Cybersecurity Metrics Your Organization Should Track

In an era dominated by digital landscapes and cyber threats, organizations must remain vigilant in safeguarding their sensitive data and digital assets. Cybersecurity is no longer an option; it’s a necessity. To effectively manage and enhance your organization’s cybersecurity posture, tracking the right Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) is paramount. These metrics provide valuable insights into the effectiveness, efficiency, and resilience of your security measures. Here are some critical cybersecurity metrics your organization should track to stay ahead of potential threats and breaches.

Mean time to respond (MTTR): This measures the time it takes for your cybersecurity solutions and team to respond after detecting a cybersecurity incident. A low MTTR is critical to reducing the impact of cybersecurity incidents. MTTR can also be broken down by severity or priority.
Number of false positives: False positives are cybersecurity alerts triggered by benign events rather than actual cybersecurity incidents. Excessive false positives can lead to alert fatigue, decreasing your team’s effectiveness.
Number of escalations: Escalations occur when an incident is passed from one team or analyst to another for further investigation. A high number of escalations may indicate that your cybersecurity team is understaffed or that analysts need more training.
Number of incidents resolved: This measures the number of cybersecurity incidents successfully resolved by your cybersecurity systems. It indicates the effectiveness of the systems in protecting the organization from cybersecurity threats.
Phishing Susceptibility Rate: Tracking the percentage of employees who fall prey to phishing attempts can gauge the effectiveness of your awareness training and the need for ongoing education. A decreasing susceptibility rate indicates improved awareness and resilience against phishing attacks.

Of course, measuring these KPIs is easier said than done. It’s important to remember that cybersecurity includes multiple technical and administrative components working together to maintain the core principles of confidentiality, integrity, and availability. It takes someone with cybersecurity experience to take the important information gleaned from the dashboards and turn it into usable insights.

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

According to a recent study, 85% of cyberattacks are caused by human error. Knowing that it’s people causing this significant weakness, it’s the responsibility of organizations to educate and empower their employees to prepare for, recognize, and prevent cyberattacks.

Any robust cybersecurity awareness training program should cover the following:

Phishing and social engineering
Access, passwords, and connection
Device security
Physical security

Phishing and social engineering

Social engineering is a malicious attack on a user or administrator by deceiving them into divulging information to a bad actor. Phishing is a common social engineering tactic where attackers attempt to get sensitive information like passwords and credit card information by masquerading as a trustworthy source.

Common phishing attempts often require the victim to click on a link, open an attachment, send sensitive information, wire money, or take other actions that leave them and their information vulnerable.

As threat actors continue to create new methods and schemes, their tactics are even more challenging to detect, especially when it looks like it’s coming from a credible source like your CEO or coworker. However, these deceiving attacks often offer a few tell-tale signs, including:

Content errors. Incorrect spelling, typos, and links containing random numbers and letters are red flags.
A sense of urgency. An unusual sense of urgency with an immediate request for money or sensitive information indicates the email may be a phishing attack.
Incorrect emails. An easy giveaway to phishing is when the email sender has a questionable email address. It’s essential to verify the email address before taking any action.

If your people inevitably click on a phishing email, taking immediate action is crucial. Some steps you can take right away are:

Informing IT and your technology partner as soon as possible. Telling the right person or department is critical in preventing a phishing scam from spreading company-wide.
Resetting passwords. To avoid additional data loss, change passwords on professional and personal accounts to minimize damage.

Access, passwords, and connection

Generally, users with privileged access perform administrative-level functions or access sensitive data. All employees should know if they’re general or privileged users so they understand what information, applications, or processes are accessible to them.

Similarly, employees should be using best practices regarding the passwords they create, especially those used to access IT environments. In general, secure passwords should:

Be unique to each app/site
Have at least eight characters
Contain letters and special characters
Stay away from obvious information like names and birthdays

Additionally, passwords should be updated or changed about every six months.

While it may be less obvious, employees should also be wary of network connections outside their homes or workplaces. Even if data on their device is encrypted, it’s not required that a connected network transfers that data in an encrypted format, which opens the door to many different vulnerabilities.

Employees need to be aware of vulnerabilities in public networks and how they could potentially be putting all data exchanged on that network at risk. Encourage end users to use only trusted network connections or a VPN to ensure a secure connection.

Device security

When a mobile or personal device enters the workplace, it connects to the corporate network and accesses all company data. Every device creates more endpoints and opportunities for attackers to capitalize on. Without a secure connection, any mobile device could compromise the corporate network. Therefore, securing these devices is imperative to prevent a business catastrophe.

The same threats to company desktops and laptops also apply to personal mobile devices. Tablets and smartphones may be even less secure because they don’t have pre-installed endpoint protection. To protect the company and its data, users should be mindful of the websites they browse, the apps they install, and the links they click.

Physical security

Unfortunately, digital cyber threats are not the only risks your employees should know about. Physical security also plays a key role in keeping sensitive information protected.

It’s easy to mistakenly leave a mobile device or computer unattended—it happens to all of us. However, if someone swipes an employee’s unattended phone or logs in to their computer, their data will immediately be at risk.

The best way to protect your employees is through awareness. You can increase physical security in and out of the office by:

Locking up all devices. Get in the habit of doing this every time you leave your desk. For Windows users, press and hold the Windows key, then press the “L” key. For Mac users, press control, shift, and eject (or the power key) simultaneously.
Locking your documents. Store all your documents in a locked cabinet rather than leaving sensitive information hanging around your desk.
Discarding information properly. When throwing away or removing documents and files, shred and discard them appropriately.

Build your human firewall with Yeo & Yeo Technology

YYTECH is committed to supporting your organization’s journey to enhance cybersecurity awareness. Our tailored training programs equip your employees with the knowledge and skills to fortify your organization’s security posture. By partnering with YYTECH, you invest in a safer digital future where a well-informed workforce becomes a crucial line of defense. Contact us to learn more.

A lot of businesses are adopting cloud communications to make work more flexible. Before you invest in a cloud solution, it’s worth it to understand what this technology can and cannot do for your business. Here are five cloud communication myths and the facts about how this technology works.

