Passwords unlock our digital lives. We use them for email, bank accounts, and more. Remembering all these passwords is hard. Password managers help us keep our accounts safe and make our lives easier.What is a Password Manager?A password manager keeps all your passwords in one place. Think of it as a digital safe for your login information. You only need to remember one password, the master password. This master password lets you access all your other passwords.Types of Password ManagersPassword managers come in different forms:Apps you download on your phone or computerTools that work in your web browserSome offer both optionsPassword managers encrypt your information strongly. When you save a password, the manager scrambles it. This makes the password unreadable to anyone who tries to steal it.Why Use a Password Manager?It Helps You Create Strong PasswordsMost people use weak passwords because they can remember them. But weak passwords are easy for bad guys to guess. Password managers generate long, random passwords that are hard to crack.It Remembers…
Nicholas SalemJanuary 10, 2025
The Internet of Things is growing day by day. More devices are connecting to the internet. And with that growth comes new security risks.Let’s look at some new ways to keep your IoT devices safe.What are the security risks for IoT devices?IoT devices are vulnerable to many types of threats. Some of the common risks include:Poor passwordsMost IoT devices have default passwords. Many users do not update them. Thus, this vulnerability makes their lives easy to hack.Outdated softwareOld software is vulnerable due to bugs. These bugs can allow hackers in. Most IoT devices remain unpatched for a pretty long time.Lack of encryptionSome IoT devices even transmit data without any encryption. Anybody can read the data.How to enhance security in IoT devices?There are several ways to make IoT devices more secure. The main solutions are discussed below.Strong passwordsAlways change the default password provided. Use long and complicated passwords. Use different passwords for different devices.Always update softwareVery often, software updates are available for the IoT devices. This…
Nicholas SalemJanuary 5, 2025
The pace of technological advancement is accelerating. This is not news to anyone wading through the ChatGPT craze. Artificial intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of this revolution. We are swiftly seeing companies adopting AI solutions. Even more rapidly are software providers like Microsoft adding AI to tools. The goal is to use AI to do things like:Streamline operationsAutomate tasksReduce errorsBoost business outputThe 2024 Work Trend Index is a joint report by Microsoft and LinkedIn. It provides valuable insights into the current state of AI in the workplace. The study sheds light on how AI is transforming the way we work. It provides both fresh ideas and considerations when using AI. Being a business IT provider means we keep on top of these types of reports. By understanding the trends, we can help our clients navigate these changes. We can also help them leverage the power of AI to drive business forward. Next, we’ll look at the main trends identified in the report. As well as explore how…
Nicholas SalemDecember 30, 2024
When it happens, you feel powerless. You get an email or letter from a business saying someone breached your data. It happens all too often today.Data breaches happen at banks, online sites like Facebook, and ecommerce stores. Not only that, but governments are also victims. This leaves things like your address, SSN, and credit card details exposed to thieves. A business getting hacked is something you have little control over. But you can take important steps afterwards. We’ve outlined the most important things to do below. These steps can help you mitigate the financial losses.Change Your PasswordsThe very first thing you should do is change your passwords. Change the password for the service that sent you the breach notification first. Then, change it for any logins using the same password. This is one of the reasons it’s a best practice to use unique logins for every site. Many people get in the habit of using the same password in several places. This leaves more than the single…
Nicholas SalemDecember 20, 2024
There are many types of malware. One of the most common is called “malvertising.” It crops up everywhere. Including social media sites and websites. You can also see these malicious ads on Google searches.Two things are making malvertising even more dangerous. One is that hackers use AI to make it very believable. The other is that it’s on the rise, according to Malwarebytes. In the fall of 2023, malvertising increased by 42% (month over month).It’s important to inform yourself about this online threat. Knowledge is the power to protect yourself. Especially when it comes to malicious cybercriminals. Below, we’ll help you understand malvertising. We’ll also give you tips on identifying and avoiding it.What Is “Malvertising?”Malvertising is the use of online ads for malicious activities. One example is when the PlayStation 5 was first released. It was very hard to get, which created the perfect environment for hackers. Several malicious ads cropped up on Google searches. The ads made it look like someone was going to…
Nicholas SalemDecember 10, 2024
Your guide to the new email and calendar experience starting April 2026. Starting in April 2026, Microsoft will begin transitioning users with Microsoft 365 for Enterprise licenses from the classic Outlook for Windows to the new Outlook for Windows. This initiative aims to provide users with a modernized email and calendar experience, incorporating advanced features and improved integration within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. Key Highlights of the New Outlook for Windows: Enhanced User Interface: The new Outlook offers a streamlined and simplified design, enhancing user experience and productivity. Microsoft Support Advanced Features: Inclusion of intelligent capabilities such as Microsoft Copilot, which assists in drafting emails and summarizing conversations. Microsoft Tech Community Improved Integration: Seamless connectivity with Microsoft 365 apps, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, facilitating efficient workflows. Microsoft Productivity Tools: Features like pinning and snoozing emails allow for better inbox management and prioritization. Microsoft Support Migration Timeline: April 2026: Initiation of user transition to the new Outlook. Users will have the option to revert to…
Nicholas SalemDecember 6, 2024
Today’s businesses are no stranger to the word cybersecurity. They are facing a growing wave of cyberattacks. These come from ransomware to sophisticated phishing schemes. How do you stand ahead of these threats? A strong cybersecurity strategy is essential. One crucial component of this strategy is event logging. It’s one that not every business owner is aware of.Think of event logging as a digital detective. What does tracking activities and events across your IT systems do? It helps you spot potential security breaches and respond swiftly. As your managed IT service provider, we're committed to helping you. We can help you understand the importance of event logging as well as how to put in place best practices to safeguard your network.What Is Event Logging?Event logging is the act of tracking all events that happen within your IT systems. “Event” can be many different things, such as:Login attemptsFile accessSoftware installsNetwork trafficDenial of accessSystem changesAnd many othersEvent logging means to track all these and add a time…
Nicholas SalemDecember 5, 2024