MERIT 2.0, LLC

Cyber Security, IT Networks, PC Help Desk, Microsoft Cloud: MERIT is the IT partner your business needs.

?? Cybersecurity Alert: The "Medusa" ransomware strain is targeting businesses with phishing attacks, demanding ransoms up to $15M. Protect your business by following key cybersecurity practices. Learn how to defend against this threat and more: https://lnkd.in/e-nAydMK #CyberSecurity #Ransomware #Medusa #DataProtection

Protect Your Business: March’s Patch Tuesday Update Fixes Critical Vulnerabilities Microsoft’s March Patch Tuesday update addresses 57 security flaws, including 6 actively exploited zero-day vulnerabilities. Delaying these updates could expose your business to serious cyber threats. To keep your data safe, act now and apply the update. For step-by-step instructions and more details, https://lnkd.in/eG_PaSFu

?? Why HTTPS is Essential for Your Online Security ?? We visit websites like meritsolutions.net every day, but how often do we stop to check the URL? It’s easy to click a link without thinking about what’s behind it, but taking a second to look could protect you from potential online threats. Here’s why it matters: - HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) ensures your data is encrypted and protected from hackers, unlike HTTP which leaves your data vulnerable. - The padlock icon next to the URL means your connection is secure. Always look for it, especially when using public Wi-Fi. - Browsers now auto-encrypt most websites, but if you encounter a site without HTTPS, proceed with caution. Stay safe and make sure you’re browsing securely! ?? https://lnkd.in/enjUDik5 #Cybersecurity #HTTPS #DataProtection #OnlineSafety #InternetSecurity

??? Did you know that your device's clipboard could be a potential security risk? While copy and paste is second nature to most of us, malicious apps can exploit this feature to steal data from your device. Apple has addressed this with new privacy measures in iOS 16: now, apps must ask for your permission before pasting content from another app. It might be an extra pop-up, but it's a small step towards protecting your privacy. Stay informed and secure! ?? https://lnkd.in/eX29rBMc #TechSecurity #PrivacyMatters #iOS16 #DataProtection

Say goodbye to constant device switching! If you’re using a Windows PC, Microsoft’s “Link to Windows” app can help you sync your iPhone or Android directly to your computer. ?????? Whether you’re managing spreadsheets, responding to texts, or taking calls, you can handle it all from your PC. With features like text message access, call management, and even app usage (for Android), this app is a game-changer for efficiency. ?? If you haven’t already, search for “Phone Link” on your Windows PC to get started! https://lnkd.in/eWZCEA6U #Productivity #TechTips #Microsoft #Windows #LinkToWindows #Efficiency #SmartphoneIntegration

Take a look at our new office in Chesapeake, VA! This space will help us serve your needs more efficiently and foster greater collaboration and innovation within our team. We look forward to serving you from our new location!

Did you know your smartphone tracks more than just your location? Many apps request access to your precise location, even when it's unnecessary. Learn the difference between approximate and precise location data—and how to take control of your privacy by adjusting your settings. It's time to rethink which apps really need to know where you are! https://lnkd.in/e-eXhWrZ #PrivacyMatters #SmartphoneTips #LocationServices

?? If your business handles cardholder data or processes payments, you must implement DMARC by March 31, 2025! DMARC helps block email spoofing, a rising threat that can expose sensitive data. With AI-driven phishing scams up 51%, failing to comply could result in penalties up to $100,000. Protect your business, your customers, and stay compliant. Don’t wait—act now! Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/edzCsQC4 #CyberSecurity #DMARC #DataProtection #Compliance #PhishingPrevention

On March 31st, 2025, PCI DSS v4.0 best practice requirement will become mandatory for all that process or handle payment information. One requirement that has gotten some buzz is the mandatory DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) requirement…potential penalties from $5,000 to $100,000. Ouch. Granted, DMARC helps with spoofing and phishing attacks, but it can’t stand on its own. The other two legs of the stool, SPF and DKIM, are just as important in this ecosystem. DMARC is an email authentication protocol that leverages SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) to validate email authenticity. For a DMARC check to pass, an email must either pass SPF authentication and align the domain in the “From” header with the domain specified in the SPF record or pass DKIM authentication and align the domain in the “From” header with the domain used in the DKIM signature. These checks happen on the Recipient’s email system. What is configured on your end is a simple public DNS TXT record (v=DMARC1; p=reject; rua=mailto:[email protected]) specifying what they should do with an email that fails the checks, “reject” the email, “quarantine” the email in a spam folder, or “none” let it through. Now surveillance and enforcement of the penalties would be very easy for the PCI industry. They can query the “_https://lnkd.in/eqa2NU-f”, determine compliance, and send a penalty. Bam! Mob style! In seriousness though SPF, DKIM, and DMARC help quite a bit in the area of email security, but they're no help for impersonation email attacks which, in my experience, seem to be the most effective avenue for threat actors ATM. I'm scratching my head at why spam filters have moved away from using domain aging and DNS registrar reputation as part of their tests.