Hackers steal personal information from people who are vulnerable by making fake websites and sending phishing emails. If you fall for a phishing scam, private information like your credit card number could fall into the wrong hands. You can protect yourself from hackers in several ways, which is good news. Hackers can send phishing emails to business employees when they get their email addresses. They do this to get the workers to give out personal information. Most of the time, hackers want money and will try to get the person they are communicating with to send them their credit card number or information about their bank. If you fall for this scam, your sensitive information is at risk, and you need to move quickly to stop identity theft. How To Protect Yourself From Phishing Scams Phishing is one of the most common cyber-attacks impacting businesses. In a phishing email, the hacker will pretend to be a trusted person, like a bank representative or fellow employee, to trick the receiver into sending sensitive information. Use these tips to stay safe from phishing scams. Recognize the Signs of a Phishing Email Phishing emails are relatively easy to detect since most of them contain the same elements. Look out for any of the following items that are common in phishing emails: Unusual greetings Messages demanding urgent action Content featuring many typos and grammatical errors Strange senders asking you for login credentials or payment information Unknown attachments that use files like .zip, .scr, or .exe If you receive an email that raises your suspicion, don’t click on any links or open any attachments, as they may contain malware. Report the email to an IT professional who can mitigate the threat of further cyber attacks. Set Up Email Filters Your spam folder may automatically fill up with suspicious phishing emails, but savvy hackers are always looking to find ways to avoid the spam filter and get their emails to your inbox. You can set up additional email filters to protect you from scams, such as blocking the sender or flagging emails with strange attachments. Perform Regular Data Backups Protect your data by frequently backing it up to a hard drive or cloud service. If you access your business email on your phone, it’s also wise to back up your mobile data. This ensures that you can access data even if your device is compromised. Install Security Software Boost your protection against phishing scams by using security or antivirus software that guards against hackers and cyber security threats. Make sure that you program automatic software updates so the program actively prevents new threats that may occur. Use Multi-Factor Authentication One of the best ways to protect your accounts from phishing scams is by setting up multi-factor authentication for your email account and any sensitive accounts, like your login to your banking website. You’ll benefit from having additional security since your account will require another form of verification besides your password. This can be a one-time verification passcode, PIN, or correct answer to a security question. Explore a wealth of information on our website https://www.hammett-tech.com/our-blog/ Visit our Socials! https://www.facebook.com/HammettTech http://www.linkedin.com/companies/hammett-technologies Hammett Technologies (@HammettTech) / Twitter
Phones and tablets can help your business grow. Mobile tech can boost profits, make work easier, and get your target market interested. Here’s how you can use mobile tech to your advantage. The Global Reach of Mobile Tech All around the world, smartphone use is increasing. This surge in mobile tech applications leads to more mobile apps and mobile-first businesses. Here’s how companies all over the world are adapting to the mobile tech revolution: Mobile Payments: Businesses are adopting mobile payment systems like Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and PayPal to make the buying experience smoother. Mobile Messaging Apps: Customers globally are turning to apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger for communication. Businesses are using these platforms for customer service and to engage their audience. Emerging Opportunities: Mobile tech is opening up ways for companies to connect with customers and increase sales. These include mobile payments and m-commerce. Additionally, companies are using advanced tech like augmented reality and virtual reality to create customized customer experiences. Mobile tech is expected to play an even larger role in the global business landscape in the future. One significant change on the horizon is the broader rollout of 5G technology. This will create new possibilities for businesses to use mobile tech more innovatively. Mobile Tech and Your Internal Processes Mobile tech helps small businesses, especially with internal processes. It lets you do more without spending a ton of money or time. It is also an effective tool to improve your systems. The following are ways you can use mobile tech to improve your systems: Digital Marketing: Use mobile marketing to boost your brand’s reach. It can help you get more leads and make more sales. Automation: Mobile tech can help automate routine tasks. This includes data entry, keeping track of your stock, and sending out invoices. Data Analytics: Use mobile tech to better understand your internal processes and customers. Data analytics can help you improve how your business works. The Power of Mobile Tech in Sales