Create an Upgrade Plan for End of Windows 10 Support

The end of life date for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025. While this might seem like a long way off, it is important to start planning for this transition now, or you might end up with some messy downtime and confused employees.

Before you get excited about Windows 11, check which of your current PCs can handle the upgrade. Some older machines might not meet the system requirements, and you don’t want any surprises down the road. If you need to replace some computers, make sure you budget for that as part of your upgrade plan.

Most of your software that works on Windows 10 should play nice with Windows 11, but don’t take that for granted. Look at all the software your business relies on to make sure it won’t fail with the new operating system (OS). Some software might need updates to get along with Windows 11, so keep an eye on that, too.

Whenever you’re making a big change that affects your team, you’ve got to have a plan. It’s your roadmap to success. So, what should your upgrade plan include?

• Clear and honest communication with your team about the upgrade
• Training sessions to show your employees the ropes of the new OS
• Help for your managers to guide their teams
• A timeline for when the upgrade will happen and all the communication and training that goes with it
• A plan to handle any bumps in the road and any resistance you might encounter
• A resource to help your team with any questions or issues they have after the upgrade

Alternatively, team up with an IT support partner to make sure everything goes smoothly and to take the weight off your shoulders. Don’t go solo on this one; it’s best to have IT pros in your corner. If something goes wrong during the upgrade and you’ve done it yourself, it might take a lot longer to get things back on track. Let professionals like our team handle it. We know what we’re doing.

Upgrading to Windows 11 can supercharge your business, but only if you plan. If you’d like help to make the change as smooth as can be, get in touch.

Information used in this article was provided by our partners at MSP Marketing Edge.

Researchers at Sucuri have identified a phishing-as-a-service platform named “Greatness” that orchestrates phishing assaults targeting Microsoft 365 accounts. This platform operates as a Phishing as a Service (PhaaS) platform, furnishing malicious actors with a suite of tools to execute phishing campaigns against Microsoft 365 accounts.

Utilizing the “Greatness” platform, bad actors gain access to a user-friendly interface enabling the creation of convincing phishing emails and attachments embedded with malware. Notably, the kit boasts features enabling attackers to bypass multi-factor authentication, thus exacerbating the threat landscape.

Sucuri’s findings underscore the concerning trend of phishing kits like “Greatness,” which democratize cybercrime by empowering even novice individuals to orchestrate sophisticated phishing attacks. This accessibility amplifies the risk of cybercrime proliferation and underscores the imperative of heightened vigilance against evolving threats.

Information used in this article was provided by our partners at KnowBe4.

The threat landscape is constantly evolving, with new cyberattacks and malware emerging all the time. It’s critical to stay on top of the latest threats and understand how they may impact you and your business.

Ransomware is still growing strong

Ransomware as a service (RaaS) remains one of the top threats for SMBs. This means continuing to focus on ransomware prevention, detection, and response with strategies such as:

• Layered cybersecurity controls:Endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools and email/spam filtering to block initial access attempts
• Vulnerability management programs:Find and patch exploitable weaknesses
• Backup systems:Recover encrypted data without paying the ransom
• Incident response plans:Contain and eradicate active threats

Proactive measures like these can limit or even stop many ransomware attacks before they impact your business or customers.

Valid accounts remain a top attack vector

With so many past breaches exposing usernames and passwords, attackers have a nearly unlimited supply of credentials to take advantage of. They simply log in with valid accounts, bypassing other perimeter defenses. To close this gap, businesses can take several steps, including:

• Implementing multifactor authentication (MFA) everywhere possible, especially VPNs, email, and privileged accounts
• Using a password manager to enable unique, complex passwords across all services
• Monitoring for suspicious account activity indicative of credential misuse
• Deactivating ex-employee accounts and privileges promptly

Following identity and access best practices makes it far more difficult for attackers to leverage stolen credentials against your environment.

Malware continues to fly under the radar

Today’s advanced malware is designed to evade traditional signature-based defenses. Attackers frequently use encryption and other techniques to avoid detection by antivirus and other cybersecurity tools.

To catch these stealthy attacks, businesses need layered defenses combining endpoint detection and response (EDR) with a security information and event management (SIEM) platform. EDR sees suspicious endpoint activity while the SIEM connects the dots across the network.

Take a programmatic approach to cybersecurity controls

While technical controls are important, don’t overlook cybersecurity fundamentals such as patch management, security awareness training, and configuration hardening. Many successful attacks exploit basic cybersecurity gaps through phishing, unpatched software, or misconfigurations.

