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Shopping on the internet offers a lot of convenient opportunities. However, AI-generated websites have brought about new risks for consumers. Designed with sophisticated AI tools, they can be difficult to identify. Many look authentic by mimicking well-known brands and some even feature fake consumer reviews to make the website appear trustworthy. Especially during the holiday season, you need to be careful of fake online stores and even marketplace listings. Once you click on the links and submit your personal information, scammers can access and steal your information, using it to make unauthorized purchases.  Here are a few ways you can look out for fake AI-generated websites.

·       Check the URL Carefully. Fraudulent websites often use URLs that closely resemble legitimate ones but includes light alterations, such as additional characters or misspellings. For example, instead of "www.amazon.com," it might read"www.amaz0n.com."

·      Be Suspicious of Unrealistic Deals: If a website offers products or services at prices that seem too good to be true, proceed with caution. Scammers use deep discounts to lure consumers, knowing they’re often more likely to make impulse purchases on “limited-time” deals. Think before you click!

·      Look for Genuine Customer Reviews Off-site: Be cautious with reviews directly displayed on a website, as these can be easily faked by AI. Instead, search for the company on independent review platforms or social media to check for authentic reviews or any customer complaints.

·      Use an Anti-Phishing Tool: Many antivirus programs include anti-phishing features that detect fake websites. These tools are regularly updated to identify new threats, including AI-generated scam sites.

·      Use Credit Cards or Trusted Payment Services: Credit card companies and services like PayPal often offer better protection against fraud. If you catch a fraudulent charge on your credit card statement you can usually dispute the charge. Debit cards, on the other hand, directly access your bank account and it may take a while to get your money back.

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Practice caution when browsing unfamiliar sites, and if something seems off, it’s always better to trust your instinct and not purchase from a suspicious vendor. For businesses, ICC can help put tools in place that will build consumer trust and secure transaction procedures so consumers feel safe about clicking on your website. Contact us to learn more.

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What Businesses Need to Know

Cloud computing has changed the way businesses operate, enabling scalability, advanced security and cost savings that were once unimaginable. However, along with these benefits comes an increased need to focus on cybersecurity. As organizations move their data to the cloud, they must be proactive when it comes to securing their information. Here is what you need to know about cloud computing and cybersecurity.

The Cloud and Business Relationship

The relationship between cloud computing and businesses can be looked at as an equal partnership. Cloud providers are responsible for securing the infrastructure, but businesses are responsible for protecting the data they store. This shared responsibility means both parties must prioritize cyber security measures to minimize risks. For instance, cloud providers allow access from anywhere, which can increase security risks if unauthorized users gain access. Businesses need to monitor any unauthorized access to sensitive cloud-stored data.

How Businesses Can Ensure Their Data is Secure in the Cloud

To enhance cybersecurity in cloud environments, here are a few precautions businesses can take:

·      Utilize Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security, ensuring that only authorized users can access sensitive data. By requiring multiple forms of identification, businesses can reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

·      Conduct Regular Security Audits: Regular audits can help identify vulnerabilities before any damage is done. Continuous monitoring for unusual activity can detect potential breaches early.

·      Use Data Encryption: Encryption ensures that even if data is intercepted, it remains illegible to unauthorized users. Encryption basically scrambles the data, so outside parties are unable to read it.

·      Establish Data Backup and Recovery Plans: Cloud providers typically offer backup options, but businesses should have a recovery plan in place. A solid backup and recovery plan minimizes the impact of data loss due to cyberattacks or system failures. Once a plan is developed it should be tested periodically.

·      Train Employees on Cloud Security: Human error remains a significant risk. Training employees on best practices, such as recognizing phishing attempts, helps reduce this risk.

As businesses continue to use cloud computing as part of their daily routine, understanding and addressing the associated cybersecurity risks is important. ICC can help implement a comprehensive plan for cloud security—including precautions like multi-factor authentication, encryption, and regular audits. If you are missing one piece of the pie, you may be putting your business at risk. Contact us to get started with a consultation.

