In a world where technology constantly evolves, Microsoft stands at the forefront. It continues to pioneer innovations. Innovations that transform how we interact with our digital universe. The fall Windows 11 update is a testament to Microsoft's commitment to excellence. It’s more than just an upgrade. It's a leap into the future of computing. Microsoft touts it as “The most personal Windows 11 experience.” Let’s explore some of the great features that make this update so significant. Microsoft Copilot: Your Intelligent Partner in Creativity A standout feature of the fall Windows 11 update is Microsoft Copilot. This AI-driven marvel is like your personal PC assistant. Need help summarizing a web page? Want to change to dark mode, but forgot how? Looking for a quick custom image for a social media post? Microsoft Copilot can do all that and more. Image credit: Microsoft Copilot is seamlessly integrated into Windows 11. It offers real-time suggestions and turns ideas into reality with remarkable ease. Ask it what you need, and the AI engine gets to work. Updated Apps (Paint, Snipping Tool, Clipchamp & More) Have you ever wished that Windows’ Snipping Tool could do more? This update grants that wish. The Snipping Tool is just one of many to get an AI upgrade. Look for new capabilities in Paint, Clipchamp, and Photos. Get a unique image from inputting a text prompt and style. The Cocreator tool in Paint makes it easy to jumpstart your creativity. It will generate the image, then you can edit it in the same app. Microsoft Clipchamp is one of the easiest video creator tools out there. You can now just drag in your assets and clips. Then, click to have the AI engine work its magic to create a video for you. The new Clipchamp Auto Compose feature can: · Recommend scenes · Make edits · Create a narrative based on your inputs Easy Data Migration with Windows Backup When you buy a new computer, moving data can be a pain. It can take hours to move your “pc life” between devices. And there’s always the risk you’ll miss something. The new Windows Backup feature makes moving between computers easier. You can choose backup options and folders. When ready to move, it’s a simple process. You can restore the new PC from another backed-up PC. Microsoft Edge: A Faster and More Secure Browsing Experience Microsoft Edge received significant enhancements. These focus on speed, responsiveness, and security. The Edge Secure Network feature offers more gigabytes. Microsoft increased user storage from 1GB to 5GB. This function encrypts your internet connection to secure data. Edge Secure Network has many features of a VPN. This is great for extra online security. It’s also helpful for companies trying to prevent breaches from clicks on phishing links Save Energy & Battery Power A feature called Adaptive Dimming is another enhancement of this update. Your screen slowly dims if you’re no longer paying attention. This has the dual benefit of saving energy and helping you refocus. PC sensors power this feature as well as two others. So, it’s going to be more common with newer computers. The other two features that use sensors are: · Wake on Approach · Lock on Leave A More Personal Windows 11 Experience Beyond the technical innovations, this update brings more. Including a more personal touch to the user experience. Tailored to individual preferences, Windows 11 becomes an extension of the user's identity. This includes things like: · Personalized themes · Custom widgets · Intelligent assistants Every interaction feels curated and intuitive. It makes for a truly personalized operating system. Other Cool Enhancements There’s a lot of excitement packed into Windows 11. Here are a few more new features you can explore. · Copilot in Microsoft Shopping: Find what you need fast when shopping online. Bing will provide tailored recommendations based on your requests. · Content Credentials: Add an invisible digital watermark to your AI-generated images in Bing. Cryptographic methods help you tag your work. · Bing Chat Enterprise Updates: Boost work creativity and enjoy multimodal visual search. Find information using only images. · DALL.E 3 Model from Open AI: Use the Image Creator in Bing and you’ll likely be impressed. It’s had an upgrade and uses the DALL.E 3 model to render images from text prompts. Harness the Power of Microsoft Products Microsoft is definitely a leader in work productivity tools. And it has been for a long time. If you’re still working like it was 2020, let us help you upgrade. Employees can be more efficient than ever with the right apps. We’ve got your back with Microsoft 365, Windows 11, and other solutions. Our experts will guide you, so you can gain an edge on the competition. Give us a call today to schedule a chat. Article used with permission from The Technology Press.

