Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.1.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Southridge Technology Good People Doing Good Work ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://southridgetech.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Blog](https://southridgetech.com/blog/) - In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, staying informed about the latest technology trends is essential for businesses and individuals alike. - [Microsoft price increase July 1, 2026](https://southridgetech.com/southridge-technology-advisory-microsoft/) - Microsoft has announced upcoming price increases across its commercial Microsoft 365 and Office 365 portfolio, effective July 1, 2026. - [Why Are Mac mini Delivery Times Increasing?](https://southridgetech.com/why-are-mac-mini-delivery-times-increasing/) - Why Are Mac mini Delivery Times Increasing? Many businesses have noticed longer delivery times for Apple systems, especially the Mac mini. - [Speed Upgrade or Speed Trap? What Businesses Must Know](https://southridgetech.com/speed-upgrade-or-speed-trap-what-businesses-must-know/) - Many businesses upgrade internet service to get faster speeds. Providers advertise multi gigabit connections. The expectation is simple. - [Navigating the Dangers of Wearable Tech](https://southridgetech.com/dangers-of-wearable-tech-cybersecurity/) - Dangers of wearable tech and learn expert cybersecurity strategies to protect your data in 2025—insights into wearable risks, scams, and emerging threats. - [Protecting Your Phone: Understanding SIM Card Cloning](https://southridgetech.com/protecting-your-phone-understanding-sim-card-cloning/) - Have you ever heard of SIM card cloning? It's when someone makes a copy of your SIM card without your permission. Cloning happens when someone illegally copies - [SECURITY ALERT – Malware Targeting macOS](https://southridgetech.com/security-alert-malware-targeting-macos/) - macOS malware exploiting a SIP bypass vulnerability is targeting 100 million users worldwide. Learn how to protect your data and update to macOS Sequoia 15.2. - [Microsoft Enforces Email Auth for Bulk Senders: Ready?](https://southridgetech.com/microsoft-enforces-email-auth-for-bulk-senders-ready/) - Microsoft enforces email authentication for bulk senders from May 5, 2025. Ensure SPF, DKIM, DMARC compliance for dental MSPs to avoid junk folders - [Protect Your Dental MSP from TOAD Attacks with Cybersecurity Training](https://southridgetech.com/first-phish-now-toads-whats-next-locusts/) - Protect your dental MSP from TOAD attacks with our cybersecurity training.How to defend against telephone-oriented attack deliveries and ensure HIPAA compliance - [Instructions to turn off Center Stage in your iPad](https://southridgetech.com/instructions-to-turn-off-center-stage-in-your-ipad/) - First, run the latest updates on their iPad and restart device (if it doesn't restart on its own). This is necessary because there’s an issue that is resolved with the most recent update. Anyway, it's just good practice regardless. Go to Settings. General. Software Update. That will take a while so you might want to - [Windows 10: End of Support](https://southridgetech.com/windows-10-end-of-support/) - Windows 10 will reach end of life on October 14, 2025, making the current edition its final version. So as support for Windows 10 reaches its end, we want to be sure you are well-prepared for the transition to Windows 11. Microsoft is hailing this event as a “milestone” in their “mission to provide the - [How Federal Budget Cuts Affect the Cybersecurity Posture of Small and Mid-Sized Businesses](https://southridgetech.com/how-federal-budget-cuts-affect-the-cybersecurity-posture-of-small-and-mid-sized-businesses/) - Cybersecurity threats continue to grow, but the resources available to combat them are not always guaranteed. Recent federal budget cuts have impacted key... - [Introducing Southridge-SafePass: Strengthening End-User Verification & Security](https://southridgetech.com/introducing-southridge-safepass/) - At Southridge Technology, we are committed to protecting our clients from evolving cyber threats. - [What is Spam Bombing?](https://southridgetech.com/what-is-spam-bombing/) - Everyone agrees that spam emails are annoying. But what happens when you receive 2,000 spam emails all at once? - [ADA response to the Health Infrastructure Security and Accountability Act of 2024](https://southridgetech.com/ada-response-to-the-health-infrastructure-security-and-accountability-act-of-2024/) - Recently, the American Dental Association (ADA) responded to proposed federal legislation that aims to enhance cybersecurity standards across healthcare, including dental practices. - [Strengthening Your Cybersecurity with Identity Threat Detection and Response](https://southridgetech.com/strengthening-your-cybersecurity-with-identity-threat-detection-and-response/) - The risk of identity-based cyberattacks is higher than ever. Protecting digital identities and credentials is no longer optional—it's critical to safeguard... - [New Security Umbrella Package](https://southridgetech.com/new-security-umbrella-package/) - Your business faces constant threats to your data and infrastructure. At Southridge Technology, we understand how critical it is to stay ahead of cyber risks. - [Prepare for Windows 10 End of Life: Ensuring Compliance and Security with Windows 11](https://southridgetech.com/prepare-for-windows-10-end-of-life-ensuring-compliance-and-security-with-windows-11/) - Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025 (Microsoft). After this date, Windows 10 will no longer receive updates, including crucial security patches and support services. - [The Importance of Implementing a Password Management Solution for Small Businesses](https://southridgetech.com/the-importance-of-implementing-a-password-management-solution-for-small-businesses/) - With the majority of data breaches stemming from compromised passwords, implementing a password management solution has become critical for safeguarding sensitive business information and client data. - [Protecting Your Facebook Account from Hacking: Best Practices and Key Differences](https://southridgetech.com/protecting-your-facebook-account-from-hacking-best-practices-and-key-differences/) - In today’s interconnected world, social media platforms like Facebook are central to both personal and professional lives. Unfortunately, they are also frequent targets for hackers. To protect your Facebook account from unauthorized access and other malicious activities, it’s crucial to understand the steps you can take, what to watch out for, and the difference between - [The End of Windows 10: Why Upgrading to Windows 11 is Crucial Before 2025](https://southridgetech.com/the-end-of-windows-10-why-upgrading-to-windows-11-is-crucial-before-2025/) - As we approach the end of life (EOL) for Windows 10, businesses need to understand the implications of continuing to use an unsupported system. - [Why Mid-Sized Businesses Are Prime Targets for Cyberattacks—and How to Protect Yourself](https://southridgetech.com/why-mid-sized-businesses-are-prime-targets-for-cyberattacks-and-how-to-protect-yourself/) - mid-sized businesses are increasingly becoming prime targets for cyberattacks | Identify vulnerabilities - [Product Review: NexiGo Meeting 360 (Gen 2) 360-Degree Smart Video Conference Camera](https://southridgetech.com/product-review-nexigo-meeting-360-gen-2-360-degree-smart-video-conference-camera/) - We had the opportunity to test the NexiGo Meeting 360 (Gen 2) 360-Degree Smart Video Conference Camera! Ideal for presentations. - [The Human Role in Cyber Security](https://southridgetech.com/the-human-role-in-cyber-security/) - Technology plays a critical role in protecting an organization from current and emerging threats in the cyber security space - [The Importance of Data-Driven Decision-Making in Today's Business Environment](https://southridgetech.com/the-importance-of-data-driven-decision-making-in-todays-business-environment/) - In today's fast-paced and highly competitive business environment, the ability to make informed decisions can be the difference between success and failure. - [The Importance of Freezing Your Personal Credit: Protecting Yourself After the Recent Social Security Hack](https://southridgetech.com/the-importance-of-freezing-your-personal-credit-protecting-yourself-after-the-recent-social-security-hack/) - One of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your assets is by freezing your personal credit. - [Safeguarding Your Digital World: The Benefits, Cybersecurity Explained](https://southridgetech.com/safeguarding-your-digital-world-the-benefits-of-cybersecurity-explained/) - In todays digital age, where everything from our personal information to our banking details is stored online, cybersecurity has become more important than ever - [Office 365 Hardening](https://southridgetech.com/office-365-hardening/) - Office 365 Hardening - Southridge Technology - Good People Doing Good Work - [What Your Browser Knows About You](https://southridgetech.com/what-your-browser-knows-about-you/) - When you open up your internet browser, it's not just a blank canvas waiting for your commands. Nope, it's more like a savvy little detective, quietly... - [Microsoft Copilot: How AI Can Help!](https://southridgetech.com/microsoft-copilot-how-ai-can-help/) - Leveraging innovative technologies is essential for staying ahead of the curve. While new versions of current tools and solutions are released often to tweak features and improve efficiency, Microsoft Copilot is emerging as a true and total game-changer. Exclusively available to enterprise-level MS 365 agreements and offering a suite of powerful tools designed to enhance - [Is texting HIPAA compliant?](https://southridgetech.com/is-texting-hipaa-compliant/) - We have discussed Healthcare Cyber security concerns before, Improving Healthcare Cybersecurity. Is texting a safe method of communication with patients? Is texting HIPAA compliant? The answer to this question is not as simple as it may seem. With more and more medical professionals relying on their mobile devices for communication, texting has become a significant - [Newsletter: Organizing Microsoft Outlook Emails](https://southridgetech.com/newsletter-organizing-microsoft-outlook-emails/) - Ever miss an important email in your overcrowded Outlook inbox? Try color coding emails to make important messages more eye-catching. Color Coding Emails Set up Outlook so that emails from important contacts show up as a specific color in your inbox. Although these instructions may vary according to Outlook versions, you can generally color code - [This New Email Update Affects You!](https://southridgetech.com/this-new-email-update-affects-you/) - Email remains a cornerstone of business communication in today's digital age, with over 350 billion emails sent daily. Unfortunately, the vast majority of... - [The Psychology of Cybersecurity: Beyond Tech](https://southridgetech.com/the-psychology-of-cybersecurity-beyond-tech/) - One often overlooked but critical element of cybersecurity is the human factor. Despite the advanced technology and sophisticated algorithms in place, humans... - [How Do I Protect Myself Against Ransomware?](https://southridgetech.com/how-do-i-protect-myself-against-ransomware/) - by Kimberly Rux It seems like every day we come across the news of a new company that has suffered from a ransomware attack and is now dealing with the aftermath. It's a frightening thought, but the reality is that it's not a matter of if it will happen, but when. To better safeguard against - [Securing Your Smart Home](https://southridgetech.com/securing-your-smart-home/) - Our homes are getting smarter by the day. From thermostats that adjust the temperature based on our preferences to voice-activated assistants that can... - [Riding Safely: Easy Tips for Mobile Cybersecurity](https://southridgetech.com/riding-safely-easy-tips-for-mobile-cybersecurity/) - In the wild west of the digital age, our smartphones and tablets are like our trusty steeds, carrying our most precious information and guiding us through... - [Black Friday & Cyber Monday Cyber Tips](https://southridgetech.com/black-friday-cyber-monday-cyber-tips/) - It's that time of the year again! Black Friday and Cyber Monday, when deals and discounts abound, and your shopping carts are ready to burst... - [Ethical Hacking: Unleashing the Power for Good](https://southridgetech.com/ethical-hacking-unleashing-the-power-for-good/) - Ethical hacking, also known as penetration testing or white-hat hacking, is a practice that involves authorized professionals testing the security measures... - [Honoring our Veterans](https://southridgetech.com/honoring-our-veterans/) - As November unfolds and we embrace the season of gratitude, we find ourselves reflecting on the core values that define Southridge Technology ... - [The Unsung Heroes: Why Firewalls Are Crucial for All Office Environments](https://southridgetech.com/the-unsung-heroes-why-firewalls-are-crucial-for-all-office-environments/) - In an era where information is the lifeblood of businesses, protecting data is vital. Cybersecurity threats are evolving at an alarming rate, targeting ... - [You’re Making Me Change My Password Again?!](https://southridgetech.com/youre-making-me-change-my-password-again/) - Whether we are happy about it or not, passwords are going to be around for a long time. They are cheap to deploy but also act as the first line of defense in a security arsenal. - [Protecting Your LinkedIn Profile from Social Engineering: A Beginner's Guide](https://southridgetech.com/protecting-your-linkedin-profile-from-social-engineering-a-beginners-guide/) - LinkedIn is the go-to platform for connecting with peers, job hunting, and building a strong online presence. However, just like any other online platform... - [Scareware: What it is, How to Recognize it, and How to Prevent it](https://southridgetech.com/scareware-what-it-is-how-to-recognize-it-and-how-to-prevent-it/) - Scareware is a term used to describe deceptive software that aims to scare or trick users into taking actions that benefit malicious actors. These scareware programs often