Centerpoint IT – Page 3 – Ulistic Projects Blog

August 31, 2022September 1, 2022

What Is Smishing?

Phishing attacks have been on the rise recently, as criminals increasingly target unsuspecting victims through email and other online platforms.

A new phishing attack is emerging using mobile phones as the platform. Smishing is a form of phishing that uses text messages or SMS as the delivery method. The criminal executes the attack with the intent to gather personal information, including social insurance and/or credit card numbers.

Because smishing attacks are delivered via text message, they can be difficult to spot. However, there are some tell-tale signs that you may be the target of a smishing attack.

Be on the lookout for text messages that contain misspellings or grammatical errors, as well as messages that seem to come from unexpected or unknown sources.

Do not reply or click on any links if you receive a suspicious text message. Instead, report the message to your cell phone carrier and delete it from your device. By being aware of the dangers of smishing, you can help protect yourself and your personal information from this increasingly common attack.

Smishing

Smishing attacks are phishing attacks that use short message service (SMS), more commonly known as text messages, to deliver fraudulent messages. This form of attack has become increasingly popular in recent years because people are generally more trusting of a message that comes through a messaging app on their phone than one delivered via email.

Smishing attacks often trick the victim into divulging sensitive information or clicking on a malicious link. You can do a few things to protect yourself from smishing attacks, such as being suspicious of any unsolicited messages you receive and not clicking on links or attachments from unknown senders.

You should also report any suspicious texts to your carrier so they can investigate and take appropriate action.

These simple precautions can help protect yourself from becoming a victim of smishing.

Although many victims don’t equate phishing scams with personal text messages, the truth is that it is easier for threat actors to find your phone number than your email. There is a finite number of options with phone numbers – in the U.S, a phone number is 10 digits.

However, there are millions of potential email combinations. This makes it much easier for scammers to target potential victims through text message phishing (smishing). In addition, many people are more likely to respond to a text message than an email, as they assume it is from a friend or family member.

This makes smishing even more effective. To protect yourself from smishing scams, only open text messages from people you know and trust. If you’re unsure about a message, call the person who sent it to confirm it’s legitimate before responding.

Don’t click on any links or attachments in the message, as these may contain malware or lead you to a fake website designed to steal your personal information.

Text Phishing

Most people know the dangers of clicking on links in email messages from unknown senders, but many are less familiar with the risks of text messages. Hackers can use text messages to steal personal information or cause financial damage.

For example, they may pose as a representative from your bank and try to get you to click on a link in the text message that will take you to a webpage where you will be asked to enter personal details or to confirm a recent transaction.

They may also include a customer service number in the text message, asking you to call them about a suspicious charge or a compromised account. By being aware of these tricks, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud.

Hackers often use sympathetic measures to gather sensitive information from unsuspecting victims. For instance, they may send messages purporting to be from a charity organization asking for donations to help with hurricane relief efforts. The message will include a link that, when clicked, takes the victim to a page where they are asked to enter their credit card information, address, and social insurance number.

Once the hacker obtains this information, they can use it to make monthly charges on the victim’s credit card without raising suspicion. This type of attack is becoming increasingly common, so it is important to be aware of it and take steps to protect yourself.

If you receive a message like this, do not click on any links or provide personal information. Instead, contact the purported sender directly to verify the request.

Cellphone Phishing

One common smishing tactic is to send an offer for a discount on a service or phone upgrade. The message typically urges you to click on a link to activate the deal. However, this link will take you to a fake website that looks like your provider’s.

Once on this website, you may be asked to confirm your credit card number, address, and social insurance number. It is important to remember that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Don’t let yourself be caught in a smishing scam – always be vigilant about the links you click and the information you share online.

Instant Messaging Phishing

While phishing can be carried out via various methods, one increasingly common approach is to use instant messenger freeware, such as Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp. The hacker will send a message masquerading as a legitimate entity, such as a bank or government agency. The message will often contain a link that leads to a fraudulent website designed to collect the victim’s personal information.

