Security Admin with Microsoft Office 365

Microsoft 365 Security Admin

Security Admin with Microsoft Office 365


Cybersecurity refers to the framework of rules, applications, and standard practices that safeguard the internet network, connected hardware and software applications, and data from authorized access and manipulations. In an online work environment, whether it is public internet or intranet at the organizational level, the networks are always susceptible to threats from outside. Cybersecurity helps in providing a security cover to the network, connected devices, and data. One of the important security tools that offer excellent services is Microsoft Office 365.

Microsoft Office 365 is a cloud-based computing program that integrates many functions, software, and regulations into a cloud-based service or subscription-typical program appropriate for private, educational, and official government agencies. It involves cloud data, encryption technologies, and the connection of teamwork to a personal computer directly. With an Office 365 subscription, users may use a range of enterprise resources and facilities, including data management, file sharing, and collaboration in the organization on the foundation of cloud computing.

Efficiency in business is crucial. Every organization benefits from being able to develop, cooperate, and communicate effectively. Organizations become more nimble and are able to compete in their industry when they have access to productivity tools that make it easier for individuals to complete their tasks from any location. It is crucial that businesses take full advantage of Office 365’s advantages.

Microsoft 365 Security Admin

The Benefits Of Security Admin With Office 365

  • Accessing files from anywhere: Office 365 allows your company to save all of its files in the cloud. This implies they can be accessed from any location with an internet connection using any of the registered devices. Accessing all the apps and files you need when away from the office is invaluable in organizations where mobile work is required.
  • Improved Communication: Office 365 provides customers with options to make communication centralized and simple across Skype and Outlook. You can hold conference calls and meetings with colleagues and external agencies from anywhere in the world with Microsoft Team, so you can always cooperate and communicate regardless of location or time difference. Microsoft Teams includes an instant messaging feature that allows comments and files to be uploaded at the same time, which is ideal for cross-departmental collaboration and document co-authoring. All of these capabilities allow you to stay in continual and quick touch with teams and people no matter where they are or when they are.
  • Business Continuity: With information kept in the cloud and frequently backed up, your company may continue to operate normally in the event of an office incident. Your email, files, and data are safely kept in the cloud regardless of what happens to your physical devices. Exchange also provides recovery tools that allow individual emails or whole inboxes to be recovered if necessary.
  • Centralized Collaboration: Through collaboration technologies, Office 365 allows you to share mailboxes, calendars, contacts, and edit documents in real time. Sharing calendars in Exchange allows you to know who is available when in your organization, allowing you to organize meetings that work for everyone.  Since several users may access the same inbox using shared mailboxes, messages can be filtered to land in the shared mailbox and not be missed. SharePoint is another essential tool for facilitating cooperation. Documents saved here can be accessed and worked on by any staff member and shared through email as a link. Multiple users may also modify documents saved in SharePoint in real-time, making co-authoring simple.
  • Predictable spend: In the same way as a subscription service, Office 365 is paid for on a monthly, per-user basis. Your license fee will be established by the features you select for your company. The cost of a license depends on the enterprise tier, which in turn is determined by the range of applications and products available at that tier. By establishing a fixed cost per user every month, you may better plan your IT budget for the coming year.
  • Secure Cloud Storage: If an unauthorized person were to get access to your device, they would be unable to access your files in Office 365 because of the extensive security mechanisms in place, such as two-factor authentication. Security risks are promptly discovered and halted with the help of threat detection and anti-malware software, which is crucial for businesses that deal with sensitive information.

Microsoft’s Office 365 Security Strategy

Microsoft’s Office 365 security strategy is based on four pillars.

The first pillar–Prevent Breach, takes care of network-level isolation/breach borders, distributed denial of service (DDoS) detection and mitigation, live-site penetration testing, and multifactor authentication for service access

The second pillar–Detect Breach, is a built-in analytical mechanism that collects and correlates system and security alarms. The signals are analyzed both internally and outside (from customer issues, for example). New alarm patterns are added based on machine learning.

The third pillar–Respond to Breach, addresses the ensuing risk remediation in case a component is breached. Tools that allow for the quick identification of those responsible and the blocking or termination of their access to sensitive data are helpful in this regard.

When a data breach occurs, follow the steps outlined in the “Recover from Breach” section of the Office 365 backup plan. The environment’s security may be adjusted, impacted systems updated automatically, and irregularities investigated.

The security features offered in Office 365 include encryption at rest or in transit, anti-malware controls, anti-spam controls, antivirus scanning, multifactor authentication (on user login only), and CCM/SOC certifications for at-rest data.

Your company requires a maintenance and operations plan for Microsoft 365 for business once the initial installation and configuration are finished. You may need to add or delete users, change passwords, and even restore devices to their original settings when staff are employed and leave. You should also ensure that employees have only the permissions they need to do their duties.

Microsoft Office 365 can integrate seamlessly with other legacy systems and offer a robust framework to run business operations. The synergies are what will give you an edge over competitors. With its high levels of flexibility and security, it is, thereby, a very worthy investment for any organization.

DuckDuckGo for Mac: Privacy-Minded Browser with New Security Features

Duck Duck Go Mac

DuckDuckGo for Mac: Privacy-Minded Browser with New Security Features

  • DuckDuckGo for Mac is now available with new privacy features to help keep user data safe.
  • These features include automatic pop-up protection, a dedicated YouTube player, email protection, and more.
  • DuckDuckGo for Mac is a good choice for privacy-minded users who want to protect their data from hackers and other threats.

Duck Duck Go Mac

DuckDuckGo for Mac Released With New Privacy Features

With the growing concerns around online privacy and data security, DuckDuckGo has become one of the leading providers of tools to help users stay protected online. Their latest browser, which is now available in public beta, offers an array of features designed to help keep user data safe.

