SMBs – Fraud and Security
1 in 2 SMBs were fraud targets this year. In this month’s update, we highlight 5 small business scams and 6 thing small businesses need to know about security. Click here to dive into the articles.
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About Chelsea
Posts by Chelsea Skinner:
Preventing the worst with your hardware
Have you or your employees ever left their laptop in a coffee shop? Or maybe even the airport? Losing or having your hardware stolen can be an inconvenience but what about the data?
In this month’s update, get tips on hack proofing your hardware. We also have ways to maximize your storage and a short video discussing change in your business. Click here to read the update.
COVID Scams
Bad actors love to take advantage of people during hard times. COVID has been no exception. This month highlights COVID related scams targeting your employees. Click here to read the latest tech update.
The hardware you buy matters
Buying the right equipment is a crucial part of your business. Higher quality equipment can increase productivity and give you a competitive edge. Buy buying used or low cost, you run the risk of spending more in the future. Find out more in our tech update here.
When disaster strikes…
If your company had an IT disaster, would you know what to do? Does your IT partner have a plan for your business? During a disaster is not the time to create your emergency plan. This month ,we have a short article on how to keep your cool during an IT disaster. Read it here. If you would like somebody to review your disaster plan, head on over to our contact us page and let us know. We’d be happy to help!
Innovating during a crisis
COVID-19 has caused so much uncertainty and has forced many businesses to quickly change their way of doing business. In this months articles, we have three ways leaders should pursue innovation in a crisis. Check them out here.
Hackers are now ‘ZOOM Bombing’
Washing your hands is more important than ever, but so is being diligent about cyber and personal security.
With many counties and cities under a “Stay at Home” order, working from home in the current times means something different than it did before.
The added stress alone is enough to make a mistake, without mentioning the added multi-tasking while still trying to do our jobs and stay connected to our teams and others. So what are the bad guys doing? Taking advantage.
Make sure you are only opening emails and attachments that you were expecting, you are only clicking on and signing into trusted sites and that you are careful what you sign up for.
By setting up accounts on the fly, you are potentially exposing yourself to the outside world. For example, when you set up a free Zoom account instead of signing up for Microsoft teams for video conferencing.
Clicking an unknown link or unsafe site could make your computer and network sick and could cause financial or legal harm for years to come.
The bad guys are also coming after you personally. Be extra cautious regarding fake emails (for example, verifying information for your stimulus check) , do not give out personal information over the phone and be mindful of people price gouging and selling counterfeit items such as sanitizer and Personal Protective Equipment.
What can you do to prevent this?
Consult a professional or someone with experience in the area before signing up or setting up an application or service. If you don’t have a trusted professional, you can send us a message here.
Sources:
FBI warns of Teleconferencing and Online Classroom Hijacking During COVID-19 Pandemic: https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/boston/news/press-releases/fbi-warns-of-teleconferencing-and-online-classroom-hijacking-during-covid-19-pandemic
FBI Sees Rise in Fraud Schemes Related to the Coronavirus Pandemic: https://www.ic3.gov/media/2020/200320.aspx
Remote Workforce Considerations
As a small business owner, we all know that this is a very trying time. As businesses are required to send their workers home or stop working completely, we’re all trying to figure out how to navigate these uncertain times. When it comes to your employees working from home, there is a lot to think about.
Employee & customer safety
- Safety is our ultimate concern. During this pandemic, we encourage you to practice social distancing and to utilize the available technologies to continue with your day to day.
HR Policies
- This can be tough as many companies may not have an established work from home or flextime policy. There may be concern about employee productivity, data access and communication. As part of our business resources, there are policies provided by a top-notch HR Company and communication options.
IT/Data Security and Access Policies
- Making sure your employees are able to access what they need can be tough. Your IT partner should be able to assist you in creating policies and making sure your employees have ONLY the access they NEED.
Business Continuity Planning
- During an emergency is not when you should be thinking about business continuity. Your IT partner should have been having these conversations with you about making sure your data is safe and backed up.
Physical security for your office if you’re not there
- While you’re away from your office, are you confident that your space and equipment is safe? Physical security, cameras and alarm systems are vital in protecting your company. Knowing who has gained access to your company and when is a large part of keeping your data safe.
The bad guys (hackers) taking advantage of the current situation to gain access into your systems
- Unfortunately, hackers are taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic. They are using fear to their advantage. One example of this is the John Hopkins COVID-19 map. Hackers have duplicated this and created a map that allows them access to your computer once you’ve clicked on it. Making sure you are getting information from credible sites and that you have virus protection on your computer is crucial. Some hackers will also call impersonating your IT partner, the IRS, etc. Do not allow anybody access to your computer unless your are expecting them and make sure you know who is calling you. If you are unsure, you can always hang up and verify.
- The FTC has provided a list of Coronavirus scams – click here to view
If you need assistance, Oversee My IT is available to answer questions and guide you. You can reach us by filling out the information on the Contact Us form or by calling 817-866-2400.