To close these gaps, take a programmatic approach:

• Establish a regular patch schedule for operating systems, applications, and firmware. Prioritize critical patches, but don’t neglect non-critical ones over time.
• Train employees to recognize phishing attempts and report suspicious emails or messages. Conduct simulated phishing campaigns to reinforce secure behavior.
• Standardize secure configurations for servers, workstations, and network devices. Continuously monitor for and remediate deviations from the standard.

A mature security program focuses on cybersecurity hygiene in addition to the latest tools. With the right blend of people, processes, and technology, businesses can stay ahead of attackers, creating a more secure environment for their employees and a competitive differentiator for their business.

Information used in this article was provided by our partners at ConnectWise.

For many businesses, especially those with understaffed or resource-limited IT departments, keeping up with the demands of modern technology can be a daunting challenge. Outsourcing IT services has emerged as a strategic solution. Here are the top 5 advantages of outsourcing IT.

1. Cost Efficiency

One of the primary advantages of outsourcing IT services is the potential for significant cost savings. By outsourcing, businesses can convert fixed IT costs into variable costs, paying only for the services they need when they need them. This eliminates the need to invest in expensive infrastructure, training, and ongoing maintenance, allowing organizations to allocate resources more efficiently and focus on core business activities.

2. Access to Specializations

In-house IT departments often face challenges in staying up to date with the latest technological advancements and industry best practices. Outsourced IT providers specialize in their field, offering a depth of knowledge that may be challenging for smaller in-house teams to match. This access to specialized knowledge ensures that businesses benefit from cutting-edge solutions, robust security measures, and efficient processes without the burden of constant training and skill development for their internal teams.

3. Enhanced Flexibility and Scalability

Business needs can fluctuate, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances is crucial for sustained success. Outsourcing IT services provides the flexibility to scale resources up or down as needed, without the complications of hiring, firing, or retraining internal staff. This scalability is particularly beneficial for businesses experiencing rapid growth or facing seasonal fluctuations in their IT demands.

4. Risk Mitigation

The ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats poses a significant risk to businesses of all sizes. Outsourced IT providers invest heavily in state-of-the-art security measures, ensuring that data and sensitive information are safeguarded against cyber threats. This level of expertise and dedication to security helps mitigate the risk of data breaches and cyberattacks, providing peace of mind for business owners and IT departments.

5. Focus on Core Competencies

Outsourcing IT services allows businesses to refocus their internal resources on core competencies and strategic initiatives. Instead of getting bogged down by day-to-day IT management tasks, internal teams can concentrate on driving innovation, improving customer experiences, and contributing to overall business growth. This shift in focus enhances overall organizational efficiency and effectiveness.

Outsourced IT can be the path to achieving a well-rounded, efficient, and secure IT environment that enables your business to thrive.

Yeo & Yeo Technology specializes in providing tailored outsourced IT solutions to suit your unique business needs and goals. If you’re ready to talk about how we could help you, get in touch.

Information used in this article was provided by our partners at MSP Marketing Edge.

2024 is just beginning, and now is the perfect time to set the stage for an amazing year. One crucial part of this is reviewing your IT strategy. Think of it as your business’s tech roadmap – a clear plan that shows how you’ll use technology to drive growth, efficiency, and innovation.

We believe your strategy should cover these seven areas:

• Business goals alignment: Your IT strategy should align seamlessly with your business goals. It’s not only about your technology. It’s about how that tech can help you achieve your bigger objectives.
• Security first: Cybersecurity is no joke, and your IT strategy should prioritize it. Protect your data, your customers’ trust, and your reputation.
• Budget and resources: Outline your budget for tech investments and ensure you have the right resources to execute your strategy effectively.
• Technology stack: What tools and technologies will drive your business forward? Ensure your IT strategy identifies the right solutions to meet your needs.
• Scalability: Think about next week, next month, and next year, not just today. Your IT strategy should be flexible enough to grow with your business.
• User experience: Don’t forget about your team. Consider how your tech choices impact your employees’ daily work – a happy team is a productive team.
• Data management: How will you collect, store, and use your data to make informed decisions?

An effective IT strategy isn’t just about blindly following the latest tech trends. It’s about harnessing the right technology to drive your business forward, all while keeping an eye on security and your bottom line.

Creating or refining your IT strategy can feel like you’re diving right in at the deep end, but you don’t have to do it alone. We can help you create the right strategy for your business. Get in touch.

Information used in this article was provided by our partners at MSP Marketing Edge.

New data from cyber insurance underwriters sheds light on the anticipated threats in 2024 and how organizations should respond. As these underwriters analyze risk data to determine insurance premiums and policies, their perspective provides valuable insights.

According to insurer Woodruff Sawyer’s Cyber Looking Ahead Guide 2024, there’s some good news and some bad news.

