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.

When you think of a patch, your first thought may be of a patch for a ripped pair of jeans. Once applied, the patch extends the life of the garment and covers up a vulnerable, worn area. In the information technology world, a computer patch functions in much the same way as a piece of fabric on a torn pair of jeans. A computer patch is a modification to a software program that is intended to improve security or performance or fix a bug or issue. It helps to repair an exposed flaw.

Computer patches are an integral part of keeping your information technology infrastructure operating smoothly and protecting your data from cyberthreats. What are the different types of computer patches and how do you find and install them? Let’s take a look at the most popular patches, how to find them, and what the consequences are for not patching regularly.

Types of Computer Patches

Over the course of a software program’s lifespan, it will run into “bugs.” A bug is a coding error in a computer program that can create a vulnerability. A patch is a software update that provides an immediate fix to a bug and allows the software developer to work on the issue for the next release of the software.

There are different kinds of computer patches available including:

• Point Release: A point release patch from a software company is usually a minor update. Point releases correct bugs and feature minor enhancements to a program as opposed to adding to new features. The point release adds a decimal “point” to the software version number; for example, Version 4.2.06 and Version 4.2.07.
• Security Patch: A security patch corrects errors in computer software code and addresses cyber vulnerabilities. Vulnerabilities are often discovered in the aftermath of a cyberattack and new security patches respond to the latest threats.
• Service Pack: Service packs are bundles of patches released together and often contain new features in addition to bug fixes. Most operating systems and software programs provide service packs free of charge.
• Monthly Rollup: Similar to services packs, monthly rollups contain multiple patches combined into a single update. Each rollup is cumulative, so users need to only install the latest rollup.
• Hotfix: A hotfix, also known as a quick fix engineering update, addresses a specific issue found with the software. Hotfixes can typically be applied without restarting your computer. A hotfix is an update that cannot wait for a service pack or monthly rollup release.
• Unofficial Patches: When a software product reaches its end-of-life (EOL), it is often no longer supported by the company that released it. Other developers may create their own patches to address bugs, but because these patches are not developed by the original developer, they are “unofficial.”

Computer patches can help keep your software running smoothly and protect your business from cyberthreats. Software patches are only useful, though, if you have a patch management process implemented. A patch management program outlines how your computer support team will find, download and install patches on a routine basis.

How Do You Find and Install Patches?

When patches become available, vendors will put them on their websites for downloading and installation. As part of your routine IT processes, check for updates at least once a month for installation to protect your business. Some cyber attackers will continue to target vulnerabilities long after patches are available, so it’s important to apply fixes monthly.

Some software will automatically check for patch updates, too. If automatic updating is available, take advantage of this service from your vendor. Automatic patches can contain critical fixes for security and usability.

Here are several tips to keep in mind when installing patch updates:

• Only download and install patches from vendor websites. Never click on software update links in an email – this is a common phishing tactic used by cybercriminals.
• Only install patches on a secure network. If you are attempting to install patches on a public network, use a VPN.
• Microsoft, Oracle, and other software companies release patches on “Patch Tuesday.” Patch Tuesday occurs on the second Tuesday of the month, and sometimes the fourth Tuesday as well. Your IT team should be looking for these patches on a regular basis.

Consequences of Not Patching

If you are managing your business’ information technology needs on your own, you may be tempted to skip patch updates either because of time constraints or the process is outside your area of expertise. Skipping patch updates, though, can put your business at risk for:

• Damaged Software: Nearly all software programs will experience a bug or issue at some point during its lifespan. A patch will help fix the bug and allow you to continue to use the software as intended. When you skip patches with critical fixes, the software can become damaged or malfunction. Patches are a great tool to keep your software at peak performance.
• Security Risks: Cybercrime is at an all-time high, and one of the methods a criminal uses to access a company’s data is through a third-party application like software. Some malware can completely erase your data, or a cyber thief can install ransomware and lock your data behind a paywall. Patches can help you stay ahead of data loss and identity theft.
• Loss of Compatibility: When users on a network have different versions of software, incompatibility issues can arise. When one has a patched version, and the other does not, sharing files can be challenging and cause inefficiencies.

While implementing a patch management program may feel overwhelming, the consequences of not doing so can be damaging. Patches should be a part of your regular information technology functions, either performed by your IT department or a trusted managed IT services provider like Everound. If you are not sure where to start with computer patching, reach out to us today for help.

Computer Patching Support with Everound 

Everound is a managed IT services company in Central Pennsylvania focused on helping businesses create operational efficiency through information technology. Our team can help your business develop a comprehensive patch management program to protect your business and its assets.

In addition to patch support, we provide other IT services including cloud services, cybersecurity, dark web monitoring, email security, hardware and software procurement, help desk services, IT consulting, business phone system design, and more. Let us focus on your IT so you can focus on your business.