Myth 1: Our Data Will Be Less Secure if We Use Cloud Communications

Security concerns are one of the main reasons organizations hesitate to dive into cloud technology. Data is stored off-premises, which means it’s not just protected by your company. Instead, your cloud provider handles the security for information stored in their data centers.

Using cloud communications tools doesn’t mean your data is less secure. Most cloud providers today are using enterprise-class security protections to counter today’s ever-evolving cybersecurity threats. Also, because their entire business revolves around the cloud, chances are, they are using more advanced security than your business is able to implement with an in-house data center.

Myth 2: With the Cloud, Our Business Loses Control

When your business switches to cloud communications tools, you still retain control over how the software works, who can access it, and what devices your employees use to access it. The software is hosted in the cloud, but that doesn’t mean your administration team can’t manage how the technology is used.

When comparing cloud communications platforms, make sure the one you use has sophisticated administration tools for onboarding and managing users and devices, as well as great customization features. You should also be able to access insights on employee and system quality performance to help your team make well-informed administrator decisions.

Additionally, part of having control is knowing you have a team to help you when you have questions. Make sure the provider you choose prioritizes customer service. You should be able to access technical support and expert help through a chat feature or by phone 24/7.

Myth 3: Getting Started Is Difficult

This is one of the biggest cloud communication myths. One of the reasons for this is the confusion between cloud migration and cloud adoption.

Cloud migration is the process of moving some or all of your workflows and IT systems to the cloud. Because you’re shifting part or all of your infrastructure, cloud migration takes time and requires the help of cloud professionals. It is a difficult and complex process.

Cloud adoption involves adopting one or more cloud services, such as a software-as-a-service solution (SaaS). With SaaS, getting started is simple. You don’t have to worry about business disruption; your employees can start using the software immediately.

Many cloud communications solutions will also integrate with your existing business tools, making it even easier to start leveraging your new software. This is something to look for when comparing cloud-based communication platforms — does the software you’re considering integrate with the specific tools your team is already using?

Myth 4: Cloud Communications Call Quality Can’t Rival That of Traditional Analog Phones

This is a common misconception. This myth exists because many people are familiar with free or low-cost consumer-based VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone services that deliver less-than-prime call quality. Think of those spotty Skype calls you may have made to friends and family.

When comparing business-grade cloud-based phones vs. analog phone systems, the opposite is true as long as your business has a strong internet connection and enough bandwidth. Your teams will enjoy excellent call quality with a cloud-based phone system, whether they are calling locally or internationally.

Myth 5: Switching to Cloud Communications Will Cost More Than It’s Worth

Not at all. Your business can save time by switching to cloud communications. First, you’ll save on phone costs because you’re no longer paying for multiple business lines, international calls, and maintaining and upgrading communications hardware to operate an on-premises system.

Second, using cloud communications tools makes scaling easier and more affordable. You can add or remove users whenever you need. And, your business can also realize financial benefits because cloud communications are more flexible. You can rely more on working with remote employees, allowing you to save on the costs of providing office space for fully on-premises teams.

Discover How Cloud Communications Can Help Your Business

Whether you’re looking for a cloud-based, all-in-one communications platform, video conferencing software, or a contact center solution, we can help. Reach out to our expert team and find out how cloud communications can help your business thrive.

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

Of the over 350 brands regularly impersonated in phishing attacks, Microsoft stands out because it provides attackers with one unique advantage over other brands.

The idea behind impersonation is to establish the illusion of legitimacy for a phishing email. This lowers the “defenses” of the email recipient, allowing social engineering tactics to take effect and to get the victim to interact with the email.

According to Abnormal Security’s latest 2023 phishing trending data, Microsoft is the most impersonated brand this year. What’s interesting is that emails impersonating Microsoft only represent about 4.31% of all phishing attacks. This seems low when we’ve covered similar data from Checkpoint, where Microsoft represents 29% of the attacks.

The disparity lies in what the percentages represent. In Abnormal’s case, it’s 4.31% of all phishing attacks (that is, the sum of both those that use impersonation and those that don’t). In contrast, the Checkpoint data represents 29% of all impersonation phishing attacks. While we can’t corroborate the data perfectly, the findings align.

So, why is Microsoft the top brand? Sure, its M365 platform is widely used, but so is UPS or LinkedIn. The reason comes down to what’s of value on the other end of a phishing scam. In Microsoft’s case, it’s credentials.

Credential harvesting is huge with Initial Access Brokers, and a single M365 user credential provides access to a minimum of an email account (for additional BEC attacks) and potentially access to data, applications, and other corporate resources.

So, if your organization is using Microsoft 365, you need to educate users through security awareness training about the dangers of fake Microsoft-branded emails that ask the user to log onto the platform – they are likely phishing scams intent on stealing credentials.

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

Do you ever find yourself asking, “What is all this hype about AI?” If so, you’re not alone.

The buzz around artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to revolutionize every aspect of our lives is inescapable. But how can you navigate through the noise and truly harness the power of AI to meet your business’s goals?

It’s a question that keeps many business leaders awake at night. Here are some of the ways businesses are already using AI.

Customer service: AI can provide 24/7 assistance, reducing wait times and promptly addressing customer issues. It can simultaneously handle multiple inquiries, freeing customer service representatives for more complex tasks.
Sales and marketing: AI helps businesses analyze consumer behavior and search patterns, using data from social media platforms and blog posts to help them understand how consumers find their products and services.
Operational efficiency: With AI, manual tasks can be automated, saving countless hours of input. More importantly, since AI algorithms are designed to be precise, the risk of errors is significantly reduced.
Enhancing decision making: AI systems can sift through massive amounts of data in seconds, identifying patterns and trends that would take a human hours, if not days, to uncover. AI can delve into levels of data complexity beyond human capacity, unearthing valuable information that might otherwise remain hidden.
Predictive analysis: AI can analyze historical data to spot patterns and correlations that can forecast future trends and anticipate customer needs.