This includes automatic pop-up protection against unwanted advertisements and third-party trackers, as well as a dedicated player for streaming YouTube videos. Additionally, the browser incorporates automatic cookie consent handling and other privacy-focused features for a truly secure browsing experience.

Whether you’re looking for increased security or just want to take advantage of DuckDuckGo’s many useful features, this browser is an excellent choice.

What Are the New Privacy Features, and How Do They Work?

Users deserve privacy each time they go online, which is why DuckDuckGo offers robust security tools designed to keep your data safe and private. Incognito Mode on other browsers is designed to block tracking and keep your browsing private, but it does not have the same level of protection as DuckDuckGo for Mac. With the new privacy features, you can browse safely and confidently online, knowing that your data is protected and secure.

Let’s take a look at some of the key privacy features of DuckDuckGo for Mac and how they work to protect your data.

Password Management

Passwords are some of the most sensitive data that we store online, and it’s not uncommon for these to be stolen or compromised by hackers. The DuckDuckGo browser includes built-in password management tools that allow you to safely and securely store your passwords in an encrypted vault. An integration with Bitwarden allows you to securely store and manage all of your passwords, making it easy to access them when needed.

Automated Pop-Up Blocker

We’ve all experienced the annoyance of unwanted pop-ups and advertising trackers that slow down our browsing and collect data about our online activity. The DuckDuckGo browser includes an automated pop-up blocker that scans each site you visit to identify and remove advertising trackers, helping to keep your browsing experience fast and private.

Streaming YouTube Videos

While streaming videos from YouTube is convenient, it can also pose a serious privacy risk. The DuckDuckGo browser includes a dedicated YouTube component that allows you to stream videos without sharing any personal information. This not only helps keep your browsing experience private and secure but also helps to protect your data from advertisers and other third parties that track activity on YouTube.

Email Protection

With over 70 percent of people preferring email as their main method of communication, email has become an important part of our daily lives. However, this also means that your email is at risk of being compromised by hackers and other cybercriminals. The DuckDuckGo browser includes integrated email protection features that help to protect your emails from data breaches, as well as built-in encryption for added security.

Cookie Pop-Up Manager

Cookies are commonly used to track online activity and build a profile of your browsing habits. The DuckDuckGo browser includes a cookie pop-up manager that allows you to control the types of cookies that are stored on your device. With this feature, you can easily opt out of tracking cookies and protect your privacy online.

Fire Button

Your browsing history can reveal a lot about your personal preferences, interests, and even medical conditions. The Fire Button on DuckDuckGo for Mac allows you to quickly and easily clear your browsing history and delete stored cookies to help protect your online privacy.

Smarter Encryption Technology

Encryption is one of the most important tools for protecting your online data, but it can also be difficult to navigate and understand. The new privacy features in DuckDuckGo for Mac use smarter encryption technology that makes it easier to stay safe and secure online. When a user accesses an unencrypted website, DuckDuckGo automatically redirects them to an encrypted version, helping to keep data safe and secure at all times.

Why Is DuckDuckGo for Mac a Good Choice for Privacy-Minded Users?

In the digital age, privacy has never been more important. There are daily risks of having our personal data stolen by hackers, and there are always companies tracking our every move. Some things that you may think are private, like your search history, may land in the hands of third parties.

  • You may be surprised to learn that your personal data is being tracked and sold. Several companies use sophisticated algorithms to collect and analyze our information, often without our knowledge or consent.
  • Cybercriminals are constantly on the lookout for opportunities to steal our data, which they can then use to commit identity theft and other crimes. They may hack into our email accounts, social media profiles, or bank accounts to gain access to sensitive information like passwords and financial details.
  • Video streaming services are also constantly collecting data about our viewing habits. This data may be sold to advertisers, who can use it to create targeted ads that are likely to be more appealing to us.

Users who value privacy know that it’s not easy to find a browser that does everything you need. Enter DuckDuckGo. DuckDuckGo for Mac comes equipped with advanced security features to help keep your data safe from hackers and other threats. In addition, it has powerful tools that help you avoid websites that track your activity or bombard you with ads.

In a world where it feels like someone is always watching and listening, DuckDuckGo for Mac is the ultimate tool for protecting your privacy online. Whether you’re searching the web, shopping online, or streaming videos and music, this browser has everything you need to keep your data safe and your browsing history private.

How Stream (on SharePoint)’s New Video Recording Features Can Enhance Your Organizational Communications

Microsoft Stream Video Recording

How Stream (on SharePoint)’s New Video Recording Features Can Enhance Your Organizational Communications

Key Points in This Article

  • Microsoft 365’s new Stream (on SharePoint) application allows users to record and edit videos and easily integrate their content with the rest of the platform.
  • While the classic version of Stream will be retired in the next couple of years, the new Stream (on SharePoint) offers users and organizations more options to create and manage high-quality video content.

If you want to make the most of Microsoft 365, Microsoft continually rolls out new features and functions that help you do that. One of the newest developments is introducing a Recording video function in Stream (on SharePoint). Stream (on SharePoint) is a component of Microsoft 365 that integrates video search, sharing, and management features in apps across the platform. And now, with the latest update, Stream (on SharePoint)allows you to record video.

Microsoft Stream Video Recording

Video Recording in Stream (on SharePoint)

Microsoft has been diligently updating the existing Stream (on SharePoint) interface. You can see the new portal that replaces the classic interface on your desktop and mobile browsers. However, neither the Android nor the iOS version of Stream (on SharePoint) supports video recording…yet. But you can access this feature on your laptop, taking advantage of the new Stream camera feature to record webcam footage and screen content.

The new Stream (on SharePoint) doesn’t just allow you to record but also edit your recordings as well. Granted, the new editing functionality should not be mistaken for industry standards like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro X, or Avid Media Composer. But it will keep your audio clear enough to be heard and ensure your video is of professional quality. Additionally, you have access to filters, text annotations, backgrounds, and other simple features that can help spruce up the video content you record.

