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The Truth About Cybersecurity Every Business Leader Should Know

There are many common myths when it comes to cybersecurity, and, unlike harmless stories, these myths can leave you with gaping holes in your company’s cybersecurity defenses. Here are five common myths and the truth behind them.

Myth #1: It Won't Happen To Us.

There’s a common belief among small and medium-sized businesses that they are too small to be a target for attackers. But this isn’t the case; in fact, some cybercriminals target SMBs specifically, with the knowledge that SMBs are less likely to have the resources for reliable cybersecurity.

Cyberattacks happen to organizations of all sizes, in all verticals and geographies, and hit 80% of businesses. The global financial toll? A projected $9.5 trillion. And while large corporations can take the hit and recover, a single ransomware attack has the potential to put an SMB out of business.

So, regardless of what type of business or organization you have, you must protect yourself from cyberattacks and reduce your exposure. Always assume you are a target – because you are one.

Myth #2: If It Worked Then, It’ll Work Now.

It’s very common for decision-makers to reason that since they’ve never been breached in the past, they won’t be breached in the future either. However, that belief doesn’t account for the rapid pace at which technology – and cybercrime – are evolving.

The threat landscape is constantly changing and there is a very real game of cat-and-mouse at play. If you’re not moving forward, you’re moving backward. Effective security is a cycle of anticipation, adaptation and action.

Myth #3: Once Secure, Always Secure.

Unfortunately, technology is fluid – just like your business. Every time you bring on a new member of staff and add new devices, your technology’s configuration shifts. As it does, it creates new avenues of attack from cybercriminals.

That’s why continuous monitoring and management are necessary to maintain security integrity. The attack surface stretches beyond common focus areas. Because of this, strong cybersecurity demands a holistic, proactive, continuous approach.

Myth #4: Business Optimization Is Incompatible With Security.

Many organizations still assume that security initiatives create operational friction – delaying releases, adding red tape and increasing costs. This outdated thinking frames security and business optimization as mutually exclusive, as if improving one must compromise the other.

While these perceptions may have roots in the past, they don’t reflect modern practices. Today, security enables optimization. That means minimizing both waste and risk – including security risk.

In the end, secure systems are more resilient, predictable and cost-effective. This makes security a driver of business performance, not a barrier.

Myth 5: A Strong Password Is All I Need.

Creating a strong password (at least 16 characters long and a blend of letters, numbers and special characters) for each account is important, but it’s not the only step needed to keep your data secure.

For one, every account and device needs a unique password. If you reuse passwords, it means that if one of your accounts is hacked, all of your other accounts are at risk. To store all your unique passwords, we recommend a password manager!

Enabling MFA for every account will double your protection. The few seconds required to enter a code sent to your phone is well worth the extra security.

That said, there are plenty of other vulnerabilities that savvy hackers can exploit to attack your business’s data. That’s why working with an MSP is a critical component of maintaining your company’s cybersecurity.

Looking For An MSP?

If you need an MSP you can trust to keep your business secure, get in touch with our team to schedule a FREE 10-Minute Discovery Call. During this quick conversation, we’ll be able to map out the next steps to take to get your business’s cybersecurity up to snuff. To schedule, call us at 801-263-8858.

Cyber Hygiene Isn’t Optional Anymore: How To Clean Up Your Risk

When it comes to protecting your business from cyberthreats, the basics still matter. A lot. In fact, according to IBM’s 2023 Cost Of A Data Breach Report, 82% of breaches involved data stored in the cloud, and most of them could’ve been prevented with simple, foundational safeguards.

That’s where “cyber hygiene” comes in – your business’s version of daily handwashing. No, it’s not sexy. But it’s essential. And if you’re skipping the basics, you’re asking for trouble.

Here are four cyber hygiene essentials every small business should have on lock:

1. Keep your network secure.
   Keep your Internet connection secure by encrypting your business’s sensitive data and using a firewall. Keep your WiFi network protected and hidden with a Service Set Identifier (SSID); this allows you to set your wireless access point or router so it doesn’t broadcast your network name. Your router should also be password-protected. Finally, any remote employees should use a virtual private network, or VPN, to connect to your network securely from their location.
2. Teach your team how to stay protected.
   Establishing basic security policies for employees is a great way to reduce your risk of breaches due to human error. These include things like strong passwords, multifactor authentication (MFA), appropriate Internet use guidelines and policies to follow when handling vital data. Other important training topics to cover include how to spot phishing e-mails and avoid suspicious downloads.
3. Back up your important data.
   In the event of a breach, crash or ransomware attack, you want to make sure your most important data is still accessible so your business can continue operating. This is why it’s so important to regularly back up data on all computers; critical data to back up includes documents, spreadsheets, HR and financial files, and databases. If possible, it’s best to set up your data to back up automatically. Store copies in the cloud or offsite in a secure server.
4. Limit data access.
   Limiting access to critical data drastically minimizes your risk. Even in the event of a breach, limiting access means that your most sensitive data will likely still be protected. Staff should only be given access to the specific data systems required for their jobs, and no one employee should ever have access to all data systems. Restrict administrative privileges to only trusted IT staff members and key personnel. Ensure that any former employees are removed from company systems as part of the offboarding process.

Security Is Well Worth The Hassle

While taking all these measures can seem like a pain, it’s far less costly in time, money and effort to invest in them up front. Otherwise, you run the risk of having critical data stolen during a breach or your entire business grinding to a halt due to a ransomware attack you can’t afford.

Want To Get Ahead Of The Threats?

Before you find out the hard way, grab your free copy of our Cybersecurity Crisis Report, an executive guide to protecting your business from today’s most dangerous cyberthreats. Schedule it now: https://www.fidelitech.net/analysis/

Windows 10 Support Ending Next Month! Here’s What It Means For You

Warning: Microsoft will NO LONGER support Windows 10 after October 14, 2025. While PCs operating on Windows 10 will still work after this official end date, Microsoft will no longer provide the free services that keep your device working properly and securely, such as security updates and technical support.

Why Is This Important For Business Owners?

1. Security Risks: Without regular updates, your computer will become more vulnerable to viruses, malware and hackers. This could put your business data at risk, which is why upgrading to a newer version of Windows is crucial.
2. Software Compatibility: Many software programs are updated regularly to work with the latest operating systems. After Windows 10 reaches its end of life, some of your favorite programs might not work as smoothly or could stop working altogether.
3. Compliance Issues: If your business deals with sensitive information or follows strict regulations, using an outdated operating system could lead to compliance issues. It’s important to stay current to avoid potential fines or legal problems.

What Are Your Options?

Microsoft encourages users to migrate to the latest version before the end-of-life date. This can present challenges for some PC owners, as not all devices currently running Windows 10 are compatible with Windows 11. If you try to upgrade one of those PCs to Windows 11, but the device does not meet the stringent hardware requirements of the new software, you’ll encounter an error message.

If your device isn’t compatible with Windows 11, you have a few options. You can:

• Buy a new PC that is compatible
• Sign up for Extended Security Updates (more on that below)
• Switch from the Windows operating system to Linux
• Ignore the deadline and put your business at risk (we do NOT recommend this one!)

Whatever you decide, make sure to back up your data! Before making any changes, always back up your important files. This ensures that nothing gets lost during the upgrade process.

Extended Support For Windows 10

If you’re not able to make the switch to Windows 11 just yet, you can sign up for Extended Security Updates (ESU) from Microsoft. However, it’s important to remember that this option is a bandage, not a permanent solution. ESU will only be offered for a year after the end-of-life date in October.

To sign up for ESU, you have a few options. The most straightforward method is to simply pay the $30 fee, or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Reward points, to register. If you don’t want to pay, there is a free option – with a catch. You’ll need to enable Windows Backup to sync your settings and folders to the cloud in OneDrive. While OneDrive offers 5 GB of free storage, you may need to buy more space if you have large quantities of documents to store.

Regardless, don’t wait to sign up! You need to register for ESU before the October 14 deadline to qualify.

Navigating This Transition

The best step is to work with your IT provider to determine what option makes sense for your organization. An experienced IT team or a tech consultant can help make sure everything runs smoothly and minimize any downtime for your business.

If you’re looking for someone to guide you through this transition period, get in touch with our team to schedule a FREE 10-Minute Discovery Call. During this quick conversation, we’ll be able to map out the next steps to take to start upgrading to Windows 11 efficiently. To schedule, call us at 801-263-8858.

Is Your Business Training AI How To Hack You?

There’s a lot of excitement about artificial intelligence (AI) right now, and for good reason. Tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot are popping up everywhere. Businesses are using them to create content, respond to customers, write e-mails, summarize meetings and even assist with coding or spreadsheets.

AI can be a huge time-saver and productivity booster. But, like any powerful tool, if misused, it can open the door to serious problems – especially when it comes to your company’s data security.

Even small businesses are at risk.

Here’s The Problem

The issue isn’t the technology itself. It’s how people are using it. When employees copy and paste sensitive data into public AI tools, that information may be stored, analyzed or even used to train future models. That means confidential or regulated data could be exposed, without anyone realizing it.

In 2023, engineers at Samsung accidentally leaked internal source code into ChatGPT. It became such a significant privacy issue that the company banned the use of public AI tools altogether, as reported by Tom’s Hardware.

Now picture the same thing happening in your office. An employee pastes client financials or medical data into ChatGPT to “get help summarizing,” not knowing the risks. In seconds, private information is exposed.

A New Threat: Prompt Injection

Beyond accidental leaks, hackers are now exploiting a more sophisticated technique called prompt injection. They hide malicious instructions inside e-mails, transcripts, PDFs or even YouTube captions. When an AI tool is asked to process that content, it can be tricked into giving up sensitive data or doing something it shouldn’t.

In short, the AI helps the attacker – without knowing it’s being manipulated.

Why Small Businesses Are Vulnerable

Most small businesses aren’t monitoring AI use internally. Employees adopt new tools on their own, often with good intentions but without clear guidance. Many assume AI tools are just smarter versions of Google. They don’t realize that what they paste could be stored permanently or seen by someone else.

And few companies have policies in place to manage AI usage or to train employees on what’s safe to share.

What You Can Do Right Now

You don’t need to ban AI from your business, but you do need to take control.

Here are four steps to get started:

1. Create an AI usage policy.
   Define which tools are approved, what types of data should never be shared and who to go to with questions.
2. Educate your team.
   Help your staff understand the risks of using public AI tools and how threats like prompt injection work.
3. Use secure platforms.
   Encourage employees to stick with business-grade tools like Microsoft Copilot, which offer more control over data privacy and compliance.
4. Monitor AI use.
   Track which tools are being used and consider blocking public AI platforms on company devices if needed.

The Bottom Line

AI is here to stay. Businesses that learn how to use it safely will benefit, but those that ignore the risks are asking for trouble. A few careless keystrokes can expose your business to hackers, compliance violations or worse.

Let’s have a quick conversation to make sure your AI usage isn’t putting your company at risk. We’ll help you build a smart, secure AI policy and show you how to protect your data without slowing your team down.

Why Phishing Attacks Spike In August

You and your employees may be getting back from vacation, but cybercriminals never take a day off. In fact, data shown in studies from vendors ProofPoint and Check Point indicate that phishing attempts actually spike in the summer months. Here’s how to stay aware and stay protected.

Why The Increased Risk?

Attackers use your summer travel bug to their advantage by impersonating hotel and Airbnb websites, says Check Point Research. They’ve uncovered a sharp increase in cyberthreats related to the travel industry – specifically, a 55% increase in the creation of new website domains related to vacations in May 2025, compared to the same period last year. Of over 39,000 domains registered, one in every 21 was flagged as either malicious or suspicious.

Late summer is also back-to-school time, which means an uptick in phishing attempts imitating legitimate university e-mails, targeting both students and staff. While these threats might not affect your industry directly, there’s always a chance that employees pursuing their master’s degree or planning a vacation will check their personal e-mail on their work computer – and it takes only one wrong click for cyberattackers to have access to all of your business’s data.

What To Do About It

While AI is making cybersecurity stronger and workflows smoother, it’s also making phishing attacks more convincing. That’s why it’s important to train yourself and your team on what to look for, to avoid clicking on a malicious link.

Safety tips to prevent attacks:

• Keep an eye out for shady e-mails. Don’t only check for misspellings and poorly formatted sentences in the body of e-mails; AI can write e-mails for attackers just like it can for you. Also examine the e-mail address of the sender and the text of the link itself, if visible, to make sure everything looks legitimate.
• Double-check URLs. Misspellings in the link text or unusual domain endings, like .today or .info, can be an indicator of an attack. Domain endings like these are often used in scam sites.
• Visit websites directly. It’s always better to search for the website yourself, rather than clicking on links in any messages or e-mails.
• Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA). Setting up MFA ensures that even if a breach does occur within your company, your login credentials will remain protected – and so will any data secured behind them.
• Be careful with public WiFi. If you need to use public WiFi, use a VPN for additional protection when accessing secure information, like booking portals or bank accounts.
• Don’t access personal e-mail on company devices. Accessing personal e-mail, messaging or social media accounts on business devices increases your risk. Keep personal accounts on your personal devices, and work-related accounts on the work devices.
• Ask your MSP about endpoint security. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) software can monitor your desktops and mobile devices, detect and block phishing attempts and malicious downloads, and alert your MSP immediately in the event of a breach, drastically limiting your data’s exposure.

Phishing attempts become more sophisticated every day, and AI is only speeding that process along. Because of this, it’s essential to keep your team well-informed of the risks; knowledge is the best defense against phishing attacks. Stay informed and stay safe!

Start the season secure – book your FREE Cybersecurity Assessment today.

Watch Out: Hackers Are Logging In – Not Breaking In

Cybercriminals are changing how they attack small businesses. Instead of breaking down the door, they’re sneaking in with a stolen key…your login credentials.

It’s called an identity-based attack, and it’s becoming the top way hackers get into systems. They steal passwords, trick employees with fake e-mails or overload people with login requests until someone slips. And, unfortunately, it’s working.

In fact, one cybersecurity company reported that 67% of serious security issues in 2024 came from stolen logins. Big companies like MGM and Caesars were hit by this kind of attack the year prior – and if it can happen to them, it can definitely happen to smaller businesses too.

How Are Hackers Getting In?

Most of these attacks start with something simple, like a stolen password. But the techniques are getting smarter:

• Fake e-mails and login pages trick employees into handing over their info.
• SIM swapping lets hackers steal the text messages used for 2FA codes.
• MFA fatigue attacks flood your phone with login requests until you accidentally click “Approve.”

They’re even targeting things like employee personal devices or outside vendors (like your help desk or call center) to find a way in.

How To Protect Your Business

Here’s the good news: You don’t need to be a tech wizard to protect your company. Just a few smart steps can go a long way:

1. Turn On Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
   This is the “double-check” step when logging in. Just make sure it’s the right kind: App-based or security key-based MFA is much safer than text messages.
2. Train Your Team
   If your employees don’t know how to spot a scam, your security is only as strong as their inbox. Teach them how to recognize fake e-mails and suspicious requests and where to report issues.
3. Limit Access
   Only give employees access to what they need, not to everything. If a hacker gets in, they won’t get far if the account they’re using has limited permissions.
4. Use Strong Passwords Or Go Passwordless
   Encourage your team to use a password manager or, even better, tools like fingerprint logins or security keys that don’t rely on passwords at all.

The Bottom Line

Hackers are after your login credentials, and they’re getting more creative every day. Staying ahead of them doesn’t mean doing it all alone.

That’s where we come in. We can help you put the right protections in place to keep your business safe – without making things harder for your team.

Want to know if your business is vulnerable? Let’s talk. Book a discovery call here: https://www.fidelitech.net/discoverycall/

The Truth About Cybersecurity Every Business Leader Should Know

There are many common myths when it comes to cybersecurity, and, unlike harmless stories, these myths can leave you with gaping holes in your company’s cybersecurity defenses. Here are five common myths and the truth behind them.

Myth #1: It Won't Happen To Us.

There’s a common belief among small and medium-sized businesses that they are too small to be a target for attackers. But this isn’t the case; in fact, some cybercriminals target SMBs specifically, with the knowledge that SMBs are less likely to have the resources for reliable cybersecurity.

Cyberattacks happen to organizations of all sizes, in all verticals and geographies, and hit 80% of businesses. The global financial toll? A projected $9.5 trillion. And while large corporations can take the hit and recover, a single ransomware attack has the potential to put an SMB out of business.

So, regardless of what type of business or organization you have, you must protect yourself from cyberattacks and reduce your exposure. Always assume you are a target – because you are one.

Myth #2: If It Worked Then, It’ll Work Now.

It’s very common for decision-makers to reason that since they’ve never been breached in the past, they won’t be breached in the future either. However, that belief doesn’t account for the rapid pace at which technology – and cybercrime – are evolving.

The threat landscape is constantly changing and there is a very real game of cat-and-mouse at play. If you’re not moving forward, you’re moving backward. Effective security is a cycle of anticipation, adaptation and action.

Myth #3: Once Secure, Always Secure.

Unfortunately, technology is fluid – just like your business. Every time you bring on a new member of staff and add new devices, your technology’s configuration shifts. As it does, it creates new avenues of attack from cybercriminals.

That’s why continuous monitoring and management are necessary to maintain security integrity. The attack surface stretches beyond common focus areas. Because of this, strong cybersecurity demands a holistic, proactive, continuous approach.

Myth #4: Business Optimization Is Incompatible With Security.

Many organizations still assume that security initiatives create operational friction – delaying releases, adding red tape and increasing costs. This outdated thinking frames security and business optimization as mutually exclusive, as if improving one must compromise the other.

While these perceptions may have roots in the past, they don’t reflect modern practices. Today, security enables optimization. That means minimizing both waste and risk – including security risk.

In the end, secure systems are more resilient, predictable and cost-effective. This makes security a driver of business performance, not a barrier.

Myth 5: A Strong Password Is All I Need.

Creating a strong password (at least 16 characters long and a blend of letters, numbers and special characters) for each account is important, but it’s not the only step needed to keep your data secure.

For one, every account and device needs a unique password. If you reuse passwords, it means that if one of your accounts is hacked, all of your other accounts are at risk. To store all your unique passwords, we recommend a password manager!

Enabling MFA for every account will double your protection. The few seconds required to enter a code sent to your phone is well worth the extra security.

That said, there are plenty of other vulnerabilities that savvy hackers can exploit to attack your business’s data. That’s why working with an MSP is a critical component of maintaining your company’s cybersecurity.

Looking For An MSP?

If you need an MSP you can trust to keep your business secure, get in touch with our team to schedule a FREE 10-Minute Discovery Call. During this quick conversation, we’ll be able to map out the next steps to take to get your business’s cybersecurity up to snuff. To schedule, call us at 801-263-8858.

Cyber Hygiene Isn’t Optional Anymore: How To Clean Up Your Risk

When it comes to protecting your business from cyberthreats, the basics still matter. A lot. In fact, according to IBM’s 2023 Cost Of A Data Breach Report, 82% of breaches involved data stored in the cloud, and most of them could’ve been prevented with simple, foundational safeguards.

That’s where “cyber hygiene” comes in – your business’s version of daily handwashing. No, it’s not sexy. But it’s essential. And if you’re skipping the basics, you’re asking for trouble.

