As a small business owner, you likely wear a lot of hats – owner, human resources leader, marketing guru, and even IT specialist. Navigating all of these roles can be overwhelming, especially in the world of technology. That’s where we can help!

With so much to think about – from protecting customer data to choosing the right software and hardware – it’s no wonder that many owners feel a bit confused and frustrated with IT. Whether you are a solo entrepreneur or a small business with a brick-and-mortar location, having a solid IT plan in place can help you save money, boost productivity, and protect yourself from cyber threats.

Our team has worked with countless small businesses and understands their unique needs. Here are the top IT tips to help you navigate the world of information technology as a small business owner.

Take Advantage of Cloud Storage

One of the most significant innovations in technology is cloud storage. Cloud-based storage enables business owners and their teams to access business data anytime, anywhere, from any device with an internet connection. No more worrying about losing your data if your device crashes or is stolen.

Cloud storage helps small businesses streamline their operations, increase efficiency, and scale their business seamlessly. Cloud storage services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive can be great solutions for a small business to securely save, share, and sync its data.

Make Cybersecurity a Priority

Cyber attacks are no longer a matter of if but when. Small businesses are especially vulnerable to attacks because they typically don’t have a robust IT infrastructure or cybersecurity program in place. The consequences of a data breach can be devastating, ranging from critical data loss, reputational damage, regulatory fines, and even business closure.

To protect your business, invest in cybersecurity measures such as network security, strong passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA), endpoint security solutions, and cybersecurity training for your employees. A cybersecurity breach can cost you more than money, so make sure you prioritize cybersecurity in your IT strategy.

Implement a Backup and Disaster Recovery Plan

One of the most critical components of an IT program is backup and disaster recovery, especially for a small business. What would happen if your company data and operations were suddenly compromised? You need a plan in place to address the unexpected!

Backups and disaster recovery, while related, are not the same thing. Most small businesses have a backup plan in place. A backup is a copy of your essential business data kept safely elsewhere, in case the original data is lost due to hardware failure, deletion, or cyber-attacks. Disaster recovery, on the other hand, is a comprehensive approach to recovering data after a cyber or IT emergency. Having a disaster recovery plan can help mitigate risks and improve business continuity.

Go Mobile

It’s no surprise that mobile work has exploded in the last several years, and so has the technology to support that mobile workforce. Mobile connectivity has revolutionized the way businesses operate. Tools such as VOIP phone systems, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Teams allow team members to stay connected from anywhere in the world.

With mobile technology, you can work from home, on the road, or anywhere else, without compromising productivity. Investing in mobile connectivity can also help you attract and retain top talent, as it enables more flexible work arrangements.

Outsource IT

Tired of worrying about your IT needs? Delegate it to a Managed Service Provider (MSP). Outsourcing your IT is a smart move for small businesses that don’t have a dedicated in-house IT team. Think of an MSP as a “stand-in” for CTOs and IT departments. They have the expertise and training to help businesses put a solid IT infrastructure in place, manage IT systems, and offer technical support.

Managed Service Providers are often more affordable than business owners think. Outsourcing IT to an MSP can save you money in the long run, as it eliminates the need to hire dedicated IT staff and buy expensive hardware and software. MSPs are also more scalable, meaning they can adapt to your changing business needs faster and more efficiently.

Managed IT Services for Small Businesses from Everound

At Everound, we understand the challenges a small business owner faces when it comes to IT. When we meet with a small business owner, oftentimes they just don’t know where to start to get their IT infrastructure in place or what types of steps to take to ensure their business is protected from an IT standpoint.

If you own a small business and need some help getting on the right path with your IT needs, reach out to us today either online or by giving us a call. We can listen to your needs and recommend an IT strategy that fits your budget. We can help you get set up or help you with ongoing IT support services through our managed IT services packages. Let us focus on your IT so you can focus on your business.

As technology continues to advance, so do the methods that hackers use to steal personal information. One of these methods is an evil twin attack, which involves a hacker creating a fake hotspot that mimics a legitimate network in order to steal sensitive data from unsuspecting users.

This type of malicious cybercrime targets wireless networks and unsuspecting users connected to it without their knowledge. Evil twin attacks are a form of a “man-in-the-middle” (MITM) attack where a cybercriminal secretly intercepts and modifies the communication between two trusted parties. This is accomplished by positioning themselves between the two parties and listening in on their conversation.

Evil twin attacks are most common in public settings such as coffee shops, airports, and parks – any place where users rely on public Wi-Fi to stay connected. Let’s explore how evil twin attacks work, how to detect an evil twin Wi-Fi connection, and how to protect yourself from one.

How Do Evil Twin Attacks Work?

An evil twin attack is a type of wireless attack where a hacker creates a fake wireless access point (WAP), or Wi-Fi access point, which looks similar to a legitimate one in order to steal sensitive information, such as login credentials, credit card details, bank account information, or personal data.

Evil twins are surprisingly easy to set up, which makes them a huge risk for people using public Wi-Fi. Hackers set up an evil twin through a process that involves a few steps:

• Scouting: The hacker will first scout the targeted area to find a wireless network that they can imitate. They may use tools like Wi-Fi Pineapple, which are specifically designed for wireless penetration testing.
• Creating a fake WAP: Once a valid target has been identified, the hacker will create a fake WAP with a similar name and network characteristics to the original one. This is done using special software that allows the attacker to spoof the SSID and MAC address of the network.
• Broadcasting: After the creation of the fake WAP, the hacker will broadcast it with a strong signal to ensure that it is detected by all devices within range.
• Luring: The attacker then lures unsuspecting users to connect to the fake WAP by naming it something similar to the legitimate network, like “Free Wi-Fi.” The hacker may also offer higher bandwidth or any other attractive offer in the name of free or faster internet.
• Collecting: Once a victim connects to the fake WAP, the hacker can collect the user’s sensitive information, such as login credentials, credit card numbers, or browsing history. The hacker can also install malware on the user’s device to gain access to other valuable data.

Evil twin attacks can be difficult to detect because the fake WAP will often have the same name and look very similar to the legitimate one. Therefore, it is important to verify the legitimacy of a WAP before connecting to it, specifically when using public Wi-Fi.

How to Detect Evil Twin Wi-Fi Connections

To ensure the security of your personal information and devices, it is important to be aware of malicious “evil twins.” One way to detect evil twin Wi-Fi connections is to carefully examine the network name. Evil twins often use a similar name to that of a legitimate access point but with slight variations or misspellings. For example, instead of “StarbucksWiFi,” an evil twin may be named “StarbuckssWiFi” or “StarbucksFreeWiFi.” Always double-check the spelling and make sure it matches the official network name.