Imagine you’re working away on your PC and see a Windows update prompt. Instead of ignoring it, you take action. After all, you want to keep your device safe. But when you install what you think is a legitimate update, you’re infected with ransomware. That’s the nightmare caused by an emerging cybersecurity threat. Cybercriminals are constantly devising new ways to infiltrate systems. They encrypt valuable data, leaving victims with difficult choices. Once ransomware infects your system, your PC is pretty useless. You either have to pay a ransom or get someone to remove the malware. As well as install a backup (if you have one!). One such variant that has emerged recently is the "Big Head" ransomware. It adds a new layer of deception by disguising itself as a Windows update. In this article, we'll explore the ins and outs of Big Head ransomware. Including its deceptive tactics. We know how you can protect yourself from falling victim to such attacks. The Big Head Ransomware Deception Ransomware attacks have long been infamous for their ability to encrypt files. This renders them inaccessible to the victim until a ransom is paid to the attacker. In the case of Big Head ransomware, the attackers have taken their tactics to the next level. The attack masquerades as a Windows update. Big Head ransomware presents victims with a convincing and fake Windows update alert. Attackers design this fake alert to trick users. They think that their computer is undergoing a legitimate Windows update. The message may appear in a pop-up window or as a notification. The deception goes even further. The ransomware uses a forged Microsoft digital signature. This makes the fake update appear more authentic. This adds an extra layer of credibility to the malicious message. And makes it even more challenging for users to discern its true nature. The attack fools the victim into thinking it’s a legitimate Windows update. They then unknowingly download and execute the ransomware onto their system. From there, the ransomware proceeds to encrypt the victim's files. Victims see a message demanding a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. By 2031, it’s expected a ransomware attack will occur every 2 seconds. best practices to Protect Yourself from Big Head Ransomware & Similar Threats Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated. It’s not just the good guys exploring the uses of ChatGPT. It's crucial to take proactive steps to protect your data and systems. Here at Docusystems these are some strategies we provide to safeguard yourself from ransomware attacks like Big Head. Keep Software and Systems Updated This one is tricky. Because updating your computer is a best practice for security. Yet, Big Head ransomware leverages the appearance of Windows updates. One way to be sure you’re installing a real update is to automate. Automate your Windows updates through your device or an IT provider (like us). This increases the chances of spotting a fake that pops up unexpectedly. Verify the Authenticity of Update Before installing any software update, verify its authenticity. Genuine Windows updates will come directly from Microsoft's official website. Or through your IT service provider or Windows Update settings. Be cautious of unsolicited update notifications. Especially those received via email or from unfamiliar sources. Backup Your Data Regularly back up your important files. Use an external storage device or a secure cloud backup service. In the event of a ransomware attack, having backup copies is vital. Backups of your data can allow you to restore your files without paying a ransom. Use Robust Security Software Install reputable antivirus and anti-malware software on your computer. These programs can help detect and block ransomware threats. This helps prevent them infiltrating your system. Educate Yourself and Others Stay informed about the latest ransomware threats and tactics. Educate yourself and your colleagues or family members. Discuss the dangers of clicking on suspicious links. As well as downloading attachments from unknown sources. Use Email Security Measures Ransomware often spreads through phishing emails. Put in place robust email security measures. Be cautious about opening email attachments or clicking on links. Watch out for emails from unknown senders. Enable Firewall and Network Security Activate your computer's firewall. Use network security solutions to prevent unauthorized access to your network and devices. Disable Auto-Run Features Configure your computer to disable auto-run functionality for external drives. This can help prevent ransomware from spreading through infected USB drives. Be Wary of Pop-Up Alerts Exercise caution when encountering pop-up alerts. Especially those that ask you to download or install software. Verify the legitimacy of such alerts before taking any action. Keep an Eye on Your System Keep an eye on your computer's performance and any unusual activity. If you notice anything suspicious, investigate immediately. Suspicious PC activity can be: · Unexpected system slowdowns · File changes · Missing files or folders · Your PC’s processor “whirring” when you’re not doing anything Have a Response Plan In the unfortunate event of a ransomware attack, have a response plan in place. Know how to disconnect from the network. Report the incident to your IT department or a cybersecurity professional. Avoid paying the ransom if possible. Need a Cybersecurity Audit? Don’t leave unknown threats lurking in your system. A cybersecurity audit can shed light on your system vulnerabilities. It's an important proactive measure to ensure network security. Give us a call today to schedule a chat. Article used with permission from The Technology Press.

