Top Reasons Why Encryption is Crucial for Security and Privacy!

 

In today's highly connected world, the need for strong cybersecurity measures has become more important than ever. One of the most effective ways to protect sensitive information and ensure privacy is through encryption. Here are the top reasons why individuals and businesses of all sizes should be encrypting their computer systems and sensitive data:

1. Protection from Unauthorized Access

Encryption adds a layer of security to sensitive information by converting it into unreadable text, which can only be decoded using the right encryption key. This prevents unauthorized individuals from accessing critical data even if they manage to break into a system. Encrypting everything from emails to financial transactions helps safeguard against cyberattacks and limits the damage in case of a breach.

2. Maintaining Privacy

In an age where privacy is increasingly under threat from a multitude of sources, encrypting communications and data storage provides a crucial defense mechanism. This ensures that confidential information remains private and secure, allowing individuals and businesses to operate with the peace of mind that their sensitive data is protected.

3. Compliance with Legal and Compliance Regulations

Governments and regulatory authorities often require organizations to encrypt their data in order to comply with laws such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS. Ensuring data is encrypted helps businesses avoid costly fines, lawsuits, and reputational damage that could result from non-compliance.

4. Preventing Data Theft in Case of Lost or Stolen Devices

When mobile devices or laptops containing sensitive information are lost or stolen, encryption can prevent unauthorized access to the data stored on them. If the device is encrypted, the thief will find it nearly impossible to access or misuse any personal or corporate information without the decryption key. Using complex passwords and even dual factor push authentication are a must in order to prevent a bad actor from circumventing the encryption.

5. Securing Data at Rest During Storage

Data stored on hard drives, servers, and in the cloud can still be vulnerable to theft or hacking. By encrypting this stored data, it becomes unreadable to anyone without the proper decryption key, ensuring that even if physical or cloud storage is compromised, the information remains secure.

The Role of Encryption Tools and Technologies

Various tools and technologies, such as BitLocker and VeraCrypt are available for implementing encryption on different platforms and for different types of data. These encryption solutions help keep data safe by providing robust algorithms and advanced key management systems that are hard to crack. Additionally, many of these tools include user-friendly interfaces and integrations with popular software to make encryption accessible to a wider audience and even automatic once configured.

In conclusion, encryption is an essential part of any cybersecurity strategy. It helps protect sensitive data from unauthorized access, maintains privacy, ensures compliance with regulations, and prevents data theft when devices are lost or stolen. By adopting the right encryption tools and technologies, individuals, small businesses, and large corporations can significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks and ensure that their information remains secure and private.

If you have questions about cyber security or some other IT-related issues for your business? Go to https://www.Fidelitech.net/discoverycall to book a quick, 10-minute call.

For a free security assessment, schedule an appointment at https://www.fidelitech.net/semperarmor.

 

#cybersecurity #encryption #BitLocker #VeraCrypt #dataprivacy #ITSupport #ITServices

Microsoft Digital Defense Report

Cybersecurity professionals need to keep up to date on the latest cyber-threat trends. This report from Microsoft analysts covers the threat landscape from IoT and infrastructure threats to disinformation campaigns, ransomware, and guidelines for thwarting these complex new threats. Each chapter provides the key lessons learned and insights based on Microsoft's unique vantage point. The trillions of signals that Microsoft analyzes from its worldwide ecosystem of products and services reveal the ferocity, scope, and scale of digital threats across the globe. You and your security team can read this comprehensive report on threats and Microsoft technologies that identify and block billions of phishing attempts, identity thefts, and other cyber-threats to Microsoft customers.

View: Microsoft Digital Defense Report

IBM Security 2023 Cost of a Data Breach Report

IBM's 2023 Cost of a Data Breach Report — conducted by Ponemon Institute and sponsored by IBM— examines the root causes and both short-term and long-term consequences of data breaches. The report includes information from 553 organizations impacted by data breaches that occurred between March 2022 and March 2023 and explores the various factors and technologies that either limited or increased the costs of a breach. Download the report and learn what works, and doesn't, in preventing data breaches.