masquerade as legitimate... - [Backups: Your Digital Safety Net in a World of Glitches](https://southridgetech.com/backups-your-digital-safety-net-in-a-world-of-glitches/) - Let's take a moment to talk about an essential aspect of computer life that often gets overlooked: backups. Yes, backups! It may not sound like the most ... - [MacOS vs. Windows: Choosing the Right Operating System for You](https://southridgetech.com/macos-vs-windows-choosing-the-right-operating-system-for-you/) - You’re in the market for a new computer and you're faced with the eternal question: Mac or PC? MacOS and Windows are the two titans battling it out for ... - [Secure Your Home Network: Summer Break Survival Guide](https://southridgetech.com/secure-your-home-network-summer-break-survival-guide/) - With summer break in full swing and the kids at home, it's time to think about keeping our home networks safe and secure. While we're all out enjoying the... - [AI: Your Friend, Not Foe](https://southridgetech.com/ai-your-friend-not-foe/) - Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a concept confined to the realms of science fiction. It has become an integral part of our daily lives... - [Ensuring Your Child's Online Safety: Fundamental Tips for Parents](https://southridgetech.com/ensuring-your-childs-online-safety-fundamental-tips-for-parents/) - In today's digital age, children are growing up with unprecedented access to information and online platforms. While the internet opens up a world of ... - [The Evolution and Significance of DNS](https://southridgetech.com/the-evolution-and-significance-of-dns/) - In the vast realm of the internet, a vital yet often overlooked technology has shaped our online experience: the Domain Name System, or DNS. - [The Power of VPNs in Protecting Privacy and Security](https://southridgetech.com/the-power-of-vpns-in-protecting-privacy-and-security/) - Staying connected while on the move has become a norm. Public Wi-Fi networks have provided unparalleled convenience, allowing us to work, communicate, and ... - [Tech's Impact on Education: A New Learning Landscape](https://southridgetech.com/techs-impact-on-education-a-new-learning-landscape/) - As students head back to school, it's pretty clear that technology is having a huge impact on how education works these days. Let's dive into some of the cool things happening in education thanks to technology... - [Be Ready for Anything - Weather and Tech Prep](https://southridgetech.com/be-ready-for-anything-weather-and-tech-prep/) - Emergency Preparedness Month is here, and it's the ideal time to ensure you're ready for any curveballs that Mother Nature or the digital world might throw your way. Let's explore how you can be well-prepared for weather emergencies and tech glitches. - [Tech Solutions for Health and Wellness](https://southridgetech.com/tech-solutions-for-health-and-wellness/) - In today's fast-paced world, staying healthy and maintaining overall well-being is a priority for many. Thankfully, technology has come to our aid, offering a wide array of solutions to help us achieve our health and wellness goals. - [Essential Tips for Securing Your Mobile Devices in Public](https://southridgetech.com/essential-tips-for-securing-your-mobile-devices-in-public/) - Mobile devices like tablets and smartphones have seamlessly integrated into our daily lives. These gadgets hold a treasure trove of personal information and ... - [Storm Season Tech Preparedness](https://southridgetech.com/storm-season-tech-preparedness/) - Storm season is upon us, and that means it's time to prepare for potential power outages and other tech-related challenges. While it's tempting to think that… - [Surge Protectors vs. Uninterruptible Power Supplies: Unveiling the Differences](https://southridgetech.com/surge-protectors-vs-uninterruptible-power-supplies-unveiling-the-differences/) - Today, we're going to dive into a topic that often gets people scratching their heads: surge protectors and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). These two … - [To Leave On or Not to Leave On, That is the Question](https://southridgetech.com/to-leave-on-or-not-to-leave-on-that-is-the-question/) - Life is full of perplexing questions. Which came first, the chicken or the egg? If a tree falls in the woods and nobody is there to hear it... - [Romance Scams & How To Avoid Them](https://southridgetech.com/romance-scams-how-to-avoid-them/) - Everybody gets lonely sometimes, but that need to interact with people can be used to prey upon you as well. Take Deirdre for example. Deirdre was a middle-aged woman who recently lost her husband to cancer. She spent most of her free time visiting friends and family until she got into a car accident that - [My Brother-in-law’s Cousin Does Our IT; He is a Great Guy!](https://southridgetech.com/my-brother-in-laws-cousin-does-our-it-he-is-a-great-guy/) - We all “know an IT guy.” He is the friend of a friend or the cousin of a cousin. He has been “doing IT” for years. Your sister uses him; so does your barber... - [Spring Forward, Fall Back: How Daylight Saving Time Can Wreak Havoc on Technology](https://southridgetech.com/spring-forward-fall-back-how-daylight-saving-time-can-wreak-havoc-on-technology/) - While DST may have its benefits for energy conservation and improved quality of life, it can also have unintended consequences on technology. - [Taxing Made Secure: The Top 5 Online Tax Services to Trust](https://southridgetech.com/taxing-made-secure-the-top-5-online-tax-services-to-trust/) - Taxing made secure: filing taxes can be a daunting task, especially for the security of your personal and financial information. - [Give Your Hard Drive a Second Life: Celebrating Global Recycling Day](https://southridgetech.com/give-your-hard-drive-a-second-life-celebrating-global-recycling-day/) - Global Recycling Day is an annual event that takes place on March 18th. The day is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of recycling and the ... - [Clean Screens and Tidy Typing: A Guide to Refreshing Your Monitors and Keyboards](https://southridgetech.com/clean-screens-and-tidy-typing-a-guide-to-refreshing-your-monitors-and-keyboards/) - In this short article, we will explore some tips on how to clean monitors and keyboards - [Tech-savvy Earth: How Technology is Saving the Planet, One Device at a Time](https://southridgetech.com/tech-savvy-earth-how-technology-is-saving-the-planet-one-device-at-a-time/) - Earth Day, celebrated on April 22 every year, is a reminder of the fragility and importance of our planet. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness and... - [Strengthen Your Online Security](https://southridgetech.com/strengthen-your-online-security/) - World Password Day seeks to raise awareness about best practices for your passwords and help you strengthen your online security. - [Who is Connie and How Will She Impact My Practice?](https://southridgetech.com/who-is-connie-and-how-will-she-impact-my-practice/) - She’s like that aunt you never met, never even heard of, but she’s coming to live with you. She’s arriving on Wednesday and now you’re scrambling to get the guest room ready in time. Does she like a fluffy pillow or a firm one? Does she prefer tea or coffee? Will she get along with my dog? How will her presence affect my household budget? As our healthcare clients prepare for Connie’s - [Tips for Shopping Safely During the Holidays](https://southridgetech.com/tips-for-shopping-safely-during-the-holidays/) - By Kim Rux It’s getting more difficult to tell the difference between scams and legitimate websites. Did you know in 2021, 2.8 million people reported instances of fraud? [1] With the holidays coming quickly, it means that Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals are sure to attract many buyers and scammers alike. We’ve included some - [Data Backup and Recovery: How Prepared is your Organization?](https://southridgetech.com/data-backup-and-recovery-how-prepared-is-your-organization/) - By Tom DelFranco - Southridge Technology Along with crisp mornings and shorter days, Autumn also brings the season of business planning. And this year the only thing more breathtaking than the foliage is the number and intensity of data threats that are sure to challenge your organization in 2023. Does your new year planning include - [The Problem with LinkedIn](https://southridgetech.com/the-problem-with-linkedin/) - By Conrad Nuccio LinkedIn has solidified itself as the go-to professional social network. Users can create a profile, share their work history and skills, and build their own network of contacts. While great for connecting with old colleges or checking on potential hires, this kind of transparency opens the door to security risks. The problem - [Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2022](https://southridgetech.com/cybersecurity-awareness-month-2022/) - Cybersecurity Awareness Month Blog #1 by Jairo Romero Introduction What’s the first thing you think about when you feel that first chilly breeze of Fall? Is it cozy sweaters? Is it football? Is it pumpkin-spiced lattes? Well, I can tell you what it should be: cybersecurity! October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and we are celebrating - [Hackers Approach Unhappy Workers to Be Accomplices](https://southridgetech.com/hackers-approach-unhappy-workers-to-be-accomplices/) - The human workforce is a massive cybersecurity threat to organizations worldwide. Now that most employees are working from home, organizations face loopholes and complexities protecting their company data from hackers. Though phishing emails are still the favorite hacking tactic for cybercriminals, they have come up with a new approach. Hackers are directly approaching unhappy workers - [Your Family Members are Part of your Company’s Network Security Environment Are they up for the task?](https://southridgetech.com/your-family-members-are-part-of-your-companys-network/) - As we all navigate the new normal in our (somewhat) post-pandemic workplaces, many of us have found the line between home and work to be quite blurred. Zoom has introduced us to our colleagues’ dogs and our bosses’ kids’ naptime routines. And we’ve all made accommodations to make space for our professional lives in our - [Weekly Micro Training – Medical Identity Theft](https://southridgetech.com/weekly-micro-training-medical-identity-theft/) - Medical identity theft can be damaging to a victim’s wallet as well as their health. In this week’s security tip video, learn about the dangers of medical identity theft and how you can keep your information safe. Quick Tips: Shred any outdated medical reports, statements or forms you no longer need Monitor critical accounts - [Preventing a breach's domino effect](https://southridgetech.com/preventing-a-breachs-domino-effect/) - We highlight these real examples of tactics criminals are using RIGHT NOW, that way you'll be better prepared when the next scam hits. Diego is trying to upgrade his laptop which meant getting rid of his old laptop. Diego bought this laptop himself a few years ago and used it for work-from-home activities during the - [Weekly Micro Training – Protecting Your Wi-Fi Router](https://southridgetech.com/weekly-micro-training-protecting-your-wi-fi-router/) - Our Wi-Fi routers are the gateways into our home or office. Take the time to make sure the proper protections are in place to keep cybercriminals out. In this week’s Micro Training, learn about the importance of a Wi-Fi router and the tips to keeping it secure. - [This week's topic: Facts and Tips for Cyber-Safe Travel](https://southridgetech.com/this-weeks-topic-facts-and-tips-for-cyber-safe-travel/) - Traveling should be fun, not stressful. Knowing what cyber threats are out there and how to avoid them can help ensure your travel plans run smoothly. In this week’s security tip video, learn some facts and tips for ensuring cyber-safe travel. Watch the video here: Quick Tips Credit cards generally have more fraud protection benefits - [This week's topic: Travel Scams – Booking Your Trip](https://southridgetech.com/this-weeks-topic-travel-scams-booking-your-trip/) - Are you ready to take a trip? Make sure you’re planning wisely to keep scammers out of your summer travel plans. In this week’s security tip video, learn about travel scams you could encounter when booking a trip. Watch this week's Security Tip by Southridge Technology Quick Reminders Free trip giveaways usually come with a - [The Future of Fraud](https://southridgetech.com/the-future-of-fraud/) - Technological advancements are helping to change the way we see and interact with the world. With these improvements, however, new cyber threats are emerging that could spell out danger in the future if we are not prepared. In this security update, learn more about deepfake technology, cybercrime in the future, and an analysis of the - [This week's topic: Deepfakes](https://southridgetech.com/this-weeks-topic-deepfakes/) - The evolution of technology used for cybercrime is fascinating, but scary at the same time! Deepfakes are the latest trend and can be used to craft a realistic scam when used maliciously. In this week’s security tip video, learn about deepfakes, the threats they pose, and how to spot one. Watch this week's Security Tip - [DarkSide ransomware will now vet targets after pipeline cyberattack](https://southridgetech.com/darkside-ransomware-will-now-vet-targets-after-pipeline-cyberattack/) - Last week, the ransomware gang encrypted the network for the Colonial Pipeline, the largest fuel pipeline in the United States. DarkSide is operated as a Ransomware-as-a-Service, which consists of two groups of people. One group is the core operators and developers of the ransomware, and the other is its affiliates that are recruited to hack networks - [This week's topic: Cloud Jacking](https://southridgetech.com/this-weeks-topic-cloud-jacking/) - As more data and sensitive information are being kept in the cloud, the security risk of cloud jacking is something we all need to be aware of and protect against. In this week’s security tip video, learn what cloud jacking is and how you can keep your accounts safe and secure. Watch this week's security - [This week's topic: Tax