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  • 3 Steps to Zero Trust Cybersecurity for Small Businesses

    Cyberattacks have become rampant and have also grown in sophistication. A simple lapse in your network security could lead to a chain of events that could prove catastrophic for your business. You can avoid this by implementing a robust cybersecurity framework such as zero trust.

    Zero trust asserts that no user or application should be trusted automatically. It encourages organizations to verify every access while treating every user or application as a potential threat. Zero trust is a great starting point for businesses that want to build formidable cybersecurity. It can not only adapt to the complexity of the modern work environment, including a hybrid workplace, but also protect people, devices, applications and data irrespective of where they are located.

    However, zero trust should not be mistaken for a solution or a platform, regardless of how security vendors market it to you. You can’t just buy it from a security vendor and implement it with a click of a button. Zero trust is a strategy — a framework that needs to be applied systematically.

    Implementing zero trust: Three core principles to remember

    As you begin your journey to implement a zero-trust framework to bolster your IT security, there are three core principles that you must remember:

    1. Continually verify
    You should strive to implement a “never trust, always verify” approach to security by continuously confirming the identity and access privileges of users, devices and applications. Consider implementing strong identity and access (IAM) controls. It will help you define roles and access privileges — ensuring only the right users can access the right information.

    2. Limit access
    Misuse of privileged access is one of the most common reasons for cyberattacks. Limiting access ensures that users are granted minimal access without affecting their day-to-day activities. Here are some common security practices that organizations have adopted to limit access:

    • Just-in-time access (JIT) – Users, devices or applications are granted access only for a predetermined period. This helps limit the time one has access to critical systems.
    • Principle of least privilege (PoLP) – Users, devices or applications are granted the least access or permissions needed to perform their job role.
    • Segmented application access (SAA) – Users can only access permitted applications, preventing any malicious users from gaining access to the network.

    3. Assume breach and minimize impact
    Instead of waiting for a breach, you can take a proactive step toward your cybersecurity by assuming risk. That means treating applications, services, identities and networks — both internal and external — as already compromised. This will improve your response time to a breach, minimize the damage, improve your overall security and, most importantly, protect your business.

    We are here to help

    Achieving zero trust compliance on your own can be a daunting task. However, partnering with an IT service provider like us can ease your burden. Leverage our advanced technologies and expertise to implement zero trust within your business — without hiring additional talent or bringing on additional tools yourself.

    Download our infographic “Why Now Is the Time to Embrace Zero Trust” to learn actionable steps you can take today to build a solid zero trust security framework. Contact us for a no-obligation consultation.

  • Be Aware of These Top AI Cyber-Risks

    Our third installment for Cyber Security Awareness Month focuses on the benefits and risks of AI.

    The rise of AI has sparked a revolution. Everyone, from industry giants to smaller enterprises, is captivated and eager to leverage AI’s endless possibilities.

    However, amid the celebrations of AI’s merits, let’s not ignore its potential risks. A new array of cyberthreats emerges when intricate AI algorithms cross paths with malicious cyber elements. From AI-powered phishing schemes to ultra-realistic deepfakes, these dangers serve as a reminder to stay vigilant and prepared.

    In this blog, we embark on a journey to explore AI benefits and risks. Our aim is to guide you in harnessing AI’s strengths while safeguarding against its potential pitfalls.

    AI’s positive impact on business

    The top benefits of AI include:

    Smart data analysis
    AI’s expertise lies in swiftly deciphering massive data sets to uncover patterns. This ability proves invaluable in traversing through modern markets. The insights derived empower you to make well-founded decisions, steering clear of guesswork.

    Boosted productivity
    AI’s automation prowess liberates your employees from mundane tasks, helping them focus on more critical tasks. Tedious and manual work can now be done seamlessly without human intervention, boosting productivity.

    Faster business maneuvering
    In an ever-evolving technological landscape, keeping up to date is paramount. AI empowers you to process and respond to real-time information promptly. This agility enables swift reactions to evolving scenarios, customer demands and opportunities.