Here are four cyber hygiene essentials every small business should have on lock:

1. Keep your network secure.
   Keep your Internet connection secure by encrypting your business’s sensitive data and using a firewall. Keep your WiFi network protected and hidden with a Service Set Identifier (SSID); this allows you to set your wireless access point or router so it doesn’t broadcast your network name. Your router should also be password-protected. Finally, any remote employees should use a virtual private network, or VPN, to connect to your network securely from their location.
2. Teach your team how to stay protected.
   Establishing basic security policies for employees is a great way to reduce your risk of breaches due to human error. These include things like strong passwords, multifactor authentication (MFA), appropriate Internet use guidelines and policies to follow when handling vital data. Other important training topics to cover include how to spot phishing e-mails and avoid suspicious downloads.
3. Back up your important data.
   In the event of a breach, crash or ransomware attack, you want to make sure your most important data is still accessible so your business can continue operating. This is why it’s so important to regularly back up data on all computers; critical data to back up includes documents, spreadsheets, HR and financial files, and databases. If possible, it’s best to set up your data to back up automatically. Store copies in the cloud or offsite in a secure server.
4. Limit data access.
   Limiting access to critical data drastically minimizes your risk. Even in the event of a breach, limiting access means that your most sensitive data will likely still be protected. Staff should only be given access to the specific data systems required for their jobs, and no one employee should ever have access to all data systems. Restrict administrative privileges to only trusted IT staff members and key personnel. Ensure that any former employees are removed from company systems as part of the offboarding process.

Security Is Well Worth The Hassle

While taking all these measures can seem like a pain, it’s far less costly in time, money and effort to invest in them up front. Otherwise, you run the risk of having critical data stolen during a breach or your entire business grinding to a halt due to a ransomware attack you can’t afford.

Want To Get Ahead Of The Threats?

Before you find out the hard way, grab your free copy of our Cybersecurity Crisis Report, an executive guide to protecting your business from today’s most dangerous cyberthreats. Schedule it now: https://www.fidelitech.net/analysis/

Windows 10 Support Ending Next Month! Here’s What It Means For You

Warning: Microsoft will NO LONGER support Windows 10 after October 14, 2025. While PCs operating on Windows 10 will still work after this official end date, Microsoft will no longer provide the free services that keep your device working properly and securely, such as security updates and technical support.

Why Is This Important For Business Owners?

1. Security Risks: Without regular updates, your computer will become more vulnerable to viruses, malware and hackers. This could put your business data at risk, which is why upgrading to a newer version of Windows is crucial.
2. Software Compatibility: Many software programs are updated regularly to work with the latest operating systems. After Windows 10 reaches its end of life, some of your favorite programs might not work as smoothly or could stop working altogether.
3. Compliance Issues: If your business deals with sensitive information or follows strict regulations, using an outdated operating system could lead to compliance issues. It’s important to stay current to avoid potential fines or legal problems.

What Are Your Options?

Microsoft encourages users to migrate to the latest version before the end-of-life date. This can present challenges for some PC owners, as not all devices currently running Windows 10 are compatible with Windows 11. If you try to upgrade one of those PCs to Windows 11, but the device does not meet the stringent hardware requirements of the new software, you’ll encounter an error message.

If your device isn’t compatible with Windows 11, you have a few options. You can:

• Buy a new PC that is compatible
• Sign up for Extended Security Updates (more on that below)
• Switch from the Windows operating system to Linux
• Ignore the deadline and put your business at risk (we do NOT recommend this one!)

Whatever you decide, make sure to back up your data! Before making any changes, always back up your important files. This ensures that nothing gets lost during the upgrade process.

Extended Support For Windows 10

If you’re not able to make the switch to Windows 11 just yet, you can sign up for Extended Security Updates (ESU) from Microsoft. However, it’s important to remember that this option is a bandage, not a permanent solution. ESU will only be offered for a year after the end-of-life date in October.

To sign up for ESU, you have a few options. The most straightforward method is to simply pay the $30 fee, or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Reward points, to register. If you don’t want to pay, there is a free option – with a catch. You’ll need to enable Windows Backup to sync your settings and folders to the cloud in OneDrive. While OneDrive offers 5 GB of free storage, you may need to buy more space if you have large quantities of documents to store.

Regardless, don’t wait to sign up! You need to register for ESU before the October 14 deadline to qualify.

Navigating This Transition

The best step is to work with your IT provider to determine what option makes sense for your organization. An experienced IT team or a tech consultant can help make sure everything runs smoothly and minimize any downtime for your business.

If you’re looking for someone to guide you through this transition period, get in touch with our team to schedule a FREE 10-Minute Discovery Call. During this quick conversation, we’ll be able to map out the next steps to take to start upgrading to Windows 11 efficiently. To schedule, call us at 801-263-8858.

Is Your Business Training AI How To Hack You?

There’s a lot of excitement about artificial intelligence (AI) right now, and for good reason. Tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot are popping up everywhere. Businesses are using them to create content, respond to customers, write e-mails, summarize meetings and even assist with coding or spreadsheets.

AI can be a huge time-saver and productivity booster. But, like any powerful tool, if misused, it can open the door to serious problems – especially when it comes to your company’s data security.

Even small businesses are at risk.

Here’s The Problem

The issue isn’t the technology itself. It’s how people are using it. When employees copy and paste sensitive data into public AI tools, that information may be stored, analyzed or even used to train future models. That means confidential or regulated data could be exposed, without anyone realizing it.

In 2023, engineers at Samsung accidentally leaked internal source code into ChatGPT. It became such a significant privacy issue that the company banned the use of public AI tools altogether, as reported by Tom’s Hardware.

Now picture the same thing happening in your office. An employee pastes client financials or medical data into ChatGPT to “get help summarizing,” not knowing the risks. In seconds, private information is exposed.

A New Threat: Prompt Injection

Beyond accidental leaks, hackers are now exploiting a more sophisticated technique called prompt injection. They hide malicious instructions inside e-mails, transcripts, PDFs or even YouTube captions. When an AI tool is asked to process that content, it can be tricked into giving up sensitive data or doing something it shouldn’t.

In short, the AI helps the attacker – without knowing it’s being manipulated.

Why Small Businesses Are Vulnerable

Most small businesses aren’t monitoring AI use internally. Employees adopt new tools on their own, often with good intentions but without clear guidance. Many assume AI tools are just smarter versions of Google. They don’t realize that what they paste could be stored permanently or seen by someone else.

And few companies have policies in place to manage AI usage or to train employees on what’s safe to share.

What You Can Do Right Now

You don’t need to ban AI from your business, but you do need to take control.

Here are four steps to get started:

1. Create an AI usage policy.
   Define which tools are approved, what types of data should never be shared and who to go to with questions.
2. Educate your team.
   Help your staff understand the risks of using public AI tools and how threats like prompt injection work.
3. Use secure platforms.
   Encourage employees to stick with business-grade tools like Microsoft Copilot, which offer more control over data privacy and compliance.
4. Monitor AI use.
   Track which tools are being used and consider blocking public AI platforms on company devices if needed.

The Bottom Line

AI is here to stay. Businesses that learn how to use it safely will benefit, but those that ignore the risks are asking for trouble. A few careless keystrokes can expose your business to hackers, compliance violations or worse.

Let’s have a quick conversation to make sure your AI usage isn’t putting your company at risk. We’ll help you build a smart, secure AI policy and show you how to protect your data without slowing your team down.

Why Phishing Attacks Spike In August

You and your employees may be getting back from vacation, but cybercriminals never take a day off. In fact, data shown in studies from vendors ProofPoint and Check Point indicate that phishing attempts actually spike in the summer months. Here’s how to stay aware and stay protected.

Why The Increased Risk?

Attackers use your summer travel bug to their advantage by impersonating hotel and Airbnb websites, says Check Point Research. They’ve uncovered a sharp increase in cyberthreats related to the travel industry – specifically, a 55% increase in the creation of new website domains related to vacations in May 2025, compared to the same period last year. Of over 39,000 domains registered, one in every 21 was flagged as either malicious or suspicious.

Late summer is also back-to-school time, which means an uptick in phishing attempts imitating legitimate university e-mails, targeting both students and staff. While these threats might not affect your industry directly, there’s always a chance that employees pursuing their master’s degree or planning a vacation will check their personal e-mail on their work computer – and it takes only one wrong click for cyberattackers to have access to all of your business’s data.

What To Do About It

While AI is making cybersecurity stronger and workflows smoother, it’s also making phishing attacks more convincing. That’s why it’s important to train yourself and your team on what to look for, to avoid clicking on a malicious link.

Safety tips to prevent attacks:

• Keep an eye out for shady e-mails. Don’t only check for misspellings and poorly formatted sentences in the body of e-mails; AI can write e-mails for attackers just like it can for you. Also examine the e-mail address of the sender and the text of the link itself, if visible, to make sure everything looks legitimate.
• Double-check URLs. Misspellings in the link text or unusual domain endings, like .today or .info, can be an indicator of an attack. Domain endings like these are often used in scam sites.
• Visit websites directly. It’s always better to search for the website yourself, rather than clicking on links in any messages or e-mails.
• Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA). Setting up MFA ensures that even if a breach does occur within your company, your login credentials will remain protected – and so will any data secured behind them.
• Be careful with public WiFi. If you need to use public WiFi, use a VPN for additional protection when accessing secure information, like booking portals or bank accounts.
• Don’t access personal e-mail on company devices. Accessing personal e-mail, messaging or social media accounts on business devices increases your risk. Keep personal accounts on your personal devices, and work-related accounts on the work devices.
• Ask your MSP about endpoint security. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) software can monitor your desktops and mobile devices, detect and block phishing attempts and malicious downloads, and alert your MSP immediately in the event of a breach, drastically limiting your data’s exposure.

Phishing attempts become more sophisticated every day, and AI is only speeding that process along. Because of this, it’s essential to keep your team well-informed of the risks; knowledge is the best defense against phishing attacks. Stay informed and stay safe!

Start the season secure – book your FREE Cybersecurity Assessment today.

Watch Out: Hackers Are Logging In – Not Breaking In

Cybercriminals are changing how they attack small businesses. Instead of breaking down the door, they’re sneaking in with a stolen key…your login credentials.

It’s called an identity-based attack, and it’s becoming the top way hackers get into systems. They steal passwords, trick employees with fake e-mails or overload people with login requests until someone slips. And, unfortunately, it’s working.

In fact, one cybersecurity company reported that 67% of serious security issues in 2024 came from stolen logins. Big companies like MGM and Caesars were hit by this kind of attack the year prior – and if it can happen to them, it can definitely happen to smaller businesses too.

How Are Hackers Getting In?

Most of these attacks start with something simple, like a stolen password. But the techniques are getting smarter:

• Fake e-mails and login pages trick employees into handing over their info.
• SIM swapping lets hackers steal the text messages used for 2FA codes.
• MFA fatigue attacks flood your phone with login requests until you accidentally click “Approve.”

They’re even targeting things like employee personal devices or outside vendors (like your help desk or call center) to find a way in.

How To Protect Your Business

Here’s the good news: You don’t need to be a tech wizard to protect your company. Just a few smart steps can go a long way:

1. Turn On Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
   This is the “double-check” step when logging in. Just make sure it’s the right kind: App-based or security key-based MFA is much safer than text messages.
2. Train Your Team
   If your employees don’t know how to spot a scam, your security is only as strong as their inbox. Teach them how to recognize fake e-mails and suspicious requests and where to report issues.
3. Limit Access
   Only give employees access to what they need, not to everything. If a hacker gets in, they won’t get far if the account they’re using has limited permissions.
4. Use Strong Passwords Or Go Passwordless
   Encourage your team to use a password manager or, even better, tools like fingerprint logins or security keys that don’t rely on passwords at all.

The Bottom Line

Hackers are after your login credentials, and they’re getting more creative every day. Staying ahead of them doesn’t mean doing it all alone.

That’s where we come in. We can help you put the right protections in place to keep your business safe – without making things harder for your team.

Want to know if your business is vulnerable? Let’s talk. Book a discovery call here: https://www.fidelitech.net/discoverycall/

The Truth About Cybersecurity Every Business Leader Should Know

There are many common myths when it comes to cybersecurity, and, unlike harmless stories, these myths can leave you with gaping holes in your company’s cybersecurity defenses. Here are five common myths and the truth behind them.

Myth #1: It Won't Happen To Us.

There’s a common belief among small and medium-sized businesses that they are too small to be a target for attackers. But this isn’t the case; in fact, some cybercriminals target SMBs specifically, with the knowledge that SMBs are less likely to have the resources for reliable cybersecurity.

Cyberattacks happen to organizations of all sizes, in all verticals and geographies, and hit 80% of businesses. The global financial toll? A projected $9.5 trillion. And while large corporations can take the hit and recover, a single ransomware attack has the potential to put an SMB out of business.

So, regardless of what type of business or organization you have, you must protect yourself from cyberattacks and reduce your exposure. Always assume you are a target – because you are one.

Myth #2: If It Worked Then, It’ll Work Now.

It’s very common for decision-makers to reason that since they’ve never been breached in the past, they won’t be breached in the future either. However, that belief doesn’t account for the rapid pace at which technology – and cybercrime – are evolving.

The threat landscape is constantly changing and there is a very real game of cat-and-mouse at play. If you’re not moving forward, you’re moving backward. Effective security is a cycle of anticipation, adaptation and action.

Myth #3: Once Secure, Always Secure.

Unfortunately, technology is fluid – just like your business. Every time you bring on a new member of staff and add new devices, your technology’s configuration shifts. As it does, it creates new avenues of attack from cybercriminals.

That’s why continuous monitoring and management are necessary to maintain security integrity. The attack surface stretches beyond common focus areas. Because of this, strong cybersecurity demands a holistic, proactive, continuous approach.

Myth #4: Business Optimization Is Incompatible With Security.

Many organizations still assume that security initiatives create operational friction – delaying releases, adding red tape and increasing costs. This outdated thinking frames security and business optimization as mutually exclusive, as if improving one must compromise the other.

While these perceptions may have roots in the past, they don’t reflect modern practices. Today, security enables optimization. That means minimizing both waste and risk – including security risk.

In the end, secure systems are more resilient, predictable and cost-effective. This makes security a driver of business performance, not a barrier.

Myth 5: A Strong Password Is All I Need.

Creating a strong password (at least 16 characters long and a blend of letters, numbers and special characters) for each account is important, but it’s not the only step needed to keep your data secure.

For one, every account and device needs a unique password. If you reuse passwords, it means that if one of your accounts is hacked, all of your other accounts are at risk. To store all your unique passwords, we recommend a password manager!

Enabling MFA for every account will double your protection. The few seconds required to enter a code sent to your phone is well worth the extra security.

That said, there are plenty of other vulnerabilities that savvy hackers can exploit to attack your business’s data. That’s why working with an MSP is a critical component of maintaining your company’s cybersecurity.

Looking For An MSP?

If you need an MSP you can trust to keep your business secure, get in touch with our team to schedule a FREE 10-Minute Discovery Call. During this quick conversation, we’ll be able to map out the next steps to take to get your business’s cybersecurity up to snuff. To schedule, call us at 801-263-8858.

Cyber Hygiene Isn’t Optional Anymore: How To Clean Up Your Risk

When it comes to protecting your business from cyberthreats, the basics still matter. A lot. In fact, according to IBM’s 2023 Cost Of A Data Breach Report, 82% of breaches involved data stored in the cloud, and most of them could’ve been prevented with simple, foundational safeguards.

That’s where “cyber hygiene” comes in – your business’s version of daily handwashing. No, it’s not sexy. But it’s essential. And if you’re skipping the basics, you’re asking for trouble.

Here are four cyber hygiene essentials every small business should have on lock:

1. Keep your network secure.
   Keep your Internet connection secure by encrypting your business’s sensitive data and using a firewall. Keep your WiFi network protected and hidden with a Service Set Identifier (SSID); this allows you to set your wireless access point or router so it doesn’t broadcast your network name. Your router should also be password-protected. Finally, any remote employees should use a virtual private network, or VPN, to connect to your network securely from their location.
2. Teach your team how to stay protected.
   Establishing basic security policies for employees is a great way to reduce your risk of breaches due to human error. These include things like strong passwords, multifactor authentication (MFA), appropriate Internet use guidelines and policies to follow when handling vital data. Other important training topics to cover include how to spot phishing e-mails and avoid suspicious downloads.
3. Back up your important data.
   In the event of a breach, crash or ransomware attack, you want to make sure your most important data is still accessible so your business can continue operating. This is why it’s so important to regularly back up data on all computers; critical data to back up includes documents, spreadsheets, HR and financial files, and databases. If possible, it’s best to set up your data to back up automatically. Store copies in the cloud or offsite in a secure server.
4. Limit data access.
   Limiting access to critical data drastically minimizes your risk. Even in the event of a breach, limiting access means that your most sensitive data will likely still be protected. Staff should only be given access to the specific data systems required for their jobs, and no one employee should ever have access to all data systems. Restrict administrative privileges to only trusted IT staff members and key personnel. Ensure that any former employees are removed from company systems as part of the offboarding process.

Security Is Well Worth The Hassle

While taking all these measures can seem like a pain, it’s far less costly in time, money and effort to invest in them up front. Otherwise, you run the risk of having critical data stolen during a breach or your entire business grinding to a halt due to a ransomware attack you can’t afford.

Want To Get Ahead Of The Threats?

Before you find out the hard way, grab your free copy of our Cybersecurity Crisis Report, an executive guide to protecting your business from today’s most dangerous cyberthreats. Schedule it now: https://www.fidelitech.net/analysis/

Windows 10 Support Ending Next Month! Here’s What It Means For You

Warning: Microsoft will NO LONGER support Windows 10 after October 14, 2025. While PCs operating on Windows 10 will still work after this official end date, Microsoft will no longer provide the free services that keep your device working properly and securely, such as security updates and technical support.

Why Is This Important For Business Owners?

1. Security Risks: Without regular updates, your computer will become more vulnerable to viruses, malware and hackers. This could put your business data at risk, which is why upgrading to a newer version of Windows is crucial.
2. Software Compatibility: Many software programs are updated regularly to work with the latest operating systems. After Windows 10 reaches its end of life, some of your favorite programs might not work as smoothly or could stop working altogether.
3. Compliance Issues: If your business deals with sensitive information or follows strict regulations, using an outdated operating system could lead to compliance issues. It’s important to stay current to avoid potential fines or legal problems.

What Are Your Options?

Microsoft encourages users to migrate to the latest version before the end-of-life date. This can present challenges for some PC owners, as not all devices currently running Windows 10 are compatible with Windows 11. If you try to upgrade one of those PCs to Windows 11, but the device does not meet the stringent hardware requirements of the new software, you’ll encounter an error message.

If your device isn’t compatible with Windows 11, you have a few options. You can:

• Buy a new PC that is compatible
• Sign up for Extended Security Updates (more on that below)
• Switch from the Windows operating system to Linux
• Ignore the deadline and put your business at risk (we do NOT recommend this one!)

Whatever you decide, make sure to back up your data! Before making any changes, always back up your important files. This ensures that nothing gets lost during the upgrade process.

Extended Support For Windows 10

If you’re not able to make the switch to Windows 11 just yet, you can sign up for Extended Security Updates (ESU) from Microsoft. However, it’s important to remember that this option is a bandage, not a permanent solution. ESU will only be offered for a year after the end-of-life date in October.

To sign up for ESU, you have a few options. The most straightforward method is to simply pay the $30 fee, or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Reward points, to register. If you don’t want to pay, there is a free option – with a catch. You’ll need to enable Windows Backup to sync your settings and folders to the cloud in OneDrive. While OneDrive offers 5 GB of free storage, you may need to buy more space if you have large quantities of documents to store.

Regardless, don’t wait to sign up! You need to register for ESU before the October 14 deadline to qualify.

