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Is your VPN annoying you?
Sometimes layering on solutions and process to keep your data secure can add an extra few steps and annoy the end user.
We get it, we have the same MFA policy, password rotation policy, VPN requirements, etc. at PremierePC as you.
However, we know they are completely necessary to keep data safe and mitigate the ever present risk of the bad guys infiltrating your network.
PremierePC continues to research and evolve our cybersecurity approach, with the NIST Framework guiding us, while keeping the end user in mind.
Let’s talk VPNs.
To remind you about what a VPN is, you can read our blog post here: VPN? What’s that?
In short, a VPN, or virtual private network, gives online privacy and anonymity by creating a private network from a public internet connection.
Why invest in data privacy?
A new study reveals that 57% of SMBs believe they won’t be targeted by online criminals, but almost 20% experienced an attack in the past year. These data breaches are costing more than ever before, with an average cost of a data breach for small businesses at $108,000.
We know it’s pretty necessary to maintain security while you compute.
However, connecting to a VPN tends to add several steps, and often needs support after your password is changed, a bios update, etc.
Here’s the good news
If you are in our RaaS (Router as a Service) program, you have an Enterprise Class Cisco/Meraki device. We already know these are wonderful for enhancing network security for the SMB.
Cisco AnyConnect
Now included in this RaaS solution is the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.
Essentially, a new way to connect to VPN at no additional cost.
Features and benefits
Access from anywhere
Give any user highly secure access to the enterprise network, from any device, at any time, in any location. AnyConnect can be used on a Windows or Mac machine as well as an iPhone or Android.
Greater visibility
Gain more insight into user and endpoint behavior with full visibility across the extended enterprise.
With AnyConnect you can defend more effectively and improve network operations.
Comprehensive protection
Defend against threats, no matter where they are.
Simplified management and usability
Provide a consistent user experience across devices, both on and off premises, without creating a headache for your employees.
Simplify management with a single agent.
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Have you heard? The bad guys are getting smarter.
So why are they targeting tools like Microsoft Teams? Aside from this particular service having 270 million + monthly active users, we tend to trust these applications.
If the attack comes in email, I can check the sender and verify their address. In Teams, the bad guys already have credentials and are using them.
How are these attacks being executed?
There are many possibilities for attack.
Threat actors are dropping malicious files and malware into Teams conversations. Once this is clicked, the file installs a Trojan on a user’s Windows PC; the Trojan then installs the malware.
Bad guys are also requesting gift cards to be purchased, or persuading employees to perform a wire transfer of funds to their account.
Some of these attackers are getting very sophisticated.
You may be thinking, “This is extreme.” While it is extreme, it is important to note these are legitimate jobs on the Dark Web. See the job posting below:
While you are at work, 8 hours a day, performing your daily tasks, so are the bad guys. This is their job, their career, their living. They will put the same effort into their work as you do into yours.
For the entrepreneur, you can be your own boss on the Dark Web! Just purchase a Phishing Kit, which gives you step by step instructions and all necessary code to execute the attack.
Let’s get prepared.
Do you know your organization’s cyber security posture?
Do you have a powerful cyber security solution stack?
Do you run regular phishing campaigns?
Do you provide consistent Security Awareness Training for your staff?
Your employees are your number one defense against these attacks.
Is your team ready?
Microsoft Subscription Changes – What You Need to Know
*36-Month Terms available for Dynamics 365 (January 2022) and select Microsoft 365 subscriptions (March 2022). 36-Month upfront term subscriptions will be available starting March 2022.
Windows 365: Windows 365 subscriptions will only be available via the monthly term offer. Windows 365 subscriptions will not be subject to the 20% premium for monthly terms at this time.
Nonprofit, Education and Government: Non- Profit and Education products will not be affected by the price increases.
Microsoft 365 Business Basic: $7.20 MTM / $6 annualized
Microsoft 365 Business Standard: $15 MTM / $12.50 annualized (No change)
Microsoft 365 Business Premium: $26.40 MTM / $22 annualized
Microsoft 365 E3: $43.20 MTM / $36 annualized
March 1, 2022 – all net new subscriptions will be on the new pricing model.
July 1, 2022 – all renewing subscriptions must be moved to new pricing model.
July 2023 – any remaining legacy subscriptions must be moved to new pricing model.