The Top 4 Tips for Effective Remote Work

by Jacob Acker | Oct 12, 2023 | Remote Work

Here’s Our Top 4 Tips…

As remote work continues to become the norm, we’re here to support your transition with essential tools and security measures. Check out our top for tips for working effectively from home.

1. Seamless Communication

Phone Software: Answer and manage calls on your computer from anywhere with internet access, using headphones for clear audio.
Cell Phone App: Our mobile app lets you handle calls from your smartphone, ensuring flexibility.
Call Forwarding: Redirect office calls to your cell phone for ultimate accessibility.
Voicemail to Email: Voicemails are delivered to your inbox, keeping you informed.

2. Enhancing Security

Update antivirus and VPN software regularly to maintain security when working from home.

3. Empower Your Remote Work

ICS Connect: Access your office computer from home.
Sharepoint and OneDrive: Collaborate and share files effectively.
VPN: Ensure secure data transfer and network access.
Remote Desktop: Run line-of-business software as if you were in the office.

4. Communication Matters

Use apps to answer your desk phone and stay connected with your team through Microsoft Teams.

With ICS Data, you can confidently embrace remote work while staying connected and secure.

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Quarterly Cyber Breach Updates: Protect Your Business Data

by Jacob Acker | Sep 7, 2023 | Cyber Breach

2023 Q3

9/6/2023

GVSU warns students of data breach that could protect personal data

Yes, it’s true… Cyber breaches can occur anywhere. This week, Grand Valley State University has issued a warning to certain students regarding a data breach involving their personal information, which was compromised through a third-party vendor.

The breach raises concerns about the security of the students’ sensitive data. GVSU is taking steps to address the situation and safeguard affected individuals. This incident underscores the importance of stringent data protection measures in today’s digital landscape.

8/29/2023

University of Michigan shuts down school’s internet connections following significant cybersecurity incident

The University of Michigan has experienced a two-day internet shutdown due to a “significant cybersecurity concern” as the new school year began, impacting research, fundraising, and potentially delaying financial aid reimbursements. Despite efforts to help students access resources through off-campus networks, the recovery process is ongoing. The cause of the outage, possibly linked to malicious cyber activity, remains unclear, highlighting the increasing need for cybersecurity measures in educational institutions.

8/22/2023

Michigan State University announces third-party data breach

Michigan State University has reported a substantial third-party data breach that may jeopardize the personal information of its community members, affecting over 500 entities and around 30 million individuals nationwide. The breach was orchestrated by the ransomware group Clop, exploiting a security flaw in the MOVEit Transfer software.

2023 Q2

7/17/2023

Henry Ford Health confirms data breach affecting 168,000 patients

Patients were informed that an email phishing scheme granted unauthorized access to business email accounts on March 30, 2023, but the breach was quickly identified and the accounts were secured. It is uncertain whether the accessed patient information, which included personal details like name, gender, and medical records, was actually viewed. Henry Ford Health is implementing enhanced security measures and employee training in response to the incident and has provided an Incident Response Line for inquiries.

How to Enroll in MFA with Microsoft Authenticator App

by Jacob Acker | Aug 4, 2023 | Multi-Factor Authentication

Follow the steps below to activate Microsoft Multi-factor Authentication

1. Sign into your work or school account and then go to My Account portal.

2. Select Security info in the left menu or by using the link in the Security info pane. If you have already registered, you’ll be prompted for two-factor verification. Then, select Add method in the Security info pane and select Authenticator app.

3. You will then be prompted to MFA with the Microsoft Authenticator App.

4. Download the Microsoft Authenticator app on the Apple or Google play store. The application has a white background with a blue shield and a silhouette of a person in the middle (shown below). There are a couple applications that look similar but are the wrong one.

5. Return to the Set up your account page on your computer, and then select Next. The *Scan the QR code page appears.

*If you are unable to scan the QR code. There is an option to enter the code manually.

