The saying “you are only as strong as your weakest link” applies to any team effort and cybersecurity for your organization is no exception. The best defense against a cybersecurity attack starts from the inside. Therefore, if you don’t already have a cybersecurity training program in place, you should. A recent itnews.com article provides some important topics that should be covered in your organization’s cybersecurity training program.

The first thing you need to establish is what is and is not acceptable to do while using company technology. Employees should know not to use the technology for anything other than work-related tasks and should not expect anything they use a company device for to remain private. If this is not established and people treat their devices as personal ones you can run into a lot of trouble.

Once acceptable use is established, it is important to cover data protection, security updates, and safe password practices. Employees should understand the importance of constantly backing up all data, staying on top of updates, and locking their computer screen when they leave their office. They should also frequently change their password using a complex system of letters, numbers and symbols. While these practices may be tedious or inconvenient, this protocol is critical in preventing malware from infiltrating your organization’s system.

After laying down the protocol for updates and data protection, employees should be educated on social engineering scams such as phishing emails. Employees should be suspicious of any unexpected emails, especially ones that demand immediate action, and check the spelling of URLs in emails to be sure they will be directed to a safe website and not to one that will expose them to malware. It is important your employees understand how legitimate these false emails can look so they don’t fall for their tricks. To test how employees will respond to a phishing attempt it is best to conduct internal phishing tests.

Finally, it is imperative your employees know who to call and immediately report incidents when they occur instead of waiting for them to be found by a security check or external virus scan. The average amount of time it takes for an organization to discover a system hack is 8 months. By that time, it could be too late, especially for smaller organizations.

If you have any questions or concerns about the cybersecurity protocol for your organization, OptfinITy is here to help. Give us a call at 703-790-0400, visit us on our website at www.optfinity.com, or send us an email at info@optfinity.com if you have any questions about establishing a sound cybersecurity protocol for your organization.

As social media continues to become a bigger part of our everyday lives, it is more important than ever for small businesses and organizations to effectively use social media to promote themselves. While social media can act as a great tool to improve and promote your business, there are certain things you should avoid if you don’t want social media to have the opposite effect on your organization. A recent itnews article provides some things to keep in mind when it comes to using social media for your small business or organization.

1. Never create a social media account and then leave it unattended. If you have a Facebook or Instagram page that hasn’t been updated for weeks or months, people will be under the impression that either you don’t care, or you have gone out of business.
2. Consistently post. The easiest way to achieve this is to use a tool such as Hootsuite which allows you to schedule multiple posts in advance. If you are constantly posting, your name will always be on people’s minds and therefore they will be more likely to contact you instead of your competitors.
3. If you re-post any user-generated content, be sure you have permission first to maintain a high level of trust between your organization and social media followers.
4. Be sure to respond to all comments in a timely fashion. If someone has a question about a post or they leave a comment on your page regarding their recent customer experience, don’t wait to respond. The quicker you respond, the better it makes your organization look and people will be more likely to direct their questions at you instead of your competitors.
5. Keep sales promotion posts to a minimum. While it is not a bad idea to mix in a few sales promotions here and there, it is important to remember that social media posts should mainly be about building rapport with clients and potential customers.
6. Do not treat your organization’s social media page like you would your personal page. It’s best to keep out any personal social or political views out of posts, and instead stick to content that directly relates to your organization’s industry.

You want to be as active as possible on social media without overwhelming people with sales promotions or unrelated content. As always, OptfinITy is here to answer any questions you have related to your technological needs. If you have any questions or concerns, give us a call at 703-790-0400 or visit our website at www.optfinity.com.

Stay in Good Standing with Search Engines

Optimizing your website for high visibility on search engines is essential. However, to maintain a strong ranking, you must follow specific guidelines. A recent Entrepreneur.com article shares helpful tips for avoiding penalties and improving your page rank if issues like cloaking, spam, or low-value content arise.

Avoid Cloaking: Be Transparent with Content

Cloaking occurs when a website shows one version of its content to search engines and a different one to users. This deceptive tactic applies to all types of content, including photos and text. To stay in compliance and avoid penalties or bans from platforms like Google, regularly monitor your site. Crosscheck what users see against what search engines detect. Use free tools to perform these checks and keep your website’s integrity intact.

Eliminate Spam to Protect Your Ranking

Spam can quickly damage your website’s reputation and ranking. Choose an automated messaging system with built-in anti-spam features, and regularly scan your site for spam from external sources. Remove any suspicious or harmful content immediately. A spam-free website not only improves user experience but also increases your chances of ranking higher on search engines.

Create Valuable, High-Quality Content

Content quality has the biggest impact on your search engine ranking. Both algorithms and human reviewers assess the value of your site’s content. Keep all information relevant, concise, and original. Avoid keyword stuffing, irrelevant links, and especially plagiarism. Focus on providing real value to your audience.

Recover Quickly from SEO Penalties

If your website experiences a ranking drop due to any of these issues, act quickly to correct them. Even some of the internet’s most popular websites have faced SEO penalties and bounced back. Resolving problems promptly can help your rankings recover over time.