    AI’s cyber challenges

    As we delve into the world of AI, we must also acknowledge the potential risks:

    AI-powered phishing scams
    Sneaky cybercriminals employ AI-driven chatbots to create impeccable phishing emails without the usual red flags, such as grammar errors. These attacks exploit human vulnerabilities, luring even the most vigilant to share sensitive information.

    To bolster your defense, exercise caution with emails from unfamiliar sources. Scrutinize sender details, avoid suspicious links and employ anti-phishing tools for added protection.

    Malicious AI-generated code
    Cybercriminals harness AI tools for swift code generation, surpassing manual capabilities. These generated code snippets find their way into malware and other malicious software.

    Defend against these intricate schemes by educating your team about them. Strengthen your defenses through layered security measures, such as firewalls, antivirus software and automated patch management.

    Deepfakes and impersonations
    AI-generated deepfakes can propagate misinformation, deceiving unsuspecting individuals and leading to fraud or character defamation. For example, in the current era, where many banks rely on online KYC (KYC or Know Your Customer is commonly implemented in banks to comply with regulatory requirements and mitigate the risk of financial crimes), malicious actors can create ultra-realistic videos using another person’s voice and image samples to open accounts for illegal transactions.

    Identifying deepfakes necessitates a discerning eye. Among other factors, anomalies in skin texture, blinking patterns and facial shadows help distinguish genuine content from manipulated content.

    Collaborative path to success

    At the crossroads of innovation and challenges, knowledge takes center stage.

    Our comprehensive eBook, “Protecting Your Business – Navigating AI Safety,” stands as your compass in the AI landscape. Delve into AI’s intricacies, uncover potential pitfalls and acquire strategies for responsible and secure utilization in your business.

    If navigating AI on your own seems daunting, don’t worry. Connect with us for a no-obligation consultation. Together, we’ll navigate AI’s realm, harness its power and ensure your organization’s safety.

  • How Social Media Misuse Can Harm Your Business

    Our second installment for Cybersecurity Awareness Month focuses on social media.

    Social media has significantly transformed the way we communicate and do business. However, this growing popularity also comes with potential risks that could cause harm to businesses like yours.

    Unfortunately, many organizations remain unaware of these rapidly evolving challenges. In this blog, we will explore the dangers associated with social media and share practical tips to safeguard your organization’s reputation and financial stability so that you can safely reap the benefits of social media platforms.

    Exploring the risks

    Social media presents several risks that you need to address, such as:

    Security breaches
    Cybercriminals can exploit social media to steal sensitive information by creating fake profiles and content to trick people into sharing confidential data. Social media platforms are also vulnerable to hacking, which can have a negative impact on your business.

    Reputation damage
    Negative comments from dissatisfied customers, envious competitors or even unhappy employees can quickly spread online and cause significant damage to your brand’s image within seconds.

    Employee misconduct
    Certain employees may share offensive content or leak confidential information on social media, which can trigger a crisis that can be challenging for you to handle.

    Legal accountability
    Social media has the potential to blur the boundaries between personal and professional lives, which can, in turn, create legal liabilities for your business. If your employees make malicious remarks about competitors, clients or individuals, the public can hold you responsible for their actions. Employees may also face the consequences if their social media behavior violates the organization’s regulations.

    Phishing threats
    Social media phishing scams can target your business and employees by installing malware or ransomware through seemingly authentic posts.

    Fake LinkedIn jobs
    Cybercriminals often pose as recruiters on LinkedIn and post fake job listings to collect data for identity theft scams.

    Securing your business

    Taking proactive measures is essential to avoid social media risks, including:

    Checking privacy settings
    Set privacy settings to the highest level across all accounts, restricting your and your employees’ access to sensitive information.

    Strengthening security
    Employ robust passwords and multifactor authentication (MFA) to bolster account security.

    Establishing clear guidelines
    Enforce clear social media rules for company and personal devices, customizing policies to fit your industry’s unique risks.

    Educating your teams
    Educate your team on social media risks, imparting safe practices to thwart scams and phishing attempts.

