Archive

CMMC Compliance for Maryland Contractors: Your Government Contract Deadline Is Here

Your federal contracting opportunity just came with a new requirement: CMMC certification. If you're a construction company, defense contractor, or government vendor operating in Maryland, the landscape just shifted. The Department of Defense (DoD) is rolling out Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements for all federal contractors handling

How Ransomware Actually Works: A Step-by-Step Attack on Your Business

You're the perfect target. You probably don't know it yet. A ransomware attacker can research your 22-person business in 40 minutes using publicly available information. They can compromise your most critical employee in 4 minutes using a $14 credential purchase. They can infiltrate your systems

Immutable Backups for Ransomware Protection: Your Cyber Insurance Requirement

Your cyber insurance renewal just arrived. On page three, there's a checkbox asking if your backups are immutable. You're not sure what that means. Your IT provider says you have good backups. But the question is specific, and cyber insurance carriers are increasingly making the answer

Personal Web Habits and Cybersecurity: Protecting Your Industry from Human-Driven Breaches

68% of cyberattacks don't start with sophisticated hacking. They start with a click. A mortgage loan officer checking personal email on a work laptop. A construction project manager logging into Facebook during lunch. A financial advisor saving passwords in a browser already full of personal accounts. An education

IRS Publication 4557: What Every Tax Preparer Needs to Know

If you prepare tax returns for clients, IRS Publication 4557 applies to you. It doesn't matter if you're a solo practitioner filing a few dozen returns or a 20-person CPA firm handling hundreds. The IRS requires every tax preparer to have a documented plan for

Shadow AI Security: How to Audit and Control Unsanctioned AI Tool Usage

It starts small and innocent. Someone uses ChatGPT to polish a difficult client email. A marketing team member enables an AI writing assistant to speed up blog drafts. An engineer pastes code into an AI tool to debug faster. A salesperson feeds prospect information into an AI chatbot for email

Remote Work Security Checklist: Protecting Your Maryland Business from Home Office Risks

Security incidents at home don't look like dramatic movie hacks. They look like stepping away from your laptop during a delivery. Leaving it unlocked while you grab coffee. Letting your teenager "just check one thing." Your work device sitting on the kitchen counter where anyone walking

Ransomware Defense Plan: 5 Steps to Protect Your Maryland Business

Ransomware isn't a jump scare. It's a slow-motion disaster. The attack started three weeks ago with a single phishing email. An employee clicked a link and entered their credentials on a fake login page. The attacker quietly explored your network, escalated privileges, and mapped your

FERPA Liability and the PowerSchool Breach: What Maryland Private Schools Need to Know

A school administrator called us last month after the PowerSchool breach. Her first question wasn't "are we affected?" It was "are we liable?" That question is exactly the right one — and the answer depends on something most private schools in Maryland have never thought

Zero Trust Security: A Practical Implementation Guide for Business Owners

Zero Trust Security: A Practical Implementation Guide for Maryland Businesses Your network perimeter is an illusion. You've invested in firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and antivirus software. You have a VPN for remote access. Your network has clearly defined boundaries—inside is trusted, outside is dangerous. Except that'

Vendor Risk Management: Protecting Your Business from Third-Party Security Breaches

Your cybersecurity is only as strong as your weakest vendor. You've invested thousands in firewalls, endpoint protection, employee training, and multi-factor authentication. Your network is locked down tight. Your team follows security protocols religiously. You've passed every compliance audit. Then you get the email that

Agentic AI for Business: How to Prepare Your Company for Digital Employees

Imagine having a team member who works 24/7, never takes vacation, doesn't make emotional decisions, and executes repetitive tasks with perfect consistency. That's not a hypothetical future scenario. It's available today through agentic AI—autonomous systems that don't just respond to