This type of phishing is especially dangerous because it exploits users’ growing comfort level by opening messages from and responding to strangers through social media platforms. Instant messenger phishing can be very difficult to detect, so it is important to be vigilant when interacting with unfamiliar people online.

If you receive a suspicious message, do not click on any links and immediately report it to the platform.

August 30, 2022September 6, 2022

What Small Businesses Need To Consider When Outsourcing The Security Of Their Business Network

What Small Businesses Need To Consider When Outsourcing The Security Of Their Business Network

Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, but they face unique challenges regarding cybersecurity.

Unlike large corporations, small businesses often lack the resources and expertise to defend themselves effectively against increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks. As a result, small businesses are disproportionately affected by data breaches and other cybersecurity threats.

According to a recent study, 43% of cyber attacks target small businesses. This statistic is particularly alarming given that 60% of small businesses that suffer a cyber attack are forced to shut down within six months.

These numbers highlight the importance of cybersecurity for small businesses. While there is no silver bullet for preventing all cyber attacks, there are steps that small businesses can take to reduce their risk. For example, small businesses should invest in robust security software and create comprehensive cybersecurity policies.

In addition, small businesses should partner with an IT outsourcing firm that can best provide expert guidance on how to protect their networks. By taking these measures, small businesses can increase their chances of surviving and thriving in the face of growing cybersecurity threats.

Is Outsourcing Your Cybersecurity The Right Answer?

Outsourcing is often a sound decision regarding the security of your business network. As mentioned above, many small businesses lack the internal resources to defend adequately against even the smallest cybersecurity event.

Having an outsourced cybersecurity partner you can trust is a very wise decision.

Your outsourced partner will have the experience and the manpower to quickly identify and mitigate security threats. In addition, they will be able to provide you with regular reports on the state of your network security, so you can be confident that your business is protected. Deciding to outsource your network security is important in protecting your business. With the right partner, you can be confident that your business is safe from potential threats.

Here are just some of the services your outsourced cybersecurity partner must provide.

Cybersecurity Training

Cybersecurity risks constantly evolve, and businesses must keep up-to-date with the latest threats. One way to do this is through cybersecurity training. Businesses can reduce the risk of a successful attack by ensuring that staff and leadership are properly trained to identify and respond to cyber threats.

Cybersecurity training can cover many topics, from basic security measures to more advanced responses to sophisticated attacks. By making sure that all staff members are aware of the importance of cybersecurity and the steps they can take to protect themselves, businesses can create a strong first line of defense against any potential threat.

Regarding cybersecurity, training is essential to keeping your business safe.

Managed Detection & Response

In today’s business world, data security is more important than ever. With hackers becoming more sophisticated and cyber attacks becoming more common, it is no longer enough to monitor your network for threats simply. Instead, you need a comprehensive cybersecurity solution that includes both detection and response.

Fortunately, many companies offer these services. By working with a partner that specializes in cybersecurity, you can rest assured that your data is safe from both external and internal threats.

In addition, a good cybersecurity partner can help you recover from an attack quickly and efficiently, minimizing downtime and disruption to your business. In today’s climate, having a reliable cybersecurity partner is essential to protecting your business.

Trained Cybersecurity Professionals

In today’s IT community, cybersecurity services are a hot topic. Like cloud and backup/recovery were in the previous years, everyone today is a cybersecurity expert. However, very few people carry the credentials to protect you, your business, and your livelihood properly. that’s where we come in.

At our IT company, we offer trained and certified cybersecurity professionals who can help you secure your data and prevent future attacks.

We understand the importance of keeping your data safe and sound, and we’ll work tirelessly to ensure your business is protected. Contact us today to learn more about our cybersecurity services and how we can help you safeguard your business.

Cyber Risk Insurance

As a small business owner, you know that cyber risk is a big concern. You also know that your IT company can’t offer you cyber risk or liability insurance.

However, they must know what to look for to ensure your small business has the right coverage and that all the answers on your cyber liability insurance questionnaire are properly answered so that a future claim is never denied.

