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Types of Holiday Scams to Avoid

Types of Holiday Scams to Avoid

While many spend the month of December preparing for the onslaught of family members and friends, there are a special few who see the holiday as a chance to ruin your holiday. Scammers work 24/7/365, but they have even more opportunities to trick consumers during the chaos of the season. Major shopping holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday expose vulnerable consumers to scams they otherwise might identify if they weren’t distracted. Losing money to a scam is unpleasant at any time, but the holiday scams have the impact of souring a pleasant holiday. Knowledge is always the most effective tool against cybercriminals. Here are a few common scams to keep in mind: 4 Holiday Scams to Watch Out for This Season 1. Package Delivery Scams Online shopping has become the preferred method for millions of consumers looking to avoid crowded stores and long lines, especially after spending 2 years with Covid-19 restrictions. Notifications for orders are often sent by text or email, which opens doors for scammers. Message related scams appear to come from reliable sources like USPS or Amazon. They provide a link or tracking information, which leads the target to a website requesting their personal information. Links can expose your phone or computer to malware, which allows hackers access to private information. The Federal Communications Commission also notes that scams can come in the form of phone calls as well. Voicemail messages prompt consumers to return the call to confirm delivery. The FCC says these calls might come from a 10-digit international number or 809 area code. Keep careful track of the websites and companies you make purchases from. Look for suspicious links and incorrectly spelled words. 2. Seasonal Job Scams Short-term jobs come into high demand for retailers during November and December. They are the chance for workers to make extra money, and for companies to get a hand with the holiday boom. Scammers see an opportunity for themselves too. When it comes to temp gigs, being cautious can keep your personal information safe. Postings that offer extremely high pay for low skill labor are a quick way to trick people looking for easy money. Never begin a position without signing a contract with the responsibilities detailed in the listing. 3. Gift Card Scams The untraceable nature of gift cards leads them to being a rather effective method for scammers. Gift card scams are the most common method for scammers. According to the FTC, nearly 1 in 4 instances of fraud are paid out using gift cards. In this instance, scammers employ an element of fear to convince targets to submit a payment with a gift card during threat of government action. Alternatively, they pose as a friend or family member urgently needing a gift card for a specific store. 4. Charity Scams While distasteful, it’s important to remember that charity scams are a real threat, especially over the holidays when people are looking for the chance to spread goodwill. Like gift card scams, there is an element of pressure that targets people using vague information and sentimental claims. It’s often difficult to know where your money is going after being talked into a donation online or on the phone. The Federal Bureau of Investigation recommends donating using a check or credit card. They also recommend avoiding new charities shortly after a disaster and to only donating to known organizations.

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8 Holiday Travel Tech Tips

8 Holiday Travel Tech Tips

The winter holiday can be one of the most stressful travel seasons of the year. Planning a Christmas feast and figuring out how to keep a house of children occupied for two weeks of break is a second and third job. When you’re traveling for the holidays and out of your typical routine, it’s easy to let your guard down. However, letting these little moments distract us can have disastrous consequences for our technology, and subsequently, your business. Cybercriminals take advantage of any sign of weakness, looking for the moment where you’ve made a mistake. Don’t give cybercriminals the opportunity to catch you with your guard down. Here are a few items to add to your travel prep list: Be Cautious of Public Wi-Fi One common trick by cybercriminals is imitating a trusted Wi-Fi with an internet hotspot with a similar name. Always verify that you are using the correct Wi-Fi by confirming with the establishment that has provided it. Check Vacation Rentals for Hidden Cameras While many travelers have great experiences to share about their Airbnb stays, there are many travelers that have reported hidden cameras being found in their hotel rooms. Hidden cameras can be found in light fixtures, vents, and disguised in everyday objects. Verify Roaming Costs with your Provider If you’re looking to stay in communication during your vacation, be aware of the additional roaming costs that might come from your provider. Be prepared to use alternative methods like a mobile hotspot or reserve data usage to when Wi-Fi is available. Disable Location Services on your Device Posting on social media in real time and leaving location services active are indicators that let thieves know that you aren’t at home, especially when you expect to be away for an extended period. Save the posts for once you’re back in town. Back Up Data Before Leaving While you’re creating new memories, it would be a shame to lose old ones. Make sure your photos and videos are safely stored before beginning your holiday. Take Rental Car Photos Taking pictures of your rental car, and any existing damage before you leave the lot, can protect you from any additional fees the rental company might attempt to tack on after your contract with them has expired. Virtual Private Networking Services Since public Wi-Fi isn’t secure, many travelers use the services of a VPN to encrypt their data when using the available services. Their connections are virtually invisible on the web and are difficult to track and exploit if they are ever found. Save Important Documents Physical documents like your passport can be lost or stolen. Store copies of these documents on an encrypted service to help facilitate their replacement, should the need arise. The holidays should be about spending time with your family, but cybercriminals don’t take vacations.  When it comes to technology, being proactive will always be the best way to ensure that your family and business are protected. It’s important to have an IT support company that will help you stay safe while traveling, for the holidays or even for work throughout the year. Want to double-check the safety and security of your computer network and back-ups? Click Here to schedule your appointment or call us today! (314) 310-1566 (MO) or (618) 205-6839 (IL)