Imagine being able to predict market trends before they happen or to streamline your operations with almost exact precision. This isn’t some far-off dream; it’s the promise of generative AI. But there’s a lot of speculation around AI. Right now, it’s uncertain, so… should you simply wait and see what happens? Of course not!

In fact, now is exactly the time to start exploring generative AI. Sitting back isn’t an option when your rivals could leverage this technology to gain a competitive edge. Yes, there’s a lot to learn and understand, but isn’t that part of the thrill of doing business in the 21st century?

But one thing to remember amidst the excitement is not to lose sight of your core aims, goals, and culture. What good is a new AI system if it doesn’t align with your business?

While the world of AI may seem like uncharted territory, some classic rules still apply. Will you implement it? Will it generate revenue? Can it reduce your costs? Will it boost productivity? If not, perhaps it’s not the right move for your business.

So, while the hype around AI is deafening, and the path ahead is unclear, the potential rewards are too great to ignore.

As your technology partner, Yeo & Yeo Technology can show you how AI is already helping your business inside applications such as Microsoft 365 and help you talk through how to integrate AI into your future technology strategy. Get in touch.

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

How do I back up my data?

Backing up data can save your business from a catastrophe, so do it! Basic backup can be as simple as connecting an external drive and copying important files. However, you must then remember to do it. The most robust solution is using software that updates all your files securely to the cloud all the time. We can suggest a service if you want.

Our network is slow… can we speed it up?

A slow network is frustrating and can halt productivity. To speed it up, you can upgrade your hardware, optimize router settings, limit bandwidth-hungry apps, and regularly update network drivers. Again… we can help!

Do my staff need USB cameras when working from home?

Most current laptops have great cameras built-in, so probably not. However, the better the image and sound, the better they can communicate. It might be worth investing in cameras, USB microphones, and lighting for staff who speak to clients or prospects on video calls.

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

Hackers are persistent and innovative in the methods they craft to infiltrate corporate systems. Network security acts as your protection against these digital threat actors. The common goal of all types of internet security is to keep cybercriminals out.

Several aspects of your networks require protection, and, as a result, there are different types under the network security umbrella to cover each. Let’s look deeper at the types of network security and what they do.

Access control

Access control protocols use MAC address or IP address signatures to identify devices as they try to gain access to the network. Only devices that are verified and compliant with company standards are granted access. Any unsafe or suspicious device can be quarantined, denied access, or granted limited network access.

Anti-virus/anti-malware

Anti-virus and anti-malware are third-party software apps that protect against viruses or malware. Some viruses and malware can be particularly damaging, so protecting endpoint computers against these malicious files will ultimately strengthen your network security.

Application control

Application control is used to protect mobile and third-party app networks. Whether it’s a third-party application or one you have created internally, apps can be another high-profile target for nefarious actors. This is because open-source code and the virtual containers where some apps are created can be easily infiltrated by malware attacks.

Behavioral analytics

This example of network security involves analyzing the behavior of users and devices on the network. With the help of software tools, MSPs or IT managers can learn to spot trends or suspicious activity over time and catch a potential threat before it starts.

Cloud security

Cloud security uses network security concepts like software-defined networking and software-defined wide area networks (WANs) to protect cloud connections and your most important data in cloud environments.

Data loss prevention

As a strategy, data loss prevention (DLP) is a collection of practices organizations use to prevent the misuse, loss, or unauthorized access of sensitive company data. The technology and tools prevent internal team members from sharing sensitive company data. Your employees constantly upload, download, and share files from various endpoints. By providing them with DLP, they don’t have to worry about those actions causing mission-critical company information to fall into the hands of cybercriminals.

Email security

Email security is a set of practices to protect organizational email networks from hacking. Social engineering attacks like phishing are some of the most popular attack methods hackers use and rely heavily on email. Once employees open a malicious email, click a suspicious link, or download an infected file, the damage is done.

You can rely on some email software to filter out threats and prevent certain types of data sharing, but as emails get increasingly sophisticated and clever, your workforce will be their first line of defense. Train and educate them well.

Firewall

Think of a firewall as the “security guard” or “bouncer” between your network and the rest of the internet. This network filter evaluates outgoing and incoming data traffic against rules and parameters you can pre-set within the platform. Any data packets that violate the rules set within the firewall software are filtered out and denied access to the network, protecting against potential threats. There are also multiple options for firewalls to fit your needs.

Multi-factor authentication

One of the increasingly popular network security examples is multi-factor authentication (MFA). It’s an effective practice and easy to implement for organizations using digital passkey applications or SMS authentication codes. It involves using multiple methods to verify a user’s identity before granting access to the network. Examples are when software applications email or text you a code to enter after entering your login and password, like Google Authenticator.

Network segmentation

Network segmentation partitions a network into smaller segments that are easier to manage (and protect). Overseeing your network in smaller segments affords you greater visibility and more control over incoming and outgoing traffic.

Some industries and organizations may need a slightly different approach to network segmentation. Within the broader discipline of segmentation, there’s a type of network security known as industrial network security. This practice provides the same increased control and visibility to industrial control systems (ICSs). Still, it requires different tactics and tools as these systems tend to be larger and depend heavily on the cloud, making them more vulnerable to cyberattacks.

Sandboxing

Sandboxing creates an isolated environment, separate from the network, where incoming files can be opened and scanned for anything malicious, like viruses or malware. After opening the file in the sandbox, your team or IT partner can evaluate it for any signs of suspicious or dangerous behavior.

Security information and event management (SIEM)

This type of network security uses data logs from any software and hardware within your infrastructure. The SIEM system will review these logs and analyze the data for any signs of suspicious activity. As soon as it detects anything abnormal, the SIEM platform will alert you and your team so you can spring into action—making it one of the most robust cybersecurity risk assessment tools.

Web security

Web security is one of the types of internet security that protects your network from employees’ irresponsible web browsing. Web security applications will block your team members from browsing certain websites based on filters and parameters you can set. Using “web blockers” like this will significantly reduce your susceptibility to web-based threats and sites that may contain malicious files or malware.