Scams](https://southridgetech.com/this-weeks-topic-tax-scams/) - Tax scams have been a staple for cybercriminals for years, but 2021 is presenting some new threats that are making this tax season very dangerous. In this week’s security tip video, learn about some common and emerging tax scams so you can be properly prepared. Click the button below to see our video. It’s not just - [Spring into Action!](https://southridgetech.com/spring-into-action/) - Cyber threats are all around us, both at work and in our personal lives. To have the best chance at responding appropriately to a cyber-event, an incident response plan is a critical step. In this security newsletter, take a deeper dive into the incident response stages and why this plan is so critical. Quick Tips: - [This week's topic: Webcam and Connected Device Security](https://southridgetech.com/this-weeks-topic-webcam-and-connected-device-security/) - Connected technology like webcams and other smart home products are booming in popularity and bringing new security risks along with them. In this week’s security tip video, learn how cybercriminals could access a connected device and the steps you can take to protect yourself. Quick Tips: Cover up your webcam when not in use. Make - [This week's topic: What is Social Engineering?](https://southridgetech.com/this-weeks-topic-what-is-social-engineering/) - Why are cyber scams so effective? It comes down to social engineering tactics that successful cybercriminals have mastered. In this week’s security tip video, learn some common social engineering tactics used by cybercriminals and some of the red flags you should look out for. Watch out for threatening language during phone calls and emails. Offering - [Your Incident Response Plan – Part 1: Preparation](https://southridgetech.com/your-incident-response-plan-part-1-preparation/) - Creating an incident response plan can help us navigate cybersecurity events outside of the office. A good plan will focus on five key areas; Preparation, Detection, Response, Recovery and Learning. In part one of this three-part series, we discuss the preparation stage of an incident response plan to help lay the foundation of a successful - [Your Incident Response Plan – Part 2: Detection and Response](https://southridgetech.com/your-incident-response-plan-part-2-detection-and-response/) - When creating an incident response plan, the detection and response stages are a critical component. It is important to know how to detect when an incident occurs and the appropriate response to help mitigate the damage. In part two of this three-part series, learn some important steps to help detect and respond to security incidents - [Your Incident Response Plan – Part 3: Recovery and Learning](https://southridgetech.com/your-incident-response-plan-part-3-recovery-and-learning/) - An incident response plan is not complete without the recovery and learning stages. Returning to business as usual after an incident will be the optimal goal, but learning some important lessons on how the incident could have been avoided is also important. In our third and final installment of this three-part series, learn some helpful - [Today's Topic: What is Social Engineering?](https://southridgetech.com/todays-topic-what-is-social-engineering/) - Why are cyber scams so effective? It comes down to social engineering tactics that successful cybercriminals have mastered. In this week’s security tip video, learn some common social engineering tactics used by cybercriminals and some of the red flags you should look out for. Watch this week's Security Tip: Click Here Quick Tips Watch out - [Construction Companies IT and Remote Support](https://southridgetech.com/construction-companies/) - Construction companies never have just one office. That's why remote support is so important for your business. Southridge Technology installs and maintains main office technology, but also provides remote support and establishes temporary, on-site offices.On the job site or in the office, your files, figures, and sketches can be accessed securely from the cloud.Southridge Technology - [Law Firms Digital Information Protection](https://southridgetech.com/law-firms/) - At your law office, clients trust that you'll keep their private information safe. Southridge Technology helps you keep that promise by providing superb backup software, malware protection, and data loss prevention.We specialize in keeping client data safe and protected in the cloud, so only you can access files from any device or location.Southridge Technology installs - [Newsletter: Tax Deductions for Small Businesses](https://southridgetech.com/newsletter-tax-deductions-for-small-businesses/) - Section 179 Deduction Your Business Could Deduct up to $500,000 on Equipment and Software Purchases! The federal government is offering small businesses incentives to purchase software and equipment! In order to stimulate the economy, the government wants to pay for small businesses to expand their services by purchasing new equipment and software. Your business could - [Newsletter: Storm Recovery](https://southridgetech.com/newsletter-storm-recovery/) - Earthquakes, Hurricane's and Floods Is Your Business Prepared to be without Internet, Phones or Power? No one expects a natural disaster to suddenly threaten their business and property. In light of the recent snow storm and Hurricane Irene, Southridge Technology would like to thank our clients for turning to us when disaster struck. During the - [Newsletter: Printing PowerPoint Handouts](https://southridgetech.com/newsletter-printing-powerpoint-handouts/) - Microsoft PowerPoint is a tool that allows users to create powerful presentations. Next time you have to give a presentation, try printing handouts of your slides for participants. Handing out copies of your presentation can be a great way to leave a lasting impression. Printing Handouts Handouts differ from regular slides because they print up to nine slides - [Newsletter: Enter our Holiday Contest](https://southridgetech.com/newsletter-enter-our-holiday-contest/) - Celebrate the Holidays with Southridge! Southridge Technology wants to say Thank You for turning to us for your technology needs this holiday season. To show our appreciation, we're starting a Holiday Sweepstakes! How to Enter: Go to our Facebook page. Click on the "Sweeptakes" button. "Like" our page and enter to win. Share the contest - [Newsletter: Southridge Technology Grp. Ranked in the INC 5000!](https://southridgetech.com/newsletter-southridge-technology-grp-ranked-in-the-inc-5000/) - Southridge Technology One of the Fastest Growing Companies by Inc. 500|5000! This is an exciting time for Southridge Technology Grp, LLC! Recently Inc. 500|5000 ranked us as one of America's FASTEST GROWING Private Companies. Southridge Technology ranked: #3,950 out of 7 million private companies in America. #511 in IT services in America. #48 fastest growing - [Medical Practice with Inadequate IT Coverage - Danbury CT](https://southridgetech.com/medical-practice-with-inadequate-it-coverage-danbury-ct/) - Problem: A local medical practice is being supported by an IT firm 60 minutes away using a managed solution. The client is experiencing latency across the network, desktops have not been optimized in years, desktops are slow and inadequate and they’re paying a monthly fee on 7 year old machines. The infrastructure is running at - [Fire Resulted in Lost Data - Danbury, CT | Case Study](https://southridgetech.com/fire-resulted-in-lost-data-danbury-ct-case-study/) - Problem: A fire started in a medium size dentist office. The desktops, routers, servers and other critical devices incurred smoke damage. No one was allowed in the building until it was safe so getting access to the damaged equipment was impossible. Actions: The main customer complaints were: The customer had patients coming in the next - [Real Estate Offices' Network Management](https://southridgetech.com/real-estate-offices/) - Southridge Technology understands the unique needs of Real Estate offices. Each agent has their own home base, mobile technology, and in some cases, workspace as well. In these cases, it’s important to make sure everyone is connected. By providing cloud storage, remote connectivity, and central server maintenance, Southridge Technology ensures that every agent has access - [Southridge Technology in the News](https://southridgetech.com/in-the-press/) - Click on a link below to read where Southridge has been picked up by press and other media. Litchfield Times (Article) - October 28, 2011 - Inc Ranking for Area Firm PRLog (Press Release) - Oct 11, 2011 - Southridge Technology Ranks 3,950 on Inc. 500|5000 List of Fastest-Growing Private Companies Housatonic Times (Press release) - November - [Microsoft Certified Partner](https://southridgetech.com/microsoft-certified-partner/) - Southridge Technology Grp is proud to be a Microsoft Certified Partner.Microsoft Certified Partners are independent companies that provide the highest levels of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and hands-on skills. Microsoft Certified Partners encompass a broad range of expertise and vendor affiliations and their real world perspective can help you prioritize and effectively deliver your technology - [CSDA Partner](https://southridgetech.com/csda-partner/) - Southridge Technology is a proud CSDA Affinity Program Member. Our affinity program membership means that the Connecticut State Dental Association reviewed our company and ensured our responsiveness, staffing, and customer satisfaction rating. Part of our membership also states that members of the CSDA qualify for special discounts and services.We take our CSDA affinity membership seriously, - [Ninth District Dental Association Endorsed Company](https://southridgetech.com/ninth-district-dental-association-endorsed-company/) - Southridge Technology Group, LLC. has been endorsed by the Ninth District Dental Association, covering Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester Counties.As part of our endorsement, we ensure we are fully qualified to service dentists and dental offices in New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey with the following certifications and specialties:Certified Cybersecurity Assessment Specialists. Southridge Technology - [Fairfield County Medical Association](https://southridgetech.com/fairfield-county-medical-association/) - Southridge Technology Group, LLC. is a proud affinity member of the Fairfield County Medical Association providing full-service IT support specializing in healthcare and compliance to doctors and medical offices in the Fairfield County area.Southridge Technology Group, LLC. has presented to FCMA members alongside Merrill Lynch in a seminar titled Liability Management: How to Reduce Your - [Inc. 500/5000](https://southridgetech.com/inc-5005000/) - Southridge Technology Group, LLC has ranked in the Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest growing private companies in the nation for five years in a row!In addition to ranking nationally, Southridge Technology Group, LLC has ranked as one of the top 50 fastest growing private companies in Connecticut and as one of the fastest - [HIPAA Technology Compliance Specialists](https://southridgetech.com/hipaa-certified/) - Our expert technicians are certified in HIPAA Technology Security Compliance, which means they are fully qualified to assess your current patient data storage practices and recommend compliance strategies.Southridge Technology Group, LLC. is equipped to store patient data securely on our remote servers so that it is both accessible by your entire office and fully compliant - [Local Business IT Services](https://southridgetech.com/local-business/) - Southridge Technology Group, LLC. provides services for a number of local salons and spas, nonprofits, restaurants, and more. Many local businesses choose to outsource their IT department to receive the same level of service and support that a larger company might receive, but at a fraction of the cost.By acting as the main IT department - [New Standard for Business Email](https://southridgetech.com/883-2/) - Nearly all businesses rely on email to assist with day-to-day activities. But many businesses haven’t addressed new and seemingly unavoidable vulnerabilities. If you are running an Exchange server on-premises or if you lack certain email security capabilities, your email could be at risk. Here are 5 ways your email could be vulnerable: Unprotected infrastructures. - [How much can you save by deploying the “New Standard”?](https://southridgetech.com/how-much-can-you-save-by-deploying-the-new-standard/) - For businesses deploying on-premises Exchange, adding additional services such as email archiving and email security can be expensive and costly. But meeting the “New Standard” doesn’t have to be expensive. When deploying Exchange in the cloud, businesses can easily offload hardware and electricity costs, reduce IT complexity and increase overall security. In fact, an average - [Protecting Against Ransomware](https://southridgetech.com/protecting-against-ransomware/) - What is ransomware? Ransomware is a type of malware threat actors use to infect computers and encrypt computer files until a ransom is paid. (See Protecting Against Malicious Code for more information on malware.) After the initial infection, ransomware will attempt to spread to connected systems, including shared storage drives and other accessible computers. If - [Weekly Security Tip](https://southridgetech.com/weekly-security-tip/) - As many individuals struggle with certain bills and debts, any relief options are often a welcomed conversation. Unfortunately, scammers are posing as debt relief organizations, tricking their victims into paying them in hopes of settling their debts. In this week’s security tip video, learn more about how these debt relief scams work and some tips - [Millions using 123456 as password, security study finds](https://southridgetech.com/millions-using-123456-as-password-security-study-finds/) - BBC News, 21 April 2019 Millions of people are using easy-to-guess passwords on sensitive accounts, suggests a study. The analysis by the UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) found 123456 was the most