Another way to detect a fake captive portal is to look for security alerts on your device. Many modern devices will automatically detect and alert you to potential security risks when connecting to Wi-Fi networks. Such alerts may say that the network is unsecured, or that the network name has recently changed or is not recognized. Any such alerts should be taken seriously, and the network should not be connected to.

It is also important to be wary of open or unsecured networks that require no password to connect. These networks are often targeted by hackers looking to set up an evil twin network.

How to Prevent Evil Twin Attacks

Fortunately, there are several ways to protect yourself from an evil twin attack. One of the most important ways is to use a virtual private network (VPN) whenever you’re connecting to a Wi-Fi network that you’re not familiar with. A VPN creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet, making it much more difficult for hackers to intercept your data.

Another important step is to make sure that you’re always using websites that employ HTTPS, which stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. This means that the website has an SSL certificate, which encrypts the data that is being sent between your device and the website’s servers. So, even if a hacker is able to intercept your data, they won’t be able to read it.

In addition, it’s a good idea to avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks altogether if possible. Instead, consider using a personal hotspot to connect to the internet when you’re out and about. A personal hotspot creates a network that’s only accessible to your devices, which makes it much harder for hackers to intercept your data.

Finally, it’s a good idea to ensure that all of your online accounts are secured with two-factor authentication (2FA). This means that in addition to entering a password, you’ll also be asked to provide a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone. This makes it much harder for hackers to gain access to your accounts, even if they’ve managed to steal your passwords.

Cybersecurity Solutions from Everound

Everound is a managed IT services company specializing in cybersecurity services, IT consulting, network administration, help desk support, and other IT services. Our team of professionals has worked with large, enterprise organizations as well as small startup businesses to help them plan for and prepare for a cybersecurity threat.

One of the most important parts of a robust cybersecurity program is educating teams on how to stay alert of cybercrime including evil twin attacks. We can help you develop a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy to keep your team – and your business – safe from cyber threats. We offer a free cybersecurity assessment that will help you understand where you may be vulnerable and can help you develop a plan to reduce your risk of a cyber threat. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us focus on your IT so you can focus on your business.

As a business owner, managing your organization’s cybersecurity can be a daunting task. With the rapidly evolving digital world and its associated threats, it becomes increasingly challenging to keep up with the latest developments in cybersecurity and ensure that your data remains safe.

That’s why outsourcing cybersecurity is becoming a popular option for organizations big and small — outsourcing allows you access to top-notch security technology without needing in-depth knowledge of cybersecurity best practices or a large budget.

Let’s explore some of the key benefits that come from outsourcing your company’s cyber security needs so you can decide if it’s the right choice for you.

Advantages of Outsourcing Cybersecurity

For business owners, cybersecurity is an essential requirement in the age of digital information storage. Protecting your customer, employee, and company data from cyber threats and malicious attacks needs to be a top priority if you want your business to remain secure. However, many businesses don’t have the resources or personnel available to properly implement and maintain effective cybersecurity protocols – which is why outsourcing can be so beneficial.

Here are the top reasons to outsource your cyber security services:

Access to Expertise

The ever-evolving cybersecurity industry requires a commitment to learning and continuous training, which can be difficult for many organizations. Managed IT services providers maintain a deep understanding of the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape, which is essential to protect businesses from highly sophisticated cyber criminals.

These providers frequently update security protocols, deploy the latest security technologies, and employ highly trained professionals who are specialized in cybersecurity. Such a level of expertise and cutting-edge resources might be challenging to have within an in-house IT department due to budget constraints and limited manpower.

Cost Savings

When you outsource your cybersecurity to a managed IT services provider, that provider spreads the cost of its own employees and the costs of tools and hardware across multiple customers, meaning there is a reduced overall expense for the same level of service.

There is also clear cost savings when you compare the cost of an in-house cybersecurity team to the cost of outsourcing. The salaries, benefits, and ancillary costs of an in-house team quickly add up and will more than likely be much greater than the cost of outsourcing.

One other often overlooked area of cost savings is the price of NOT implementing a cybersecurity plan. While the costs of a cyber attack vary widely for a business – anywhere from $120,000 to $1.24 million, the financial impact is significant. Can your business absorb the cost of a data breach?

Bottom line? Outsourcing has a direct positive benefit to a business’s financial health in more ways than one.

Timely Support

Outsourcing cybersecurity to a managed IT services provider offers businesses an invaluable advantage over in-house teams – round-the-clock monitoring and support. One of the primary reasons organizations choose to outsource is the 24/7 availability of resources, as cybersecurity threats and attacks can occur at any time, requiring immediate attention. Whether it’s a holiday or a weekend, managed IT services provide dedicated teams who continuously monitor clients’ networks and systems, ensuring that cyber threats are detected and prevented before causing any significant damage.

Early Warnings

In an era where cybercrimes are increasing both in complexity and frequency, having an outsourced cybersecurity team that can provide an early warning is an indispensable asset for businesses operating in the digital world.

Outsourced cybersecurity teams possess the expertise and resources to constantly monitor the rapidly evolving threat landscape in the digital world. Through a combination of cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, threat intelligence, and years of experience, they can identify emerging cyber threats and vulnerabilities on a global scale.

An early warning of a cyber attack not only helps in preventing the attack itself but also significantly reduces the risk of catastrophic data and financial loss. By keeping a vigilant eye on the constantly shifting threat landscape, outsourced cybersecurity teams empower businesses to take proactive measures and close any identified security gaps before they can be exploited.

This approach minimizes the downtime and financial impacts associated with data breaches or other cyber attacks, which can cost businesses millions of dollars in losses, regulatory fines, and reputational damages.

Reduce Stress on Internal Teams

Even if an organization has an in-house IT team, outsourcing the cybersecurity function can be of benefit. By outsourcing cybersecurity to a dedicated team of experts, the in-house IT team can significantly reduce their workload and focus on crucial aspects such as network configuration and infrastructure support.

With the increased sophistication of cyber threats and the constant evolution of attack vectors, a specialized cybersecurity team possesses the necessary skills and knowledge to detect, prevent, and mitigate potential breaches. This not only alleviates the burden of keeping up with the ever-changing landscape of cyber threats but also grants organizations access to state-of-the-art technologies and innovative practices that are tailored to their specific needs.

Proactive Protection

Outsourcing cybersecurity provides companies with a proactive rather than reactive approach to guarding their digital assets against cyber threats in many of the ways we’ve outlined already – expertise, access to resources, continuous monitoring, timely updates, cost savings, and the ability to draw from previous experiences. Companies that adopt a proactive approach are better positioned to safeguard their digital assets and reduce the risk of cyber threats.