Need Help? OptfinITy Is Here for You

At OptfinITy, we specialize in building high-quality, SEO-optimized websites. If you have questions about avoiding penalties or want help improving your site, give us a call at 703-790-0400 or visit www.optfinity.com. Let’s build a website that sets you up for success.

It’s no secret that small businesses and organizations are the main target of cyberattacks. According to a recent article from entrepreneur.com, the FBI has received more than 4 million complaints from small businesses regarding internet crime between 2000 and 2017. Unfortunately, smaller organizations generally don’t have the budget for advanced levels of cybersecurity. However, if the proper standards are implemented, you don’t need to spend a fortune on cybersecurity for your organization.  A few standards and recommendations to best keep your business protected on a budget are as follows:

Cybersecurity Standards for Your Organization

1. Implement email sender authentication standards for your organization and your business partners. These include: Sender Policy Framework, DomainKeys Identified Mail and Domain-based Message Authentication, and Reporting and Conformance.
2. Take a layered approach to security. In addition to sender authentication standards, implement impersonation filtering to identify domains that are a character off from a trusted domain. It is also useful to implement an internal email filter that blocks external emails that make themselves appear as though they are from an internal user.
3. Be sure there is a protocol for authorizing wire transfers. Be sure your employees and partners confirm the legitimacy of any wire transfer or change of payment address requested via email. Never use the contact information from the email to confirm the request, instead confirm the legitimacy by calling a verified phone number.
4. Educate your employees and partners on the risks associated with careless email and online practices. Hold cybersecurity training courses regularly and reward your employees for good cybersecurity habits. If you don’t have an educated workforce, all other layers of security are rendered useless.
5. Partner with or consult an outside expert. Consult a trusted provider to answer any of the questions or concerns you may have.

Next Steps

OptfinITy happens to be a trusted MSP with over 15 years of experience. If you are worried about how to best protect your business or organization from cyber threats or don’t understand the items above,  don’t hesitate to give us a call at 703-790-0400 or visit us on our website at www.optfinity.com.

It seems that nowadays every device we use is “smart.” We have access to everything from smart speakers to smart vacuums, and their prevalence is on the rise. According to a recent FBI public service announcement, the number of Internet of Things (IoT) or “smart” devices is expected to increase by anywhere between 300% to 1000% by 2020. While it’s undoubtedly convenient to have all our devices interconnected with each other and the internet, unsecure devices are at a very high risk of being exploited by cyber criminals. To best keep your IoT devices secure, the following actions are recommended:

Recommended Actions to Secure IoT Devices

1. While shopping for new devices
   1. Research your options on reputable websites that specialize in cyber security analysis.
   2. Search for products with a good reputation for providing security for their IoT products.
   3. Search for products that offer software or firmware updates and find out how often they are provided.
   4. Find out the types of data that is collected and stored on the device.
   5. Find out how long the data will remain stored on the device, whether or not the storage is encrypted, and whether or not the data will be shared with a third party.
   6. Check to see if opting out of the collection of data is an option and if there are any policies in place in the case of a data breach.
2. For recently purchased devices or ones you already own
   1. Change default usernames and passwords. Create STRONG passwords. Never use common words such as sports teams or children’s names.
   2. Isolate them on their own protected network and configure their network firewalls to have traffic blocked from unauthorized IP addresses and be sure port forwarding is disabled.
   3. Implement the security recommendations that are provided by the device manufacturer, be on top of updates and implement security patches where available.
   4. Invest in a secure router that allows you to whitelist (only allow specific devices to connect to your network).

Although these smart devices aren’t computers with screens, it is important to remember that they require the same cyber security measures as your laptop, desktop or cell phone. As these IoT devices become more prevalent, it is more important than ever to make sure they are secure and safe from cyberattacks. If you have any questions about the security of your IoT devices don’t hesitate to give us a call at 703-790-0400 or visit us on our website at www.optfinity.com.

iDRACula discovered in Dell Servers

According to a recent servethehome.com one of the most respected brands in the server industry contains a vulnerability in its 13^th generation and older PowerEdge servers. This vulnerability allows users to bypass the Dell EMC iDRAC firmware protections and load their own firmware via both local and remote access methods.

Once exploited, cybercriminals have complete remote control of the server.

What You Need to Know

Although this vulnerability, named iDRACula (integrated Dell Remote Access Controller unauthorized load access), is not an issue for Dell’s newest 14^th generation PowerEdge server, there are still millions of older generations in use and in distribution.

Therefore, it is important to be aware of this vulnerability if you are using a 13^th generation or older PowerEdge server.

The good news is that for iDRACula requires a lapse of security to be taken advantage of. This includes someone gaining physical access to a machine or remote access with valid login credentials. The bad news is that Dell is a leader in the industry for server security. Since this vulnerability was discovered in Dell, it is highly likely that other types of servers contain similar vulnerabilities.