Zero trust network access

Zero trust network access is a security framework that grants users only the permissions they need to do their jobs. All other access is denied, creating a much safer environment. The basic philosophy of zero trust network access is a “trust no one” mentality. Anyone who needs access to a certain platform or device within the organization must provide some sort of authorization that they are who they say they are before access is granted.

Choosing the right types of network security for your organization

Setting your organization up with the proper network security types is pivotal to success. Consider the following when choosing network security types:

What platforms does my organization use the most?
What are my most important assets (digital and physical)?
Where is my organization’s most important data stored?

By understanding what platforms and data need protecting, you can build a network security framework that fits your organization’s goals.

Yeo & Yeo Technology can help determine which cybersecurity structure is best for your organization. Contact us today to learn more about safeguarding your network.

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

Have you heard of the term “digital transformation”? It’s where you introduce new technology across every part of your business to help you sell more, deliver better customer service, and be more efficient and profitable.

That word ‘transformation’ sounds impressive, doesn’t it? But hold on a minute. Let’s not forget about the most important part of this metamorphosis – your people.

Yes, you read that right. Technology should not be at the heart of any digital transformation … it’s people.

Businesses often make the mistake of getting caught up in the whirlwind of “cool new tech” and forget about the human element. How often have you heard of a company rolling out a major new software system, only for their employees to struggle with the change?

The truth is, the success of any digital transformation hinges on your team’s buy-in. You can have the most cutting-edge technology in the world, but if your people hate using it, it will fail.

So, how do we put people first in digital transformation? It starts with communication. Your team needs to understand why change is happening and how it will benefit them. This isn’t just a one-time announcement but an ongoing two-way conversation.

Next, you need champions. These are individuals at all levels of the business who are enthusiastic about the change and can help others get on board. Enthusiasm is contagious!

And finally, you need to break down silos. The digital world thrives on collaboration, and your business should, too. If departments are working in isolation, you’re not harnessing the full potential of your team or your technology.

Let’s not forget about the role of AI in all this. Generative AI systems, such as ChatGPT, have been making waves in the media, highlighting the importance of the human element in the digital transformation debate. After all, technology should serve people, not the other way around.

The pace of technological advancement is dizzying, no doubt about that. But amidst all the change, one thing remains constant – the importance of putting people, processes, and culture at the center of your digital transformation.

If Yeo & Yeo Technology can help you with any kind of technology project, get in touch.

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

Occupational fraud risk isn’t necessarily shared evenly by all business sectors. Certain industries — for example, construction, real estate, manufacturing and transportation — are usually more vulnerable to employee theft, according to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). Other industries may not have greater fraud exposure but face specific threats. Here are some industry-related risks and how businesses in these sectors can prevent fraud with strong internal controls.

Construction

Some types of fraud are more prevalent in the construction industry, particularly payroll and billing fraud. Segregation of accounting duties — having them performed by more than one employee — is critical to reducing both types.

To prevent payroll fraud, have someone independent of your accounting department verify the names and pay rates on your payroll. If you don’t already, consider paying employees using direct deposit, rather than with checks or cash. And consider making surprise jobsite visits to compare employee headcounts to time reports and wage payments.

Kickbacks and bid-rigging can be kept to a minimum with extra scrutiny. If your company is suddenly winning bids that it hasn’t in the past and certain bids seem like a stretch, verify that employees have followed your bidding processes.

Restaurants

Successfully combatting restaurant theft generally takes a multipronged approach. If you haven’t already, integrate your accounting, inventory and sales systems. And to manage potential occupational fraud, conduct background checks on new hires, install video surveillance throughout your restaurant and know how to spot red flags. For example, keep your eye on servers who are always flush with cash or purchasing managers with unusually cozy relationships with vendors.

Vendor fraud is particularly common in the food-services industry. It can be hard for managers to keep track of the daily stream of deliveries, which shady vendors might exploit by inflating their bills to reflect more or pricier items than they delivered. If vendors collude with restaurant employees, theft can exact a heavy financial toll. Keep an eye on receiving and accounting employees and investigate any relationships that seem suspicious.

Auto dealerships

If you own or manage an auto dealership, good internal controls generally require your accounting department to post transactions daily. Post new and used vehicle sales, repair orders, invoice payments, payroll and cash receipts.

By 1 p.m. on any given day, you should have access to real-time checkbook balances and other accounting information effective as of 5 p.m. the day before. Timeliness makes it easier for you to spot the first signs of fraud and use the data to catch a perpetrator before he or she gets away with theft.

Medical practices

According to the ACFE, embezzlement — such as stealing cash on hand, forging checks and lying on expense reimbursement requests — is the most common form of occupational fraud in medical practices. As all businesses should, be sure to segregate duties. Avoid having one employee in charge of both approving vendors and purchasing or preparing financial records and reconciling them. If your practice is small, you might want to outsource some accounting activities to help prevent possible fraud.

Conduct background checks when hiring and keep an eye on any workers who seem to be living beyond their means. Employees should know that unannounced audits are possible, but don’t tell them what audits will cover. Also, never let a nonphysician or nonowner employee sign checks.

Customized solutions

In addition to requiring the segregation of accounting duties, certain controls can help any business minimize the risk of fraud. For instance, put a fraud policy in place that spells out prohibited activities and the consequences of committing them, including termination and criminal prosecution. And offer an anonymous hotline that employees, customers and vendors can call to report potential fraud.

For controls that address the greatest fraud threats to your company or industry, contact us. We can conduct a fraud audit to identify potential points of weakness and help you implement stronger protections.

It’s official: Windows 10, the operating system that millions of businesses rely on, has been declared “end of life” by Microsoft. Microsoft will soon stop providing technical support, software updates, and security patches for Windows 10. Beyond the end of life date, users of Windows 10 will increasingly face risks of cyberattacks, data loss, and non-compliance with regulations that require up-to-date security features.

But what does end of life mean for your business, and how can you prepare for the transition?

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. Businesses need time to test new systems, train employees, and manage the rollout of a new operating system. Additionally, not all devices running Windows 10 can support Windows 11. Businesses will need time to assess their hardware and, if necessary, budget for replacements.