What to Look for in a Cybersecurity Team

In today’s digital era, the significance of a robust cybersecurity team cannot be overstated. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated and commonplace, organizations across all industries and sizes must invest in a capable, well-equipped cybersecurity team to protect their sensitive data, intellectual property, and the privacy of their clients.

The ideal cybersecurity team should possess a diverse range of skill sets, be mindful of continuously evolving techniques, and share a commitment to staying ahead of malicious cyber actors. If you’re looking to outsource your cybersecurity needs, here are several areas to carefully consider when putting together your cybersecurity team:

• Experience and Expertise – Make sure the company has experience with cybersecurity, as well as experts who understand the threats and solutions available.
• Proactive Approach – Look for a company that takes a proactive approach to cybersecurity, such as monitoring systems, examining vulnerabilities, and responding quickly to any potential issues.
• Continuous Monitoring and Reporting – A good cybersecurity company should provide monitoring and reporting of all activity on your network, including all changes made to your systems.
• Accessibility – It’s important that you are able to easily contact your cybersecurity provider if any issues arise.
• Security Audits – Look for a company that offers regular security audits to ensure your systems remain secure over time.
• Comprehensive Solutions – Make sure the cybersecurity provider you choose offers comprehensive solutions that address both external threats and internal security weaknesses.

Cybersecurity Solutions from Everound

A secure cyber environment is crucial to the success of any business. Don’t risk leaving your organization vulnerable – team up with Everound and benefit from our decades of experience in cybersecurity best practices.

Contact us today for a free cybersecurity assessment. We will take a deep dive into your current cybersecurity infrastructure and let you know where you are most vulnerable and what we can do to help. Let us focus on your IT so you can focus on your business.

The push towards remote work exploded over the last three years and has opened up many benefits for both employees and employers. Employees enjoy more freedom to get their jobs done almost anywhere and employers can reduce their overhead expenses and hire talent from across the country or globe.

Remote work, however, does come with some risks, especially when it comes to IT. Workers who hit the local coffee shop for an hour or two increase their cybersecurity risk when connecting to public Wi-Fi. Working in a public place also opens up employees to other kinds of vulnerabilities including traditional theft.

What are the security risks when working in a public place? And how can business owners reduce the risk for a remote workforce? Let’s take a look.

Common IT Risks When Working Remote

When working anywhere other than the office, it’s safe to assume there are increased risks to employees’ information technology security. Employees working remotely can directly expose work computers and networks to cybercrime such as hacking and phishing.

What threats and IT risks do employees and employers face? Here are the most common IT risks when working in a public place:

Unsecured Networks

When working at a coffee shop, library, or another public place, it’s tempting to open your laptop and connect to the free Wi-Fi offered. Connecting to a public network though is one of the easiest ways to fall victim to a cyberattack.

Nearly 25% of all public Wi-Fi hotspots do not have encryption or protection, meaning anyone near the access point has an easy way “in” to the network and can steal data. The risk isn’t only for laptops – research shows that 40% of mobile devices used for work are exposed to a cyber attack within the first four months of use.

Evil Twin Attacks

An evil twin is a fraudulent or fake public Wi-Fi set up by a cybercriminal. Essentially, the cybercriminal capitalizes and preys on remote workers and sets up a Wi-Fi hotspot that looks legitimate but is actually bait to steal sensitive information from users. When users connect to the “evil twin,” all of the sensitive data shared on the network passes through a server controlled by the attacker.

Prying Eyes

Public spaces are just that – public – and don’t offer the same privacy as a home office. When working in a public space, you are at risk for prying eyes, or “shoulder surfers,” who can steal data displayed on a laptop screen. Skilled shoulder surfers can steal passwords, PINs, among other kinds of information directly off of a laptop screen.

Traditional Theft

Most workers get up and stretch their legs or get a cup of coffee several times a day. When workers do this in a public place – even for just a few seconds – criminals can swipe work laptops and personal devices. While uncommon, this is a risk employers should consider when utilizing a remote workforce.

These are a few of the many cybersecurity risks when working in a public place. With some planning and intention, there are ways to minimize security risks for a remote workforce.

How to Reduce Security Risks

Working in a public place can present cybersecurity risks if proper preventative steps are ignored. To minimize IT security risks when working in public, it is important to never leave devices unattended and to disable any devices that must remain out of sight or not in use when not attended.

Here are some best practices to help reduce the risks of working in a public place:

• Provide team members with separate work computers: When you provide computers and mobile devices to your team, your IT professionals can configure settings to minimize cyber risk. Furthermore, work computers can be monitored remotely to stay ahead of any risks such as phising and other social engineering cyber attacks.
• Use personal hotspot device: Refrain from connecting to public networks or Wi-Fi as data can be exposed on these unsecured networks. Instead, connect to a personal hotspot device. Personal hotspot devices are a better alternative to public Wi-Fi and are an affordable piece of hardware that gives peace of mind employees are on a safe network.
• Use a VPN: If team members must use public Wi-Fi, having a virtual private network, or VPN, is critical for online security and safety. A VPN creates a secure connection between the computer and the computer network and protects online privacy. VPNs encrypt internet traffic and make it difficult for hackers to track online activities and steal data.
• Use strong passwords: While it may be repetitive to hear, the first line of defense against cybercrime is a strong password. Weak passwords, or using the same password across multiple sites and devices, make employees easy targets. Use passwords that are at least 12 characters, including symbols and numbers, and are unique to each site or device. Password managers can make this process easier for team members.
• Provide team members with laptop cable locks: Laptop cables work the exact same way as bike locks – the cable connects to the laptop and then around a stationary object such as a table leg. The locks can only be unlocked with either a key or a code.
• Employ a comprehensive cybersecurity program: If you’re employing a remote workforce, it’s absolutely imperative to have a comprehensive cybersecurity program in place that addresses phishing scams, malware, viruses, and other cyber threats. Your IT team should develop and implement a plan that includes endpoint protection, network security, email security, and dark web monitoring.

Following these tips and best practices can help reduce IT security risks for your team members when working in a public place. Unsure where to start or how to implement these solutions? Contact us today for a free cybersecurity audit.

Remote Workforce Cybersecurity Solutions from Everound

As a managed IT services provider, Everound understands the challenges business face with cybersecurity. Whether you have an entirely remote workforce, an “in-person” team, or a blend of the two, we can help you develop a cybersecurity plan to protect your team members both in the office and when they are working in a public place.