Here are four tips to help your company make sure you have the right coverage:

Assess your risks. This will help you determine what coverage you need and how much.
Make sure all the cyber liability insurance questionnaire questions are answered correctly. If any of the answers are incorrect, it could lead to a denial of a future claim.
Review your policy regularly. Cyber risk constantly evolves, so it’s important to keep your policy up-to-date.
Work with a reputable broker who specializes in cyber liability insurance. They will be able to help you find the right coverage for your business at the best price.

Small Business Cybersecurity Is Paramount

Small businesses are increasingly becoming targets for cyberattacks. This is because small businesses often lack the robust cybersecurity measures that larger businesses have in place.

Hackers, scammers, and organized crime groups always look for new ways to attack small businesses. This is why it is essential for small businesses to have the right cybersecurity solutions in place. There are various cybersecurity solutions available, so choosing the ones that are right for your business is important.

Ensure you have a firewall, an anti-virus program, and malware protection. In addition, it is important to educate your employees about cybersecurity risks to be vigilant about protecting your business.

Taking these steps can help ensure that your small business is protected from cyberattacks.

August 29, 2022September 13, 2022

How Small Businesses Can Protect Themselves From Ransomware

How Small Businesses Can Protect Themselves From Ransomware

It’s a common misconception that small businesses aren’t typical victims of cyber attacks or data breaches. Sophisticated cyber-attacks often target small businesses because they lack resources and knowledge regarding cybersecurity. One particularly damaging type of malware is known as ransomware.

Ransomware is malware that encrypts a victim’s files, making them inaccessible unless the victim pays a ransom to the attacker. This can be devastating for small businesses, as they may not have the resources to pay the ransom, and their data may be essential to their operations. However, small businesses can take steps to protect themselves from ransomware attacks. First, they should ensure that their data is backed up regularly.

This way, if their data is encrypted, they will still have access to their backups. Secondly, they should consider investing in cybersecurity insurance, which can help cover the costs of a ransomware attack.

Finally, they should ensure that their employees are appropriately trained to spot and avoid phishing scams, one of the most common ways attackers deliver ransomware. By taking these precautions, small businesses can help protect themselves from ransomware attacks’ costly and damaging effects.

Small Businesses Are Big Targets

Small and mid-sized businesses are the backbone of the global economy, employing over half of the world’s workforce. These businesses are also prime targets for hackers and cybercriminals. Hackers know that these businesses often lack the resources of larger companies to invest in security, making them easy targets.

In addition, small businesses are often interconnected with larger companies, providing hackers with a way to access sensitive data. As a result, it is critical for small and mid-sized companies to invest in security measures to protect their data and their customer’s data. By securing their networks and educating employees about cyber threats, these businesses can help keep the global economy safe from cyberattacks.

Small Businesses Account For 71% Of Ransomware Attacks

According to a recent report, small to medium-sized businesses were the victims of 71% of ransomware attacks in the past year. This is likely because many smaller companies spend less on cybersecurity measures than larger corporations, making them easy subjects for hackers.

What Is Ransomware?

Ransomware is malware that encrypts a user’s files and demands a ransom be paid to decrypt them. In many cases, the ransom amount is relatively small, which may be why smaller businesses are often targeted.

However, the cost of paying the ransom and recovering from the attack can be significant. In addition, there is no guarantee that the files will be successfully decrypted even if the ransom is paid. As a result, it is essential for all businesses, regardless of size, to invest in robust cybersecurity measures.

Otherwise, they risk becoming victims of these costly and damaging attacks.

Ransomware is malicious software that locks a company’s files, making them inaccessible without a decryption key. This can devastate an organization, as it may lose access to important data, documents and files forever if the ransom is not paid within the specified timeframe.

Ransomware is often spread through phishing emails or infected websites and can be challenging to detect until it is too late. Once a device is infected, the ransomware will find and encrypt all of the files on the device, making them unreadable. The attacker will then pay a ransom to receive the decryption key.