Let’s start with the challenging news: 100% of underwriters predict an increase in cyber risk, with over half of them expecting this increase to be significant. Ransomware is projected to be the top threat, and many organizations may not be adequately aware of these cyber risks.

Now for the positive side (sort of): Cyber insurance premiums are not expected to rise significantly. While 81% of underwriters foresee a slight increase, only 13% believe that cyber coverages will decrease. Essentially, organizations will maintain similar coverage levels without substantial cost escalation.

However, the critical question remains: How can organizations reduce reliance on insurance policies from the outset? Implementing strong security measures like multifactor authentication can help. Also, consider the need for security awareness training, which can help your people identify and prevent cyberattacks.

Remember, underwriters predict a surge in cyberattacks. Preventative actions, rather than relying solely on insurance, will be crucial. Yeo & Yeo Technology empowers your workforce to make informed security decisions daily, reducing human risk. Learn more about our cybersecurity solutions.

Information used in this article was provided by our partners at KnowBe4.

Keeping sensitive business data safe is a top priority. When you’re managing a team of employees who use PCs, phones, and tablets, the importance of encryption can’t be stressed enough.

Encryption is a secret code for your digital information. It scrambles your data into an unreadable format, and only someone with the right “key” can unscramble and access it. Think of it as a lock and key system for your digital assets, ensuring that even if someone gains unauthorized access to your devices or data, they can’t make head nor tail of it without the key.

Your business likely stores tons of sensitive information, from financial records to customer data. Encryption ensures that even if a device is lost or stolen, your data remains safe and confidential.

And there are loads of other benefits, too:

• Lots of industries have strict regulations regarding data security and privacy (think HIPAA). Encryption helps you stay compliant, avoiding expensive fines and legal troubles.
• When clients or customers know that you take their data security seriously, it builds trust. People are more likely to do business with a company that safeguards their information.
• With the rise of remote work, your employees might be accessing company data from various locations. Encryption ensures that sensitive information is secure no matter where they are.
• Encrypting your emails and messages keeps your communication confidential, protecting sensitive business discussions and strategies.

When you’re setting up encryption for the first time, you need to think about both device encryption and data encryption. You also need to consider encryption both while data is at rest (where it’s stored) and when it’s in transit (being sent from person to person). And while that may sound intimidating, you don’t have to do it alone – Yeo & Yeo Technology can help.

You may also consider training your people on encryption best practices to make sure there are no weak links in your team. After all, it only takes one false move to leave your data vulnerable. Helping everyone understand the importance of encryption and how to use it effectively is a strong protective measure.

If this is something we can help you do, we’d love to assist. Get in touch.

Information used in this article was provided by our partners at MSP Marketing Edge.

Should I be ditching passwords for Passkeys?

In short, yes. Passkeys are more secure and easier to use. They’re not available to use everywhere yet, but they’re rolling out.

My team uses their phones for work. Should I give them company-issued phones?

If they’re accessing company data on personal phones, you need to be aware of the security risks. Supplying company devices means you have more control over the security measures used, like encryption and remote wiping.

Some of my teams are using AI to help them with their roles. Should I monitor this?

You should keep an eye on what tools your people are using, and what data they’re sharing. Consider AI training for everyone, to make sure you don’t have any security issues.

Information used in this article was provided by our partners at MSP Marketing Edge.

An AI-powered Tool That Integrates With Your Microsoft 365 Programs

Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 is an AI-powered productivity tool that coordinates large language models (LLMs) and the Microsoft 365 apps that you use every day, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and others. This integration provides real-time intelligent assistance, enabling users to enhance their creativity, productivity, and skills.

The key benefits of Copilot

Designed to benefit everyone in the organization, Copilot helps streamline tasks, automate workflows, and enhance collaboration.

• Increased productivity: Copilot can help employees quickly generate content, analyze or compare data, summarize documents, automate repetitive tasks, and more.
• Personalized insights: Microsoft Copilot uses AI and machine learning algorithms to understand your work patterns and preferences. It analyzes your communication, collaboration, and productivity data to provide personalized insights, tips, and recommendations.
• Data protection: Eligible users receive commercial data protection when they sign in with their work account. Two-factor authentication, compliance boundaries, privacy protections, and more make Copilot the AI solution you can trust.

• Scalability: As the business grows, Copilot can easily scale, handling increased workloads without the need for additional resources.

How can Copilot enhance your work in Microsoft programs?

• Outlook: Summarize an email thread to quickly understand key points or action items.
• Word: Generate text with and without formatting in new or existing documents.
• PowerPoint: Create a new presentation from a prompt or Word file, add slides and pictures, or make deck-wide formatting changes with light commanding.
• Teams: Summarize up to 30 days of chat content or use meeting transcripts to answer questions.
• OneNote: Use prompts to draft plans, generate ideas, create lists, and organize information to help you easily find what you need.