Cyber attacks can paralyze a business – don’t wait until AFTER an attack to improve your cybersecurity. Contact us today for a free review of your current cybersecurity infrastructure and a recommended path forward to protect your company from a cyber attack.

Everyone knows how important it is to protect your personal information from identity theft. When personal data like social security numbers, bank account information, and other sensitive information fall into the wrong hands, the results can be disastrous. Many people take the proper precautions to protect their personal identity. But are you taking the same precautions to protect yourself from business identity theft?

According to a report by the National Cybersecurity Society, the IRS logged 10,000 business identity theft cases in the first half of 2017, more than double all claims in 2016. Although 10,000 cases may not seem like a large number, identity thieves caused $137 million in damages.

How can you protect your business from identity theft? Let’s take a look at why businesses are targeted, the different types of business identity theft, and some tips to protect your business.

Why Small Businesses are Targeted for Identity Theft

Businesses are easy targets for identity theft for several reasons, most notably because there is a wealth of information available rather easily to thieves. Many businesses are required to publish sensitive company details and business records like financial statements, employer identification numbers (EIN), or sales tax numbers. This readily available data makes it easy for a thief to steal a business’s identity.

Higher Payout

Identity thieves try to gain access to business data with one goal in mind – financial gain. Businesses have larger bank accounts, assets, and credit limits than individual consumers. Once thieves have access to this information, they can start to steal money while staying below the radar.

Less Chance of Being Caught

Businesses tend to utilize credit cards at a higher rate than personal consumers. This increased activity can make it harder to spot a fraudulent transaction. For example, if there is a $1,000+ charge on your personal credit card, chances are your bank will flag the transaction. That same charge on a business account may go unnoticed.

Less Security

Unfortunately, small businesses may not have the same level of cybersecurity in place than larger businesses and corporations. Identity thieves take advantage of this security gap to target small businesses.

Has your company been a victim of identity theft? You can reduce your risk by implementing cybersecurity best practices at your company. A managed IT services provider like Everound can help you protect your business identity.

Four Types of Business Identity Theft

Business identity theft can take different forms and can be more complex than personal identity theft. The National Cybersecurity Society had identified four main types of business identity theft:

1. Financial Fraud: Financial fraud occurs when a thief steals credit card information, opens a new line of credit, obtains a loan, or uses a stolen EIN, among others.
2. Tax Fraud: This type of identity theft occurs when a thief steals business data and files a fraudulent tax return to receive a tax refund from the federal or state government.
3. Website Defacement: This type of business identity theft is specific to companies that collect customer data on their website. In this scenario, a cybercriminal redirects traffic from a business’s website to a fake site in an attempt to steal customer data.
4. Trademark Ransom: Trademark ransom is when an identity thief registers the name or logo of an existing business and then demands a ransom to release them from the trademark.

Tips to Protect Business Identity

Even though business identity theft is on the rise, the good news is there are steps a business owner can take to reduce their risk. Whether you own a small business with a few employees or a large corporation with multiple locations, it’s good practice to regularly check your credit with a credit reporting agency or even invest in identity theft protection.
Here are some other tips to help protect your business from identity theft:

• Use – and Protect – an EIN: If your small business operates as a sole proprietorship, you may be using your Social Security Number (SSN) for tax purposes. This puts you as the owner at risk. Apply for an EIN number through the IRS. This will help you keep business and personal finances separate. If you are already using an EIN, treat your EIN just like you do your SSN. Keep it safe and only disclose it when necessary.
• Secure Both Digital and Hard File Copy Files: Your business files contain sensitive information – do you want that to end up in the hands of thieves? Keep sensitive documents in locked file cabinets and for digital files, make sure your network is safe from cybercrime.
• Train Team Members: The number one threat to your organization’s cybersecurity is your team. Educate your employees on the risks of phishing and how to spot a phishing attempt.
• Secure Website: If you do any business through your website, be sure it is secure. Back up the site regularly, scan it for malware and viruses, protect it with a firewall, and invest in an SSL certificate.
• Stay on Top of Security Updates: It’s a big risk to ignore computer system updates. Software companies often issue updates to address cyber threats. Your IT department or your managed IT services provider should be doing this regularly.

Cybersecurity Services from Everound

Unsure if your business is at risk for identity theft? Having a cybersecurity partner on your team can help alleviate your concern and also reduce your chances of identity theft. At Everound, we work with businesses of all sizes to protect them from cybercrime.

Our team has decades of experience in cybersecurity best practices for businesses. Reach out today to start the process with a free cybersecurity assessment. Our assessment will identify any areas of vulnerability for identity theft as well as areas of strength. Let us focus on your IT so you can focus on your business.

Almost daily we learn about cybersecurity threats and data breaches that are affecting businesses across the country and around the globe. The pace and costs of these incidents aren’t slowing down either. In fact, it’s projected that by 2025 the costs related to cybercrime will reach $10.5 trillion.

Most business owners acknowledge the importance of cybersecurity to protect their business assets. The complexities of cybersecurity best practices, though, can leave a business owner feeling confused or overwhelmed and prone to making a costly mistake.

What are the most common cybersecurity mistakes that make a business vulnerable to attack? Let’s take a look at missteps that can make a business a target for cybercrime.

Mistake #1: Not Having a Plan in Place

By far, the biggest mistake that can hurt a company is not having a plan in place in case of a cyber threat. Companies without a formalized cybersecurity plan in place are the most prone to a cyber attack. While creating a response plan takes time and effort, the trade-off for NOT having one in place is immense. A lack of preparation can have devasting financial consequences on a business, not to mention severe damage to customers’ trust and loyalty.

It’s critical for all organizations to prepare and plan for attacks before they happen beginning with an incident response plan. An incident response plan details the step-by-step process for responding to a cyber event. An incident response plan helps to minimize downtime, maintain public trust, and in many industries such as healthcare and law, remain in compliance with governing organizations.

As the saying goes, prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

Mistake #2: Not Staying Up to Date

You’ve likely done it once or twice – ignored the annoying notification that a software update is available for your computer. It’s natural to delay a notification while you are in the midst of working on a project, but regular software updates are important to help keep your business secure by:

• Fixing security weaknesses
• Addressing known threats
• Installing computer patches
• Fixing computer bugs

If you are at an organization with an internal IT department, your IT team should be pushing updates regularly to the entire organization’s IT infrastructure. Are you the IT department AND the business owner? Chances are your team isn’t updating their computers regularly unless you are specifically asking them to do so.

Mistake #3: Not Training Employees

Did you know that one of the biggest threats to your business’s cybersecurity isn’t a hacker or cybercriminals? The biggest threat is actually your employees. Human error accounts for a large percentage of data breaches and other cyber incidents.