    Identifying impersonation
    Develop protocols to detect and manage fake profiles and impersonations swiftly. Remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

    Vigilant monitoring
    Set up a system to monitor social media, promptly addressing fraudulent accounts or suspicious activity that could stain your brand image.

    Act now to safeguard your business

    Understanding the risks and adhering to social media best practices are crucial for businesses of all sizes. By following these guidelines, you can reduce your business’s vulnerability while reaping the rewards of social media.

    For comprehensive insights into social media safety, download our eBook “From Vulnerability to Vigilance: Social Media Safety.”

    Navigating the intricate realm of social media threats might seem daunting; however, our expert team stands ready to guide you through the ever-evolving digital landscape. Don’t wait until trouble strikes — connect with us today and fortify your digital presence.

  • A Deep Dive Into Phishing Scams

    Phishing scams remain one of the most prevalent and successful types of cyberattacks today, so being aware of the danger they pose to businesses like yours is extremely crucial. Your business could easily be the next victim if you don’t clearly understand how threat actors leverage phishing emails.

    In this blog, you’ll learn the intent behind phishing emails, the various types of phishing attacks, and most importantly, how you can secure your email and business.

    The goal behind phishing emails

    Cybercriminals use phishing emails to lure unsuspecting victims into taking actions that will affect business operations, such as sending money, sharing passwords, downloading malware or revealing sensitive data. The primary intent behind a phishing attack is to steal your money, data or both.

    Financial theft — The most common aim of a phishing attempt is to steal your money. Scammers use various tactics, such as business email compromise (BEC), to carry out fraudulent fund transfers or ransomware attacks to extort money.

    Data theft — For cybercriminals, your data, such as usernames and passwords, identity information (e.g., social security numbers) and financial data (e.g., credit card numbers or bank account information), is as good as gold. They can use your login credentials to commit financial thefts or inject malware. Your sensitive data can also be sold on the dark web for profit.

    Be vigilant and look out for these phishing attempts:

    • If an email asks you to click on a link, be wary. Scammers send out phishing emails with links containing malicious software that can steal your data and personal information.
    • If an email directs you to a website, be cautious. It could be a malicious website that can steal your personal information, such as your login credentials.
    • If an email contains an attachment, be alert. Malicious extensions disguised to look like a document, invoice or voicemail can infect your computer and steal your personal information.
    • If an email tries to rush you into taking an urgent action, such as transferring funds, be suspicious. Try to verify the authenticity of the request before taking any action.

     

    Different types of phishing

    It’s important to note that phishing attacks are constantly evolving and can target businesses of all sizes. While phishing emails are a common method used by cybercriminals, they also use texts, voice calls and social media messaging.

    Here are the different kinds of phishing traps that you should watch out for:

    Spear phishing — Scammers send highly personalized emails targeting individuals or businesses to convince them to share sensitive information such as login credentials or credit card information. Spear phishing emails are also used for spreading infected malware.

    Whaling — A type of spear phishing, whale phishing or whaling is a scam targeting high-level executives where the perpetrators impersonate trusted sources or websites to steal information or money.

    Smishing — An increasingly popular form of cyberattack, smishing uses text messages claiming to be from trusted sources to convince victims to share sensitive information or send money.

    Vishing — Cybercriminals use vishing or voice phishing to call victims while impersonating somebody from the IRS, a bank or the victim’s office, to name a few. The primary intent of voice phishing is to convince the victim to share sensitive personal information.

    Business email compromise (BEC) — A BEC is a spear phishing attack that uses a seemingly legitimate email address to trick the recipient, who is often a senior-level executive. The most common aim of a BEC scam is to convince an employee to send money to the cybercriminal while making them believe they are performing a legitimate, authorized business transaction.

    Angler phishing — Also known as social media phishing, this type of scam primarily targets social media users. Cybercriminals with fake customer service accounts trick disgruntled customers into revealing their sensitive information, including bank details. Scammers often target financial institutions and e-commerce businesses.

    Brand impersonation — Also known as brand spoofing, brand impersonation is a type of phishing scam carried out using emails, texts, voice calls and social media messages. Cybercriminals impersonate a popular business to trick its customers into revealing sensitive information. While brand impersonation is targeted mainly at the customers, the incident can tarnish the brand image.