Navigating This Transition

The best step is to work with your IT provider to determine what option makes sense for your organization. An experienced IT team or a tech consultant can help make sure everything runs smoothly and minimize any downtime for your business.

If you’re looking for someone to guide you through this transition period, get in touch with our team to schedule a FREE 10-Minute Discovery Call. During this quick conversation, we’ll be able to map out the next steps to take to start upgrading to Windows 11 efficiently. To schedule, call us at 801-263-8858.

Is Your Business Training AI How To Hack You?

There’s a lot of excitement about artificial intelligence (AI) right now, and for good reason. Tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot are popping up everywhere. Businesses are using them to create content, respond to customers, write e-mails, summarize meetings and even assist with coding or spreadsheets.

AI can be a huge time-saver and productivity booster. But, like any powerful tool, if misused, it can open the door to serious problems – especially when it comes to your company’s data security.

Even small businesses are at risk.

Here’s The Problem

The issue isn’t the technology itself. It’s how people are using it. When employees copy and paste sensitive data into public AI tools, that information may be stored, analyzed or even used to train future models. That means confidential or regulated data could be exposed, without anyone realizing it.

In 2023, engineers at Samsung accidentally leaked internal source code into ChatGPT. It became such a significant privacy issue that the company banned the use of public AI tools altogether, as reported by Tom’s Hardware.

Now picture the same thing happening in your office. An employee pastes client financials or medical data into ChatGPT to “get help summarizing,” not knowing the risks. In seconds, private information is exposed.

A New Threat: Prompt Injection

Beyond accidental leaks, hackers are now exploiting a more sophisticated technique called prompt injection. They hide malicious instructions inside e-mails, transcripts, PDFs or even YouTube captions. When an AI tool is asked to process that content, it can be tricked into giving up sensitive data or doing something it shouldn’t.

In short, the AI helps the attacker – without knowing it’s being manipulated.

Why Small Businesses Are Vulnerable

Most small businesses aren’t monitoring AI use internally. Employees adopt new tools on their own, often with good intentions but without clear guidance. Many assume AI tools are just smarter versions of Google. They don’t realize that what they paste could be stored permanently or seen by someone else.

And few companies have policies in place to manage AI usage or to train employees on what’s safe to share.

What You Can Do Right Now

You don’t need to ban AI from your business, but you do need to take control.

Here are four steps to get started:

1. Create an AI usage policy.
   Define which tools are approved, what types of data should never be shared and who to go to with questions.
2. Educate your team.
   Help your staff understand the risks of using public AI tools and how threats like prompt injection work.
3. Use secure platforms.
   Encourage employees to stick with business-grade tools like Microsoft Copilot, which offer more control over data privacy and compliance.
4. Monitor AI use.
   Track which tools are being used and consider blocking public AI platforms on company devices if needed.

The Bottom Line

AI is here to stay. Businesses that learn how to use it safely will benefit, but those that ignore the risks are asking for trouble. A few careless keystrokes can expose your business to hackers, compliance violations or worse.

Let’s have a quick conversation to make sure your AI usage isn’t putting your company at risk. We’ll help you build a smart, secure AI policy and show you how to protect your data without slowing your team down.

Why Phishing Attacks Spike In August

You and your employees may be getting back from vacation, but cybercriminals never take a day off. In fact, data shown in studies from vendors ProofPoint and Check Point indicate that phishing attempts actually spike in the summer months. Here’s how to stay aware and stay protected.

Why The Increased Risk?

Attackers use your summer travel bug to their advantage by impersonating hotel and Airbnb websites, says Check Point Research. They’ve uncovered a sharp increase in cyberthreats related to the travel industry – specifically, a 55% increase in the creation of new website domains related to vacations in May 2025, compared to the same period last year. Of over 39,000 domains registered, one in every 21 was flagged as either malicious or suspicious.

Late summer is also back-to-school time, which means an uptick in phishing attempts imitating legitimate university e-mails, targeting both students and staff. While these threats might not affect your industry directly, there’s always a chance that employees pursuing their master’s degree or planning a vacation will check their personal e-mail on their work computer – and it takes only one wrong click for cyberattackers to have access to all of your business’s data.

What To Do About It

While AI is making cybersecurity stronger and workflows smoother, it’s also making phishing attacks more convincing. That’s why it’s important to train yourself and your team on what to look for, to avoid clicking on a malicious link.

Safety tips to prevent attacks:

• Keep an eye out for shady e-mails. Don’t only check for misspellings and poorly formatted sentences in the body of e-mails; AI can write e-mails for attackers just like it can for you. Also examine the e-mail address of the sender and the text of the link itself, if visible, to make sure everything looks legitimate.
• Double-check URLs. Misspellings in the link text or unusual domain endings, like .today or .info, can be an indicator of an attack. Domain endings like these are often used in scam sites.
• Visit websites directly. It’s always better to search for the website yourself, rather than clicking on links in any messages or e-mails.
• Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA). Setting up MFA ensures that even if a breach does occur within your company, your login credentials will remain protected – and so will any data secured behind them.
• Be careful with public WiFi. If you need to use public WiFi, use a VPN for additional protection when accessing secure information, like booking portals or bank accounts.
• Don’t access personal e-mail on company devices. Accessing personal e-mail, messaging or social media accounts on business devices increases your risk. Keep personal accounts on your personal devices, and work-related accounts on the work devices.
• Ask your MSP about endpoint security. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) software can monitor your desktops and mobile devices, detect and block phishing attempts and malicious downloads, and alert your MSP immediately in the event of a breach, drastically limiting your data’s exposure.

Phishing attempts become more sophisticated every day, and AI is only speeding that process along. Because of this, it’s essential to keep your team well-informed of the risks; knowledge is the best defense against phishing attacks. Stay informed and stay safe!

Start the season secure – book your FREE Cybersecurity Assessment today.

Watch Out: Hackers Are Logging In – Not Breaking In

Cybercriminals are changing how they attack small businesses. Instead of breaking down the door, they’re sneaking in with a stolen key…your login credentials.

It’s called an identity-based attack, and it’s becoming the top way hackers get into systems. They steal passwords, trick employees with fake e-mails or overload people with login requests until someone slips. And, unfortunately, it’s working.

In fact, one cybersecurity company reported that 67% of serious security issues in 2024 came from stolen logins. Big companies like MGM and Caesars were hit by this kind of attack the year prior – and if it can happen to them, it can definitely happen to smaller businesses too.

How Are Hackers Getting In?

Most of these attacks start with something simple, like a stolen password. But the techniques are getting smarter:

• Fake e-mails and login pages trick employees into handing over their info.
• SIM swapping lets hackers steal the text messages used for 2FA codes.
• MFA fatigue attacks flood your phone with login requests until you accidentally click “Approve.”

They’re even targeting things like employee personal devices or outside vendors (like your help desk or call center) to find a way in.

How To Protect Your Business

Here’s the good news: You don’t need to be a tech wizard to protect your company. Just a few smart steps can go a long way:

1. Turn On Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
   This is the “double-check” step when logging in. Just make sure it’s the right kind: App-based or security key-based MFA is much safer than text messages.
2. Train Your Team
   If your employees don’t know how to spot a scam, your security is only as strong as their inbox. Teach them how to recognize fake e-mails and suspicious requests and where to report issues.
3. Limit Access
   Only give employees access to what they need, not to everything. If a hacker gets in, they won’t get far if the account they’re using has limited permissions.
4. Use Strong Passwords Or Go Passwordless
   Encourage your team to use a password manager or, even better, tools like fingerprint logins or security keys that don’t rely on passwords at all.

The Bottom Line

Hackers are after your login credentials, and they’re getting more creative every day. Staying ahead of them doesn’t mean doing it all alone.

That’s where we come in. We can help you put the right protections in place to keep your business safe – without making things harder for your team.

Want to know if your business is vulnerable? Let’s talk. Book a discovery call here: https://www.fidelitech.net/discoverycall/

The Truth About Cybersecurity Every Business Leader Should Know

There are many common myths when it comes to cybersecurity, and, unlike harmless stories, these myths can leave you with gaping holes in your company’s cybersecurity defenses. Here are five common myths and the truth behind them.

Myth #1: It Won't Happen To Us.

There’s a common belief among small and medium-sized businesses that they are too small to be a target for attackers. But this isn’t the case; in fact, some cybercriminals target SMBs specifically, with the knowledge that SMBs are less likely to have the resources for reliable cybersecurity.

Cyberattacks happen to organizations of all sizes, in all verticals and geographies, and hit 80% of businesses. The global financial toll? A projected $9.5 trillion. And while large corporations can take the hit and recover, a single ransomware attack has the potential to put an SMB out of business.

So, regardless of what type of business or organization you have, you must protect yourself from cyberattacks and reduce your exposure. Always assume you are a target – because you are one.

Myth #2: If It Worked Then, It’ll Work Now.

It’s very common for decision-makers to reason that since they’ve never been breached in the past, they won’t be breached in the future either. However, that belief doesn’t account for the rapid pace at which technology – and cybercrime – are evolving.

The threat landscape is constantly changing and there is a very real game of cat-and-mouse at play. If you’re not moving forward, you’re moving backward. Effective security is a cycle of anticipation, adaptation and action.

Myth #3: Once Secure, Always Secure.

Unfortunately, technology is fluid – just like your business. Every time you bring on a new member of staff and add new devices, your technology’s configuration shifts. As it does, it creates new avenues of attack from cybercriminals.

That’s why continuous monitoring and management are necessary to maintain security integrity. The attack surface stretches beyond common focus areas. Because of this, strong cybersecurity demands a holistic, proactive, continuous approach.

Myth #4: Business Optimization Is Incompatible With Security.

Many organizations still assume that security initiatives create operational friction – delaying releases, adding red tape and increasing costs. This outdated thinking frames security and business optimization as mutually exclusive, as if improving one must compromise the other.

While these perceptions may have roots in the past, they don’t reflect modern practices. Today, security enables optimization. That means minimizing both waste and risk – including security risk.

In the end, secure systems are more resilient, predictable and cost-effective. This makes security a driver of business performance, not a barrier.

Myth 5: A Strong Password Is All I Need.

Creating a strong password (at least 16 characters long and a blend of letters, numbers and special characters) for each account is important, but it’s not the only step needed to keep your data secure.

For one, every account and device needs a unique password. If you reuse passwords, it means that if one of your accounts is hacked, all of your other accounts are at risk. To store all your unique passwords, we recommend a password manager!

Enabling MFA for every account will double your protection. The few seconds required to enter a code sent to your phone is well worth the extra security.

That said, there are plenty of other vulnerabilities that savvy hackers can exploit to attack your business’s data. That’s why working with an MSP is a critical component of maintaining your company’s cybersecurity.

Looking For An MSP?

If you need an MSP you can trust to keep your business secure, get in touch with our team to schedule a FREE 10-Minute Discovery Call. During this quick conversation, we’ll be able to map out the next steps to take to get your business’s cybersecurity up to snuff. To schedule, call us at 801-263-8858.

Cyber Hygiene Isn’t Optional Anymore: How To Clean Up Your Risk

When it comes to protecting your business from cyberthreats, the basics still matter. A lot. In fact, according to IBM’s 2023 Cost Of A Data Breach Report, 82% of breaches involved data stored in the cloud, and most of them could’ve been prevented with simple, foundational safeguards.

That’s where “cyber hygiene” comes in – your business’s version of daily handwashing. No, it’s not sexy. But it’s essential. And if you’re skipping the basics, you’re asking for trouble.

Here are four cyber hygiene essentials every small business should have on lock:

1. Keep your network secure.
   Keep your Internet connection secure by encrypting your business’s sensitive data and using a firewall. Keep your WiFi network protected and hidden with a Service Set Identifier (SSID); this allows you to set your wireless access point or router so it doesn’t broadcast your network name. Your router should also be password-protected. Finally, any remote employees should use a virtual private network, or VPN, to connect to your network securely from their location.
2. Teach your team how to stay protected.
   Establishing basic security policies for employees is a great way to reduce your risk of breaches due to human error. These include things like strong passwords, multifactor authentication (MFA), appropriate Internet use guidelines and policies to follow when handling vital data. Other important training topics to cover include how to spot phishing e-mails and avoid suspicious downloads.
3. Back up your important data.
   In the event of a breach, crash or ransomware attack, you want to make sure your most important data is still accessible so your business can continue operating. This is why it’s so important to regularly back up data on all computers; critical data to back up includes documents, spreadsheets, HR and financial files, and databases. If possible, it’s best to set up your data to back up automatically. Store copies in the cloud or offsite in a secure server.
4. Limit data access.
   Limiting access to critical data drastically minimizes your risk. Even in the event of a breach, limiting access means that your most sensitive data will likely still be protected. Staff should only be given access to the specific data systems required for their jobs, and no one employee should ever have access to all data systems. Restrict administrative privileges to only trusted IT staff members and key personnel. Ensure that any former employees are removed from company systems as part of the offboarding process.

Security Is Well Worth The Hassle

While taking all these measures can seem like a pain, it’s far less costly in time, money and effort to invest in them up front. Otherwise, you run the risk of having critical data stolen during a breach or your entire business grinding to a halt due to a ransomware attack you can’t afford.

Want To Get Ahead Of The Threats?

Before you find out the hard way, grab your free copy of our Cybersecurity Crisis Report, an executive guide to protecting your business from today’s most dangerous cyberthreats. Schedule it now: https://www.fidelitech.net/analysis/

Windows 10 Support Ending Next Month! Here’s What It Means For You

Warning: Microsoft will NO LONGER support Windows 10 after October 14, 2025. While PCs operating on Windows 10 will still work after this official end date, Microsoft will no longer provide the free services that keep your device working properly and securely, such as security updates and technical support.

Why Is This Important For Business Owners?

1. Security Risks: Without regular updates, your computer will become more vulnerable to viruses, malware and hackers. This could put your business data at risk, which is why upgrading to a newer version of Windows is crucial.
2. Software Compatibility: Many software programs are updated regularly to work with the latest operating systems. After Windows 10 reaches its end of life, some of your favorite programs might not work as smoothly or could stop working altogether.
3. Compliance Issues: If your business deals with sensitive information or follows strict regulations, using an outdated operating system could lead to compliance issues. It’s important to stay current to avoid potential fines or legal problems.

What Are Your Options?

Microsoft encourages users to migrate to the latest version before the end-of-life date. This can present challenges for some PC owners, as not all devices currently running Windows 10 are compatible with Windows 11. If you try to upgrade one of those PCs to Windows 11, but the device does not meet the stringent hardware requirements of the new software, you’ll encounter an error message.

If your device isn’t compatible with Windows 11, you have a few options. You can:

• Buy a new PC that is compatible
• Sign up for Extended Security Updates (more on that below)
• Switch from the Windows operating system to Linux
• Ignore the deadline and put your business at risk (we do NOT recommend this one!)

Whatever you decide, make sure to back up your data! Before making any changes, always back up your important files. This ensures that nothing gets lost during the upgrade process.

Extended Support For Windows 10

If you’re not able to make the switch to Windows 11 just yet, you can sign up for Extended Security Updates (ESU) from Microsoft. However, it’s important to remember that this option is a bandage, not a permanent solution. ESU will only be offered for a year after the end-of-life date in October.

To sign up for ESU, you have a few options. The most straightforward method is to simply pay the $30 fee, or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Reward points, to register. If you don’t want to pay, there is a free option – with a catch. You’ll need to enable Windows Backup to sync your settings and folders to the cloud in OneDrive. While OneDrive offers 5 GB of free storage, you may need to buy more space if you have large quantities of documents to store.

Regardless, don’t wait to sign up! You need to register for ESU before the October 14 deadline to qualify.

Navigating This Transition

The best step is to work with your IT provider to determine what option makes sense for your organization. An experienced IT team or a tech consultant can help make sure everything runs smoothly and minimize any downtime for your business.

If you’re looking for someone to guide you through this transition period, get in touch with our team to schedule a FREE 10-Minute Discovery Call. During this quick conversation, we’ll be able to map out the next steps to take to start upgrading to Windows 11 efficiently. To schedule, call us at 801-263-8858.

Is Your Business Training AI How To Hack You?

There’s a lot of excitement about artificial intelligence (AI) right now, and for good reason. Tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot are popping up everywhere. Businesses are using them to create content, respond to customers, write e-mails, summarize meetings and even assist with coding or spreadsheets.

AI can be a huge time-saver and productivity booster. But, like any powerful tool, if misused, it can open the door to serious problems – especially when it comes to your company’s data security.

Even small businesses are at risk.

Here’s The Problem

The issue isn’t the technology itself. It’s how people are using it. When employees copy and paste sensitive data into public AI tools, that information may be stored, analyzed or even used to train future models. That means confidential or regulated data could be exposed, without anyone realizing it.

In 2023, engineers at Samsung accidentally leaked internal source code into ChatGPT. It became such a significant privacy issue that the company banned the use of public AI tools altogether, as reported by Tom’s Hardware.

Now picture the same thing happening in your office. An employee pastes client financials or medical data into ChatGPT to “get help summarizing,” not knowing the risks. In seconds, private information is exposed.

A New Threat: Prompt Injection

Beyond accidental leaks, hackers are now exploiting a more sophisticated technique called prompt injection. They hide malicious instructions inside e-mails, transcripts, PDFs or even YouTube captions. When an AI tool is asked to process that content, it can be tricked into giving up sensitive data or doing something it shouldn’t.

In short, the AI helps the attacker – without knowing it’s being manipulated.

Why Small Businesses Are Vulnerable

Most small businesses aren’t monitoring AI use internally. Employees adopt new tools on their own, often with good intentions but without clear guidance. Many assume AI tools are just smarter versions of Google. They don’t realize that what they paste could be stored permanently or seen by someone else.

And few companies have policies in place to manage AI usage or to train employees on what’s safe to share.

What You Can Do Right Now

You don’t need to ban AI from your business, but you do need to take control.

Here are four steps to get started:

1. Create an AI usage policy.
   Define which tools are approved, what types of data should never be shared and who to go to with questions.
2. Educate your team.
   Help your staff understand the risks of using public AI tools and how threats like prompt injection work.
3. Use secure platforms.
   Encourage employees to stick with business-grade tools like Microsoft Copilot, which offer more control over data privacy and compliance.
4. Monitor AI use.
   Track which tools are being used and consider blocking public AI platforms on company devices if needed.

The Bottom Line

AI is here to stay. Businesses that learn how to use it safely will benefit, but those that ignore the risks are asking for trouble. A few careless keystrokes can expose your business to hackers, compliance violations or worse.

Let’s have a quick conversation to make sure your AI usage isn’t putting your company at risk. We’ll help you build a smart, secure AI policy and show you how to protect your data without slowing your team down.

Why Phishing Attacks Spike In August

You and your employees may be getting back from vacation, but cybercriminals never take a day off. In fact, data shown in studies from vendors ProofPoint and Check Point indicate that phishing attempts actually spike in the summer months. Here’s how to stay aware and stay protected.

Why The Increased Risk?

Attackers use your summer travel bug to their advantage by impersonating hotel and Airbnb websites, says Check Point Research. They’ve uncovered a sharp increase in cyberthreats related to the travel industry – specifically, a 55% increase in the creation of new website domains related to vacations in May 2025, compared to the same period last year. Of over 39,000 domains registered, one in every 21 was flagged as either malicious or suspicious.

Late summer is also back-to-school time, which means an uptick in phishing attempts imitating legitimate university e-mails, targeting both students and staff. While these threats might not affect your industry directly, there’s always a chance that employees pursuing their master’s degree or planning a vacation will check their personal e-mail on their work computer – and it takes only one wrong click for cyberattackers to have access to all of your business’s data.