How to Prepare for the End of Life of Windows 10

Upgrade to a Supported Operating System: Microsoft has announced Windows 11 as the successor to Windows 10. Businesses should start planning the upgrade process to Windows 11 or any other supported operating system that meets their needs.
Hardware Assessment: Not all devices running Windows 10 can support Windows 11. It’s crucial to assess your hardware and determine if any upgrades or replacements are necessary.
Software Compatibility: Not all software that runs on Windows 10 will be compatible with Windows 11. Identify critical applications and check if they will work on Windows 11.
Data Migration: Important data will need to be backed up and safely migrated to the new system.
Employee Training: Any change in the operating system will require some adjustments. Plan for training sessions to familiarize your employees with the new OS.

Leveraging IT Support for the Transition

Transitioning to a new operating system can be a complex task. If you have an internal IT team, start planning the transition with them now. If not, consider working with an IT partner who can help assess your current systems, provide new hardware, and migrate your data to Microsoft 11.

While the end of life presents challenges, it also allows businesses to update and upgrade their IT infrastructure. By preparing now, you can ensure a smooth transition to a new operating system when the time comes. For more information on preparing for the end of life of Windows 10 or any other IT-related inquiries, reach out to us at Yeo & Yeo Technology.

Source: https://solinkit.com/preparing-for-windows-10-end-of-life-what-businesses-need-to-know/

Today’s customers are more connected and informed than ever before. As a result, they expect quicker responses, personalized interactions, and efficient issue resolution. In this environment, organizations need a solution that not only meets these expectations but also empowers their customer service teams to excel.

Introducing FrontDesk: The Solution to Evolving Customer Needs

FrontDesk Queue Management Systems (FrontDesk) is an innovative, intuitive, and easy-to-use software platform that redefines appointments, queues, and customer flow management. The primary focus is eliminating office wait times to improve the customer experience and employee engagement. Let’s explore the key benefits that set FrontDesk apart:

1. Advanced Queue Management and Online Bookings

FrontDesk goes beyond the basics by offering advanced queue management and online booking capabilities. This means businesses can efficiently manage customer appointments and reservations, optimizing operations and ensuring seamless scheduling experiences that eliminate wait times. Through the system, customers become service-ready with the documents and information they need for their appointments, resulting in improved efficiency, reduced frustrated moments, and ultimately increased revenue.

2. Complete Overview of the Day, Week, and Month

Not only does FrontDesk provide a modern experience for staff and customers. It also provides supervisors and management with a complete overview of appointments and availability. This makes it easy to ensure customers are helped whether they have an appointment or walk in.

3. Personalized Interactions

FrontDesk’s ability to store customer information empowers customer service teams to offer a personalized experience. When customers feel understood and valued, it fosters loyalty.

Why Choose FrontDesk for Your Organization?

FrontDesk is the solution that meets the demands of the modern customer service landscape. Here’s why your organization should consider FrontDesk:

Comprehensive Suite: FrontDesk covers every aspect of customer service, streamlining operations and minimizing the need for disjointed tools.
Quick Implementation: Its user-friendly interface makes onboarding seamless, allowing your team to start benefiting from the platform’s features within 24 hours.
Adaptability: As customer expectations evolve, FrontDesk adapts with regular updates and new features, ensuring your organization stays ahead.

Ready to Get Started? Yeo & Yeo Technology Can Help.

As a FrontDesk partner, Yeo & Yeo Technology is ready to help elevate your organization’s customer service. We can help integrate FrontDesk’s queue management software into your existing systems. Learn more at frontdesksuite.com, and then Contact us to get started.

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

In the digital transformation, AI-based cyberattacks are emerging as a significant threat. As these attacks become more advanced, cybersecurity professionals must upgrade their skills to safeguard themselves and their organizations. From AI-crafted phishing emails to realistic deepfakes, the range of these threats is broad. By understanding these techniques and their implications, cybersecurity professionals can better anticipate, detect, and counter these dangers. Here’s how AI is changing the threat landscape and how to keep your organization secure.

AI’s Role in Phishing Emails

Cybercriminals are utilizing AI’s capabilities to generate convincing phishing emails that are increasingly indistinguishable from authentic ones. Using platforms like Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT)-3.5, these actors can produce persuasive, human-like text, empowering even less sophisticated threat actors to craft phishing templates that can deceive recipients into believing malicious emails are legitimate. Traditional cybersecurity awareness training often advises staying vigilant for grammar or spelling errors, but this approach is less effective against attackers who use AI. Understanding the array of AI-driven cyberattack methods equips cybersecurity professionals to identify anomalies, proactively counter threats, and establish robust cybersecurity protocols.

Malicious Chatbots

Cybercriminals are leveraging chatbots as powerful instruments for their illicit operations. These intelligently camouflaged and highly versatile bots can gather sensitive data, carry out phishing schemes, and disseminate malware, among other functions. The sophistication of malevolent chatbots is on the rise. Whether assaulting the web page directly or through cross-site scripting, they can initiate lifelike conversations that deceive users into assuming they’re interacting with a real person. This has substantial implications for cybersecurity professionals, as organizational users may engage with chatbots and should be cautious of their legitimacy before interacting with them.

Polymorphic Malware

Polymorphic Malware is malware that is constantly changing or mutating its code to evade detection. Threat actors can use AI to develop this mutating malware quickly and effectively. Conventional methods of combating malware usually rely on identifying malicious code or patterns. However, with polymorphic malware, that approach comes up short, as attackers keep altering their code to make it nearly impossible to track. Implementing advanced detection methodologies, such as behavior-based systems, can help cybersecurity professionals to keep pace. Finally, fostering a culture of vigilance within organizations is equally important. Continuous education and awareness of the latest developments in cybersecurity can go a long way in safeguarding against the dark side of technology.

AI-generated Deepfakes

One of the most talked-about manipulations is the creation of deepfakes. These incredibly real-looking and sounding imitations created using AI are designed to mimic or impersonate real people and can be used maliciously. The power of deepfakes lies in their ability to deceive, often appearing so legitimate it is difficult for even the most sophisticated technologies to distinguish them from the real deal.