Final Thoughts

The iDRACula vulnerability serves as a reminder that even reliable brands such as Dell are not immune to security breaches. Even if you don’t use a Dell server or if you have the latest generation, it is important to always practice safe security measures and stay on top of software updates. Never give strangers direct or remote access to your electronic devices and get the latest software updates since they are created to fix bugs or vulnerabilities found in previous versions.

If you have any more questions about the iDRACula vulnerability or how to best keep yourself protected don’t hesitate to give us a call at 703-790-0400 or visit us on our website at www.optfinity.com.

Data breaches happen often—even to those who follow cybersecurity best practices. That’s why having a clear plan of action is essential. A recent article from IT News outlines effective steps you can take to minimize the damage and protect your identity and finances.

Step 1: Identify What Was Stolen

Start by determining exactly what type of information was compromised. Was it usernames, passwords, credit card details, or something else? Understanding what data the attacker accessed will guide your next steps.

Step 2: Assess Whether the Data Is Usable

Next, evaluate whether the stolen data can actually be used. If the information was stored in cleartext, hackers can likely decode it easily. However, if it was hashed, salted, or encrypted, the data may be unusable to them.

Step 3: Change Your Passwords Immediately

Regardless of whether the data was usable, change your passwords right away. If you’ve reused the same password across multiple accounts, now is the time to break that habit. Consider using a password manager like LastPass to generate and store strong, unique passwords. Also, enable two-factor authentication on any accounts that support it.

Step 4: Create a Secure Password Recovery Email

Set up a dedicated email address specifically for password recovery. Make sure the email doesn’t reveal anything about your identity. A generic address like okurdone@outlook.com is a safer choice than one containing your name or initials.

Step 5: Report Credit Card Theft Immediately

If your credit card information was compromised, contact your credit card provider right away. Ask them to place a fraud alert on your account. Also, notify the three major credit bureaus and consider placing a credit freeze to prevent anyone from opening new accounts in your name.

Step 6: Notify the Appropriate Authorities

In many states, the law requires you to report certain types of data breaches. Determine whether your situation qualifies and report the breach to the necessary agencies or affected individuals as soon as possible.

Stay Calm—And Stay Protected

Data breaches are unsettling but increasingly common. If you’ve taken steps to secure your data, chances are the attacker won’t be able to do much with it. Still, it’s crucial to act quickly and follow the right steps.

Need help responding to a data breach or preparing a recovery plan? Call OptfinITy at 703-790-0400 or visit us online at www.optfinity.com.

Port of San Diego Hit by Ransomware Attack

In late September, a ransomware attack targeted the Port of San Diego. The attacker demanded an unknown amount in Bitcoin. Employees lost access to their computers, disrupting services like public records and park permits.

The full financial impact remains unclear, but similar attacks have caused major damage in the past.

Why Ransomware Is So Devastating

Ransomware encrypts your data and demands payment to unlock it. This creates a double hit—lost productivity and potential ransom costs. Some attacks have cost businesses and cities up to $300 million. For small organizations, these attacks can be fatal.

Protect Your Business Before It’s Too Late

The best defense is frequent data backups. If criminals can’t hold your data hostage, they lose their leverage. Backups allow your business to keep running even after an attack.

Along with backups, follow cybersecurity best practices:

• Use strong, unique passwords
• Train employees to spot phishing scams
• Keep systems updated

Need Help? Contact Us

Don’t wait until it’s too late. If you have questions about preventing ransomware attacks, call us at 703-790-0400 or visit www.optfinity.com.

Stay Alert: Remote Tech Support Scams on the Rise

Even if you trust your IT provider, you still need to stay vigilant. Remote tech support scams are becoming more common—and more dangerous.

What Is a Remote Tech Support Scam?

In these scams, cybercriminals pose as IT help desk staff. They claim to be fixing an issue on your computer. Once you give them remote access, they:

• Steal your data
• Install malware or spyware
• Demand payment for a fake repair

These scams cost businesses and individuals millions every year.

Beware of Unsolicited Help

The most important rule: Don’t trust anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.

Scammers may:

• Call or email you without warning
• Use a trusted tech company’s name
• Make their number appear real on caller ID

They often use fear tactics. For example, they might say your computer has a virus and urge you to click a link or call them immediately.

Legitimate Tech Support Doesn’t Work This Way

A real IT provider will never:

• Call or email you out of the blue
• Push you to act fast
• Ask for remote access unless you initiated the request

If you get a suspicious message or call, verify it. Contact your trusted IT provider directly before clicking any links or sharing information.

Protect Yourself from Scams

Here’s how to stay safe:

• Never respond to unsolicited support calls or emails
• Don’t give remote access unless you’re sure who you’re talking to
• Avoid clicking on links in unexpected messages
• Report anything suspicious immediately

Have Questions? Reach Out to Us

As a trusted IT provider, OptfinITy is here to help. If you’re unsure about a message or a caller—or if someone pretends to be us—call us at 703-790-0400.

You can also visit www.optfinity.com for more tips on staying secure.