Technology Advice for Small Businesses

Your password may be poor — update it now

For years, we’ve been told that strong passwords include three things: upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. And why wouldn’t we when the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) told us they were the minimum for robust passwords? Here’s why not and how it involves you. The problem The issue isn’t necessarily that… Continue reading Your password may be poor — update it now

It’s time to rethink your password

In 2003, a manager at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) authored a document on password best practices for businesses, federal agencies, and academic institutions. More recently, however, the institute has reversed its stance. Find out why and what great passwords are made of. The problem The issue isn’t necessarily that the NIST… Continue reading It’s time to rethink your password

Think your password is secure? Think again

A password policy designed for federal agencies must be secure, right? Surprisingly, that hasn’t been the case, according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The NIST created many of the password best practices you probably loathe — the combination of letters, numbers, and special characters — but it now says those guidelines… Continue reading Think your password is secure? Think again

Keep your Mac safe from cyberthreats

Apple-related cyberthreats usually come from one of two people: someone who has physical access to your Mac, or someone who has virtual access over an unsecured network connection. Fortunately, protecting your Mac is a fairly simple process. Let’s take a look at what it entails. Check your Privacy Settings Begin by making sure that your… Continue reading Keep your Mac safe from cyberthreats

Simple security tips for Mac devices

Contrary to what you may believe, cyberthreats don’t only target Windows computers. Even small-business users can click a seemingly harmless link and become a victim of a cyberattack. If you don’t want this to happen to you, there are a few simple things you can do. Check your Privacy Settings Begin by making sure that… Continue reading Simple security tips for Mac devices

Protect your Mac from security threats

Mac users follow certain steps to maintain privacy and protect company data. But if you’re too busy or short on resources, you might place security lower on your to-do list. Whatever your reason, the threat is real and you need to take steps to protect yourself. Check your Privacy Settings Begin by making sure that… Continue reading Protect your Mac from security threats

Google’s preferred sign-in method

Last year, the National Institute of Standards and Technology removed SMS two-factor authentication from its list of preferred authentication methods. Since then, Google has encouraged users to use prompts-based 2-Step Verification (2-SV) methods instead. Find out why: Security was the main concern. According to Google, “This is being done because SMS text-message verifications are one-time… Continue reading Google’s preferred sign-in method

Google’s 2-Step Verification sign-in

Google wants users to use a prompts-based 2-Step Verification sign-in instead of the SMS two-factor authentication. This is partly because the National Institute of Standards and Technology disqualified the latter from its list of preferred authentication methods. Curious why? Security was the main concern. According to Google, “This is being done because SMS text-message verifications… Continue reading Google’s 2-Step Verification sign-in

Stop using Google’s SMS sign-in

To ensure optimal security, two-step authentication is used. This requires a password as well as a unique six-digit code that is typically sent via SMS. The National Institute of Standards and Technology has voiced its concerns about this method and Google quickly responded by having users try an alternative method. Security was the main concern.… Continue reading Stop using Google’s SMS sign-in

5 ways to protect your IoT devices

Just a few years ago, smart appliances seemed like novelty products for rich business owners. Now, the Internet of Things (IoT) has become a viable solution for putting your business ahead of the curve. But whether it’s a smart fridge or a surveillance camera that connects to your phone, IoT devices should be treated and… Continue reading 5 ways to protect your IoT devices