How does Microsoft Copilot work?

Think of Copilot as your virtual assistant. You can submit queries, and using emails, chats, calendars, documents, contacts, and meetings available in your Microsoft 365 apps, Copilot can generate customized, valuable responses.

For instance, you could ask it to update your team on the new marketing strategy that was decided upon during the morning meeting. Copilot can then generate an update based on that morning’s emails, meetings, and messages.

Source: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/09/21/announcing-microsoft-365-copilot-general-availability-and-microsoft-365-chat/

As a Certified Microsoft Modern Work SMB Solutions Partner and a Microsoft Copilot reseller, Yeo & Yeo Technology can implement Copilot into your Microsoft 365 environment and help your organization prepare for the new AI-powered era of work by developing adoption strategies, preparing systems, configuring cybersecurity, and more. Get in touch.

Yeo & Yeo Technology (YYTECH) is proud to have secured another one-year contract with the Regional Educational Media Center Association of Michigan (REMC) to sell Ergotron products. The contract allows YYTECH to continue to provide competitively bid and awarded pricing to schools, local and state government entities, and teaching hospitals.

REMC SAVE works with top technology providers to procure large-volume bid prices on a variety of educational resources. By using REMC SAVE contracts, Michigan schools have saved more than $1.4 billion since 1990. YYTECH was selected to participate for the eighth consecutive year based on selection criteria such as price, product quality, customer input and satisfaction, and trained product experience.

As a REMC SAVE Awarded Vendor, YYTECH offers many ergonomic products, including:

• Kore wobble chairs and stools
• LearnFit^® sit-stand desks
• WorkFit^® desk converters
• Charging carts and cabinets

“We are excited to continue our contract with REMC SAVE, ensuring that educators, healthcare providers, and government leaders have access to cost-effective solutions that can boost productivity and well-being,” said YYTECH President Jeff McCulloch.

Are you interested in purchasing but unsure if your organization is eligible?

Our ergonomic solutions specialist has helped a wide range of organizations purchase products through the REMC SAVE program. With 15 years of experience providing ergonomic workspace solutions, our specialist will help you navigate the process and match you with the ergonomic products that best meet your needs. To learn more about ergonomic solutions for your organization, contact Yeo & Yeo.

Cybersecurity encompasses more than just technological aspects. A considerable portion of cyberattacks involves targeting individuals at some point in the process. Establishing a robust cybersecurity culture emphasizes the significance of people in your defense strategy, offering a layer of protection that technology alone cannot replicate. This culture aims to support and empower individuals in preventing attacks.

Here are 3 key components of a positive cybersecurity culture:

1. Incorporate cybersecurity into business goals: To ensure that employees comprehend the importance of cybersecurity for the organization, it is crucial to articulate its relevance to their roles and the overall business. Providing specific reasons enhances understanding and engagement. Leaders should actively discuss, promote, and reward cybersecurity measures to emphasize that it is a collective responsibility, not confined to IT teams. Leadership should also set an example by adhering to a high standard of cybersecurity behaviors.
2. Emphasize cybersecurity basics: Considering the busy nature of employees, it is more effective for them to excel in a few tasks than inconsistently attempting many. Communicate expectations, focusing on foundational elements of a cyber-secure culture, such as using strong passwords, implementing 2-factor authentication, and promptly reporting suspicious emails. Consistently convey these expectations, ensuring that communications remain relevant and engaging. Training should be interactive and tied to real-world examples and the business’s values.
3. Establish a straightforward reporting system: Implement a clear and simple method for colleagues to report cybersecurity incidents or concerns. Regardless of the business size, a transparent reporting process reduces confusion and encourages everyone to voice concerns without hesitation. Over-reporting is encouraged in cybersecurity, emphasizing the collective responsibility of everyone in the organization, particularly leaders and those overseeing technology. Creating spaces for regular discussions and setting minimum standards contribute to building a transparent cybersecurity culture.

Cultivating a security-oriented culture is a gradual process requiring organizational change. Embracing the three core behaviors outlined above will facilitate this transformation. Your employees and stakeholders will evolve into a formidable line of defense, ensuring the continued success of your business amid changing threats.

Information used in this article was provided by our partners at Sage.

Crafting a cybersecurity budget is critical for any organization, laying the foundation for protection against evolving cyber threats. This concise guide explores key factors influencing cybersecurity budgets and provides a step-by-step approach to ensure budgets align with current and future organizational needs.

What impacts a cybersecurity budget? 