Microsoft makes recording videos easy. Simply click the New recording button in the Stream client. You’ll find yourself in a new tab in which you can record. Before you do, you can add a backdrop, image, or background blur if you wish. When you upload an image, you can drag it and place it anywhere you’d like in the background of the recording and enlarge or shrink it according to your preferences.

When you’re ready to record, click the round button between Options and Effects at the bottom of the tab. Click it again to stop recording when you wish. Your recording will automatically stop after 15 minutes – the maximum time you can record video on Stream (on SharePoint). If you like what you recorded, click Publish to preserve it in your OneDrive for Business account.

Depending on your license agreement, you may need to be prudent with what you preserve. Stream (on SharePoint) video content will fall under your storage quota for OneDrive and SharePoint. If recording video is part of your role, you may need to request more storage space from your employer. If not, you’ll want to keep these limits in mind, especially if the video content you record doesn’t directly support revenue-driving activities.

In OneDrive for Business, the default file naming convention includes the date and time you recorded your video. You’ll want to rename it quickly to avoid having a folder full of unrecognizable files. You can also add captions and transcripts to your video by accessing the Properties settings. In fact, though Stream (on SharePoint) is not the most robust option, it does boast an impressive array of editing features.

With Stream (on SharePoint), you can:

  • Suppress background noise to focus on just one speaker’s voice
  • Segment your video into Chapters allowing users to skip to the section they’re most interested in
  • Add transcripts and captions in multiple languages
  • Edited transcripts for accuracy
  • Add rich text and hyperlinks to your video descriptions
  • Create custom thumbnails

And more functions are likely on the way. In 2021, Microsoft bought a service called Clipchamp, which offers far more editing features. The company may integrate the service into Stream on SharePoint, which could allow users to create longer videos, combine video clips, and incorporate complex special effects.

The Benefits of Stream (on SharePoint)

By integrating video recording, Microsoft provides clients with enterprise-wide production capability. Further, its integration allows users to create custom workflows incorporating Microsoft’s full suite of apps without relying on standalone vendors, industry-specific software applications, and customized systems integrations.

Historically,  Microsoft’s classic Stream was fairly disconnected from the rest of Microsoft 365. Now Stream (on SharePoint) allows users a more robust UX experience, allowing them to share video content, search for it more effectively, and comment on it. Moreover, Stream (on SharePoint) allows you to categorize and store video content in OneDrive and SharePoint according to group rules aligned with your policies. For example, by folding videos into Microsoft Purview Data Lifecycle Management (formerly known as Microsoft Information Governance), you can ensure you preserve critical video content for archival, HR, regulatory, or legal reasons.

Further, by folding video content into Stream (on SharePoint), users can naturally manage audio and video files just as easily as other common files. There’s not a single video portal destination, but using SharePoint, you can create webpages and sites where you can embed videos for user viewing. You can also share video content across the organization through OneDrive, Teams, or SharePoint for other users to access as they see fit. You can also publish videos to the Yammer Community and boost your organizational visibility.

Stream (on SharePoint) also provides you with analytics, so you know who’s watching your video content and how engaging they find it. You can see trends, traffic, unique visitors over time, what parts of a video were watched, and more. This information can help you create more engaging content and tailor how you present it to capture your audience’s attention more effectively.

With Stream (on SharePoint’s) arrival, the classic Stream will soon be retired. Microsoft estimates providing an actual retirement date in the first quarter of 2023 and gradually sunsetting the classic Stream over the following 24 months. But the company also wants to make it as easy as possible for Stream users to move to the new platform. They’ve made a migration tool available here to help users move their existing video content simultaneously or in batches from Stream to Stream (on SharePoint). Moreover, Stream live events are transitioning to Teams live events. As that process is ongoing, the company also plans to send a formal notification about the retirement timeline for Stream live events shortly.

Ontario’s Employee Monitoring Policy: What You Need To Know

Ontario's Employee Monitoring Policy

Ontario’s Employee Monitoring Policy: What You Need To Know

Key Points

  • As of October 11, 2022, all employers in Ontario with 25 or more employees must have an electronic monitoring policy.
  • Electronic monitoring can include surveillance devices, GPS tracking, and keylogging software.
  • The electronic monitoring policy must state whether or not employees are being monitored.
  • Employers who fail to post a policy or do not provide employees with their electronic monitoring rights are subject to fines.

As of October 11, 2022, all employers in Ontario with 25 or more employees must have an electronic monitoring policy.

Electronic monitoring is nothing new, but a new law was recently passed in Ontario. As of October 11, 2022, all employers in Ontario with 25 or more employees must notify their employees in writing if they will be subject to electronic monitoring.

According to the provincial government, employers must notify employees of how they will be electronically monitored and where – including the devices, they may use to collect information. This law does not just apply to employees who work from home – it applies to anyone in Ontario who is subject to electronic monitoring, no matter where they are located.

Here’s what you need to know about electronic monitoring in the workplace and how you can prepare for it.

Ontario's Employee Monitoring Policy

What Is Electronic Monitoring?

Electronic monitoring is the use of technology to track employees’ working hours. This can include recording the time they start and end work and any breaks they take throughout the day.

Many employers are now using electronic monitoring to ensure that their employees adhere to employee attendance and overtime policies.

Transparency is critical when it comes to electronic monitoring. While the law does not prohibit employers from monitoring their employees’ activity online, it does require that they be upfront about their use of electronic monitoring tools.

What Must the Electronic Monitoring Policy Include?

The electronic monitoring policy must consist of the following:

  • A statement that employees may be subject to electronic monitoring
  • A description of the types of electronic monitoring that may be used
  • Details about how electronic monitoring data will be used
  • The date the policy was created
  • The date any modifications to the policy were made

How Should Electronic Monitoring Policies Be Communicated?