    Bolster your email security

    Emails are crucial for the success of your business. However, implementing email best practices and safety standards on your own can be challenging. That’s why you should consider partnering with an IT service provider like us. We have the resources and tools to protect your business from cyberattacks, helping you to focus on critical tasks without any worry. Contact us now!

    Meanwhile, to learn how to secure your inbox, download our eBook — Your Guide to Email Safety — that will help you improve your email security and avoid potential traps.

  • Backup Strategies to Prevent Data Loss

    We live in a digital age where data has become one of the most valuable commodities in the world. Businesses collect huge volumes of data every day from their customers, and this data plays a critical role in their day-to-day operations. If business organizations happen to lose their data under any circumstance, the consequences can be quite catastrophic.

    This is the harsh reality of today’s digital business landscape. Businesses can experience data loss in many ways, ranging from natural disasters to cyberattacks. Should you suffer an unexpected data loss, your competitive advantage lies in how quickly you can get your operations up and running without experiencing major downtime.

    In this blog, we’ll take a brief look at the various dangers to business data and how you can prevent them with the right backup. We’ll also look at the different ways of backing up data and the advantages of using a robust business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR) solution.

    Why Do You Need Data Backup?

    Before we look at the different ways of backing up data, you need to know why your business requires data backup. Businesses commonly encounter the following data security threats to data in their everyday operations.

    • Cyberattacks: As technology evolves, cyberattacks continue to evolve as well. The growing threat of ransomware is a testament to that. According to the latest Verizon report, 27 percent of malware incidents can be attributed to ransomware attacks. While antimalware and antivirus programs can certainly offer protection, businesses need to think about what might happen in case of an unavoidable security breach and eventual data loss when formulating a data security strategy.
    • Natural disasters: Natural disasters such as floods, fire, earthquakes and the like pose a big threat to the traditional form of data storage and security. Do you have what it takes to bounce back if these disasters catch you off guard and wipe out your company’s data?
    • Hardware issues: Mishaps originating from hardware issues play a major role in business data loss. With traditional data storage methods, data is stored in a physical location on hard drives and backup appliances. Any hardware issues arising in these devices can pose a serious threat to your valuable data.
    • Human errors: Human errors still play a major role in data loss. According to Verizon, as much as 30 percent of data loss incidents are caused by internal actors. This could be attributed to anything from poor password practices to falling for phishing scams.

    All these factors indicate that data loss can happen to any organization irrespective of their size or the security precautions they take. What you need is a solid data backup solution to make sure that your lost data is not completely unrecoverable.

    How to Back Up Your data

    As you understand the importance of data backup, it’s inevitable that certain questions may spring to mind – What is the best way to store data? How many copies should you take?

    With regards to the best way of storing data, both cloud backup and on-site backup appliances need to be considered. This is because both have their own advantages and limitations. On-storage devices are faster, giving organizations full control over their data. However, they are prone to physical mishaps and hardware issues. Cloud-based backup, on the other hand, is not vulnerable to natural disasters but requires a lot of bandwidth to backup large files.

    The ideal backup strategy is one that combines both these approaches, with multiple copies stored in different locations. When it comes to backing up your data, you need to consider the 3-2-1 rule, which simultaneously answers your questions on what the right approach to data backup is and the number of copies that need to be made.

    As per this rule, it is prudent to have at least three copies of data – one production copy and two backup copies on two different media (internal hard drive and removable storage media) along with one off-site copy (cloud) for disaster recovery. Newer variations of this rule suggest having at least two copies (3-2-2 rule) on the cloud depending on the importance of your data. Ultimately, the more copies you make, the higher your chances of recovery after a loss.

    Advantages of BCDR Over File-Only Backups

    In crude terms, data backup is simply the process of making copies of your files and storing them. However, the main purpose of a backup is to get your business up and running in no time following an unexpected disaster. Hence, an effective backup strategy is symbiotic with business continuity as well. Business continuity refers to the ability of your organization to get back in working order as quickly as possible following an unexpected data loss.