This can be a difficult decision for organizations, as there is no guarantee that the attacker will provide the key even if the ransom is paid. However, the files will remain encrypted and inaccessible forever without the key. As a result, ransomware can significantly impact both individuals and organizations.

How Small Businesses Can Protect Themselves From A Ransomware Attack

It is no secret that cybersecurity should be a top priority for businesses of all sizes. Companies are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks, including ransomware, in today’s digital age.

While large companies may have the resources to recover from a ransomware attack, smaller businesses often do not. This is why small and mid-sized companies need to take steps to prevent ransomware attacks.

Additionally, companies should create a data breach response plan, so the steps to take in the event of a breach are spelled out straightforwardly. By taking these simple precautions, businesses can help protect themselves from ransomware’s costly and devastating effects.

Here are some tips that can help prevent a ransomware attack:

Ensure all systems, software programs, and all technology products are kept up to date with the latest security patches and software updates.
Conduct regular cybersecurity training for all staff members.
Ensure proper backups are done, and backups are regularly taken offsite or air-gapped.
Make sure all remote access is correctly secured with multi-factor authentication.
Implement security solutions that protect against ransomware threats.
Purchase the proper cybersecurity insurance to protect all your assets.

What Is Cybersecurity Insurance?

Cyber insurance protects businesses from the financial damages caused by cyber-attacks and data breaches. While no organization is entirely immune to these threats, cyber insurance can help to mitigate the cost of recovery.

In the event of a data breach, for example, cyber insurance can help to cover the cost of notifying affected individuals and providing credit monitoring services. Cyber insurance can also help to cover the cost of ransomware attacks, which have become increasingly common in recent years.

As organizations become more reliant on technology, it is clear that cyber insurance will play an increasingly important role in protecting them from the financial consequences of cyberattacks.

What Are Your Next Steps?

When it comes to ransomware protection, there’s no such thing as being too careful. With the increasing sophistication of cyber attacks, it’s more important than ever to protect your business correctly. That’s where our team of cybersecurity specialists comes in. We’ll work with you to assess your current level of protection and identify any areas that need improvement. We’ll then develop a customized plan to help keep your business safe from ransomware and other threats.

We want you to be fully confident in your protection. We offer a no-obligation discussion with our team. So if you have any questions or concerns, call us, and we’ll be happy to chat.

July 28, 2022September 14, 2022

Small Business Guide To Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop

The business world is becoming increasingly digital. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, many companies have moved into work-from-home situations, which has made remote and hybrid working environments more desirable and commonplace for workers across the country. The modern workforce is more flexible and mobile than ever, and businesses need the right digital environment to keep up.

Workplace digitization can help to improve collaboration and communication, streamline processes, and increase efficiency. Additionally, it can help businesses to facilitate a more flexible working environment that can accommodate the needs of today’s workers. As the business world continues to evolve, it is clear that digitization will play an essential role in its future.

Virtual desktops are the answer to keeping connected to your employees and business information from any location or device. Azure Virtual Desktop is the most cost-effective, easy-to-use, and robust virtual desktop solution. Azure Virtual Desktop provides a secure, remote desktop experience optimized for performance and flexibility.

With Azure Virtual Desktop, you can access your applications and data anywhere, on any device. And because Azure Virtual Desktop is hosted in the cloud, you can scale up or down as your needs change.

Azure Virtual Desktop is the perfect solution for businesses of all sizes who need to provide their employees remote access to business applications and data. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get started with Azure Virtual Desktop.

What Is Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop

Azure Virtual Desktop, previously known as Windows Virtual Desktop, is a cloud-based desktop and app virtualization service that makes it easy to access your Windows applications and data from any device.

With AVD, you can switch between devices seamlessly without worrying about syncing changes or saving files. This makes it an ideal solution for people who work with multiple devices. AVD also provides a cost-effective way to deliver virtual desktops and apps to your users, eliminating the need for expensive hardware and software.