When you fail to provide regular training to your team, they may fall victim to phishing emails, ransomware attacks, improperly storing sensitive data, or clicking on an unsafe link. Cybersecurity awareness training isn’t failsafe, however, developing a security posture is about building up layers of defense. Training is one of those layers.

Mistake #4: Not Using Strong Passwords

Humans are predictable – passwords shouldn’t be. Weak passwords are an easy way for outsiders to gain access to your network and data. Considering 61% of data breaches involve login information, a strong password policy is critical to keep data safe. A strong password policy can include:

• Required two-factor authentication
• Long passwords with a mix of lower and uppercase letters
• Avoiding predictable passwords such as, well, password
• Not allowing recycled passwords
• One-time access passwords

Overlooking password security is sometimes an overlooked area but can be easily addressed by incorporating a password manager into your IT best practices.

Mistake #5: Skipping Backups

Not backing up data is a critical mistake when it comes to cybersecurity and protecting data. In the event your company is held hostage with ransomware, or if your data is lost or corrupted, a backup can help you restore it.

There are two ways to backup your data: cloud-based and local. Cloud-based backups are stored on servers and local backups are stored on external hard drives or other devices. Business owners should consider using both methods, especially startups and small businesses.

Mistake #6: Thinking “It Won’t Happen to Us”

Own a business and think cybercrime only happens to other companies? The hard truth is most businesses – even small businesses – will be targeted for a cybercrime at some point. Hackers often target small businesses over large ones as their IT infrastructure is more likely to have holes and gaps for them to exploit. If you own a business, it’s not if, but when, you will be targeted.

Cybersecurity Services from Everound

Everound is a managed IT services company specializing in cybersecurity services, IT consulting, network administration, help desk support, and other IT services. Our team of professionals has worked with large, enterprise organizations as well as small startup businesses to help them plan for and prepare for a cybersecurity threat.

We know what it’s like to run a business and make our customers’ cybersecurity needs a priority. We offer a free cybersecurity assessment that will help you understand where you may be vulnerable and can help you develop a plan to reduce your risk for a cyber threat. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us focus on your IT so you can focus on your business.

For business owners of all sizes, cyber threats are a real concern. Data breaches, malware, ransomware, and other cybercrimes are all too common. In fact, according to Internet Crime Report released by the FBI, the number of cybercrime complaints rose by 7% in 2021 with total money lost increasing by a whopping 64%.

Cybercriminals stole nearly $2.4 billion by hacking email accounts at businesses mostly due to the increase in remote work over the last two years. Unfortunately, for many organizations, especially small businesses, coming back after a financial loss can be challenging if not impossible.

In the event of cybercrime, some businesses may benefit from cybersecurity insurance. Cybersecurity insurance generally covers a business’s liability for a data breach or other cyber incident. Essentially, it helps reduce the financial loss incurred when a fraudster infiltrates an organization.

Not all cybersecurity insurance is the same, and it doesn’t cover every financial risk associated with a cybercrime. Let’s take a look at the different types of coverages available, what is excluded, and the types of businesses that may benefit from cybersecurity insurance.

Types of Cybersecurity Insurance

When a business is the victim of a malicious cyber event, there are many different assets at risk. Their personal information, privacy, and operations can be affected, and sensitive customer data such as social security numbers, bank routing numbers, and more can fall into the wrong hands. Depending on the type of attack, different types of cybersecurity insurance can minimize the damage.

First Party Coverage

First party coverage protects a company’s data including both customer data and employee data. If a company has first party coverage, the policy will generally cover the cost of legal counsel, recovery and replacement of data including customer information, customer notification and call center services, lost income caused by business interruption, public relations, and more.

Third Party Coverage

Third party coverage, unlike first party coverage, protects an organization from liability if another party brings a claim against the company. Coverage includes payments to consumers affected by the incident, claims, and settlements related to lawsuits, losses related to trademark infringement or defamation, costs for litigation, and accounting costs.

Privacy Liability Coverage

One of the most common repercussions of a cyber attack is the loss of personal customer data. With privacy liability coverage, a business will be financially protected in the event their customer data falls into the hands of a cyber thief. The policy typically covers financial losses associated with attorney and court fees for legal proceedings, settlements, and court judgments, and regulatory fines.

Network Security Coverage

Network security coverage includes claims arising out of a breach of a company’s network and data storage. Some policies cover both online and offline information, denial of service attacks, and the failure to prevent a virus or malware from infecting the network. Coverage may include costs associated with notifying customers of a breach, credit monitoring, data restoration, call center fees, IT forensics, and legal fees.

Technology Errors and Omissions

Errors and omissions coverage (also called E&O coverage) protects an organization for cyber risks that prevent delivering services to clients or fulfilling contractual obligations. E&O coverage is similar to product liability coverage for companies that sell physical or digital products. Like other forms of cybersecurity insurance, E&O coverage will help minimize costs related to court fees, informing customers, and other first party claims. E&O does not extend to third party claims against a company.

Network Business Interruption Coverage

When a cybercrime affects an organization, one of the biggest casualties is the interruption of business. Network business interruption coverage helps businesses who rely on technology to keep operations going. This coverage can be used to deflect the costs of fixed expenses, lost profits, and extra costs when a company is “offline” due to a cyber attack.

Cybersecurity Insurance Exclusions

Cybersecurity insurance policies are fairly new within the last five years, and insurance companies are constantly adjusting what is covered – and what is not covered – with a policy. Nearly all types of cybersecurity policies have exclusions that business owners should be aware of.

Generally, a policy doesn’t cover:

• Property Damage: Cybersecurity insurance usually only covers financial damages and excludes property damage losses. If a computer network is fried, for example, and needs to be replaced, the cost would not be covered by the insurance policy.
• Intellectual Property: Intellectual property losses are not included in cybersecurity insurance coverage. In order for intellectual property to be covered, a business would need intellectual property insurance.
• Self-Inflicted Crimes or Cyber Incidents: This may seem obvious, but absolutely no cybersecurity insurance carrier will issue a policy that protects a company that is involved in a crime related to a cyber attack.
• Potential Future Profit Loss: Unfortunately, cybersecurity insurance doesn’t cover future profit losses. This is why it’s important to recover quickly from a cyber attack and resume business operations as soon as possible.
• Cost of Technology Improvements: After a cyber incident, companies may want to invest in updating information technology security systems as part of their risk management process. Cybersecurity insurance does not cover this investment.

Who Needs Cybersecurity Insurance?

If you own a business, you may wonder if cybersecurity insurance is a good investment. The answer is “maybe,” depending on the type of business, what data you store about your team, customers, and operations, and whether or not you are poised to recover quickly after a cyber attack.