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Holiday Shopping & Tech Prep: 3 Cyber Security Practices to Keep You & Your Business Safe

Holiday Shopping & Tech Prep: 3 Cyber Security Practices to Keep You & Your Business Safe

The holiday season is upon us. After the turkey has been carved and the last touchdown pass is thrown, everyone’s focus immediately shifts to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. They are on the hunt for the best deals and quickest shipping times. With the increase of e-commerce options, standing outside long lines and fighting over Tickle Me Elmo dolls are a thing of the past. The pandemic accelerated this impact, with most e-commerce retailers reporting record sales over the last few years. An unfortunate reality that accompanies this ecommerce shift is that cybercriminals are priming themselves for the holiday season too. They take advantage of the disorder and chaos that the season comes along with to target shoppers and businesses. Both groups should make themselves aware of the dangers lurking behind webpages this season and take preventive measures to ensure opportunities hackers don’t ruin the holidays. Here are some things to keep in mind this holiday season: 1. Be on the Look Out for Security Updates and Patches Many large retailers rely on third-party vendors to provide the IT infrastructure for their e-commerce business. They often employ teams of Information Security professionals who are prepared to handle potential risks as they happen with protocols in place for implementing software patches. It helps eliminate vulnerabilities because tech staff can respond to alerts quickly since their focus is entirely dedicated to security and maintenance. Small businesses often manage the infrastructure of their IT environments on their own, which means that they must dispatch information about security updates on their own. The absence of dedicated IT staff can result in these alerts being overlooked or missed entirely. The holiday season brings new information about cyber threats and new patches to be filled by vigilant security staff. Be careful of the websites you trust with your personal information. 2. Beware of Scam Websites and Phishing Emails Big name companies are commonly the victim of brand impersonation, with DHL being the third-most impersonated brand in phishing emails. Retailers like FedEx and UPS have warned of similar scams that occur more frequently during the holiday season. The more common format for these types of scams begins with the attack claiming that there is a problem for the target to rectify in delivering a package. They are then directed to a malicious link where their personal information is requested and then stolen. Phishing emails target personal and work devices because employees often use both devices to check both types of email. Phishing emails are a popular method for cybercriminals because the links and files they share can be used infect other devices on your network. They also allow hackers to gain access to users’ personal information like usernames and passwords which can be used to break into other accounts. These incidences occur more often during the holidays because people are too busy and stressed to take the extra second to confirm information. 3. Protect Against Human Error Tis the season for reinforcing responsible cybersecurity practices. Now is the perfect time to remind your employees about the best cybersecurity practices, especially as they’re surfing the Internet for gifts. One easy way for businesses to improve the health of their IT infrastructure is to conduct phishing simulation training. It improves employees’ awareness of common malicious attacks and changing behaviors that can leave a business vulnerable to cyberthreats. Human error is ultimately responsible for 95% of all cybersecurity events. Forming strong cybersecurity habits throughout your organizations allows your IT infrastructure to work optimally, people included. If any employee is victim to a phishing attack or becomes aware of any other security vulnerabilities, they should have the knowledge and training to begin procedures to close the breach. IT Support teams should be notified so they can determine the larger course of action needed. Having an incident response plan ensures that all employees know and understand what responsibilities they have during an incident. Take the time to review this plan before your employees leave for their time off. There should be specific personnel responsible for monitoring alerts throughout the year, but especially during times when business is slow or when many employees are expected to be away. Keeping Cyber Security in Mind During the Holidays The holidays should be a time spent with family and friends, not worrying about cybercriminals. Being proactive about cybersecurity saves you the trouble of having to pay to recover data should the worst happen. While millions of Americans are online shopping for the best gifts, hackers are planning to take advantage of unsuspecting shoppers by exploiting the weaknesses within your devices and your users. Online shopping is a fantastic tool, and like all technology, is one we should use responsibly. Don’t let hackers ruin Christmas. Awareness is the best defense against tricks and scams. Start the holidays right by making sure you and your employees are safe. Want a local IT support company that can do better than your current IT company, guaranteed? Click Here to schedule your appointment or call us today!