The damage inflicted by deepfakes is not just abstract; it is personal, tangible, and becoming increasingly frequent. From a company’s perspective, a successful scam can cause significant reputational damage and potential financial loss. Individually, the misuse of personal information can lead to emotional distress and identity theft. Investing time to understand how AI technologies and deepfakes work, and measures to detect and nullify them is no longer just advisable; it is a necessity.

The Human Element

While AI plays a pivotal role, human expertise remains irreplaceable. Cybersecurity professionals are essential for detecting and stopping AI-generated threats. AI has transformed the cyberthreat landscape, empowering both defenders and attackers. To maintain robust cybersecurity, organizations must leverage the latest defense strategies while recognizing the enduring importance of human cybersecurity expertise.

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

KnowBe4’s latest reports on top-clicked phishing email subjects have been released for Q2 2023. This last quarter’s results reflect the popularity of HR-related email subjects such as vacation policy notifications, dress code changes, and past-due training alerts that can affect end users’ daily work.

“The threat of phishing emails remains as high as ever as cybercriminals continuously tweak their messages to be more sophisticated and seemingly credible,” said Stu Sjouwerman, CEO, KnowBe4. “The trend of phishing emails revealed in the Q2 phishing report is especially concerning, as 50% of these emails appear to come from HR – a trusted and crucial department of many, if not all, organizations. These disguised emails take advantage of employee trust and typically incite action that can result in disastrous outcomes for the entire organization. New-school security awareness training for employees is crucial to help combat phishing and malicious emails by educating users on the most common cyberattacks and threats. An educated workforce is an organization’s best defense and is essential to fostering and maintaining a strong security culture.”

Each quarter, KnowBe4 examines ‘in-the-wild’ email subject lines that show real emails that users received and reported to their IT departments as suspicious. In addition to HR subjects, KnowBe4 reviews important looking messages dealing with purchases and financial institutions, as well as IT and online service notifications:

Common ‘In-The-Wild’ Emails for Q2 2023:

HR: Staff Rewards Program
Someone is trying to send you money
IT: Important Email Upgrades
ALERT – Mail Redirect Triggered
Amazon: Action Needed: Purchase Attempt
Microsoft 365: [[display_name]], MFA Security Review is Required
A fax has arrived
Google: [[manager_name]] invited you to join Google Chat Group
Metamask Wallet Update
Chase: Confirm Your Card Possession

Unsurprisingly, phishing links in the email body are consistently the #1 attack vector we see every quarter. When these links are clicked, they often lead to disastrous cyberattacks such as ransomware and business email compromise. Other top attack vectors are as follows:

Top 5 Attack Vector Types

Link – Phishing Hyperlink in the Email
Spoofs Domain – Appears to Come from the User’s Domain
PDF Attachment – Email Contains a PDF Attachment
HTML Attachment – Email Contains an HTML Attachment
Branded – Phishing Test Link Has User’s Organizational Logo and Name

Yeo & Yeo Technology can help train your employees to identify malicious emails with our security awareness training and testing. Looking to educate your human firewall? Contact us today.

*Capitalization and spelling are as they were in the phishing test subject line.
**Email subject lines combine both simulated phishing templates created by KnowBe4 for clients and custom tests designed by KnowBe4 customers.

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

September Technology Quick Tips

Should I be using a Virtual Private Network in the office?

Yes, a VPN adds another layer of security to ensure your company data stays within the company network, and stops outsiders from looking in.

How do I reset my password?

Most sites and applications have a ‘forgot password’ option that should help, but in some cases, you’ll need to speak to your IT support partner for instruction. To avoid the issue again, start using a password manager for increased security.

Are Passkeys ready to start using now?

Passkeys are still in their early stages, so they’re not available to use across many devices, apps, and systems yet. You can certainly use them where they are available – PayPal, Google, and Apple, for example – but they’re not yet a complete security solution.

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

In an era marked by technological advancements, businesses continuously seek innovative solutions to streamline their operations and enhance efficiency while reducing costs. One transformative trend is the transition to a paperless office environment. A key player at the forefront of this digital revolution is Foxit, a cost-saving PDF and eSign solution. As a Foxit Partner, Yeo & Yeo Technology can show you the features, compare your costs and help you maximize your software expenditures. Let’s learn more about the benefits of Foxit’s PDF software and why it’s a strong choice for businesses striving to enhance efficiency while reducing costs.

What is Foxit

Foxit’s PDF software provides an intuitive platform for creating, editing, and organizing PDF documents. While Adobe Acrobat can be cost-prohibitive for many businesses, Foxit offers a budget-friendly alternative without compromising on features. Whether it’s document creation, conversion, merging, or eSign, Foxit’s software ensures a seamless workflow at a fraction of the cost.

The Foxit Advantage

1. Simplifying Document Management

Foxit offers various tools for creating, editing, annotating, and organizing PDF documents, allowing for seamless collaboration and efficient handling of important files. The intuitive user interface ensures that even those new to digital document management can quickly adapt and become proficient.

2. Enhanced Collaboration

Foxit’s features enable real-time collaboration on documents, regardless of geographical boundaries. Multiple team members can simultaneously work on a document, making edits and suggestions, accelerating decision-making processes and fostering a collaborative environment.

3. Security and Compliance

Foxit’s solutions offer advanced security features such as password protection, encryption, and digital signatures, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure. Moreover, Foxit helps businesses comply with industry regulations by providing tools for redacting confidential information and tracking document changes.

4. Cost and Resource Efficiency

Moving to a paperless office benefits the environment and reduces costs associated with paper, ink, storage, and document retrieval. Foxit’s solutions contribute significantly to cost savings by eliminating the need for physical paperwork. Additionally, the time saved in document processing and retrieval can be redirected toward more productive tasks.

Foxit’s Impact on the Paperless Revolution

Foxit’s commitment to the paperless revolution is evident in its continuous efforts to provide state-of-the-art solutions. In a recent blog post, Foxit delves into the latest paperless landscape trends. The post highlights the increasing integration of artificial intelligence and automation, further streamlining document processes and enhancing productivity.