What To Do About It

While AI is making cybersecurity stronger and workflows smoother, it’s also making phishing attacks more convincing. That’s why it’s important to train yourself and your team on what to look for, to avoid clicking on a malicious link.

Safety tips to prevent attacks:

• Keep an eye out for shady e-mails. Don’t only check for misspellings and poorly formatted sentences in the body of e-mails; AI can write e-mails for attackers just like it can for you. Also examine the e-mail address of the sender and the text of the link itself, if visible, to make sure everything looks legitimate.
• Double-check URLs. Misspellings in the link text or unusual domain endings, like .today or .info, can be an indicator of an attack. Domain endings like these are often used in scam sites.
• Visit websites directly. It’s always better to search for the website yourself, rather than clicking on links in any messages or e-mails.
• Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA). Setting up MFA ensures that even if a breach does occur within your company, your login credentials will remain protected – and so will any data secured behind them.
• Be careful with public WiFi. If you need to use public WiFi, use a VPN for additional protection when accessing secure information, like booking portals or bank accounts.
• Don’t access personal e-mail on company devices. Accessing personal e-mail, messaging or social media accounts on business devices increases your risk. Keep personal accounts on your personal devices, and work-related accounts on the work devices.
• Ask your MSP about endpoint security. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) software can monitor your desktops and mobile devices, detect and block phishing attempts and malicious downloads, and alert your MSP immediately in the event of a breach, drastically limiting your data’s exposure.

Phishing attempts become more sophisticated every day, and AI is only speeding that process along. Because of this, it’s essential to keep your team well-informed of the risks; knowledge is the best defense against phishing attacks. Stay informed and stay safe!

Start the season secure – book your FREE Cybersecurity Assessment today.

Watch Out: Hackers Are Logging In – Not Breaking In

Cybercriminals are changing how they attack small businesses. Instead of breaking down the door, they’re sneaking in with a stolen key…your login credentials.

It’s called an identity-based attack, and it’s becoming the top way hackers get into systems. They steal passwords, trick employees with fake e-mails or overload people with login requests until someone slips. And, unfortunately, it’s working.

In fact, one cybersecurity company reported that 67% of serious security issues in 2024 came from stolen logins. Big companies like MGM and Caesars were hit by this kind of attack the year prior – and if it can happen to them, it can definitely happen to smaller businesses too.

How Are Hackers Getting In?

Most of these attacks start with something simple, like a stolen password. But the techniques are getting smarter:

• Fake e-mails and login pages trick employees into handing over their info.
• SIM swapping lets hackers steal the text messages used for 2FA codes.
• MFA fatigue attacks flood your phone with login requests until you accidentally click “Approve.”

They’re even targeting things like employee personal devices or outside vendors (like your help desk or call center) to find a way in.

How To Protect Your Business

Here’s the good news: You don’t need to be a tech wizard to protect your company. Just a few smart steps can go a long way:

1. Turn On Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
   This is the “double-check” step when logging in. Just make sure it’s the right kind: App-based or security key-based MFA is much safer than text messages.
2. Train Your Team
   If your employees don’t know how to spot a scam, your security is only as strong as their inbox. Teach them how to recognize fake e-mails and suspicious requests and where to report issues.
3. Limit Access
   Only give employees access to what they need, not to everything. If a hacker gets in, they won’t get far if the account they’re using has limited permissions.
4. Use Strong Passwords Or Go Passwordless
   Encourage your team to use a password manager or, even better, tools like fingerprint logins or security keys that don’t rely on passwords at all.

The Bottom Line

Hackers are after your login credentials, and they’re getting more creative every day. Staying ahead of them doesn’t mean doing it all alone.

That’s where we come in. We can help you put the right protections in place to keep your business safe – without making things harder for your team.

Want to know if your business is vulnerable? Let’s talk. Book a discovery call here: https://www.fidelitech.net/discoverycall/

The Truth About Cybersecurity Every Business Leader Should Know

There are many common myths when it comes to cybersecurity, and, unlike harmless stories, these myths can leave you with gaping holes in your company’s cybersecurity defenses. Here are five common myths and the truth behind them.

Myth #1: It Won't Happen To Us.

There’s a common belief among small and medium-sized businesses that they are too small to be a target for attackers. But this isn’t the case; in fact, some cybercriminals target SMBs specifically, with the knowledge that SMBs are less likely to have the resources for reliable cybersecurity.

Cyberattacks happen to organizations of all sizes, in all verticals and geographies, and hit 80% of businesses. The global financial toll? A projected $9.5 trillion. And while large corporations can take the hit and recover, a single ransomware attack has the potential to put an SMB out of business.

So, regardless of what type of business or organization you have, you must protect yourself from cyberattacks and reduce your exposure. Always assume you are a target – because you are one.

Myth #2: If It Worked Then, It’ll Work Now.

It’s very common for decision-makers to reason that since they’ve never been breached in the past, they won’t be breached in the future either. However, that belief doesn’t account for the rapid pace at which technology – and cybercrime – are evolving.

The threat landscape is constantly changing and there is a very real game of cat-and-mouse at play. If you’re not moving forward, you’re moving backward. Effective security is a cycle of anticipation, adaptation and action.

Myth #3: Once Secure, Always Secure.

Unfortunately, technology is fluid – just like your business. Every time you bring on a new member of staff and add new devices, your technology’s configuration shifts. As it does, it creates new avenues of attack from cybercriminals.

That’s why continuous monitoring and management are necessary to maintain security integrity. The attack surface stretches beyond common focus areas. Because of this, strong cybersecurity demands a holistic, proactive, continuous approach.

Myth #4: Business Optimization Is Incompatible With Security.

Many organizations still assume that security initiatives create operational friction – delaying releases, adding red tape and increasing costs. This outdated thinking frames security and business optimization as mutually exclusive, as if improving one must compromise the other.

While these perceptions may have roots in the past, they don’t reflect modern practices. Today, security enables optimization. That means minimizing both waste and risk – including security risk.

In the end, secure systems are more resilient, predictable and cost-effective. This makes security a driver of business performance, not a barrier.

Myth 5: A Strong Password Is All I Need.

Creating a strong password (at least 16 characters long and a blend of letters, numbers and special characters) for each account is important, but it’s not the only step needed to keep your data secure.

For one, every account and device needs a unique password. If you reuse passwords, it means that if one of your accounts is hacked, all of your other accounts are at risk. To store all your unique passwords, we recommend a password manager!

Enabling MFA for every account will double your protection. The few seconds required to enter a code sent to your phone is well worth the extra security.

That said, there are plenty of other vulnerabilities that savvy hackers can exploit to attack your business’s data. That’s why working with an MSP is a critical component of maintaining your company’s cybersecurity.

Looking For An MSP?

If you need an MSP you can trust to keep your business secure, get in touch with our team to schedule a FREE 10-Minute Discovery Call. During this quick conversation, we’ll be able to map out the next steps to take to get your business’s cybersecurity up to snuff. To schedule, call us at 801-263-8858.

Cyber Hygiene Isn’t Optional Anymore: How To Clean Up Your Risk

When it comes to protecting your business from cyberthreats, the basics still matter. A lot. In fact, according to IBM’s 2023 Cost Of A Data Breach Report, 82% of breaches involved data stored in the cloud, and most of them could’ve been prevented with simple, foundational safeguards.

That’s where “cyber hygiene” comes in – your business’s version of daily handwashing. No, it’s not sexy. But it’s essential. And if you’re skipping the basics, you’re asking for trouble.

Here are four cyber hygiene essentials every small business should have on lock:

1. Keep your network secure.
   Keep your Internet connection secure by encrypting your business’s sensitive data and using a firewall. Keep your WiFi network protected and hidden with a Service Set Identifier (SSID); this allows you to set your wireless access point or router so it doesn’t broadcast your network name. Your router should also be password-protected. Finally, any remote employees should use a virtual private network, or VPN, to connect to your network securely from their location.
2. Teach your team how to stay protected.
   Establishing basic security policies for employees is a great way to reduce your risk of breaches due to human error. These include things like strong passwords, multifactor authentication (MFA), appropriate Internet use guidelines and policies to follow when handling vital data. Other important training topics to cover include how to spot phishing e-mails and avoid suspicious downloads.
3. Back up your important data.
   In the event of a breach, crash or ransomware attack, you want to make sure your most important data is still accessible so your business can continue operating. This is why it’s so important to regularly back up data on all computers; critical data to back up includes documents, spreadsheets, HR and financial files, and databases. If possible, it’s best to set up your data to back up automatically. Store copies in the cloud or offsite in a secure server.
4. Limit data access.
   Limiting access to critical data drastically minimizes your risk. Even in the event of a breach, limiting access means that your most sensitive data will likely still be protected. Staff should only be given access to the specific data systems required for their jobs, and no one employee should ever have access to all data systems. Restrict administrative privileges to only trusted IT staff members and key personnel. Ensure that any former employees are removed from company systems as part of the offboarding process.

Security Is Well Worth The Hassle

While taking all these measures can seem like a pain, it’s far less costly in time, money and effort to invest in them up front. Otherwise, you run the risk of having critical data stolen during a breach or your entire business grinding to a halt due to a ransomware attack you can’t afford.

Want To Get Ahead Of The Threats?

Before you find out the hard way, grab your free copy of our Cybersecurity Crisis Report, an executive guide to protecting your business from today’s most dangerous cyberthreats. Schedule it now: https://www.fidelitech.net/analysis/

Windows 10 Support Ending Next Month! Here’s What It Means For You

Warning: Microsoft will NO LONGER support Windows 10 after October 14, 2025. While PCs operating on Windows 10 will still work after this official end date, Microsoft will no longer provide the free services that keep your device working properly and securely, such as security updates and technical support.

Why Is This Important For Business Owners?

1. Security Risks: Without regular updates, your computer will become more vulnerable to viruses, malware and hackers. This could put your business data at risk, which is why upgrading to a newer version of Windows is crucial.
2. Software Compatibility: Many software programs are updated regularly to work with the latest operating systems. After Windows 10 reaches its end of life, some of your favorite programs might not work as smoothly or could stop working altogether.
3. Compliance Issues: If your business deals with sensitive information or follows strict regulations, using an outdated operating system could lead to compliance issues. It’s important to stay current to avoid potential fines or legal problems.

What Are Your Options?

Microsoft encourages users to migrate to the latest version before the end-of-life date. This can present challenges for some PC owners, as not all devices currently running Windows 10 are compatible with Windows 11. If you try to upgrade one of those PCs to Windows 11, but the device does not meet the stringent hardware requirements of the new software, you’ll encounter an error message.

If your device isn’t compatible with Windows 11, you have a few options. You can:

• Buy a new PC that is compatible
• Sign up for Extended Security Updates (more on that below)
• Switch from the Windows operating system to Linux
• Ignore the deadline and put your business at risk (we do NOT recommend this one!)

Whatever you decide, make sure to back up your data! Before making any changes, always back up your important files. This ensures that nothing gets lost during the upgrade process.

Extended Support For Windows 10

If you’re not able to make the switch to Windows 11 just yet, you can sign up for Extended Security Updates (ESU) from Microsoft. However, it’s important to remember that this option is a bandage, not a permanent solution. ESU will only be offered for a year after the end-of-life date in October.

To sign up for ESU, you have a few options. The most straightforward method is to simply pay the $30 fee, or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Reward points, to register. If you don’t want to pay, there is a free option – with a catch. You’ll need to enable Windows Backup to sync your settings and folders to the cloud in OneDrive. While OneDrive offers 5 GB of free storage, you may need to buy more space if you have large quantities of documents to store.

Regardless, don’t wait to sign up! You need to register for ESU before the October 14 deadline to qualify.

Navigating This Transition

The best step is to work with your IT provider to determine what option makes sense for your organization. An experienced IT team or a tech consultant can help make sure everything runs smoothly and minimize any downtime for your business.

If you’re looking for someone to guide you through this transition period, get in touch with our team to schedule a FREE 10-Minute Discovery Call. During this quick conversation, we’ll be able to map out the next steps to take to start upgrading to Windows 11 efficiently. To schedule, call us at 801-263-8858.

Is Your Business Training AI How To Hack You?

There’s a lot of excitement about artificial intelligence (AI) right now, and for good reason. Tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot are popping up everywhere. Businesses are using them to create content, respond to customers, write e-mails, summarize meetings and even assist with coding or spreadsheets.

AI can be a huge time-saver and productivity booster. But, like any powerful tool, if misused, it can open the door to serious problems – especially when it comes to your company’s data security.

Even small businesses are at risk.

Here’s The Problem

The issue isn’t the technology itself. It’s how people are using it. When employees copy and paste sensitive data into public AI tools, that information may be stored, analyzed or even used to train future models. That means confidential or regulated data could be exposed, without anyone realizing it.

In 2023, engineers at Samsung accidentally leaked internal source code into ChatGPT. It became such a significant privacy issue that the company banned the use of public AI tools altogether, as reported by Tom’s Hardware.

Now picture the same thing happening in your office. An employee pastes client financials or medical data into ChatGPT to “get help summarizing,” not knowing the risks. In seconds, private information is exposed.

A New Threat: Prompt Injection

Beyond accidental leaks, hackers are now exploiting a more sophisticated technique called prompt injection. They hide malicious instructions inside e-mails, transcripts, PDFs or even YouTube captions. When an AI tool is asked to process that content, it can be tricked into giving up sensitive data or doing something it shouldn’t.

In short, the AI helps the attacker – without knowing it’s being manipulated.

Why Small Businesses Are Vulnerable

Most small businesses aren’t monitoring AI use internally. Employees adopt new tools on their own, often with good intentions but without clear guidance. Many assume AI tools are just smarter versions of Google. They don’t realize that what they paste could be stored permanently or seen by someone else.

And few companies have policies in place to manage AI usage or to train employees on what’s safe to share.

What You Can Do Right Now

You don’t need to ban AI from your business, but you do need to take control.

Here are four steps to get started:

1. Create an AI usage policy.
   Define which tools are approved, what types of data should never be shared and who to go to with questions.
2. Educate your team.
   Help your staff understand the risks of using public AI tools and how threats like prompt injection work.
3. Use secure platforms.
   Encourage employees to stick with business-grade tools like Microsoft Copilot, which offer more control over data privacy and compliance.
4. Monitor AI use.
   Track which tools are being used and consider blocking public AI platforms on company devices if needed.

The Bottom Line

AI is here to stay. Businesses that learn how to use it safely will benefit, but those that ignore the risks are asking for trouble. A few careless keystrokes can expose your business to hackers, compliance violations or worse.

Let’s have a quick conversation to make sure your AI usage isn’t putting your company at risk. We’ll help you build a smart, secure AI policy and show you how to protect your data without slowing your team down.

Why Phishing Attacks Spike In August

You and your employees may be getting back from vacation, but cybercriminals never take a day off. In fact, data shown in studies from vendors ProofPoint and Check Point indicate that phishing attempts actually spike in the summer months. Here’s how to stay aware and stay protected.

Why The Increased Risk?

Attackers use your summer travel bug to their advantage by impersonating hotel and Airbnb websites, says Check Point Research. They’ve uncovered a sharp increase in cyberthreats related to the travel industry – specifically, a 55% increase in the creation of new website domains related to vacations in May 2025, compared to the same period last year. Of over 39,000 domains registered, one in every 21 was flagged as either malicious or suspicious.

Late summer is also back-to-school time, which means an uptick in phishing attempts imitating legitimate university e-mails, targeting both students and staff. While these threats might not affect your industry directly, there’s always a chance that employees pursuing their master’s degree or planning a vacation will check their personal e-mail on their work computer – and it takes only one wrong click for cyberattackers to have access to all of your business’s data.

What To Do About It

While AI is making cybersecurity stronger and workflows smoother, it’s also making phishing attacks more convincing. That’s why it’s important to train yourself and your team on what to look for, to avoid clicking on a malicious link.

Safety tips to prevent attacks:

• Keep an eye out for shady e-mails. Don’t only check for misspellings and poorly formatted sentences in the body of e-mails; AI can write e-mails for attackers just like it can for you. Also examine the e-mail address of the sender and the text of the link itself, if visible, to make sure everything looks legitimate.
• Double-check URLs. Misspellings in the link text or unusual domain endings, like .today or .info, can be an indicator of an attack. Domain endings like these are often used in scam sites.
• Visit websites directly. It’s always better to search for the website yourself, rather than clicking on links in any messages or e-mails.
• Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA). Setting up MFA ensures that even if a breach does occur within your company, your login credentials will remain protected – and so will any data secured behind them.
• Be careful with public WiFi. If you need to use public WiFi, use a VPN for additional protection when accessing secure information, like booking portals or bank accounts.
• Don’t access personal e-mail on company devices. Accessing personal e-mail, messaging or social media accounts on business devices increases your risk. Keep personal accounts on your personal devices, and work-related accounts on the work devices.
• Ask your MSP about endpoint security. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) software can monitor your desktops and mobile devices, detect and block phishing attempts and malicious downloads, and alert your MSP immediately in the event of a breach, drastically limiting your data’s exposure.

Phishing attempts become more sophisticated every day, and AI is only speeding that process along. Because of this, it’s essential to keep your team well-informed of the risks; knowledge is the best defense against phishing attacks. Stay informed and stay safe!

Start the season secure – book your FREE Cybersecurity Assessment today.

Watch Out: Hackers Are Logging In – Not Breaking In

Cybercriminals are changing how they attack small businesses. Instead of breaking down the door, they’re sneaking in with a stolen key…your login credentials.

It’s called an identity-based attack, and it’s becoming the top way hackers get into systems. They steal passwords, trick employees with fake e-mails or overload people with login requests until someone slips. And, unfortunately, it’s working.

In fact, one cybersecurity company reported that 67% of serious security issues in 2024 came from stolen logins. Big companies like MGM and Caesars were hit by this kind of attack the year prior – and if it can happen to them, it can definitely happen to smaller businesses too.

How Are Hackers Getting In?

Most of these attacks start with something simple, like a stolen password. But the techniques are getting smarter:

• Fake e-mails and login pages trick employees into handing over their info.
• SIM swapping lets hackers steal the text messages used for 2FA codes.
• MFA fatigue attacks flood your phone with login requests until you accidentally click “Approve.”

They’re even targeting things like employee personal devices or outside vendors (like your help desk or call center) to find a way in.

How To Protect Your Business

Here’s the good news: You don’t need to be a tech wizard to protect your company. Just a few smart steps can go a long way:

1. Turn On Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
   This is the “double-check” step when logging in. Just make sure it’s the right kind: App-based or security key-based MFA is much safer than text messages.
2. Train Your Team
   If your employees don’t know how to spot a scam, your security is only as strong as their inbox. Teach them how to recognize fake e-mails and suspicious requests and where to report issues.
3. Limit Access
   Only give employees access to what they need, not to everything. If a hacker gets in, they won’t get far if the account they’re using has limited permissions.
4. Use Strong Passwords Or Go Passwordless
   Encourage your team to use a password manager or, even better, tools like fingerprint logins or security keys that don’t rely on passwords at all.

The Bottom Line

Hackers are after your login credentials, and they’re getting more creative every day. Staying ahead of them doesn’t mean doing it all alone.

That’s where we come in. We can help you put the right protections in place to keep your business safe – without making things harder for your team.