  • The written policy that outlines these details should be provided to all employees within 30 days of October 11, 2022.
  • New employees should receive this policy within 30 days of starting their job.
  • After modifications are made, employees should receive the updated copy within 30 days.
  • Employees should receive the policy in paper or digital format, allowing them to print it out.

The policy can be a standalone document, or it can be included in an employee handbook. Regardless of how the policy is communicated, employees need to understand the policy and their rights regarding electronic monitoring in the workplace.

When Should the Electronic Monitoring Policy Be Instituted?

As mentioned, the electronic monitoring policy must be provided to employees within 30 days of October 11, 2022. Therefore, employers must provide employees with a written copy of the policy by November 10, 2022.

Starting in 2023, any employer with 25 or more employees at the beginning of each year must have an electronic monitoring policy by March 1 of that same year.

Which Employees Should Be Counted When Measuring the 25-Employee Threshold?

When employers are determining whether they need to communicate an electronic monitoring policy to employees, they must consider all employees working at a single location or facility, including the following:

  • Employees who are working from home
  • Probationary employees
  • Employees on leave or extended absences
  • Some trainees
  • Contract workers
  • Employees who are currently laid off and could return to the workplace

Employees partnering with temporary help agencies are employees of the agency. Therefore, temporary help agencies must legally communicate an electronic monitoring policy to their employees. This means employers who hire workers from temporary help agencies do not need to include these workers in the 25-employee threshold calculation.

How Do You Count Employees if There Are Multiple Locations?

If an employer has multiple locations, the total number of employees should be determined by adding all the employees working at a single location or facility.

For example, if an employer has three offices, each with 10 employees, the total number of employees for this particular employer would be 30. As long as this employer meets the 25-employee threshold, they must communicate the electronic monitoring policy to employees.

Overall, employers in Ontario must understand and follow the requirements around electronic monitoring in the workplace. By communicating an electronic monitoring policy to employees and ensuring they understand their rights, employers can help ensure a positive and productive work environment.​

What Happens if an Employer Fails to Comply With the Requirements?

If an employer fails to communicate the electronic monitoring policy, they may be subject to fines and other legal penalties. The fine for the first contravention is $250, multiplied by the total number of employees affected by your failure to comply.

To avoid these fines and other legal issues, it is essential for employers to stay up-to-date on all workplace guidelines and requirements. With clear communication, transparency, and accountability, employers can create a positive work environment for employees and help their businesses run smoothly.​

Wrapping Up

The digital age has changed the way we do things, both at work and at home. For example, more workplaces are turning to electronic tracking of their employees’ activities. Electronic monitoring of employees can benefit both the employer and employee, but only if both parties are aware of their rights and obligations.

Electronic monitoring can serve several purposes, including ensuring that employees complete their work on time, tracking productivity levels, and improving safety in the workplace. However, there are also some important legal considerations to be aware of when it comes to electronic monitoring. While employees will be limited on complaints, employers may want to seek legal counsel if they are unsure whether the electronic monitoring policy could create any entitlements outside of the Ontario Employment Standards Act.

As the days and weeks go by, electronic monitoring will continue to play an important role in the workplace, so it is essential for employers and employees alike to stay informed and comply with all workplace guidelines and requirements.​

How Microsoft Teams’ Co-Organizer Feature Can Help Your Meetings Run Smoothly

Microsoft Teams

How Microsoft Teams’ Co-Organizer Feature Can Help Your Meetings Run Smoothly

Key Points in This Article:

  • Microsoft Teams lets Teams Meeting organizers assign the attendees they designate as co-organizers.
  • Co-organizers enjoy most of the privileges of organizers and can help organizers ensure that the meeting runs smoothly.
  • Assigning co-organizers is a straightforward process that can be performed before the meeting starts or even while running.

Videoconferences are more integrated into the daily operations of businesses and organizations than ever before. No longer are they the sole province of the clusters of tech-savvy employees in a department or business. They are widely used across industries, businesses, departments, and offices. As a result, videoconference scheduling and administration can no longer reside with a single employee or with the IT department. Employees should be able to schedule and administer meetings easily.

But when meetings are significant, mission-critical, customer-facing, or otherwise necessary, employees must be able to collaborate to ensure that they go off without a hitch. Microsoft Teams developers have made meeting administration collaboration easier with the introduction of the Microsoft Teams Co-Organizers feature.

Microsoft Teams

How to Establish Co-Organizers In a Teams Meeting

Enabling this feature is pretty straightforward and starts with scheduling a Teams meeting. In your Outlook Calendar, right-click on the time and date you’d like to schedule, then select New Meeting Request from the resulting dropdown menu. You’ll be sent to a meeting invitation pane, where you can select the individuals you’d like to invite in either the Required or Optional fields. Begin to invite attendees. Make sure the individual or individuals you’d like to serve as co-organizers are added to the Required field.

Once you’ve added your attendees and sent your invitation, click on Teams Meeting in the Meeting ribbon at the top. You’ll then see Teams Options appear in the ribbon. Select it, and you’ll find in the dialog box that opens a field labeled Choose co-organizers. Here, you’ll enter the name(s) of the meeting attendee(s) you’d like to assign to this role, then click Save at the bottom of the dialog box.

If you didn’t assign a co-organizer before the meeting, don’t panic. If you realize you need someone to help, you can assign a co-organizer during the meeting. While the meeting is taking place, navigate to your Outlook Calendar in a separate tab. Open the Meeting, and if the person you’d like to make a co-organizer was not initially sent an invite, invite them now.

