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Staying Safe Online
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month A global effort to help everyone stay safe and protected when using technology whenever and however you connect. The theme for the month is "It’s easy to stay safe online" and Winsor Consulting is proud to be a Champion...
What Are MSPs and How They Can Add Value to Your Business
What is a Managed Service Provider (MSP)? A managed service provider (MSP) is a company that remotely manages and completes day-to-day services for businesses relating to IT systems. MSPs improve business operations by monitoring an organization’s servers, routers,...
10 Dark Web Facts You Need to See Right Now
Let These 10 Dark Web Facts (Not Hype) Inform Your Security Decisions Dark web threats are growing increasingly more dangerous as a booming dark web economy drives cybercrime to new heights, setting records for phishing, hacking, and (of course) ransomware. This...
Why “Break-Fix” Is A Flawed Business Strategy
A very common question is “Why do I need to be on a managed IT plan? Can’t I just pay someone to come out and fix things when they’re broken?” While that’s a legitimate question if we were talking about your washing machine or car, that’s NOT the right approach to a...
How To Remove Windows Defender Security Warning Scam
The Windows Defender security warning that might randomly pop up on your screen while you’re browsing is a type of malware that wants you to trick into contacting scammers, also known as phishing. You can get infected with it by visiting a suspicious website, clicking...
10 Effective Ways to Reduce Your Organization’s Network Security Risk
No one can completely avoid risk when it comes to their network security. Thankfully, there are steps that you can take to minimize your organization’s vulnerability! We will discuss 10 effective ways to reduce your organization's network security risk. If you’re...
Ignoring Two-Factor Authentication Is A Simple Mistake
It's a fact. Ignoring Two-Factor Authentication Is A Simple Mistake. A large number of people and businesses are missing out on a simple, effective online security solution by ignoring two-factor authentication (2FA/MFA). Two-Factor Authentication, also commonly known...
Are Cloud Phone Systems The Future?
What is a Cloud Phone System? A cloud phone system is a phone service that allows you to make and receive calls over the internet. It uses VoIP technology, which means it connects your call through an internet connection rather than through an analog landline or...
Pentagon To Publish CMMC ‘interim rule’ by May 2023
CMMC Update! Big CMMC update out of the Pentagon! When CMMC 2.0 was released in late 2021, they stated this process was going to take 9-24 months. Everyone has been anxiously awaiting to find out if this timeline is still on track, and it sounds like it is! According...
Phishing Prevention: Don’t Let Hackers Lure You In
At Winsor Consulting, we see Iowa businesses fall victim to phishing scams on a regular basis. And while we all would like to think we’d never fall for such schemes, cybercriminals are getting craftier in their approaches as time goes on. Imitating big brands like...
8 Convincing Reasons to Hire A Managed IT Services Provider in 2022
Managed IT service providers such as Winsor Consulting Group have been growing in popularity in the past couple of years and will continue to grow in years to come. The success of managed services has been outstanding as shown by Statistica: as of 2019, the market is...
Why Your Business Needs a Network Assessment
A network assessment is a “check-up” of your network – all of your computers, servers, routers, printers, software, and users. Hardware is the backbone of your business and must be regularly maintained to prevent downtime. Did you know that 75% of SMB’s plan on...
A Digital Cleaning Is What Your Business Tech Needs
Digital cleaning, such as checking for outdated technology, might be more impactful than you think. Recent statistics show that cybercrimes occur more frequently to those who are not updating and cleaning their systems. The U.S. Small Business Administration found...
Protect Your Loved Ones From Online Romance Scams
When you hear “romance scam” you may think of a little old lady falling for the classic “Nigerian Prince” scam. But romance scams have become far more complex and difficult to recognize, adapting to today’s online dating landscape. With the popularity of platforms...
How to Include Cybersecurity Training in Employee Onboarding
Bringing new employees up to speed on company policies and procedures, or employee onboarding is standard practice. The process covers topics like what’s expected in daily work, proper communication channels, and vacation and sick leave policies. In well-prepared...
22 Cybersecurity Statistics To Know For 2022
As the rollercoaster of a ride that was 2021 comes to a close and we’re entering a more hopeful new year, we thought it apt to compile a list of impactful cybersecurity statistics that should help you stay at the top of your security and privacy game over the next 12...
Check Your Tech for Cybersecurity Benefits
Cybersecurity benefits are many. Safeguarding your business with strong cybersecurity is essential when it comes to ensuring sustainability — especially as hackers and cybercriminals become more audacious. Hackers no longer simply take your data. They use ransomware...
Data Privacy and the Future of Business: How Businesses Can Put Privacy First
With the global big data market set to be worth nearly $235 billion by 2026, to say that data is now core to business success today would be a massive understatement. From tweaking shipping strategies to delivering more relevant advertising campaigns to customers,...