Want to know if your business is vulnerable? Let’s talk. Book a discovery call here: https://www.fidelitech.net/discoverycall/

The Truth About Cybersecurity Every Business Leader Should Know

There are many common myths when it comes to cybersecurity, and, unlike harmless stories, these myths can leave you with gaping holes in your company’s cybersecurity defenses. Here are five common myths and the truth behind them.

Myth #1: It Won't Happen To Us.

There’s a common belief among small and medium-sized businesses that they are too small to be a target for attackers. But this isn’t the case; in fact, some cybercriminals target SMBs specifically, with the knowledge that SMBs are less likely to have the resources for reliable cybersecurity.

Cyberattacks happen to organizations of all sizes, in all verticals and geographies, and hit 80% of businesses. The global financial toll? A projected $9.5 trillion. And while large corporations can take the hit and recover, a single ransomware attack has the potential to put an SMB out of business.

So, regardless of what type of business or organization you have, you must protect yourself from cyberattacks and reduce your exposure. Always assume you are a target – because you are one.

Myth #2: If It Worked Then, It’ll Work Now.

It’s very common for decision-makers to reason that since they’ve never been breached in the past, they won’t be breached in the future either. However, that belief doesn’t account for the rapid pace at which technology – and cybercrime – are evolving.

The threat landscape is constantly changing and there is a very real game of cat-and-mouse at play. If you’re not moving forward, you’re moving backward. Effective security is a cycle of anticipation, adaptation and action.

Myth #3: Once Secure, Always Secure.

Unfortunately, technology is fluid – just like your business. Every time you bring on a new member of staff and add new devices, your technology’s configuration shifts. As it does, it creates new avenues of attack from cybercriminals.

That’s why continuous monitoring and management are necessary to maintain security integrity. The attack surface stretches beyond common focus areas. Because of this, strong cybersecurity demands a holistic, proactive, continuous approach.

Myth #4: Business Optimization Is Incompatible With Security.

Many organizations still assume that security initiatives create operational friction – delaying releases, adding red tape and increasing costs. This outdated thinking frames security and business optimization as mutually exclusive, as if improving one must compromise the other.

While these perceptions may have roots in the past, they don’t reflect modern practices. Today, security enables optimization. That means minimizing both waste and risk – including security risk.

In the end, secure systems are more resilient, predictable and cost-effective. This makes security a driver of business performance, not a barrier.

Myth 5: A Strong Password Is All I Need.

Creating a strong password (at least 16 characters long and a blend of letters, numbers and special characters) for each account is important, but it’s not the only step needed to keep your data secure.

For one, every account and device needs a unique password. If you reuse passwords, it means that if one of your accounts is hacked, all of your other accounts are at risk. To store all your unique passwords, we recommend a password manager!

Enabling MFA for every account will double your protection. The few seconds required to enter a code sent to your phone is well worth the extra security.

That said, there are plenty of other vulnerabilities that savvy hackers can exploit to attack your business’s data. That’s why working with an MSP is a critical component of maintaining your company’s cybersecurity.

Looking For An MSP?

If you need an MSP you can trust to keep your business secure, get in touch with our team to schedule a FREE 10-Minute Discovery Call. During this quick conversation, we’ll be able to map out the next steps to take to get your business’s cybersecurity up to snuff. To schedule, call us at 801-263-8858.

Cyber Hygiene Isn’t Optional Anymore: How To Clean Up Your Risk

When it comes to protecting your business from cyberthreats, the basics still matter. A lot. In fact, according to IBM’s 2023 Cost Of A Data Breach Report, 82% of breaches involved data stored in the cloud, and most of them could’ve been prevented with simple, foundational safeguards.

That’s where “cyber hygiene” comes in – your business’s version of daily handwashing. No, it’s not sexy. But it’s essential. And if you’re skipping the basics, you’re asking for trouble.

Here are four cyber hygiene essentials every small business should have on lock:

1. Keep your network secure.
   Keep your Internet connection secure by encrypting your business’s sensitive data and using a firewall. Keep your WiFi network protected and hidden with a Service Set Identifier (SSID); this allows you to set your wireless access point or router so it doesn’t broadcast your network name. Your router should also be password-protected. Finally, any remote employees should use a virtual private network, or VPN, to connect to your network securely from their location.
2. Teach your team how to stay protected.
   Establishing basic security policies for employees is a great way to reduce your risk of breaches due to human error. These include things like strong passwords, multifactor authentication (MFA), appropriate Internet use guidelines and policies to follow when handling vital data. Other important training topics to cover include how to spot phishing e-mails and avoid suspicious downloads.
3. Back up your important data.
   In the event of a breach, crash or ransomware attack, you want to make sure your most important data is still accessible so your business can continue operating. This is why it’s so important to regularly back up data on all computers; critical data to back up includes documents, spreadsheets, HR and financial files, and databases. If possible, it’s best to set up your data to back up automatically. Store copies in the cloud or offsite in a secure server.
4. Limit data access.
   Limiting access to critical data drastically minimizes your risk. Even in the event of a breach, limiting access means that your most sensitive data will likely still be protected. Staff should only be given access to the specific data systems required for their jobs, and no one employee should ever have access to all data systems. Restrict administrative privileges to only trusted IT staff members and key personnel. Ensure that any former employees are removed from company systems as part of the offboarding process.

Security Is Well Worth The Hassle

While taking all these measures can seem like a pain, it’s far less costly in time, money and effort to invest in them up front. Otherwise, you run the risk of having critical data stolen during a breach or your entire business grinding to a halt due to a ransomware attack you can’t afford.

Want To Get Ahead Of The Threats?

Before you find out the hard way, grab your free copy of our Cybersecurity Crisis Report, an executive guide to protecting your business from today’s most dangerous cyberthreats. Schedule it now: https://www.fidelitech.net/analysis/

Windows 10 Support Ending Next Month! Here’s What It Means For You

Warning: Microsoft will NO LONGER support Windows 10 after October 14, 2025. While PCs operating on Windows 10 will still work after this official end date, Microsoft will no longer provide the free services that keep your device working properly and securely, such as security updates and technical support.

Why Is This Important For Business Owners?

1. Security Risks: Without regular updates, your computer will become more vulnerable to viruses, malware and hackers. This could put your business data at risk, which is why upgrading to a newer version of Windows is crucial.
2. Software Compatibility: Many software programs are updated regularly to work with the latest operating systems. After Windows 10 reaches its end of life, some of your favorite programs might not work as smoothly or could stop working altogether.
3. Compliance Issues: If your business deals with sensitive information or follows strict regulations, using an outdated operating system could lead to compliance issues. It’s important to stay current to avoid potential fines or legal problems.

What Are Your Options?

Microsoft encourages users to migrate to the latest version before the end-of-life date. This can present challenges for some PC owners, as not all devices currently running Windows 10 are compatible with Windows 11. If you try to upgrade one of those PCs to Windows 11, but the device does not meet the stringent hardware requirements of the new software, you’ll encounter an error message.

If your device isn’t compatible with Windows 11, you have a few options. You can:

• Buy a new PC that is compatible
• Sign up for Extended Security Updates (more on that below)
• Switch from the Windows operating system to Linux
• Ignore the deadline and put your business at risk (we do NOT recommend this one!)

Whatever you decide, make sure to back up your data! Before making any changes, always back up your important files. This ensures that nothing gets lost during the upgrade process.

Extended Support For Windows 10

If you’re not able to make the switch to Windows 11 just yet, you can sign up for Extended Security Updates (ESU) from Microsoft. However, it’s important to remember that this option is a bandage, not a permanent solution. ESU will only be offered for a year after the end-of-life date in October.

To sign up for ESU, you have a few options. The most straightforward method is to simply pay the $30 fee, or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Reward points, to register. If you don’t want to pay, there is a free option – with a catch. You’ll need to enable Windows Backup to sync your settings and folders to the cloud in OneDrive. While OneDrive offers 5 GB of free storage, you may need to buy more space if you have large quantities of documents to store.

Regardless, don’t wait to sign up! You need to register for ESU before the October 14 deadline to qualify.

Navigating This Transition

The best step is to work with your IT provider to determine what option makes sense for your organization. An experienced IT team or a tech consultant can help make sure everything runs smoothly and minimize any downtime for your business.

If you’re looking for someone to guide you through this transition period, get in touch with our team to schedule a FREE 10-Minute Discovery Call. During this quick conversation, we’ll be able to map out the next steps to take to start upgrading to Windows 11 efficiently. To schedule, call us at 801-263-8858.

Is Your Business Training AI How To Hack You?

There’s a lot of excitement about artificial intelligence (AI) right now, and for good reason. Tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot are popping up everywhere. Businesses are using them to create content, respond to customers, write e-mails, summarize meetings and even assist with coding or spreadsheets.

AI can be a huge time-saver and productivity booster. But, like any powerful tool, if misused, it can open the door to serious problems – especially when it comes to your company’s data security.

Even small businesses are at risk.

Here’s The Problem

The issue isn’t the technology itself. It’s how people are using it. When employees copy and paste sensitive data into public AI tools, that information may be stored, analyzed or even used to train future models. That means confidential or regulated data could be exposed, without anyone realizing it.

In 2023, engineers at Samsung accidentally leaked internal source code into ChatGPT. It became such a significant privacy issue that the company banned the use of public AI tools altogether, as reported by Tom’s Hardware.

Now picture the same thing happening in your office. An employee pastes client financials or medical data into ChatGPT to “get help summarizing,” not knowing the risks. In seconds, private information is exposed.

A New Threat: Prompt Injection

Beyond accidental leaks, hackers are now exploiting a more sophisticated technique called prompt injection. They hide malicious instructions inside e-mails, transcripts, PDFs or even YouTube captions. When an AI tool is asked to process that content, it can be tricked into giving up sensitive data or doing something it shouldn’t.

In short, the AI helps the attacker – without knowing it’s being manipulated.

Why Small Businesses Are Vulnerable

Most small businesses aren’t monitoring AI use internally. Employees adopt new tools on their own, often with good intentions but without clear guidance. Many assume AI tools are just smarter versions of Google. They don’t realize that what they paste could be stored permanently or seen by someone else.

And few companies have policies in place to manage AI usage or to train employees on what’s safe to share.

What You Can Do Right Now

You don’t need to ban AI from your business, but you do need to take control.

Here are four steps to get started:

1. Create an AI usage policy.
   Define which tools are approved, what types of data should never be shared and who to go to with questions.
2. Educate your team.
   Help your staff understand the risks of using public AI tools and how threats like prompt injection work.
3. Use secure platforms.
   Encourage employees to stick with business-grade tools like Microsoft Copilot, which offer more control over data privacy and compliance.
4. Monitor AI use.
   Track which tools are being used and consider blocking public AI platforms on company devices if needed.

The Bottom Line

AI is here to stay. Businesses that learn how to use it safely will benefit, but those that ignore the risks are asking for trouble. A few careless keystrokes can expose your business to hackers, compliance violations or worse.

Let’s have a quick conversation to make sure your AI usage isn’t putting your company at risk. We’ll help you build a smart, secure AI policy and show you how to protect your data without slowing your team down.

Why Phishing Attacks Spike In August

You and your employees may be getting back from vacation, but cybercriminals never take a day off. In fact, data shown in studies from vendors ProofPoint and Check Point indicate that phishing attempts actually spike in the summer months. Here’s how to stay aware and stay protected.

Why The Increased Risk?

Attackers use your summer travel bug to their advantage by impersonating hotel and Airbnb websites, says Check Point Research. They’ve uncovered a sharp increase in cyberthreats related to the travel industry – specifically, a 55% increase in the creation of new website domains related to vacations in May 2025, compared to the same period last year. Of over 39,000 domains registered, one in every 21 was flagged as either malicious or suspicious.

Late summer is also back-to-school time, which means an uptick in phishing attempts imitating legitimate university e-mails, targeting both students and staff. While these threats might not affect your industry directly, there’s always a chance that employees pursuing their master’s degree or planning a vacation will check their personal e-mail on their work computer – and it takes only one wrong click for cyberattackers to have access to all of your business’s data.

What To Do About It

While AI is making cybersecurity stronger and workflows smoother, it’s also making phishing attacks more convincing. That’s why it’s important to train yourself and your team on what to look for, to avoid clicking on a malicious link.

Safety tips to prevent attacks:

• Keep an eye out for shady e-mails. Don’t only check for misspellings and poorly formatted sentences in the body of e-mails; AI can write e-mails for attackers just like it can for you. Also examine the e-mail address of the sender and the text of the link itself, if visible, to make sure everything looks legitimate.
• Double-check URLs. Misspellings in the link text or unusual domain endings, like .today or .info, can be an indicator of an attack. Domain endings like these are often used in scam sites.
• Visit websites directly. It’s always better to search for the website yourself, rather than clicking on links in any messages or e-mails.
• Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA). Setting up MFA ensures that even if a breach does occur within your company, your login credentials will remain protected – and so will any data secured behind them.
• Be careful with public WiFi. If you need to use public WiFi, use a VPN for additional protection when accessing secure information, like booking portals or bank accounts.
• Don’t access personal e-mail on company devices. Accessing personal e-mail, messaging or social media accounts on business devices increases your risk. Keep personal accounts on your personal devices, and work-related accounts on the work devices.
• Ask your MSP about endpoint security. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) software can monitor your desktops and mobile devices, detect and block phishing attempts and malicious downloads, and alert your MSP immediately in the event of a breach, drastically limiting your data’s exposure.

Phishing attempts become more sophisticated every day, and AI is only speeding that process along. Because of this, it’s essential to keep your team well-informed of the risks; knowledge is the best defense against phishing attacks. Stay informed and stay safe!

Start the season secure – book your FREE Cybersecurity Assessment today.

Watch Out: Hackers Are Logging In – Not Breaking In

Cybercriminals are changing how they attack small businesses. Instead of breaking down the door, they’re sneaking in with a stolen key…your login credentials.

It’s called an identity-based attack, and it’s becoming the top way hackers get into systems. They steal passwords, trick employees with fake e-mails or overload people with login requests until someone slips. And, unfortunately, it’s working.

In fact, one cybersecurity company reported that 67% of serious security issues in 2024 came from stolen logins. Big companies like MGM and Caesars were hit by this kind of attack the year prior – and if it can happen to them, it can definitely happen to smaller businesses too.

How Are Hackers Getting In?

Most of these attacks start with something simple, like a stolen password. But the techniques are getting smarter:

• Fake e-mails and login pages trick employees into handing over their info.
• SIM swapping lets hackers steal the text messages used for 2FA codes.
• MFA fatigue attacks flood your phone with login requests until you accidentally click “Approve.”

They’re even targeting things like employee personal devices or outside vendors (like your help desk or call center) to find a way in.

How To Protect Your Business

Here’s the good news: You don’t need to be a tech wizard to protect your company. Just a few smart steps can go a long way:

1. Turn On Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
   This is the “double-check” step when logging in. Just make sure it’s the right kind: App-based or security key-based MFA is much safer than text messages.
2. Train Your Team
   If your employees don’t know how to spot a scam, your security is only as strong as their inbox. Teach them how to recognize fake e-mails and suspicious requests and where to report issues.
3. Limit Access
   Only give employees access to what they need, not to everything. If a hacker gets in, they won’t get far if the account they’re using has limited permissions.
4. Use Strong Passwords Or Go Passwordless
   Encourage your team to use a password manager or, even better, tools like fingerprint logins or security keys that don’t rely on passwords at all.

The Bottom Line

Hackers are after your login credentials, and they’re getting more creative every day. Staying ahead of them doesn’t mean doing it all alone.

That’s where we come in. We can help you put the right protections in place to keep your business safe – without making things harder for your team.

Want to know if your business is vulnerable? Let’s talk. Book a discovery call here: https://www.fidelitech.net/discoverycall/

The Truth About Cybersecurity Every Business Leader Should Know

There are many common myths when it comes to cybersecurity, and, unlike harmless stories, these myths can leave you with gaping holes in your company’s cybersecurity defenses. Here are five common myths and the truth behind them.

Myth #1: It Won't Happen To Us.

There’s a common belief among small and medium-sized businesses that they are too small to be a target for attackers. But this isn’t the case; in fact, some cybercriminals target SMBs specifically, with the knowledge that SMBs are less likely to have the resources for reliable cybersecurity.

Cyberattacks happen to organizations of all sizes, in all verticals and geographies, and hit 80% of businesses. The global financial toll? A projected $9.5 trillion. And while large corporations can take the hit and recover, a single ransomware attack has the potential to put an SMB out of business.

So, regardless of what type of business or organization you have, you must protect yourself from cyberattacks and reduce your exposure. Always assume you are a target – because you are one.

Myth #2: If It Worked Then, It’ll Work Now.

It’s very common for decision-makers to reason that since they’ve never been breached in the past, they won’t be breached in the future either. However, that belief doesn’t account for the rapid pace at which technology – and cybercrime – are evolving.

The threat landscape is constantly changing and there is a very real game of cat-and-mouse at play. If you’re not moving forward, you’re moving backward. Effective security is a cycle of anticipation, adaptation and action.

Myth #3: Once Secure, Always Secure.

Unfortunately, technology is fluid – just like your business. Every time you bring on a new member of staff and add new devices, your technology’s configuration shifts. As it does, it creates new avenues of attack from cybercriminals.

That’s why continuous monitoring and management are necessary to maintain security integrity. The attack surface stretches beyond common focus areas. Because of this, strong cybersecurity demands a holistic, proactive, continuous approach.

Myth #4: Business Optimization Is Incompatible With Security.

Many organizations still assume that security initiatives create operational friction – delaying releases, adding red tape and increasing costs. This outdated thinking frames security and business optimization as mutually exclusive, as if improving one must compromise the other.

While these perceptions may have roots in the past, they don’t reflect modern practices. Today, security enables optimization. That means minimizing both waste and risk – including security risk.

In the end, secure systems are more resilient, predictable and cost-effective. This makes security a driver of business performance, not a barrier.

Myth 5: A Strong Password Is All I Need.

Creating a strong password (at least 16 characters long and a blend of letters, numbers and special characters) for each account is important, but it’s not the only step needed to keep your data secure.

For one, every account and device needs a unique password. If you reuse passwords, it means that if one of your accounts is hacked, all of your other accounts are at risk. To store all your unique passwords, we recommend a password manager!

Enabling MFA for every account will double your protection. The few seconds required to enter a code sent to your phone is well worth the extra security.

That said, there are plenty of other vulnerabilities that savvy hackers can exploit to attack your business’s data. That’s why working with an MSP is a critical component of maintaining your company’s cybersecurity.

Looking For An MSP?

If you need an MSP you can trust to keep your business secure, get in touch with our team to schedule a FREE 10-Minute Discovery Call. During this quick conversation, we’ll be able to map out the next steps to take to get your business’s cybersecurity up to snuff. To schedule, call us at 801-263-8858.

Cyber Hygiene Isn’t Optional Anymore: How To Clean Up Your Risk

When it comes to protecting your business from cyberthreats, the basics still matter. A lot. In fact, according to IBM’s 2023 Cost Of A Data Breach Report, 82% of breaches involved data stored in the cloud, and most of them could’ve been prevented with simple, foundational safeguards.

That’s where “cyber hygiene” comes in – your business’s version of daily handwashing. No, it’s not sexy. But it’s essential. And if you’re skipping the basics, you’re asking for trouble.

