Cyber extortion: What is it and what’s the risk to your business?

Understanding Cyber Extortion: Risks and Impact on Your Business

BySheldon Livingston

Cyber extortion has become a headline-grabbing issue, keeping many business owners awake at night.

Are you aware of it? You should be—because it could impact your business someday.

What is cyber extortion?
Cyber extortion is a type of cybercrime where attackers threaten to damage your business by compromising its data and digital assets unless a ransom is paid. This often involves ransomware, a malicious software that encrypts your data, rendering it inaccessible until you pay the demanded ransom.

In some…

Optimize Slow PCs: Control Startup Applications

Optimize Slow PCs: Control Startup Applications

BySheldon Livingston

Manage Startup Applications for Better Performance and Security
Maintaining a reliable network requires staying on top of your technology setup, and a key aspect often overlooked is managing startup applications. Many software programs auto-start, slowing down your system and potentially introducing security risks. Did you know Windows 11 alerts you when new apps are added to the startup list?

Every time you power up your PC, certain apps launch automatically. While some are essential, others can slow down…

PING, WHOOSH, or BEEP? Now you can decide with Teams!

PING, WHOOSH, or BEEP? Now you can decide with Teams!

BySheldon Livingston

New Microsoft Teams Update: Custom Notification Sounds for Better Focus and Productivity
If the sound of a Microsoft Teams notification disrupts your concentration, you’re not alone.

Good news: Microsoft’s latest update lets you customize your Teams notification sounds. This change makes it easier to stay focused and prioritize work.

Instead of the default “ping,” you can choose a soothing chime or a subtle whoosh. This might seem minor, but it significantly impacts how you manage your day. Different sounds for…

Is Your Chrome Extension Safe? Beware of Hidden Malware!

Is Your Chrome Extension Safe? Beware of Hidden Malware!

BySheldon Livingston

Is Your Chrome Extension Safe? Beware of Hidden Malware!
If your business uses Google Chrome, you’re likely familiar with extensions. These handy tools can significantly enhance your browsing experience, from blocking annoying ads to reducing distractions.

Extensions are incredibly popular because they add so much functionality to your browser. However, just as you need to be cautious when installing new apps on your phone, you must be careful when adding new extensions to Chrome. They come with a risk of…

Streamline Your Workflow: Access Android Files with File Explorer

BySheldon Livingston

Boost Your Productivity with the Upcoming Windows 11 Update

Microsoft is developing a new update for Windows 11 that will make file transfers between your Android phone and computer smoother and faster by allowing File Explorer to directly access your phone’s files.

Why is This Such a Big Deal?

Imagine you’re in a meeting and need to quickly pull up a document or photo from your phone. Usually, you’d have to email it to yourself or use a cloud service, which can be time-consuming and cumbersome. With the…

Safeguard Your Business from Data Leaks with Microsoft Edge

BySheldon Livingston

Enhance Your Business Security with New Data Leak Controls in Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge for Business has just introduced new data leak control capabilities, providing an added layer of protection for your sensitive information.

What are data leak control capabilities?

In simple terms, they help prevent your sensitive data from falling into the wrong hands. Think of it as an extra lock on your digital doors, ensuring only authorized personnel can access critical information.

Every business manages…

Ransomware on the Rise: Essential Steps to Safeguard Your Business

BySheldon Livingston

Imagine waking up one morning, turning on your computer, and finding that all your important files—everything from customer data to financial records—are locked tight.

Then a scary message pops up demanding a ransom to unlock them.

That’s ransomware in a nutshell. It’s a type of malicious software that hijacks your data and holds it for ransom.

It often starts with an innocent-looking email or link. You might get an email that seems legitimate, asking you to click on a link or open an attachment…

Are your employees quickly reporting security issues—or are they reporting them at all?

BySheldon Livingston

Promptly reporting security issues is crucial for your business, though it may not always be top of mind.

You might think your array of security technologies has you covered. However, your employees are invaluable as the first line of defense in identifying and reporting security threats.

Consider this scenario: An employee receives a suspicious email that looks like it’s from a trusted supplier. It’s actually a phishing attempt—a tactic where a cyber criminal impersonates others via email to steal…

MacOS Advanced Surveillance Threat Unveiled

BySheldon Livingston

LightSpy Spyware Targets macOS
In a significant development, cybersecurity researchers have uncovered a macOS variant of the notorious LightSpy spyware. Initially targeting iOS devices, this sophisticated malware has now evolved to exploit macOS systems, demonstrating advanced surveillance capabilities.

Discovery and Characteristics
The macOS variant of LightSpy was discovered by cybersecurity experts who noted its ability to infiltrate devices using advanced techniques. Unlike many other forms…

Copilot will now enhance your team’s collaboration.

BySheldon Livingston

Have you discovered Team Copilot yet? It’s a new addition to Microsoft’s lineup of AI tools, set to be released later this year.

Envision Team Copilot as a sophisticated AI assistant engineered to enhance team collaboration. While Microsoft 365 Copilot serves as a personal assistant for tasks like composing emails or summarizing meetings, Team Copilot elevates this by concentrating on collective activities.

Team Copilot can assist your team in three key areas:

1. **Meeting Facilitation**: During a Teams…