Once you have, or if they are already in the Teams Meeting as a Participant, select the More options icon (represented on your screen as three dots). Then select Meeting options from the dropdown menu that will appear. Here, you’ll simply add the name of your intended co-organizer or use the Search for participants function to find their name in a dropdown menu of attendees. Find the person, select them, and click Save. That person will find themselves with co-organizer privileges instantaneously.

What Co-Organizers Can Do

Co-organizers have most of the privileges you do as the organizer of your meeting. In fact, the list of what they can’t do is much shorter than what they can. Co-organizers can’t:

  • Take your organizer privileges from you
  • Handle the meeting recording function
  • Change meeting options while channel meetings are taking place
  • Access attendance reporting

But beyond these restrictions, they can do everything an organizer can, including managing breakout rooms and meeting options, changing attendee roles, admitting people from the lobby, locking the meeting, presenting content, and ending the meeting when it is over. With these privileges, your co-organizer can easily step in, in case you’re called out of your meeting to help manage an emerging crisis.

Two important notes. First, co-organizers are not automatically assigned the privilege of managing breakout rooms. They must also be assigned to the role of breakout room manager. To do so, you’ll need to select Breakout rooms in your Teams calendar meeting invite, then click Room settings. You’ll see an option to Assign presenters to manage rooms. Enable that option, then choose Search for presenters.

Here, you’ll be able to see a list of meeting attendees and assign your co-organizer as a breakout room manager. As with the co-organizer role, you can assign breakout room managers after the breakout rooms have been enabled. However, to ensure your meeting runs as smoothly as possible, it’s highly recommended you assign this role in advance.

Second, co-organizers cannot manage the recording function if the organizer has begun to record the meeting and then has to leave the meeting. This is because the recording file lives in the organizer’s OneDrive account, which the co-organizer would not have access to. However, if the organizer has not begun to record the meeting by the time they leave, the co-organizer may do so.

Why Adding a Co-Organizer Is Beneficial

When you add a co-organizer, they’ll have most of the privileges you do to administer the meeting. If you’re late or miss the meeting, your co-organizer can start, run, and end the meeting without delay. And making sure you always have a co-organizer when you schedule a meeting can be helpful in case an emergency forces you to step away mid-meeting or you run into technical difficulties administering a portion of it. Co-organizers can help ensure that your Teams Meetings flow smoothly with little to no interruption, no matter what curveballs you encounter.

Microsoft allows you to add up to 10 co-organizers per meeting. Now, this may seem unnecessary if you have never had more than ten members for the Teams Meetings you’ve administered. But Teams allows you to hold a meeting in which up to 1,000 people can participate. Moreover, using the View-only option allows you to administer a Teams Meeting in which up to 20,000 people can listen in. With attendance numbers like that, having up to 10 co-organizers makes a lot more sense.

Even if you’re not holding a meeting that size, some Teams Meetings have many moving parts. Microsoft Teams has been used to schedule meetings that span geographies and time zones and include multiple presentations, group exercises in breakout rooms, polls, and other activities. When meeting logistics are particularly complex, it’s a good idea to assign co-organizers and delegate them the responsibility of handling different parts of the meeting. Doing so can help ensure that the meeting goes smoothly and that there are people who can quickly step in to help manage the meeting if things take an unexpected turn.

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The Need For an Evolution in Fraud Prevention

Evolution in Fraud Prevention

Pig Butchering & Crypto Scams: The Need For an Evolution in Fraud Prevention

Key Points

  • As technology advances and the world becomes more connected, scams and fraud are getting more challenging to prevent.
  • Many experts are calling for a new approach to fraud and protecting consumers’ privacy.
  • Pig butchering and other crypto scams are just examples of the complex and sophisticated fraud businesses need to be aware of.

Recently, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in the sophistication of fraudsters and their methods. No longer are we solely dealing with simple phishing emails or low-tech scams. Today, fraudsters use cutting-edge technology and social engineering techniques to dupe victims from their hard-earned money.

Crypto scams are becoming more and more common. They’re so common that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued warnings about them. It’s not just the SEC that’s concerned; law enforcement agencies also warn people about crypto scams. These scams could be anything from promising huge investment returns to pretending to be from a legitimate cryptocurrency exchange.

One of the most recent warnings comes from the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), a partnership between the FBI, the National White Collar Crime Center, and the Bureau of Justice Assistance. In early October, the IC3 recently published a report warning everyone about “pig butchering.”

Evolution in Fraud Prevention

What Is Pig Butchering?

“Pig butchering” crypto scams entail a complex combination of high-tech social engineering techniques and sophisticated technology to trick people into sending cryptocurrency to attackers. These scams use various methods, such as gaining victims’ trust through email or social media. Once the victim is emotionally and financially invested in the relationship, they are defrauded by having their money stolen or investment manipulated.

To protect against pig butchering scams, businesses and individuals should be vigilant about potential red flags such as financial requests or emotional manipulation and always conduct due diligence on any investment platform before committing any money. Additionally, businesses should take steps such as implementing transaction monitoring and multi-factor authentication to help better protect themselves and their customers from fraud.

By being aware of the latest trends in fraud and taking proactive measures to prevent it, we can help reduce the risk of becoming a victim of pig butchering scams. “Pig butchering” may seem like an odd term, but it’s quite fitting when you think about it; these types of scams are designed to butcher your business’s finances!

Why Evolution in Fraud Prevention Is Necessary

Thanks to advances in technology and the ever-increasing interconnectedness of our world, fraudsters have become more efficient than ever. The rise of cryptocurrencies, in particular, has created a new frontier for scammers to exploit the uninformed.

By embracing new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, we can better understand the patterns and trends of scams. This will allow us to detect and thwart even the most sophisticated fraud attempts, protecting consumers from harm and restoring faith in our financial institutions.

We are undoubtedly facing a new era of fraud, one where the threat is more powerful and pervasive than ever before. With the right tools and strategies in place, we can evolve our fraud prevention methods and keep up with the ever-changing tactics that scammers use.