In today's world, sustainability isn't just a buzzword; it's a necessity. Businesses around the globe are increasingly embracing eco-friendly practices. This isn’t only for the positive impact on the environment. It’s also for the benefits they can bring to the bottom line. Sustainable technology habits are not only about reducing your carbon footprint. They’re also about improving efficiency, cutting costs, and attracting environmentally conscious customers. “Going green” can mean saving more dollars, besides helping the planet. Below, we'll explore several sustainable tech habits you can adopt. These are not only good for the environment but also a win for your business's bottom line.. 1. Energy-Efficient Hardware and Appliances Investing in energy-efficient hardware and appliances can lead to significant cost savings. Especially in the long run. Energy-efficient devices consume less electricity, resulting in lower utility bills. Consider upgrading to Energy Star-rated equipment. And using LED lighting to reduce your energy consumption. It may surprise you how fast your electric bill goes down after replacing lightbulbs. 2. Virtualization and Cloud Computing Virtualization and cloud computing solutions can help you optimize your IT infrastructure. By consolidating servers and resources, you can reduce the number of physical devices. This leads to lower energy consumption and reduced hardware maintenance costs. 3. Remote Work and Telecommuting Embrace remote work and telecommuting. This reduces the need for office space. It also cuts down on commuting-related emissions. Employees who work remotely also report increased job satisfaction and productivity. Both of which can positively impact your bottom line. 4. Renewable Energy Sources Consider transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar or wind power. The initial investment may be significant. But renewable energy can lead to big savings on electricity costs. Additionally, it demonstrates your commitment to sustainability, which can attract eco-conscious customers. 5. E-Waste Recycling Programs Put in place e-waste recycling programs. These help you properly dispose of outdated or non-functioning electronic equipment. Many electronics can be refurbished, resold, or recycled. This reduces waste and potentially generates revenue through resale. 6. Optimize Data Centers Data centers are notorious for their high energy consumption. Optimize your data center by doing things like: · Using energy-efficient servers · Implementing efficient cooling systems · Consolidating data storage to reduce power usage 7. Green Web Hosting Choose a web hosting provider that uses renewable energy for their data centers. This reduces your website's carbon footprint. It can also lead to improved website performance and uptime. 8. Paperless Office Transitioning to a paperless office can save money on paper, ink, and storage costs. Use digital documents, electronic signatures, and cloud storage solutions to reduce paper usage. Office workers spend about 6 hours a week searching for paper documents. Digitizing files allows for keyword searching. This reduces those wasted hours and improves productivity. 9. Eco-Friendly Office Supplies Buy eco-friendly office supplies. This includes recycled paper, biodegradable pens, and reusable office products. These sustainable choices can reduce your office expenses. They also show your commitment to environmental responsibility. 10. Software Optimization Regularly update and optimize your software to reduce system resource usage. Unnecessary background processes and inefficient code can strain your hardware. As well as increase energy consumption. 11. Remote Monitoring and Control Install remote monitoring and control systems to manage your facility's energy usage. This technology allows you to adjust heating, cooling, and lighting remotely. This reduces energy waste. Smart thermostats are very affordable now. That makes this an easy energy energy-efficient win. 12. Green Transportation Policies Promote green transportation policies for employees. These might include: · Carpooling · Biking · Using public transportation Incentives like subsidies for eco-friendly commuting options can help. They promote the reduction of transportation costs for your team. 13. Sustainable Data Practices Adopt sustainable data practices by cleaning and organizing your databases. The goal is to remove redundant or outdated information. Efficient data management reduces storage requirements and enhances data processing speed. 14. Green IT Certification Consider pursuing green IT certifications. Such as the ISO 14001 or the Green Business Bureau certification. These certifications can improve your environmental standing and boost your company's reputation. 15. Employee Education and Engagement Educate your employees about sustainable tech habits. Encourage their participation in eco-friendly initiatives. Engaged employees can help identify more cost-saving opportunities. 16. Supply Chain Sustainability Collaborate with suppliers and partners committed to sustainability. Sustainable sourcing and procurement practices can lead to cost reductions. As well as a more resilient supply chain. 17. Lifecycle Assessments Conduct lifecycle assessments of your products and services. This helps you identify areas where you can make environmental and cost improvements. This process can help you optimize your offerings and reduce waste. 18. Green Marketing Leverage your sustainability efforts as a selling point in your marketing campaigns. Customers are increasingly seeking out eco-conscious businesses. Promoting your sustainability can help you stand out from the competition. It can lead to increased brand loyalty and sales. Get Help Going Green to Save Money & Help the Planet Sustainable tech habits are not just about being environmentally responsible. They can also help your bottom line. The world has become increasingly aware of the importance of environmental responsibility. Embracing these sustainable tech habits can be a win-win for your business and the planet. We can help you put together a sustainable tech roadmap that makes sense. Give us a call today to schedule a chat. Article used with permission from The Technology Press.

