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Protect your business from a data leak with Microsoft Edge

 

Microsoft Edge for Business has just rolled out new data leak control capabilities, and this could be a game-changer for safeguarding your sensitive information.

What are data leak control capabilities?

In simple terms, these features help prevent your sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands. Think of it as an extra lock on your digital doors, ensuring only authorised individuals can access your important data.

Every business handles sensitive information, be it financial records, client details, or proprietary data. A data leak could result in significant consequences: financial losses, legal issues, and damage to your reputation.

This new feature in Microsoft Edge helps keep your data secure by ensuring only authorised personnel can access it and preventing accidental sharing.

Depending on your industry, strict data protection regulations may apply. These new controls can help you remain compliant.

Moreover, your customers are increasingly aware of data privacy. Using a browser with robust data leak controls demonstrates your commitment to protecting their information, enhancing their trust in your business.

Microsoft Edge for Business has integrated this new feature into an easy-to-use package. You can set policies on how data can be shared, such as preventing certain types of data from being copied or emailed to unauthorised recipients, thereby reducing the risk of accidental leaks.

Utilising artificial intelligence, Edge can detect potential threats and unusual data movements, alerting you to a potential leak before it happens, allowing proactive measures.

If you’re already using other Microsoft products like 365 or Microsoft Teams, there’s more good news: Edge for Business integrates seamlessly with them, enabling consistent data protection across all your tools.

Ready to give it a spin? Here’s what to do:

Update your browser: Ensure all your business’s devices are using the latest version of Microsoft Edge for Business to access the newest features and security updates.

Set your policies: Collaborate with your IT support partner to establish data sharing policies that suit your business. Microsoft provides guidelines and templates to help you get started.

Train your team: Educate your employees on the importance of data security and how to use the new features. A quick training session can be very effective.

Monitor and adjust: Keep an eye on how the policies are working and tweak them as needed. Find a balance that keeps your data secure without disrupting your workflow.

Better still, why not let our team handle this for you? Get in touch.

#DataSecurity #MicrosoftEdge #BusinessTools

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Are your employees reporting security issues fast enough… or even at all?

Encouraging your team to swiftly report security issues is crucial for safeguarding your business—something you might not have considered before.

You may believe your array of security technologies has you covered. However, it’s essential to remember that your employees are the first line of defence. They play an irreplaceable role in identifying and alerting you to security threats.

Consider this scenario: An employee receives a suspicious email that looks like it’s from a reliable supplier. This is a typical phishing attempt, where a cybercriminal impersonates someone else to steal data.

If the employee ignores it or assumes it’s someone else’s responsibility, this seemingly innocuous email could result in a significant data breach, costing your company dearly.

Surprisingly, fewer than 10% of employees report phishing emails to their security teams. This is concerningly low, possibly because:

  • They might not understand the importance.
  • They fear repercussions if they’re mistaken.
  • They assume it’s someone else’s responsibility.
  • Furthermore, previous experiences of being shamed for mistakes can deter them from speaking up.

A common barrier is that employees often don’t recognize what constitutes a security threat or understand the importance of reporting it. This is where engaging and practical cybersecurity training can make a difference. Instead of dry, technical lectures, use real-life scenarios and simulations of phishing attacks to illustrate the repercussions of unreported issues.

Ensure your security reporting process is simple and direct, with easily accessible tools like quick links on your company’s intranet.

Consistently remind your team how to report issues and make sure to acknowledge their efforts when they do. A simple thank you can reinforce positive behaviour and demonstrate their value to the company.

Fostering a culture that views reporting security issues positively is vital. Leaders should be transparent about their own reporting experiences to set a supportive tone. Consider appointing security champions within departments to provide peer support and demystify the reporting process. Keep security discussions frequent to maintain awareness.

Celebrate the educational value of reported incidents and share success stories to motivate and educate your team.

By simplifying the reporting process and rewarding employees for their vigilance, you’re not only protecting your business but also cultivating a more engaged and proactive workforce.

Promote open communication, continuous learning, and ensure no one is shamed for making mistakes. Quick reporting can mitigate issues effectively, keeping your business secure and operational.

We specialize in assisting businesses with these challenges. If you need our help, please contact us.