What Role Do Financial Institutions Play in the Evolving Fraud Landscape?

Consumers need to be aware of the latest crypto scams and take steps to protect themselves. Financial institutions also play a crucial role in preventing fraud. Financial institutions that fail to properly vet their customers and implement proper security measures can leave themselves vulnerable to pig butchering scams, which could result in substantial financial losses.

As digital transformation continues to take hold, the need for innovation in fraud prevention is more significant than ever. This is especially true for financial institutions that want to ensure the safety and security of their customers. As more financial institutions use SaaS(Software as a service) platforms to help reach a broader customer base and improve their processes, an effective fraud prevention strategy becomes even more critical.

Financial institutions unable to counter fraudsters’ advanced and sophisticated techniques will find themselves at a significant disadvantage. By leveraging the latest technology and working closely with their partners, financial institutions can better protect themselves and their customers while keeping pace with the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

What Actions Can Help Prevent Pig Butchering Scams?

So, what can be done to prevent these types of scams? Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, some steps businesses can take to help protect themselves and their customers from crypto scams and other types of fraud.

Educate Your Employees

One of the best ways to prevent crypto scams is to educate your employees about them. Make sure your employees know what crypto scams are and how they work. Show them examples of crypto scams so they can be on the lookout for them. Most importantly, remind them never to send cryptocurrency to anyone they don’t know or trust.

Know Your Customer

Another critical step businesses can take to prevent fraud is knowing their customers. Make sure you have proper KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures in place so you can verify the identity of your customers before doing business with them.

Use Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an essential tool that can help prevent crypto scams and other types of fraud. With MFA, a user must provide two or more pieces of evidence (or “factors”) to access an account or system. For example, one factor could be something the user knows (like a password), while another could be something the user has (like a smartphone). By using MFA, businesses can make it much harder for fraudsters to access accounts or systems.

Implement Transaction Monitoring

Transaction monitoring is another critical tool businesses can use to prevent fraud. With transaction monitoring, businesses can set up rules and thresholds to flag suspicious activity. For example, if a customer suddenly starts making large withdrawals from their account, that could be flagged as suspicious activity, and further investigation may be needed. Transaction monitoring can help businesses catch fraudulent activity before it happens. “Pig butchering” is just one type of fraudulent activity that transaction monitoring can help detect; there are many others as well!

Final Thoughts

With the rise of sophisticated fraudsters and their methods, it’s become more critical for businesses to evolve their approach to fraud prevention. Traditional methods are no longer enough; businesses need to take a holistic approach that considers the latest trends and techniques used by fraudsters. “Pig butchering” crypto scams are just one example of sophisticated fraud perpetrated today. Still, by educating employees and implementing strong anti-fraud measures, businesses can help protect themselves and their customers from falling victim to these scams.

7 New and Notable Microsoft Teams Features You Need to Know

7 New Teams Features

Seven New and Notable Microsoft Teams Features You Need to Know

Critical Points In This Article

  • Microsoft continuously rolls out new features for Teams users. Here are seven of the most recent and notable improvements.
  • Improved search capabilities regarding Chat messages.
  • The addition of a soft focus filter for Teams Meetings.
  • Greater Teams and Outlook integration.
  • Pre-assignment of attendees in Breakout Rooms.
  • Improvements to Polls, including ranked choice answering and reusing poll questions.
  • Elimination of the default Wiki Tab.
  • Shared audio on smartphone Teams Meetings

Microsoft Teams is not only one of the most robust and secure software applications on the market, but users also enjoy the continuous release of new features. Teams auto-update every two weeks, providing users with new productivity-enhancing and security features to help them make the most of the application. Because of the frequency of the updates, it can be hard to keep up with all the changes Teams undergo in a given year. But to help you make the most of Microsoft Teams, here’s a look at some of the most notable changes in 2022.

7 New Teams Features

Improved Search for Chat Messages

One long sought-after improvement is the ability to navigate directly to a Chat message that appears in your Search results. Previously, when you’d search for a message using a person’s name, you’d be taken to a single message without being able to see the full conversation. This approach made it hard for users to find attachments or aspects of the conversation they were looking for.

By the beginning of 2022, Teams had already made notable improvements to their search function. They’d redesigned their interface so you can find all of the references to your search term in Teams on the All tab. If you’re looking specifically for messages, you can search within the Messages tab, which speeds up finding the chat you’re looking for. But now, by honing in on Chats you’ve had with a specific user, you can more easily find the information you’re looking for.

Soft Focus Filter in Teams Meetings

Teams now offer users a Soft Focus feature you can use in Teams Meetings. This feature uses AI to soften your appearance in video meetings, subtly reducing the amount of detail transmitted. As a result, you may appear more hale and hearty, which can help you make a better impression in meetings or when presenting. You can control the extent to which you use this feature in Audio and Video Settings.

Greater Teams and Outlook Integration

Now, in Outlook, you can leverage Teams content more easily. If you open a message and scroll over the new Teams icon that appears at the top right of the message, you’ll see you can share the email to Teams, schedule a meeting in Teams with those who’ve received the message you’re looking at and chat with message recipients more easily.

You can also send Forms more easily to Teams users and through Outlook. In the Send and collect responses option in Forms, you’ll find an option to send a preformatted message with a link to your Form to the Channel you type in. You’ll see a similar preformatted message for Outlook recipients, and when you select the mail client, you’ll be able to email the form link to any email address you want.

Pre-assign Attendees in Breakout Rooms

When you create a meeting and assign it to a Channel, you can now assign attendees to a Breakout Room before the meeting. Many of us have been in meetings where we have to way a few minutes as the Organizer scrambles to assign each attendee to a Breakout Room for the meeting to continue. This feature eliminates that delay allowing you to run a seamless meeting.