widely-used password on breached accounts. The study helped to uncover the gaps in cyber-knowledge that could leave people in danger of being - [Erasing A Hard Drive](https://southridgetech.com/erasing-a-hard-drive/) - It may not happen often, but when it comes time to dispose of old electronic equipment, the process you take during disposal is critical. Improper disposal could lead to the exposure of sensitive company or personal information. In this week’s security tip video, learn some methods for properly erasing a hard drive during disposal. https://www.pii-protect.com/MicroTrainings/micro_training_view/139?brand_key=hekfo&ID=34770 - [Laptop full of viruses sold at auction for $1.345 million](https://southridgetech.com/laptop-full-of-viruses-sold-at-auction-for-1-345-million/) - A laptop infected with 6 of the most dangerous computer viruses in history was sold at auction to an anonymous buyer for $1.345 million — here's what each virus can do Antonio Villas-Boas - Business Insider A laptop that's utterly infested with six of the worst computer viruses and malware known to man was - [New Phishing Email States Your Office 365 Account Will Be Deleted](https://southridgetech.com/new-phishing-email-states-your-office-365-account-will-be-deleted/) - Phishing Email States Your Office 365 Account Will Be Deleted Recommended by Kim on our support desk By Lawrence Abrams A new phishing campaign is underway that pretends to be from the "Office 365 Team" warning you that your email account cancellation has been approved and that all your email will be deleted unless you - [This month's topic: Creating a Security-Forward Culture](https://southridgetech.com/this-months-topic-creating-a-security-forward-culture/) - Creating a culture of security aware individuals requires the participation of every employee, from executives to the front desk. We all will play a role in this culture and protecting sensitive information. In this month’s newsletter, we examine the steps that everyone can take to improve culture and put security first in the workplace. Security - [Center for Internet Security reminds users to properly dispose of old or unused data and devices](https://southridgetech.com/center-for-internet-security-reminds-users-to-properly-dispose-of-old-or-unused-data-and-devices/) - The Center for Internet Security (CIS) July Newsletter reminds users to properly dispose of old or unused data and devices. Without careful management of online accounts, cloud storage, physical storage, and electronic devices, users could inadvertently disclose sensitive information that can be exploited by cyber criminals. CIS is home to the Multi-State Information Sharing & - [Phishing threats](https://southridgetech.com/phishing-threats/) - Phishing is still the #1 threat action used in social engineering attacks and is used to take advantage of our socially networked lives. Attackers use social media to target both your brand and your users by distributing malware or spear-phishing for credentials. Southridge’s new social media phishing test makes it easy for you to identify - [Windows 7 - Upgrade vs. Replacement](https://southridgetech.com/windows-7-upgrade-vs-replacement/) - With Windows 7 End of Life, your organization will need to determine whether upgrading devices is sufficient or replacement of devices is necessary. To help you make this choice, here is a checklist to consider when looking to migrate from Windows 7 to Windows 10 successfully. If that fails or if you have any questions - [Can hackers spoof an email address of your own domain?](https://southridgetech.com/can-hackers-spoof-an-email-address-of-your-own-domain/) - Are you aware that one of the first things hackers try is to see if they can spoof the email address of your CEO? If they are able to, they can now launch 'CEO Fraud' attacks against your organization, and that type of attack is very hard to defend against. Find out now if you are - [Do your users know what to do when they receive a suspicious email?](https://southridgetech.com/do-your-users-know-what-to-do-when-they-receive-a-suspicious-email/) - Should they call the help desk, or forward it? Should they forward to IT including all headers? Delete and not report it? Give your users a safe and easy way to forward email threats to us for analysis, all with a single click. Call Southridge to find out more. - [Did you know, on average 45% of your users will plug in unknown USBs...](https://southridgetech.com/did-you-know-on-average-45-of-your-users-will-plug-in-unknown-usbs/) - Download our special software onto any USB drive, then label the drive with something enticing and drop at an on-site high traffic area. If a user picks it up, plugs it in their workstation and opens the file, it will "call home" and report the "fail" to your console. Find out now how your users will - [This week's topic: Avoid Android Malware](https://southridgetech.com/this-weeks-topic-avoid-android-malware/) - Android is the most common operating system among mobile phone users which makes them a top target among cybercriminals. Following these tips can help keep your devices safe. In this week’s security tip video, learn some of the tips and tricks you can follow to protect Android devices. Watch this week's Security Tip by https://www.pii-protect.com/MicroTrainings/micro_training_view/152?brand_key=hekfo&ID=34770 - [How vulnerable is your network to hacked user passwords?](https://southridgetech.com/how-vulnerable-is-your-network-to-hacked-user-passwords/) - 25% of employees are using the same password for all logins. What if that password is available on the dark web? A massive amount of passwords are compromised due to data breaches and used by the bad guys for attacks. Find out if hacked passwords are being used within your organization. Call Southridge to find out more. - [Did you know 81% of hacking-related breaches used either stolen and/or weak password?](https://southridgetech.com/did-you-know-81-of-hacking-related-breaches-used-either-stolen-and-or-weak-password/) - Are your user’s passwords…P@ssw0rd? Employees are the weakest link in network security, using weak passwords and falling for phishing and social engineering attacks. Our password test checks your Active Directory for 10 types of weak password related threats, get your report in 5 minutes! Call Southridge to find out more. - [Are your users putting a big target on your organization's back?](https://southridgetech.com/are-your-users-putting-a-big-target-on-your-organizations-back/) - The bad guys are constantly coming out with new ways to hack into your network and steal your organization’s confidential information. Our password exposure test allows you to run an in-depth analysis of your organization’s hidden exposure risk associated with your users. Call Southridge to find out more. - [Southridge at the Dorothy Day House](https://southridgetech.com/southridge-at-the-dorothy-day-house/) - The Dorothy Day Hospital House has been feeding the hungry and sheltering the homeless in the Danbury, Connecticut area since 1982. Located on Spring Street, the organization prepares breakfast and hot lunch meals daily. Most of the food has been donated from local groups. Guests, sometimes numbering over 100, may take sandwich bags with them - [Hard Drive Shredding @ Southridge](https://southridgetech.com/hard-drive-shredding-southridge/) - As many as 53% of businesses don’t use a professional service to destroy old hard drives, USBs or other hardware that contain confidential information. Only physical destruction ensures the data on an old hard drive is 100% destroyed. The most effective way to ensure complete data destruction on a defunct hard drive is to pulverize - [Phishing Attack Protection](https://southridgetech.com/phishing-attack-protection/) - Since look-alike domains are a dangerous vector for phishing attacks, it's a top priority that you monitor for potentially harmful domains that can spoof your domain. Our testing tool makes it easy for you to identify your potential "evil domain twins" and combines the search, discovery, reporting, risk indicators, and end-user assessment with training so you - [Spear-phishing is on the rise](https://southridgetech.com/spear-phishing-is-on-the-rise/) - Many email addresses and identities of your organization are exposed on the internet and easy to find for cybercriminals. With that email attack surface, they can launch social engineering, spear-phishing and ransomware attacks on your organization. Run our exposure check to identify your at-risk users, it only takes a few minutes and is often an eye-opening discovery. - [Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks](https://southridgetech.com/avoiding-social-engineering-and-phishing-attacks/) - What is a social engineering attack? In a social engineering attack, an attacker uses human interaction (social skills) to obtain or compromise information about an organization or its computer systems. An attacker may seem unassuming and respectable, possibly claiming to be a new employee, repair person, or researcher and even offering credentials to support that - [6 Critical Reasons for Office 365 Backup](https://southridgetech.com/6-critical-reasons-for-office-365-backup/) - Do you have control of your Office 365 data? Do you have access to all the items you need? The knee-jerk reaction is typically, “Of course I do,” or “Microsoft takes care of it all.” But if you really think about it — are you sure? Microsoft takes care of quite a bit, and provides - [For Tax Professionals - Tax Security 2.0 Checklist](https://southridgetech.com/for-tax-professionals-tax-security-2-0-checklist/) - From the IRS All tax professionals should take stock of security measures used to protect client data. Tax practitioners remain high-value targets of cyber-criminals seeking to steal sensitive tax information, so they can file fraudulent returns. Whether a one-person shop or partner in a large firm, everyone should take steps to protect their clients and - [The Art of the Con](https://southridgetech.com/1030-2/) - This month's topic: The Art of the Con While the technical side of cybersecurity, such as firewalls and threat detection services, helps contain various attacks, it’s the human side that poses the most risk. Social engineers know how to manipulate emotions and use them against the victim. Cons and scams work because humans will always have - [Secure New Internet-Connected Devices](https://southridgetech.com/secure-new-internet-connected-devices/) - Secure New Internet-Connected Devices: During the holidays, internet-connected devices—also known as Internet of Things (IoT) devices—are popular gifts. These include smart cameras, smart TVs, watches, toys, phones, and tablets. Although this technology provides added convenience to our lives, it often requires that we share personal and financial information over the internet. The security of this - [This week's topic: Social Media Quizzes](https://southridgetech.com/this-weeks-topic-social-media-quizzes/) - Social media sites can be a great way of sharing photos, comments and connecting with friends and family, but certain seemingly innocent surveys can put some sensitive data into the hands of a cyber criminal. In this week’s security tip, learn about some of these scams and how you can utilize social media sites safely. - [This week's topic: Use Caution with USB Drives](https://southridgetech.com/this-weeks-topic-use-caution-with-usb-drives/) - This week's topic: Use Caution with USB Drives USB Drives are a great way to store and transfer data quickly and easily between devices. Unfortunately, many of their benefits create some major security concerns we all should be aware of. In this week’s security tip, learn some of the security risks associates with USB drives - [This week's video topic: Two-Factor Authentication](https://southridgetech.com/this-weeks-video-topic-two-factor-authentication/) - In today’s cyber landscape, having just one strong password on an account just isn’t enough. While we can do a lot to improve the strength of our passwords, having Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is critical to take that security to the next level. In this week’s security tip video, learn about what Two-Factor Authentication truly is - [Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week](https://southridgetech.com/tax-identity-theft-awareness-week/) - ‘Tis the season when the tidings come in envelopes stamped “Important Tax Return Document Enclosed.” Yes, it’s tax filing season, and the season’s Grinches are the tax identity thieves and government imposters who are hoping to steal your money. Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week is February 3-7. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Tax Identity Theft - [Keep Employees Happy With the Latest Tech](https://southridgetech.com/keep-employees-happy-with-the-latest-tech/) - A Global Study recently revealed that the employee satisfaction gap in small-business is linked to poor tech provisioning – and this could be resolved with a more forward-looking perspective when deciding which equipment will be purchased for the future of work. This internal study reveals pertinent statistics to help you make the most informed decisions - [Safer Internet Day](https://southridgetech.com/safer-internet-day/) - February 11, 2020, is Safer Internet Day, a worldwide event aimed at promoting the safe and positive use of digital technology for all users, especially children and teens. This year's theme—Together for a better internet—encourages everyone to play their part in creating a safer, more secure internet. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) - [Be Cautious of Romance Scams](https://southridgetech.com/be-cautious-of-romance-scams/) - This Valentine’s Day, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) reminds users to be wary of internet romance scams. Cyber criminals partaking in this type of fraud target victims, gain their confidence, and convince them to transfer funds. When online dating, use caution and never send gifts or money to someone you have not met - [This month's topic: The Travel Issue](https://southridgetech.com/this-months-topic-the-travel-issue/) - Got a big trip planned? Whether for business, pleasure, or both, traveling presents a unique set of security concerns that require a unique set of situational awareness skills. In this month’s security newsletter, learn some of the top security tips you should exercise when traveling. Security Awareness News March 2020 Quick Tips Avoid using public - [The Travel Issue (copy)](https://southridgetech.com/this-months-topic-the-travel-issue-2/) - The Travel Issue Got a big trip planned? Whether for business, pleasure, or both, traveling presents a unique set of security concerns that require a unique set of situational awareness skills. In this month’s security newsletter, learn some of the top security tips you should exercise when traveling. Security Awareness News March 2020 Quick Tips - [Coronavirus (COVID-19)](https://southridgetech.com/coronavirus-covid-19/) - People have been asking us how the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is impacting the technology market. The supply of component parts (such as capacitors) is the primary underlying issue. Here are some things we are seeing: Market prices continue to be volatile – Hewlett Packard Enterprise raised memory and SSD pricing last week The price of GPU’s - [Staying productive while working remotely with Microsoft Teams](https://southridgetech.com/staying-productive-while-working-remotely-with-microsoft-teams/) - Staying productive while working remotely with Microsoft Teams By Jared Spataro, Corporate Vice President for Microsoft 365, March 10, 2020 How do you move employees to remote work overnight? With the COVID-19 outbreak spreading around the world, that was the big question on our minds at Microsoft last week. Then, last Wednesday, we just - [Covid19 Client Update](https://southridgetech.com/covid19-client-update/) - At Southridge, we know that your ability to keep your doors (be they brick and mortar or virtual) open safely and responsibly is foremost on your mind. Rest assured, Southridge is ready to support you. Given the recent Tri-State decision to shut down all non-essential businesses for the next two weeks, we thought this would - [Internet service seem sluggish?](https://southridgetech.com/internet-service-seem-sluggish/) - With the coronavirus causing many people to work from home, internet service may seem sluggish. Find out what telecommuters and employers can do about it. According to mobile security organization Wandera, internet bandwidth usage trends over recent weeks have indicated the following: Use of remote working tools is up 156% on the previous month In the - [The New Rules Of Virtual Meeting Etiquette](https://southridgetech.com/the-new-rules-of-virtual-meeting-etiquette/) - If you find yourself sequestered at home and have to either attend or manage a number of virtual meetings, here are some effective and much-needed tips to ensure your meeting is a successful one: Logistics - When sending out the meeting appointment/email, include the link to access the meeting with any additional info that might - [An Important Message From Southridge Technology Regarding Recent Executive Orders:](https://southridgetech.com/an-important-message-from-southridge-technology-regarding-recent-executive-orders/) - Governor Lamont and the Federal government have established “IT providers as an essential service necessary to the “nation's security, economy, and public health and safety” and that “businesses, governments, academia, and private citizens are increasingly dependent upon Information Technology Sector functions.” At Southridge Technology we take this responsibility seriously. We continue, as we have from - [This week's topic: What is a VPN?](https://southridgetech.com/this-weeks-topic-what-is-a-vpn/) - What is a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a secure and private connection, which is especially critical when working remotely. For both personal and professional use, VPNs are a great resource and tool that have evolved over the years to be much more user-friendly. In this week’s security tip video, learn the basics - [Creating a Passphrase](https://southridgetech.com/creating-a-passphrase/) - This week's topic: Creating a Passphrase As a cybercriminal’s skills evolve, so too must our passwords. Experts are putting an emphasis on creating strong passphrases to keep accounts as secure as possible. In this week’s security tip video, learn about how you can create a strong passphrase to protect your accounts. Watch this week's Security - [Weekly Security Tip - 05/07/2020](https://southridgetech.com/weekly-security-tip-05-07-2020/) - This week's topic: Coronavirus Texting Scams Texting scams are common, but with the coronavirus pandemic, cybercriminals are taking these scams to the next level. In this week’s security tip video, learn about some of the recent texting scams that you should be on the lookout for. Watch this week's Security Tip by Southridge Technology Quick - [This week's topic: IoT Devices](https://southridgetech.com/this-weeks-topic-iot-devices/) - IoT (Internet of Things) devices are becoming increasingly popular as their convenience helps individuals and businesses improve many daily functions. Although their intentions are meant to make our lives easier, IoT devices come with many security risks we all should be aware of. In this week’s security tip video, learn about the security risks associated - [Questions every business owner able to answer](https://southridgetech.com/questions-every-business-owner-must-be-able-to-answer/) - Vast numbers of employees now work remotely, and it’s too late to develop a set of remote-work policies if you didn’t already have one. But there are ways to make the remote-work experience productive and engaging — for employees and the organization. Use both direct conversations and indirect observations to get visibility into employees’ challenges - [3 Social Listening Tactics to Generate New Customers](https://southridgetech.com/3-social-listening-tactics-to-generate-new-customers/) - Vast numbers of employees now work remotely, and it’s too late to develop a set of remote-work policies if you didn’t already have one. But there are ways to make the remote-work experience productive and engaging — for employees and the organization. Use both direct conversations and indirect observations to get visibility into employees’ challenges - [Transitioning back](https://southridgetech.com/transitioning-back/) - Welcome Back! If you and your staff are transitioning back to your workplace, here is a quick and dirty IT checklist to help your transition go smoothly. If you need any help with any of these suggestions, or if we are able to support your return to the office (or your decision not to), give - [Weekly Security Tip - 06/18/2020](https://southridgetech.com/weekly-security-tip-06-18-2020/) - This week's topic: Credit Card Skimming Credit card skimming is a criminal’s attempt to steal the financial information residing on a debit or credit card via a malicious card reader. With so much emphasis on digital security threats, it’s important not to overlook these physical threats as well. In this week’s security tip video, learn - [This week's topic: Spoofing](https://southridgetech.com/this-weeks-topic-spoofing-2/) - Spoofing is a cybercriminal’s malicious misrepresentation of a phone number, website, or email. By masking their true identity, a cybercriminal is more likely to pull off their scam. In this week’s security tip video, learn about the different forms of spoofing, and how you can protect yourself. Watch this week's Security Tip by Southridge Technology - [This week's topic: Spear Phishing](https://southridgetech.com/this-weeks-topic-spoofing-2-2/) - Spear phishing is often considered one of the most dangerous forms of phishing. These well-crafted malicious emails include personal details that can make them very convincing and difficult to spot. In this week’s security tip video, learn how a spear-phishing email is crafted and some of the ways you can protect yourself from becoming the - [Proactive Customer Experience in the Business](https://southridgetech.com/embrace-proactive-customer-experience-in-the-business/) - Vast numbers of employees now work remotely, and it’s too late to develop a set of remote-work policies if you didn’t already have one. But there are ways to make the remote-work experience productive and engaging — for employees and the organization. Use both direct conversations and indirect observations to get visibility into employees’ challenges - [Tips to make your workforce a security front line](https://southridgetech.com/tips-to-make-your-workforce-a-security-front-line/) - Vast numbers of employees now work remotely, and it’s too late to develop a set of remote-work policies if you didn’t already have one. But there are ways to make the remote-work experience productive and engaging — for employees and the organization. Use both direct conversations and indirect observations to get visibility into employees’ challenges - [Technology allows profit to serve the community](https://southridgetech.com/technology-allows-non-profit-to-serve-the-community/) - Vast numbers of employees now work remotely, and it’s too late to develop a set of remote-work policies if you didn’t already have one. But there are ways to make the remote-work experience productive and engaging — for employees and the organization. Use both direct conversations and indirect observations to get visibility into employees’ challenges - [Unboxing The Phone: Is This The Future Of Phones?](https://southridgetech.com/unboxing-the-folding-phone-is-this-the-future-of-phones/) - Vast numbers of employees now work remotely, and it’s too late to develop a set of remote-work policies if you didn’t already have one. But there are ways to make the remote-work experience productive and engaging — for employees and the organization. Use both direct conversations and indirect observations to get visibility into employees’ challenges - [UX Design is one of the most rapidly developing](https://southridgetech.com/user-experience-design-is-one-of-the-most-rapidly-developing/) - Vast numbers of employees now work remotely, and it’s too late to develop a set of remote-work policies if you didn’t already have one. But there are ways to make the remote-work experience productive and engaging — for employees and the organization. Use both direct conversations and indirect observations to get visibility into employees’ challenges - [Market Insights to Manage People Related Costs](https://southridgetech.com/market-insights-to-manage-people-related-costs/) - Vast numbers of employees now work remotely, and it’s too late to develop a set of remote-work policies if you didn’t already have one. But there are ways to make the remote-work experience productive and engaging — for employees and the organization. Use both direct conversations and indirect observations to get visibility into employees’ challenges - [Market Insights to Manage People Related Costs](https://southridgetech.com/market-insights-to-manage-people-related-costs-2/) - Vast numbers of employees now work remotely, and it’s too late to develop a set of remote-work policies if you didn’t already have one. But there are ways to make the remote-work experience productive and engaging — for employees and the organization. Use both direct conversations and indirect observations to get visibility into employees’ challenges - [This week's topic: The Value of Encryption](https://southridgetech.com/this-weeks-topic-the-value-of-encryption/) - Encryption is a technology we can all be thankful for - except for scammers! An encrypted device is impenetrable, making it the ultimate safeguard in protecting data and equipment. In this week’s security tip video, learn about the value of encryption and how it can best be utilized to keep your devices and data safe. - [This month's topic: Your Digital Health](https://southridgetech.com/this-months-topic-your-digital-health/) - It is important to keep our digital health in good order with continuous cybersecurity education. Just like with our personal health and fitness, if we fail to stay on top of our routines and proper habits, we run the risk of regressing to a vulnerable state. In this month’s security newsletter, review some of the - [Tips for a Cyber Safe Vacation](https://southridgetech.com/tips-for-a-cyber-safe-vacation/) - National Cyber Awareness System: Tips for a Cyber Safe Vacation 05/24/2019 01:45 PM EDT As summer nears, many people will soon be taking vacations. When planning vacations, users should be aware of potential rental scams and “free” vacation ploys. Travelers should also keep in mind risks related to traveling with mobile devices. The Cybersecurity and - [IRS Notice about Cyber Security](https://southridgetech.com/irs-notice-about-cyber-security/) - From: "Internal Revenue Service (IRS)" Date: June 24, 2019 at 10:32:18 AM EDT Dear Tax Professional, The filing season is over, and you finally have a breather from preparing tax returns. However, your responsibility as a tax preparer doesn’t end on April 15th. Data thieves are attempting to compromise your systems and steal your - [This month's topic: Cybercrime and You](https://southridgetech.com/this-months-topic-cybercrime-and-you/) - It's a common misconception that cybercrime only affects big businesses. Not only does cybercrime impact businesses of all sizes, it has huge negative repercussions that can impact us personally as well. In this month’s security newsletter, learn about some of the personal impacts of cybercrime and what you should be on the lookout for - [Presenting at the UConn School of Dental Medicine Lunch and Learn Series](https://southridgetech.com/presenting-at-the-uconn-school-of-dental-medicine-lunch-and-learn-series/) - Gary Tiger, Director of Sales and Marketing at Southridge, presenting to the students at the UConn School of Dental Medicine on Cybersecurity Best Practices, as part of the Connecticut State Dental Association sponsored Lunch and Learn series. http://echo4.bluehornet.com/ - [This week's topic: Cybersecurity Tips for All Ages](https://southridgetech.com/this-weeks-topic-cybersecurity-tips-for-all-ages/) - Cybersecurity Tips for All Ages This global pandemic has taught us the importance of coming