Whether you like it or not, Google tracks your location at all times if you use any of their apps on your smartphone. Although sharing your location has benefits—such as quickly getting directions to a nearby restaurant or checking the local weather—you may prefer to prioritize your privacy over these conveniences.

Google claimed that pausing your location history would prevent them from storing your location. However, many Google apps, including Maps and Weather, continue to collect and store time-stamped location data without your permission, even when you activate the “Pause Location History” setting.

To fully stop Google from collecting your location data, you must also disable another setting called “Web & App Activity.” Google enables this setting by default, and its description does not make it clear that it tracks location data. Instead, it suggests the setting only affects search engine results.

Pausing these settings means you’ll lose personalized features, such as web browsing suggestions based on your location and history. However, you can feel at ease knowing Google is no longer tracking your every move on your smartphone.

If you have any questions about how location services affect your mobile device or want to learn more about network privacy and security, call OptfinITy at 703-790-0400 or visit www.optfinity.com.

While you have probably heard about bitcoin, you may not be familiar with a new type of cybercrime on the rise called cryptojacking.

What is Cryptojacking?

Cryptojacking is essentially when a cybercriminal uses someone else’s computer or web browser without their permission to develop cryptocurrency. They usually infiltrate their victim’s system through a phishing email or an infected website and then utilize the infected machine for a long period of time before people notice.

What can you do to protect yourself?

A few recommendations include:

1. Make your employees aware of cryptojacking. Remind them to not open strange or suspicious emails and never open attachments or click on links they aren’t expecting to receive.
2. Install ad blockers, specifically ones that have the capability to block cryptomining scripts.
3. Maintain and monitor browser extensions and keep your web filtering tools up to date.

As mentioned above, it can be difficult to know when a hacker is cryptomining on your computer or website so be sure to keep on the lookout for a variety of red flags including:

1. A sudden high number of help desk complaints regarding slow computer performance.
2. Overheating Systems.
3. File changes on your web server or changes to pages on your website.

This is only the beginning for cryptomining given that the amount of money to be made via illegal cryptomines is extremely high and requires little technical skill. You don’t want your organization to be responsible for exposing visitors to your website to cryptomining script, so if you want to learn more about how to keep yourself and your organization protected, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 703-790-0400 or visit us on the web at www.optfinity.com.

Do you own or manage a small business or organization?

If so, it is important to acknowledge the increasing risk of becoming a cyberattack victim. Data from a recent CNET article shows that since 2011 the percentage of cyberattacks that occurred in small businesses has risen from 20% to almost 50%!

Another troubling statistic is that although 60% of small businesses don’t survive  a cyberattack, only 53% of surveyed small businesses make cybersecurity a priority. Don’t let your organization become a statistic. Make cybersecurity a priority!

A few suggested precautions to take to protect your organization include:

1. Update and backup EVERYTHING regularly. This includes apps that you don’t use or haven’t used in a long time, for these can be the most vulnerable to an attack.
2. Be sure all passwords are strong and never reused. Also, never click on links from strange or suspicious emails and implement better security systems for email
3. Your employees should follow the above-mentioned precautions and your organization should have a cyberattack response plan in the case of a breach.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help with your cybersecurity needs. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

If you have any questions or concerns regarding keeping your business secure and safe, feel free to give us a call at 703-790-0400 and ask about our managed IT services and 24 x 7 help desk, or visit us on our website at www.optfinity.com.

Choosing the Right Web Hosting Provider for Your Business

In today’s digital age, businesses and organizations must integrate technology seamlessly into their operations. Selecting the right web hosting provider is a crucial step in establishing a strong online presence.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Web Hosting Provider

A recent CNET article outlines key guidelines for selecting a web hosting provider that best suits your organization’s needs. Your first step is to determine which type of server aligns with your requirements.

Types of Servers and Their Benefits

Shared Servers

Shared servers offer the most affordable option but come with performance limitations. Since multiple websites share the same server, your site may experience slower speeds and reduced reliability.

Virtual Private Servers (VPS)

VPS solutions provide better performance than shared servers. Although they still share resources with other sites, they typically deliver improved speed and reliability. However, managing a VPS requires basic server maintenance knowledge or assistance from a technology company.

Dedicated Servers

Dedicated servers offer maximum performance by eliminating resource sharing with other sites. However, they require in-depth system management expertise.

Cloud Servers

Cloud servers stand out due to their flexibility. Unlike other servers, they can handle sudden traffic spikes without requiring a complete rebuild or migration. If your website experiences high traffic, you can simply pay for additional resources to maintain performance.

Key Considerations for Your Decision

When evaluating these options, consider speed, support, security, and your familiarity with server management. Weigh the cost against the value each option provides.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true, such as unlimited storage and bandwidth for just a few dollars per month. If you need help choosing, setting up, or maintaining a server, contact us at 703-790-0400 or visit our website at www.optfinity.com.

One of the best ways to achieve success is to set yourself apart from the competition whether online or in general. A great way to achieve that is to have a captivating, user friendly website. A recent News article describes the most important points to keep in mind while creating an ecommerce site or website for your organization.