Once you’ve created a meeting and assigned it to a channel, simply head to the meeting on your calendar, open it, and click Edit. You’ll see a Breakout Rooms tab, which, when selected, will allow you to create the number of breakout rooms you need and then assign attendees automatically or manually to those rooms.

Poll Improvements

You can now add a Polls tab to your meeting, allowing you to incorporate polling more easily. There’s also a new option that allows you to create Polls where participants can rank the different options in your Poll. If you’re looking to get feedback on, say, new designs or projects, this feature can really come in handy in helping you gauge your audience’s thinking.

You can now also reuse the Poll questions you’ve created easily. In the Polls tab, you’ll find a My recent tabs option. Selecting it will show you questions you’ve already used on the right-hand side. Click on the question(s) you want to use, select Save as a draft, and you’ll see they’ve been added to the new Poll you’re creating.

Elimination of the Default Wiki Tab

If you’re a commercial teams customer, Teams will no longer add a default Wiki tab when you create a new Channel. You can add a Wiki if you want, and any Wikis that have already been created will remain intact. However, new Channels will no longer automatically include this tab.

Before this change, some users stumbled across a hidden danger. These Wikis were stored in a SharePoint library. Removing the Wiki tab from the Channel would permanently delete the SharePoint file and all of the Wiki content with no chance of recovery. To avoid this, knowledgeable IT administrators and MSP staff might spend extra time deleting the Wiki tabs in Teams provisioning solutions. However, by eliminating the default addition of a Wiki to each Channel, time can be saved, and this potential mishap can be avoided entirely.

Shared Audio on Smartphone Teams Meetings

You can easily share audio if you’re on a Teams meeting on iOS or Android. Simply enable the new Share Audio feature, and you can now share audio with participants, such as through a video or music app, when you’re using the Share Screen function. This function works for iOS 13 or later and Android 10 or later.

Express Yourself With Over 800 New Reactions in Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams Reactions

Express Yourself With Over 800 New Reactions in Microsoft Teams

Key Points

  • Communication is key in any workplace, and Microsoft Teams is a great way to stay connected with your colleagues.
  • Reactions are a way to add emotion and personality to your messages in Microsoft Teams.
  • Microsoft Teams will be adding over 800 new reactions, giving users more ways to communicate with each other.

Microsoft Teams will be getting an update that includes expanded reactions. This means that users will have over 800 different reactions instead of the current standard options.

Microsoft Teams Reactions

How to Use Reactions in Microsoft Teams

In addition to raising your hand virtually and giving applause, there are a few other ways you can use reactions in Teams. For example, you can use the thumbs-up reaction to show agreement or the laugh reaction to show that something is funny.

Expressing yourself with reactions is a quick and easy way to let your teammates know how you’re feeling without interrupting the flow of conversation. You can click on the “Reactions” button in the screen’s upper-right corner if you want to express your reaction to something during a meeting.

What Role Can Reactions Play in Communication?

Reactions have become a staple in our digital communication, with people of all ages using them to express themselves. While some may see them as a fun way to communicate, reactions can play a key role in communication.

Reactions can help reduce misunderstandings in text-based communications. When people use reactions, they are less likely to have their messages misinterpreted. The use of reactions can also lead to increased positive emotions, and those who use reactions in their text messages typically have a more positive experience than those who don’t.

So, what does this mean for Microsoft Teams users? The update to Microsoft Teams that is expanding the reactions available is a great way to improve communication within the platform. The expanded reactions can also make Teams a more fun and engaging place to communicate.

You’re sure to find the perfect reaction for any situation with so many different options. Whether you’re feeling happy, sad, or somewhere in between, a reaction can express it. So why not take advantage of them?

Should You Use Reactions in the Workplace?

Now that you know a little bit more about reactions and how they can be used in communication, you may wonder if using them at work is appropriate. The answer to this question is that it depends on your workplace culture.

If you work in a more formal environment, it’s probably best to stick to the standard reactions. However, if you work in a more relaxed environment, the expanded reactions can provide a great way to add some personality to your messages.

No matter your workplace culture, it’s always important to be respectful when using reactions. If you’re unsure whether or not it’s appropriate to use a certain reaction, err on the side of caution and don’t use it.

How to Use Reactions in a Professional Setting

If you are part of a workplace that is okay with using reactions, you may be wondering how to use them in a professional setting. When using reactions in a professional setting, it is important to use them judiciously. You don’t want to overload your messages with reactions, as this can be unprofessional. Instead, use them sparingly.

Here are a few tips for using reactions in a professional setting:

  • Use reactions that are appropriate for the context and tone of the message.
  • Avoid using reactions that could be interpreted negatively.
  • Use reactions sparingly so as not to overwhelm the message.
  • Consider your audience when using them. Some audiences may be more receptive than others.
  • Be aware of your reactions, as they can be a form of nonverbal communication.
  • Use reactions to emphasize or provide additional information rather than replace words.
  • Avoid using reactions that might be seen as unprofessional, such as the Rolling Eyes reaction.
  • Think about how your reactions might be interpreted before you use them.

When using Microsoft Teams, keep these tips in mind to ensure that you use expanded reactions professionally and appropriately.

The Benefits of Using Reactions in the Workplace

While some potential risks are associated with using reactions in a professional setting, there are also many benefits. Reactions can help humanize communication, making us feel more connected to our colleagues.

Here are a few benefits of using reactions in the workplace:

  • Reactions can help to lighten the mood, especially during difficult or stressful times.
  • They can be used to communicate complex emotions or situations that might be difficult to express in words.
  • They can help to build rapport and relationships with co-workers, clients, and customers.
  • They can be used to show appreciation or gratitude, which can go a long way in fostering a positive work environment.
  • They can be used to show empathy, which can be helpful in difficult situations.
  • They can help to break the ice and get conversations started.
  • They can help us to better understand the people we work with.
  • They can provide a way to communicate when we can’t speak non-verbally, such as in a meeting.
  • They can help us to remember important information or messages.