In addition, AVD is backed by the security and reliability of Azure, which means you can rest assured that your data is safe and available when needed.

An Azure Active Directory (AD) can provide admins with a complete virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solution, going beyond the traditional VDI offerings. Azure AD delivers resources to users in conjunction with the Azure portal.

It gives users access to Azure virtual machines, templates, cloud services, and more. Azure AD also offers an extensive set of features and capabilities that admins can leverage to deliver a complete VDI solution.

These features and capabilities include delivered resources in conjunction with the Azure portal, provision and manage Azure virtual machines, templates, cloud services, integration with on-premises Active Directory domain controllers, and more. With these features and capabilities, Azure AD can provide admins with a complete VDI solution that meets their needs and requirements.

Microsoft designed Azure Virtual Desktop to provide organizations and individuals with remote access to their desktops, applications, and data. With this centralized experience, users can securely access all their files and Microsoft apps and communicate effectively. Azure Virtual Desktop can be used to support on-premises or cloud-based deployments and offers a variety of customization and configuration options to meet your organization’s needs. Azure Virtual Desktop is a cost-effective solution that can help you improve your productivity and reduce your IT costs.

What Are The Benefits Of Azure Virtual Desktop?

Flexibility: The ability to create virtual networks is one of the primary advantages of desktop virtualization. With traditional desktop models, each computer has its own separate domain, which can make managing many computers difficult. Virtual desktops allow you to create a single, unified network in which all of the computers can communicate with each other. This can be a major advantage for businesses with many computers that want to keep everything on the same network. In addition, virtual networks can be customized to meet the specific needs of your business. For example, you can create a virtual network that includes only the computers used for certain tasks or installed software. This can help improve productivity by ensuring employees have the resources they need to do their jobs.

Management: With a traditional desktop computer, you must set up a machine for each user. That can be expensive and take up a lot of space. It can also be difficult to manage users who are not in the same office or home as you are. With a virtual desktop, you only have to set up one computer. You can easily manage the virtual desktop from any computer in the same network. The user doesn’t have to be in your office or home, and you can give them access to the virtual desktop from any computer. Virtual desktops are easier to manage and more flexible than traditional desktops.

Cost Control: Azure Virtual Desktop is a cost-effective solution for businesses that need to provide their employees with desktop access. With AVD, you have less need for expensive physical servers. You can host the virtual desktop on a server only used by the members of the virtual network. This will significantly reduce the total cost of ownership and make the virtual desktop more manageable. In addition, AVD provides flexibility and scalability that are impossible with traditional desktop solutions. With AVD, you can easily add or remove users from the system as needed and scale up or down the number of virtual desktops based on your changing needs. As a result, AVD is an ideal solution for businesses that want to provide their employees with desktop access while reducing costs.

How Do You Get Started With Azure Virtual Desktop?

AVD is a Microsoft Azure service that enables you to set up and manage a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) in your Azure subscription. AVD offers many benefits over traditional on-premises VDI solutions, including the ability to scale up or down as needed, pay only for what you use, and access Windows 10 and 11 desktops and apps from any device location. The Azure portal allows you to easily provision and manage your AVD environment. In addition, AVD integrates with other Azure services such as Azure Active Directory, making it easier to secure and manage your virtual desktop infrastructure.

To use Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), you need to meet the following requirements: You must be an Azure AD tenant, have an Azure AD account with global permissions, and have an Azure subscription with owner permissions. If you do not have an Azure AD account, you can create one by signing up for a free trial. To create an Azure AD account, you must provide your name, email address, and password. Once you have created your account, you will need to add a subscription. To do this, click on the “Add Subscription” button and select the subscription that you would like to add. Finally, click on the “Confirm” button. Your subscription will now be added to your account.

All user accounts must reside within the same Azure AD infrastructure as the virtual machines they will be accessing. This ensures greater security and an authentication framework. If your user’s accounts are external to the infrastructure, they will be unable to access the AVD resources. Consequently, it is essential that all user accounts are created within the Azure AD infrastructure. This will ensure that your users can access the AVD resources and that your system is secure.