Several external factors and trends significantly influence cybersecurity budgets:

• Regulatory changes: Updates to data protection laws can necessitate new compliance measures, affecting the budget allocation towards legal consultation and software updates.
• Threat landscape: The ever-evolving nature of cyber threats, such as ransomware or phishing attacks, can lead to increased investment in advanced security solutions.
• Technological advancements: Adopting new technologies like IoT devices or 5G can create new vulnerabilities, requiring updated hardware or software solutions.
• Labor market: Fluctuations in the availability and cost of specialized cybersecurity talent can directly impact budget allocation for in-house or outsourced staff.
• Competitive landscape: Market pressures to offer cutting-edge services may accelerate investment in new security solutions.

Creating a cybersecurity budget 

Creating a well-balanced budget involves more than simply allocating funds to various technologies and initiatives. The process requires a comprehensive approach that includes risk assessment, resource evaluation, and strategic alignment with overall business goals. To navigate these complexities, let’s delve into each key aspect of budget planning.

1. Assess and Analyze Your Current Cybersecurity Landscape: Ask yourself, are your systems up-to-date and robust enough to neutralize contemporary threats? If not, you may need to allocate some of your budget to new software or hardware.
2. Define Objectives and KPIs: Align cybersecurity goals with overall business strategy, ensuring investments contribute to business growth and competitive positioning.
3. Create an Inventory of IT Assets: Begin by categorizing IT assets based on their criticality and sensitivity. Recognizing the varying degrees of value and risk among assets enables you to prioritize your cybersecurity investments more wisely.
4. Prioritize Risks: Address only the most high-impact risks first to optimize your investment and secure the most vulnerable aspects of your operations. This focused approach will yield greater ROI on your cybersecurity spend.
5. Allocate Budget for Various Resources: Effective cybersecurity depends on a well-considered, strategically allocated budget that spans various key areas: infrastructure, personnel, training, tools, and third-party services. A well-balanced budget does more than address risks; it positions the organization to respond proactively to diverse threats.
6. Estimate Costs for Technology and Tools: Technology and tools are vital in cybersecurity, with the increasing complexity of the digital landscape demanding a broad range of security tools. This encompasses security software, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption tools. Account for ongoing licensing and maintenance fees, as they can significantly impact the total cost of ownership.
7. Allocate Funds for Training: Allocating funds to train staff on recognizing phishing attempts and social engineering schemes offers a high return on investment. From identifying phishing email red flags to securely managing access credentials, employees must be well-versed in digital vigilance.
8. Create a Contingency Fund: Even with robust capabilities to detect and remediate various cybersecurity threats, it’s important to expect the unexpected. A contingency fund becomes indispensable when dealing with such uncertainties. A well-planned contingency fund provides a financial cushion and enables rapid, expert intervention in worst-case scenarios.
9. Get Approval from Key Stakeholders: Present budget proposals to key stakeholders, emphasizing benefits such as averting financial losses and safeguarding the company’s reputation.
10. Regularly Review the Cybersecurity Budget: Maintain a regular cadence of review, presenting well-reasoned budgets backed by research and trends to ensure buy-in from stakeholders.

How cybersecurity solutions support staying within budget 

Efficient cybersecurity solutions offer a streamlined approach to budget optimization by providing multi-functional and scalable tools that adapt to evolving threats. This not only ensures digital asset security but also results in long-term financial efficiency.

When selecting cybersecurity solutions, opt for integrated platforms like unified threat management systems, which consolidate multiple security functions—firewalls, intrusion detection, and antivirus—into a single platform. This reduces manual monitoring and associated labor costs, giving you more value.

Yeo & Yeo Technology can help you explore cybersecurity solutions. Learn more on our website.

Information used in this article was provided by our partners at ConnectWise.

The importance of robust cybersecurity measures cannot be overstated. This article will guide you through a comprehensive cybersecurity framework, encompassing ten key pillars to fortify your business against the evolving threat landscape. From prevention and detection to incident response and continuous improvement, each aspect plays a vital role in creating a resilient cybersecurity posture.

1. Audit

Before making any changes, take stock of how well-protected your business is. Carry out a thorough audit to identify your areas of strength and weakness. Understand your assets, from critical data to vulnerable entry points. This will act as a navigational chart, helping you make informed decisions about where to allocate resources.

2. Prevention

Strengthen your defenses with robust security controls. Implement firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, secure network architecture, and enforce strong access controls. By layering your defenses, you create multiple barriers for would-be attackers, significantly reducing the risk of successful cyber assaults.

3. Detection

Despite your best efforts, some threats may still sneak past your defenses. That’s where detection mechanisms come into play. Invest in security monitoring tools, log analysis, and threat intelligence to identify and alert you to potential security incidents. Swift detection enables rapid response, mitigating the impact of cyberattacks.