While there is no clear line about who should get insurance and who can opt-out, the types of businesses that may benefit from cybersecurity insurance include:

Businesses That Store Important Data

If your company stores sensitive business data such as phone numbers, social security numbers, credit card numbers, and bank account information, you are likely a target for cybercrime. Cyber thieves specifically target organizations who store large amounts of personal data and will go to extremes to get it.

If your business is storing your own financial data and personal customer data, first party coverage may be a good option. A real world example is if your company is the victim of ransomware, where a cybercriminal is holding your data hostage for a financial payout, the policy would likely pay out the ransom so you can recover the data. With all types of insurance, though, each policy is different and may have exclusions.

Businesses with a Large Amount of Customers

Have a business with a large customer base? Cybersecurity insurance may be a good investment. One of the necessary steps after a data breach is to inform your customer base. In fact, notifying customers is often required by law. Costs associated with this process – call centers, direct mail, etc. – can easily skyrocket. First party coverage can help deflect those costs.

High Revenue Businesses

Businesses with high revenue and valuable assets may be good candidates for cybersecurity insurance, particularly if the insurance premiums are lower than the combined value of the business. A cybersecurity insurance policy can greatly reduce the financial risk for this type of business.

For a small business with a low annual revenue, the cost of a policy may not be justified. It all depends on the projected cost to recover from a cyber attack versus the cost of the annual premiums.

Unsure if a cybersecurity insurance policy makes sense for your business? We understand – it’s a fairly new type of business insurance and can seem confusing. Before signing up for a policy, or walking away from one, consult with a cybersecurity team like Everound.

Cybersecurity Services for Central PA Businesses

Everound is a full-service managed IT services provider that helps businesses with their IT operational needs. Our team of experts can help you determine if cybersecurity insurance is a good fit for your business, and even help you procure a policy.

We can provide a free cybersecurity assessment to determine your risk for a cyber attack. Our assessment looks at your email security, network security, and endpoint security and offers cybersecurity improvement measures to reduce your risk.

Interested in learning more with a no-obligation consultation? Contact us today to get the conversation started.

Phishing scams are nothing new and are one of the biggest cyber threats to a business. According to Proofpoint, more than 80% of companies were targeted by phishing cybercriminals in 2021. Do you know how to spot phishing attempts at your organization?

Understanding the different types of phishing strategies is the first step to stopping them from infiltrating your organization. Let’s examine the different types of phishing attacks, ways to spot them, and how to block phishing emails.

Types of Phishing Attacks

What is phishing? Phishing is an email or text message scam that tricks users into providing personal information either by clicking on a link or opening an attachment. The emails or text messages appear to come from someone the recipient trusts, either a supervisor, colleague, or in some cases, a family member.

Not all phishing attempts are the same, and there are several different ways a cyber thief can deploy a phishing attack. The most common types include:

• Deceptive: Deceptive phishing is the most common type of scam. In this method, attackers impersonate a company the user is familiar with to steal personal information or data. The emails may look real and even include legitimate links to trick the user into falling for the scam.
• Spear: Spear phishing is a more targeted type of a deceptive phishing attempt. With spear phishing, the criminal will specifically target an individual with personal information they can find on the Internet. A spear phishing email may contain the user’s full name, place of employment, job title, email address, and even specific information about their role at their company.
• Whaling: Whaling is similar to spear phishing, however, targets senior leadership such as the C-suite. With whaling, scammers impersonate the CEO, CFO, or another high-level team member with the hope the recipient will “follow orders” from a superior. The requests are typically to complete a financial transaction or respond to the email with personal information.
• Smishing: Smishing is a type of phishing attack that uses text messaging rather than emails, but the goal is still the same – to get a user to click on a malicious link or provide personal information. Many phishing criminals will send text messages disguised as a bank and claiming there was suspicious activity with the user’s bank account or credit card.
• Vishing: Vishing is much the same as smishing, however, the platform switches to a phone call rather than a text message. Senior citizens are particularly at risk for vishing attacks. The caller will pose as someone in an authoritative position to be able to obtain bank account numbers, credit card information, and more.
• Pharming: As users have become more aware of email phishing, fraudsters have changed their strategy to include pharming. With pharming, users are redirected to a fake or “spoof” website that essentially appears to be a real website. The fake sites are designed to capture a user’s personal information such as their social security number, website credentials, account numbers, and more. Pharming is implemented when the hacker sends malicious code in an email that redirects traffic to the fake website.
• Angler: Angler phishing is a fairly new type of phishing attempt that targets social media users, particularly ones who are frustrated with customer service at a financial institution. The cybercriminal will pose as a customer service rep for the company and respond to a complaint using a handle that includes the name of the institution. The fake account will attempt to “resolve” the complaint and ask the user to click on a link to talk to an agent. Once the link is clicked, the fraudster can install malware on the user’s computer or steal business data.

While there are different methods of phishing, they all share the same goal. The email (or text message or phone call) may ask for a password, billing information, credit card numbers, or other sensitive data. Once the information is shared, hackers can infiltrate a company’s network and steal information or deploy malware. Phishing is a real risk for all sizes of organizations, from small businesses to large enterprises. If you are concerned about phishing attempts at your business, a cybersecurity team like Everound can help.

How to Spot Phishing Attempts

It’s more than likely that you have been the target of a phishing attempt either at work or at home. Were you able to spot it as suspicious? There are “red flags” to watch out for when determining if an email is real or a phishing attempt.
Here are ways to spot a phishing attempt:

• Unfamiliar tone: Does the email from your friendly coworker down the hall come off as cold and monotone? Chances are, the email is a phishing attempt. Hackers don’t understand tone very well and some phishing emails are even written by bots. If the content in an email feels a little “off,” make sure you verify the sender actually sent you an email.
• Spelling and grammatical errors: Most email platforms have a built-in spell check feature for outbound emails. If an email contains several spelling and grammatical errors, it may be a phishing attempt.
• Inconsistencies with an email address, links, or domain: Another easy way to spot a phishing attempt is to look for inconsistencies with the domains in email addresses or links. For example, if you hover over a link in an email from your “bank” and the URL doesn’t contain the bank name or trusted domain, that’s a huge red flag.
• Threats or a sense of urgency: Threats or a sense of urgency are often used in whaling. Your “CEO” may be busy in a meeting and ask you to quickly take care of sending a payment to a vendor. If you receive an email that feels out of character, is threatening, or creates a sense of urgency that is uncommon at your business, this is likely a phishing attempt.
• Suspicious attachments: Attachments sent via email should always be opened with caution. Attachments can contain harmful viruses and malware that can infiltrate an entire organization quickly causing financial damages. If you receive an email with an extension such as .zip, .exe, .scr, etc., or another unfamiliar extension, be very cautious about opening it. Check with the sender by phone to see if they sent you a safe attachment.
• Odd request: Did you get an email with a request to do something that is not within the normal scope of your job at work? Or perhaps an off-hours text message from your “boss”? Did your IT team send an email with an attachment and you weren’t expecting it? Odd requests are a sign of a phishing attempt.
• Short and sweet: Some phishing emails are full of content and detail, and others are short and sweet. If you receive a message with a short note like “Per your request” or “As a follow up…” however didn’t request or need anything from the user, do not click on any links or open the attachment.
• Request for a password or other sensitive information: This is by far the easiest way to spot a phishing email – when the requestor asks for a password or other sensitive information in an email. Passwords, bank account information, and personal data should never be shared via email. A savvier attempt is to send the user to a fake landing page and ask the user to enter their credentials. Remember – banks, financial institutions, and other reputable companies you do business with will not request your credentials via email or their website.

