Category: blog

We Were Hacked!

Verizon’s Data Breach Investigations Report

Verizon’s Security Report: Key Takeaways and Your Steps to Stay Safe

Here’s a breakdown of Verizon’s Data Breach Investigation Report with actionable advice:

  • People are the Weakest link. Most breaches involve human error. Secure your systems based on your needs.
  • Top Attack Methods: Credential theft (use 2-factor authentication!) Phishing emails (don’t click, don’t reply, and don’t share information) Unpatched vulnerabilities (update software regularly)
  • Browsers as Backdoors: Use Privacy Badger and uBlock Origin browser extensions. Clear your cache often.
  • Phishing Emails are effective; Many people fall for them. Be suspicious, verify senders, and delete unknown emails.
  • Lost Devices are common. 80% of mobile devices are lost, not stolen. Secure your devices!
  • Small businesses are targeted: Don’t underestimate your data’s value. Don’t rely on weak security practices.

For a deeper dive, download the free Verizon report!

Voicemails

‘Almost’ Verbatim Responses When We Return Phone Calls
  • You didn’t pickup the phone right away
  • Who cares if you were servicing other clients?
  • We snowbirds come down 4 months a year. Drop everything when we call
  • We found someone ‘cheaper’ — and it took you 10 minutes to respond
  • We found someone ‘cheaper’ — none of us know what the problem is — but he said it would cost $40, no matter what
  • You helped us 5 years ago. Why didn’t you call us back right away?
  • I have a tech coming tomorrow; if it doesn’t work out, we’ll call you
  • I saw a sign at the traffic island to call an 800 number for a free repair
  • I’ll send you a screenshot. Just tell me what I need to do for the fix
  • Why do I need to replace my perfectly usable, 15-year-old Windows 7 computer?
  • My inkjet printer is 7 years old and cost me $100. Why are you trying to screw me by saying it’s not worth the repair?
  • Yes, I want you to drive from North Port to Siesta Key during I-75 rush hour to replace my $20 keyboard, –but I’m not paying travel time
  • Just replace the Verizon FIOS cable; they will never know

Lowest Cost Bid

We Own a Million-Dollar Home: Why Aren’t You the Cheapest?

“Company X offers a lower price!”

We get it – IT services is a competitive business. But remember, the cheapest option often means:

  • Cutting corners: A race to the bottom leads to poor service and security risks.
  • Smart shoppers know: Look beyond price. The US Navy doesn’t choose the cheapest submarine builder, for a reason!
  • Think Henry Ford: He initially offered the cheapest cars, but soon realized people wanted more – quality, safety, style.
  • We all want quality: Built by people who care, and are paid a fair wage. This benefits everyone.
  • Looking for the cheapest option might save you a buck now, but in the long run, you will truly get what you pay for.

Post inspired from https://seths.blog/2014/05/the-tyranny-of-lowest-price/

Just Delete It

The FBI, Microsoft, and Google Will Never Call Or eMail You

A one-page computer security refresher from the FBI.

https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/safety-resources/scams-and-safety/on-the-internet

Of particular interest is the note in the lower right:

Note: The FBI does not send mass emails to private citizens about cyber scams. If you received an email that claims to be from the FBI Director or other top official, it is most likely a scam.

Replace FBI in that note with ‘Apple’, ‘Dell’, ‘Microsoft’, ‘Google’, etc., and it still holds true. Those companies will never contact you directly via email, browser pop-up, phone, text, carrier pigeon, etc., regarding a security issue. If you think they are contacting you directly with a legitimate communication, they aren’t. Please delete the email, don’t take the phone call, and dismiss the browser popup.

How Much?

Actual Customer Requests
  • My printer will not scan; how much?
  • I have a software problem; how much?
  • I use my computer for important work and am leaving the state tomorrow. I can’t get to my copier either; it’s buried in a mess. Very frustrating! How much?
  • I need to recover data from a USB drive; how much?
  • I am looking to increase my web traffic and inquiries; how much?
  • How much will it cost to build me a website?
  • I want to retrieve photos from a 10 year old Windows 7 computer; how much?

If the above requests seem reasonable to you without additional information before we can provide an estimate, please, please, please don’t contact us.