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You might hold the secret to data security in your finger

The secret to data security could be at your fingertips.

Keeping our data secure is crucial, whether it’s business secrets or personal information. Passwords were once the top method for protection.

But do they still suffice?

Recent reports indicate many still prefer passwords, with a minority choosing biometric options like fingerprints. The reluctance is understandable, given the general concern for data privacy and security.

So, what are biometrics, and why consider them over passwords?

Biometrics utilize unique physical or behavioral characteristics, such as fingerprints, facial structure, or eye scans, to confirm identity. They offer a higher security level than passwords, which are vulnerable to being forgotten, stolen, or hacked.

Concerns about biometric data falling into the wrong hands exist, but such incidents are rare and require significant expertise.

Biometrics remain a robust defense against cyber threats, offering more difficulty in duplication and greater convenience than passwords. Forget the hassle of remembering complex passwords—a simple biometric scan suffices.

Unconvinced about biometrics?

Consider passkeys, a modern authentication alternative to traditional passwords. Passkeys employ unique codes that are challenging to phish, enhancing security.

Combining biometrics with passkeys could significantly bolster your business’s security, simplifying security procedures for everyone.

While passwords have been reliable historically, the future of security may lie in biometrics and passkeys.

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More businesses are proactively investing in cyber security defences

 

As more businesses take a proactive approach by investing in their cyber security defences, the trend is encouraging. However, statistics reveal that about half of small and medium-sized businesses still lack any cyber security measures.

If your business is one of them, it’s time to take action.

Cyber security might seem daunting, but it begins with a few straightforward steps. Here are some basics you can implement immediately.

Start by considering encryption and multi-factor authentication (MFA). Encryption acts like a secure vault for your data, ensuring that even if intercepted, your information remains unreadable without the encryption key.

MFA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second device, such as your phone, to verify your identity when logging in. Think of it as needing two keys to unlock a door instead of just one.

Using a password manager is another simple step. These tools generate long, random passwords for each account and remember them for you, making life easier while enhancing your business’s security.

Advanced monitoring tools offer additional protection. These tools function like security cameras for your digital space, continuously monitoring for suspicious activity. They alert you to any unusual occurrences, providing early warnings if something’s amiss.

Phishing scams are another threat to be aware of. These scams involve criminals attempting to deceive you into revealing personal information by impersonating trusted entities like suppliers or banks. Educating your team on recognising these scams is vital. If something seems off, it probably is.

Why is investing in cyber security crucial?

  1. Protects your data
  2. Avoids financial loss
  3. Builds trust with your customers and partners

Your business data is valuable, and protecting it safeguards your operations and reputation. Cyber attacks can be costly, not just financially but also in terms of time and resources. Prevention is ALWAYS cheaper than dealing with the aftermath of a breach. Additionally, demonstrating a commitment to security builds trust with your customers and partners, assuring them that their information is safe with you.

Investing in cyber security doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We are experts in this field and are here to help secure your business. Whether you need initial advice or a comprehensive security plan, get in touch.

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Beware these “too good to be true” Facebook ads

Ever found yourself mindlessly scrolling through Facebook when an ad suddenly appears, claiming to boost your business with cutting-edge AI tech? It’s tempting to click and explore, isn’t it?

Hold on a moment—that’s a major red flag!

Cybercriminals have been crafting Facebook ads that lure you in with promises of enhancing productivity and profits. The catch? The software they encourage you to download is actually malware.

Once this malicious software infiltrates your computer, the culprits gain access to your Facebook data, including your ad spending budget.

You might think, “I’d never fall for something so blatantly dodgy.” But let’s keep it real. When you’re multitasking as a small business owner, it’s all too easy to get caught up. These hackers are savvy; they disguise their fake offers well and hide malware on your computer, making it challenging to detect.

So, how do you safeguard yourself? Firstly, always question offers that sound too ideal—they usually are. Before clicking on an ad, do a quick Google search to authenticate the advertiser.

Most importantly, fortify your Facebook account’s security. Implement two-factor authentication, requiring a second device to confirm your identity during login.

While these cybercriminals are crafty, they’re not foolproof. For instance, the original malware had several Vietnamese keywords, which helped researchers expose the scam.

