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.

How Your Business Can Benefit From Collaborating With a Managed Services Provider

Working With An MSP

How Your Business Can Benefit From Collaborating With a Managed Services Provider

Key Points in This Article:

  • No matter your business’s size or industry, you can benefit from working with a Managed Service Provider (MSP).
  • MSPs complement the work of your IT department, freeing up your staff to manage revenue-driving projects.
  • Collaborating with an MSP can help your business save time and money while adding invaluable expertise and practical IT solutions to pressing business problems.

Managing IT is difficult, especially for newer and smaller businesses. You usually manage everything from sales to product development to accounting when starting out. And even if you have a small team around you, you as a business owner may still find yourself working as a generalist, making sure that every t is crossed and i is dotted. And given the time, knowledge, and resources that IT requires, you may leave it on the back burner. Alternatively, you may hire a generalist IT professional and expect them to handle everything, stepping in only when an IT function directly affects a revenue-driving activity you have your hands in.

But IT is often no simpler for older and larger businesses. Often business executives are similarly disengaged from key strategic IT decisions unless there’s a revenue opportunity or a crisis. And often IT departments are not organized optimally. Everybody works as a generalist, so employees aren’t given the time, space, and resources they need to improve productivity, mitigate risk, and drive revenue. And when everyone works as a generalist, you’ll often find that tasks aren’t properly prioritized and delegated. Seventy percent of your staff may be working to fix a downtime issue that could have been avoided if someone had been trained and tasked to perform regular maintenance and updates.

You can benefit from working with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) regardless of your business or industry size. An MSP is a local business that works with yours to provide standard IT services ranging from helpdesk management to cybersecurity protection. In fact, given the importance of cybersecurity and the prevalence of cyberattacks, some MSPs solely offer cybersecurity services and are known as Managed Security Services Providers (MSSPs). Generally, the level of expertise MSSPs bring to the table few in-house IT departments can match.

Working With An MSP

Complementing Your IT Departments

When working with an MSP, the keyword is “with.” Many IT professionals are wary of MSPs as they’re afraid that their employer using one means that they may soon be out of a job. However, MSPs often work alongside an IT department, assuming the most time-consuming and routine tasks, such as managing your helpdesk, so that in-house staff has the time to engage in revenue-driving and other higher-level activities.

Moreover, because they work with multiple clients, they have a wealth of experience to draw on when it comes to solving technical problems and business problems with IT solutions. Working with an MSP, you’ll often find that a seemingly straightforward application or workflow reconfiguration can save you time and money. Or you may learn that a popular application is precisely the wrong solution for your business. These insights come from working with clients across industries and sectors.

In some cases, MSPs provide services in specialized areas that in-house staff does not have and does not have time to develop. Cybersecurity is a perfect example. Cybercriminals work 24/7 to breach corporate networks. But if you’re relying on a generalist on staff to keep up-to-date with the threat environment, investigate all incidents, and ensure your business’s cybersecurity plan is being followed across departments when 60 to 70 percent of their day is consumed with other duties, you’re in trouble.

MSPs can save businesses from having to hire multiple specialists at premium rates. And while MSPs don’t work for free, it’s less expensive to hire a first-rate MSSP than a team of the best in-house cybersecurity professionals on the market.

Expanding Your In-House Capabilities

Many MSPs employ a follow-the-sun schedule. That means they have teams working in different time zones, allowing them to provide you with 24/7 coverage and support. Working with an MSP may help you offer round-the-clock support to your business. No longer will you need to authorize overtime to your team when a network outage means that second-shift and third-shift work grinds to a halt. Instead, you can contact your MSP contact, inform them of the issue, and have it taken care of as quickly as possible.

MSPs can also help business leaders and IT professionals discover new solutions and capabilities they had not considered. In-house professionals often see new ideas through the prism of organizational constraints. They discard ideas they have or solutions they’ve read about, believing they could never work where they work for several reasons. But MSPs leverage their outsider’s perspective to identify and implement new and creative solutions to longstanding and emerging client challenges.

MSPs can also help achieve cost savings that help them implement solutions they never thought possible. Drawing on extensive supplier networks, many MSPs help businesses obtain hardware and software resources at rates below market, making solutions that once seemed prohibitively expensive now affordable and feasible.

