microsoft Endpoint Manager (MEM), eliminating the need for IT professionals to get additional training. MEM is a central device management point for both physical and cloud PCs. Allowing admins on Windows 365 to easily assign PCs complements a company’s onboarding process since new employees can settle fast. IT admins will also easily assign users sufficient processing power, storage space, and apps. Groups on Windows 365 allow the IT department to reuse configuration settings to reduce time when assigning devices to new users. Organizations no longer have to maintain idle devices. Admins have the liberty to add and remove devices to match organizational needs. Organizations can now enjoy new technology tools and more extensive networks with no additional infrastructure.

Performance And Health Monitoring

Windows 365 lets IT managers view system analytics, such as connection speeds. The platform also checks whether users access vital services such as Azure. Microsoft runs continuous diagnostics and alerts admins when problems are detected. The system also generates suggestions on how to fix particular issues. Automatic reporting on key performance metrics enables admins to understand user experience in the organization better. The automated reports also indicate whether the memory and processing power allocations are optimal for employees. Microsoft allows organizations to upgrade their cloud PCs as their needs expand.

Security And Compliance

Windows 365 is compliant with US and international regulations. The platform only features licensed applications from the Microsoft suite.

The primary benefit of cloud PCs is preventing users from downloading corporate data to personal devices. The Zero Trust security model allows businesses to protect data better using tools such as multifactor authentication. Windows 365 uses the least privilege access principles to limit what employees can view based on their role. Defender protects cloud PCs from possible malware attacks. Encryption of both data at rest and in transit protects organizations from losing sensitive information to criminals. Organizations manage their data. Microsoft maintains utmost transparency on how data is stored and used.

Data Management

Accessing data on Windows 365 is as easy as it is secure. The cloud-based solution stores session information to allow users to resume tasks exactly where they left off. Constant data backups to Microsoft cloud facilities allow employees to remain productive regardless of their devices. Information loss is minimized to help businesses to benefit from big data. IT administrators can protect sensitive corporate data by managing users’ permissions. Admin privileges extend to deciding whether users can download specific files to their devices. Businesses can now centralize analysis to get insightful data analytics.

Effective Communication

Users can collaborate quickly on Windows 365 using Microsoft communication tools such as Outlook. Great applications such as Microsoft Teams allow businesses to schedule and have meetings conveniently. The app aims to eliminate disruptions since teams can remotely participate in collective projects while communicating well. Features such as instant messaging enable users to coordinate daily activities. Microsoft OneNote is available in the cloud-based suite to ease idea sharing. Communication is also easier on Windows 365 due to automation in recording details for future reference. Shared mailboxes and calendars help to align employees’ actions to particular objectives. IT admins should avail necessary communication tools to specific employees. Improved access to information could make companies more innovative.

Easy To Scale Business Operations

Windows 365 is a great way to scale operations. Firstly, eliminating the need to buy new devices makes it possible to handle more operations cost-effectively. Window 365’s subscription package includes license fees for particular applications. Secondly, businesses can easily manage IT services even with a small workforce. Microsoft Endpoint Management enables enterprises to control devices through extensive automation easily. Admins can easily add applications to devices and use predefined groups to configure them. Reusing configuration files enables organizations to maximize productivity even with new individuals and teams. Thirdly, the Windows 365 suite includes all applications available for physical PCs. The feature allows users to access necessary data and applications from anywhere.

September 1, 2022September 14, 2022

The Parent’s Guide to Internet Safety

Do you remember when families shared one desktop computer in the living room? Today, a computer in the living room is supplemented by tablets in the kitchen, video games in the bedroom, and smartphones in everyone’s pocket. Thanks to the emergence of universal high-speed internet access and affordable mobile devices, our kids are growing up in a digital world.

According to the American Community Survey (ACS), 95 percent of 3- to 18-year-olds had home internet access in 2019. As a parent, monitoring your child’s internet use and teaching them how to stay safe online is important. Just as you would never send your child outside without teaching them about stranger danger, it’s important to have a conversation with your kids about internet safety.

This guide will cover the basics of internet safety for kids, including tips on protecting your child from online predators, cyberbullying, and other risks.

What Is Internet Safety?

Internet safety is the knowledge and practices users should adopt to protect themselves and their information from online threats. It includes measures to protect against malware, phishing, identity theft, online scams, and other online dangers.

Internet safety also encompasses protecting your child from inappropriate content and contact with online predators. With the rise of social media and chat apps, it’s easier for predators to contact children and teens online. They may pose as a friend or peer to gain your child’s trust and then attempt to groom them for sexual exploitation.