Cloud Cost Optimization: Stop Wasting 30% of Your Cloud Budget in 2026

Your cloud bill just arrived. Again. And it's higher than last month. Again. You scroll through the charges trying to understand where all this money is going. Virtual machines you don't remember launching. Storage volumes attached to nothing. Database instances running idle for months. Each line

Employee Offboarding Checklist: The Security Gap Costing Businesses Millions

Your former employee left three months ago. Their login credentials still work. They can access your email server, download customer data, view financial records, and browse confidential files. Maybe they left on good terms and would never dream of misusing this access. Or maybe they didn't, and they&

AI Voice Cloning Scams: How Cybercriminals Are Impersonating Your CEO

The voice on the phone sounds exactly like your boss. The tone, the cadence, even the slight pause before important requests—everything checks out. They need an urgent wire transfer approved. A confidential document sent immediately. Client data accessed right now. You trust what you hear. After all, you'

Why SMS-Based MFA Is No Longer Secure: Your Guide to Phishing-Resistant Authentication

Your text message codes aren't protecting you anymore. For years, businesses have trusted SMS-based Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) as their security safety net. But while you've been receiving those six-digit codes, cybercriminals have been quietly perfecting ways to bypass them entirely. At Lewis IT,

Windows Server 2016 End of Support: Your Complete Migration Guide for 2027

The countdown has begun. On January 12, 2027, Microsoft will pull the plug on Windows Server 2016 support, and businesses still running this operating system will be left exposed to serious security risks. If your company is among them, the time to act isn't tomorrow—it's

AI and Cybersecurity: How Lewis IT Helps Businesses Harness Artificial Intelligence Securely

The Rise of AI AI is no longer the exclusive domain of tech giants or research labs. Thanks to the rise of cloud-based AI platforms and machine learning APIs, it’s now accessible — and essential — for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs). Modern AI is already embedded into everyday

Cloud Compliance: How Lewis IT Helps Businesses Stay Secure and Audit-Ready in the Cloud

The mass migration to cloud-based environments continues as organizations recognize the tremendous benefits of scalability, flexibility, and cost savings. Cloud solutions have become the backbone of today’s digital landscape — the perfect blend of cutting-edge technology and real-world business needs. However, as Lewis IT reminds clients daily,

Make the First Click Safer: An Advanced Login-Security Playbook by Lewis IT

Your Small-Business IT Roadmap: From Tool Chaos to Growth—With Lewis IT

Small Business IoT Security: How to Protect Your Smart Office From Cyber Threats

Your office thermostat, conference room speaker, and smart badge reader make work easier—but they also create new doors into your network. With more smart devices (IoT) than ever, tracking them all can feel overwhelming. Unfortunately, it only takes one vulnerable gadget to put your entire business network at risk.

How Lewis IT Helps Businesses Connect Segmented Networks with Tailscale Site-to-Site VPN

In today’s hybrid IT environments, organizations often manage multiple segmented networks across offices, data centers, and cloud environments. The challenge? Securely connecting those networks without expensive MPLS circuits, complicated firewall rules, or legacy VPN appliances. At Lewis IT, we’ve helped numerous customers solve this problem with Tailscale site-

Boost SMB Productivity in 2025: How Microsoft Power Automate & Lewis IT Can Transform Your Workflow

Running a small or medium-sized business means juggling endless responsibilities — from chasing approvals to manually updating spreadsheets. These repetitive tasks eat up time, drain productivity, and keep your team from focusing on growth. That’s where smart IT solutions step in, and one of the most powerful tools available

Small Business IT Refresh: How to Avoid Downtime, Boost Productivity, and Stay Secure

Nothing derails your workday faster than a frozen screen or painfully slow computer. For small businesses, outdated tech isn’t just an annoyance — it’s a hidden cost drain. While squeezing every last bit of life out of old equipment might feel frugal, it often costs more in lost productivity,