4. Incident response

Breaches will happen. Having well-defined incident response procedures in place is crucial. These procedures should outline the steps to take when a security incident occurs, from containment and investigation to mitigation and recovery. Your incident response team should work together to minimize the damage and restore normal operations.

5. Vulnerability management

Regularly assess and test for vulnerabilities in your systems, applications, and network infrastructure. Vulnerability assessments and penetration testing are your allies in this battle (penetration testing is where good guys try to break into your network to see where there are opportunities). Identify and patch weaknesses quickly.

6. Awareness and training

Your people are both your greatest asset and your biggest potential vulnerability. Invest in regular cybersecurity awareness training. Educate your employees about best practices, social engineering threats, phishing attacks, and the importance of strong passwords. If they feel they can recognize and respond effectively to potential threats, that will greatly boost your business’s overall security posture.

7. Data protection and encryption

Protect your data with encryption. Even if an attacker gains unauthorized access, encrypted data remains unreadable without decryption keys. You should also establish data backup strategies and disaster recovery plans to protect against data loss.

8. Compliance and regulations

Ensure your business meets legal and regulatory privacy, data handling, and security requirements. This might involve implementing specific controls, conducting audits, and maintaining documentation to demonstrate compliance.

9. Continuous monitoring and improvement

Remember, great cybersecurity is not a one-time event. Continuously monitor your systems, networks, and what people are doing to detect anomalies and potential breaches. Regularly assess and update your security measures based on emerging threats and changing best practices. By staying agile and adaptable, you’ll ensure that your cybersecurity measures remain effective and current.

10. Choose the right IT partner

Get this one right, and everything else immediately gets easier and faster with less hassle. Find a partner who understands cybersecurity and can design the most appropriate way to protect your specific business. For example, locking everything down is rarely the right approach for any business, as it can encourage staff to cut corners. Imagine a physical security door that staff use several times a day but takes 2-3 minutes to unlock each time. At some point, someone will prop it open for a few minutes to make their life easier. It’s no different with cybersecurity.

Information used in this article was provided by our partners at MSP Marketing Edge.

If I accidentally close a tab in Chrome, is there an easier way to get it back than searching it up again?

You can bring back the closed tab with a simple keyboard shortcut. If you’re using Windows, ChromeOS, or Linux, it’s CTRL+Shift+T. For Mac, it’s CMD+Shift+T.

I’m finding ChatGPT is not giving me great answers and is inaccurate – what am I doing wrong?

You’re probably not being specific enough with your question. Also, check your question for typos and slang… too many, and you won’t get great responses.

I’m fed up having to minimize my windows when I want to look at my desktop – surely there’s an easier way?

If you’re using Windows, there is! Look to the bottom and right, beyond the date and time, and you’ll find a little sliver of a secret button. Click it to minimize all your open windows at once, then click it again to bring everything back.

Information used in this article was provided by our partners at MSP Marketing Edge.

Chief financial officers (CFOs) are increasingly asked to get involved in more diverse projects within their organizations, using their skills and experience to contribute to strategic growth. This creates various challenges for finance leaders, who need to use all the tools at their disposal to make sound decisions based upon quantitative evidence.

Investment in enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems can make a difference for CFOs. From small to larger enterprises, many businesses already rely on ERPs to gain insight and exercise control over business operations. Yet many more are still to launch integrated solutions, citing fears over implementation, training, and budgetary constraints, among other issues.

As such, many CFOs are missing out on an array of potential efficiency, information accuracy, and cost benefits. Finance leaders should consider how ERP systems can add value to their organization by making their job easier.

ERP solutions provide a single view

With ERP at their disposal, CFOs can gain real-time insights into precisely what is happening within the finance function and within other business arms. This means it is possible to manage income and expenditure more effectively, monitor customer orders, and control the business’s stock. The finance chief can see what is coming into and out of the company, where and when, and budget and forecast accordingly.

Ideally, CFOs need to have access to all relevant information in a single location, and this is where ERP solutions add value. Data that exists in a silo is of little use to the finance chief – they need to make decisions based on a range of variables, each of which is impacted by the others. Centralizing data in an ERP system overcomes this obstacle and ensures all relevant factors are considered.

These solutions also help ensure the accuracy of the information since anomalies and errors can be flagged. This is crucial for cash management – mainly as the CFO is likely to be responsible for sizeable budgets. Even minor mistakes in the data used to support decision-making can prove extremely costly when scaled up.

In terms of organization costs, implementing an ERP system allows CFOs to identify potential efficiencies, enabling costs to be reduced across organizations. In addition, integrating data can render some systems and processes redundant. This means they no longer need to be supported, helping to preserve valuable budgetary resources.