Customers are going mobile for their shopping and purchases. They’re buying more smartphones and using tablets more. Here are a few ways your business can harness mobile tech to improve your sales: Payment Options: Make paying easy for your customers by offering mobile payment options. Mobile Tools for Sales: Give your sales team mobile tools to help them sell more. QR Codes: Use QR codes to get customers interested in your business. You can also use QR codes to help them buy easier. Cloud-Based Software: Use software in the cloud to work better and save money. Embrace the Mobile Tech Movement Mobile tech is a game changer for businesses. It has revolutionized how companies operate and grow. Whether improving customer service, increasing sales, or making operations more efficient, mobile tech has much to offer. Don’t get left behind. Embrace the mobile tech movement and watch your business thrive. Explore a wealth of information on our website https://www.hammett-tech.com/our-blog/ Visit our Socials! https://www.facebook.com/HammettTech http://www.linkedin.com/companies/hammett-technologies Hammett Technologies (@HammettTech) / Twitter
Our world is overflowing with data. By 2025, experts anticipate there will be 180 zettabytes of global data. That is an abundance of information. Managing all of this data, however, is a huge responsibility. It could cost a lot of money and even harm the environment if we do not. What Happens When We Waste Data All of this data storage requires energy. That energy is frequently derived from non-renewable sources. Data centers storing all this information are adding to carbon emissions. What’s more, there is not enough accountability for data management. Some businesses are wasting money storing unused and unwanted data. How Business Owners Feel the Pinch For business owners, especially in the IT sector, this is a big problem. Many spend a lot of money storing data they never use again. This waste is increasing as businesses collect more data. This puts a lot of pressure on IT leaders. 75% of them find managing excess data storage a significant stressor. Recognizing When We Waste Data To fix the issue, we first have to recognize the problem. Here are five signs your business might have data waste: If you are not adding the correct metadata. If you think the data has no purpose after you have used it once. If your team does not see value in the data. If there is poor communication between your teams. If your team is finding it hard to interpret the data. Tips for Better Data Management Avoiding data waste is about more than just having good tech. It is about changing how your team thinks about data. It starts with knowing what data you need and how to use it. Here are a few steps you can take: Equip your IT team with the right digital tools to manage data. Make a good plan for how you will handle data. Move your data into the cloud with the help of hyperscale providers. Invest in proper training and best practices. Don’t Drown in Data Managing data properly has become critical. You can make better decisions by understanding what your data is worth and the impact of storing it. Teach your team to understand data. Make a good plan for handling data. Give your IT team the tools they need. Instead of stressing about managing data, turn it into a chance to make your business run smoothly, save money, and protect the environment. Explore a wealth of information on our website https://www.hammett-tech.com/our-blog/ Visit our Socials! https://www.facebook.com/HammettTech http://www.linkedin.com/companies/hammett-technologies Hammett Technologies (@HammettTech) / Twitter
In the fight against phishing, Microsoft is one of the industry leaders. Its latest feature, launched in Windows 11 version 22H2, has a design that protects system credentials. The new feature will alert you if you paste your Windows password into a document or website. Impact on Business Owners This measure, part of the Windows 11 Enhanced Phishing Protection, helps businesses safeguard their credentials. You’ll receive a warning if an attempt is made to paste system passwords. By warning you of potential threats, it serves as an added layer of security for your business. Navigating the New Feature When you use the new feature, a window will appear if a Windows password is pasted into a website. It warns you about the risks of reusing passwords. It also suggests changing your local Windows account password and provides a link to the settings for an easy change. Potential Limitations Note that this feature might not work with third-party applications like Notepad2 and Notepad++. Moreover, the warning won’t trigger if you’re using Windows Hello, Microsoft’s password-less login feature. For this alert system to work, you’ll need to use a password to log into Windows, store it in the system memory, and reference it against pasted text. Ensuring Optimal Usage This feature is a significant stride toward more secure business operations. Here are a few tips to further optimize your system: Keep your system up-to-date. This will help you get the latest security features. Teach your team the risks of pasting system passwords into sites or documents. Encourage unique passwords for different accounts. Use multi-factor authentication when you can. This adds more security. Change passwords regularly. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access. Watch for strange activity or unusual login attempts. Make regular backups. This keeps your data safe. Use a password management tool. These tools can generate and store complex passwords. Embrace the Change for Enhanced Security Windows 11’s anti-phishing measure is a welcome addition to business security. This proactive approach from Microsoft is a vital step toward a safer business operation. By staying updated, utilizing this new feature, and adopting cybersecurity practices, you can provide your business with robust protection against online threats. Embrace the change and ensure a secure future for your business. Explore a wealth of information on our website https://www.hammett-tech.com/our-blog/ Visit our Socials! https://www.facebook.com/HammettTech http://www.linkedin.com/companies/hammett-technologies Hammett Technologies (@HammettTech) / Twitter