Safeguarding Your Business

Not only can MSPs and MSSPs help you protect your business from cyberattacks. A reputable provider can also help you safeguard your business against technological, natural, and manmade disasters. A system malfunction resulting in data loss can be catastrophic, primarily if your business does not have properly functioning backups and a data recovery plan. A business without offsite or cloud backups could also fire, construction accident, or another similar calamity could also cripple your operation.

MSPs can help you develop and implement the correct business continuity and backup and disaster recovery plans for your business. When a crisis occurs, the longer you’re down, the more revenue you use. Getting your operations up seamlessly and rapidly can mean the difference between staying in business and closing up shop.

MSPs are a formidable value-add for businesses of all sizes across industries. They help in-house IT staff save the time they need to perform critical revenue-driving and cybersecurity work while expanding the scope of internal support they provide. They can help business leaders avoid bidding wars for coveted specialized talent and high prices for enterprise applications. And they can help a business scale in ways in-house staff hasn’t considered possible or haven’t yet thought of.

New York State Provides Great Example on How to Improve Organizational Cybersecurity

New York State Cybersecurity

New York State Provides Great Example of How to Improve Organizational Cybersecurity

Key Points

  • The state of New York has introduced multiple pieces of legislation to help bolster private-sector cybersecurity.
  • It is recommended that all businesses consistently monitor for threats, educate their workforce on them, enforce strict policies regarding data transfer, bring your own device (BYOD), VPN usage, and other hallmarks of good cybersecurity.
  • Good cyber hygiene requires energy, effort, and buy-in from all members of your organization – but it’s worth it, as the impact of faulty cybersecurity practices can be catastrophic.

As the need for a secure cybersecurity posture continues to grow in importance for businesses everywhere, the state of New York has become a national leader in cybersecurity. That’s a good thing for New York businesses, as it can inspire confidence in them to operate successfully and securely. It also means those same businesses must comply with existing state regulations while maintaining a high standard for cyber hygiene within their organization. This enhances your organization’s security but isn’t necessarily easy to implement. With a little forethought and guidance, however, businesses can better understand what’s needed to make secure and informed decisions about their organization’s cybersecurity.

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the groundwork New York state has laid regarding cybersecurity and what your New York business should focus on to ensure compliance and optimize data security.

New York State Cybersecurity

New York Has Taken Multiple Measures to Show How Seriously It Takes Cybersecurity

The state holds one of the biggest cities in the world – one of the most influential municipalities for businesses. Because of this, it should be no surprise that the Empire State takes cybersecurity seriously. Its legislators have come up with multiple efforts to improve cybersecurity at the organizational level.

Several years ago, the New York State Department of Financial Services approved a first-in-the-nation cybersecurity regulation for banks, insurance companies, and other financial services institutions. The Department’s regulation requires organizations to adopt security policies and procedures to protect their information systems and nonpublic information.

Other cyber policy measures enacted statewide reach beyond the financial services sector. In 2018, the New York State Office of Information Technology Services unveiled its New York State Cyber Security Strategy & Policy Framework, which guides the implementation of cybersecurity best practices throughout all agencies within the Executive Branch of New York State.

The measure calls for agencies to do the following:

  • Develop risk assessment frameworks
  • Identify and assess the risks to their organization’s information systems
  • Implement controls designed to ensure adherence to organizational policies and procedures
  • Train employees on cybersecurity best practices
  • Implement BYOD policies
  • Use VPNs when connecting remotely
  • Integrate multifactor authentication for sensitive applications and systems
  • Educate staff members on phishing scams and other social engineering techniques
  • Create incident response plans to limit damage in case of a breach

To comply with this regulation, agencies should develop a written cybersecurity policy that includes the following:

  • Purpose and scope statements
  • Roles and responsibilities
  • Management commitment
  • Awareness training requirements (e.g., policies/procedures, roles/responsibilities)

There’s a good reason the state of New York believes in these recommendations – they don’t eliminate cybersecurity risks, but they can help you mitigate them. Of course, enacting these measures is easier said than done. Many teams struggle with cybersecurity even though everyone should view it as an organizational imperative. While this was aimed at the Executive Branch, it’s good advice for private sector organizations.

What Can Your New York Business Do to Practice Good Cyber Hygiene?