View: IBM Security 2023 Cost of a Data Breach Report

Azure Virtual Desktop Watermarking Support

Need help learning to use the new Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop Watermarking feature? We have it here! Watermarking is an optional protection feature to Screen Capture in Virtual Desktop that acts as a deterrent for data leakage. This watermarking capability was first introduced in Feb 2023 via Public Preview of Windows Desktop clients. With General Availability, we're introducing support for Azure Virtual Desktop web client. Read how to access Watermarking support in this article.

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Top insights and best practices from the new Microsoft Data Security Index report | Microsoft Security Blog

Data security is a constant concern of CISOs and business executives. To better understand the security issues, Microsoft partnered with the independent research agency Hypothesis Group to conduct a multinational survey involving more than 800 data security professionals. Our collaborative effort has resulted in the publication of the Data Security Index report, designed to offer valuable insights into current data security practices and trends. Moreover, it aims to identify practical opportunities for organizations to enhance their data security efforts. In this article, you'll learn some of the key findings from the report, including: - Data security incidents remain frequent - Vulnerabilities manifest in various dimensions due to a diverse set of factors - How a fragmented solution landscape can weaken an organization's data security posture

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The shocking truth about bank fraud!

 Today’s Tech Tips Tuesday, tip of the day is “The shocking truth about bank fraud!”

Did you know your business bank account doesn’t have the same protections as a personal bank account when it comes to fraud? If a hacker takes money from your business account, the bank is NOT responsible for replacing it. (Don’t believe me? Go ask your bank what their policy is on refunding money stolen from your account!) Many people erroneously believe the FDIC protects you from fraud; it does not. It protects you from bank insolvency.

Here are three things you should do:

Tip 1: Set up two-factor authentication to log in to your bank account.

Tip 2: Get a crime policy that will cover stolen funds from a cyber-attack, fraud or phishing attack.

Tip 3: Require your bank to get verbal confirmation from you to wire funds AND set up alerts for large checks and debits.

If you have questions about cyber security or some other IT-related issues for your business? Go to https://www.Fidelitech.net/discoverycall to book a quick, 10-minute call.

For a free security assessment, schedule an appointment at https://www.fidelitech.net/semperarmor.

 

#cybersecurity #bankfraud #networksecurity #ITconsultants #ITSupport #Phishingprotection #UtahNetworkSecurity #SaltLakeCityNetworkSecurity

Microsoft Digital Defense Report

Over the last year, threats to digital peace have reduced trust in technology and highlighted the urgent need for improved cyber defenses at all levels. In this fourth annual edition of the "Microsoft Digital Defense Report," explore insights on how the threat landscape has evolved and the shared opportunities and challenges we all face in securing a resilient online ecosystem. Download the report for a unique and in-depth perspective on cybersecurity threats, challenges and defenses.

View: Microsoft Digital Defense Report

Windows 11 Pro lets SUSI&James transform business communication

SUSI&James, a German developer of an AI-powered voice assistant, uses machine learning, natural language processing and deep learning to handle a range of communication-heavy tasks from office admin to self-driving vehicles. Naturally, security is a constant concern for SUSI&James with its valuable intellectual property and sensitive customer and business data to secure. Fortunately, SUSI&James found Windows 11 Pro, which helps keep the developer environment secure with layers of out-of-the-box security including hardware-backed protection. As Marcel Martini, SUSI&James' managing director notes, "Our software is our only asset, so it's really important to keep that as secure as possible." Read the full story. 👇

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The #1 thing you can do to prevent ransomware!

 

Today’s Tech Tips Tuesday, tip of the day is “The #1 thing you can do to prevent ransomware!”

Did you know that the #1 threat to ALL organizations is internal employees?

The people you trust to run your organization are the very same ones putting it at risk.  By downloading software they shouldn’t, falling for phishing scams, clicking on bad links, using weak passwords and opening infected files.

That doesn’t make them bad people – just unsuspecting. That’s why it’s critical to provide employees active, ongoing training regarding cyber security. These tips are a good start but are not enough.

We recommend a formal training program for employees that actually simulates phishing attacks and other breaches so they can experience firsthand how easy it is to make a mistake and keep them hyperaware of security problems.

If you want to know of some easy, inexpensive ways to get your employees trained, reach out to us and we can advise you on what training is available. You’ll be glad you did.

If you have questions about cyber security or some other IT-related issues for your business? Go to https://www.Fidelitech.net/discoverycall to book a quick, 10-minute call.