In the online world, cookies are not tasty treats. “Third-party cookies” can cause damage. These cookies are data bits stored on your computer by a site different from your browsing site. These cookies can track what you do across many websites. Cookies can create security risks for businesses. What Are Third-Party Cookies? Third-party cookies originate from a different site than the one you’re visiting. They often provide content, like ads, on your browsing site. These cookies can track what you do on different sites. They keep tabs on the pages you visit and the items you put in shopping carts. That’s called cross-site tracking. Security Risks of Third-Party Cookies Third-party cookies can lead to some significant security issues. Here’s why: Browsing Data Theft: Cybercriminals can steal your browsing data. This data includes the sites you visit, your searches, and items you buy online. It can also include saved passwords and where you’re located. Data Leakage: Sometimes, a site might leak or give away your data. This can happen if the site uses malicious third-party services. Targeted Attacks: With your browsing data leaked, hackers can make personalized attacks. These attacks can harm your business financially or damage your reputation. Improving Your Security Many web browsers are working to stop third-party cookies. In recent years, they have added new ways to block these cookies. But be aware that a new browser might not block these cookies immediately. Protecting your business from third-party cookie risks is essential. Here are some steps you can take: Check Your Browser Settings: Make sure your browser blocks third-party cookies. You might have to change your settings to do this. Limit Sharing: Be careful about the data you share online. The less data you share, the less there is to steal. Use Reliable Third-Party Services: If you use third-party services, choose the ones that protect your data. Educate Your Team: Ensure your team knows about third-party cookies. They should know how to protect their data as well. Crumbling the Third-Party Cookie Ultimately, understanding third-party cookies is critical to your business’s online safety. These cookies seem harmless. But they can give hackers the information they need to harm your business. You can protect your business by blocking these cookies and being careful with your data. Regarding third-party cookies, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Remember, your business’s security is too important to risk. So, stay informed and alert to keep safe. Explore a wealth of information on our website https://www.hammett-tech.com/our-blog/ Visit our Socials! https://www.facebook.com/HammettTech http://www.linkedin.com/companies/hammett-technologies Hammett Technologies (@HammettTech) / Twitter
You may believe software updates are only intended to resolve bugs or add new features, but they have far more benefits for your business. They improve the compatibility and performance of your computer systems and, most importantly, strengthen your defenses against cyber threats. How Do Updates Help Your Business? Keeping your software up to date does a lot for your business: Increased efficiency. Updates can add new tools or improve old features, helping you and your team complete tasks faster. Enhanced collaboration. Cloud-based tools and other software help your team work together easier. Improved mobility. Mobile devices improve with each update, letting you stay productive wherever you are. Streamlined operations. Some updates add automation, which can do repetitive tasks for you, giving you more time for more important tasks. On the other side, outdated software can expose your business to significant risks: Data theft. If your software is old, cyber criminals might find a way in and steal your data. Operational interruptions. Outdated software can cause your system to crash or slow down, which can mess up your work. Higher costs. Keeping old software working can cost a lot of money over time due to technical problems or loss from data theft. How to Stay Ahead with Software Updates Regularly updating your software and operating system protects your business against hackers. Software updates often include patches that seal security loopholes, making it harder for cyber criminals to access your systems. Here’s what you can do to stay updated: Set up automatic updates. Check regularly for software updates if auto updates are not available. Educate your team about the importance of installing updates promptly. Make a schedule for checking and installing updates. Updates: The Secret Ingredient for a Successful Business Software updates are not just enhancements to your apps. They are a big part of making your business operations better and safer. By getting software updates as soon as they are available, you help your business run smoother and provide a safer place for work. Remember, an updated system is the first step in protecting your business from cyber threats and keeping it on its path to growth. Explore a wealth of information on our website https://www.hammett-tech.com/our-blog/ Visit our Socials! https://www.facebook.com/HammettTech http://www.linkedin.com/companies/hammett-technologies Hammett Technologies (@HammettTech) / Twitter