The first step New York state recommends is for you to develop your cybersecurity plan. Implementing a comprehensive cybersecurity plan is one of the most innovative things an organization can do to secure itself from malicious actors. Cybersecurity demands that your organization take it seriously, from senior leadership to employees in all departments and roles. A comprehensive plan for which all members of your staff are accountable builds a solid data security foundation.

Cybersecurity also requires vigilance. It requires an ongoing commitment by organizations to keep up with the rapidly changing technology landscape through continuous training, software updates, hardware upgrades, and more. Ensuring your IT department is responsible for implementing these – but that all members of your organization share in that responsibility to ensure the updates are happening – is paramount.

To successfully maintain proper cybersecurity, you need to clearly understand the threats that exist today and may arise in the future. You also need to understand what data is valuable for your organization, who can access it, where it is stored, and how often does it change?

Another essential component of a comprehensive cybersecurity plan is conducting regular assessments. This enables you to identify vulnerabilities in your systems and implement solutions before hackers exploit them. It also helps reduce the risk of data breaches, which can be costly for an organization financially and reputationally.

Cybersecurity is not a one-time undertaking but rather something that needs constant attention and updating as you discover new threats or witness existing ones as they evolve. Don’t view your cybersecurity plan or efforts as a “set it and forget it” feature of your business. Your cybersecurity plan should be a living document that adapts as needed.

Organizational Flexibility and Awareness are the Hallmarks of a Solid Cyber Posture

The truth is that the protective steps suggested by the state of New York are valid in any state. Cybersecurity should be one of your top concerns for a New York business or a business residing anywhere in the world.

The risks associated with cyber threats continue to grow as the technology landscape evolves rapidly, making it increasingly important for organizations to ensure they are implementing effective measures to protect their business operations and confidentially. Organizations need to continuously train employees on best practices related to cybersecurity while investing in software updates, hardware upgrades, firewalls, and other protective measures and hiring staff experienced with protecting against various types of threats (e.g., phishing).

The world is changing, and so are the threats that organizations face. The cybersecurity space is constantly evolving, so your organization needs to be vigilant about keeping up with the latest trends and developments. Keep cybersecurity at the top of mind for everyone throughout the organization to limit vulnerabilities and keep your systems more secure. Contact us today for more on how we can help you do this.

How Granting Local Admin Privileges Could Cost You Your Business

Local Admin

How Granting Local Admin Privileges Could Cost You Your Business

Key Points in This Article

  • Historically, many overburdened IT departments have sought to save time and work by granting multiple users across their business or organization local administrative privileges.
  • Doing so substantially increases the risk that their network security may be compromised.
  • The costs of a data breach are far higher than the productivity savings that may be achieved by granting such privileges.

These days, organizational cybersecurity should be top-of-mind for any cybersecurity professional. Whether cybersecurity is in your title or you’re a generalist handling everything from network maintenance to changing printer ink cartridges, it’s always critical that you keep an eye out for how our organization’s operations may inadvertently be creating vulnerabilities third parties can exploit.

When cybersecurity professionals conduct risk assessments, they often find vulnerabilities stemming from organizational practices that are pretty common across industries. One such practice is granting local administrative rights to individual users, most often in small businesses, organizations, and those with understaffed IT departments.

Local Admin

The Dangers of Granting Local Admin Privileges

If you’ve worked for an understaffed IT department, you’ve likely spent much of your day handling mundane helpdesk requests. None of them take that much time, but there are a lot of them, and they don’t stop. You cannot devote adequate – sometimes any – time to the IT aspects of the organization’s revenue-diving activities or essential network maintenance and security because there are so many requests.

In this scenario, perhaps you, like many IT administrators, realized many of these requests could be handled by individual users simply by giving them administrative privileges. You may have saved some time on routine tasks, like adding applications, users, and hardware. And you may have found yourself breathing a sigh of relief given that you’ve now reduced the number of requests across your desk.

But doing so is a mistake. When you provide local admin rights to users across your organization, you’ve inadvertently made it more vulnerable to intrusion. And the extra work you’ll perform to address a data breach compared to the few minutes you may save installing a printer here, or there is certainly not worth it.

Users frequently try to install software programs they find online. When they do and lack local admin privileges, they’re prompted to ask permission to download the software in question. This prompt allows IT administrators to vet the software and ensure it does not present a threat. But when users have local admin privileges, they have the freedom to download applications as they see fit. And they may even disable network security measures that vet new applications for the presence of malware and viruses to expedite installation.