For a free security assessment, schedule an appointment at https://www.fidelitech.net/semperarmor.

 

#cybersecurity #phishingsimulation #employeetraining #networksecurity #ITSupport #ITServices

Top insights and best practices from the new Microsoft Data Security Index report | Microsoft Security Blog

Data security is a constant concern of CISOs and business executives. To better understand the security issues, Microsoft partnered with the independent research agency Hypothesis Group to conduct a multinational survey involving more than 800 data security professionals. Our collaborative effort has resulted in the publication of the Data Security Index report, designed to offer valuable insights into current data security practices and trends. Moreover, it aims to identify practical opportunities for organizations to enhance their data security efforts. In this article, you'll learn some of the key findings from the report, including: - Data security incidents remain frequent - Vulnerabilities manifest in various dimensions due to a diverse set of factors - How a fragmented solution landscape can weaken an organization's data security posture

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Cyber Security Tip: Is this request really from the boss?

Today’s Tech Tips Tuesday, tip of the day is “Is this request really from the boss?”

Here’s a common scam: you get an e-mail from the boss (or your spouse, parents or other trusted person you know) asking you to send them a copy of employee pay stubs, tax information or other files with confidential data such as social security numbers in them, or they’re asking you to transfer or ACH payment to a vendor or a different bank account, or they’re asking you to purchase some gift cards.

The problem: even though it is coming from an e-mail address of someone you know and trust and LOOKS legit, there’s a chance it could be a scam. Hackers can INTERCEPT e-mail messages and modify them.

If you ever get this kind of request, DOUBLE-CHECK by calling that person to confirm. And even if it turns out to be a legitimate request, you should NEVER send confidential information like social security numbers (or attachments with this information inside them) without taking precautions to password-protect and encrypt the message first.

Heads up if you work in HR or payroll departments – hackers are very interested in getting you to send employee payroll to the wrong bank accounts. Be on high alert for employees asking you to update their banking information. Make sure to confirm the change request by phone and DO NOT call any phone numbers in the e-mail that was sent to you.

Bottom line! verbally confirm all requests involving money or sensitive data.

If you have any questions about cybersecurity or other IT-related issues for your business, visit https://www.idelitech.net/discoverycall to book a quick, 10-minute call.

For a free security assessment, schedule an appointment at https://www.fidelitech.net/semperarmor.

#cybersecurity #emailsecurity #networksecurity #ITconsultants #ITSupport #Phishingprotection #UtahNetworkSecurity #SaltLakeCityNetworkSecurity

Microsoft a Leader in the 2023 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Desktop as a Service

Before you buy a desktop-as-a-service (DaaS) solution, you need to know the pros and cons of the leading solutions. Read the full report on Gartner 's Magic Quadrant for DaaS vendors — which includes digital workspace leaders like Microsoft Virtual Desktop. Get the free report. 👉

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Windows 11 Security Guide: Powerful security by design

Did you know that nearly three in four security breaches are sparked by human error, privilege misuses, stolen credentials, or social engineering? Most attackers rely on stolen credentials, phishing campaigns, and exploitation of vulnerabilities are the primary attack vectors. Find out how Microsoft built Windows 11 to be secure by design and secure by default. Windows 11 devices arrive with more security features enabled out of the box. Download this useful guide to Microsoft Windows 11 security.

View: Windows 11 Security Guide: Powerful security by design

Payette secures and extends on-premises BCDR while preparing for a cost-effective cloud future with Azure

Boston architectural company, Payette incorporated Azure Backup and Azure Site Recovery into its toolkit of disaster recovery solutions, expanding protection from on-premises into the cloud. "The added threat monitoring capability of using the Azure platform in our security operations for detecting those data anomalies really gives us peace of mind," noted Dan Gallivan: Payette's director of IT. Read the story here.

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Orkide Oils increased productivity with Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop

Orkide Oils increased productivity, efficiency and security by using Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop, Microsoft Endpoint Manager (Intune), Microsoft 365 Defender and Endpoint Defender services. Read the customer story to learn more.

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Announcing Public Preview of Personal Desktop Autoscale on Azure Virtual Desktop

If you've been hoping to try out the new Personal Desktop Autoscale on Azure Virtual Desktop - now's your chance! Read this article to find out how to access and use this new capability.