Don’t Get Caught Off Guard: What Cyber Insurance Really Protects Against

In today’s digital world, cyber threats are no longer abstract concerns—they are a daily reality for small businesses. From phishing scams and ransomware to accidental data leaks, the consequences can be financially and reputationally devastating. That’s why more businesses are turning to cyber insurance as a critical

Strengthen Your Cyber Defenses: How Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication Protect Your Data

In today’s digital world, cyber threats are more sophisticated than ever—and your first line of defense begins with a strong password. But that’s not enough. Weak or reused credentials, outdated security practices, and a lack of two-factor authentication (2FA) expose both individuals and businesses to identity

How Websites Use Your Data—And What You Can Do to Stay in Control

In today’s connected world, every click, scroll, and login generates data—and websites are using that data more than ever. From improving user experience to personalizing ads, your digital footprint is constantly being tracked. But how much do you really know about what’s being collected, how it’s

7 Unexpected Ways Hackers Access Your Accounts—and How to Stop Them

We live in a digital age where convenience is everything—but that same convenience opens the door to sophisticated cyber threats. While most people know to be cautious of weak passwords or suspicious emails, today’s hackers are using increasingly creative methods to gain access to personal and business accounts.

Can You Remove Your Data from the Dark Web? Here's What You Need to Know

Your personal data could be floating around on the dark web right now—and getting it removed is no easy task. In today’s hyperconnected world, protecting your digital identity is more crucial than ever. The dark web, a hidden section of the internet, is a hotbed for cybercriminals who

The U.S. Cyber Trust Mark: What It Means and Why It Matters for Your Smart Devices

Imagine bringing home a new smart device—only to discover it's a gateway for hackers. With smart thermostats, security cameras, and even baby monitors connecting to the internet, cybersecurity threats have become a growing concern. In 2022 alone, there were more than 112 million IoT cyberattacks worldwide—and

How Much Device Storage You Need: A Comprehensive Guide

Device storage plays a pivotal role in determining how many applications, photos, videos, and files you can keep on your device. Insufficient storage can hinder productivity and degrade device performance. However, selecting the appropriate storage capacity can be challenging, often leading to underestimating or overestimating your actual needs. This comprehensive

Understanding Malware and Ransomware: Protect Your Business with Lewis IT

Cyber threats like malware and ransomware are escalating, posing significant risks to businesses of all sizes. In 2024 alone, over 60 million new strains of malware were detected online. Understanding these threats and implementing robust security measures is crucial to safeguard your organization's data and operations. Lewis IT

Protect Your Business from Ransomware: Why Your Backup System Matters

Imagine this: Your business grinds to a halt because cyber criminals have locked your critical files. They demand a ransom, leaving you with a tough choice—pay up or risk losing everything. This is a ransomware attack, and it’s a growing threat to businesses worldwide. But here’s the

Beware of Phishing Scams: The New Microsoft Word Email Attack (And How to Stay Safe)

You’re skimming your inbox and see an email with a Microsoft Word document attached. It looks important—maybe an invoice, a request from a supplier, or a message from a colleague. Without thinking twice, you open it… and just like that, you’ve fallen into a cybercriminal’s trap.

Are Your Employees Your Biggest Cyber Security Risk?

Let’s be honest—would you ever leave your front door unlocked when you leave home? Of course not. But what if someone left a window wide open? Suddenly, all your security efforts are useless. Now, think about your business. You might have invested in top-notch cyber security—strong

The 5 Symptoms of Bad IT That Are Hurting Your Business (And How to Fix Them!)

