News & Updates

How Granting Local Admin Privileges Could Cost You Your Business Key Points in This Article Historically, many overburdened IT departments have sought to save time and work by granting multiple users across their business or organization local administrative privileges. Doing so substantially increases the risk that their network security may be compromised. The costs of a data breach are far higher than the productivity savings that may be achieved by granting such privileges. These days,…

How Keeping Track of Microsoft’s Product Plans Can Keep Your Network Secure Key Points in This Article: CIOs and IT administrators must ensure that their networks remain free and clear of outdated software applications, which can pose a tremendous security risk. Outdated applications can provide a backdoor for ransomware attacks, malware, and viruses. Performing regular network audits, keeping software up-to-date, and keeping abreast of planned software retirements can help businesses and organizations eliminate this source…

All You Need to Know About Azure AD Key Points What is Azure AD? What are the outstanding features of Azure AD? Who uses Azure AD? How does one set up a backup Azure AD connect server? What are Azure AD licenses? Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) is a cloud-based identity and access management service that provides a single, centralized access point for managing user identities and permits access to Azure resources. Azure AD also offers…

What Your Business Needs to Know About Protecting Customer Data Key Points: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sets standards for safeguarding customer information. The Safeguards Rule took effect in 2003 but was amended in 2021 after public comment to ensure the rule keeps pace with the current technology. The revised rule offers in-depth guidance for businesses — reflecting the core data security principles that all organizations under FTC’s jurisdiction must implement. The FTC Safeguards Rule…

New York State Provides Great Example of How to Improve Organizational Cybersecurity Key Points The state of New York has introduced multiple pieces of legislation to help bolster private-sector cybersecurity. It is recommended that all businesses consistently monitor for threats, educate their workforce on them, enforce strict policies regarding data transfer, bring your own device (BYOD), VPN usage, and other hallmarks of good cybersecurity. Good cyber hygiene requires energy, effort, and buy-in from all members…

Pig Butchering & Crypto Scams: The Need For an Evolution in Fraud Prevention Key Points As technology advances and the world becomes more connected, scams and fraud are getting more challenging to prevent. Many experts are calling for a new approach to fraud and protecting consumers’ privacy. Pig butchering and other crypto scams are just examples of the complex and sophisticated fraud businesses need to be aware of. Recently, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in…

How Microsoft Teams’ Co-Organizer Feature Can Help Your Meetings Run Smoothly Key Points in This Article: Microsoft Teams lets Teams Meeting organizers assign the attendees they designate as co-organizers. Co-organizers enjoy most of the privileges of organizers and can help organizers ensure that the meeting runs smoothly. Assigning co-organizers is a straightforward process that can be performed before the meeting starts or even while running. Videoconferences are more integrated into the daily operations of businesses…

Ontario’s Employee Monitoring Policy: What You Need To Know Key Points As of October 11, 2022, all employers in Ontario with 25 or more employees must have an electronic monitoring policy. Electronic monitoring can include surveillance devices, GPS tracking, and keylogging software. The electronic monitoring policy must state whether or not employees are being monitored. Employers who fail to post a policy or do not provide employees with their electronic monitoring rights are subject to…

Improving Communications With Microsoft Teams’ New Scheduled Chat Feature Key Points in This Article Microsoft Teams allows users to schedule the chat messages they compose up to seven days in the future. Scheduled chat messages can be edited or deleted before sending as necessary. This feature, available for 1:1 Teams Chat conversations, can help users communicate more effectively in several ways. Have you ever found yourself struck with a brilliant idea after hours? Really late…