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Tools We’re Grateful For

As we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving and reflect on what we’re grateful for, it’s a great time to acknowledge the technology that has revolutionized our day-to-day lives and how we do business. There have been some incredible advancements that have helped us streamline tasks, improve communication, and boost productivity. Here’s a look at some of our favorite tools.

Collaboration Tools

Since the pandemic remote work has surged, and collaboration tools have become indispensable. Platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Zoom have kept teams connected, no matter where they are. They streamline communication, file sharing, and project management among staff for seamless collaboration and greater productivity.

Artificial Intelligence

AI tools are becoming more integrated into everyday business functions. From customer service chatbots to predictive analytics tools, AI is helping businesses make data-driven decisions faster and more efficient than ever before. There is no doubt there is more to come from this technology.

Cloud Computing

Cloud platforms like Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and Amazon Web Services(AWS) have redefined how businesses store, manage, and access data. These services eliminate the need for bulky on-premise servers, making data more accessible, scalable, and secure. For many companies, cloud computing has significantly cut IT costs and allowed them to operate with increased flexibility and efficiency.

GPS Technology

Global Positioning System (GPS) technology has done more than help people navigate their way to Thanksgiving dinner. For delivery services, realtors and even sales teams, GPS has become essential in streamlining operations. Fleet management systems use GPS to track vehicles, and find the best routes, ensuring that deliveries are on time and operations run smoothly. GPS technology helps e-commerce businesses track packages in real time, allowing for precise delivery windows and improved customer satisfaction.

As we express gratitude this Thanksgiving, it’s important to recognize how far technology has brought us in making businesses more efficient and capable. From GPS to AI, these tools not only improve productivity but also allow companies to better serve their customers and compete in an increasingly digital world.

If you haven’t taken advantage of either of these tools, ICC can help you understand and implement them into your business. These tech tools will make your workdays smoother and more productive! Contact us to learn more and get started.

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is bringing a lot of benefits to how we do business and improve our lives. Unfortunately, the increased use of AI has also prompted scammers to use the technology to create deceptive messages, images and videos to enhance their schemes. AI scams are becoming so common and harder to identify that we are starting a new series, “AI Scam Alert” bringing attention to an AI scam every month with tips on how to best protect yourself and your business.

One trend that has become incredibly alarming is voice cloning scams.  This is when scammers use artificial intelligence to clone the voice of a loved one or trusted individual. By analyzing just a few seconds of recorded speech—like a voicemail or social media clip—AI can replicate a person’s voice with shocking accuracy. In personal situations, scammers use these cloned voices to make phone calls, posing as a friend or family member in distress, often claiming they urgently need money. Victims, believing they are hearing the voice of a loved one, may act quickly without questioning the situation. Businesses are also being targeted with voice cloning scams. Scammers may use voice cloning to impersonate executives or key personnel, contacting employees to request urgent wire transfers or sensitive information. Employees, hearing what they believe is the voice of their boss, may act quickly, trusting the request without proper verification. This type of attack can lead to significant financial loss or data breaches.

How to protect yourself and your business:

• Be cautious with voice recordings shared online.
• Verify unexpected requests by calling back the person's known number.
• Implement multi-step verification processes for financial transactions.
• Confirm unusual requests through other channels.

Staying aware and putting safeguards in place can prevent you and your business from becoming a victim of this new wave of AI-powered scams. ICC can put a comprehensive plan in place that includes verification processes and employee training. If you are missing one piece of the pie, you may be putting your business at risk and not being fully efficient. Contact us to get started with a consultation.

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How businesses can protect themselves from cyber threats

In today’s digital landscape, a website serves as your virtual storefront. It’s your clients’ go-to for everything from browsing products, customer service, communications and more. Protecting this virtual storefront is critical. Poor website security can lead to data breaches, damaged reputations, and even legal consequences. Here are some steps businesses can take to protect their website from cyber threats.