Welcome to the Lewis IT technology clinic, where we diagnose and treat the IT ailments that could be slowing down your business. Just like ignoring early symptoms of an illness can lead to severe health issues, neglecting the warning signs of poor IT support can be detrimental to your company&

Are Password Managers Safe? Protect Your Online Accounts with These Tips

In today’s digital world, we juggle multiple accounts, each requiring strong, unique passwords. But remembering them all is nearly impossible. That’s where password managers come in. They promise security and convenience, but are they truly safe from hackers? Let’s dive in. What Are Password Managers? Think of

The Ultimate Guide to Secure Data Backup: Best Practices to Protect Your Data

In today’s digital world, data is everything. From important work documents to personal photos and financial records, losing data can be devastating. Whether it's due to hardware failure, cyberattacks, or accidental deletion, the only way to ensure your files remain safe is through secure data backup. So,

Blockchain Technology: How It Works and Why It’s Changing the World

Blockchain technology is revolutionizing industries worldwide, offering a secure and transparent way to store and transfer data. But what exactly is blockchain, and why is it considered the future of digital transactions? Let’s dive into the details of this groundbreaking technology. What is Blockchain? Blockchain is a decentralized digital

Boost Office Productivity: 10 Must-Have AI Tools to Streamline Your Workflow

In today’s fast-paced world, working smarter—not harder—is the key to success. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the workplace by automating tasks, streamlining workflows, and boosting efficiency. If you want to save time, reduce stress, and improve overall productivity, these AI tools are a game-changer for

7 Ways Small Businesses Can Leverage AI for Success

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer reserved for companies with big budgets. Today, AI tools are accessible to small businesses, allowing them to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and boost profitability. With affordable AI solutions now available, small businesses can compete more effectively in a crowded market. Let’s explore

Strengthen Your Email Security: 6 Essential Steps to Protect Your Business

In today’s digital landscape, email remains a crucial communication tool, but it's also a prime target for cybercriminals. With cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated, securing your email has never been more critical. A recent study found that 95% of IT leaders have seen a rise in advanced cyberattacks,

AI-Driven Phishing: A New Era of Cyber Threats

Phishing has evolved, and with the advent of AI, it's now more dangerous than ever. Welcome to Phishing 2.0—an advanced, sophisticated threat that's harder to detect and more convincing than traditional phishing methods. As cybercriminals leverage AI to craft realistic and personalized attacks, the

Maximize ROI on New Tech: Why Employee Training and Change Management Are Essential

Shiny new tech can be exciting! It promises increased efficiency, happier employees, and a competitive edge. Staying competitive in today’s technology-driven business world is essential, but that promise can turn into a financial nightmare if you neglect two important things: employee training and change management. Without these, you

Strengthening Your Business: Building a Culture of Cyber Awareness with Lewis IT

In today's digital world, cyberattacks are a constant threat. Phishing emails, malware downloads, and data breaches can cripple businesses and devastate personal lives. Employee error is often the gateway for these threats, largely due to a lack of cybersecurity awareness. Without proper knowledge, employees might click on phishing

Unlock the Power of Data: Master Data Management for Business Success with Lewis IT

In the digital age, data reigns supreme, acting as the cornerstone for strategic decision-making and operational efficiency in businesses. However, managing vast amounts of data effectively remains a significant challenge, often leading to scattered spreadsheets, siloed databases, and inconsistent data formats. These obstacles can severely hinder a company'

Navigate Zero Trust Security Adoption with Lewis IT: Avoid Common Pitfalls for Enhanced Cyber Protection

In today’s cybersecurity landscape, Zero Trust security models are becoming indispensable for businesses aiming to safeguard their digital assets against sophisticated threats. Adopting Zero Trust, which abandons the outdated "castle and moat" security model in favor of a robust "verify first, access later" strategy, is

Secure Your Business: The Critical Importance of Regular Vulnerability Assessments

In the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity, staying ahead of potential threats is a non-negotiable for businesses of all sizes. With hackers continually crafting new methods to exploit digital vulnerabilities, establishing a proactive security strategy is more crucial than ever. Regular vulnerability assessments, which systematically identify and prioritize weaknesses

Decoding Deepfakes: How to Spot Fake Videos, Audio, and Text in the Digital Age

In an era where seeing is no longer believing, the rise of deepfakes—sophisticated artificial intelligence-generated content—presents a new challenge in digital trust. Whether it’s a seemingly scandalous video of a celebrity or an urgent email from your boss, the authenticity of digital content is under constant