In the world of cybersecurity, change is the only constant. For many business owners, multi-factor authentication (MFA) has been the go-to option for extra security. But hackers today are more ingenious, working around the old systems that used to stop them. New tricks are emerging to get business data and customers’ sensitive information. MFA remains an essential to online security, but hackers are figuring out ways to bypass it. Why Does This Matter for Your Business? The danger is that hackers could take over your business account. Hackers who get past your MFA could get to your private business data. They could mess up your work, misuse your customer data, or even conduct fraud under your name. Just using MFA isn’t enough anymore. MFA Weak Points Here are possible vulnerabilities in the MFA system that businesses should know: Social Engineering. Hackers trick users into giving away their MFA codes by pretending to be someone they trust, like customer service or IT support. Stealing Codes. Threat actors steal your password or security code by intercepting your messages with the security team. MFA Prompt Bombing. Hackers will send too many security requests, so you click “approve” to stop the alerts. Once you do, the hacker, who started the prompts, gets access. SIM Card Swapping. This happens when a hacker fools your phone company into giving your phone number to their SIM card. They can then steal security codes sent by text. Malware. Threat actors can use harmful software to get to your device and steal MFA data through bad apps, email attachments, or unsafe websites. Strengthening Your MFA Strategy Rethink how you manage your online security by enhancing password hygiene and promoting a culture of alertness. Use different, tough-to-guess passwords for more secure processes. Train your team to recognize when someone is trying to steal their info. Educate them about the latest tricks used by hackers. Keep your systems and security software updated. Updates often include fixes for new threats. In addition, consider using controls that limit unsuccessful login attempts. This can stop attacks and protect against account lockouts. A Layered Defense Is Your Best Offense MFA is an integral part of your strategy to stay safe online. However, it shouldn’t be your only security strategy. Knowing how hackers get past extra security and staying informed about new cyber threats helps you protect your business. Create a robust security system with many layers. Ultimately, it is all about staying one step ahead of the hackers. Explore a wealth of information on our website https://www.hammett-tech.com/our-blog/ Visit our Socials! https://www.facebook.com/HammettTech http://www.linkedin.com/companies/hammett-technologies Hammett Technologies (@HammettTech) / Twitter https://www.hammett-tech.com/hackers-fool-multi-factor-authentication/
Government website services are seen as sources people can trust. However, threat actors use this trust for their harmful purposes. Scammers recently used official websites to advertise their hacking services. This situation shows why businesses should be on the lookout and take more robust computer security measures to avoid being affected by this type of risk. Hackers Use Flaws to Spread SEO Spam Scammers found weaknesses in US government websites and used them to upload advertisements for their hacking services. A federal agency and several universities were also affected. The ads were disguised as PDFs and offered hacking services for sale. There were links to websites showing different hacked social media accounts. They also provided services for fake followers and video game cheating. The ads were selling “easy and safe” hacking solutions that had no hidden goals. The people whose accounts were hacked even had names and images on some of the websites. Based on the PDF file dates, those ads have likely been there for some time. According to experts, the hackers have used open-source software, which can be used to create popups that make sure website visitors are real people. Due to security flaws, the SEO PDF ads surfaced on official websites. It seems like the hacking services advertised were made up as part of a click fraud campaign to get users’ money. While this complex attack went undetected for a while, it could have been worse. Instead of trying to sell scam services, the criminals could have uploaded infected links or content to the PDFs. It could have led to a massive data breach and other permanent consequences. For that reason, businesses should be aware of website weaknesses that can host SEO spam. A Call for Businesses to Prevent Security Problems Cybercriminals take advantage of any flaws. Businesses need to be aware of possible weaknesses, fix them, and use strong security measures. To build a solid defense, businesses must train their staff members to avoid these threats. Because scammers and hackers can affect their customers and clients, taking the necessary measures against them is vital. Read more blogs on: www.hammett-tech.com Visit or socials! https://www.facebook.com/HammettTech http://www.linkedin.com/companies/hammett-technologies Hammett Technologies (@HammettTech) / Twitter https://www.hammett-tech.com/scammers-use-government-websites-to-advertise-hacking-services/