Use HTTPS and SSL Certificates

One of the most basic yet critical steps in securing a website is using HTTPS, which encrypts data transmitted between the user and the website. This ensures that even if hackers intercept the data, they cannot decipher it without the encryption key. By encrypting data, such as login credentials and personal details, businesses can protect their users' information from theft and unauthorized access. SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificates provide this encryption.

Multiple Servers for Multiple Websites

Hosting multiple websites on a single server can create significant security risks. If one website on the server gets compromised, attackers could potentially gain access to the entire server and infect other sites hosted there. This increases the likelihood of malware spreading and cross-site contamination. For better security, it's advisable to isolate websites on separate servers or use virtual private servers (VPS) to contain potential threats.

Install Scanning & Monitoring Tools

When a cyberattack happens, every moment counts. Security monitoring tools lets you set up alerts for suspicious activity, such as repeated login attempts or file changes, enabling you to respond quickly before any significant damage is done. A website scanner automatically looks for malware, vulnerabilities, and other security issues and then works to remove them immediately or flags them so you can handle them appropriately.

Implement Web Application Firewalls (WAF)

A web application firewall (WAF) acts as a barrier between your website and incoming traffic, filtering out malicious requests before they reach your server. WAFs can block common threats like SQL injections and DDoS attacks, providing essential protection.

Backup Your Website Regularly

Even with the best defenses, breaches can still happen. Regularly backing up your website ensures that you can quickly restore it in case of an attack. Ensure backups are stored securely and test them periodically to confirm they’re working correctly.

By investing in website security measures businesses can safeguard their customers’ trust and information and protect their reputation. ICC can develop and implement a comprehensive plan of services for your website’s security. If you are missing one piece of the pie, you may be putting your business at risk and not being fully efficient or compliant. Contact us to get started with a consultation.

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Microsoft has announced the end of support for its Windows 10 operating system, set for October 14, 2025. As this expiration date approaches, it’s crucial to understand what this means for users and businesses. If you’re a Windows 10 user here are some answers to preliminary questions you might have.

What Does Windows 10 End of Support Mean?

When Microsoft ends support for an operating system, it stops providing essential updates. After October 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive security or product updates, or customer support. This means that although your Windows 10 system will continue to operate it will be more vulnerable to cyber threats without the security patches and Microsoft will no longer offer technical help for this version.

Why is Microsoft Ending Support?

Microsoft typically supports its operating systems for a 10-year lifecycle. Windows 10was released in July 2015, meaning it will have reached its 10 years by October 2025. The decision is part of Microsoft’s effort to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11, which was launched in October 2021.

What Should Windows 10 Users Do?

As October 2025 approaches, here are the options users can consider:

·        Upgrade to Windows 11

Upgrading to Windows 11 will be the common recommendation. Windows 11 offers enhanced security features, better compatibility with modern hardware, and a more streamlined user interface. Make sure your device meets the minimum hardware specifications to run Windows 11.

·        Continue Using Windows 10

Technically, you can continue using Windows 10 after its expiration, but be aware of the risks. Without ongoing security updates, your system will be exposed to vulnerabilities, making it more susceptible to malware and other cyber threats.

With Windows 10 reaching its end in 2025, the time to start planning your next steps is now. For businesses, the transition to a new operating system requires careful planning. Businesses will need to confirm their devices are compatible with Windows 11 and once installed test devices to ensure everything is working smoothly. ICC can help with all of this and more – including training your staff on Windows 11. To guarantee a smooth transition to Windows 11 please contact us to set up a consultation.

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The latest cybersecurity threats and how to protect yourself and your business

Cyber threats are so prevalent these days that there is a month dedicated to cybersecurity! This is a good time to become updated on cyber threats and familiarize yourself with the steps to take to safeguard your business. Here are a few of the most common hazards we’re seeing.

Supply Chain Attacks

• What it is: Cybercriminals target vulnerabilities in a business's supply chain technology. Their goal is to use the platform as a conduit to distribute malware into larger networks.
• What you can do: Keep up with system patches and updates. Use a monitoring tool to identify and stop suspicious activity. Install controls to ensure staff are only running products from trusted sources. Finally, require admins and other users to use two-factor authentication.