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Microsoft recognized as a Leader in the Forrester Wave: Data Security Platforms, Q1 2023

Organizations need to protect sensitive data including intellectual property, trade secrets, customer data and personally identifiable information from both insiders and external cyber attackers. A complex regulatory environment makes the protection of sensitive data and prevention of data exfiltration all the more urgent. To help customers navigate complex data landscapes, Microsoft focuses on delivering secure and intelligent, user-centric solutions to improve visibility and mitigate risk. We are excited to share that Forrester listed Microsoft as a Leader in its 2023 WaveTM for Data Security Platforms. Read this blog for a summary of the report which provides a detailed overview of vendor offerings, strategies and market presence.

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Howard University doubles security score and saves $1 million annually

Howard University, a leading historically Black college in Washington, DC, doubled its security score in less than a year after expanding its use of Microsoft Azure. After suffering a ransomware attack in 2021, the university sought to strengthen its security with Microsoft solutions. In just three weeks, Howard restored all core IT services, increased efficiency, boosted security and saved money, Read the full story to learn what they accomplished and how.

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Azure Virtual Desktop Watermarking Support

Watermarking printed documents and PDFs is a common practice to keep them from being copied. Now you can also watermark digital screen views and screen shots with the new Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop Watermarking feature. Watermarking is an optional protection feature to Screen Capture in Virtual Desktop. Read how to access support for the Watermarking feature in this article.

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Tech Tip Tuesday - This one simple thing is still the best way to protect yourself

 

A weak password is still the #1 way hackers break into your network. In fact, 81% of the total number of breaches last year utilized weak or stolen passwords!

Here’s what a GOOD password should contain:

·       A minimum of eight characters

·       Uppercase and lowercase letters

·       At least one number and one symbol (#, for example)

·       No complete words, like “PaSsWord123#.” While this meets the requirements, a hacker’s brute-force software will crack that in seconds.

·       Never reuse a password for multiple accounts (like making your Facebook and LinkedIn passwords the same).

If you have questions about cyber security or some other IT-related issues for your business? Go to https://www.Fidelitech.net/discoverycall to book a quick, 10-minute call.

 

#cybersecurity #passwordvault  #passwordsecurity #networksecurity #ITSupport #ITServices

Building a Holistic Insider Risk Management Program

The risk landscape has changed dramatically with the growth of the digital landscape. The amount of data captured, copied and consumed is expected to rise to more than 180 zettabytes in the near future. Traditional ways of identifying and mitigating risks simply don't work. Historically, organizations have focused on external threats; however, risks from within can be just as prevalent and harmful. These trends make it imperative to think about insider risk as a core part of your data protection strategy with a holistic approach including the right people, processes, training and tools. The Microsoft Security report, "Building a Holistic Insider Risk Management Program: 5 elements that help companies have stronger data protection and security while protecting user trust," provides insight. Download the report for an inside look at how Microsoft shifted from focusing solely on risk management to thinking about building value and security culture and benefits it gained as a result.

View: Building a Holistic Insider Risk Management Program

Microsoft a Leader in the 2023 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Desktop as a Service

The desktop as a service (DaaS) market continues to grow, as does the need by organizations for flexible and secure remote access. In this free copy of Gartner's inaugural Magic Quadrant for DaaS, you'll read about the key DaaS solutions and providers - and learn why Gartner rated Microsoft a "Leader."

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Eurowings enhances security, will reduce operating costs by 50+ percent with Azure Virtual Desktop

Eurowings, Lufthansa Group's low-cost airline, serves more than 40 million customers at 100 destinations around the world. When the company's on-premises server farms, which provide application access and security to thousands of external and contract employees, needed upgrading, Eurowings decided to ditch its on-prem servers and embrace the cloud with Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop. Tim Thomer, Enterprise Architect at Eurowings explains:. "We wanted a cloud VDI solution capable of running modern authentication, and which could match our existing infrastructure in terms of security and reliability. That's how we found Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop." Read the Eurowings story of cloud adoption in this Microsoft article.

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Cyber Security Tip: How to spot a phishing e-mail!

