Monthly tech talk from BetterWorld's Thought Leaders
Oct 2023, Reston, VA USA
TECH TALK “Expert Advice to Boost Your Business Efficiency, Simplicity, and Profits”
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Life, like technology, is a dance of opportunities. It's our mission to meet challenges, daring adventures, and transform luck, not just in life but in our digital world too.
Join us in this journey, not for a sales pitch, but to explore how we can better secure and optimize your technological potential and play the game of life more effectively together.
- John Jordan
General Manager
CYBERSECURITY SKELETONS IN YOUR BUSINESS' CLOSET
Let's unpack a topic that might send a shiver down your spine — digital vulnerabilities. At BetterWorld Tech, we often refer to these as 'cybersecurity skeletons.' While you might not have eerie secrets buried deep, there's a likelihood of cyber risks lurking in your digital corners, biding their time. Visibility is key. If you're unaware of these hidden pitfalls, how can you address them? It's essential to highlight these concealed threats, ensuring you can effectively safeguard your operations from looming cyber dangers. Here's a glimpse at some of the most prevalent cybersecurity challenges that businesses like yours might face:
Aged Software: The Digital Ghosts of the Past
Persisting with out-of-date software is akin to rolling out the red carpet for hackers. Think of it as inviting them to a cyber masquerade. Whenever software providers roll out updates, they often embed pivotal security enhancements. These adjustments act as shields, blocking loopholes that cyber attackers could leverage. To fortify your digital domain, it's imperative to stay current.
Flimsy Passwords: A Cybercriminal's Magic Wand
Employing weak passwords is akin to giving out a map to your treasure chest. At BetterWorld Tech, we see it as a free pass for mischief-makers. Instead, craft robust and distinctive passwords for each account and gadget. It's wise to employ a combination of passwords, always incorporate a blend of uppercase, lowercase, digits, and special characters. The more diverse, the stronger the defense.
Unshielded Wi-Fi: The Phantom Portal
Make certain your Wi-Fi has a password barrier. Ensure it’s fortified with WPA2 or WPA3 encryption for a heightened security layer. For mission-critical operations, a virtual private network (VPN) is your ally. It acts as a digital veil, keeping your data hidden from unwanted spectators.
Inadequate Staff Training: The Ominous Oversight
At BetterWorld Tech, we've noted that around 88% of data breaches result from human errors. Without solid cybersecurity awareness, your team could unintentionally be lured into phishing traps or accidentally lay bare confidential details. A continuous training regimen on cybersecurity norms is paramount. This includes:
Detecting phishing attempts.
Steering clear of dubious websites.
Adopting safe data transfer methods.
Absent Data Backups: The Mysterious Meltdown
Visualize a scenario where all your business data dissipates into the cyber void. Sans backups, it's a disaster waiting to happen. Always uphold the 3-2-1 principle. Maintain three data replicas, save on dual formats, with a single copy safeguarded remotely.
Skipping Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): The Eerie Risk
Incorporating MFA is akin to bolstering your digital walls. It mandates additional validation steps, like temporary passcodes. It's a significant hurdle for any cyber intruder trying to access your systems.
Overlooking Mobile Security: Bewitched Devices
Every device under the company banner should be secured, be it through passcodes or biometric access. Ponder over deploying mobile device management (MDM) tools. They empower BetterWorld Tech and other enterprises to instate and oversee security protocols.
Stealth IT: The Sinister Secret
Stealth, or Shadow IT, signifies the use of non-sanctioned digital tools within an organization. While a team member might deem a freely available tool as harmless, it can expose vulnerabilities. Frequently scan your infrastructure to discern any lurking Shadow IT.
Incident Response Protocol: The Unfurling Nightmare
Forge a meticulous incident response blueprint. This should delineate procedures for detection, counteraction, and recovery from security breaches. Consistent reviews and updates by companies like BetterWorld Tech ensure it remains airtight against evolving threats.
WHAT IS SAAS
RANSOMWARE? HOW CAN YOU DEFEND AGAINST IT?
The meteoric rise of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) has profoundly transformed business operations. However, the silver lining of SaaS benefits is occasionally shadowed by looming cybersecurity threats. The transition of data and software to the cloud, while convenient, makes them susceptible to cyber onslaughts. One pressing concern that has transitioned from peripheral devices to the vast cloud is ransomware. In the span between March and May 2023, the onslaught of SaaS-focused attacks skyrocketed by a staggering 300%. Further emphasizing this trend, a 2022 study by Odaseva revealed that a significant 51% of ransomware attacks were directed at SaaS datasets.