Trojans

• What it is: Named after the famous Trojan horse, this malicious software is disguised as a legitimate program. Once installed it can create a backdoor to gain access or give attackers remote control of the affected system. Users click on a link that hides the Trojan malware or unknowingly download it along with legitimate software. Once the file is clicked and opened, the download proceeds to install malware onto the device.
• What you can do: Install a Trojan antivirus on your computer. Never open an attachment or download an attachment from a source you don’t recognize or trust.

Artificial Intelligence Cyber Threats

• What it is: AI is used to craft convincing communications such as emails and messages to mimic legitimate communications with the objective of obtaining sensitive and valuable information. For instance, attackers mimic chatbots or virtual assistants capable of interactions with users to get their private information. 
• What you can do: Fight fire with fire. Use AI-powered security tools to monitor network traffic, identify irregularities and help predict potential attacks.

DNS Tunneling

• What it is: DNS Tunneling is a technique where attackers hide data or send commands by disguising them within regular DNS (domain name system) requests, which are usually used to look up website addresses. DNS traffic isn't often closely monitored, so this method gives hackers a “tunnel” to release malware or steal information without being easily noticed.

• What you can do: Monitor DNS traffic. Look for an unusually high volume of DNS queries or requests to unknown domains. Utilize firewalls to block DNS traffic besides authorized servers.

As cyber threats continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, so must our defenses. National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a perfect time to educate yourself on recent cyber threats and look to strengthen your cybersecurity. ICC can help you put together a comprehensive defense plan to keep your data and devices secure and performing at their best. ICC’s managed services include network security, email security, and quality control reviews. If you are missing one piece of the pie, you may be putting your business at risk and not being fully efficient. Contact us to get started with a consultation.

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As the back-to-school season happens, it's not just students who are preparing for new learning experiences. Companies, too, are taking this time to explore educational opportunities that can benefit employee training and development. Here are a few of the innovative tools businesses have access to that can enhance learning and improve engagement when it comes to training employees.

1. Learning Management Systems (LMS)

A Learning Management System (LMS) is a platform that allows companies to deliver, track, and manage training programs efficiently. With features like course customization and progress tracking, an LMS can cater to various learning styles and needs.

Popular LMS platforms like TalentLMS offer a range of functionalities, from basic course delivery to more advanced features like AI-driven learning paths. These systems let employees take courses at their own pace, provide feedback, and are offered in different languages. 

2. Microlearning Platforms

In today’s fast-paced work environment, employees often struggle to find time for lengthy training sessions. Microlearning platforms help by breaking down content into small modules that can be completed in just a few minutes. This approach not only fits better into busy schedules but also enhances retention by focusing on one lesson at a time.

Grovo is a good example of this platform. It offers a variety of short, interactive lessons that can be accessed on-demand.

3. Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR)

Virtual and Augmented Reality are no longer just for gaming; they have made a significant impact on corporate training as well. VR and AR offer immersive learning experiences that can be particularly beneficial for hands-on training, such as safety drills, equipment handling, or customer service simulations.

For instance, Strivr provides VR-based training solutions that allow employees to practice scenarios in a risk-free environment. 

4. Gamification

Gamification involves incorporating game-like elements into the learning process to increase engagement and motivation. Platforms like Kahoot! use gamification to create fun, interactive learning experiences. Employees can participate in quizzes, complete challenges, and earn badges, all of which can contribute to a more effective learning environment.

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How your business can protect customers’ personal information

Protecting customers’ data is vital to any business. This includes everything from names to financial information to social security numbers. Unfortunately, the potential for unauthorized access to that data from hackers continues to grow. Failing to protect customer data can have dire consequences for businesses, including data breaches, identity theft and reputation damage.

How Businesses Can Protect Customer Data

To effectively protect customers’ data, businesses should implement comprehensive security measures and create a culture of privacy. Here are some steps to consider for your business.