Smart homes offer unparalleled convenience and efficiency. You can control your lights and thermostat with a smartphone app. And have a virtual assistant like Alexa at your beck and call. But as we embrace the convenience, it's essential to consider the potential risks. As well as take proactive steps to ensure that your smart home doesn't turn against you. Recent headlines have shed light on the vulnerabilities of smart home technology. Such as the story in the New York Post's article titled "Locked Out & Hacked: When Smart Homes Turn on Owners". The article describes smart home nightmares. Including the new owner of a smart home that unexpectedly got locked in. The prior owner had left preprogrammed settings. Suddenly at 11:30 p.m., the home told him it was time to go to bed and locked every door in the house. Another technology victim was a woman terrorized by lights and sounds at home. Her ex-partner was maliciously manipulating the smart technology. As homes get smarter, how can you avoid a similar experience? We'll explore some key strategies to protect your home and your privacy. Smart Home Safety Tips You Need to Use 1. Secure Your Network The foundation of any smart home is its network. Just as you wouldn't leave your front door wide open, you shouldn't neglect Wi-Fi security. Here are best practices: · Change your router's default password to something strong and unique. · Use WPA3 encryption (look for Wi-Fi 6) · Create a separate guest network to isolate your smart devices from your main network. · Regularly update your router's firmware. Ensure it's equipped with the latest security patches. 2. Strengthen Device Passwords When setting up your smart devices, be diligent about choosing strong, unique passwords. Avoid using easily guessable information like "123456" or "password." Use a combination of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols. For added security, consider using a password manager. 3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication Many smart home device manufacturers offer 2FA as an extra layer of security. By enabling 2FA you can keep people out. This is true even if someone manages to guess your password. They won't be able to get past the secondary authentication step. This provides an extra safeguard against unauthorized access. 4. Regularly Update Firmware Firmware updates are essential for fixing security vulnerabilities in your smart devices. Manufacturers release these updates to patch discovered weaknesses. Make it a habit to check for firmware updates regularly and apply them promptly. 5. Vet Your Devices Not all smart devices are created equal. When choosing new devices for your smart home, research the manufacturer's reputation. Look for products that have a history of prompt updates and robust security features. Avoid purchasing devices from obscure or untrusted brands. 6. Isolate Sensitive Devices Consider segregating your most sensitive devices onto a separate network, if possible. For example, use a dedicated network for: · Smart locks · Security cameras · and other critical devices This keeps them separate from your less critical gadgets. Such as smart bulbs or speakers. This way, even if a hacker compromises one network, the other devices remain secure. 7. Review App Permissions Smart home apps often request access to various permissions on your devices. Before granting these permissions, scrutinize what data the app is trying to access. Decide whether it's necessary for the device's functionality. Restrict permissions to the least required for the device to operate. 8. Be Cautious with Voice Assistants Voice-activated assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant are incredibly convenient. But can also pose privacy risks. Review your voice assistant's privacy settings. Be cautious about what information you share with them. Consider muting the microphone when you're not actively using it. This prevents unintended eavesdropping. 9. Check Your Devices Regularly Regularly check the status and activity of your smart devices. Look for any unusual behavior. Such as devices turning on or off unexpectedly. Or unknown devices appearing on your network. If you notice anything suspicious, investigate and take action promptly. 10. Understand Your Device's Data Usage Review your smart device's privacy policy. Understand how it uses your data. Some devices may collect and share your information with third parties. It can be for advertising or other purposes. Make informed decisions about the devices you bring into your home. 11. Stay Informed Finally, stay informed about the latest developments in smart home security. Subscribe to security newsletters. Follow reputable tech blogs. Keep up with news articles like the one in the New York Post. The more you know, the better equipped you'll be to protect your smart home. Get Expert Help With Smart Home Security Smart homes offer incredible convenience. But they also come with risks you shouldn’t ignore. Do you need some expert help setting up your smart home security? Give us a call today to schedule a chat. Article used with permission from The Technology Press.