ERP offers value to CFOs

Whether organizations embrace on-premises ERP, software-as-a-service, or cloud-based solutions, the same principles apply. ERP solutions offer a more cost-effective way of collecting, managing, and analyzing data, allowing it to support decision-making in the boardroom.

When called upon, CFOs need to ensure they can add value to the debate based on a clear view of the finance function and the organization as a whole. ERP systems can provide this, ensuring CFOs can have courage in their convictions when critical decisions need to be made.

Information used in this article was provided by our partners at Sage.

The consequences of a successful cyberattack can be utterly catastrophic, both in terms of financial losses and damage to your business’s reputation. And cyber threats are not just becoming more common; they’re evolving fast. Your business’s cybersecurity has never been more crucial.

You might be wondering what 2024 may have in store for us on the cyber front. Here’s our view on the major threats to be aware of next year.

Ransomware: Ransomware is everywhere and is only becoming more prevalent with machine learning and artificial intelligence.

The Internet of Things: Think your TV, doorbell, and refrigerator. Unfortunately, many of these gadgets do not have the best security. Cybercriminals can use them to get into your network, link devices together to form a botnet (where lots of computers are used to attack others), or, in the worst-case scenario, wreak havoc in critical sectors.

Mobile devices: Expect to see a rise in phone-specific threats like malware, banking trojans that try to get your login details, and phishing attacks where they get you to use your real login data on a fake site. Why? Because your mobile gadgets have troves of personal and financial information. A breach could lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and unauthorized access to your most sensitive data.

AI: Cybercriminals are using AI to automate attacks, improve evasion techniques, and craft clever social engineering tactics (where they gain access to systems by influencing people to take certain actions).

What about the Cloud?

When it comes to cloud computing, the sky’s not the limit; it’s the gateway to innovation. But as we become increasingly reliant on the cloud and data we can access on any device, anywhere, at any time, we must be mindful of its unique security challenges.

• Data breaches: Data breaches can occur due to misconfigurations, weak access controls, or insider threats. Robust security measures are paramount.
• Shared infrastructure: Cloud services operate on shared infrastructure, introducing the risk of vulnerabilities that could lead to unauthorized access to other tenants’ resources.
• Lack of control and visibility: Relinquishing some control to cloud providers is part of the deal, but it can make detecting and responding to security incidents challenging.
• Compliance and regulatory requirements: Regulated industries must ensure their cloud deployments comply with industry-specific regulations and standards. This includes addressing data residency, privacy, and data protection obligations. Careful evaluation of provider compliance capabilities is essential.
• Data loss and recovery: Cloud outages or disruptions can lead to data loss or unavailability. Robust data backup and recovery strategies are vital, including regular backups, redundant systems, and disaster recovery plans. Understanding provider backup and recovery mechanisms and aligning SLAs with business needs is key.

Yeo & Yeo Technology can help.

With every year that passes, cybersecurity becomes increasingly more complex. But when you stay educated about evolving threats and stay on top of your security measures with a multi-layered approach, you protect your data and staff better.

This is something we help businesses like yours with all the time. If we can help you, get in touch.

Information used in this article was provided by our partners at MSP Marketing Edge.

The growth of cloud computing has completely changed how we work. Zoom, Microsoft 365 – the whole array of collaboration tools that have become part of daily life over the past couple of years – are all cloud-based applications that many of us wouldn’t want to do without.

But security in a cloud environment can create challenges.

In many ways, the move to the cloud has created an open invitation to cybercriminals. All they need to do is get hold of your login credentials, and they’re in – relatively simple phishing emails or brute-force cyberattacks are all it takes.

This provides the attacker with genuine credentials, making it even more challenging to detect unauthorized access to your systems – especially now that many of us are working flexible hours and may access systems at any hour of the day or night.

Scarier still, once inside, cybercriminals can spend weeks, even months, digging around in your network before they launch an attack. So, you must have the right security tools and protocols in place when using cloud services. Here are a few to consider:

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication requires a second-stage, single-use password to make the login process more secure. This second password is usually sent to a smartphone or generated via a secure USB key so that only the intended person can use it.

The other good thing about MFA is that the second stage notification can be an extra security alert. If you receive a text with a single-use password, but you haven’t attempted to log in to the application, you’ll know that someone is trying to access your account. That allows you to take action to make sure they’re not successful.

Use encryption

This means that your data is encoded the moment it leaves your device and stays in the cloud until you use it again, or share it with a privileged co-worker, for example. When it stays encrypted for the duration, this is called end-to-end encryption. It stops cybercriminals from hijacking your data once it leaves your device or network. It also means that, should your cloud provider suffer a breach, any stolen data will be useless without a decryption key – which only you have.