The Financial Impact of Foxit’s Solutions

A study by Forrester found that companies adopting Foxit PhantomPDF experienced significant cost savings and productivity gains. Notably, the time saved in document creation, editing, and review translated into remarkable efficiency improvements. Further, Adobe Acrobat costs over three times more than Foxit. With Foxit’s Adobe Acrobat alternative, robust PDF capabilities can be deployed to more users on the same budget.

Conclusion

The benefits of adopting Foxit’s solutions extend beyond document management – they encompass enhanced collaboration, security, compliance, and resource efficiency. With the paperless revolution well underway, businesses can rely on Foxit to provide the tools needed for seamless digital transformation.

Interested in learning more? Contact Yeo & Yeo Technology today.

Information in this article was provided by our partners at Foxit.

According to a recent study, 85% of cyberattacks are caused by human error. Knowing that it’s people causing this significant weakness, it’s vital to educate and empower your employees to prepare for, recognize, and prevent cyberattacks through security awareness training.

Any robust cybersecurity awareness training program should cover the following:

Phishing and social engineering
Access, passwords, and connection
Device security
Physical security

Let’s take a deeper look at these important pillars of robust cybersecurity education.

Phishing and social engineering

Content errors. Incorrect spelling, typos, and links containing random numbers and letters are red flags.
A sense of urgency. An unusual sense of urgency with an immediate request for money or sensitive information indicates the email may be a phishing attack.
Incorrect emails. An easy giveaway to phishing is when the email sender has a questionable email address. It’s essential to verify the email address before taking any action.

A robust security awareness training program will teach your employees to recognize these phishing red flags through simulated attacks.

Access, passwords, and connection

Cybersecurity training is an excellent time to discuss different aspects of the network, such as access privileges, passwords, and the network connection itself. Generally, users with privileged access perform administrative-level functions or access sensitive data. All employees should know if they’re general or privileged users, so they understand what information, applications, or processes are accessible to them.

Similarly, employees should be using best practices regarding the passwords they create, especially those used to access IT environments. In general, secure passwords should:

Be unique to each app/site
Have at least eight characters
Contain letters and special characters
Stay away from obvious information like names and birthdays

Additionally, passwords should be updated or changed about every six months.

While it may be less obvious, employees should also be wary of network connections outside their homes or workplaces. Employees need to be aware of vulnerabilities in public networks and how they could potentially be putting all data exchanged on that network at risk. Security awareness training can encourage end users only to use trusted network connections or a VPN to ensure a secure connection.

Device security

Physical security

The best way to protect your employees is through awareness. Your employees can increase their physical security in and out of the office by:

Locking up all devices. Get in the habit of doing this every time you leave your desk. For Windows users, press and hold the Windows key, then press the “L” key. For Mac users, press control, shift, and eject (or the power key) simultaneously.
Locking your documents. Store all your documents in a locked cabinet rather than leaving sensitive information hanging around your desk. Before leaving for the day, stow essential documents in a safe or locked cabinet.
Discarding information properly. When throwing away or removing documents and files, ensure you’re shredding them and discarding them appropriately.

Create a Culture of Vigilance

With knowledge, people can shift from vulnerabilities to the front line of defense against cyberattacks. Comprehensive cybersecurity training is the path that drives this change. By promoting vigilance, responsibility, and discernment, organizations can mold their workforce into a united defense against cyber threats, ultimately eliminating human error as the weak point in cybersecurity.

Looking to build your human firewall? Get started with Yeo & Yeo Technology’s security awareness training solutions.

In today’s interconnected world, cybersecurity is a top concern for companies across industries. With the constant evolution of threats, businesses face a critical decision: Should they build an in-house cybersecurity team or form strategic partnerships? This article explores the advantages and considerations of each approach, helping companies make informed decisions for their cybersecurity needs.

Building an In-House Cybersecurity Team: Building an in-house cybersecurity team offers direct control and tailored solutions. It allows companies to customize security measures and seamlessly integrate them into existing infrastructure. However, this approach requires significant investments in recruiting, training, and retaining skilled professionals. Additionally, staying updated with the ever-changing threat landscape and emerging technologies can be challenging for an in-house team alone.
Partnering with Cybersecurity Professionals: Strategic partnerships with external cybersecurity professionals provide access to specialized skills, technologies, and knowledge without large upfront investments. By collaborating with established cybersecurity providers, companies gain tailored solutions and stay up to date with the latest threats. However, choosing the right partner is crucial, considering factors such as compatibility, trust, and effective collaboration.
Combining Both Approaches: In certain cases, combining both approaches can yield comprehensive cybersecurity solutions. By building an in-house team and forming strategic partnerships, companies can leverage their strengths effectively. This hybrid approach allows for direct control, customization, and seamless integration while tapping into external expertise, scalability, and flexibility. Careful planning, collaboration, and clear roles and responsibilities are essential for successful integration and coordination between the in-house team and external partners.

Deciding between building an in-house team or forming partnerships for cybersecurity requires a thorough evaluation of your company’s specific needs, resources, and objectives. By understanding the advantages and limitations of each approach, businesses can develop a robust cybersecurity strategy that mitigates risks, protects critical assets, and adapts to the evolving threat landscape. Whether choosing to build, partner, or combine both, regular evaluations and adjustments will ensure an agile and resilient cybersecurity framework.

Yeo & Yeo Technology Can Help

Choosing Yeo & Yeo Technology as your cybersecurity partner empowers your business with the expertise, resources, and peace of mind needed to protect critical assets, maintain compliance, and safeguard your reputation. From specific IT needs to an always-on partnership, we create a rightsized, customized relationship.

Contact us today to learn more about how our comprehensive cybersecurity solutions can enhance your organization’s resilience and enable you to navigate the complex cybersecurity landscape with confidence.

TechTarget highlighted cybersecurity as one of the top three challenges CIOs face in 2023. This likely doesn’t come as much of a surprise, knowing there were over 25,000 cybersecurity vulnerabilities assigned a common vulnerabilities and exposure (CVE) number and included in the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) via the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in 2022.