together to keep ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities safe. This same philosophy can and should be applied to all aspects of our lives, especially cybersecurity. While anyone can become a victim of the next cyber-attack, vulnerable generations - - [Southridge Technology Offers Free Cybersecurity Training to Help Organizations Educate Their Remote Workforces Amid Coronavirus Pandemic](https://southridgetech.com/southridge-technology-offers-free-cybersecurity-training-to-help-organizations-educate-their-remote-workforces-amid-coronavirus-pandemic/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 4.7.20 Southridge Technology Offers Free Cybersecurity Training to Help Organizations Educate Their Remote Workforces Amid Coronavirus Pandemic Work From Home Environments Create New Opportunities for Cybercriminals Brookfield, CT: Southridge Technology today announced free cybersecurity training, an engaging online video-based training program. The robust cybersecurity training program is designed to educate employees on - [Southridge Offers Cybersecurity Training to Help Organizations Educate Their Remote Workforces Amid Coronavirus Pandemic](https://southridgetech.com/southridge-offers-cybersecurity-training-to-help-organizations-educate-their-remote-workforces-amid-coronavirus-pandemic/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 4/20/2020 Gary Tiger Southridge Technology 203-431-8324 gtiger@southridgetech.com Southridge Offers Cybersecurity Training to Help Organizations Educate Their Remote Workforces Amid Coronavirus Pandemic Work From Home Environments Create New Opportunities for Cybercriminals Brookfield, CT: Southridge Technology, Southridge, today announced cybersecurity training, an engaging online video-based training program. The robust cybersecurity training program is designed - [This week's topic: Bitcoin Blackmail](https://southridgetech.com/this-weeks-topic-bitcoin-blackmail/) - Reports of a devious bitcoin blackmail scam are on the rise. Scammers are dusting off a classic trick in an effort to steal your money. In this week’s security tip video, learn about how this bitcoin blackmail scam works and how you can protect yourself. Watch this week's Security Tip by Southridge Technology Quick Tips - [Cyber-attacks on Small and Mid-Sized Business: How big do you have to be before you’re a target?](https://southridgetech.com/cyber-attacks-on-small-and-mid-sized-business-how-big-do-you-have-to-be-before-youre-a-target/) - Hackers don’t care how big or small your business is. All they care about is access. In fact, small to mid-sized businesses are attractive targets for cybercriminals because SMBs are less likely to have robust security measures and dedicated IT teams to protect them, making them easy prey. On the other hand, since large corporations - [Let's talk phones!](https://southridgetech.com/lets-talk-phones/) - Mobile workforces have become the new norm for many of our clients. When the COVID pandemic struck, we quickly discovered that our clients’ ability to maintain productivity depends heavily on the communication technology we provide them. Businesses' reliance on phone systems has never been greater. Luckily, with our help, many of our clients have been - [National Cybersecurity Awareness Month](https://southridgetech.com/national-cybersecurity-awareness-month/) - The focus of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month’s first week is “If you Connect It, Protect It.” This emphasizes the potential vulnerability of all Internet-connected devices. Cybersecurity starts with YOU and is everyone’s responsibility. There are currently an estimated 4.8 billion Internet users—over 62% of the world's population!4 This number will only grow, making the need - [National Cybersecurity Awareness Month](https://southridgetech.com/national-cybersecurity-awareness-month-2/) - National Cybersecurity Awareness Month’s second week focuses on steps individuals and organizations can take to secure Internet-connected devices for personal and professional use. This year has seen major disruptions in the way we work, learn, and socialize, driving many of these activities online. With our homes, schools, and business more connected than ever, it’s vital - [National Cybersecurity Awareness Month](https://southridgetech.com/national-cybersecurity-awareness-month-3/) - The healthcare industry relies increasingly on Internet-connected devices and solutions to improve patient care, organizational efficiency, speed of crisis response, and much more.The emergence of telemedicine, digital health records, online medical devices, patient wellness apps, and an increasing amount of third parties entering the health supply chain has created many benefits. However, it has also - [National Cybersecurity Awareness Month](https://southridgetech.com/national-cybersecurity-awareness-month-4/) - The final week of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month examines the future of Internet-connected devices. NCSAM Week 4 will explore how technological innovations, such as 5G, might impact consumers’ and businesses’ online experiences (e.g. faster speeds and data transmission, and larger attack surfaces for cybercriminals). Visit cisa.gov/ncsam to learn more. We will also examine how people - [Cybersecurity Month Tip: Identity Theft and Internet Scams](https://southridgetech.com/cybersecurity-month-tip-identity-theft-and-internet-scams/) - Today’s technology allows us to connect around the world, to bank and shop online, and to control our televisions, homes, and cars from our smartphones. With this added convenience comes an increased risk of identity theft and Internet scams. #BeCyberSmart on the Internet—at home, at school, at work, on mobile devices, and on the go. - [Cybersecurity Month Tip: E-Skimming](https://southridgetech.com/cybersecurity-month-tip-e-skimming/) - The Internet touches almost all aspects of our daily lives. We are able to shop, bank, connect with family and friends, and handle our medical records all online. These activities require you to provide personally identifiable information (PII) such as your name, date of birth, account numbers, passwords, and location information. #BeCyberSmart when sharing personal - [Internet of Things](https://southridgetech.com/cybersecurity-month-internet-of-things/) - Now more than ever, consumers spend increasing amounts of time on the Internet. With every social media account you sign up for, every picture you post, and status you update, you are sharing information about yourself with the world. How can you be proactive and “Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart”? Take these simple steps to connect - [How-To-Guide for Multi-Factor Authentication](https://southridgetech.com/cybersecurity-month-how-to-guide-for-multi-factor-authentication/) - Have you noticed how often security breaches, stolen data, and identity theft are consistently front-page news these days? Perhaps you, or someone you know, are a victim of cybercriminals who stole personal information, banking credentials, or more. As these incidents become more prevalent, you should consider using multi-factor authentication, also called strong authentication or two-factor - [Cybersecurity Month: Online Privacy](https://southridgetech.com/cybersecurity-month-online-privacy/) - The Internet touches almost all aspects of our daily lives. We are able to shop, bank, connect with family and friends, and handle our medical records all online. These activities require you to provide personally identifiable information (PII) such as your name, date of birth, account numbers, passwords, and location information. #BeCyberSmart when sharing personal - [Cybersecurity Month: Creating a Password](https://southridgetech.com/cybersecurity-month-creating-a-password/) - Creating a strong password is an essential step to protecting yourself online. Using long and complex passwords is one of the easiest ways to defend yourself from cybercrime. No citizen is immune to cyber risk, but #BeCyberSmart and you can minimize your chances of an incident. SIMPLE TIPS: Creating a strong password is easier than - [This week's topic: Combating the Spread of Cybercrime](https://southridgetech.com/this-weeks-topic-combating-the-spread-of-cybercrime/) - While it has taken some time to adjust, certain new self-care skills have been harnessed to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. Good hygiene, social distancing and protective equipment can keep us safe, so why not apply these practices in a similar sense to our cybersecurity efforts? In this week’s security tip video, - [This week's topic: A Scammer’s Carol](https://southridgetech.com/this-weeks-topic-a-scammers-carol/) - Nobody wants to be a Cyber-Scrooge! That’s why we all must take cybersecurity seriously and learn from our past so that in the present, we can work to shape a future that is full of smart cybersecurity habits! In this week’s security tip video, learn about how our past and present behavior can help shape - [This week's topic: Cybersecurity Resolutions](https://southridgetech.com/this-weeks-topic-cybersecurity-resolutions/) - A new year generally brings some important resolutions and goals to help better ourselves. With the many cybersecurity threats bearing down, now is the time to add some cybersecurity resolutions to your list. In this week’s security tip video, take note of some important cybersecurity resolutions that you should consider for the new year. Watch - [How will CMMC requirements impact your revenue?](https://southridgetech.com/how-will-cmmc-requirements-impact-your-revenue/) - The Department of Defense is buckling down on cybersecurity requirements for primes and subcontractors. If you plan on participating in RFPs with the US DoD, you'll be expected to comply with their security requirements (more each year). This CMMC Cheat Sheet offers a birds-eye view of what you need to know. CMMC Cheat Sheet We’re - [Get a CMMC assessment from the experts, fast](https://southridgetech.com/get-a-cmmc-assessment-from-the-experts-fast/) - CMMC certification is coming, and it’s not simple. Take some of the stress off your plate and be proactive with your cybersecurity. Southridge Technology will assess where you are with CMMC compliance and take the right steps to ensure you don’t miss out on DoD RFPs. We’re offering a complimentary CMMC assessment. We can answer - [CMMC, let’s get you there too.](https://southridgetech.com/cmmc-lets-get-you-there-too/) - The right managed service provider to help you with CMMC certification is on a path to CMMC certification themselves! As part of your ecosystem, the DoD will require that your MSP be certified to the same level you are, or higher. Southridge Technology works with businesses like yours to make sure CMMC regulations don’t get - [We’re certifying to CMMC. Let’s get you there too.](https://southridgetech.com/were-certifying-to-cmmc-lets-get-you-there-too/) - The right managed service provider to help you with CMMC certification is on a path to CMMC certification themselves! As part of your ecosystem, the DoD will require that your MSP be certified to the same level you are, or higher. Take advantage of our offer and let us make sure CMMC regulations don’t get - [Improving Healthcare Cybersecurity](https://southridgetech.com/improving-healthcare-cybersecurity/) - Healthcare data is extremely sensitive information highlighting the need to protect it from cyber breaches. Cyber breaches have increased in frequency in recent times and the healthcare sector is no exception. As a result security measures must be organized in order to prevent such attacks from disrupting business practice. The WEDI researched improvements needed within - [Cyber Monday: Tips for Safeguarding Personal Information](https://southridgetech.com/cyber-monday-tips-for-safeguarding-personal-information/) - Cyber Monday draw millions of shoppers online for deals and savings, but this day also provides opportunities for an attacker to steal personal information. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) reminds users to remain vigilant when browsing or shopping online. CISA encourages Cyber Monday shoppers to review the following online shopping safety tips: Do - [Cybersecurity Month Tip: 5 Ways To Be Cyber Secure At Work](https://southridgetech.com/cybersecurity-month-tip-5-ways-to-be-cyber-secure-at-work-2/) - Businesses face significant financial loss when a cyber attack occurs. In 2019, the U.S. business sector had 17% increase in data breaches: 1,473 breaches.1 Cybercriminals often rely on human error—employees failing to install software patches or clicking on malicious links—to gain access to systems. From the top leadership to the newest employee, cybersecurity requires the - [Cybersecurity Month Tip: Cybersecurity While Traveling](https://southridgetech.com/cybersecurity-month-tip-5-ways-to-be-cyber-secure-at-work-2-2/) - In a world where we are constantly connected, cybersecurity cannot be limited to the home or office. When you’re traveling— whether domestic or international—it is always important to practice safe online behavior and take proactive steps to secure Internet-enabled devices. The more we travel, the more we are at risk for cyberattacks. #BeCyberSmart and use - [SSD vs. HDD: What’s the Difference?](https://southridgetech.com/ssd-vs-hdd-whats-the-difference/) - Both a solid-state drive (SSD) and hard disk drive (HDD) store computer data and they’re widely used for backups. How data’s stored and accessed is the main difference. Solid-state drive (SSD) Solid-state drive (SSDs) are a newer type of storage media that uses memory chips to store data. Think of a USB thumb drive (aka - [This week's topic: USB Drop Attacks](https://southridgetech.com/this-weeks-topic-usb-drop-attacks/) - Have you ever seen a USB drive on the ground and been curious as to what may be on it? While it may be tempting to let our curiosity get the best of us, plugging in a random USB drive could result in a malicious attack that infects your device and your organization’s network. In - [Stay Ahead of the Storm](https://southridgetech.com/stay-ahead-of-the-storm/) - Seems like “storm” season is every season nowadays. From crippling snow storms in October