In doing so, they’ve exposed your organization’s network to risk. Malware and viruses lurk in seemingly harmless downloads found on official-looking websites. Not only can they compromise your user’s account and device. If downloaded on an account with local admin privileges, they can compromise your entire network’s security. Malware on such an account could disable your organization’s antivirus protections, turn off your firewall, and hijack your data on multiple devices.

Local admin privileges allow users to override the Group Policy you’ve established. If a hacker gains control of an account with these privileges, they could prevent your Group Policy from being accessed or create their own. In either case, your security protocols would be compromised, giving a criminal the ability to access and steal your data, encrypt your system and hold it for ransom, and conduct other activities that could be financially catastrophic for your company.

Many cybercriminals specifically seek administrative credentials to penetrate corporate networks. Fundamentally, the smaller the number of accounts with administrative credentials, the less risk one of these accounts will be compromised. In practice, users who have been granted these credentials outside of the IT department, by and large, have had minimal, if any, cybersecurity awareness training or have not followed best practices to safeguard their accounts. Accordingly, cybercriminals have found their way into these accounts easily and have been able to cause considerable damage.

Why Local Admin Privileges Must Be Restricted

Even if your IT department remains small and understaffed, granting users across your organization local admin privileges is no longer justifiable. Any time you save will be more than offset by the damage that can be caused in the event of a breach.

As an IT professional, you will face countless hours over the following days, weeks, and months scrambling to address the threat, regain control of compromised systems, and ensure your employer can remain operational. Your business might face reputational damage and legal consequences if client data is compromised. And depending on your industry, you may face regulatory action if the breach occurred because you failed to meet legally mandated cybersecurity standards.

The cumulative financial consequences of a breach can be catastrophic. Some research asserts that as many as 75 percent of small and medium-sized businesses go under after a ransomware attack. And no industry or sector of the economy is safe. In May 2022, Lincoln University permanently closed its doors after a devastating ransomware attack.

Even if you don’t suffer a breach in the near term, granting users local admin privileges can create more work and headaches for IT. You may find that departments are now downloading and using software applications you’re not equipped to support. Or you may find that in attempting to manage relatively simple tasks themselves, they’ve inadvertently created more complicated problems for themselves – and other users. You may not be saving yourself nearly as much time as you think.

It’s also not uncommon for senior leaders to believe that they should be granted local admin privileges by virtue of their position. And when they have them, they may accidentally cause problems for themselves or other users that you must address. Or you may find them using their privileges to undermine organizational cybersecurity measures out of a misguided attempt to increase productivity or out of hubris.

The cybersecurity of your organization must supersede all of these considerations. To preserve it, you must tightly restrict administrative privileges across your organization and actively monitor the accounts that possess them. Moreover, you must educate all users about cybersecurity continuously and thoroughly. Doing so will help you keep your organization safe and help them understand their loss of these privileges is not about a lack of trust. In fact, when your co-workers make the connection between the proliferation of accounts with local admin privileges, data breaches, and their own jobs, they’re likely to accept the removal of these privileges without protest.

Communication Security in the Digital Age

Communication Security

Communication Security in the Digital Age

Key Points:

  • Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly common, so protecting your business is essential.
  • Employees must be trained on good communication security practices to avoid falling victim to cyberattacks.
  • Communication security can be boosted by encrypting data, utilizing a secure network connection, and keeping devices up-to-date.

In today’s business world, data breaches and cyber attacks are becoming more and more common. As a result, it’s more important than ever to ensure that your communication channels are secure. What does that mean, exactly? Is it worth the effort? Let’s take a closer look.

Communication Security

What Is Communication Security?

Communication security, also known as ComSec, refers to the measures taken to protect electronic communications from being intercepted and read by unauthorized users. ComSec includes hardware and software solutions, such as firewalls, encryption, and access control measures.

The Importance of Communication Security

When it comes to communication security, it’s essential to understand that there are a variety of ways in which your communications can be intercepted and read by others. Electronic interception of communications is relatively standard. For example, someone else on the network can intercept and read your communications if you’re using a public Wi-Fi network. This is why it’s essential to use a private, secure network whenever possible.