Tax Season 2022: Looking For IRS Scams and Phishing
With the 2022 Tax Season approaching and the rise of IRS filings online, consumers should protect themselves against online identity theft and other IRS scams that increase during and linger after the filing season. Such scams may appropriate the name, logo, or other...
How Cybersecurity Works to Contain Your Privacy
What Is Cyber Security and How Does It Work? Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computer systems, sensitive data, and networks from unauthorized access and harm. Such cyber-attacks are meant to steal information, change internal data, or destroy sensitive...
Productivity Tools Fueling the Quad Cities’ Modern Workforce
Small Businesses Are Maximizing Efficiencies with Technology As a Managed Services Provider in the Quad Cities, we specialize in matching innovative productivity tools with local small businesses. Outdated technology can not only pose security risks and affect staff...
Microsoft Teams – What’s Been Updated This Past Month
December 2021 was yet another month packed with new updates for Microsoft Teams, including end-to-end encryption for Teams calls and a new 911 emergency calling location detection feature. December brought updates to Microsoft Teams meetings, chat, and collaboration,...
Checklist for Cyber Security Assessments
Are you in denial about cybersecurity? If you think you aren’t at risk because your business is too small or doesn’t have worthwhile data to steal, think again. Hackers know that information systems for small and medium businesses (SMBs) typically have weak security...
What is CMMC 2.0?
The basic premise of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification is that by 2025 all contractors and subcontractors in DoD’s supply chain, with the exception of commercial-off-the-shelf product providers, would have to obtain a third-party certification of their...
Hackers Exploit Omicron Variant To Lure Users
Hackers are using Omicron Variant in phishing attempts. People are asked to be on high alert after the emergence of scam emails about the new Omicron Covid variant. Scammers are already sending fake emails about the new strain in an attempt to steal personal data and...
Critical Exploit in Apache Log4j Library
A critical exploit has been made public regarding Apache’s Log4j service which can be used to execute remote commands without authentication on devices that have JNDI Lookups enabled. This exploit has been given the term “Log4Shell” and all known systems that use...
Benefits Of Working With An MSP Provider
Looking to learn more about the managed IT services business model, its origin, and benefits? You've come to the right place. Managed IT services allow businesses to delegate their IT operations to an expert third-party organization that specializes in handling these...
Emerging Technology in the Quad Cities: What You Need to Thrive
Remember when HAL from Space Odyssey made us all afraid of the potential evils of artificial intelligence? Ah, the innocence of 1968. Today, AI has transitioned into mainstream society, and the only thing we’re afraid of as business owners are not being agile enough...
Staying Safe While Shopping Online
Online Shopping Safety From the convenience of one-click ordering to the lure of next-day delivery, online shopping has grown tremendously in the past few years, fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic. But online shopping isn’t just convenient for us and good for businesses,...
CMMC 2.0 And What That Means
CMMC 2.0 - What does this mean? On Thursday, November 4, 2021, the DoD announced its plans for going forward with CMMC and some huge changes. What does this mean? The enhanced “CMMC 2.0” program maintains the program’s original goal of safeguarding sensitive...
Discover the Benefits of AI Cybersecurity Solutions in Iowa
TechRepublic reports that a midsized company gets alerts for more than 200,000 events and threats each day — far too many than even the most experienced team of human tech experts should be expected to handle. AI, or artificial intelligence, can provide a major...
Why A Career In Cybersecurity Might Be A Fit For You
Cybersecurity is one of the hottest sectors today, with new threats and challenges emerging each day. And with that, there is a huge push being undertaken by both business and education sectors to attract individuals toward a degree and career in cyber. Interested in...
#BeCyberSmart and Fight The Phish – Cybersecurity Awareness Month
From ransomware to SMS Malware, the cybersecurity space has been hectic more than it’s ever been over the last 12-24 months. However, for all the emerging threats and news that are cropping up on the horizon, phishing—one of the oldest pain points in cybersecurity—is...
Government Warns Water Treatment Plants Of Potential Ransomware Attacks
SAN FRANCISCO — U.S. authorities said on Thursday that four ransomware attacks had penetrated water and wastewater facilities in the past year, and they warned similar plants to check for signs of intrusions and take other precautions. The alert from the Cybersecurity...
Create Strong Passwords To Prevent Yourself From Cybercrime 2022
Let's get you a quality password. Did you know, 60% of business-related passwords fail to meet the bare minimum requirements? It's a harsh reality that can cost your business unnecessary losses. There are multiple ways to create strong passwords to prevent yourself...
My IT Support Is OK, But What If I Want More?
My IT Support Is OK, But What If I Want More? As humans, change can be challenging. Therefore, we end up in a bank that gives us less than ideal rates. Or continue to set foot on the same uneven paving slab without taking action. Change takes effort. But...
Useful Tips For Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Now in its 18th year, Cybersecurity Awareness Month—previously known as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month—continues to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity across our Nation, ensuring that all Americans have the resources they need to be safer...
