IPM Computers

https://www.ipmcomputers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/cybersecurity-holidays-1.jpg Cybercrime rates increase considerably during the holiday season. It is estimated that these rates rise by an average of 2.6 percent during the season. The increase in crime can be attributed to various reasons, but IT experts believe cybercriminals use the holidays to access more victims and higher profits. Here we will discuss why cybercrime rates have increased during this time. 1. An Increase in Online Shopping Online shopping has seen a major surge in popularity over the past few years and continues to be a leading e-commerce trend. Providing outstanding customer service is essential for businesses to thrive in this digital age. Unfortunately, criminals also recognize the value of top-notch products and services, making businesses a prime target for attack. With an expansive range of items available on their websites, companies are especially vulnerable during peak seasons such as holiday per...

https://www.ipmcomputers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Copy-of-BSN-Black-Friday-1-1024x597.png Quick! Get to the store for that forgotten gift…order online and pay for overnight shipping…whatever it takes to get the gift in hand for the holiday ahead! We know the holidays are coming, but inevitably we are scrambling to get some things done at the last minute. And where there’s an opportunity, there’s a scam. As we scramble, scammers are on the prowl to find us. We’re in a rush, preoccupied with a dozen things on our minds and our guard is down. The perfect target to take advantage of. We’ve discussed the holiday scams that are prevalent, but this increases as the date of gatherings and celebrations draw near. Keep your guard up, your wits about you, and don’t click take that call without caution. Stay Focused The next week or so may include gatherings where you need a gift for someone you didn’t expect to see. Budget and logic can go out of the window when you’re in need of ...

https://www.ipmcomputers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/BSN-AI-1024x597.png Artificial Intelligence (AI) is gaining popularity among everyday consumers like so many technologies, through social media. Just take a quick look in your newsfeed and you’re likely to see your friends in otherworldly scenarios they’ve created with Magic Avatars from Lensa . With over 4 million downloads in the first part of December, it’s clearly a hit. But is it safe? With any app, you should read the privacy policy and terms of use before downloading, especially when it involves your biometric data. But users should be aware, the risks don’t stop there. Additional information is likely being captured, as it might be with any app or program. This might include location and device information among other things. Many Sides of AI AI is more than avatars. There can be benefits that originate in medicine, decision-making, research, and a whole range of other topics. Removing the risk of human error in cyb...

https://www.ipmcomputers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/BSN-Holiday-Scams-1024x597.png End of year wrap-up has many of us in a hurry. We rush to get our businesses buttoned up, our shopping done, and our tasks completed so that we can enjoy the time off. Along with our tendency to rush, is the feeling of merriment and goodwill, and we may assume everyone else is operating from the same place or intent. That may be nice, but don’t be fooled by cybercriminals waiting to take advantage of your own good intentions. Let’s discuss a few of the more common scams that can be prevalent during the holiday season. Charities Being charitable is nice, but criminals know how to appeal to your emotions, and they do it well. Fake companies that seem very similar to familiar and legitimate companies are an easy way to scam you out of money. If you want to be charitable, go to the official website of the fund that you are interested in supporting. From there, you’ll be able to donate safely. Pa...

https://www.ipmcomputers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/BSN-Phishing-1024x597.png You are familiar with phishing. You’ve taught your clients and colleagues to be on alert for fraudulent emails. But are you changing your approach to education and training to match the sophistication of cybercriminals and their tactics? Smart Phishing Teaching effectively doesn’t necessarily mean endless bits of content and methodologies. It means that each lesson and tool should have an impact on users. People learn differently. Some individuals absorb information visually and others retain information by doing . Breach Secure Now offers training tools that are varied to address the different ways that we all learn. Let Us Count the Ways Ongoing training that includes video modules, graphics that provide visual reminders on social media or in print, and integrated phishing tools are all part of our approach. Our phishing platform allows MSPs to provide randomized scenarios to be sent out to...

https://www.ipmcomputers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/BSN-Black-Friday-1024x597.png ‘Tis the Season The unofficial official shopping season starts this week, and if there is a sale, there might be a scam close by. As the prices go down, so does our guard. We fear losing out on a deal and can act without thinking. A few quick reminders to stay cyber-safe. Fraudulent Websites Don’t be quick to click when you get that email or text announcing the “biggest savings of the year!”. If you are interested in the promotion that you see, go to the retailer’s home page and look for the sale there. In this age of phishing scams, companies are unlikely to make it a ‘click only’ access knowing that is often the way that cybercriminals work. If it is indeed only accessible via the link, call the store first and verify its legitimacy. Do not call the phone number provided in the message (if there is one). Again, always go to the store or company directly. Socially Safe Secret Santa or oth...

https://www.ipmcomputers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/BSN-11.15.2022-Healthcare-1024x597.png When it comes to needing a strong cybersecurity program, don’t overlook the opportunity that the healthcare industry presents. There is a market here that MSPs should be focused on as a way to grow their business. Why Focus Here? Healthcare continually remains one of the largest targeted industries for cybercriminals. The payoff for a data breach in healthcare is high given the value of patient health data. The difference between responding to a hacker can mean life and death – not to mention the hefty HIPAA fines that can go along with a data breach. Is HIPAA the Same as Cybersecurity? There may be confusion around the difference in what a HIPAA program is, and how it relates to cybersecurity. Compliance with HIPAA rules and regulations is heavily dependent on a strong cybersecurity program. But they are not the same thing. If a healthcare business is not adhereing to a strong cyber...