The benefits of using reactions in the workplace are vast. If you haven’t used them in your professional communications, now could be the time to start. You’ll have even more options with the expanded reactions in Microsoft Teams.

Final Thoughts

The addition of expanded reactions is just one of many ways that Microsoft is constantly working to improve the Teams user experience. Recently, we’ve seen updates that include built-in meeting translation, end-to-end encryption for calls and chats, and even a feature that allows users to blur their background during video calls. With each new update, Microsoft is making it clear that they’re listening to feedback from users and striving to make Teams the best it can be.

Microsoft Teams Client Stores User Authentication Tokens in Unsecured Text Format

Microsoft Teams Client Stores User Authentication Tokens in Unsecured Text Format

Microsoft Teams Client Stores User Authentication Tokens in Unsecured Text Format

Key Points

  • A new Microsoft Teams exploit could allow attackers to access sensitive user data.
  • Microsoft Teams saves auth tokens as cleartext on Windows, Linux, and Mac computers.
  • Businesses can protect themselves from this exploit by taking some security precautions.

A security vulnerability has been discovered in Microsoft Teams that could allow an attacker to gain access to a user’s account and data. The issue lies in that Teams stores authentication tokens in cleartext, meaning that anyone with access to the application’s installation directory can easily steal them. This issue affects Windows, Mac, and Linux users.

Microsoft has acknowledged the flaw, but there is no indication that a patch will soon be released. In the meantime, users are advised to exercise caution when using the application and to avoid accessing it from untrusted devices or networks. It is also advised to avoid using the Microsoft Teams desktop client altogether until this issue has been fixed. Using the web client in a browser is a more secure option.

Microsoft Teams Client Stores User Authentication Tokens in Unsecured Text Format

Security Alert: Microsoft Teams Vulnerability

The flaw was discovered by the cybersecurity firm Vectra. A Vectra team assisted a customer in removing a disabled account from the Teams settings. Upon further review, Vectra found public tokens that provided access to Skype and Outlook. Vectra determined that the access tokens were active and gave them access to the Outlook and Skype APIs.

The biggest concern is that this flaw could be exploited by malicious actors to steal Microsoft Teams authentication tokens. This would allow them to remotely log in as the user and bypass MFA, gaining full access to the account. Information thieves use similar methods to steal data from other applications, such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Discord, and many more. By using malicious extensions, they can collect user data and send it to remote servers without the user’s knowledge.

How Does the Exploit Work?

Microsoft Teams is a browser-based app that uses the Electron framework. This makes it easy to develop and use, but it is not as secure as other options since it doesn’t include features like encryption or protected file locations. Vectra found that Microsoft Teams stores access tokens in an ldb file, which is not as secure as other methods.

Microsoft requires users to be logged in to uninstall Teams, so Vectra began their research by reviewing the local account configuration data. The Vectra team intended to remove the links to the account they were logged into, but when they searched for the username in the application files, they found public tokens that provided access to Skype and Outlook. Every token they found was active and could grant access without the two-factor authentication process being enabled.

They also found that the “Cookies” folder contained valid authentication tokens, account information, session data, and marketing tags. To prove their concept, Vectra created an exploit that loads the SQLite engine into a local folder, uses it to scan Teams’ local storage for authentication, and then sends a high-priority message with its own token text to the user. This exploit would allow hackers to access sensitive user data without going through the proper channels.

Microsoft Responds to Flaw Discovery

Microsoft has responded to the discovery of a flaw in Microsoft Teams by stating the Vectra exploit “does not meet our immediate service requirements”. Microsoft believes that Vectra’s exploit will require other vulnerabilities to penetrate the network. Microsoft will consider releasing a fix that could be delivered as a future update. However, the software giant has not yet provided a timeline for when that might happen.

The Potential Implications of the Exploit

If left unpatched, this flaw could have major implications for users of Microsoft Teams. While phishing users with their own tokens is one of the potential attack vectors, it is not the only one. An attacker could also use this flaw to brute force their way into an account or carry out other actions that could lead to data loss or theft.

If the Microsoft Teams client is installed and used in its current state, anyone who does so will still have the credentials needed to do any action through the Teams user interface, even when Teams is turned off. Attackers could modify SharePoint files, Outlook mail, calendars, and Teams chat files. They could also carry out more damaging actions, such as selectively destroying data, hijacking communications, or engaging in targeted phishing attacks.

What Can Businesses Do to Protect Themselves?

Fortunately, some steps businesses can take to protect themselves from this exploit. First and foremost, it’s important to ensure that all users have unique passwords for each account they use. Additionally, businesses should consider implementing two-factor authentication for all accounts. Finally, businesses should keep their software up-to-date with the latest security patches. By taking these precautions, businesses can help mitigate the risk posed by this exploit.

Here are some additional security measures businesses can take:

  • Do not store sensitive information in Teams chat conversations
  • Monitor process activity for unusual command line arguments related to your chat application (in this case Microsoft Teams)
  • Implement network detection and response to quickly identify and block malicious traffic associated with lateral movement within your environment
  • Switch to the browser version of Teams

Vectra recommends using Microsoft Edge to load the app, providing additional protections against token leaks. If you’re a Linux user of the Microsoft Teams app, you may want to switch to the browser version or a different collaboration suite. This is because Microsoft has announced plans to stop supporting the app for Linux by December.

Final Thoughts

This exploit’s discovery highlights the importance of security in the business world. Businesses can help protect themselves from potential attacks by taking some simple precautions. However, it’s also important to stay up-to-date on the latest security threats so that you can be prepared if another exploit is discovered.

Raising Awareness of Digital Risks

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.

Digital Risks

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.