Ransomware Attacks in Iowa: How to Identify and Prevent Them
Most ransomware attacks are initiated by organized crime, according to Clear Data. Tony Soprano, anyone? When you think about it, it’s really no different than a shakedown. But instead of Soprano strong-arming you in an alley to extort your money, cybercriminals...
The iOS 15 Privacy Settings You Should Change Right Now
Apple’s iOS 15 has dropped. The latest version of the mobile operating system, and its iPad equivalent iOS 15.5, is rolling out around the world. Apple made the download available after announcing the iPhone 13 at its annual hardware event last week. Even before it...
How To Snooze Microsoft Teams Outside Of Business Hours
Enjoy Some Free Time – Snooze Microsoft Teams Outside Of Business Hours We all love our mobile phones… arguably a little too much. Let’s take control of your Teams notifications so you can make sure your work doesn’t interfere with personal time. Let's help you snooze...
Defend Your Assets with Cybersecurity Training in Iowa
Most data breaches start with an email. But it’s no regular email. 67% of data breaches are due to attacks like phishing, according to Verizon’s 2020 Data Breach Investigations Report. Knowledge obtained from cybersecurity training for Iowa is the most critical tool...
The Do’s and Don’ts of Dark Web Protection in Iowa: Protect Your Business
Since 2020, cybercrime has skyrocketed by 600 percent with new tactics to lure your business into danger. Many of the threats hide in plain sight, but remain masked under the anonymous veil of the dark web’s advanced VPN systems. The dark web houses numerous threats...
Phishing Prevention: Don’t Let Hackers Lure You In
At Winsor Consulting, we see Iowa businesses fall victim to phishing scams on a regular basis. And while we all would like to think we’d never fall for such schemes, cybercriminals are getting craftier in their approaches as time goes on. Imitating big brands like...
How IT Consulting Can Help You Maximize Your Budget
The world is constantly changing. Profound shifts in consumer expectations demand that companies across all industries deploy new technologies that serve to maintain business continuity and optimize critical operations. Did you know that more than 80 percent of...
3 Cybersecurity Solutions That Can Help Avoid Costly Downtime
No matter what industry you’re in, your business likely depends on a wide variety of online communications and services. From virtual chat software to customer-facing support systems, losing network access could leave your company scrambling to deal with a plethora of...
3 Ways Cloud Services Can Reduce Your Overhead Costs
With a global return to the office quickly approaching, the CEOs of the world’s most influential companies are carefully planning what a return to ‘normal’ will look like. According to the 2021 CEO Outlook Pulse Survey, more than half (69%) of companies plan to build...
Work from Home Security: 3 Ways to Improve Your Company’s Remote Data Security
Cybersecurity has rightfully been an area of concern for many business owners, especially regarding network safety and work-from-home security. According to a study by IBM, human error is the leading cause of 95 percent of cybersecurity breaches. And with Kate Lister,...
Remote Work Collaboration: Improve the Way Your Team Works Together While Apart
With the pivotal shift in remote work options looking to become a lasting effect of 2020, employers are experiencing both the perks and pitfalls of this new teamwork and collaboration trend. According to LinkedIn’s 10 Insights from Talent Leaders, “recent research...
How to Drive Remote Work Engagement
Workforce engagement is crucial for every business type and is especially important for companies that offer work-from-home options. According to Gartner, 88 percent of organizations moved employees over to work-from-home after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. With...
3 Ways to Leverage Your Technology in 2021
Every investment you make for your company should be made with confidence. While it’s hard to be sure which new technologies have staying power over others, one thing remains certain – your employees will always need to communicate and collaborate. Whether your team...
The Dos and Don’ts of Communications
Do you have staff working remotely for the foreseeable future? It would be nice to ensure your entire team could collaborate efficiently, no matter how far apart they work. Don't you wish there was an easy way to make it work? The secret is excellent communication...
The Top Three Reasons You Need Compliance as a Service
Compliance as a Service (CaaS) is an easy way to ensure you’re adhering to the government’s constantly changing regulations without all the fuss of handling things in-house. Staying HIPAA and PCI compliant is one of the most important things you can do to protect your...
3 Bonus Benefits of a Disaster Recovery Plan
What would you do if you encountered a fire, flood, ransomware, data breach, accidental file deletion or really, any disaster? Your entire systems could crash, your data could be compromised, and your employees and customers would be looking to you for answers....
Data Backup Essentials: A COVID-19 Checklist
Businesses around the world are reexamining their business continuity plans in the wake of COVID-19, and that includes checking in on your organization’s policies surrounding data backup essentials. While you probably have methods for preventing data loss due to human...
Don’t Wait Until After an Attack to Protect Yourself
From uniformed employees to cybercriminals, your digital business is constantly being threatened. Are you prepared for when that threat becomes an attack? Having a watchful eye on your information and having a plan in place if you are comprised is at the heart of...