to inland hurricanes and macrobursts that knock out power for days or even weeks, what we once called once-in-a-life-time storms seem to be par for the course of doing business today. And climate research suggests we can expect this amplification will - [SBA Alert: Beware of Email Phishing Scams](https://southridgetech.com/sba-alert-beware-of-email-phishing-scams/) - Email phishing campaigns where malicious actors are impersonating the SBA and its Office of Disaster Assistance to collect personally identifiable information (PII) for fraudulent purposes have surfaced. The SBA is particularly concerned about scam emails targeting applicants of the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program asking them to verify their accounts using a third-party online - [This week's topic: Protecting Devices and Data Outside of the Office](https://southridgetech.com/this-weeks-topic-protecting-devices-and-data-outside-of-the-office/) - The transportation of equipment is becoming very common, making the protection of these devices and data during their travels extremely important. In this week’s security tip video, learn some of the best practices for safely and securely transporting devices and data. Watch this week's Security Tip by Southridge Technology Quick Tips Keep a documented inventory - [This week's topic: Brute Force Attacks](https://southridgetech.com/this-weeks-topic-brute-force-attacks/) - A properly run brute force attack can put many passwords generally considered complex, at risk. By customizing their attack with additional variables, a cybercriminal can have a much easier time breaking into an account of their choosing. In this week’s security tip video, learn about how brute force attacks are performed and what steps you - [Product of Month - Remote Managed Power](https://southridgetech.com/product-of-month-remote-managed-power/) - The Key to Budget-Friendly IT: Automation and Simplicity Perhaps you’ve been here? An unresponsive device in your network has halted productivity (and therefore revenue) in your office. Southridge Support quickly determines the device needs a reboot. But there are so many devices and wires and switches in the IT closet, everyone agrees that an employee - [This week's topic: Vacation Scams](https://southridgetech.com/this-weeks-topic-vacation-scams/) - Whenever you are ready to begin planning your next vacation, it is important to be mindful of some of the common vacation scams that dupe consumers each year. In this week’s security tip video, learn about some of the common vacation scams that you need to be on the lookout for before planning your next - [This week's topic: Keyloggers](https://southridgetech.com/this-weeks-topic-keyloggers/) - A keylogger is a tool designed to silently spy and record your daily activities on a device. Once a keylogger is installed, it can feed that information directly to a cybercriminal in real-time. In this week’s security tip video, learn about what a keylogger does and how you can protect your devices. Watch this week's - [This month's topic: The Privacy Issue](https://southridgetech.com/this-months-topic-the-privacy-issue/) - Protecting our privacy is always a top concern and for a good reason. With so much information being shared, posted, or exchanged digitally, it is more important than ever before that we control the destiny of our private information. In this month’s security newsletter, learn some of the steps you can take to keep your - [Covid-19 Update - 3/17/2020  ](https://southridgetech.com/covid-19-update-3-17-2020/) - At Southridge, we know that your ability to keep your doors (be they brick and mortar or virtual) open safely and responsibly is foremost on your mind. Rest assured, Southridge is ready to support you. Given the recent Tri-State decision to shut down all non-essential businesses for the next two weeks, we thought this would - [The Internet Crime Complaint Center Issues Alert on Employment Scams](https://southridgetech.com/the-internet-crime-complaint-center-issues-alert-on-employment-scams/) - The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has issued an alert warning consumers of fake jobs and hiring scams targeting applicants’ personally identifiable information (PII). Cyber criminals posing as legitimate employers spoof company websites and post fake job openings to lure victims. Cyber criminals will conduct fake interviews and even offer positions to victims before requesting - [The end of Windows 7 and recommendations to best protect your data](https://southridgetech.com/windows-7-and-server-2008-end-of-life-2/) - 1/14/2020 As you know Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 have now reached their end-of-life. This means after 12 years in production, Microsoft will no longer update or support the operating system. As of today NetMarketShare estimates Windows 7 is still about 26% of the market. So, if you have not upgraded yet you are - [Windows 7 and Server 2008 End of Life](https://southridgetech.com/windows-7-and-server-2008-end-of-life/) - As you may know Microsoft has announced the date for Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 End of Life: January 14, 2020. This means after 11 years in production, Microsoft will no longer update or support the operating system after that date. Since 2015, Windows 7 has been in an 'extended support' phase. During - [What makes up the “New Standard” for Business Email?](https://southridgetech.com/what-makes-up-the-new-standard-for-business-email/) - The ecosystem around email has changed significantly and dramatically in just the last couple of years. Huge new business risks have come to the forefront. (if you don’t know what those risks are, read our first post of this series https://wp.me/p6bE6m-ef. Today, there’s a “New Standard” for business email—one that requires servers to protect your - [ALERT "New Ransomware WannaCry" VIRUS](https://southridgetech.com/alert-new-ransomware-wannacry-virus/) - Over 200,000 victims have been reported to have contracted the new Ransomware virus WannaCry, a malicious piece of software that locks files on a computer and demands payments to unlock them. Of all the servers and PCs we actively manage on a day-today basis only 40 PCs needed a manual update to better protect them from the - [Healthcare Ransomware Guide](https://southridgetech.com/healthcare-ransomware-guide/) - Healthcare organizations are a high value target for ransomware cyberattacks due to the sensitive nature of their information. Whether a small business or large, ransomware does not discriminate when it comes to obtaining vital data. If a business is unable to recover information for clients from a ransomware attack the result can bring not only - [MHS Fined 5.5 Million For HIPAA Violation](https://southridgetech.com/mhsfined5million/) - In the second largest fine against a covered entity to date, Memorial Healthcare is set to pay 5.5 million dollars in breach of protected health information. In this case over 100,000 people were affected dating back between 2011 and 2012. Information such as names, dates of birth and social security numbers were leaked as reported - [How to Avoid Being Spoofed](https://southridgetech.com/how-to-avoid-being-spoofed/) - In Jacksonville, Florida a recent spoofing case was reported by a women claiming to have been asked for $250. The spoofer called pretending to be the HHS Office of Inspector General and informed the women she had won $9,000 in government grant money. In order to complete the process she was then asked to give - [How To Keep Your Smart Phone and Mobile Device Secure](https://southridgetech.com/mobiledatasecurity/) - 1. Password, pin, or fingerprint protect your mobile device It’s critical to lock your phone with a password, pin, or fingerprint detection. It’s easy to do and it’s free. If you ever put your phone down at a party or event, it’s very easy for someone to pick it up and read your email or - [Cloud Troubles: The Need for Cloud Focused Business Continuity](https://southridgetech.com/cloud-troubles-17-hour-office-365-onedrive-outage/) - The need for cloud focused business continuity is growing. In recent news, Microsoft Office 365 lost service for 17-hours halting access to OneDrive Accounts. Further, Outlook.com experienced login problems for a few hours during this same period. Ensuring there is no downtime for your business can be costly, as a result a balance needs to - [Cyber Security: What Is A Firewall and Which Type Is For You?](https://southridgetech.com/picking-firewall-security/) - What is a Firewall? A Firewall is a software program or built in hardware device with the specific purpose to defend your home or business against electronic threats by screening viruses, hackers and worms looking to infiltrate your computer through the internet. Serving as a gatekeeper between your company’s servers and the outside world - - [Healthcare Security's Biggest Threats](https://southridgetech.com/healthcaresecuritythreats/) - THREATS TO HEALTHCARE SECURITY The top three threats healthcare professionals should concern themselves with: Vulnerable Connected Devices Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Phishing Scams 1. With the increase in healthcare technology the number of connected devices is growing rapidly. Within the business framework this is a welcomed enhancement because it increases efficiency and effectiveness. From - [Protect Your Business With These Easy Steps to Make Your Password Stronger](https://southridgetech.com/creating-strong-passwords/) - Is Your Password Secure? Here are some ideas on how to formulate a secure and strong password. Create different passwords for each account Use different passwords for every account. For example, email accounts, online banking accounts, and Linked-In or Facebook accounts should all have different passwords. This becomes critical because when businesses like Gmail, AOL, - [Netgear Routers Allow Security Loophole](https://southridgetech.com/netgear-product-vulnerability-advisory-potential-security-issue-associated-remote-management/) - A Ton of Popular Netgear Routers Are Exposed—With No Easy Fix A VULNERABILITY IN some popular Netgear routers has gone unpatched for months. Left unchecked, it leaves thousands of home networking devices exposed to full control by hackers, who can then ensnare them in havoc-wreaking botnets. While Netgear has finally released a tentative fix for - [Services and Support Offered by Computer Repair Companies](https://southridgetech.com/services-and-support-offered-by-computer-repair-companies/) - Computers may seem simple to operate with user friendly interfaces and applications, but these are complex machines and sometimes they require an experienced professional to mend and repair. A professional computer support and repair company can save your day.Mentioned below are typical services and support provided by computer repair companies:1. Support for hardware installation and - [FAQ: Why do I have Internet Explorer files if I never use it?](https://southridgetech.com/faq-why-do-i-have-internet-explorer-files-if-i-never-use-it/) - Internet Explorer runs deeper than most people realize. Portions of what we think of as IE are in fact part of Windows itself.Why is it that when I run Cleaner (weekly) it always shows about 4K of temp files in IE, but I don't use IE except once per month to check for the Tuesday - [Southridge is an Affinity Partner for the Fairfield County Medical Association](https://southridgetech.com/southridge-is-an-affinity-partner-for-the-fairfield-county-medical-association/) - The Fairfield County Medical Association is a professional membership representing physicians from every medical specialty and practice setting as well as medical students, interns and residents. For more than 220 years, FCMA has been at the forefront of current medicine, ensuring that its members are represented in the areas of public policy, government relations and community - [Southridge is the endorsed technology provider for the Connecticut State Dental Association](https://southridgetech.com/southridge-is-the-endorsed-technology-provider-for-the-connecticut-state-dental-association/) - Southridge Technology, a full service IT Support Company specializing in dental technology and compliance is the endorsed technology provider for the Connecticut State Dental Association. Southridge has been serving the Connecticut Dental Community for the past 14 years and now as an endorsed provider for the CSDA we are offering special packages and pricing for - [Southridge is an Endorsed Company for the Ninth District Dental Society,](https://southridgetech.com/southridge-is-an-endorsed-company-for-the-ninth-district-dental-society/) - The Ninth District Dental Society was formed in 1909 and renamed to the Ninth District Dental Association in 2002. They have a membership of over 1600 dentists in 5 counties: Westchester, Rockland, Dutchess, Orange and Putnam. Some of the many benefits that the 9th offers it's members are 28 mce credits of Continuing Education, publishing - [Southridge Technology Joins The Danbury Whalers](https://southridgetech.com/southridge-technology-joins-the-danbury-whalers/) - Southridge Technology (www.southridgetech.com), a full-service IT provider in Ridgefield and Brookfield, Connecticut, has been selected by The Danbury Whalers as their "Official Technology Company". Joseph M. Garzi, president and founder of Southridge Technology, stated that the company's ranking by Inc. magazine for the second year in a row in its exclusive ranking of America's fastest-growing - [Southridge Technology ranked by Inc. Magazine for second year in a row](https://southridgetech.com/southridge-technology-grp-llc-ranked-by-inc-magazine-for-second-year-in-a-row/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Brookfield, CT - Oct 10, 2012 Download the official press release Southridge Technology (www.southridgetech.com), a full-service IT provider in Ridgefield and Brookfield, Connecticut, has been ranked by Inc. magazine for the second year in a row in its exclusive ranking of America's fastest-growing private companies. Joseph M. Garzi- Southridge Technology Joseph M. - [Slideshow: What is a Free Technology Assessment by Southridge Technology