    When you think about business continuity, you must think in terms of Recovery Time Objective (RTO) and Recovery Point Objective (RPO). RTO refers to the maximum time an application can be down without affecting the business. RPO refers to the maximum amount of data that can be lost without harming the business.

    A good BCDR solution will provide you with the following benefits:

    • Significant reduction in RTO and RPO
    • Ability to predict business restoration following an unexpected disaster
    • Reduction in downtime and associated revenue losses
    • Lower interruption to critical business processes
    • Avoid compromise to business reputation
    • Ability to customize disaster recovery as per your needs

     

    Best Practices for Data Backup

    While incorporating an effective backup strategy, you need to implement the following best practices to limit data loss:

    • Increase frequency: Digitally-run businesses are required to back up their data multiple times a day. Doing it once a day, at the end of business hours, is no longer sufficient, especially with the number of threats gunning for your data.
    • Use cloud backup: The Cloud has become an indispensable component of data backup in this digital age. Cloud backup comes with a multitude of benefits such as easy recovery, easy scalability, better cost efficiency and more.
    • Use the power of automation: Automation has become a game changer with regards to various IT tasks and backup is no exception. When you automate your disaster recovery process, you can bounce back from serious disasters and continue business operations without suffering too much downtime.
    • Determine your retention span: Retaining all data backup versions forever is not a feasible solution for most small businesses. Due to this, you need to determine the duration for which you will retain your data. This requirement will vary based on your industry, needs and compliance regulations. You need to come up with a solution that ticks all parameters.

     

    To Sum Up…

    Backup should be a part of every organization’s business strategy, irrespective of its size, location or industry. Threats to business data are very real and are happening at an alarming rate. In this scenario, a solid data backup plan could be the preventative measure that saves your business when disaster strikes.

    Talk to us today so we can help you zero in on an effective backup strategy that’s tailor-made for you.

  • OneNote Being Used to Spread Malware

     

    With Microsoft disabling macros by default on Office documents, cybercriminals are left needing another means to launch malware that’s victim-supported by default.

    We should expect nothing less of threat actors; when pushed up against a wall with their most powerful asset – Office macros – taken away from them, the most cunning of them will find alternative methods. The challenge for the most sophisticated of cybercriminals is to ensure that the greatest number of potential victims have the application needed that acts as the launcher.

    According to a recent tweet from email security company Prevention Point, a new method involving weaponized OneNote attachments has been spotted in the wild. The initial phish looks relatively standard for a socially-engineered email.

    With the OneNote execution looking somewhere between unexpected (after all, who ever needs to double-click a button within an application to see a supported document?) and sort of brilliant (I would assume that most knowledge workers haven’t interacted frequently with OneNote, so, “maybe this is how it works?”).

    And to boot, the default installation of Office 365 (that is, the software installed on a Windows endpoint) includes OneNote.

    The takeaway here is this is downright dangerous – threat actors have found yet another new way to engage with users in a way that helps move their attack forward with a double-click. This example of the constant evolution of the phish perfectly justifies why organizations need to keep users continually enrolled in security awareness training so that Joe User is always kept up on their toes with security top of mind.

  • Tame the Meeting Monster

    Meetings are what happens when people aren’t working Elon Musk famously said.

    Several recent articles have highlighted Elon’s advice on making meetings more efficient. While the outspoken Tesla CEO has no shortage of advice, his three rules for meetings are spot-on.

    Most meetings are scheduled without ever thinking about their actual “cost”.  Even small, weekly check-ins can cost organizations $30K or more per year. Large, all-hands meetings can run into the mid-6 figures.

    Meetings are actually one of the largest expenses and largest productivity drains in most organizations. In fact, workers expend more than 129 hours per year in meetings that were entirely unnecessary.

    Elon’s Three Rules for Meetings
    • Get rid of all large meetings, unless you’re certain they are providing value to the whole audience, in which case keep them very short.
    • Get rid of frequent meetings, unless you are dealing with an extremely urgent matter. Meeting frequency should drop rapidly once the urgent matter is resolved.
    • Walk out of a meeting or drop off a call as soon as it is obvious you aren’t adding value. It is not rude to leave, it is rude to make someone stay and waste their time.