Data breaches and cyberattacks have become common occurrences in today’s digital world. As our lives move increasingly online, we leave behind a digital footprint with every mouse click. This digital footprint is a treasure trove of information for cybercriminals, who can use it to commit identity theft, financial fraud, and other crimes. While there is no foolproof way to prevent a data breach or cyberattack, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk.

How to Boost Communication Security in Your Business

Business communications have come a long way, from emails to instant messaging and video conferencing. As our methods of communication evolve, so do how cybercriminals can exploit them. While you may think your communication methods are secure, there’s always room for improvement when it comes to security.

There are several steps you can take to boost your communication security. Here are a few of the most important:

Utilize a Secure Network Connection

One key way to boost your communication security is to make sure you are always using a secure network connection. This means avoiding public Wi-Fi hotspots and ensuring your home or office network is password-protected. If you must use public Wi-Fi, be sure to only connect to encrypted websites (look for https:// in the URL) and avoid entering sensitive information such as passwords or credit card numbers.

Keep Your Devices Updated

It’s also essential to ensure that all your communication devices are up-to-date with the latest security patches. This includes ensuring that your computer’s operating system and installed applications are up-to-date. Many devices will update automatically, but it’s always a good idea to double-check and make sure everything is updated manually.

Use Encryption Software

One of the best ways to boost communication security is to encrypt all of your data. This means that if anyone intercepts your communication, they would not be able to read it without the proper decryption key.

Check Links Before Clicking

One of the most common ways hackers gain access to our devices and data is through phishing emails. These emails appear to be from a legitimate source but contain links that lead to malicious websites. Before clicking on any links, hover over them with your mouse to see where they are taking you. If the URL looks suspicious, do not click on it.

Inspect Email Addresses

Another way to spot phishing emails is to look closely at the sender’s email address. Frequently, phishing emails will come from addresses very similar to legitimate addresses but with a few small changes. For example, a phishing email from Amazon might come from an address like “amaxon.com” or “a-mazon.com.” Always inspect email addresses carefully before opening any attachments or clicking any links.

Implement Access Control Measures

Access control measures help to ensure that only authorized users can access your communications. For example, you might require employees to use two-factor authentication when logging into company email accounts. This means that they would also need to enter a code sent to their mobile device in addition to a password. This makes it much more difficult for hackers to access your data.

Use a Virtual Private Network

A virtual private network (VPN) is a great way to boost your communication security. VPNs encrypt all your traffic, making it much more difficult for anyone to intercept and read your data.

Train Your Employees on Good Security Practices

Finally, one of the most important things you can do is train your employees on good security practices. Ensure they know how to spot phishing emails, create strong passwords, and not fall victim to other common security threats. The better educated your employees are about communication security, the less likely it is that your business will be compromised by a cyberattack.

Benefits of Good Communication Security Practices

By following the tips above, you can help to ensure that your communication is secure. This is important for both individuals and businesses. Businesses that implement good communication security practices can enjoy many benefits, including:

  • Reducing the likelihood of data breaches
  • Protecting sensitive information
  • Preventing loss of customer trust
  • Ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations
  • Saving money on costly security breaches

Businesses and individuals who take steps to secure their communications can also enjoy peace of mind knowing that their data is safe from prying eyes. Communication security is more important than ever in today’s increasingly connected world.

Final Thoughts

Communication security should be a top priority for any business or organization in today’s digital age. By taking steps like encrypting data, utilizing a secure network connection, keeping devices up-to-date, and training employees on good security practices, you can help ensure that your business is protected from cyberattacks. As the world becomes more connected, it’s important to remember that communication security is everyone’s responsibility.

6 Common IT Problems

IT Problems

6 Common IT Problems and Their Impact on Businesses

Key Points:

  • The ever-changing landscape of technology leads to new IT problems every day.
  • Businesses must be proactive to stay ahead of the curve regarding IT problems.
  • Businesses can avoid major disruptions by being aware of the common issues and implementing the appropriate solutions.

IT Problems

Information Technology (IT) is a crucial part of any modern business. It helps organizations become more efficient and connect with customers, employees, and partners. However, IT can also be a source of frustration, as it is often complex and prone to problems. In any business, specific IT problems are bound to occur no matter how well-prepared you are. Whether a crashed server or an email outage, these issues can cause serious disruptions in your workflow. Today, we’ll discuss some of the most common IT problems all companies face and provide tips on addressing them.