 Protect Yourself from Phishing Scams: Spotting the Fakes

Imagine receiving an email that seems completely legitimate, potentially from a trusted website you use regularly. However, hidden beneath the surface lies a sinister ploy to deceive you into revealing sensitive login information or downloading a harmful virus. These deceptive emails, known as phishing emails, can be incredibly convincing, making it crucial to know how to distinguish them from authentic messages.

Some common disguises employed by phishing emails include appearing to be PDF attachments, fake tracking numbers from renowned couriers like UPS or FedEx, official bank letters, notifications from social media platforms like Facebook, or bank alerts. The danger lies in the fact that they are meticulously crafted to mimic the appearance of genuine emails, making them difficult to identify.

So, how can you safeguard yourself against these fraudulent emails? Look out for these telltale signs that can help you spot phishing attempts before falling victim.

If you have any questions about cybersecurity or other IT-related issues for your business, visit https://www.Fidelitech.net/discoverycall to book a quick, 10-minute call. 

For a free security assessment, schedule an appointment at https://www.fidelitech.net/semperarmor

#cyber security #email security #network hacked #IT consultants #IT Support #Phishing protection #Network Security #Utah Network Security #Salt Lake city Network Security

NHS Supply Chain boosts productivity with Microsoft Surface devices

Discover how the NHS transformed patient care with Surface devices. Get the inspiring story of how it overcame digital challenges and improved healthcare outcomes. Learn how Microsoft's technology empowered healthcare providers to enhance collaboration, streamline workflows, and deliver efficient care. Read the blog and take a deep dive into this remarkable customer story to gain insights into the power of technology in healthcare. Unlock the secrets behind the NHS's success and get in touch to discuss how Fidelitech Solutions Inc. can help you apply lessons learned to revolutionize your own organization.

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Introducing Surface Laptops

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 offers multitasking speed powered by 12th Gen Intel® Core™ processors, up to 17 hours of battery life, Windows 11 and a vibrant touchscreen. Watch this video to be inspired by how sleek and beautiful it is. Better yet, it comes in your choice of size and color!

Announcing Public Preview of Personal Desktop Autoscale on Azure Virtual Desktop

Good news! You can now preview Microsoft's Personal Desktop Autoscale, which is Azure Virtual Desktop's native scaling solution that automatically starts session host virtual machines according to schedule. With Personal Desktop Autoscale, you can save costs by shutting down idle session hosts while ensuring session hosts can be started by users when needed. Find out more in this article.

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Protecting Your Network from Ransomware: Don’t Ignore This Critical Vulnerability!

 

Did you know that there's a common vulnerability that many organizations overlook? It's a dangerous oversight that can give hackers free reign to spread ransomware throughout your entire network. Sounds scary, right?

 But don't worry, we've got a solution for you. By implementing a simple yet effective measure, you can stop these attackers in their tracks.

 Introducing separate local admin passwords for each computer you support. This is a small, but a crucial step that prevents hackers from gaining access to just one computer and then seamlessly moving laterally through your entire network, wreaking havoc along the way.

 Don't let your network become the next victim. Take action now and safeguard your organization from the devastating consequences of ransomware attacks. We've got your back with the tools and automation that make managing random generated local admin passwords easy.

If you have any questions about cybersecurity or other IT-related issues for your business, visit Fidelitech.net/discoverycall to book a quick, 10-minute call.

For a free security assessment, schedule an appointment at https://www.fidelitech.net/semperarmor.

4 Breakthrough Ideas for Compliance and Data Security

Are you struggling to increase visibility and control over data without slowing it down? An integrated compliance and security platform can help. The Microsoft Security eBook, "4 Breakthrough Ideas for Compliance and Data Security," explores critical data protection challenges and how a modern, unified platform can address them. Discover how to consolidate compliance and security capabilities into a more efficient, manageable and scalable solution that empowers employees to be productive virtually anywhere without unnecessary risk. Download the eBook now and take your first step in reducing risk while increasing efficiency.

View: 4 Breakthrough Ideas for Compliance and Data Security

2023 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Desktop as a Service - Free Offer

You need to know the pros and cons of the leading desktop-as-a-service (DaaS) solutions before you buy. Read the full inaugural Gartner Magic Quadrant for DaaS vendors, including digital workplace leaders like Microsoft Virtual Desktop. Get the free report. 👉

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