Learning how to spot phishing emails can reduce your risk of a data breach or other cyber threat. Phishing emails are always a little bit “off” and are suspicious. If you are unsure if you can tell the difference between a real email and a phishing scam, working with a cybersecurity team can help.

How to Block Phishing Emails

The first line of defense against phishing emails is learning how to spot them. Your information technology team is likely also implementing several strategies to block phishing emails all together.

How can you block phishing emails?

• Security awareness training: Phishing attempts all rely on one thing – human interaction. You can reduce your threat and risk of being a target of phishing emails by implementing regular security awareness training at your organization. There are also phishing simulators that can send suspicious emails that are actually harmless to see if employees would fall for a phishing scam.
• Anti-spam, anti-malware, and anti-phishing software: There are several cloud service software packages that include anti-spam, anti-malware, and anti-phishing support. This technology can identify and stop phishing emails before they even get to a user’s inbox.
• DNS authentication services: DNS authentication services that include SPF, DKIM, and DMARC protocols help prevent fake websites (spoofing) and impersonation. With DNS authentication, users are blocked from visiting sites that are flagged malicious by the software.
• Anti-impersonation technology: One of the cornerstones of phishing attacks is the criminal’s use of impersonation. Anti-impersonation technology scans inbound emails and detects abnormalities in headers, domains, and suspect body content.

Cybersecurity Services from Everound

At Everound, we make it our business to protect our clients from phishing and cyberattacks. As a managed IT services provider, we offer comprehensive cybersecurity solutions to protect organizations from phishing, data breaches, dark web threats, malware, viruses, and more.

Unsure if your business is protected and able to sustain a cyber threat? Reach out today for a free cybersecurity audit. We will take a look at your current IT infrastructure, assess vulnerabilities, and work with you to come up with a robust cybersecurity plan. Let us focus on your IT, so you can focus on your business.

When it comes to protecting your data online, you can never be too cautious or safe. The building blocks of online cybersecurity begin with strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA), however nothing is failsafe. Strong passwords can be hard to remember if you aren’t using a password manager, and 2FA can still result in data breaches.

That’s where a hardware security key comes in. Hardware security keys provide an extra layer of protection when you are online. With a security key, no one can access your accounts unless they have BOTH your password and the physical security key.

Should you use a hardware security key for your business? Let’s take a deep dive into what a hardware security key does, the pros and cons of using them, and what are the most popular security keys on the market today.

What is a Hardware Security Key?

A hardware security key is a way to secure your computer without having to rely on a password. Hardware security keys (also called security keys, U2F keys, or physical security keys) work in a similar manner to 2FA and multi-factor authentication.

Instead of receiving an SMS text message, email or notification on an authenticator app with an authentication code, the way you use a hardware security key is similar to how a regular key functions. You insert the key, usually the size of a thumb drive, into the USB port of your computer and that’s it — no need to enter anything else from that point on.

Security keys house a small chip with the security protocols and codes that allow it to connect with servers, websites, and apps and will verify your identity. Security keys essentially ‘communicate’ with the server and confirm you are who you say you are. The keys support an open-source universal standard called FIDO U2F, which was developed by Google and Yubico for physical authentication tokens.

You can think of a hardware key just like a hotel room key. When you visit the front desk to check-in, the front desk associate codes your key to your room. Once you insert the key into the door, the data on the key tells the locking mechanism you have permission to enter the room. Hardware security keys work in the same way.

Pros and Cons of Hardware Security Keys

As with most things in life, there are pros and cons to using a hardware security key. How do you know if they are a good choice to enhance cybersecurity at your business? Here are several points to consider:

Pros:

• Convenience: Hardware security keys are incredibly easy to use. Most people working at a company in a role where they are required to use a computer are familiar with USB ports. Plus, you don’t need to install any extras like software or drivers and most people find hardware security keys are easier than using a password manager.
• Hassle-Free Recovery: Even if you lose your hardware security key, you don’t need to worry about being locked out of your accounts. Hardware security keys have a fallback number or code you can use until you can acquire a new key. Just be sure to keep your backup code in a safe place.
• Security: Hardware security keys are one of the most secure ways to protect your data. They cannot be reverse-engineered or intercepted and are a reliable choice.
• Phishing Proof: Even people who are aware of cybercrime and are cautious online can fall victim to phishing. Hackers are savvy and can lure users into sharing their passwords or online credentials. With hardware security keys, this risk is eliminated.

Cons:

• Cost: Even though hardware security keys are relatively inexpensive, costs can add up for a large organization. Considering the costs of a cyberattack can reach tens of thousands of dollars for a small business, the cost of hardware security keys is a justified expense.
• Time/Learning Curve: Change can be a barrier to trying something new and different, particularly at an organization that hasn’t intentionally focused on cybersecurity. Hardware security keys, although easy to use, make take some time to be adopted by team members.
• Risk of Being Lost or Misplaced: Because of their size, hardware security keys can be misplaced or lost. A good way to keep track of your key is to attach it to your car keys or another keyring. After all, it is a ‘key’ and can be stored alongside other more traditional keys.
• Not Universally Supported: Most major websites support hardware security keys, but not all. While the technology is being rapidly adopted, some sites may not support them.

Best Security Keys on the Market

There are many hardware security keys on the market today for both business and personal use. Here are a few of our favorites for businesses that work with sensitive data like financials, customer information, and other highly confidential data.