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Major Difference Between Break-Fix IT Services & Managed IT Services

If you’re thinking about getting tech help for your business? Well, you’ve come to the right place. When Computerease began, our company was dedicated to supporting local businesses and their transition to new tech like the Commadore 64. Times have changed, and computers are fully integrated with our lives and work. However, like with most things, being informed can help your team use their tech more responsibly. For small-to-medium sized business owners, finding the right IT support can feel daunting. Each business has unique needs and the array of services offered by companies is wide. It’s important to understand the goals of your business before deciding what works best for you. Typically, we break down IT services into three categories: Time and Materials, Software Vendor-Supplied IT Services, and Managed IT Services. There are pros and cons to each of these service types, and we will learn about them here: Time and Materials In the industry, we call this “break-fix” services. These are vendors who send a technician to your location with the goal of rectifying a specific problem. Businesses are charged for the time spent and the materials used. There is no contract or subscription fee involved with this type of vendor relationship. This ad-hoc approach to technology management means organizations only receive support when needed. There is little to no preventative service given by break-fix technicians, though there are some who might offer advice while performing their duties. Pros of Break-Fix: Fee-for-Service: Only pay for services rendered, without having to think of contracts and subscriptions Simplicity: If you have a small business, using a straightforward service plan that is like when your car breaks down might be the right fit for you Privacy: With cybercrime on the rise, some organizations have chosen privacy over the level of security that an MSP can provide Cons of Break-Fix: Time-Sensitivity: A Break-Fix technician is unlikely to be familiar with the specifics of your systems and network, and it causes time and money when a new tech must learn your environment Unpredictable Budgets: When you’re only paying for each incident, it’s impossible to know what your monthly or yearly IT budget will be Overbilling: For recurring issues, you will get billed for each occurrence Software Vendor-Supplied IT Services Many software companies will offer IT support for their customers in the form of a help desk or remote support for an additional fee. However, these are typically scaled-back services, limited to troubleshooting their specific application, and NOT your entire computer network and all the applications and devices connected to it. If your problem resides outside of their specific software or the server it’s hosted on, they can’t help you and will often refer you to “your IT department.” While it’s often a good idea to buy some basic-level support package with a critical software application you use to run your business, this is not enough to provide the full IT services and support most businesses need to stay up and running. Pros of Software Vendor-Supplied IT Services: Maintenance: Software vendors handle upgrades and maintenance, which gives you access to the latest version of each platform Help Desk: Receive expert support for a vendor’s specific application Cons of Software Vendor-Supplied IT Services: Limited Knowledge: Software vendors are limited in offering advice on their specific app, and are unable to assist if the problem is outside of their application Do-It-Yourself: With this IT service, your team members are responsible for the aspects of your network and equipment that vendors aren’t capable of Managed IT Services Organizations that don’t have IT staff or who are interested in reallocating staff responsibilities can seek the support of a Managed IT Service Provider. With this model, companies can focus on running their businesses rather than solving tech issues. An MSP can maintain your network, perform routine updates, and provide recommendations on how to optimize your IT infrastructure. When your employees are unable to do their jobs because of tech hiccups, your company loses money. Hiring a dedicated IT professional for your staff is an option, but Managed Services have become a popular choice for small business because they can maintain your network at a low cost. Pros of Managed Services: Constant Monitoring: With an MSP, your network receives protection 24/7/365 to prevent technical issues by monitoring for abnormalities in your infrastructure Expertise: An MSP can provide additional resources and knowledge to your existing team members, so they are more confident in using technology safely. Reduce Operational Expenses: Payment for services is handled on a monthly basis, therefore you aren’t paying each time you call with a problem Compliance Management: Many MSPs are experts in helping businesses maintain industry standards for compliance Cons of Managed Services: Lack of Physical Presence: With larger MSPs, their organizations often have remote headquarters, meaning that they might lack the local support smaller companies may prefer Out of Scope Problems: Choosing the wrong MSP can lead to working with technicians who aren’t experienced with the specific IT demands of your business Cost: The idea of adding a fixed fee to the monthly budget can be daunting for small businesses, but a Managed Service Plan is designed to fit the needs of your business, including the budget Which Option is the Best? An MSP offers the full package for your business: the constant monitoring needed to keep your infrastructure secure in the long term and the on-demand availability of skilled technicians when problems arise during day-to-day operations. With security breaches growing by the day, it is important for small businesses to be prepared for anything. However, this doesn’t mean you need to break the bank on IT support. A Managed Service Plan is a contract designed to suit the unique needs of your organizations, capable of scaling back and expanding as needed. This combination of freedom and security allows business owners to rest easy knowing their networks are protected 24/7/365. With ConstantCare IT Managed Services from Computerease you will get more reliable performance and predictable expenses. That

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