Boost Your Email Security Game: Navigate DMARC with Lewis IT

In today's digital world, the battle against phishing scams is intensifying, with email authentication stepping into the spotlight as a key player. With phishing remaining the primary instigator behind data breaches and security mishaps, a significant transformation is reshaping the email communication landscape to thwart these threats. The

Mastering Cybersecurity in 2024: Key Trends and How Lewis IT Can Help Fortify Your Defenses

As we venture into 2024, the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve rapidly, driven by both technological advancements and increasingly sophisticated threats. Businesses and individuals alike must stay ahead of these developments to safeguard sensitive information effectively. Lewis IT is here to guide you through this dynamic environment, ensuring that your

2024 Cybersecurity Forecast: Navigating the Evolving Digital Threat Landscape with Lewis IT

As we step into 2024, the cybersecurity arena is brimming with both challenges and opportunities. With every advancement in technology, new vulnerabilities emerge, making it crucial for businesses across all industries to stay vigilant and prepared. The dynamic interplay of emerging technologies, sophisticated cyber threats, and changing global dynamics mandates

Is Your Smart Home Secure? Spotting the Stealthy Signs of a Hack

As smart home devices weave their way into the fabric of our daily lives, offering unparalleled convenience and connectivity, they also usher in new vulnerabilities. These devices can be gateways for hackers to infiltrate your personal space, compromising your privacy and security. Despite 75% of consumers expressing distrust over data

QR Codes: A Double-Edged Sword for business owners in the Digital Age

QR codes have seamlessly integrated into our daily lives, from streamlining orders at restaurants to unlocking the world of digital content through simple scans. This square-shaped technology, once devised for automotive tracking, now bridges the gap between physical and digital realms, offering a swift passage to websites, discounts, and

Surviving the Storm: Navigating the Long-Term Fallout of Data Breaches

At Lewis IT, we believe that data is not just an asset; it's the very heartbeat of businesses, driving operations, strategic decisions, and customer engagement. Yet, lurking beneath the digital transformation's promises lies a formidable adversary: the ever-present threat of data breaches. More than just

Unveiling the Secrets: Are Your Smart Home Devices Watching You?

In today’s digitally-driven era, smart home devices have become a staple in modern living, promising unmatched convenience, efficiency, and connectivity right at our fingertips. However, recent studies, including a significant investigation by consumer advocate group which have cast a shadow over these technological marvels, suggesting our smart gadgets

Maximize Efficiency and Slash Costs: Ultimate Guide to Eliminating Cloud Waste

In today's digital-first world, cloud computing stands as a pillar of modern business operations, boasting unmatched scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency. Yet, beneath the surface of these benefits lurks a significant challenge: cloud waste. Surprisingly, about 32% of cloud expenditures go to waste due to underutilization or

Safeguard Your Online Presence: The Hidden Risks of Browser Extensions Unveiled

Browser extensions, akin to mobile apps in their ubiquity, are integral to enhancing our online experiences, offering additional functionalities and customization options. With over 176,000 options available on Google Chrome alone, they cater to a wide array of needs. However, this convenience comes with a cost: a potential compromise

Discover the Latest Microsoft Edge Updates: Enhanced Workspaces, VPN Capabilities, and More!

Microsoft Edge is on a mission to transform how we experience the web, thanks to Microsoft's unwavering dedication to innovation. The latest updates to Microsoft Edge introduce a suite of features aimed at boosting your productivity, securing your online activities, and enhancing your overall browsing experience. While Chrome

7 Revolutionary AI Trends Transforming the Cybersecurity Landscape

In an era marked by relentless digital advancements, the intertwining of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with cybersecurity has become a cornerstone for protecting sensitive data and digital assets. As cyber threats evolve with increasing sophistication, leveraging AI's power has become crucial for organizations aiming to outmaneuver cybercriminals. We at

How Could Your Business Be Impacted by the New SEC Cybersecurity Requirements?