1. Lack of IT Security

One of the most common IT problems is a lack of security. With so many cyber threats out there, it’s essential to have strong security measures in place to protect your data and systems. Unfortunately, many companies don’t invest enough in security, leaving themselves vulnerable to attacks.

Solution: Make sure you have a robust security system, including firewalls, anti-virus software, and intrusion detection. Train your employees on best security practices, and ensure they understand the importance of keeping your systems safe.

2. Downtime

Another common IT problem is downtime. This is when your systems or website is down for maintenance or due to an issue. Downtime can be costly for businesses, leading to lost productivity and revenue.

Solution: Have a plan in place for dealing with downtime. This should include having backup systems in place so that you can continue to work if your primary system goes down. Make sure your employees know what to do during downtime and have a way to stay in touch with customers or clients if your website is down.

3. Data Loss

Data loss is another common IT problem. This can happen due to hardware failure, human error, or malicious attacks. Data loss can devastate businesses, leading to lost information, customers, and revenue.

Solution: Invest in data backup and recovery solutions. These will help you protect your data and quickly recover it if lost. Make sure your employees understand the importance of backing up data and have a process in place for doing so.

4. Outdated Hardware and Software

Another common IT problem is outdated hardware and software. As technology evolves, it’s essential to keep your systems up-to-date. Otherwise, you’ll be at a competitive disadvantage, and your systems may become vulnerable to security threats.

Solution: Regularly update your hardware and software. This includes both your operating system and the applications you use. Stay up-to-date on the latest security threats, and make sure your systems are protected against them.

5. Slow System Performance

Slow system performance is another common IT issue. This can be caused by many factors, including outdated hardware, insufficient resources, or incorrect configurations. Slow performance can lead to lost productivity and frustration for users.

Solution: Invest in new hardware or upgrade your existing hardware as needed. Make sure your systems have enough resources, such as memory and storage, to meet the demands of your users. Also, check your configurations and make sure they are optimized for performance.

6. IT Support Issues

Another common issue that businesses face is IT support. Many companies don’t have enough staff to support their IT systems or staff that is not properly trained. This can lead to issues when things go wrong or when users need help.

Solution: Make sure you have enough staff to support your IT systems and that they are properly trained. Also, consider using a managed services provider (MSP) to help with your IT support needs. MSPs can provide expert support when needed, often more cost-effective than hiring your own staff.

What Impact Do These IT Problems Have on Businesses?

Every business relies on information technology (IT), whether communicating with customers or employees, processing transactions, or managing inventory. When IT systems go down at any time, it can cause serious disruptions to business operations. The impact of IT problems typically falls into one of three categories:

  1. Financial Impact
  2. Productivity Impact
  3. Reputational Impact

Let’s take a closer look at each of these categories:

1. Financial Impact

The financial impact of IT problems can be significant. Even a relatively minor issue can cost a business thousands of dollars in lost productivity, data loss, and revenue. In some cases, IT problems can even lead to business failure.

2. Productivity Impact

IT problems can have a serious impact on productivity. Even a minor issue can result in lost productivity, as employees cannot work effectively. Sometimes, IT problems can even lead to shutdowns, as businesses cannot operate without IT systems.

3. Reputational Impact

IT problems can also damage a business’s reputation. If a business experiences a major IT outage, customers may lose faith in the company and take their business elsewhere. In some cases, media coverage of IT problems can damage a business’s reputation.

IT problems don’t just impact one area of a business. They can have a ripple effect that impacts many different areas. This is why it’s crucial to have a plan to deal with IT problems.

Final Thoughts

No business is immune to the potential downside of technology. IT problems can have a significant financial, productivity, and reputational impact on businesses of all sizes. The best way to avoid these problems is to invest in a reliable IT infrastructure and to have a comprehensive plan for dealing with IT issues. By being prepared, businesses can minimize the impact of IT problems and keep their operations running smoothly.

Progressive Web App (PWA) Replaces Microsoft Teams Linux Client

Progressive Web App (PWA) Replaces Microsoft Teams Linux Client

Progressive Web App (PWA) Replaces Microsoft Teams Linux Client

Microsoft has announced that it will replace the Teams desktop client for Linux with a Progressive Web App (PWA) by December 2022. The company has not clarified when it will be offering the PWA, but it is expected to have it released before December.