Demystifying SaaS Ransomware
Often referred to as cloud ransomware, SaaS ransomware is a nefarious piece of coding crafted to prey on cloud-driven applications and utilities. This encompasses popular platforms such as Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and a plethora of other cloud communication ecosystems.
Fortifying Against the Menace of SaaS Ransomware
1. Empower Through Education Initiate a knowledge-driven approach by acquainting your workforce with the potential perils of SaaS ransomware. Ensure they grasp its propagation mechanisms, be it deceptive phishing communiqués, treacherous web links, or infiltrated accounts. Equip them to identify and swiftly report anomalies.
2. Champion Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) MFA stands as a formidable bulwark against unauthorized intrusions. With MFA in place, even a compromised login doesn’t grant a hacker unrestricted access.
3. Champion Regular Data Safeguarding Consistently backing up SaaS-related data is imperative. With recent backups at your disposal, you negate the need to capitulate to ransom demands.
4. Uphold the 'Least Privilege' Doctrine Regulate and restrict user access rights strictly to essential tasks. This strategy curtails the extent of havoc a cyber miscreant can unleash upon infiltration.
5. Ensure Continuous Software Recalibration Stay ahead by ensuring all operational software remains updated. Periodic enhancements rectify known loopholes, bolstering your cyber defense.
6. Leverage Sophisticated Protective Mechanisms Reflect on integrating security platforms tailored for SaaS ecosystems. Such mechanisms offer an array of advantages, notably real-time threat surveillance, safeguarding against data leaks, and a myriad of avant-garde security functionalities.
7. Maintain a Hawk-Eye on User Dynamics Institute stringent surveillance over user interactions and data traffic. Erratic behaviors might hint at impending cyber aggression. Red flags to be vigilant about include recurrent unsuccessful access attempts or logins from dubious locales.
8. Blueprint a Reactive Strategy Conceive and routinely rehearse a detailed countermeasure strategy for potential ransomware confrontations. A synchronized counteraction diminishes the repercussions of a breach and facilitates brisk recuperation. Swift and efficient team reactions ensure business continuity with minimal hiccups.
SHOULD YOUR BUSINESS UPGRADE TO THE NEW MICROSOFT INTUNE SUITE?
Over the past two decades, the landscape of endpoint management has undergone significant transformation. In today's digital climate, approximately 60% of an average enterprise's endpoint composition comprises mobile devices, which are believed to shoulder about 80% of the operational workload. This shift underscores the paramount importance of security, making endpoint device management solutions indispensable. That's where BetterWorld steps in, recommending state-of-the-art solutions to navigate these challenges.
A solution that you might have come across or heard about is the Microsoft Intune Suite. Championed by many, this suite amalgamates several facets of endpoint management under one unified canopy.
Delving Into Microsoft Intune Suite's Offerings
Beyond the foundational capabilities of Intune, the suite extends a myriad of advanced features:
Microsoft Intune Remote Assistance
Privilege management via Microsoft Intune Endpoint
Microsoft Tunnel tailored for adept mobile application administration
Streamlined management of specialty apparatus
A selection of advanced endpoint analytics courtesy of Microsoft Intune
Why Should BetterWorld Recommend the Subscription?
Cohesive and seamless device oversight
Secure channels for helpdesk interactions
Amplified security and compliance standards
Simplified application governance
Embracing a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) culture
Scalability that's economically efficient
Pondering Over the Decision?
The merits of Microsoft Intune Suite are undeniable. However, at BetterWorld, we believe in a balanced perspective. Let's address some potential challenges or hesitations that might arise:
Navigating the Learning Slope
The learning curve associated with the suite can be intimidating for some. But fear not! BetterWorld is at your service, offering tailored training and unwavering support to guarantee a seamless transition.
Entwined with Legacy Frameworks?
For enterprises that are anchored to legacy infrastructures or operate a multitude of on-premises servers, weaving Intune into the existing tapestry might demand added diligence. Nonetheless, with BetterWorld's expertise, we'll ensure that integration is as smooth and efficient as possible.
9 REASONS TO USE AIRPLANE MODE EVEN IF YOU'RE NOT TRAVELING
The ubiquitous Airplane Mode icon on devices isn't reserved solely for air travelers, contrary to popular belief. In fact, at BetterWorld, we often highlight how integrating this feature can enhance everyday user experiences.
Delving into Everyday Applications of Airplane Mode:
Economize Battery Life: Activating Airplane Mode can dramatically extend your device's battery lifespan, especially when you're in areas with poor signal strength.
Turbocharge Your Device: Your charging rate can skyrocket by approximately four times when your device isn't busy searching for signals or processing data in the background.