Many cloud platforms will provide this service as part of your package. But it’s good practice to make 100% sure instead of assuming it’s being done.

Manage your user accounts

Some team members, especially in IT, may have high-level admin accounts with full access to your entire system. As you may imagine, unauthorized access to this could be highly detrimental.

Ensure employees who don’t need admin access don’t have it. The more people with higher access, the greater the opportunity for cybercriminals to gain entry to your cloud services.

Install the update

As with all applications, cloud services receive regular software updates to keep them working and patch any new vulnerabilities. These patches must be applied immediately to prevent cybercriminals from taking advantage of and entering your network.

Alerts are often issued about newly discovered vulnerabilities, and it’s important that you follow the alert’s advice and apply any new updates.

Zero trust

Zero trust supports the ‘least privilege’ principle – meaning that people are only given access to the things they need to perform their job, and nothing more.

Zero trust principles extend deep into how chunks of data speak to each other in the cloud. So, if you work with a lot of personal or business-critical information, you should seek expert guidance on keeping it secure.

You still need to back up

No network is impossible to breach. Your cloud security strategy – and indeed your entire security strategy – should always include storing offline data backups. So, if something happens that leaves your cloud services unavailable (like your provider suffering a major disaster of its own), your business wouldn’t be disrupted.

It also means that in the event of a ransomware attack, you still have all your data to work with. You still have to worry about where stolen data could end up, but you can at least continue working.

There’s a lot to think about regarding the security of your cloud services. Some of these protections will already be offered by your cloud service provider, but if you’re unsure, it’s worth checking your setup to understand if you could be at risk.

If you find that your cloud services aren’t as secure as you’d like, or don’t know where to start, contact Yeo & Yeo Technology. We’re here to help.

Information used in this article was provided by our partners at MSP Marketing Edge.

I’m still using the original version of Windows 11 (21H2). Should I upgrade?

Yes! Upgrade to 22H2 as soon as possible. Support for 21H2 ended last month (October 2023). That means there will be no further security updates, and you may be at increased security risk.

I’ve had an email saying a Teams meeting recording has expired and been deleted. Is there any way I can recover it?

Don’t panic. Go to your Recycle Bin, find the recording, and hit “restore.” Remember, though, you only have a 90-day window to do this. Once the recording is recovered, it is no longer subject to automatic expiration dates.

Will Google penalize my website if I use ChatGPT?

No. There’s no reason to worry about Google penalties when using ChatGPT for your website content. Chatbots don’t negatively affect the SEO of your website. But do get a human to review everything an AI writes to ensure it reads well, is factually correct, and makes sense.

Information used in this article was provided by our partners at MSP Marketing Edge.

Keeping your business secure and managing potential cybersecurity risks can be challenging. This is especially true if you are a growing organization with limited resources. Many companies wonder how to choose the right provider or cybersecurity service and what questions they should ask to ensure they get what they need.  

To help you make an informed decision, here are the top five factors to consider when selecting a cybersecurity vendor:

1. Capability alignment: Determine the gap in your security measures and find a vendor that can fill that gap.

• Have you correctly identified the gap that you need the vendor to fill, and are they the right people to fill it?
• What is it that the vendor is doing that you need?

2. Cost: Strategize how to derive value from a new security tool while also considering the expenses associated with setting it up and maintaining it over time. Research and compare multiple suppliers to ensure you’re getting a reasonable price.

• Who is going to maintain it or communicate with the provider?
• Have you accounted for the spending for the entirety of your contract?

3. Culture fit: Find a vendor that fits your organization’s culture and communication preferences. Consider whether they view you as a valued partner or just a small fraction of their bottom line.

• Will they communicate with you in the way you want them to?
• Will they be responsive enough?
• Do you have a named account manager who will get to know your business, or is it an anonymous support or sales team?

4. Value add: Look for a vendor who can provide additional support and services, such as a broader skillset or professional development opportunities for your staff.

• What can the vendor support you with that might be outside your radar?
• Can they open your network, help with your staff’s professional development, or otherwise support the evolution and growth of your security team?

5. Responsiveness or flexibility: Consider how a vendor can adapt to changing situations and whether their contract length suits your needs.

• Can the vendor adapt with you to changing situations? How would that affect your contract?

In summary, planning and being clear on what you really need is important when considering security vendors. It will save you from wasting time and money on the wrong solutions and bring your teams together with a cohesive solution that ensures the security of your business, supported by the right partners. Are you looking to bring on a cybersecurity partner? Learn more about Yeo & Yeo Technology today.

Information used in this article was provided by our partners at ConnectWise.