The company released the Linux app for Teams in 2019. It has been serving the market for the last three years and is expected to retire for something better. This CLIENT will stop working when the new app comes into play.

Messages on the retirement of the desktop client were sent to Microsoft customers in late August in the Microsoft 365 message center notification MC412007. The company has not sent customers any other messages regarding the same. There has also been no news regarding the topic. However, given the nature of the communication, it is thought that the company is introducing a platform that it can use to provide additional features to its customers.

When Microsoft introduced the app in 2019, it touted it as a Microsoft 365 app for Linux desktops. It was distributed to the client in .rpm and . deb formats. However, most users complained that the app lacked parity with other clients, especially regarding the background effects for calls and meetings.

Over the last three years, the company has pushed various updates on the client. However, it has not impressed users as much as other Microsoft-based clients. The company may be looking for an app with which to provide feature parity and engage its customer base.

Progressive Web App (PWA) Replaces Microsoft Teams Linux Client

 What Customers Did Not Like about Linux Teams Client

While the Microsoft Teams client has offered Linux users the ability to use Microsoft tools on Linux, it has several issues that make it less appealing. Here are some of them.

Slow and Buggy

Several customers complained that the client was slow and buggy, especially regarding video chatting. Some users had issues getting the mic and screen sharing problems to work in some browsers. Besides, the WebGL platform on which it was designed is unavailable on some browsers. The software fallback may take over 30 seconds to load, which is really slow compared to other streaming tools.

Meeting Numbers Came Late

The Teams Linux client invitation system was a problem until the company upgraded it late last year. Earlier, the URLs were gnarly and long, unlike other tools that use a meeting number. It also had a “context” feature that changed based on the person attending the video conference.

Besides, users couldn’t join as guests. They must sign up and use their names and email addresses when they are invited to a virtual meeting. This is very tasking for some users and may lead to issues like phishing and other scams.

Search and Export Features

Exporting or saving an active chat to a file is impossible. There is also a feature that allows you to copy and paste the entire chat for future reference. In addition, the client did not allow users to search within the current chat. These two features were only possible with the administrator. It means users cannot refer to the conversation they had earlier with the rest of the team or search for specific information.

Enter the Teams Web App

The Teams Webs app should be fully operational before the end of November. It promises to revolutionize interactions between Linux and Microsoft users. According to Microsoft, the Teams app contains rich features that enhance user experience.

Among the key features are background effects, gallery view, and reactions. Besides, the app bridges the gaps between the Teams client on Windows and the Linux platforms. Users can also raise their hands during meetings and notify the administrator. They can also blur their backgrounds, insert custom ones, and access all the client features in an easy-to-use layout.

Other great features of the app include a system notification for chat and channel dock icons, each with controls, an auto-start feature, access to system permissions, and the ability to search messages. The app interface has also been redesigned so users can easily access features. It is less crowded, and all the links to the major features are on the main page.

In addition, the company called the Teams PWA an evolution of its Linux web experience, which offers the best of the web with the key functions of any good client. It does not require any installation; it is lightweight and full of features.

How will the Announcement Affect You?

If you use or manage the Microsoft Teams Linux desktop client, you will be required to set up the Teams PWA or use the web app to continue conducting your business. Getting started with the new tool is easy, but you should consider doing it before the cutoff date for the current client.

This involves informing all the users of the change and having them switch to the new platform when it is available to the public. It is also good to try it while the other client is still available. This allows them to learn at their own pace before the alternative is removed.

Microsoft has yet to provide all the details required for a successful transformation. However, most people can already use the publicly available PWA. Once Microsoft publishes a detailed guideline, it will be easy for people to make the proper switch.

The Microsoft Teams PWA is only available on Chrome and Microsoft Edge. Other browsers cannot run it. It is expected that Microsoft will make the app available as a full app on Linux to make communication a lot easier. The company has a Team client for the Mac that is simple to use and has the same features as the Windows platform. It will be interesting to see what the company plans for the future now that there are several competing applications such as Meet and Zoom. All-in-all, the new platform is expected to be a lot better and provide an awesome user experience.