Picture this: your business is a well-oiled machine, tackling daily challenges and achieving new milestones effortlessly. All the while, you’re outpacing your competition. Sounds like a dream, right? But what if this dream could become a reality by harnessing the power of AI and automation? These advanced technologies reshape how businesses work in today’s fast-changing digital world. They unlock incredible efficiency and fuel growth like never before. This article will explore how you can use AI and automation to transform your business. We’ll show you ways to stay ahead of the competition and embrace these exciting technologies. Revolutionizing Customer Service One area where AI can make a significant impact is customer service. By utilizing AI-powered chatbots, you can provide instant customer support 24/7. These virtual assistants can take care of simple questions. This allows your team to focus on more complicated tasks. As a result, customers get quicker and better support. Enhancing Data Analysis and Decision Making Data is the lifeblood of any modern business, and AI can help you better use the information you collect. Machine learning can analyze huge data sets. It finds patterns and trends that need noticing. This makes understanding data more manageable. With AI, you can make smarter decisions. It helps you improve your marketing plans and develop better products. In the end, your whole business performs better. Streamlining Workflow With Automation Automation is another key way to optimize your operations. Automation can help with tasks like data entry and order processing. Handling these repetitive jobs saves time and prevents mistakes due to human error. Imagine a retail business that automated its inventory management system. This change would accomplish two things. First, it would save employees from tedious manual tasks. Second, it would ensure stock levels are accurate and current. Optimizing Resource Allocation AI and automation can also help you allocate resources more efficiently. Predictive analytics helps foresee demand. You can change staffing or production assignments as needed. This leads to cost savings as your business becomes more efficient and adaptable. Ignite Your Business Transformation By embracing the power of AI and automation, you can boost your business and propel it toward greater success than ever before. These advanced technologies offer new opportunities for innovation and improved customer satisfaction. So, leap into the future and ignite your transformation journey with the guidance of AI and automation. Let these tools help unlock your business’s full potential and achieve unprecedented growth.
Imagine putting money into an ad plan and having a tech issue cause costs to skyrocket. This issue hit many businesses when Meta Platforms, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, faced a large glitch. The unexpected surprise On April 23, 2023, a tech issue caused problems for businesses using Facebook for ads. This glitch forced companies to spend more money than planned. Though the glitch affected many, the impact was not evenly distributed. Big businesses that spend about $200,000 per month have a direct link to Meta and personal account reps. But smaller advertisers do not get the same luxury. Reimbursements Amid Controversy To rectify the situation, Meta began issuing refunds. This initiative provided some comfort, but it came with its share of skepticism. Some say the distribution of reimbursements appeared imbalanced. Reports hint at favoritism, suggesting advertisers with stronger connections with Meta received refunds readily. However, Meta maintains that refunds are determined case-by-case based on the unique circumstances of each issue. The Struggle of Small Advertisers The heart of the controversy lies with smaller businesses, many of whom felt the effects of the glitch profoundly. These businesses spend a lot on Meta’s platforms but lack the same support as the bigger ones. Some received refunds beginning on May 12, 2023. But the process has been slow for many, causing considerable anxiety. In response to the backlash, Meta promised to address the technical problem swiftly. Meta is focusing on improving the automated systems that originally caused the delivery mishaps. What can you do? As business owners, you should always keep an eye on your ad spending, especially on social media platforms. Remember that vigilance is key. If something looks off, reach out to customer service right away. Checking the return on your ad spending can also help you spot any issues faster. In the Middle of It All: Getting Trust Back As Meta continues its refund initiatives, the focus remains on regaining trust. It’s crucial that smaller businesses also receive the attention and support they need. By providing transparent processes and equitable treatment, Meta could do much more to rebuild trust with advertisers. This situation serves as a stark reminder: glitches can and do occur, and their effects can be far-reaching. If you spend time on these platforms, stay aware, be ready, and prepare your business for these issues.