Here are four cyber hygiene essentials every small business should have on lock:

1. Keep your network secure.
   Keep your Internet connection secure by encrypting your business’s sensitive data and using a firewall. Keep your WiFi network protected and hidden with a Service Set Identifier (SSID); this allows you to set your wireless access point or router so it doesn’t broadcast your network name. Your router should also be password-protected. Finally, any remote employees should use a virtual private network, or VPN, to connect to your network securely from their location.
2. Teach your team how to stay protected.
   Establishing basic security policies for employees is a great way to reduce your risk of breaches due to human error. These include things like strong passwords, multifactor authentication (MFA), appropriate Internet use guidelines and policies to follow when handling vital data. Other important training topics to cover include how to spot phishing e-mails and avoid suspicious downloads.
3. Back up your important data.
   In the event of a breach, crash or ransomware attack, you want to make sure your most important data is still accessible so your business can continue operating. This is why it’s so important to regularly back up data on all computers; critical data to back up includes documents, spreadsheets, HR and financial files, and databases. If possible, it’s best to set up your data to back up automatically. Store copies in the cloud or offsite in a secure server.
4. Limit data access.
   Limiting access to critical data drastically minimizes your risk. Even in the event of a breach, limiting access means that your most sensitive data will likely still be protected. Staff should only be given access to the specific data systems required for their jobs, and no one employee should ever have access to all data systems. Restrict administrative privileges to only trusted IT staff members and key personnel. Ensure that any former employees are removed from company systems as part of the offboarding process.

Security Is Well Worth The Hassle

While taking all these measures can seem like a pain, it’s far less costly in time, money and effort to invest in them up front. Otherwise, you run the risk of having critical data stolen during a breach or your entire business grinding to a halt due to a ransomware attack you can’t afford.

Want To Get Ahead Of The Threats?

Before you find out the hard way, grab your free copy of our Cybersecurity Crisis Report, an executive guide to protecting your business from today’s most dangerous cyberthreats. Schedule it now: https://www.fidelitech.net/analysis/

Windows 10 Support Ending Next Month! Here’s What It Means For You

Warning: Microsoft will NO LONGER support Windows 10 after October 14, 2025. While PCs operating on Windows 10 will still work after this official end date, Microsoft will no longer provide the free services that keep your device working properly and securely, such as security updates and technical support.

Why Is This Important For Business Owners?

1. Security Risks: Without regular updates, your computer will become more vulnerable to viruses, malware and hackers. This could put your business data at risk, which is why upgrading to a newer version of Windows is crucial.
2. Software Compatibility: Many software programs are updated regularly to work with the latest operating systems. After Windows 10 reaches its end of life, some of your favorite programs might not work as smoothly or could stop working altogether.
3. Compliance Issues: If your business deals with sensitive information or follows strict regulations, using an outdated operating system could lead to compliance issues. It’s important to stay current to avoid potential fines or legal problems.

What Are Your Options?

Microsoft encourages users to migrate to the latest version before the end-of-life date. This can present challenges for some PC owners, as not all devices currently running Windows 10 are compatible with Windows 11. If you try to upgrade one of those PCs to Windows 11, but the device does not meet the stringent hardware requirements of the new software, you’ll encounter an error message.

If your device isn’t compatible with Windows 11, you have a few options. You can:

• Buy a new PC that is compatible
• Sign up for Extended Security Updates (more on that below)
• Switch from the Windows operating system to Linux
• Ignore the deadline and put your business at risk (we do NOT recommend this one!)

Whatever you decide, make sure to back up your data! Before making any changes, always back up your important files. This ensures that nothing gets lost during the upgrade process.

Extended Support For Windows 10

If you’re not able to make the switch to Windows 11 just yet, you can sign up for Extended Security Updates (ESU) from Microsoft. However, it’s important to remember that this option is a bandage, not a permanent solution. ESU will only be offered for a year after the end-of-life date in October.

To sign up for ESU, you have a few options. The most straightforward method is to simply pay the $30 fee, or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Reward points, to register. If you don’t want to pay, there is a free option – with a catch. You’ll need to enable Windows Backup to sync your settings and folders to the cloud in OneDrive. While OneDrive offers 5 GB of free storage, you may need to buy more space if you have large quantities of documents to store.

Regardless, don’t wait to sign up! You need to register for ESU before the October 14 deadline to qualify.

Navigating This Transition

The best step is to work with your IT provider to determine what option makes sense for your organization. An experienced IT team or a tech consultant can help make sure everything runs smoothly and minimize any downtime for your business.

If you’re looking for someone to guide you through this transition period, get in touch with our team to schedule a FREE 10-Minute Discovery Call. During this quick conversation, we’ll be able to map out the next steps to take to start upgrading to Windows 11 efficiently. To schedule, call us at 801-263-8858.

Is Your Business Training AI How To Hack You?

There’s a lot of excitement about artificial intelligence (AI) right now, and for good reason. Tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot are popping up everywhere. Businesses are using them to create content, respond to customers, write e-mails, summarize meetings and even assist with coding or spreadsheets.

AI can be a huge time-saver and productivity booster. But, like any powerful tool, if misused, it can open the door to serious problems – especially when it comes to your company’s data security.

Even small businesses are at risk.

Here’s The Problem

The issue isn’t the technology itself. It’s how people are using it. When employees copy and paste sensitive data into public AI tools, that information may be stored, analyzed or even used to train future models. That means confidential or regulated data could be exposed, without anyone realizing it.

In 2023, engineers at Samsung accidentally leaked internal source code into ChatGPT. It became such a significant privacy issue that the company banned the use of public AI tools altogether, as reported by Tom’s Hardware.

Now picture the same thing happening in your office. An employee pastes client financials or medical data into ChatGPT to “get help summarizing,” not knowing the risks. In seconds, private information is exposed.

A New Threat: Prompt Injection

Beyond accidental leaks, hackers are now exploiting a more sophisticated technique called prompt injection. They hide malicious instructions inside e-mails, transcripts, PDFs or even YouTube captions. When an AI tool is asked to process that content, it can be tricked into giving up sensitive data or doing something it shouldn’t.

In short, the AI helps the attacker – without knowing it’s being manipulated.

Why Small Businesses Are Vulnerable

Most small businesses aren’t monitoring AI use internally. Employees adopt new tools on their own, often with good intentions but without clear guidance. Many assume AI tools are just smarter versions of Google. They don’t realize that what they paste could be stored permanently or seen by someone else.

And few companies have policies in place to manage AI usage or to train employees on what’s safe to share.

What You Can Do Right Now

You don’t need to ban AI from your business, but you do need to take control.

Here are four steps to get started:

1. Create an AI usage policy.
   Define which tools are approved, what types of data should never be shared and who to go to with questions.
2. Educate your team.
   Help your staff understand the risks of using public AI tools and how threats like prompt injection work.
3. Use secure platforms.
   Encourage employees to stick with business-grade tools like Microsoft Copilot, which offer more control over data privacy and compliance.
4. Monitor AI use.
   Track which tools are being used and consider blocking public AI platforms on company devices if needed.

The Bottom Line

AI is here to stay. Businesses that learn how to use it safely will benefit, but those that ignore the risks are asking for trouble. A few careless keystrokes can expose your business to hackers, compliance violations or worse.

Let’s have a quick conversation to make sure your AI usage isn’t putting your company at risk. We’ll help you build a smart, secure AI policy and show you how to protect your data without slowing your team down.

Why Phishing Attacks Spike In August

You and your employees may be getting back from vacation, but cybercriminals never take a day off. In fact, data shown in studies from vendors ProofPoint and Check Point indicate that phishing attempts actually spike in the summer months. Here’s how to stay aware and stay protected.

Why The Increased Risk?

Attackers use your summer travel bug to their advantage by impersonating hotel and Airbnb websites, says Check Point Research. They’ve uncovered a sharp increase in cyberthreats related to the travel industry – specifically, a 55% increase in the creation of new website domains related to vacations in May 2025, compared to the same period last year. Of over 39,000 domains registered, one in every 21 was flagged as either malicious or suspicious.

Late summer is also back-to-school time, which means an uptick in phishing attempts imitating legitimate university e-mails, targeting both students and staff. While these threats might not affect your industry directly, there’s always a chance that employees pursuing their master’s degree or planning a vacation will check their personal e-mail on their work computer – and it takes only one wrong click for cyberattackers to have access to all of your business’s data.

What To Do About It

While AI is making cybersecurity stronger and workflows smoother, it’s also making phishing attacks more convincing. That’s why it’s important to train yourself and your team on what to look for, to avoid clicking on a malicious link.

Safety tips to prevent attacks:

• Keep an eye out for shady e-mails. Don’t only check for misspellings and poorly formatted sentences in the body of e-mails; AI can write e-mails for attackers just like it can for you. Also examine the e-mail address of the sender and the text of the link itself, if visible, to make sure everything looks legitimate.
• Double-check URLs. Misspellings in the link text or unusual domain endings, like .today or .info, can be an indicator of an attack. Domain endings like these are often used in scam sites.
• Visit websites directly. It’s always better to search for the website yourself, rather than clicking on links in any messages or e-mails.
• Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA). Setting up MFA ensures that even if a breach does occur within your company, your login credentials will remain protected – and so will any data secured behind them.
• Be careful with public WiFi. If you need to use public WiFi, use a VPN for additional protection when accessing secure information, like booking portals or bank accounts.
• Don’t access personal e-mail on company devices. Accessing personal e-mail, messaging or social media accounts on business devices increases your risk. Keep personal accounts on your personal devices, and work-related accounts on the work devices.
• Ask your MSP about endpoint security. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) software can monitor your desktops and mobile devices, detect and block phishing attempts and malicious downloads, and alert your MSP immediately in the event of a breach, drastically limiting your data’s exposure.

Phishing attempts become more sophisticated every day, and AI is only speeding that process along. Because of this, it’s essential to keep your team well-informed of the risks; knowledge is the best defense against phishing attacks. Stay informed and stay safe!

Start the season secure – book your FREE Cybersecurity Assessment today.

Watch Out: Hackers Are Logging In – Not Breaking In

Cybercriminals are changing how they attack small businesses. Instead of breaking down the door, they’re sneaking in with a stolen key…your login credentials.

It’s called an identity-based attack, and it’s becoming the top way hackers get into systems. They steal passwords, trick employees with fake e-mails or overload people with login requests until someone slips. And, unfortunately, it’s working.

In fact, one cybersecurity company reported that 67% of serious security issues in 2024 came from stolen logins. Big companies like MGM and Caesars were hit by this kind of attack the year prior – and if it can happen to them, it can definitely happen to smaller businesses too.

How Are Hackers Getting In?

Most of these attacks start with something simple, like a stolen password. But the techniques are getting smarter:

• Fake e-mails and login pages trick employees into handing over their info.
• SIM swapping lets hackers steal the text messages used for 2FA codes.
• MFA fatigue attacks flood your phone with login requests until you accidentally click “Approve.”

They’re even targeting things like employee personal devices or outside vendors (like your help desk or call center) to find a way in.

How To Protect Your Business

Here’s the good news: You don’t need to be a tech wizard to protect your company. Just a few smart steps can go a long way:

1. Turn On Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
   This is the “double-check” step when logging in. Just make sure it’s the right kind: App-based or security key-based MFA is much safer than text messages.
2. Train Your Team
   If your employees don’t know how to spot a scam, your security is only as strong as their inbox. Teach them how to recognize fake e-mails and suspicious requests and where to report issues.
3. Limit Access
   Only give employees access to what they need, not to everything. If a hacker gets in, they won’t get far if the account they’re using has limited permissions.
4. Use Strong Passwords Or Go Passwordless
   Encourage your team to use a password manager or, even better, tools like fingerprint logins or security keys that don’t rely on passwords at all.

The Bottom Line

Hackers are after your login credentials, and they’re getting more creative every day. Staying ahead of them doesn’t mean doing it all alone.

That’s where we come in. We can help you put the right protections in place to keep your business safe – without making things harder for your team.

Want to know if your business is vulnerable? Let’s talk. Book a discovery call here: https://www.fidelitech.net/discoverycall/

The Truth About Cybersecurity Every Business Leader Should Know

There are many common myths when it comes to cybersecurity, and, unlike harmless stories, these myths can leave you with gaping holes in your company’s cybersecurity defenses. Here are five common myths and the truth behind them.

Myth #1: It Won't Happen To Us.

There’s a common belief among small and medium-sized businesses that they are too small to be a target for attackers. But this isn’t the case; in fact, some cybercriminals target SMBs specifically, with the knowledge that SMBs are less likely to have the resources for reliable cybersecurity.

Cyberattacks happen to organizations of all sizes, in all verticals and geographies, and hit 80% of businesses. The global financial toll? A projected $9.5 trillion. And while large corporations can take the hit and recover, a single ransomware attack has the potential to put an SMB out of business.

So, regardless of what type of business or organization you have, you must protect yourself from cyberattacks and reduce your exposure. Always assume you are a target – because you are one.

Myth #2: If It Worked Then, It’ll Work Now.

It’s very common for decision-makers to reason that since they’ve never been breached in the past, they won’t be breached in the future either. However, that belief doesn’t account for the rapid pace at which technology – and cybercrime – are evolving.

The threat landscape is constantly changing and there is a very real game of cat-and-mouse at play. If you’re not moving forward, you’re moving backward. Effective security is a cycle of anticipation, adaptation and action.

Myth #3: Once Secure, Always Secure.

Unfortunately, technology is fluid – just like your business. Every time you bring on a new member of staff and add new devices, your technology’s configuration shifts. As it does, it creates new avenues of attack from cybercriminals.

That’s why continuous monitoring and management are necessary to maintain security integrity. The attack surface stretches beyond common focus areas. Because of this, strong cybersecurity demands a holistic, proactive, continuous approach.

Myth #4: Business Optimization Is Incompatible With Security.

Many organizations still assume that security initiatives create operational friction – delaying releases, adding red tape and increasing costs. This outdated thinking frames security and business optimization as mutually exclusive, as if improving one must compromise the other.

While these perceptions may have roots in the past, they don’t reflect modern practices. Today, security enables optimization. That means minimizing both waste and risk – including security risk.

In the end, secure systems are more resilient, predictable and cost-effective. This makes security a driver of business performance, not a barrier.

Myth 5: A Strong Password Is All I Need.

Creating a strong password (at least 16 characters long and a blend of letters, numbers and special characters) for each account is important, but it’s not the only step needed to keep your data secure.

For one, every account and device needs a unique password. If you reuse passwords, it means that if one of your accounts is hacked, all of your other accounts are at risk. To store all your unique passwords, we recommend a password manager!

Enabling MFA for every account will double your protection. The few seconds required to enter a code sent to your phone is well worth the extra security.

That said, there are plenty of other vulnerabilities that savvy hackers can exploit to attack your business’s data. That’s why working with an MSP is a critical component of maintaining your company’s cybersecurity.

Looking For An MSP?

If you need an MSP you can trust to keep your business secure, get in touch with our team to schedule a FREE 10-Minute Discovery Call. During this quick conversation, we’ll be able to map out the next steps to take to get your business’s cybersecurity up to snuff. To schedule, call us at 801-263-8858.

Cyber Hygiene Isn’t Optional Anymore: How To Clean Up Your Risk

When it comes to protecting your business from cyberthreats, the basics still matter. A lot. In fact, according to IBM’s 2023 Cost Of A Data Breach Report, 82% of breaches involved data stored in the cloud, and most of them could’ve been prevented with simple, foundational safeguards.

That’s where “cyber hygiene” comes in – your business’s version of daily handwashing. No, it’s not sexy. But it’s essential. And if you’re skipping the basics, you’re asking for trouble.

Here are four cyber hygiene essentials every small business should have on lock:

1. Keep your network secure.
   Keep your Internet connection secure by encrypting your business’s sensitive data and using a firewall. Keep your WiFi network protected and hidden with a Service Set Identifier (SSID); this allows you to set your wireless access point or router so it doesn’t broadcast your network name. Your router should also be password-protected. Finally, any remote employees should use a virtual private network, or VPN, to connect to your network securely from their location.
2. Teach your team how to stay protected.
   Establishing basic security policies for employees is a great way to reduce your risk of breaches due to human error. These include things like strong passwords, multifactor authentication (MFA), appropriate Internet use guidelines and policies to follow when handling vital data. Other important training topics to cover include how to spot phishing e-mails and avoid suspicious downloads.
3. Back up your important data.
   In the event of a breach, crash or ransomware attack, you want to make sure your most important data is still accessible so your business can continue operating. This is why it’s so important to regularly back up data on all computers; critical data to back up includes documents, spreadsheets, HR and financial files, and databases. If possible, it’s best to set up your data to back up automatically. Store copies in the cloud or offsite in a secure server.
4. Limit data access.
   Limiting access to critical data drastically minimizes your risk. Even in the event of a breach, limiting access means that your most sensitive data will likely still be protected. Staff should only be given access to the specific data systems required for their jobs, and no one employee should ever have access to all data systems. Restrict administrative privileges to only trusted IT staff members and key personnel. Ensure that any former employees are removed from company systems as part of the offboarding process.

Security Is Well Worth The Hassle

While taking all these measures can seem like a pain, it’s far less costly in time, money and effort to invest in them up front. Otherwise, you run the risk of having critical data stolen during a breach or your entire business grinding to a halt due to a ransomware attack you can’t afford.

Want To Get Ahead Of The Threats?

Before you find out the hard way, grab your free copy of our Cybersecurity Crisis Report, an executive guide to protecting your business from today’s most dangerous cyberthreats. Schedule it now: https://www.fidelitech.net/analysis/

Windows 10 Support Ending Next Month! Here’s What It Means For You

Warning: Microsoft will NO LONGER support Windows 10 after October 14, 2025. While PCs operating on Windows 10 will still work after this official end date, Microsoft will no longer provide the free services that keep your device working properly and securely, such as security updates and technical support.

Why Is This Important For Business Owners?

1. Security Risks: Without regular updates, your computer will become more vulnerable to viruses, malware and hackers. This could put your business data at risk, which is why upgrading to a newer version of Windows is crucial.
2. Software Compatibility: Many software programs are updated regularly to work with the latest operating systems. After Windows 10 reaches its end of life, some of your favorite programs might not work as smoothly or could stop working altogether.
3. Compliance Issues: If your business deals with sensitive information or follows strict regulations, using an outdated operating system could lead to compliance issues. It’s important to stay current to avoid potential fines or legal problems.

What Are Your Options?

Microsoft encourages users to migrate to the latest version before the end-of-life date. This can present challenges for some PC owners, as not all devices currently running Windows 10 are compatible with Windows 11. If you try to upgrade one of those PCs to Windows 11, but the device does not meet the stringent hardware requirements of the new software, you’ll encounter an error message.

If your device isn’t compatible with Windows 11, you have a few options. You can:

• Buy a new PC that is compatible
• Sign up for Extended Security Updates (more on that below)
• Switch from the Windows operating system to Linux
• Ignore the deadline and put your business at risk (we do NOT recommend this one!)

Whatever you decide, make sure to back up your data! Before making any changes, always back up your important files. This ensures that nothing gets lost during the upgrade process.

Extended Support For Windows 10

If you’re not able to make the switch to Windows 11 just yet, you can sign up for Extended Security Updates (ESU) from Microsoft. However, it’s important to remember that this option is a bandage, not a permanent solution. ESU will only be offered for a year after the end-of-life date in October.

To sign up for ESU, you have a few options. The most straightforward method is to simply pay the $30 fee, or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Reward points, to register. If you don’t want to pay, there is a free option – with a catch. You’ll need to enable Windows Backup to sync your settings and folders to the cloud in OneDrive. While OneDrive offers 5 GB of free storage, you may need to buy more space if you have large quantities of documents to store.

Regardless, don’t wait to sign up! You need to register for ESU before the October 14 deadline to qualify.