Grp, LLC](https://southridgetech.com/slide-free-technology-assessment-by-southridge-technology-grp-llc/) - Southridge Technology Grp, LLC offers businesses a free technology and network assessment. They send a technician to your business and inspect the existing network, workstations, backup systems, and more. This slide contains the activities done by the professionals at Southridge Technology Grp, LLC during a free technology assessment. For a free technology assessment, call 203-403-7402.Click - [How to Choose the Right Network Management Service for an IT Business](https://southridgetech.com/how-to-choose-the-right-network-management-service-for-an-it-business/) - If your business has a large network of inter-connected computers, then you may face problems like loss of data packets in the network, increased network downtime, and improper functionality of the entire system. You need a good network management serviceto keep your network running, and to tackle network related problems promptly to ensure better productivity - [Advantages of Cloud Computing](https://southridgetech.com/advantages-of-cloud-computing/) - Cloud computing is when a group of remote servers are networked to allow centralized data storage and online access to computer services and resources. Cloud computing enables you to use file and applications over the internet. Advantages of Cloud Computing Less expensive: Cloud computing is less expensive when compared to accessing services in traditional ways. - [Tips to Hire a Good IT Service Provider in NY](https://southridgetech.com/tips-to-hire-a-good-it-service-provider-in-ny/) - Almost every small and large business is dependent on IT support and services. IT support and services help businesses address their IT issues, and provide solutions for the problems. You need to choose a reliable IT support service for the best results. Tips to hire a good IT services provider Experience: Experience can help you - [Connecticut IT Services - For Effective Management of Your Business Server](https://southridgetech.com/connecticut-it-services-for-effective-management-of-your-business-server/) - In today’s fast paced IT environment where delivery is crucial, managing and maintaining a server is important. Effective management of servers will result in reliable uptime delivery, prevents security intrusion, prevents the growth of unwanted bugs and provides data consistency. Servers managed properly can eradicate the danger of data being hacked and any unwanted virus - [Important Tips for Businesses While Looking for Computer System Support Services in NY](https://southridgetech.com/important-tips-for-businesses-while-looking-for-computer-system-support-services-in-ny/) - In New York, companies looking for computer support services are unsure of what to look for. They worry about whom to hire, cost, and site of the company. This article discusses five important tips a company should take into consideration while looking for computer system support services in NY. Remember IT service is still a - [Things Every IT Owner Should Know About Network Security](https://southridgetech.com/things-every-it-owner-should-know-about-network-security/) - As the security risks increase in a business, it is important to have a complete system dedicated to securing networks. Network security is a kind of software that safeguards the primary networking infrastructure from illegal access, malfunction, misuse, destruction or alteration. This also enables the users to carry out their operations within a protected environment. - [Network Management Services are Helpful](https://southridgetech.com/network-management-services-are-helpful/) - Network management requires IT managers to monitor many aspects of an organization such as deployment, allocating and monitoring network resources, configuration management, fault management, security management and bandwidth management. Many business firms depend on their computer systems and network, hence proper network management and supportis required for the productivity and growth of the business. How - [The Importance of Professional IT Support Services for Businesses in Connecticut](https://southridgetech.com/the-importance-of-professional-it-support-services-for-businesses-in-connecticut/) - Professional and reliable IT services play an important role in the daily operations of a business. They are important for the smooth functioning of your business. Their services can lead to increased productivity and help the growth of your business. Importance of Professional IT Support Service for Businesses IT professionals can provide up-to-date virus protection - [What Are The Advantages of Opting for Computer Service and Support in Connecticut?](https://southridgetech.com/what-are-the-advantages-of-opting-for-computer-service-and-support-in-connecticut/) - A computer support service is important for businesses that use computer networks. This is because IT support providerscan fix the issues related to the working of a computer network. There are many advantages associated with opting for an efficient computer support service. Advantages of Opting for Computer Service and Support You can get instant solutions ## Pages - [Home](https://southridgetech.com/) - We listen. We advise. We are Technology Support Specialists - Southridge Technology 203.431.8324 - [Privacy Policy](https://southridgetech.com/privacy-policy/) - We use Your Personal data to provide and improve the Service. - [Website & Email Hosting](https://southridgetech.com/website-email-hosting/) - Southridge Technology provides full-service email hosting, spam filtering, support, and secure, reliable, Web development and fast website hosting. - [Real Estate Offices Network Management](https://southridgetech.com/real-estate-offices-network-management/) - Southridge Technology understands the unique needs of Real Estate. Each agent has their own home base, mobile technology, and in some cases, workspace. - [Contact us](https://southridgetech.com/contact-us/) - Let's get in touch! Contact us today for your technology needs. - [Our team](https://southridgetech.com/our-team/) - Our team Southridge Technology Good People Doing Good Work Published on:August 29, 2020 Good People Doing Good Work - [Charter Oak Dental Meeting - Southridge Tech Raffle](https://southridgetech.com/charter-oak-dental-meeting-southridge-tech-raffle/) - [Establish a remote support session](https://southridgetech.com/remote-session/) - Your name: Type the 9 digit number: - [Toy Drive](https://southridgetech.com/toy-drive/) - Southridge Technology2025 Toy Drive Please note: We no longer accept hats or loose blankets as there has been a national increase in the number of accidental infant suffocations. Sleep sacks are the best choice for swaddling babies and maintaining warmth. For more information on donating, please call our Donations Line at: 860-545-9880 or email toys@connecticutchildrens.org - [Shred Day](https://southridgetech.com/shred-day/) - See you on October 9 for our Annual Shred Day in Brookfield! - [Network Penetration Testing: Assess Your Security Before Attackers Do](https://southridgetech.com/network-penetration-testing-assess-your-security-before-attackers-do/) - OUR SERVICESPreparing for your success, we provide truly IT solutions. Network Penetration Testing: Assess Your Security Before Attackers Do If your business was hacked tomorrow, do you know what would happen? Protecting your valuable assets and customer data is paramount in today's digital landscape. Alongside robust security software, regular network penetration tests play a critical - [Microsoft 365 Pricing Changes Effective April 1, 2025 – What You Need to Know](https://southridgetech.com/microsoft-365-pricing-changes-effective-april-1-2025-what-you-need-to-know/) - Microsoft has announced changes to its pricing and billing structure, effective April 1, 2025. These changes are designed to standardize pricing across all purchasing platforms and provide greater flexibility for customers. Key Changes: Price Increase on Monthly Billing Customers who choose monthly billing will see a price increase. This applies to all Microsoft 365, Office - [Refer a Friend, Help Feed a Neighbor](https://southridgetech.com/refer-a-friend-help-feed-a-neighbor/) - At Southridge Technology, we believe in giving back to the community that has given so much to us. - [The Power of ITDR: 24/7 Identity Threat Detection & Response](https://southridgetech.com/the-power-of-itdr-24-7-identity-threat-detection-response/) - Identity-based attacks have become a top threat to businesses. Cybercriminals are employing advanced techniques to effectively exploit compromised credentials, manipulate authentication methods, and gain unauthorized access to critical business systems. Microsoft 365 environments, in particular, are prime targets for attackers due to their vast adoption and deep integration with business operations. That’s why organizations need - [What is the SLAM Method? ✉️🎣](https://southridgetech.com/what-is-the-slam-method-✉️🎣/) - Email security is more important than ever, and one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your organization is by being vigilant about identifying potential spam. The SLAM method is a simple yet powerful framework that helps you spot suspicious emails before they do any harm. SLAM stands for S-sender, L-links, A-attachments, - [Southridge Technology 🤝 One Tree Planted](https://southridgetech.com/southridge-technology-partners-with-one-tree-planted/) - To help offset our carbon footprint, we have partnered with One Tree Planted to plant trees for each sale of computer hardware at no additional cost to our clients. - [Microsoft Office 365](https://southridgetech.com/microsoft-office-365/) - With Office 365 plans, users can install the latest versions of office applications on multiple devices like PCs, Tablets, Phones and iPad. Includes SharePoint - [Managed IT Services](https://southridgetech.com/managed-it-services/) - The business world is quickly moving to Managed IT Services because it saves companies time and money. Quality of service and gives you peace of mind. - [Network Management Solutions](https://southridgetech.com/network-management-solutions/) - Free Technology and Network Assessment (under two hours) to help determine which option is right for your company. - Network Management Solutions - [Join our Team](https://southridgetech.com/join-our-team/) - Join our Team | Southridge Technology is an equal opportunity employer. There is a real family feel to the team at Southridge Technology. - [Law Firms Digital Information Protection](https://southridgetech.com/law-firms-digital-information-protection/) - Law Firms Digital Information Protection | We specialize in keeping client data safe and protected in the office or in the cloud - [Hardware and Software](https://southridgetech.com/hardware-and-software/) - We don’t just offer computer support—we sell hardware and software as well! If you’re confused about which workstations, servers or printers to buy, call us. - [Cybersecurity, Breach Assessment & Consulting](https://southridgetech.com/cybersecurity-breach-assessment-consulting-hipaa-law/) - cybersecurity breach & data recovery specialists. We offer system monitoring, Dark Web scanning, phishing simulations, secure data storage & security training. - [Construction Companies and trades](https://southridgetech.com/construction-companies-and-trades/) - Southridge Technology installs and maintains main office technology for construction companies, but establishes temporary, on-site offices. - [Cloud Computing](https://southridgetech.com/cloud-computing/) - Future of data storage is Cloud Computing. We can store all of your data and programs in the Cloud and protect your files using our secure system. - [Professional IT Support for Dental Offices](https://southridgetech.com/professional-it-support-for-dental-offices/) - Dental |Southridge Technology is the endorsed IT provider of the Connecticut State Dental Association, the 9th District Dental Association, and Delta Dental. - [About us](https://southridgetech.com/about-us/) - Connecticut based, whole-systems managed IT service provider specializing in cyber-security and industry compliance; business continuity; Emergency response - [Our Mission](https://southridgetech.com/our-mission/) - Our mission is to be the indispensable IT advisor to small and midsize businesses, including Dental, Medical, Construction & Trades, Legal and everything else. - [HIPAA-BAA](https://southridgetech.com/hipaa-baa/) - Download PDF - [Testimonials](https://southridgetech.com/testimonials/) - Read testimonials from happy Southridge Technology customers from all industries. - [Your Business](https://southridgetech.com/your-business/) - Southridge Technology provides services for a number of CT businesses in every industry, see how Southridge can help make technology work for your business. - [Virus Protection](https://southridgetech.com/virus-protection/) - Virus protection is key to operating your business without hiccups and protecting client and patient data from bad actors. See how Southridge can help. - [Personally Identifiable Information](https://southridgetech.com/personally-identifiable-information/) - Protecting Personally Identifiable Information is crucial to operating a successful practice. This video will expand on what PII is and how to protect it. - [Phone Systems and Telecommunication](https://southridgetech.com/phone-systems-and-telecommunications/) - telecommunication phone needs of your entire company. Whether you are a small business with just one office or a large company with several locations,. - [Medical Practice IT Infrastructure](https://southridgetech.com/medical-practice-it-infrastructure/) - Medical professionals know how important technology is to their practice, and Southridge Technology has the experience needed to keep your practice functioning. - [Landing](https://southridgetech.com/landing/) - We listen. We advise. We are Technology Support Specialists - Good People Doing Good Work - Southridge Technology 203.431.8324 - [24/7 tech support](https://southridgetech.com/24-7-tech-support/) - Technology emergencies can strike at any time. 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