• Yubico Security Key Series: The Yubico Security Key series is compatible with most of the online services that businesses use, including Google, Microsoft, Twitter, Facebook, GitHub, and Dropbox. It’s available for USB-C ports as the Yubico Security Key C NFC and for USB-A ports as the Yubico Security Key NFC. The Yubico Security Key series is also affordable at approximately $25 each, making it a budget-friendly choice for businesses.
• Yubico YubiKey 5 Series: The YubiKey 5 series is a step up from the Security Key series and supports a wider array of security protocols and is compatible with more online accounts. It also has more connection options including USB-A, USB-C, USB-C with NFC, and a dual-headed USB-C and Lightning-port model. Because this is an upgrade and provides additional features, the investment is higher at $45-$70 each, depending on which model you choose in the series.
• CryptoTrust OnlyKey: OnlyKey has a few interesting features that other hardware security keys lack, notably an onboard keypad that is used to enter a PIN, and a password manager. It supports several methods of two-factor authentication including FIDO 2 U2F, Yubico OTP, and TOTP. Other features include encrypted backup, self-destruct (which wipes the device after a certain number of incorrect PIN attempts), and the ability to update the firmware in order to access new features. The price for the OnlyKey is around $45.
• Kensington VeriMark: The Kensington VeriMark is FIDO U2F certified and offers a good balance of protocol support, cost, and most importantly, fingerprint scanning. The fingerprint technology combines biometric performance and 360° readability with anti-spoofing protection. The investment for this hardware security key is around $50 each.

Put Our Security Expertise to Work for Your Business 

As a managed IT services provider, Everound has the expertise and experience to help you protect your business data from cyber threats. While not every business may need to invest in hardware security keys, it makes sense for companies that deal with sensitive customer data, financial records, and any information that could be tempting to steal.

If you are unsure if hardware security keys are a good fit for your business, reach out today for a free cybersecurity assessment. We can take a look at your network infrastructure and business processes to assess how vulnerable – or secure – your business is from a cyberattack.

Our cybersecurity assessments are free and there is no obligation to engage in our services. Complete our online form or give us a call to learn more. Let us focus on your IT so you can focus on your business.

Still using ‘password’ as a password? Even if you aren’t, some of your colleagues may be a bit lax with their password management. Considering 61% of data breaches involve login information being compromised, password security should be a top priority at a business.

Password security is sometimes an overlooked area at a company but can be easily addressed by incorporating a password manager into your IT best practices. Password management software can not only help reduce security risks but it can also decrease the amount of time your team spends on password recovery and downtime.

Let’s take a look at the risks associated with password security, the benefits and features of a password manager, and a few of our favorite password managers that can be implemented in a business setting.

Password Security Risks

Cybercrime is not just a hobby anymore for hackers sitting in a basement. Cybercrime is a lucrative career for hackers – they know if they can get access to company data, they can sell it for a hefty price. One of the most targeted assets for a hacker is user passwords.

Password security risks include:

• Phishing/Sniffers/Keyloggers: One of the easiest ways for a hacker to get your password is for you to simply tell them. Hackers try to trick users into typing their passwords into a website they control (phishing), infiltrate unencrypted networks (sniffing), and tracking keystrokes either through hardware or software loggers (keylogging). These strategies are clever – and easy – ways for someone to access your passwords.
• Weak passwords: People are predictable, but passwords shouldn’t be. When users choose predictable passwords that include public data like their children’s names and birthdates, or their middle name, or something easy to crack (password1234!), they are at risk for a cyber-attack.
• Reuse of passwords: A Google survey found that more than 50% of users reuse their same password across multiple – if not all – accounts. When a hacker finds one password that works on an account, chances are they will try it across other platforms.
• Compromised passwords: Once your password has been cracked by a hacker, there is a risk your password will end up online in a data breach. Once a hacker has your info, they can sell it on the dark web or include it in an intentional data leak. Compromised passwords should be changed immediately.

We understand choosing – and using – strong unique passwords can feel like a nuisance. After all, the average user has more than 100 different accounts that require a password for access which can be hard to manage without help. This is where the benefits and features of a password manager can be beneficial.

Benefits and Features of a Password Manager

A password manager is a cloud services software application designed to store and manage online logins and passwords, as well as other sensitive information like credit card numbers, frequent flyer information and private data. Passwords and other data are stored in an encrypted database and are only accessible to the user.

Features and benefits of a password manager include:

• One password for everything: When using a password manager, you only have to remember one password – the password you choose to access your database. This is one of the main benefits of using a password manager as you don’t have to rely on a notebook or your memory to be able to log in to websites or applications.
• Automatically generated passwords: Having a tough time thinking of a strong password that contains numbers, letters, and special characters? It can be tough to get creative with passwords! With a password manager, passwords are automatically generated in a way that avoids recognizable patterns. When utilizing this feature, it also prevents you from using the same password across multiple websites and applications.
• More secure than other methods: Storing your passwords in a spreadsheet on your computer? If someone gets access to that spreadsheet, they can really do some damage. Password managers provide extra security than every other way of saving passwords (especially the old ‘write it on a Post-It note’ method).
• Works across all devices: Depending on which password manager you choose, you can use your password manager across different devices including your computer, tablet, cell phone, and laptop. If you change your password for a website on your desktop, it will automatically replicate to the rest of your connected devices.
• Can share with a trusted person: While passwords are meant to be kept to yourself, there may be instances where you want to share your credentials with a trusted person. If you are injured or ill and unable to access your accounts on your own, a password manager can help. Some password managers can even limit what your “trusted person” can see. For example, employees can share only their relevant work credentials with their employer and still keep personal data private. For business owners, this can be important if you have an employee out on medical leave or away from work for an extended period of time.

Top Password Managers

There are many password managers available for both business and personal use with common and unique features. Here are our favorites for enterprise password management solutions:

• 1Password: 1Password makes it easy to store and sort your logins in a secure vault. 1Password offers secure sharing, custom groups and roles, account recovery, end-to-end data encryption, and customizable access polices for businesses. 1Password is also a good choice for personal use with family sharing plans available.
• Bitwarden: Bitwarden is an open-source password manager for both business and personal use. Business features help companies share private data safely with coworkers, across departments, or with the entire company.
• LastPass: LastPass is a good choice for organizations with team members who may be unfamiliar with password managers. Features include a comprehensive real-time reporting breakdown of employee password health for managers.

Put Our Cybersecurity Expertise to Work for Your Business 

Not sure which password management solution is right for your business? We can help you identify which product will work for your specific needs. With more than three decades of combined experience, our team of IT experts understands the importance of password security as one part of an overall cybersecurity plan.

As a full-service managed IT services provider, we focus on your information technology needs, so you can focus on your business. Reach out today to start a discussion about your IT needs, including adding a password manager and password security program at your business.