Getting something for free sure is tempting. After all, why would you pay for something that is also available to you at no cost? The internet is full of free features – free maps, free music, free email, free messaging and for decades now, free antivirus solutions.

But can you rely on the free version of an antivirus app? Or should you invest in paid antivirus software? The short answer is – it depends. In most cases, the free version is enough to provide protection for personal use computers. Your home computer likely has some version of antivirus protection already installed.

But can you trust free antivirus programs for your business? Paid versions provide more comprehensive protection and can help you identify and stay ahead of viruses, malware, spyware, and other cybersecurity threats.

Let’s take a look at the different features available in free or paid antivirus apps, the top free programs available, and why antivirus protection is important for businesses.

Different Features of Free vs. Paid Antivirus Programs

Free Antivirus Programs

The main goal of a free antivirus program is to provide basic protection from a computer virus. A computer virus is a malicious piece of code that once unleashed onto your computer, can spread from device to device. While some viruses are designed to damage a device, others are meant to steal your data and personal information.

While different free software programs vary depending on the developer, the basic features include:

• Anti-virus, anti-malware, and anti-spamming protection: Free antivirus software is developed to identify and remove viruses and malware and protect your computer against spamming. Because computer threats are constantly evolving, antivirus software developers will update the programs regularly.
• On-demand scanning: Some free antivirus programs have on-demand scanning or scanning only when you start the application or upload data into your computer’s memory. The downside of on-demand scanning is it relies on the user to get into the habit of running it regularly.
• Real-time protection: Other free antivirus programs have real-time protection. Real-time protection works by scanning data for viruses, malware, and spyware around the clock. With the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape, real-time scanning is recommended to catch a virus before it spreads.

Paid Antivirus Programs

Paid antivirus programs go above and beyond their free version counterparts and provide additional protection from viruses and other harmful computer threats. Paid programs offer additional features including:

• Extra layer of protection: Some paid programs will be better at detecting new threats such as websites with malware.
• Firewall protection: Some antivirus companies reserve firewall protection only for their paid versions. A firewall is a security network designed to protect your computer from malicious attacks.
• Application control: Application control is a security technology that is built into some firewalls. This technology, which is often reserved for paid antivirus programs, protects devices from malicious code and also prevents the installation or use of unapproved applications.
• Administrative control: Administrative controls help address the “human error” component of cybersecurity. Essentially, this feature allows the administrator to determine what users have access to resources on a network.
• Webcam protection: Over the last few years, the use of webcams has exponentially increased. For companies with remote teams, webcam protection can be a critical component of overall cybersecurity. Some paid versions of antivirus programs include webcam protection.
• Customer support: One of the biggest advantages of a paid antivirus service is access to customer service either through email, live chat, or the phone. Free programs usually send users to an FAQ section of their website, or they have to rely on crowdsourced answers to common issues.

Top Free Antivirus Programs

If you are working on a home computer and do not have multiple devices, a free antivirus program may be enough to protect you from most types of viruses and malware. The most popular and well known free antivirus programs are:

• Microsoft Defender Antivirus: Microsoft Defender Antivirus, formerly known as Windows Defender, is a free antivirus protection program you’re likely already using if your operating system is Windows 10. This program offers solutions to manage how websites track your data and also gives you control over your privacy settings when browsing the web.
• Kaspersky Security Cloud Free: Kaspersky Security Cloud Free offers full-scale malware protection along with some suite-level features. It gets superb scores from the independent labs, and it won’t cost you a penny.
• Avast One Essential: Avast One Essential offers impressive free protection for your Windows boxes and somewhat reduced protection on macOS, Android, and iOS.

Why Antivirus Is Important for a Business

As a business owner, can you trust the free antivirus solutions offered to protect your computers and devices from malicious attacks? With new threats coming online every day, businesses can’t afford to leave their data and IT infrastructure vulnerable.

A number of cyber threats target businesses specifically, even small businesses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work caused data breach costs to increase by $137,000 in the United States alone. Further, ransomware attacks such as the one on the Colonial Pipeline caused businesses to be at a standstill until the ransoms were met.

Cyber attacks can paralyze a business. For a modest financial investment into an antivirus solution as part of a larger cybersecurity plan, you can protect your business from threats.

Everound for your Antivirus and Cybersecurity Needs

At Everound, we specialize in internet security and cybersecurity solutions for businesses. With more than 30 years of experience, our team of cyber security professionals can recommend and implement antivirus programs and data protection strategies to help keep your information and your network safe from harm.

Unsure if your company is at risk? Reach out to us today for a free cybersecurity audit. We will take time to identify vulnerabilities and help you come up with a robust plan to protect your business. Let us focus on your IT, so you can focus on your business.