    Some have said walking out of a meeting can be career suicide. Perhaps… but excusing yourself when leaving early the right way fends this off.

    Reducing the Cost of Meetings

    How to reduce the cost of meetings? Simply put, eliminate and reduce. 

    Eliminate the meeting entirely.

    Eliminating a meeting can be done by canceling it or conducting it asynchronously. That means using communication tools like Online Meeting, email, or video/audio recordings instead of holding a meeting. This saves time, frees up people’s schedules, and has many other benefits that come with real-time communication.

    Reduce the number of people.

    Strongly considering who needs to be there in the first place. Remember, you can always pull someone in for a portion of the meeting or send out meeting notes afterward to keep people in the loop.

    Reduce its duration.

    Cut all your recurring meetings by 15 minutes and see what happens. You can always add time back into a meeting.

    Reduce its frequency.

    If the meeting is recurring, try cutting its cadence in half. Moving a weekly meeting to biweekly often has very few negative consequences — but it halves the cost of the meeting.

  • U.S Government Issues Advisory on Texting Scams

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued an advisory about a substantial increase in Robotext scams via automated smishing attacks.

    These attacks involve unsolicited and automated text messages impersonating entities such as government agencies or familiar businesses.

    Verizon’s 2022 Mobile Threat Index reports 45% of organizations have suffered a mobile compromise in 2022. That number increased 50% from 2021, and users using mobile devices in 53% of organizations have access to more sensitive data than a year ago.

    It shouldn’t come to any surprise that the FCC has put out an advisory warning about the increased use of robotexting-based phishing scams targeting mobile users, commonly called smishing. The FCC noted that unwanted text messages include false but believable claims about unpaid bills, package delivery snafus, bank account problems, or law enforcement actions.

    According to the Federal Trade Commission, Amazon is the most impersonated brand in smishing attacks. Apple, Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo are also common in robotext scams.

    Some malicious SMS’s may also contain links aimed at stealing personal information for use in subsequent attacks or sale to other threat actors. Cybercriminals such as FluBot operators also leveraged smishing attacks to spread malware.

    Warning signs of malicious robotexts or smishing messages include:

    • Unknown numbers
    • Misleading information
    • Misspellings to avoid blocking/filtering tools
    • 10-digit or longer phone numbers
    • Mysterious links
    • Sales pitches
    • Incomplete information

     

    Being proactive is key

    Here are some simple steps you can use to combat smishing attacks:

    • Avoid responding to unsolicited text messages even with the word “STOP” or “NO.”
    • Do not click on any links included in such SMSs. If your contact sends a link via text, confirm that they have not been hacked.
    • Avoid sending sensitive information via text messages
    • Report texting scam messages to SPAM (7726) and file a complaint with the FCC
    • Check for misspellings and text messages from email addresses
    • Delete all malicious texts from your phone
    • Update your device’s operating system and security apps

     

    Knowledge is power

    NTELogic has partnered with KnowBe4, the world’s leading provider of cybersecurity training, to bring organizations like yours a tailored security awareness training platform without the hassles of doing it yourself. Contact us today to learn more or to register for our free phishing test offer.

  • 3 Lessons Learned About Remote Work In 2020

    One of the most impactful shifts of the pandemic was the widespread adoption of remote work. More people than ever started working from home, which taught us all a lot about what’s possible for the future. Business leaders, managers, and employees learned several important lessons from remote work, and as a result, new, more flexible work models are emerging.

    Looking at the lessons learned, we can gain perspective on where work models are headed and what to expect for the future.

    Lesson #1: Remote Work Does Work

    Before the pandemic, only about six percent of Americans were primarily work-from-home workers. Naturally, a lot of companies weren’t sure if it could even work.

    So, does working remotely work?

    When you look at the number of people still working remotely today along with projections for the future, it’s clear that remote work is effective.