1. Make sure your site functions well across ALL platforms and is secure so that people can access your website with ease and have peace of mind while inputting personal information if applicable. If someone is trying to view your website from their mobile device and it shows up all discombobulated, or they have their personal information stolen off your site they likely won’t be revisiting.
2. It is important that it is easy to navigate and quickly find what is being searched for to avoid frustration and keep users on your website. Convenience is key, and you want to have as few required clicks as possible for people to find what they’re looking for. A well-functioning search bar is a great option as well.
3. Make it visually captivating with original photos which will make your website stand out among the rest, and incorporate a dedicated section for customer reviews to allow potential clients to be persuaded not just by you but by others who have dealt with your organization in the past.

If you have any doubts about how to successfully set up a smooth-running, visually captivating ecommerce site or website for your organization, OptfinITy is here to assist you. Give us a call at 703-790-0400 or visit us on the web at www.optfinity.com to find out more about our website development services.

Understanding Ransomware: Protecting Your Data

The Threat of Ransomware

At some point, you’ve likely seen or heard about someone being kidnapped and held for ransom in a Hollywood movie or news story. While the chances of someone you care about being physically kidnapped are slim, the same cannot be said for your computer data. Data kidnapping—commonly known as ransomware—is a growing threat that could impact you or your business.

The Rise of Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware has become one of the most prevalent forms of cyberattacks, with a staggering 231% increase between 2016 and 2017. Despite this alarming growth, a study by AVG reveals that about one in three small business owners are unaware of ransomware or how to protect themselves. Considering the high costs associated with these attacks, this lack of awareness is concerning. Understanding how ransomware attacks are orchestrated and learning effective prevention strategies are crucial for safeguarding your business.

How Do Ransomware Attacks Happen?

Exploiting System Vulnerabilities

Cybercriminals often exploit system vulnerabilities to launch ransomware attacks. These vulnerabilities may include:

• Outdated software
• Error messages related to maintenance and upgrades
• Insecure websites

Prevention Tips:

• Regularly update your software.
• Disable error messages from displaying publicly and access them through your website’s backend or a php.ini file.
• Ensure your company’s website uses HTTPS for secure communication.

Phishing Emails

Phishing emails are another common tactic used by cybercriminals. These emails often contain attachments or links that, when clicked, grant the attackers access to your data.

Prevention Tips:

• Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments in unfamiliar or suspicious emails.
• Train employees to recognize phishing attempts and follow the same precautions.

The Importance of Data Backups

The most effective way to mitigate ransomware threats is by regularly backing up your data. With backed-up data, cybercriminals lose their leverage. For example, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency avoided paying a $73,000 ransom because they had robust data backups, though the attack still cost them millions in other expenses. For small businesses, such costs can be devastating.

Protect Your Organization

If you’re unsure about your organization’s level of protection against ransomware or need guidance on improving your cybersecurity, contact us at 703-790-0400 or visit us at www.optfinity.com. Taking proactive steps today can save you significant trouble and expense in the future.

Streamlining Your Business with CRM Systems: Why Now Is the Time to Make the Switch

Gone are the days of managing your business operations through a maze of separate folders and spreadsheets. According to a recent CNET article, more businesses than ever are embracing Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems to streamline their operations. These tools offer a centralized platform for organizing all your business information, making your processes more efficient and improving customer experiences.

Why Are Some Business Owners Hesitant to Adopt CRM Technology?

With so many undeniable benefits, why are some business owners still hesitant to adopt CRM technology? The hesitation often stems from concerns about implementation and maintenance. Business owners might worry about how to troubleshoot issues or what to do if something goes wrong after the system is in place.

How OptfinITy Can Help You Implement and Manage CRM Systems

At OptfinITy, we understand these concerns and are here to help. If you’re looking to enhance your business operations but feel unsure about where to begin, we’ve got you covered. Not only can we assist in implementing CRM tools tailored to your needs, but we also provide 24/7 support to ensure everything runs smoothly. This allows you to focus on growing your business without the stress of managing the technical side.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you’re considering implementing a CRM system for the first time or already have one and need expert management, OptfinITy is here to help. Contact us today at 703-790-0400 or visit us online at www.optfinity.com to learn more about how we can support your business.

Work Smarter, Not Harder

Don’t let outdated systems hold you back. Start working smarter with a CRM system backed by reliable support!

Web Browsers: Your Most Vulnerable Business Software

A recent TechRepublic article reveals that browsers face more cyber-attacks than any other type of business software. To protect your data and keep hackers out, take the following proactive steps:

Use Only Trusted Plug-ins and Extensions

Allow only reputable, business-related plug-ins and extensions, such as Java or Flash. Avoid less reputable, non-business-related tools, which often contain security flaws and expose your browser to unnecessary risks.

Configure and Maintain Java Security Settings

Set up a Java security configuration that works best for your servers and workstations. Regularly check for and apply updates to keep your systems protected.

Block Malicious Pop-up Ads

Watch out for pop-up ads that mimic virus alerts and urge you to download fake antivirus software. Configure your browser to block pop-ups by default. However, keep an option to allow them when needed, since some legitimate websites require pop-ups to function properly.

Manage Settings Centrally

Set all browser security settings from a centralized management system. This approach prevents employees from making unauthorized changes that could compromise browser security.

Detect Fileless Browser-Based Threats

Understand that many browser-based threats don’t involve files and often go undetected. Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity technologies. Use real-time code analysis and apply a filtered detection strategy that scans beyond downloaded files and attachments.

Need Help? Contact OptfinITy

If you feel unsure about managing browser security on your own, OptfinITy is here to help. Call us at 703-790-0400 or visit www.optfinity.com to learn how we can keep your browsers secure.