Cybersecurity has become a top priority for businesses worldwide. As technology advances, so do the threats that can compromise sensitive information. Recognizing this critical need, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has introduced a set of new rules centered around cybersecurity, which are poised to have a substantial

Unlocking the Secrets of HaveIBeenPwned.com: Safeguarding Your Digital Fortress

In a world where digital breaches are becoming all too common, it's crucial to know if your data has been caught in the crossfire. Enter HaveIBeenPwned.com, your digital guardian angel in the vast cyberspace. But what exactly is this cyber-sleuthing wizard? HaveIBeenPwned.com: Where Secrets Unfold

Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Strengthening Your Team's Defense with Essential Cyber Hygiene

Greetings, Washington DC metro area businesses! 🌟 In this era of ever-advancing technology, the need for heightened awareness and proactive measures to protect sensitive information has never been more critical. Cybersecurity might seem like an intimidating task, but guess what? It's a team effort, and everyone can be

What is Zero-Click Malware? How Do You Fight It?

In today's wild world of cyberspace, threats are evolving faster than a squirrel on caffeine! 🐿️ One menace that's been making headlines is the notorious zero-click malware. It's like a stealthy ninja, silently sneaking into devices and networks without you even lifting a finger!

How to Use Threat Modeling to Reduce Your Cybersecurity Risk

Hey there, fellow digital adventurers! In this ever-evolving world of cyber threats, businesses have a fantastic quest ahead! They must gear up and take proactive steps to safeguard their precious data and assets from those pesky cybercriminals lurking in the digital shadows. Fear not, for there's a

Nail Your Home Network Security: 9 NSA-Approved Tips for a Fortified Fortress

Welcome to the digital jungle, where technology is king, and everyone needs to stay connected. In this ever-evolving ecosystem, guarding your digital castle, your home network, has become paramount. It's your shield, your sword, defending your precious digital gems – personal data – from crafty hackers. In a world

Enhance Cybersecurity in the Washington DC Metro Area: A Guide for Effective Threat Modeling Techniques to Reduce Risk

As cyber threats continue to increase, businesses must take proactive steps. They need to protect their sensitive data and assets from cyber-criminals. Threats to data security are persistent and they come from many different places. Today’s offices are digitally sophisticated. Just about every activity relies on some type

Protecting Your Business from Business Email Compromise Attacks: A Must-Know Guide for Dental Providers, Financial Institutions, Legal Firms, and Schools in the Washington DC Metro Area

In the fast-paced world of emails, it's easy to respond without giving much thought to their contents. However, this seemingly harmless habit can make you vulnerable to a Business Email Compromise (BEC) attack. Dental providers, financial institutions, legal firms, and schools in the Washington DC Metro Area,

Secure Your Data: A Vital Guide for Dental Providers, Financial Institutions, and Schools in the Washington DC Metro Area

Are you a dental provider, financial institution, or school in the vibrant Washington DC Metro Area? Don't overlook the importance of safeguarding your sensitive data, especially when it comes to disposing of old computers and external drives. Recent research conducted by a leading data recovery specialist has unveiled

Montana Takes a Stand: TikTok Banned as Other States Consider Following Suit

In a bold move to protect its citizens, Montana has become the first state to officially ban the popular social media platform TikTok. This decision has sparked a heated debate, with some applauding the state's effort to safeguard user privacy and security, while others argue for the importance

Embrace the Cloud: Streamline, Save, and Go Green!