    By the last quarter of 2021, about 45 percent were still working from home at least part-time (down from nearly 70 percent in 2020), and surveys are showing that a sizable chunk of the workforce will be remote permanently. A Gartner survey found that 74 percent of CFOs expect to transition at least five percent of their employees to remote work on a permanent basis. And, according to research conducted by Global Workplace Analytics, anywhere from 25 to 30 percent of the U.S. workforce will be remote even after the pandemic is history.

    During the COVID crisis, we learned that remote models do indeed work for many businesses – 83 percent of employers say the shift to remote work was a success for their business.

    And most workers prefer it. Of the 2,050 full-time workers surveyed by Owl Labs for the State of Remote Work 2021 study, 84 percent said working remotely post-pandemic would make them happy, and many would take a pay cut if it meant being able to work from home.

    Lesson #2: Going Remote Offers Benefits Across the Board

    Employees, managers, and business owners have uncovered some incredible benefits to remote work.

    The cost-savings potential is huge

    • One report found that, if the roughly 48 million employees who have a remote-compatible job worked from home at least once per week, employers in the U.S. could save as much as $500 billion per year.
    • When you factor in not having to pay for commuting costs, eating out, and maintaining a work wardrobe, remote workers themselves can save about $4,000 a year.

    Productivity actually increases

    • According to a survey conducted by Upwork on the future of work, hiring managers say that fewer non-essential meetings, less time commuting, and increased schedule flexibility have helped to boost time spent working.
    • Also, once organizations implement cloud technology and processes to facilitate remote work, the infrastructure is in place, and working remotely can feel seamless – 68 percent of hiring managers believed that remote work was much smoother several months after making the shift.
    • Workers themselves say they are, for the most part, getting more done. Ninety percent of respondents in the Owl Labs survey said they are more productive working from home.

    Remote work can boost your workforce

    • Employers can hire from a wider pool of applicants, making top talent more accessible.
    • They also become more attractive to skilled employees – the reality is, few employees prefer an office-only workplace. According to a PwC survey, only eight percent don’t want to work remotely at all. Over half want to work from home at least three days a week.
    • And finally, remote employees tend to be happier than their in-office counterparts. They stay in their jobs for longer and, for customer-facing teams, they’re more likely to provide top-notch customer service.

    Lesson #3: There’s Still a Place for the Traditional Office

    Companies can operate effectively with remote teams, and there are plenty of benefits to having remote flexibility. However, we’ve also learned another lesson – 100% remote work isn’t the best option for every company.

    • There’s still value in expecting employees to come into the office. That’s something that both employers and employees agree upon. Employees appreciate the ability to collaborate with team members in person and to build relationships. Employers and managers see the office as a space to meet with clients, enable collaboration, and ensure productivity stays high.
    • Also, there are problems with the remote work lifestyle – some employees say they have trouble maintaining a work-life balance, and others feel burned out by excessive video meetings.

    The bottom line is that a fully remote model isn’t a good fit for every company, job role, or individual. But the option to work from wherever is something that almost every worker wants.

    Because of the Benefits and Lessons Learned, the Future of Work Will Be Hybrid

    There’s no question that remote work is here to stay. Companies of all sizes and from all industries have learned how practical it can be. But, it’s not all positive. There are advantages to having some employees in the office, at least some of the time.

    That’s why so many companies are shifting to a work-from-wherever model. If your company is considering a hybrid model, or if you are looking for ways to improve your hybrid workplace, NTELogic can help your company make hybrid work work better.

  • Cybersecurity for Employees: Awareness Can Save You from a Breach

    Your company might use iron-clad network protection and implement encryption across the board. However, your data and systems are still at risk of a cyberattack if you aren’t focusing on employee awareness. This risk exists because employees are behind a significant chunk of data breach incidents. These basic steps can help to raise employee awareness and ensure your company is protected.

    Human Error Is a Major Cybersecurity Weak Point for Businesses

    Employee negligence is a major cybersecurity issue for businesses of all sizes. Shred-It’s Ninth Annual Data Protection Report revealed that human error continues to be the driver of most data breaches. Fifty-three percent of C-suite executives cite external human error or accidental loss as primary problems. Twenty-eight percent of small business owners feel the same way. In the report, Ann Nickolas, Senior Vice President of Stericycle, says, “For the second consecutive year, employee negligence and collaboration with external vendors continues to threaten the information security of US businesses.”