Here at Docusystems we debate the entire picture. Not just the positives. Since the pandemic, employers around the world have needed to change. They've had to shift how their employees operate. Remote work is very much here to stay. Organizations and employees can both benefit from the work-from-home and hybrid work revolution. Cost savings is a driver for supporting remote work. Employee morale and productivity also can be higher when employers grant this flexibility. A majority of organizations support some type of remote work. Statistics show that: · 16% of companies are completely remote · 40% support hybrid office/remote working · 44% don’t allow employees to work remotely While there are benefits, there are also challenges to this new environment. Employers worry about the cybersecurity risks of remote teams. Managers can find it more challenging to make sure employees are doing what they should do. The remote and hybrid work environment has led to the rise of employee monitoring tools. These tools have mixed reviews from employees. What Is Employee Monitoring Software? Employee monitoring software tracks digital movements. This can include everything from general clock-in clock-out tracking to taking screenshots of an employee’s computer several times per hour. Tracking tools like Hubstaff and BambooHR track many activities on a person's computer. The information is then sent in a daily or weekly report to the company. Items that these tools can track are: · Time clock · Keyboard activity · Keystrokes · Mouse activity · Websites visited · Screenshots of the desktop · Apps used and how long in use The most invasive of tools can even track the sounds and video of the employee. Tracking can be visible, so the employee knows about it, or hidden from the employee. It depends on the tool used and the ethical considerations of the employer. This type of monitoring can benefit an organization worried about “productivity theft.” But it can also alienate good employees and torpedo morale and trust. We’ll go through the pros and cons to weigh before you set up this type of system. Pros of Activity Monitoring Tools Helps Managers Understand How Employees Spend Their Day One feature of many tracking tools is the ability to track time by project. This helps managers understand where employees are prioritizing their time. Knowing how much time employees spend on a project helps with ROI projections. Reduces Non-Work Activities During Working Hours One thing that employers worry about with remote employees is that they will waste time. A manager doesn’t want to pay someone only to find out the employee spent half their time on Facebook. About half of monitored employees spend 3+ hours per day on non-work activities. When employees know that their boss is monitoring their app usage, they’re less likely to goof off. Can Be an Easy Way to Track Time for Remote Workers Smaller companies that work with fully remote teams may find tracking tools convenient. Employees or freelancers can track their time at the click of a button. Employers can put an hour-per-week cap on time. They can also manage payments automatically through the app. Cons of Activity Monitoring Tools Hurts Employees' Morale & Productivity Many employees feel they are put in a cage when monitoring is introduced. Morale can plummet, which takes productivity along with it. Instead of focusing on work completely, various thoughts go through employees’ minds. Such as, “If I think about this problem too long, is the tracking going to give me a low productivity score?” Or “What happens when I’m on the phone with a customer and not moving my mouse around? Will the tracking make it look like I’m not working?” Some of the feelings that employees can have when monitored are: · Betrayed · No longer trusted · Loss of company loyalty · Hurt · Treated like a number instead of a person “Activity Monitoring” Doesn’t Mean Productivity Many of these tracking tools send employees and employers “activity reports.” These reports simply look at keyboard and mouse activity during a specific time. But what if the employee must solve a workflow issue and needs to use their brain, not mouse? What if a salesperson is on the phone with a customer, not using their keyboard? Zoom calls bring a similar quandary. If you’re in a Zoom call, your mouse and keyboard aren’t being actively used as they would if you are typing. Yet, the activity report doesn’t include this information. It will simply give a score of x% based on keyboard and mouse activity. This could make an employer think a worker was goofing off when they were actually working hard. Costs Organizations Good Employees Nearly half (47%) of surveyed tech employees stated they would quit if their boss tracked them. Employers implementing monitoring can alienate good employees and make them feel untrusted. They can also feel unappreciated. When you relegate everyone to a number of keyboard strokes, you constrain creativity. Good employees often stay with companies where they feel appreciated and can grow. Once that’s gone, they’re likely to leave. Finding a Balance A few things to think about when finding the right balance between tracking too much or too little are: · What do you really need to track? · Should you treat all employees the same? · What do your employees think about monitoring? · Are you trying to solve a problem that doesn’t exist? · What features are unnecessary that you can turn off? · Is the tool giving you accurate data related to productivity? Get Expert Advice on the Best Tools for Your Business Cloud tools are an important part of your business. You should deploy them thoughtfully. Give us a call today to schedule a chat and get valuable advice. Article used with permission from The Technology Press. https://thetechnologypress.com/the-pros-cons-of-tracking-your-employees-every-digital-movement/