6. Scan the provided code with the Microsoft Authenticator app QR code reader. The authenticator app should successfully add your work or school account without requiring any additional information from you. Select Next on the Scan the QR code page on your computer. A notification is sent to the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device, to test your account.

Approve the notification in the Microsoft Authenticator app, and then select Next.

The Impact of AI on Phishing in IT Security

by Jacob Acker | Jul 25, 2023 | Phishing, Security Services

AI Phishing Attacks

In the ever-changing landscape of information technology (IT), artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a game-changer, transforming various aspects of cybersecurity.

One significant area where AI has both amplified and combated threats is phishing attacks. Let’s explore the effects of AI phishing attacks in the world of IT.

In this blog, you’ll learn about:

The sophistication of phishing attacks
Automated phishing campaigns
Early detection and prevention
Reduced false positives
Enhanced incident response

1. Sophistication of Phishing Attacks: AI has empowered cybercriminals to create highly sophisticated and personalized phishing campaigns. Attackers can analyze vast amounts of data to craft convincing messages that target specific individuals or organizations. This level of personalization significantly increases the success rate of phishing attempts.

2. Automated Phishing Campaigns: AI enables cybercriminals to automate phishing campaigns on a massive scale. With minimal effort, attackers can target many users simultaneously, increasing their chances of finding vulnerable targets. Automated phishing kits powered by AI have become readily available on the dark web, allowing even non-technical criminals to launch sophisticated attacks.

3. Early Detection and Prevention: On the flip side, AI is also playing a crucial role in detecting and preventing phishing attacks. By continuously learning from previous attacks, AI-driven systems can adapt and stay one step ahead of evolving phishing techniques.

4. Reduced False Positives: AI-driven anti-phishing solutions help reduce the false positives that traditional systems often generate. By accurately distinguishing between legitimate emails and phishing attempts, AI contributes to a more efficient and streamlined security process, enabling IT teams to focus on actual threats.

5. Enhanced Incident Response: If a phishing attack does succeed, AI can quickly identify affected systems, assess the damage, and aid in mitigating the consequences.

In conclusion, AI has introduced both challenges and opportunities in the fight against phishing attacks in the IT world. While cybercriminals leverage AI to create more sophisticated and widespread threats, security professionals are also leveraging AI’s capabilities to detect and prevent these attacks more effectively. To stay ahead in this relentless battle, organizations must embrace AI-driven cybersecurity solutions while ensuring continuous education and training to empower their workforce against evolving phishing tactics.

Streamlining Your Communication Setup: Holiday Edition

by Jacob Acker | Jun 15, 2023 | Email, VoIP

Mastering Holiday Communication: Simple Steps for Seamless Connections

As professional workers, maintaining effective communication during holiday weekends or holidays is crucial. To ensure a smooth workflow and uninterrupted communication, it’s essential to set up email forwards, auto responders, temporary voicemail greetings, and call forwarding. Let’s explore how to do this efficiently.

1. Email Forwards: a. Redirect incoming emails to colleagues or designated team members. b. Keep recipients informed about your forwarding arrangement in your autoresponder. c. Set clear expectations for response times during the holiday period.

2. Auto Responders: a. Craft a concise autoresponder message informing senders about your unavailability. b. Mention the specific dates of your absence and provide an alternative contact if necessary. c. Express gratitude for their understanding and patience.

3. Temporary Voicemail Greetings: a. Record a temporary voicemail greeting reflecting your absence. b. Clearly state the duration of your absence and an alternative contact method if needed. c. Inform callers that their messages will be attended to promptly upon your return.

4. Call Forwarding: a. Divert incoming calls to a trusted colleague or an answering service. b. Ensure the forwarding setup is seamless, avoiding disruptions in customer service. c. Notify clients or customers about the temporary call forwarding arrangement in advance.

By appropriately setting up email forwards, auto responders, temporary voicemail greetings, and call forwarding, professional workers can ensure smooth communication during holiday weekends or holidays. Implementing these strategies enables you to maintain professional connections while enjoying your well-deserved time off. Remember to communicate your availability and provide alternative contacts to keep everyone informed.

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