This serves as yet another compelling warning of the critical role cybersecurity plays. Running a business is a balancing act, and adding another layer of security might feel like one too many balls in the air.

However, consider this: would you rather invest a small amount of time now to secure your account or face the daunting task of handling a security breach later?

As the adage goes, “It’s better to be safe than sorry.” So, stay vigilant, secure your digital assets, and if you need help doing so, don’t hesitate to reach out.

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Tempted to test new features before everyone else? DON’T BE!

Ever felt the urge to download the beta version of your go-to app, eager to experience all those shiny new features ahead of the crowd?

STOP!

A recent alert from the FBI might make you reconsider.

Cybercriminals are getting craftier, hiding nasty bits of code in bogus beta versions of popular apps. The end result? Your smartphone could become their personal cash machine.

Now, don’t misunderstand us; we’re as keen on tech innovations as anyone. But the thing about beta versions is, they haven’t undergone the strict security vetting that official app store offerings have.

These tricksters often send out phishing emails posing as app developers, promising early access to new beta features.

But here’s the catch: those apps are far from legit. Once downloaded, they can wreak all kinds of havoc, from plundering your financial apps to gaining control of your phone.

What if your team downloads one of these onto a company device? Could that put your business at risk?

So, here’s the takeaway: Good things come to those who wait. Resist the lure of beta versions and stick to officially released apps in trusted stores. If you’ve dabbled in beta versions before, watch out for warning signs like rapid battery drain, sluggish performance, relentless pop-up ads, or suspicious permission requests.

In today’s digital landscape, we need to be as clever and cautious as the gadgets we use. Before you hit that download button, pause and ponder: is the risk worth the reward?

Educate your staff to exercise the same caution. And if you’re providing them with work phones, you might want to look into a Mobile Device Management solution to keep things in check.

Need help fortifying your devices? We’re here to assist. Just drop us a line.

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And breathe… the “file too large to send” problem is over

Ever been in the thick of sending an urgent email, trying to attach a vital document, when you’re greeted by that all-too-familiar message: “file too large to send”? Annoying, right?

Well, good news! Microsoft has been listening to our collective grumbles. They’ve rolled out an update aimed at making that frustrating “file too large” warning a thing of the past.

Believe it or not, this isn’t one of those “too good to be true” moments. It’s the real deal!

According to an official update on the Microsoft 365 roadmap, the company plans to seamlessly integrate Outlook with OneDrive, their cloud storage service. So, when you bump up against those pesky attachment size limits, Outlook will kindly suggest uploading your file to OneDrive. This ensures your important document still lands in the right inbox.

Smart, isn’t it?

Android users are the first in line to enjoy this new feature, but the rest of us won’t be far behind—the full rollout is slated for this month. No more scrambling to compress, resize, or even ditch your bulky files. And you can forget about relying on third-party services that might compromise security. Microsoft is setting the stage for a more streamlined, secure email experience.

If you fancy a bit of help in maximising your Microsoft 365 subscription, feel free to give us a shout.

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Microsoft and Samsung team up to boost work phone security

You’ve checked your pockets, your bag, under cushions… and then it hits you. You left your work phone on the table at the coffee shop.

You panic.

It’s not the device itself that’s got you worried, but all the sensitive business information stored on it. If that mobile ends up in the wrong hands, you’re facing a nightmare.

But that worry could be over. Microsoft and Samsung are joining forces to make your work phones safer. This month, they’re launching a groundbreaking solution to help protect anyone who uses a Samsung Galaxy device in the workplace.

How?

With something called on-device attestation. It lets companies see if mobile devices have been compromised, even at their deepest components. Think of it as a security guard for your phone.

Samsung brings its software and hardware innovations to the table, whilst Microsoft provides its endpoint management expertise.

And whilst other device attestation tools require a network connection and access to cloud services, this solution works reliably regardless of network connectivity or device ownership model.

This solution will be released alongside Microsoft Intune (previously known as Windows Intune), a unified endpoint management service for both corporate devices and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). And it will be available to select Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets, especially those “Secured by Knox”.

So, whether you’re working from the office, a busy coffee shop, or a remote cabin in the woods, you can rest assured your device is safe.