As organizations navigate this complex terrain, it becomes crucial to identify and address the specific cybersecurity issues that pose the greatest risk to their operations, data, and reputation. Here are the top 5 cybersecurity-related issues organizations are tackling in 2023.

1. Keeping pace with the threat landscape

The threat landscape is the constantly changing nature of cyberattacks, which can occur when viruses, malware, phishing attacks, ransomware, or other intrusions penetrate a company’s networks. These threats can come from various sources, including nation-states, organized crime, individual malicious hackers, or even ethical hackers.

2. Technological change

With the rapid pace of technological change experienced in the IT industry, as new technologies are developed and adopted, they can create new vulnerabilities to be exploited. A recent example is the migration of enterprise applications, such as Microsoft 365, to the cloud, which has created a vast landscape of inter-connected computers and networks that can be attacked individually or as a group.

This changing reality necessitates a proactive approach to cybersecurity. This includes technical cybersecurity solutions, such as antivirus, firewalls, and intrusion prevention systems, based on the latest security technologies, as well as updated company cybersecurity processes that mandate periodic employee training and incident response plans.

3. Finding the right vendors and tools

An organization’s cybersecurity tech stack should incorporate elements that protect digital assets, networks, databases, servers, and enterprise applications. It’s important to remember that the ideal cybersecurity tech stack for you should be based on your organization’s—as well as your customers’—overall risk profile. No matter what the current state of your cybersecurity tech stack is like, it’s crucial to remember that threats are constantly evolving, and business and cybersecurity needs are changing, so it’s necessary to stay vigilant and find ways to improve.

4. Responding to incidents

Well-run companies have formal incident response processes fully documented by their internal cybersecurity team or IT support partner. This way, when an actual cybersecurity incident occurs, the team can focus on mitigating the incident rather than wasting resources tracking each team member to ensure they are completing their assigned tasks.

Without such processes, a simple incident can become a major crisis, causing serious harm to an organization’s operations, compliance, reputation, and financial state. Having standard operation procedures (SOPs), especially for frequent incidents, is critical for proper resource management and ensuring the most critical incidents are prioritized when required. The owner of the SOPs with the appropriate level of authority to make enhancements or changes also needs to be identified and updated when required as part of the documentation.

Without such formal incident response processes, organizations can waste valuable time and already-scarce cybersecurity talent tracking personnel instead of spending time on the resolution.

5. Cybersecurity insurance coverage

According to Sophos’ Cyber Insurance 2022: Reality from the Infosec Frontline report, cyber insurance policies are now held by 94% of organizations. And it’s getting more challenging to obtain cyber insurance as insurers evolve their minimum cybersecurity standards. According to the report:

54% say the level of cybersecurity they need to qualify for insurance is now higher
47% say policies are now more complex
40% say fewer companies offer cyber insurance
37% say the process takes longer

And even if you get a policy, there’s no guarantee the attack scenario you encounter is covered, as many organizations have needed to go to court over being paid out based on their policy.

Yeo & Yeo Technology can help organizations keep up with the evolving threat landscape.

At Yeo & Yeo Technology, we are committed to helping organizations strengthen their cybersecurity posture and effectively mitigate threats. Contact us today to learn more about how our comprehensive solutions and experienced team can safeguard your digital assets, protect your sensitive information, and ensure your organization’s resilience against cyber threats.

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

New data shows that even with most organizations experiencing cyberattacks, three hours of security awareness training simply isn’t enough.

There’s a bit of a misunderstanding about what “Security Awareness Training” is. According to new data in Fortinet’s 2023 Security Awareness and Training Global Research Brief, nearly 60% of organization leadership think that just three hours a year of security training is enough, with more than two-thirds of them (68%) thinking that it’s most important for employees to know how to keep sensitive data and systems secure while working remotely.

According to the report, these same organizations haven’t been doing so well in the fight against cyberattacks:

56% of leaders believe their employees lack knowledge when it comes to cybersecurity awareness, despite 85% having some form of security awareness training program in place
84% of organizations surveyed experienced at least one cybersecurity breach in the past 12 months, with 29% experiencing five or more in the same timeframe
81% of the attacks experienced were phishing, password, and malware attacks

Organizations know they’re being bombarded with phishing attacks, they believe their users aren’t security aware, and somehow three hours a year is enough training?

The threat landscape is continually changing, and if you want your users to act as part of the cybersecurity solution for your organization, a few hours of security awareness training a year isn’t going to get the job done. Instead, invest in a security awareness training solution that includes both training campaigns and simulated phishing attacks to test your users, assess their knowledge, and improve your organization’s human firewall.

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

In collaboration with CISA, the NSA, and the FBI, Five Eyes cybersecurity authorities have issued a list of the 12 most exploited vulnerabilities throughout 2022.

According to the report, threat actors increasingly focused their attacks on outdated software vulnerabilities rather than recently disclosed ones during the previous year, specifically targeting systems left unpatched and exposed on the Internet.

Below is the list of the 12 most exploited security flaws last year.

In light of these findings, organizations must take action to bolster their cyber defenses. The following steps are recommended to ensure a robust security posture:

Prioritize Patching: Swiftly address known vulnerabilities that have been exploited, ensuring that patches are applied to all vulnerable systems.
Automated Asset Discovery: Implement routine automated scans across your entire digital estate to identify and catalog all systems, services, hardware, and software. This proactive approach helps pinpoint potential vulnerabilities.
Secure System Backups: Regularly create secure backups of systems and configurations, storing copies in physically secure off-network locations. Regular testing of these backups ensures quick recovery in the event of an attack.
Privileged Account Management: Conduct regular reviews to validate or remove privileged accounts, at least annually. This minimizes potential points of compromise.
Multifactor Authentication (MFA): Enforce MFA for all users, leaving no exceptions. This additional layer of security significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access.

By staying informed, vigilant, and proactive, organizations can fortify their defenses and contribute to a safer online environment. For further details and insights, the full report can be accessed at https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa23-215a.