Navigating This Transition

The best step is to work with your IT provider to determine what option makes sense for your organization. An experienced IT team or a tech consultant can help make sure everything runs smoothly and minimize any downtime for your business.

If you’re looking for someone to guide you through this transition period, get in touch with our team to schedule a FREE 10-Minute Discovery Call. During this quick conversation, we’ll be able to map out the next steps to take to start upgrading to Windows 11 efficiently. To schedule, call us at 801-263-8858.

Is Your Business Training AI How To Hack You?

There’s a lot of excitement about artificial intelligence (AI) right now, and for good reason. Tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot are popping up everywhere. Businesses are using them to create content, respond to customers, write e-mails, summarize meetings and even assist with coding or spreadsheets.

AI can be a huge time-saver and productivity booster. But, like any powerful tool, if misused, it can open the door to serious problems – especially when it comes to your company’s data security.

Even small businesses are at risk.

Here’s The Problem

The issue isn’t the technology itself. It’s how people are using it. When employees copy and paste sensitive data into public AI tools, that information may be stored, analyzed or even used to train future models. That means confidential or regulated data could be exposed, without anyone realizing it.

In 2023, engineers at Samsung accidentally leaked internal source code into ChatGPT. It became such a significant privacy issue that the company banned the use of public AI tools altogether, as reported by Tom’s Hardware.

Now picture the same thing happening in your office. An employee pastes client financials or medical data into ChatGPT to “get help summarizing,” not knowing the risks. In seconds, private information is exposed.

A New Threat: Prompt Injection

Beyond accidental leaks, hackers are now exploiting a more sophisticated technique called prompt injection. They hide malicious instructions inside e-mails, transcripts, PDFs or even YouTube captions. When an AI tool is asked to process that content, it can be tricked into giving up sensitive data or doing something it shouldn’t.

In short, the AI helps the attacker – without knowing it’s being manipulated.

Why Small Businesses Are Vulnerable

Most small businesses aren’t monitoring AI use internally. Employees adopt new tools on their own, often with good intentions but without clear guidance. Many assume AI tools are just smarter versions of Google. They don’t realize that what they paste could be stored permanently or seen by someone else.

And few companies have policies in place to manage AI usage or to train employees on what’s safe to share.

What You Can Do Right Now

You don’t need to ban AI from your business, but you do need to take control.

Here are four steps to get started:

1. Create an AI usage policy.
   Define which tools are approved, what types of data should never be shared and who to go to with questions.
2. Educate your team.
   Help your staff understand the risks of using public AI tools and how threats like prompt injection work.
3. Use secure platforms.
   Encourage employees to stick with business-grade tools like Microsoft Copilot, which offer more control over data privacy and compliance.
4. Monitor AI use.
   Track which tools are being used and consider blocking public AI platforms on company devices if needed.

The Bottom Line

AI is here to stay. Businesses that learn how to use it safely will benefit, but those that ignore the risks are asking for trouble. A few careless keystrokes can expose your business to hackers, compliance violations or worse.

Let’s have a quick conversation to make sure your AI usage isn’t putting your company at risk. We’ll help you build a smart, secure AI policy and show you how to protect your data without slowing your team down.

Why Phishing Attacks Spike In August

You and your employees may be getting back from vacation, but cybercriminals never take a day off. In fact, data shown in studies from vendors ProofPoint and Check Point indicate that phishing attempts actually spike in the summer months. Here’s how to stay aware and stay protected.

Why The Increased Risk?

Attackers use your summer travel bug to their advantage by impersonating hotel and Airbnb websites, says Check Point Research. They’ve uncovered a sharp increase in cyberthreats related to the travel industry – specifically, a 55% increase in the creation of new website domains related to vacations in May 2025, compared to the same period last year. Of over 39,000 domains registered, one in every 21 was flagged as either malicious or suspicious.

Late summer is also back-to-school time, which means an uptick in phishing attempts imitating legitimate university e-mails, targeting both students and staff. While these threats might not affect your industry directly, there’s always a chance that employees pursuing their master’s degree or planning a vacation will check their personal e-mail on their work computer – and it takes only one wrong click for cyberattackers to have access to all of your business’s data.

What To Do About It

While AI is making cybersecurity stronger and workflows smoother, it’s also making phishing attacks more convincing. That’s why it’s important to train yourself and your team on what to look for, to avoid clicking on a malicious link.

Safety tips to prevent attacks:

• Keep an eye out for shady e-mails. Don’t only check for misspellings and poorly formatted sentences in the body of e-mails; AI can write e-mails for attackers just like it can for you. Also examine the e-mail address of the sender and the text of the link itself, if visible, to make sure everything looks legitimate.
• Double-check URLs. Misspellings in the link text or unusual domain endings, like .today or .info, can be an indicator of an attack. Domain endings like these are often used in scam sites.
• Visit websites directly. It’s always better to search for the website yourself, rather than clicking on links in any messages or e-mails.
• Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA). Setting up MFA ensures that even if a breach does occur within your company, your login credentials will remain protected – and so will any data secured behind them.
• Be careful with public WiFi. If you need to use public WiFi, use a VPN for additional protection when accessing secure information, like booking portals or bank accounts.
• Don’t access personal e-mail on company devices. Accessing personal e-mail, messaging or social media accounts on business devices increases your risk. Keep personal accounts on your personal devices, and work-related accounts on the work devices.
• Ask your MSP about endpoint security. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) software can monitor your desktops and mobile devices, detect and block phishing attempts and malicious downloads, and alert your MSP immediately in the event of a breach, drastically limiting your data’s exposure.

Phishing attempts become more sophisticated every day, and AI is only speeding that process along. Because of this, it’s essential to keep your team well-informed of the risks; knowledge is the best defense against phishing attacks. Stay informed and stay safe!

Start the season secure – book your FREE Cybersecurity Assessment today.

Watch Out: Hackers Are Logging In – Not Breaking In

Cybercriminals are changing how they attack small businesses. Instead of breaking down the door, they’re sneaking in with a stolen key…your login credentials.

It’s called an identity-based attack, and it’s becoming the top way hackers get into systems. They steal passwords, trick employees with fake e-mails or overload people with login requests until someone slips. And, unfortunately, it’s working.

In fact, one cybersecurity company reported that 67% of serious security issues in 2024 came from stolen logins. Big companies like MGM and Caesars were hit by this kind of attack the year prior – and if it can happen to them, it can definitely happen to smaller businesses too.

How Are Hackers Getting In?

Most of these attacks start with something simple, like a stolen password. But the techniques are getting smarter:

• Fake e-mails and login pages trick employees into handing over their info.
• SIM swapping lets hackers steal the text messages used for 2FA codes.
• MFA fatigue attacks flood your phone with login requests until you accidentally click “Approve.”

They’re even targeting things like employee personal devices or outside vendors (like your help desk or call center) to find a way in.

How To Protect Your Business

Here’s the good news: You don’t need to be a tech wizard to protect your company. Just a few smart steps can go a long way:

1. Turn On Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
   This is the “double-check” step when logging in. Just make sure it’s the right kind: App-based or security key-based MFA is much safer than text messages.
2. Train Your Team
   If your employees don’t know how to spot a scam, your security is only as strong as their inbox. Teach them how to recognize fake e-mails and suspicious requests and where to report issues.
3. Limit Access
   Only give employees access to what they need, not to everything. If a hacker gets in, they won’t get far if the account they’re using has limited permissions.
4. Use Strong Passwords Or Go Passwordless
   Encourage your team to use a password manager or, even better, tools like fingerprint logins or security keys that don’t rely on passwords at all.

The Bottom Line

Hackers are after your login credentials, and they’re getting more creative every day. Staying ahead of them doesn’t mean doing it all alone.

That’s where we come in. We can help you put the right protections in place to keep your business safe – without making things harder for your team.

Want to know if your business is vulnerable? Let’s talk. Book a discovery call here: https://www.fidelitech.net/discoverycall/

The Truth About Cybersecurity Every Business Leader Should Know

There are many common myths when it comes to cybersecurity, and, unlike harmless stories, these myths can leave you with gaping holes in your company’s cybersecurity defenses. Here are five common myths and the truth behind them.

Myth #1: It Won't Happen To Us.

There’s a common belief among small and medium-sized businesses that they are too small to be a target for attackers. But this isn’t the case; in fact, some cybercriminals target SMBs specifically, with the knowledge that SMBs are less likely to have the resources for reliable cybersecurity.

Cyberattacks happen to organizations of all sizes, in all verticals and geographies, and hit 80% of businesses. The global financial toll? A projected $9.5 trillion. And while large corporations can take the hit and recover, a single ransomware attack has the potential to put an SMB out of business.

So, regardless of what type of business or organization you have, you must protect yourself from cyberattacks and reduce your exposure. Always assume you are a target – because you are one.

Myth #2: If It Worked Then, It’ll Work Now.

It’s very common for decision-makers to reason that since they’ve never been breached in the past, they won’t be breached in the future either. However, that belief doesn’t account for the rapid pace at which technology – and cybercrime – are evolving.

The threat landscape is constantly changing and there is a very real game of cat-and-mouse at play. If you’re not moving forward, you’re moving backward. Effective security is a cycle of anticipation, adaptation and action.

Myth #3: Once Secure, Always Secure.

Unfortunately, technology is fluid – just like your business. Every time you bring on a new member of staff and add new devices, your technology’s configuration shifts. As it does, it creates new avenues of attack from cybercriminals.

That’s why continuous monitoring and management are necessary to maintain security integrity. The attack surface stretches beyond common focus areas. Because of this, strong cybersecurity demands a holistic, proactive, continuous approach.

Myth #4: Business Optimization Is Incompatible With Security.

Many organizations still assume that security initiatives create operational friction – delaying releases, adding red tape and increasing costs. This outdated thinking frames security and business optimization as mutually exclusive, as if improving one must compromise the other.

While these perceptions may have roots in the past, they don’t reflect modern practices. Today, security enables optimization. That means minimizing both waste and risk – including security risk.

In the end, secure systems are more resilient, predictable and cost-effective. This makes security a driver of business performance, not a barrier.

Myth 5: A Strong Password Is All I Need.

Creating a strong password (at least 16 characters long and a blend of letters, numbers and special characters) for each account is important, but it’s not the only step needed to keep your data secure.

For one, every account and device needs a unique password. If you reuse passwords, it means that if one of your accounts is hacked, all of your other accounts are at risk. To store all your unique passwords, we recommend a password manager!

Enabling MFA for every account will double your protection. The few seconds required to enter a code sent to your phone is well worth the extra security.

That said, there are plenty of other vulnerabilities that savvy hackers can exploit to attack your business’s data. That’s why working with an MSP is a critical component of maintaining your company’s cybersecurity.

Looking For An MSP?

If you need an MSP you can trust to keep your business secure, get in touch with our team to schedule a FREE 10-Minute Discovery Call. During this quick conversation, we’ll be able to map out the next steps to take to get your business’s cybersecurity up to snuff. To schedule, call us at 801-263-8858.

Cyber Hygiene Isn’t Optional Anymore: How To Clean Up Your Risk

When it comes to protecting your business from cyberthreats, the basics still matter. A lot. In fact, according to IBM’s 2023 Cost Of A Data Breach Report, 82% of breaches involved data stored in the cloud, and most of them could’ve been prevented with simple, foundational safeguards.

That’s where “cyber hygiene” comes in – your business’s version of daily handwashing. No, it’s not sexy. But it’s essential. And if you’re skipping the basics, you’re asking for trouble.

Here are four cyber hygiene essentials every small business should have on lock:

1. Keep your network secure.
   Keep your Internet connection secure by encrypting your business’s sensitive data and using a firewall. Keep your WiFi network protected and hidden with a Service Set Identifier (SSID); this allows you to set your wireless access point or router so it doesn’t broadcast your network name. Your router should also be password-protected. Finally, any remote employees should use a virtual private network, or VPN, to connect to your network securely from their location.
2. Teach your team how to stay protected.
   Establishing basic security policies for employees is a great way to reduce your risk of breaches due to human error. These include things like strong passwords, multifactor authentication (MFA), appropriate Internet use guidelines and policies to follow when handling vital data. Other important training topics to cover include how to spot phishing e-mails and avoid suspicious downloads.
3. Back up your important data.
   In the event of a breach, crash or ransomware attack, you want to make sure your most important data is still accessible so your business can continue operating. This is why it’s so important to regularly back up data on all computers; critical data to back up includes documents, spreadsheets, HR and financial files, and databases. If possible, it’s best to set up your data to back up automatically. Store copies in the cloud or offsite in a secure server.
4. Limit data access.
   Limiting access to critical data drastically minimizes your risk. Even in the event of a breach, limiting access means that your most sensitive data will likely still be protected. Staff should only be given access to the specific data systems required for their jobs, and no one employee should ever have access to all data systems. Restrict administrative privileges to only trusted IT staff members and key personnel. Ensure that any former employees are removed from company systems as part of the offboarding process.

Security Is Well Worth The Hassle

While taking all these measures can seem like a pain, it’s far less costly in time, money and effort to invest in them up front. Otherwise, you run the risk of having critical data stolen during a breach or your entire business grinding to a halt due to a ransomware attack you can’t afford.

Want To Get Ahead Of The Threats?

Before you find out the hard way, grab your free copy of our Cybersecurity Crisis Report, an executive guide to protecting your business from today’s most dangerous cyberthreats. Schedule it now: https://www.fidelitech.net/analysis/

Windows 10 Support Ending Next Month! Here’s What It Means For You

Warning: Microsoft will NO LONGER support Windows 10 after October 14, 2025. While PCs operating on Windows 10 will still work after this official end date, Microsoft will no longer provide the free services that keep your device working properly and securely, such as security updates and technical support.

Why Is This Important For Business Owners?

1. Security Risks: Without regular updates, your computer will become more vulnerable to viruses, malware and hackers. This could put your business data at risk, which is why upgrading to a newer version of Windows is crucial.
2. Software Compatibility: Many software programs are updated regularly to work with the latest operating systems. After Windows 10 reaches its end of life, some of your favorite programs might not work as smoothly or could stop working altogether.
3. Compliance Issues: If your business deals with sensitive information or follows strict regulations, using an outdated operating system could lead to compliance issues. It’s important to stay current to avoid potential fines or legal problems.

What Are Your Options?

Microsoft encourages users to migrate to the latest version before the end-of-life date. This can present challenges for some PC owners, as not all devices currently running Windows 10 are compatible with Windows 11. If you try to upgrade one of those PCs to Windows 11, but the device does not meet the stringent hardware requirements of the new software, you’ll encounter an error message.

If your device isn’t compatible with Windows 11, you have a few options. You can:

• Buy a new PC that is compatible
• Sign up for Extended Security Updates (more on that below)
• Switch from the Windows operating system to Linux
• Ignore the deadline and put your business at risk (we do NOT recommend this one!)

Whatever you decide, make sure to back up your data! Before making any changes, always back up your important files. This ensures that nothing gets lost during the upgrade process.

Extended Support For Windows 10

If you’re not able to make the switch to Windows 11 just yet, you can sign up for Extended Security Updates (ESU) from Microsoft. However, it’s important to remember that this option is a bandage, not a permanent solution. ESU will only be offered for a year after the end-of-life date in October.

To sign up for ESU, you have a few options. The most straightforward method is to simply pay the $30 fee, or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Reward points, to register. If you don’t want to pay, there is a free option – with a catch. You’ll need to enable Windows Backup to sync your settings and folders to the cloud in OneDrive. While OneDrive offers 5 GB of free storage, you may need to buy more space if you have large quantities of documents to store.

Regardless, don’t wait to sign up! You need to register for ESU before the October 14 deadline to qualify.

Navigating This Transition

The best step is to work with your IT provider to determine what option makes sense for your organization. An experienced IT team or a tech consultant can help make sure everything runs smoothly and minimize any downtime for your business.

If you’re looking for someone to guide you through this transition period, get in touch with our team to schedule a FREE 10-Minute Discovery Call. During this quick conversation, we’ll be able to map out the next steps to take to start upgrading to Windows 11 efficiently. To schedule, call us at 801-263-8858.

Is Your Business Training AI How To Hack You?

There’s a lot of excitement about artificial intelligence (AI) right now, and for good reason. Tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot are popping up everywhere. Businesses are using them to create content, respond to customers, write e-mails, summarize meetings and even assist with coding or spreadsheets.

AI can be a huge time-saver and productivity booster. But, like any powerful tool, if misused, it can open the door to serious problems – especially when it comes to your company’s data security.

Even small businesses are at risk.

Here’s The Problem

The issue isn’t the technology itself. It’s how people are using it. When employees copy and paste sensitive data into public AI tools, that information may be stored, analyzed or even used to train future models. That means confidential or regulated data could be exposed, without anyone realizing it.

In 2023, engineers at Samsung accidentally leaked internal source code into ChatGPT. It became such a significant privacy issue that the company banned the use of public AI tools altogether, as reported by Tom’s Hardware.

Now picture the same thing happening in your office. An employee pastes client financials or medical data into ChatGPT to “get help summarizing,” not knowing the risks. In seconds, private information is exposed.

A New Threat: Prompt Injection

Beyond accidental leaks, hackers are now exploiting a more sophisticated technique called prompt injection. They hide malicious instructions inside e-mails, transcripts, PDFs or even YouTube captions. When an AI tool is asked to process that content, it can be tricked into giving up sensitive data or doing something it shouldn’t.

In short, the AI helps the attacker – without knowing it’s being manipulated.

Why Small Businesses Are Vulnerable

Most small businesses aren’t monitoring AI use internally. Employees adopt new tools on their own, often with good intentions but without clear guidance. Many assume AI tools are just smarter versions of Google. They don’t realize that what they paste could be stored permanently or seen by someone else.

And few companies have policies in place to manage AI usage or to train employees on what’s safe to share.

What You Can Do Right Now

You don’t need to ban AI from your business, but you do need to take control.

Here are four steps to get started:

1. Create an AI usage policy.
   Define which tools are approved, what types of data should never be shared and who to go to with questions.
2. Educate your team.
   Help your staff understand the risks of using public AI tools and how threats like prompt injection work.
3. Use secure platforms.
   Encourage employees to stick with business-grade tools like Microsoft Copilot, which offer more control over data privacy and compliance.
4. Monitor AI use.
   Track which tools are being used and consider blocking public AI platforms on company devices if needed.

The Bottom Line

AI is here to stay. Businesses that learn how to use it safely will benefit, but those that ignore the risks are asking for trouble. A few careless keystrokes can expose your business to hackers, compliance violations or worse.

Let’s have a quick conversation to make sure your AI usage isn’t putting your company at risk. We’ll help you build a smart, secure AI policy and show you how to protect your data without slowing your team down.

Why Phishing Attacks Spike In August

You and your employees may be getting back from vacation, but cybercriminals never take a day off. In fact, data shown in studies from vendors ProofPoint and Check Point indicate that phishing attempts actually spike in the summer months. Here’s how to stay aware and stay protected.

Why The Increased Risk?

Attackers use your summer travel bug to their advantage by impersonating hotel and Airbnb websites, says Check Point Research. They’ve uncovered a sharp increase in cyberthreats related to the travel industry – specifically, a 55% increase in the creation of new website domains related to vacations in May 2025, compared to the same period last year. Of over 39,000 domains registered, one in every 21 was flagged as either malicious or suspicious.

Late summer is also back-to-school time, which means an uptick in phishing attempts imitating legitimate university e-mails, targeting both students and staff. While these threats might not affect your industry directly, there’s always a chance that employees pursuing their master’s degree or planning a vacation will check their personal e-mail on their work computer – and it takes only one wrong click for cyberattackers to have access to all of your business’s data.