In business, your phone is more than just a communication device. It’s a vault of sensitive (and valuable) information. And with Microsoft and Samsung on the case, that vault just got a lot safer.

If we can help you keep any of your devices more secure, get in touch.

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Is that Microsoft email actually a phishing attack?

You’re probably well aware of the dangers lurking in your email inbox, but have you ever thought that an email appearing to be from Microsoft could actually be a disaster waiting to happen?

Microsoft, a brand we all recognise and trust, has unfortunately become the top target for phishing scams. In these scams, cybercriminals send you an email with a dodgy link or file, aiming to nick your data.

While Microsoft isn’t at fault here, it’s crucial for you and your team to be extra vigilant for anything that looks fishy.

In Q2 of 2023, Microsoft took the lead as the most impersonated brand by scammers, making up a staggering 29% of all brand phishing attempts. This puts them well ahead of Google in second place (19.5%) and Apple in third (5.2%). Combined, these three tech giants are responsible for over half of all brand impersonation attacks.

So, what does this mean for your business?

Even though there’s been a noticeable uptick in fraudulent emails targeting Windows and Microsoft 365 users globally, being observant can go a long way in shielding you from identity theft and fraudulent activities.

While the brands being mimicked may change over time, the tactics used by cybercriminals often remain the same. They’ll use convincing logos, colours, and fonts, and their phishing scams often feature URLs that look almost identical to the real thing. However, a closer look will usually reveal typos and mistakes—dead giveaways of a phishing attempt.

One of the latest scams warns you of unusual activity on your Microsoft account and directs you to a harmful link. These links are crafted to snatch everything from your login details to your payment information.

And it’s not just tech companies that are popular targets. Many scammers have shifted their focus to financial services like online banking, gift cards, and e-commerce. Wells Fargo and Amazon also made it to the top five in Q2 2023, accounting for 4.2% and 4% of brand phishing attempts, respectively.

How can you safeguard your business?

The way to protect your business is more straightforward than you might imagine. The most effective defence against phishing is not just individual vigilance but also equipping your staff with the right training. Teach them to pause, observe, and critically examine emails for red flags such as inconsistent URLs, domains, and textual errors. By making sure everyone on your team knows what to look out for, you’re adding an extra layer of security against these types of attacks.

If we can help you keep your team aware of the risks, get in touch.

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The hidden dangers of free VPNs: Are you at risk?

Did you know that global VPN usage has soared in recent times? It’s easy to see why: Virtual Private Networks provide enhanced security, anonymity, and the ability to bypass geo-restrictions online.

But here’s the critical question: Are all VPNs on equal footing?

Emphatically, no. And this disparity could have serious implications for your business.

The allure of free VPNs, with their promise of zero cost, can be tempting. But are they all they claim to be? Let’s delve into the world of free VPN services.

First off, recognise that operating a VPN service involves substantial expenses. From servers to infrastructure, maintenance to staffing – none of these come without a cost.

So how do free VPN providers manage to stay afloat? Unfortunately, some may resort to strategies that can endanger your privacy and security.

Picture this: While enjoying your morning coffee, you’re browsing online via a free VPN, thinking you’re in a private space. Unbeknownst to you, your confidential data might be gathered and auctioned off to the highest bidder. It could fall into the hands of cybercriminals, advertisers, or even governmental bodies.

Astonishing, right?

Furthermore, free VPNs have a reputation for pushing unsolicited ads and tracking cookies into your browsing activity. Ever noticed alarmingly precise ads popping up? Your free VPN might be monetising your online behaviour.

Consider the potential risks if an employee were to install a free VPN on a company or personal device used for work. Such an act could expose vital company data, presenting a grave business threat. Imagine a scenario where your organisation’s confidential information ends up in the wrong hands. It’s a terrifying thought, isn’t it?

So, what should you do?

It’s vital to inform your employees about the perils of free VPNs. Advocate for trustworthy, paid VPN services that assure no data logging, robust encryption, and paramount user privacy.

You might even decide to offer them one. Should you require assistance in identifying the safest and most appropriate VPN for your business, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Bear in mind, when it comes to digital security, opting for a free option might lead to hidden costs. Isn’t it worthwhile to invest a few extra pounds monthly to safeguard your business’s invaluable information?