As a team leader, you can manage your AVD environment to assign users, create app groups, publish resources, and much more. The Getting Started feature will help you, as an admin, to launch AVD, assign and create user groups, and manage your domain. You can also use the Admin Console to view system information and usage statistics, configure global settings, and administrate user accounts. Furthermore, the Admin SDK allows you to access many of the admin console’s features programmatically. With the Admin SDK, you can build custom tools to help you manage your AVD environment more effectively. Whether you’re just starting with AVD or a seasoned administrator, the Getting Started feature, and the Admin SDK will help you get the most out of your AVD experience.

Azure Virtual Desktop Allows You To Work From Anywhere

The traditional workplace is evolving. In the past, employees were expected to work nine-to-five in an office. However, with the advent of technology, it is now possible for employees to work remotely. This trend has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, as many businesses have been forced to allow their employees to work from home. There are several benefits to this new way of working.

First, it allows businesses to access a wider pool of talent, as they are no longer restricted to hiring people who live near their offices.

Second, it can bring greater satisfaction to employees, as they can choose to work from home if they wish.

Finally, it can help to reduce workplace expenses, as businesses no longer need to maintain office space.

In the future, we expect that more and more businesses will adopt remote and hybrid working models. This will allow them to stay competitive in the global marketplace and attract the best talent.

Azure Virtual Desktop is a cloud-based desktop virtualization service managed by Microsoft. It provides users access to their files, applications, and personal settings in a way similar to using a physical desktop computer.

Azure Virtual Desktop can be used to create virtual machines that can be accessed from anywhere in the world, making it an ideal solution for businesses with employees who telecommute or work remotely. Additionally, Azure Virtual Desktop offers enhanced security features, such as multi-factor authentication and data encryption, which help to protect corporate data. Overall, Azure Virtual Desktop is a flexible and secure solution for businesses of all sizes.

Azure Virtual Desktop is a cloud-based desktop virtualization service allowing businesses to provide their employees remote access to workstations and applications. Businesses can effectively manage their employees’ workflows from a central location by assigning users to groups and restricting access to certain files and information. Azure Virtual Desktop also includes several security features, such as multi-factor authentication and data encryption, that help to protect businesses’ data from unauthorized access. As a result, Azure Virtual Desktop is an essential tool for businesses that need to provide their employees remote access to workstations and applications.

Azure Virtual Desktop Allows Simple Security Management

AVD helps your business to secure and control its data by integrating with Microsoft 365’s security features. This integration allows organizations to take advantage of Microsoft’s proactive security measures, which can help to reduce the chance of data breaches or other security flaws. By reducing the amount of data they lose, organizations can also reduce the likelihood that they will be tricked into a cyberattack.

In addition, AVD provides several other benefits, such as tracking and managing data usage and creating customized reports. As a result, AVD can help your business to improve its data security posture and to protect its information assets better.

Azure Virtual Desktop security management includes data encryption at rest and in transit, role-based access control for data, secure remote access to the virtual desktop with multi-factor authentication, and secure provisioning of VDI resources using OAuth tokens.

Data encryption ensures your data is protected from unauthorized access, even if the Azure Virtual Desktop infrastructure is compromised.

Role-based access control lets you granularly control who has access to your data, ensuring that only authorized users can view or modify sensitive information.

Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to confirm their identity using two or more independent factors, such as a password and a security code.

OAuth tokens provide a secure way to provision virtual desktop resources, ensuring that only authorized users can access the virtual machines.

By implementing these security measures, you can be sure that your Azure Virtual Desktop environment is protected from unauthorized access.

Speak With Your Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop Professionals

AVD provides your employees with flexible access to their data and business applications from any device.

With Microsoft 365, IT pros can manage your environment and protect sensitive data. AVD offers an extensive range of products designed to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. With AVD, businesses can remotely and securely access their data from any device, anywhere. AVD’s products are reliable, easy to use, and backed by world-class customer support.