Three IT Tips for your Business
Arnet Technologies
Offering professional IT support for businesses aspiring for growth. Specializing in co-managed IT Services.
Multi-Factor Authentication
Email remains the prime target for cyber-attacks. Multi-Factor
Authentication (MFA) is a free and effective solution that every business
should adopt to enhance cybersecurity.
Typically, MFA is activated through your mobile device, which receives a
confirmation code via text or an authentication app. This code must be
entered when prompted by the account you're logging into. By adding
this extra layer of verification, stolen passwords alone are no longer
sufficient for unauthorized access.
MFA is also recommended for cloud-based logins. Many banking
institutions, cloud ERP, and CRM platforms have already integrated multi-
factor authentication.
MFA can be implemented individually or across an entire company. To
maximize protection, making MFA mandatory for all staff and any
software deemed a security risk is highly recommended.
Password Creation: Best Practices
From mobile devices and email to bank accounts and business software,
a password is your first line of defense. To truly protect your data, you
need passwords that are tough to crack. As new information emerges,
best practices for password creation evolve. The National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST) offers updated guidelines based on
the latest research.
Here are some key steps to follow when creating passwords:
Use a password manager: These apps securely store all your complex
login information. By remembering one master password, you can
generate and manage numerous complex passwords with ease.
Keep passwords private: Sharing passwords or writing them down in
obvious places, like under your keyboard, compromises your security.
Avoid common passwords: Stay away from easily guessed passwords
like "Password123" or "123456789."
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Add special characters: Include characters like @, #, $, % to strengthen
your passwords.
Opt for long passwords: The longer, the better. Consider using a
passphrase, such as the title of your favorite book or a movie quote and
mix in capitalization and punctuation.
Keep those digital fortresses secure! What's next on your list?
Email Phishing Awareness
Email phishing attacks are the top cause of data breaches. These attacks
use emails that appear legitimate to trick recipients into actions that
expose sensitive information. Some emails contain links to fake sites that
request login credentials, while others include attachments that unleash
malicious code when opened.
Watch for these signs of a phishing email:
? Intimidation and threats.
? Unrealistic or urgent demands.
? Poor spelling and grammar.
? Slight variations to known addresses (e.g., gooogle.com).
? Links to websites requesting login information.
? Requests for sensitive information.
? Unexpected attachments, especially those labeled as invoices,
tracking info, etc.
Stay vigilant with these steps:
? Check the sender's address for spelling errors that signal fraud.
? Never open unexpected attachments.
? Never click on links in an email; instead, use a search engine to
find the official site.
When in doubt, call the sender to verify the email's legitimacy.