Cybercriminals All around the world can launch very sophisticated attacks. it’s often lax cybersecurity practices that enable most breaches. This is especially true when it comes to small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs). Small business owners often don’t prioritize cybersecurity measures, being as Docusystems is also a small to medium sized company... We relate far too well to the issue at hand. They may be just fully focused on growing the company. They think they have a lower data breach risk. Or they may think it’s an expense they can’t bear. But cybersecurity is not only a concern for large corporations. It's a critical issue for small businesses as well. Small businesses are often seen as attractive targets for cybercriminals. This is due to many perceived vulnerabilities. Fifty percent of SMBs have been victims of cyberattacks. More than 60% of them go out of business afterward. Cybersecurity doesn’t need to be expensive. Most data breaches are the result of human error. But that is actually good news. It means that improving cyber hygiene can reduce the risk of falling victim to an attack. Are You Making Any of These Cybersecurity Mistakes? To address the issue, you need to first identify the problem. Often the teams at SMBs are making mistakes they don’t even realize. Below are some of the biggest reasons small businesses fall victim to cyberattacks. Read on to see if any of this sounds familiar around your company. 1. Underestimating the Threat One of the biggest cybersecurity mistakes of SMBs is underestimating the threat landscape. Many business owners assume that their company is too small to be a target. But this is a dangerous misconception. Cybercriminals often see small businesses as easy targets. They believe the company lacks the resources or expertise to defend against attacks. It's essential to understand that no business is too small for cybercriminals to target. Being proactive in cybersecurity is crucial. 2. Neglecting Employee Training When was the last time you trained your employees on cybersecurity? Small businesses often neglect cybersecurity training for their employees. Owners assume that they will naturally be cautious online. But the human factor is a significant source of security vulnerabilities. Employees may inadvertently click on malicious links or download infected files. Staff cybersecurity training helps them: · Recognize phishing attempts · Understand the importance of strong passwords · Be aware of social engineering tactics used by cybercriminals 3. Using Weak Passwords Weak passwords are a common security vulnerability in small companies. Many employees use easily guessable passwords. They also reuse the same password for several accounts. This can leave your company's sensitive information exposed to hackers. People reuse passwords 64% of the time. Encourage the use of strong, unique passwords. Consider implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of security. 4. Ignoring Software Updates Failing to keep software and operating systems up to date is another mistake. Cybercriminals often exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated software to gain access to systems. Small businesses should regularly update their software to patch known security flaws. This includes operating systems, web browsers, and antivirus programs. 5. Lacking a Data Backup Plan Small companies may not have formal data backup and recovery plans. They might mistakenly assume that data loss won't happen to them. But data loss can occur due to various reasons. This includes cyberattacks, hardware failures, or human errors. Regularly back up your company's critical data. Test the backups to ensure they can be successfully restored in case of a data loss incident. 6. No Formal Security Policies Small businesses often operate without clear policies and procedures. With no clear and enforceable security policies, employees may not know critical information. Such as how to handle sensitive data. Or how to use company devices securely or respond to security incidents. Small businesses should establish formal security policies and procedures. As well as communicate them to all employees. These policies should cover things like: · Password management · Data handling · Incident reporting · Remote work security · And other security topics 7. Ignoring Mobile Security As more employees use mobile devices for work, mobile security is increasingly important. Small companies often overlook this aspect of cybersecurity. Put in place mobile device management (MDM) solutions. These enforce security policies on company- and employee-owned devices used for work-related activities. 8. Failing to Regularly Watch Networks SMBs may not have IT staff to watch their networks for suspicious activities. This can result in delayed detection of security breaches. Install network monitoring tools. Or consider outsourcing network monitoring services. This can help your business promptly identify and respond to potential threats. 9. No Incident Response Plan In the face of a cybersecurity incident, SMBs without an incident response plan may panic. They can also respond ineffectively. Develop a comprehensive incident response plan. One that outlines the steps to take when a security incident occurs. This should include communication plans, isolation procedures, and a clear chain of command. 10. Thinking They Don’t Need Managed IT Services Cyber threats are continually evolving. New attack techniques emerge regularly. Small businesses often have a hard time keeping up. Yet, they believe they are “too small” to pay for managed IT services. Managed services come in all package sizes. This includes those designed for SMB budgets. A managed service provider (MSP) can keep your business safe from cyberattacks. As well as save you money at the same time by optimizing your IT. Learn More About Managed IT Services Don’t risk losing your business because of a cyberattack. Managed IT services can be more affordable for your small business than you think. Give us a call today to schedule a chat. Article used with permission from The Technology Press.