Cloud computing isn't just for tech giants; it's a game-changer for dental, education, and financial institutions in the dynamic Washington DC metro area. Are you ready to take your organization to new heights while ensuring data security, collaboration, scalability, and environmental sustainability? Let's

Combating app fatigue in Key industries in the Washington DC Metro Area

The number of apps and web tools that employees in Washington DC's financial institutions, dental providers, universities, and mortgage and title companies use on a regular basis continues to grow. Most departments have around 40-60 different digital tools in use, and 71% of employees feel that the

Lewis IT Earns Esteemed Recognition from Digital Journal: A Testament to Our Dedication & Expertise

In an ever-evolving digital landscape, cybersecurity has become an integral component of every organization's success. As businesses continue to rely more heavily on technology, the need to safeguard their digital assets and networks from malicious actors has grown exponentially. At Lewis IT, our mission has always been

AI Exploitation: The New Frontier for Cyber Criminals in Maryland

The advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology has provided numerous benefits, including improved communication and automation. However, it has also opened the door for cyber criminals to take advantage of these powerful tools, especially in the realm of managed IT services. As an IT managed service provider in the Washington

Microsoft 365 Turns Multi-Factor Authentication into a Party: Security Just Got Fun!

Hold on to your swivel chairs, folks! Microsoft is about to make your office life a tad more thrilling. Rumor has it that Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is about to get a shiny makeover, and it's coming straight to the Outlook app for many 365 business users. Say

Empowering Women in Tech: Celebrating Their Contributions during Women's History Month

As we celebrate Women's History Month this March, we are reminded of the countless contributions women have made throughout history. Women have fought for their rights and the rights of others, broken down barriers, and made significant strides in various industries, including the field of technology. As a

How to Defend Against Ransomware with LAN ZeroTrust

The first recorded ransomware attack occurred in 1989. An AIDS researcher named Joseph Popp mailed floppy disks around the world to attendees of the World Health Organization's AIDS conference. A few days after the floppy disk was inserted, the malware it installed locked the computer and demanded a

Don’t forget your phone when you think about cybersecurity

Our phones are a goldmine of private information. Just think of all the financial details, personal messages, banking apps, photos and contact information that live behind that little glass screen. And if your team use phones for work, they’ll often have access straight into company systems – email, contact lists,

Lewis IT celebrates Women in Technology

As a Managed IT solutions provider, we would like to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for the women who have made significant contributions to the technology industry. Women have played an essential role in shaping the tech world, and we owe a debt of thanks

Have You Had Data Exposed in One of These Recent Data Breaches?

Make Sure Your Router is Secure There’s a reason that browsers like Edge have added breached password notifications. Data breaches are an unfortunate part of life. And can have costly consequences for individuals. Hackers can steal identities and compromise bank accounts, just to name a couple. Cybercriminals breach about

Is your security focusing on the right things?

To protect your home from an intruder you make sure your doors and windows are all locked and secured. You might go further: build a fence around the perimeter, perhaps even get an angry-looking dog to stand guard. But there’s no point going to all that effort if

Mobile Malware Has Increased 500% - What Should You Do?

Cybersecurity researchers uncovered an alarming mobile statistic. During the first few months of 2022, mobile malware attacks surged by 500%. This is alarming both in scale and because many people aren’t yet protecting smartphones. For years, mobile phones have become more powerful. They now do many of the same

Don't Set Yourself Up to Fail: Tips for Safer Home Security Setups

The global home security market has been growing by leaps and bounds. By 2026, experts expect the market to expand at a rate of 20.1%. This is on top of an expected increase of 21.6% from 2021 to 2022. From Ring doorbell cams to entire home security systems,

What to Include in a Year-end Technology Infrastructure Review

When the year is coming to a close, it’s the perfect time to plan for the future. Most businesses begin the year with the hope of growing and improving operations. Much of how a business operates depends on technology. So, it makes sense to look to your IT for

What Are the Advantages of Implementing Conditional Access?