1. Implement an Encryption Tool: Encrypting data ensures that if information is intercepted or accessed without authorization, it remains unreadable to any unauthorized user.
2. Adopt Multi-Factor Authentication: Multi-Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide multiple forms of verification before accessing sensitive information. This makes it harder for cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access.
3. Conduct Regular Security Audits: Regular audits and vulnerability assessments help identify potential weaknesses in security systems. Addressing these vulnerabilities proactively can prevent breaches and strengthen data protection.
4. Train Employees on Data Privacy: Employees play a crucial role in data protection. Training them on best practices, such as recognizing phishing attempts and securing sensitive information, can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches.
5. Narrow Down Data Collection: Businesses should only collect the data they absolutely need from customers. Hackers may be less likely to steal a list of only email addresses, than a list that includes phone numbers and addresses too.
6. Regularly Update Software and Systems: Keeping software and security tools up to date with the latest patches helps protect against known vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit.
7. Comply with Data Protection Regulations: Understanding and adhering to relevant data protection regulations is essential for legal compliance and risk management. 
8. Destroy Customer Files before Discarding: Make sure to shred files that have any personal or financial information on them. If a computer is being reused or recycled make sure to wipe the drive clean or physically destroy it.

By investing in such data privacy measures companies can safeguard their customers’ trust and information, comply with legal requirements, and protect their reputation. Having a reliable IT partner can help you implement security and compliance measures. When you work with ICC, you can expect a comprehensive plan of services for security, risk management, and compliance. If you are missing one piece of the pie, you may be putting your business at risk and not being fully efficient or compliant. Contact us to get started with a consultation. 

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Cybercriminals see small businesses as easy targets. They assume small business owners are too occupied with doing so much on their own, or they don’t prioritize cybersecurity as much as large companies do. Whatever their assumptions, cybercriminals constantly evolve their tactics, trying to steal data and money from small businesses. Here are five common scams to be aware of with tips on how to protect your business.

Fake Invoices:

Scammers send fraudulent invoices that appear to come from legitimate vendors or service providers. Most common fake invoices include office supplies, domain hosting services and directory listings. Make sure your entire staff (not just your accounting department) are familiar with your list of vendors. If it looks like a vendor you use but you don’t recognize the charge contact the vendor directly to verify details.

Vanity Awards: 

This is a deceptive practice where businesses are contacted with offers for prestigious-sounding awards in exchange for a fee. These awards have no actual merit and are designed purely to obtain money from companies. If you suspect this scam, research the company. Reputable awards do not typically require payment for recognition. 

Phishing Attacks:

AI’s ability to mimic company emails with accuracy has really made phishing tactics dangerous and difficult to identify. Scammers send emails that appear to be from legitimate organizations, such as banks, government agencies, or colleagues. The emails often contain links to fake websites designed to capture your credentials. When reading an email from a new sender always double-check the email address and look for unusual domains or misspellings. Do not click on any links or download attachments from an unknown or suspicious source.

Business Email Compromise (BEC):

BEC happens when cybercriminals pretend to be a high-ranking official within the company to request fund transfers or sensitive information. Also called “CEO Fraud” businesses can protect themselves by using email authentication protocols like DMARC and putting strict communication channels in place to verify transactions.

Tech Support Scam:

Phony tech support agents may contact you via phone, email or pop-up message claiming that your computer security has a problem. They’ll offer to fix the problem for a fee. If given remote access, they will be able to steal information or install malicious software. If this ever happens, hang up or disconnect and call your IT provider with your regular contact information. Never grant remote access to unsolicited tech support calls or emails.

By implementing security precautions, small businesses can reduce their risk of falling victim to such scams. ICC can help keep your data and devices secure. ICC can put a comprehensive plan in place that includes network security, email security, and quality control reviews. If you are missing one piece of the pie, you may be putting your business at risk and not being fully efficient. Contact us to get started with a consultation.

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