What To Do About It

While AI is making cybersecurity stronger and workflows smoother, it’s also making phishing attacks more convincing. That’s why it’s important to train yourself and your team on what to look for, to avoid clicking on a malicious link.

Safety tips to prevent attacks:

• Keep an eye out for shady e-mails. Don’t only check for misspellings and poorly formatted sentences in the body of e-mails; AI can write e-mails for attackers just like it can for you. Also examine the e-mail address of the sender and the text of the link itself, if visible, to make sure everything looks legitimate.
• Double-check URLs. Misspellings in the link text or unusual domain endings, like .today or .info, can be an indicator of an attack. Domain endings like these are often used in scam sites.
• Visit websites directly. It’s always better to search for the website yourself, rather than clicking on links in any messages or e-mails.
• Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA). Setting up MFA ensures that even if a breach does occur within your company, your login credentials will remain protected – and so will any data secured behind them.
• Be careful with public WiFi. If you need to use public WiFi, use a VPN for additional protection when accessing secure information, like booking portals or bank accounts.
• Don’t access personal e-mail on company devices. Accessing personal e-mail, messaging or social media accounts on business devices increases your risk. Keep personal accounts on your personal devices, and work-related accounts on the work devices.
• Ask your MSP about endpoint security. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) software can monitor your desktops and mobile devices, detect and block phishing attempts and malicious downloads, and alert your MSP immediately in the event of a breach, drastically limiting your data’s exposure.

Phishing attempts become more sophisticated every day, and AI is only speeding that process along. Because of this, it’s essential to keep your team well-informed of the risks; knowledge is the best defense against phishing attacks. Stay informed and stay safe!

Start the season secure – book your FREE Cybersecurity Assessment today.

Watch Out: Hackers Are Logging In – Not Breaking In

Cybercriminals are changing how they attack small businesses. Instead of breaking down the door, they’re sneaking in with a stolen key…your login credentials.

It’s called an identity-based attack, and it’s becoming the top way hackers get into systems. They steal passwords, trick employees with fake e-mails or overload people with login requests until someone slips. And, unfortunately, it’s working.

In fact, one cybersecurity company reported that 67% of serious security issues in 2024 came from stolen logins. Big companies like MGM and Caesars were hit by this kind of attack the year prior – and if it can happen to them, it can definitely happen to smaller businesses too.

How Are Hackers Getting In?

Most of these attacks start with something simple, like a stolen password. But the techniques are getting smarter:

• Fake e-mails and login pages trick employees into handing over their info.
• SIM swapping lets hackers steal the text messages used for 2FA codes.
• MFA fatigue attacks flood your phone with login requests until you accidentally click “Approve.”

They’re even targeting things like employee personal devices or outside vendors (like your help desk or call center) to find a way in.

How To Protect Your Business

Here’s the good news: You don’t need to be a tech wizard to protect your company. Just a few smart steps can go a long way:

1. Turn On Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
   This is the “double-check” step when logging in. Just make sure it’s the right kind: App-based or security key-based MFA is much safer than text messages.
2. Train Your Team
   If your employees don’t know how to spot a scam, your security is only as strong as their inbox. Teach them how to recognize fake e-mails and suspicious requests and where to report issues.
3. Limit Access
   Only give employees access to what they need, not to everything. If a hacker gets in, they won’t get far if the account they’re using has limited permissions.
4. Use Strong Passwords Or Go Passwordless
   Encourage your team to use a password manager or, even better, tools like fingerprint logins or security keys that don’t rely on passwords at all.

The Bottom Line

Hackers are after your login credentials, and they’re getting more creative every day. Staying ahead of them doesn’t mean doing it all alone.

That’s where we come in. We can help you put the right protections in place to keep your business safe – without making things harder for your team.

Want to know if your business is vulnerable? Let’s talk. Book a discovery call here: https://www.fidelitech.net/discoverycall/

The Truth About Cybersecurity Every Business Leader Should Know

There are many common myths when it comes to cybersecurity, and, unlike harmless stories, these myths can leave you with gaping holes in your company’s cybersecurity defenses. Here are five common myths and the truth behind them.

Myth #1: It Won't Happen To Us.

There’s a common belief among small and medium-sized businesses that they are too small to be a target for attackers. But this isn’t the case; in fact, some cybercriminals target SMBs specifically, with the knowledge that SMBs are less likely to have the resources for reliable cybersecurity.

Cyberattacks happen to organizations of all sizes, in all verticals and geographies, and hit 80% of businesses. The global financial toll? A projected $9.5 trillion. And while large corporations can take the hit and recover, a single ransomware attack has the potential to put an SMB out of business.

So, regardless of what type of business or organization you have, you must protect yourself from cyberattacks and reduce your exposure. Always assume you are a target – because you are one.

Myth #2: If It Worked Then, It’ll Work Now.

It’s very common for decision-makers to reason that since they’ve never been breached in the past, they won’t be breached in the future either. However, that belief doesn’t account for the rapid pace at which technology – and cybercrime – are evolving.

The threat landscape is constantly changing and there is a very real game of cat-and-mouse at play. If you’re not moving forward, you’re moving backward. Effective security is a cycle of anticipation, adaptation and action.

Myth #3: Once Secure, Always Secure.

Unfortunately, technology is fluid – just like your business. Every time you bring on a new member of staff and add new devices, your technology’s configuration shifts. As it does, it creates new avenues of attack from cybercriminals.

That’s why continuous monitoring and management are necessary to maintain security integrity. The attack surface stretches beyond common focus areas. Because of this, strong cybersecurity demands a holistic, proactive, continuous approach.

Myth #4: Business Optimization Is Incompatible With Security.

Many organizations still assume that security initiatives create operational friction – delaying releases, adding red tape and increasing costs. This outdated thinking frames security and business optimization as mutually exclusive, as if improving one must compromise the other.

While these perceptions may have roots in the past, they don’t reflect modern practices. Today, security enables optimization. That means minimizing both waste and risk – including security risk.

In the end, secure systems are more resilient, predictable and cost-effective. This makes security a driver of business performance, not a barrier.

Myth 5: A Strong Password Is All I Need.

Creating a strong password (at least 16 characters long and a blend of letters, numbers and special characters) for each account is important, but it’s not the only step needed to keep your data secure.

For one, every account and device needs a unique password. If you reuse passwords, it means that if one of your accounts is hacked, all of your other accounts are at risk. To store all your unique passwords, we recommend a password manager!

Enabling MFA for every account will double your protection. The few seconds required to enter a code sent to your phone is well worth the extra security.

That said, there are plenty of other vulnerabilities that savvy hackers can exploit to attack your business’s data. That’s why working with an MSP is a critical component of maintaining your company’s cybersecurity.

Looking For An MSP?

If you need an MSP you can trust to keep your business secure, get in touch with our team to schedule a FREE 10-Minute Discovery Call. During this quick conversation, we’ll be able to map out the next steps to take to get your business’s cybersecurity up to snuff. To schedule, call us at 801-263-8858.

Cyber Hygiene Isn’t Optional Anymore: How To Clean Up Your Risk

When it comes to protecting your business from cyberthreats, the basics still matter. A lot. In fact, according to IBM’s 2023 Cost Of A Data Breach Report, 82% of breaches involved data stored in the cloud, and most of them could’ve been prevented with simple, foundational safeguards.

That’s where “cyber hygiene” comes in – your business’s version of daily handwashing. No, it’s not sexy. But it’s essential. And if you’re skipping the basics, you’re asking for trouble.

Here are four cyber hygiene essentials every small business should have on lock:

1. Keep your network secure.
   Keep your Internet connection secure by encrypting your business’s sensitive data and using a firewall. Keep your WiFi network protected and hidden with a Service Set Identifier (SSID); this allows you to set your wireless access point or router so it doesn’t broadcast your network name. Your router should also be password-protected. Finally, any remote employees should use a virtual private network, or VPN, to connect to your network securely from their location.
2. Teach your team how to stay protected.
   Establishing basic security policies for employees is a great way to reduce your risk of breaches due to human error. These include things like strong passwords, multifactor authentication (MFA), appropriate Internet use guidelines and policies to follow when handling vital data. Other important training topics to cover include how to spot phishing e-mails and avoid suspicious downloads.
3. Back up your important data.
   In the event of a breach, crash or ransomware attack, you want to make sure your most important data is still accessible so your business can continue operating. This is why it’s so important to regularly back up data on all computers; critical data to back up includes documents, spreadsheets, HR and financial files, and databases. If possible, it’s best to set up your data to back up automatically. Store copies in the cloud or offsite in a secure server.
4. Limit data access.
   Limiting access to critical data drastically minimizes your risk. Even in the event of a breach, limiting access means that your most sensitive data will likely still be protected. Staff should only be given access to the specific data systems required for their jobs, and no one employee should ever have access to all data systems. Restrict administrative privileges to only trusted IT staff members and key personnel. Ensure that any former employees are removed from company systems as part of the offboarding process.

Security Is Well Worth The Hassle

While taking all these measures can seem like a pain, it’s far less costly in time, money and effort to invest in them up front. Otherwise, you run the risk of having critical data stolen during a breach or your entire business grinding to a halt due to a ransomware attack you can’t afford.

Want To Get Ahead Of The Threats?

Before you find out the hard way, grab your free copy of our Cybersecurity Crisis Report, an executive guide to protecting your business from today’s most dangerous cyberthreats. Schedule it now: https://www.fidelitech.net/analysis/

Windows 10 Support Ending Next Month! Here’s What It Means For You

Warning: Microsoft will NO LONGER support Windows 10 after October 14, 2025. While PCs operating on Windows 10 will still work after this official end date, Microsoft will no longer provide the free services that keep your device working properly and securely, such as security updates and technical support.

Why Is This Important For Business Owners?

1. Security Risks: Without regular updates, your computer will become more vulnerable to viruses, malware and hackers. This could put your business data at risk, which is why upgrading to a newer version of Windows is crucial.
2. Software Compatibility: Many software programs are updated regularly to work with the latest operating systems. After Windows 10 reaches its end of life, some of your favorite programs might not work as smoothly or could stop working altogether.
3. Compliance Issues: If your business deals with sensitive information or follows strict regulations, using an outdated operating system could lead to compliance issues. It’s important to stay current to avoid potential fines or legal problems.

What Are Your Options?

Microsoft encourages users to migrate to the latest version before the end-of-life date. This can present challenges for some PC owners, as not all devices currently running Windows 10 are compatible with Windows 11. If you try to upgrade one of those PCs to Windows 11, but the device does not meet the stringent hardware requirements of the new software, you’ll encounter an error message.

If your device isn’t compatible with Windows 11, you have a few options. You can:

• Buy a new PC that is compatible
• Sign up for Extended Security Updates (more on that below)
• Switch from the Windows operating system to Linux
• Ignore the deadline and put your business at risk (we do NOT recommend this one!)

Whatever you decide, make sure to back up your data! Before making any changes, always back up your important files. This ensures that nothing gets lost during the upgrade process.

Extended Support For Windows 10

If you’re not able to make the switch to Windows 11 just yet, you can sign up for Extended Security Updates (ESU) from Microsoft. However, it’s important to remember that this option is a bandage, not a permanent solution. ESU will only be offered for a year after the end-of-life date in October.

To sign up for ESU, you have a few options. The most straightforward method is to simply pay the $30 fee, or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Reward points, to register. If you don’t want to pay, there is a free option – with a catch. You’ll need to enable Windows Backup to sync your settings and folders to the cloud in OneDrive. While OneDrive offers 5 GB of free storage, you may need to buy more space if you have large quantities of documents to store.

Regardless, don’t wait to sign up! You need to register for ESU before the October 14 deadline to qualify.

Navigating This Transition

The best step is to work with your IT provider to determine what option makes sense for your organization. An experienced IT team or a tech consultant can help make sure everything runs smoothly and minimize any downtime for your business.

If you’re looking for someone to guide you through this transition period, get in touch with our team to schedule a FREE 10-Minute Discovery Call. During this quick conversation, we’ll be able to map out the next steps to take to start upgrading to Windows 11 efficiently. To schedule, call us at 801-263-8858.

Is Your Business Training AI How To Hack You?

There’s a lot of excitement about artificial intelligence (AI) right now, and for good reason. Tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot are popping up everywhere. Businesses are using them to create content, respond to customers, write e-mails, summarize meetings and even assist with coding or spreadsheets.

AI can be a huge time-saver and productivity booster. But, like any powerful tool, if misused, it can open the door to serious problems – especially when it comes to your company’s data security.

Even small businesses are at risk.

Here’s The Problem

The issue isn’t the technology itself. It’s how people are using it. When employees copy and paste sensitive data into public AI tools, that information may be stored, analyzed or even used to train future models. That means confidential or regulated data could be exposed, without anyone realizing it.

In 2023, engineers at Samsung accidentally leaked internal source code into ChatGPT. It became such a significant privacy issue that the company banned the use of public AI tools altogether, as reported by Tom’s Hardware.

Now picture the same thing happening in your office. An employee pastes client financials or medical data into ChatGPT to “get help summarizing,” not knowing the risks. In seconds, private information is exposed.

A New Threat: Prompt Injection

Beyond accidental leaks, hackers are now exploiting a more sophisticated technique called prompt injection. They hide malicious instructions inside e-mails, transcripts, PDFs or even YouTube captions. When an AI tool is asked to process that content, it can be tricked into giving up sensitive data or doing something it shouldn’t.

In short, the AI helps the attacker – without knowing it’s being manipulated.

Why Small Businesses Are Vulnerable

Most small businesses aren’t monitoring AI use internally. Employees adopt new tools on their own, often with good intentions but without clear guidance. Many assume AI tools are just smarter versions of Google. They don’t realize that what they paste could be stored permanently or seen by someone else.

And few companies have policies in place to manage AI usage or to train employees on what’s safe to share.

What You Can Do Right Now

You don’t need to ban AI from your business, but you do need to take control.

Here are four steps to get started:

1. Create an AI usage policy.
   Define which tools are approved, what types of data should never be shared and who to go to with questions.
2. Educate your team.
   Help your staff understand the risks of using public AI tools and how threats like prompt injection work.
3. Use secure platforms.
   Encourage employees to stick with business-grade tools like Microsoft Copilot, which offer more control over data privacy and compliance.
4. Monitor AI use.
   Track which tools are being used and consider blocking public AI platforms on company devices if needed.

The Bottom Line

AI is here to stay. Businesses that learn how to use it safely will benefit, but those that ignore the risks are asking for trouble. A few careless keystrokes can expose your business to hackers, compliance violations or worse.

Let’s have a quick conversation to make sure your AI usage isn’t putting your company at risk. We’ll help you build a smart, secure AI policy and show you how to protect your data without slowing your team down.

Why Phishing Attacks Spike In August

You and your employees may be getting back from vacation, but cybercriminals never take a day off. In fact, data shown in studies from vendors ProofPoint and Check Point indicate that phishing attempts actually spike in the summer months. Here’s how to stay aware and stay protected.

Why The Increased Risk?

Attackers use your summer travel bug to their advantage by impersonating hotel and Airbnb websites, says Check Point Research. They’ve uncovered a sharp increase in cyberthreats related to the travel industry – specifically, a 55% increase in the creation of new website domains related to vacations in May 2025, compared to the same period last year. Of over 39,000 domains registered, one in every 21 was flagged as either malicious or suspicious.

Late summer is also back-to-school time, which means an uptick in phishing attempts imitating legitimate university e-mails, targeting both students and staff. While these threats might not affect your industry directly, there’s always a chance that employees pursuing their master’s degree or planning a vacation will check their personal e-mail on their work computer – and it takes only one wrong click for cyberattackers to have access to all of your business’s data.

What To Do About It

While AI is making cybersecurity stronger and workflows smoother, it’s also making phishing attacks more convincing. That’s why it’s important to train yourself and your team on what to look for, to avoid clicking on a malicious link.

Safety tips to prevent attacks:

• Keep an eye out for shady e-mails. Don’t only check for misspellings and poorly formatted sentences in the body of e-mails; AI can write e-mails for attackers just like it can for you. Also examine the e-mail address of the sender and the text of the link itself, if visible, to make sure everything looks legitimate.
• Double-check URLs. Misspellings in the link text or unusual domain endings, like .today or .info, can be an indicator of an attack. Domain endings like these are often used in scam sites.
• Visit websites directly. It’s always better to search for the website yourself, rather than clicking on links in any messages or e-mails.
• Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA). Setting up MFA ensures that even if a breach does occur within your company, your login credentials will remain protected – and so will any data secured behind them.
• Be careful with public WiFi. If you need to use public WiFi, use a VPN for additional protection when accessing secure information, like booking portals or bank accounts.
• Don’t access personal e-mail on company devices. Accessing personal e-mail, messaging or social media accounts on business devices increases your risk. Keep personal accounts on your personal devices, and work-related accounts on the work devices.
• Ask your MSP about endpoint security. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) software can monitor your desktops and mobile devices, detect and block phishing attempts and malicious downloads, and alert your MSP immediately in the event of a breach, drastically limiting your data’s exposure.

Phishing attempts become more sophisticated every day, and AI is only speeding that process along. Because of this, it’s essential to keep your team well-informed of the risks; knowledge is the best defense against phishing attacks. Stay informed and stay safe!

Start the season secure – book your FREE Cybersecurity Assessment today.

Watch Out: Hackers Are Logging In – Not Breaking In

Cybercriminals are changing how they attack small businesses. Instead of breaking down the door, they’re sneaking in with a stolen key…your login credentials.

It’s called an identity-based attack, and it’s becoming the top way hackers get into systems. They steal passwords, trick employees with fake e-mails or overload people with login requests until someone slips. And, unfortunately, it’s working.

In fact, one cybersecurity company reported that 67% of serious security issues in 2024 came from stolen logins. Big companies like MGM and Caesars were hit by this kind of attack the year prior – and if it can happen to them, it can definitely happen to smaller businesses too.

How Are Hackers Getting In?

Most of these attacks start with something simple, like a stolen password. But the techniques are getting smarter:

• Fake e-mails and login pages trick employees into handing over their info.
• SIM swapping lets hackers steal the text messages used for 2FA codes.
• MFA fatigue attacks flood your phone with login requests until you accidentally click “Approve.”

They’re even targeting things like employee personal devices or outside vendors (like your help desk or call center) to find a way in.

How To Protect Your Business

Here’s the good news: You don’t need to be a tech wizard to protect your company. Just a few smart steps can go a long way:

1. Turn On Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
   This is the “double-check” step when logging in. Just make sure it’s the right kind: App-based or security key-based MFA is much safer than text messages.
2. Train Your Team
   If your employees don’t know how to spot a scam, your security is only as strong as their inbox. Teach them how to recognize fake e-mails and suspicious requests and where to report issues.
3. Limit Access
   Only give employees access to what they need, not to everything. If a hacker gets in, they won’t get far if the account they’re using has limited permissions.
4. Use Strong Passwords Or Go Passwordless
   Encourage your team to use a password manager or, even better, tools like fingerprint logins or security keys that don’t rely on passwords at all.

The Bottom Line

Hackers are after your login credentials, and they’re getting more creative every day. Staying ahead of them doesn’t mean doing it all alone.

That’s where we come in. We can help you put the right protections in place to keep your business safe – without making things harder for your team.

Want to know if your business is vulnerable? Let’s talk. Book a discovery call here: https://www.fidelitech.net/discoverycall/