Peaceful Respite from Pings: Experience a serene environment without the constant barrage of notifications vying for your attention.
Engage Focus Mode: Without the distractions of incoming alerts, emails, or calls, you can be more present in the moment, whether it's during meetings, meditation, or me-time.
Avert Mishaps: Ever accidentally sent a message or email you immediately regretted? Activating Airplane Mode (if done quickly) can halt its dispatch, giving you time to cancel it.
Bid Adieu to Roaming Challenges: If you're crossing borders but don't wish to use international roaming, Airplane Mode ensures you don't incur unexpected charges.
Embark on a Digital Sabbatical: Embrace brief digital detox sessions. By disconnecting, you can rejuvenate mentally and emotionally.
Minimize Radiation Exposure: While the health effects of cell phone radiation are still debated, using Airplane Mode can limit your device's electromagnetic field emissions.
Economize on Data & Finances: Especially relevant when you're close to maxing out your monthly data limit, Airplane Mode ensures no background apps consume additional data, saving you potential extra charges.
Incorporating Airplane Mode into your daily routine, as suggested by BetterWorld, can not only enhance your device's efficiency but also elevate your personal well-being. It's a small step towards a balanced digital lifestyle.
TIPS TO OPTIMIZE A DUAL MONITOR SETUP
Having two screens can be a game-changer in boosting productivity. No matter if you're engrossed in intense gaming sessions, drafting visually rich content, or juggling multiple office tasks, a dual-monitor setup can elevate the entire experience. Yet, diving into the two-screen realm can initially be disorienting for some. Often, the culprit behind this disarray is the setup itself.
BetterWorld champions optimized digital experiences, and to aid in this, here's a distilled guide on refining your dual-monitor arrangement:
Synchronize Size and Resolution: Consistency is key. For a seamless experience, ensure both monitors have matching sizes and resolutions. This way, moving windows from one screen to the other feels fluid and natural.
Invest in Suitable Cables: It's not just about having cables, but the right ones. Depending on your monitors and computer, you might need HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, or even VGA cables. Ensure they are of high quality to prevent signal degradation.
Precision in Positioning: The way your screens are aligned can make or break the experience. They should be at eye level and angled slightly inward, forming a gentle V-shape. This arrangement reduces neck strain and improves viewing angles.
Master the Extended Desktop: Avoid the mirror display setting and go for an extended desktop. This effectively doubles your workspace, allowing different content on each screen.
Refine the Taskbar: With Windows, you can choose to have your taskbar on both screens or just one. Explore settings to determine what's best for your workflow. With BetterWorld’s expertise, we recommend adjusting this based on whether you use one monitor as primary consistently or switch tasks between the two.
Harness the Power of Shortcuts: Learning keyboard shortcuts specific to dual-monitor setups can significantly enhance efficiency. For instance, Windows + Shift + Arrow keys can quickly move windows from one screen to the other.
Game with Panache: If you're a gamer, explore settings within your games and GPU software. Some games can be set to span across both screens, while others can run on one monitor with tools or chats open on the other.
LEARNING ESSENTIAL CYBER HYGIENE DURING CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS MONTH
In an era dominated by rapid technological evolution, the importance of vigilance and proactive actions has never been greater, especially when it comes to preserving the sanctity of personal and professional data. Cybersecurity, despite appearing intricate, isn't a domain exclusively reserved for IT experts. At BetterWorld, we staunchly believe that every individual has the capability to bolster their digital ecosystems, ensuring not just organizational data security, but also their personal data's integrity.
As we commemorate Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CAM) this October, it serves as more than a mere annual marker. It stands as a collective call-to-action, underlining the countless strategies available to enhance data protection. Embracing even rudimentary protective measures can drastically amplify the resilience of your digital environments against cyber threats. CAM isn't just about reflecting on past achievements but also analyzing the forthcoming challenges and opportunities in cybersecurity. This year, the focus shines on four fundamental pillars of cybersecurity:
Championing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Multi-layered authentication, like MFA, significantly reduces unauthorized access risks.
Fortifying Password Integrity: At BetterWorld, we emphasize the importance of using robust passwords combined with a trusted password manager.
Staying Updated: Regular software updates fortify defenses against potential cyber threats.
Phishing Awareness and Reporting: Recognizing deceptive communications and reporting them is paramount to cybersecurity.
In light of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, BetterWorld Technology is excited to host a special webinar to delve deeper into these topics and offer valuable insights.
This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, let's unite for a digitally secure future. With BetterWorld guiding the way, the path to cybersecurity becomes a collaborative endeavor of knowledge, action, and assurance. Click the button above for more details!
Technology Newsletter Trivia of the Month
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