    A data breach can have severe consequences when you add up reputational damage and lost revenue. Employee retention can be a problem as well – 33 percent of respondents in the Shred-It survey stated that they are likely to seek employment elsewhere after their employer experiences a data breach. That goes for both breaches of consumer and employee data.

    According to the 2020 Cost of a Data Breach report published by IBM and the Ponemon Institute, the average cost of each lost record is $146. As losing thousands of records during a breach is common, shoring up your employees’ cybersecurity habits is well worth the effort.

    Use this security checklist for in-office and remote employees to figure out what steps your company can take to reduce the risk of a breach.

    1. Train employees to recognize phishing emails

    Email phishing attacks are common. With this type of cyberattack, a hacker sends an email that appears legitimate and asks the recipient to share information or download a file.

    To protect against phishing emails, it’s important to use advanced email protection, which will help to weed out spoof emails and other external threats. Also, make sure all of your employees understand what a phishing email looks like, what the risks are if they fall for one, and what they should do if they spot what they think might be a phishing email message.

    2. Password Security

    A strong password policy is often the first line of defense against cyber attacks, yet many organizations continue to follow outdated guidelines that expose them to significant risk.

    According to Verizon’s 2020 Data Breach Investigations Report, lost or stolen credentials remain the number one hacking tactic used by malicious actors to perpetrate data breaches, with compromised or weak passwords responsible for 35% of all breaches.

    Password Sharing

    While sharing a password might seem convenient and harmless, it can have serious consequences. Passwords should never be shared with others. Period.

    Password Reuse

    Use different passwords for different accounts. That way, if one account is compromised, at least the others won’t be at risk.

    Password Length & Complexity

    Length trumps complexity. The longer a password is, the better. Use at least 16 characters whenever possible. Make passwords that are hard to guess but easy to remember.

    3. Require Multi Factor Authentication (MFA)

    With Multi Factor Authentication, even if a hacker steals an employee’s password, they still will be locked out of their device or system. This is how it works: an employee will use a password and another identifier such as biometric data or a code sent to their email or phone number. Since a hacker can’t steal biometric data and likely doesn’t have someone’s device, as well as their password, their chances of breaking in drop to nearly zero.

    4. Establish a data breach policy

    What an employee does after a suspected data breach will determine how quickly your business recovers. If they don’t act quickly by alerting your IT team, a hacker may have enough time to infiltrate your systems and do extensive damage. With a fast response, it’s possible to lock down your network and mitigate the risks.

    Tell your employees who they should contact if they notice a suspicious email, receive a security alert, if their device is stolen, or if they believe something is amiss with your company’s networks. Also, let them know they won’t be reprimanded if they fall victim to an attack. Employees should know they have their employer’s support. Otherwise, some people may not speak up when there’s a problem.

    5. Discuss mobile device usage

    If employees are using their smartphone or another personal device for work, teach them how to use their devices securely.

    • Always install the latest updates to ensure they’re using the newest operating system. These updates often include critical security updates.
    • If your company isn’t using a virtual private network (VPN), employees need to be very careful about what network they use when accessing business apps remotely. Only log on when using a secure network. They shouldn’t ever use public networks such as those found in coffee shops and airports.
    • Practice good flash drive hygiene – only use company-issued drives. Once one leaves the office, it should be wiped clean or discarded upon return.

    Make Cybersecurity a Part of Your Work Culture

    Following cybersecurity best practices such as using two-factor authentication, avoiding suspicious emails, and practicing good password security can go a long way in protecting against an attack. But, if cybersecurity isn’t a part of your work culture, it’s easy for these best practices to be forgotten.

    Cultivate a cybersecurity-aware culture by openly talking about risks, updating your employees about new best practices, providing training for new employees, and refreshing knowledge with regular internal messaging such as company-wide emails or training meetings.