Introducing the Microsoft Teams Schedule Send Feature

Microsoft Teams Send Feature

Introducing the Microsoft Teams Schedule Send Feature

Key Points

  • Microsoft Teams will introduce a new feature in the coming weeks that will enable users to schedule messages to be sent later.
  • Schedule Send will allow users to choose a specific time and date for their message, giving them greater control over when it is delivered.
  • This new feature will be valuable for organizations looking to improve productivity and communication.

In today’s business world, we are increasingly relying on chat apps like Microsoft Teams to communicate with our coworkers. While this is a great way to stay in touch, maintaining a sensible workflow can also be difficult if you and your team constantly send messages back and forth. Fortunately, Microsoft is introducing a new feature to Teams that will help address this issue.

According to Microsoft’s product roadmap, Microsoft Teams users will soon benefit from a delayed send feature. This will allow users to schedule when their messages will be sent, giving them more control over their communication.

Microsoft Teams Send Feature

What Is Schedule Send?

Schedule Send is a new feature in Microsoft Teams that will allow users to delay the delivery of messages. This can be useful if you need to coordinate with team members in different time zones or if you want to make sure that your messages are received during normal business hours.

How to Use Schedule Send

To use the Schedule Send feature, simply compose your message as usual and then long press the send button to schedule the message. A window will appear where you can select the date and time you want your message delivered. Once you have selected a date and time, click on the “Send at scheduled time” button, and your message will be sent at the specified time.

Schedule Send is a great way to stay organized and smoothly flow your chat conversations. By taking advantage of this feature, you can ensure that your messages are always received by your team members at a convenient time.

The Benefits of Delaying a Message in Microsoft Teams

Sometimes it is beneficial to not have a message sent immediately. This could be for several reasons, such as:

  • You are in a different time zone, and the person you are messaging is likely to be asleep
  • It is out of normal work hours for the person you are messaging
  • You don’t want to interrupt the person you are messaging if they are busy
  • You want to make sure the person you are messaging sees the message as soon as they wake up/start work

How Will This New Feature Impact Your Organization?

Every user within your organization will have the ability to schedule messages to be sent at a later time. Users can schedule messages as long as the scheduled date is no longer than 7 days in the future. Scheduled messages can also not be flagged as important or urgent, and any attached files and inline images will only be accessible once the message has been marked as delivered.

While Microsoft may state that this feature was designed for organizations that employ people in different time zones, this feature can have several applications within your organization.

Here are 5 ways that your organization can make use of the Schedule Send feature in Microsoft Teams:

Time Zone Coordination

If you have team members in different time zones, scheduling messages can help ensure everyone is on the same page. You can avoid any confusion or miscommunication by sending messages at a convenient time for all team members.

Keeping the Conversation Flowing

If you and your team are constantly sending messages back and forth, the Schedule Send feature can help keep the conversation flowing smoothly. By scheduling messages in advance, you can avoid any disruptions or delays in the conversation.

Planning Ahead

The Schedule Send feature can also be used to plan ahead. If you know you will be unavailable at a certain time, you can schedule messages to be sent while you are away. This way, you can still participate in the conversation even when you cannot be online.

Avoiding Distractions

If you are working on a project and do not want to be interrupted, you can use the schedule send feature to delay the delivery of messages until you are finished. This way, you can focus on your work without being distracted by incoming messages.

Following Up

The Schedule Send feature can also be used as a follow-up tool. If you need to follow up with a team member about a task or project, you can schedule a message to be sent after the task is completed.

What Impact Does the Digital Age Have on the Schedule Send Feature?

In the digital age, we are always connected. With the click of a button, we can send a message to anyone, anywhere in the world. With instant messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and iMessage, we can converse with someone on the other side of the globe in real-time.

While this instant gratification can be great, it can also be overwhelming. We are constantly bombarded with messages and notifications from friends, family, and co-workers. As a result, we often feel like we should always be available and on-call. The Schedule Send feature can help alleviate some of this pressure.

By allowing you to schedule messages in advance, you can control when and how you want to communicate with your team. This can be a great way to establish boundaries. The Schedule Send feature can be a great tool for managing your time and communication in the digital age. In a world where everyone is connected 24/7, the Schedule Send feature can help you take a step back and think about the best time to send a message.

How Do Phishing Scams Work?

Phishing Scams

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.

Phishing Scams

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.