According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), there were more than 29 million reports of suspected child sexual exploitation in 2021, an increase of 35 percent from 2020. These cases can involve solicitation (asking a child to send explicit images), production (forcing a child to produce sexually explicit content), or trafficking (arranging for a child to engage in sexual activity for financial gain).

It’s important to teach your kids about internet safety so they can protect themselves from these dangers.

5 Tips for Keeping Your Child Safe Online

You can take several steps to keep your child safe online, including monitoring their internet use, teaching them about internet safety, and using parental control tools.

Teach Your Child About Internet Safety

Safety in the physical world starts with education; the same is true for safety online. Talk to your kids about internet safety, helping them to understand the risks and how to protect themselves. By teaching them about the potential risks and how to stay safe, you can help them navigate the online world more safely.

Monitor Your Child’s Internet Use

Monitoring your child’s internet use is one of the best ways to keep them safe online. This means paying attention to the websites they visit, their apps, and the people they interact with online. If you notice your child is visiting inappropriate websites, using unsafe apps, or talking to strangers online, take action immediately. You may need to block certain websites and apps, limit their internet use, or discuss internet safety with them.

Use Parental Control Tools

In addition to teaching your child about internet safety and monitoring your child’s internet use, you can also use parental control tools to help keep them safe online. Parental control tools are software programs that allow you to monitor your child’s internet use and block access to inappropriate websites and content. Some parental control tools also allow you to set time limits for internet use, track your child’s online activity, and receive alerts if they attempt to access blocked websites or content.

Here are a few tactics that can be used to keep your kids safe online:

Activate parental controls on your children’s devices so you can monitor their activity and screen time
Research the security features of the devices your kids use
Use unique and hard-to-guess passwords
Keep your software and apps up to date
Use multi-factor authentication when possible
Review social media privacy settings
Avoid connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi networks
Install a comprehensive security solution on all devices that can access the internet
Keep an open dialogue with your kids about their online activity and concerns

Take an Inventory of Your Child’s Devices

Keep an eye on the devices your children use to access the internet. In addition to computers, this may include smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and smart TVs. Not all devices are created equal when it comes to internet safety. Some devices may have fewer built-in security and parental control options than others. This means they may be more vulnerable to online threats, such as malware and online predators.

Gaming Consoles: Some gaming consoles, such as the Xbox One and PlayStation 4/5, come with built-in parental controls that allow you to limit the amount of time your children can play and the types of games they can access. You can also set up separate user accounts for each child to monitor their activity.
Smartphones and Tablets: Smartphones and tablets usually have built-in security features, such as screen locks and app permissions, that can help protect your children from online threats. You can also install parental control apps on these devices to help you monitor your children’s activity and block inappropriate content.
Computers: You can use parental control software to help you monitor your children’s computer activity and block inappropriate websites and content. You can also set up separate user accounts for each child to control what they can access on the computer.

Stay Up-To-Date on the Latest Internet Safety Threats

The internet is constantly changing, which means the threats to your child’s safety online are also constantly changing. It’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest internet safety threats so you can protect your child.

To help you stay informed, here are a few of the most common internet safety threats to be aware of:

Cyberbullying: this is when someone uses the internet to bully or harass others. This can include sending mean or threatening messages, spreading rumors, or publishing private information.

Cybersafety Recommendations:

Have a conversation with your child about cyberbullying and what to do if they experience it.
Encourage your child to speak to you or another trusted adult if they are being cyberbullied.
Block and report any accounts that are cyberbullying your child.
Take screenshots or save any messages or images that are part of cyberbullying.

Online Predators: Online predators are adults who use the internet to target children for sexual exploitation. They may pose as children or teenagers in online chat rooms or social media platforms to gain your child’s trust.

Cybersafety Recommendations:

Tell your child not to share personal information, such as their name, address, or school, with anyone online.
Encourage your child to use the privacy settings on social media platforms and only accept friend requests from people they know.
Tell your child not to meet up with someone they met online.
Report any suspicious behavior to the police.

Inappropriate Content: This content can damage children and teenagers, so it’s important to monitor their internet use and ensure they are not viewing this type of content.

Cybersafety Recommendations:

Install filters and parental controls on all devices that can access the internet.
Monitor your child’s internet use and look for warning signs that they are viewing inappropriate content.
Talk to your child about what they should do if they accidentally stumble across inappropriate content online.
Report any websites or content that you find to be inappropriate.

Remember, the internet can be a great tool for kids when used correctly. Just supervise their activity, set clear rules, and talk to them about online safety. Like children are taught to be careful around strangers in real life, the same goes for the internet.