It seems that nearly as long as passwords have been around, they’ve been a major source of security concern. Eighty-one percent of security incidents happen due to stolen or weak passwords. Additionally, employees continue to neglect the basics of good cyber hygiene. For example, 61% of workers use

Simple Guide to Follow for Better Endpoint Protection

Endpoints make up much of a company’s network and IT infrastructure. This is a collection of computers, mobile devices, servers, and smart gadgets. As well as other IoT devices that all connect to the company network. The number of endpoints a company has will vary by business size. Companies

Internet Explorer Has Lost All Support (What You Need to Know)

After being the main entry to the internet in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Internet Explorer (IE) is gone. As of June 15, 2022, Microsoft dropped the web browser from support. IE ushered in the age of connection to the world in 1995 and held a majority of the

The Biggest Vulnerabilities that Hackers are Feasting on Right Now

Software vulnerabilities are an unfortunate part of working with technology. A developer puts out a software release with millions of lines of code. Then, hackers look for loopholes that allow them to breach a system through that code. The developer issues a patch to fix the vulnerability. But it’s

You Need to Watch Out for Reply-Chain Phishing Attacks

Phishing. It seems you can’t read an article on cybersecurity without it coming up. That’s because phishing is still the number one delivery vehicle for cyber attacks. 80% of surveyed security professionals say that phishing campaigns have significantly increased post-pandemic. One of the newest tactics is particularly

6 Discontinued Technology Tools You Should No Longer Be Using

One constant about technology is that it changes rapidly. Tools that were once staples, like Internet Explorer and Adobe Flash, age out. New tools replace those that are obsolete.  Discontinued technology can leave computers and networks vulnerable to attacks. While older technology may still run fine on your systems that

Get More Unplugged Laptop Time with These Battery-Saving Hacks

One of the big draws of a laptop computer is that you can use it anywhere. You don’t need to have it plugged in all the time because it has an internal battery. Your laptop may start out with several hours of battery life when you first buy it.

How Using the SLAM Method Can Improve Phishing Detection

There is a reason why phishing is usually at the top of the list for security awareness training. For the last decade or two, it has been the main delivery method for all types of attacks. Ransomware, credential theft, database breaches, and more launch via a phishing email. Why has

Home Security: Why You Should Put IoT Devices on a Guest Wi-Fi Network

The number of internet-connected devices in homes has been growing. It's increased exponentially over the last decade. A typical home now has 10.37 devices connected to the internet. PCs and mobile devices make up a little over half of those and the rest are IoT devices.

How Often Do You Need to Train Employees on Cybersecurity Awareness?

You’ve completed your annual phishing training. This includes teaching employees how to spot phishing emails. You’re feeling good about it. That is until about 5-6 months later. Your company suffers a costly ransomware infection due to a click on a phishing link. You wonder why you seem

Did You Just Receive a Text from Yourself? Learn What Smishing Scams to Expect

How many text messages from companies do you receive today as compared to about two years ago? If you’re like many people, it’s quite a few more. This is because retailers have begun bypassing bloated email inboxes. They are urging consumers to sign up for SMS alerts for

Which Form of MFA Is the Most Secure? Which Is the Most Convenient?

Credential theft is now at an all-time high and is responsible for more data breaches than any other type of attack. With data and business processes now largely cloud-based, a user’s password is the quickest and easiest way to conduct many different types of dangerous activities. Being

Top 5 Mobile Device Attacks You Need to Watch Out For

Smartphones and tablets are often the preferred device for communications, web searching, and accessing many types of apps. They’re more portable and can be used from anywhere. We’re seeing the takeover of many activities that used to be performed on traditional computers. Now, people are using mobile devices

6 Ways to Combat Social Phishing Attacks

Phishing is the number one method of attack delivery for everything from ransomware to credential theft. We are very aware of it coming by email, but other types of phishing have been growing rapidly. In recent years, phishing over social media has skyrocketed by 500%. There has also been a

Are Two Monitors Really More Productive Than One?

When you see those people with two monitors, you may assume they do some specialized work that requires all that screen space, or they just really like technology. But having the additional display real estate that a second screen provides can benefit anyone, even if you’re doing accounting or