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Did You Know That October Is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month?
Online security is something that should get everyone’s attention. Threats exist all around us: ransomware, viruses, spyware, social engineering attacks and more. There’s so much you need to know to keep your personal and business information safe. But… where do you start? As trusted cybersecurity professionals, we want to help you get educated and […]
Did You Know That October Is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month?
BYDaniel De Steno|September 26, 2018|Business IT Articles, News, and Tips
Online security is something that should get everyone’s attention. Threats exist all around us: ransomware, viruses, spyware, social engineering attacks and more. There’s so much you need to know to keep your personal and business information safe.
But… where do you start?
As trusted cybersecurity professionals, we want to help you get educated and stay informed. That’s why during National Cybersecurity Awareness Month our goal is to give you all the information you need to stay secure.
How can we help?
We’ll be sharing valuable and timely information on cybersecurity in blogs, in our newsletter, and on all of your favorite social media sites.
What should you do?
You can also give us a call for personalized solutions by subscribing to our exclusive mailing list.
Being cybersecurity aware means that you understand what the threats are and take precautions to prevent them.
Here are some important reminders:
Never give out your password. Don’t share it over the phone either. You never know who’s listening.
Don’t click on links that are sent to you via unsolicited emails or from someone you don’t know.
Use complex passwords that are difficult to guess and use different ones for different programs and computer devices.
Don’t reveal your personal, business or financial information in emails.
Don’t respond to email solicitations.
Keep software, browsers and operating systems up to date, so they stay free of vulnerabilities.
Encrypt your files to ensure unauthorized people can’t access them.
Be careful when using public Wi-Fi networks – don’t conduct sensitive activities like banking or shopping with credit cards on public Wi-Fi.
Remember your physical surroundings and don’t leave your computer devices unattended in public or easy-to-access areas.
Only use websites that begin with “https://” when visiting online shopping, banking or other sites where you will be entering your private information.
Keep your online presence private. Don’t publish your email address online in social network sites.
What else should you watch out for?
Malicious Emails – These typically come in the form of a request from a trustworthy organization like a financial institution.
The email may urge you to act quickly, saying that your account has been compromised or a request can’t be fulfilled. The purpose of the email is to get you to provide confidential information to rob you of your money or identity credentials.
Take precautions and contact the company directly to see if the email is legitimate.
When you search for the company, don’t use any information in the message. Perform your own search online.
Ransomware – This is a type of malware that accesses your files and locks (encrypts) then demands payment to unlock them.
It’s not suggested that you pay the ransom as this is not a guarantee that you’ll get your files back.
Hopefully, you have a secure, offsite copy of all your files so you can recover your data.
Viruses – These are harmful computer programs that can be transmitted from device to device.
Viruses operate in different ways but they are all designed to create havoc, and some provide criminals access to data on infected devices.
If your computer acts irregularly, report this to your supervisor right away. This could be caused by a virus.
Spyware – Spyware downloads onto your devices without your permission when you visit an unsafe website or click on a malicious attachment.
It can make your computer do things like open advertisements or even track your online movements.
Botnets – These are networks of computers that get infected by malware. The criminals can remotely control these botnets to gain confidential or financial information or launch an attack on your network.
Spam – This is like getting junk mail but by email. These are unsolicited and unwanted.
Phishing – This is where a criminal sends an email that contains a malicious link to collect personal or financial data or to infect your computer with malware and viruses.
Spear phishing is where the criminal uses attacks against specific targets to collect information to gain access to IT systems or a list of customers.
Spam and phishing messages aren’t limited to email. They also appear on social media sites and in text messages. Think before you act and adopt the motto: “When in doubt, throw it out!”
What to do if you become a victim of cybercrime?
Report it to the appropriate people in your organization, including your network administrator.
If you think your financial account was compromised, contact your financial institution immediately and close your account.
Watch for any unauthorized charges in your bank or credit card accounts.
Need more help?
We’re here for you.
These are just some of the protections and service we can offer:
Vulnerability Scanning & Assessments
Data Loss Prevention
24/7 Remote Monitoring & Mitigation For Cyber Threats
A Managed Secure Firewall
Multi-Factor Authentication
A Security Operations Centers with Network and Endpoint Security Monitoring
Log Correlation and Monitoring
Endpoint Encryption
Identification and Reconfiguration of Improperly Configured Security Solutions
Secure Wireless Configurations
Quarterly Vulnerability Remediation Efforts
IT Security Planning and Milestones
Strategic Planning for IT Security
Incident Response Management
Breach Notification Alerts
Backup Solutions to ensure you’ll always have access to your data
Security Awareness Training for your employees, so they don’t accidentally expose your organization to cybercrime
We hope this helps. Remember, we’ll be posting timely cybersecurity information for you in our Blogs, newsletters and more.
Schedule you free consultation by filling out the form below.
NOVA-MAINTAIN Program Terms and Conditions
This Agreement was entered between NOVA Computer Solutions L.L.C. referred to as “NOVA” and the above referenced client also referred to as “Client”. The parties agree to abide by the terms and conditions as set forth in this agreement.
Period of the Agreement: This Agreement is effective as of the contract effective date and remains in effect for 36 months. The contract is renewed automatically after the initial 36 months on a 12 month basis. Upon termination there shall be no refund or credits allowed.
System Maintenance Services: Professional services include, but are not limited to time spent – either at Client or NOVA’s site. (a) Exclusions: Unless so specified, the Covered System does not include any cabling, or any wiring external to the Covered System, telecommunications devices (including modems), peripheral equipment, software. In no event shall the Covered System include removable magnetic or optical media, ink ribbons, toner cartridges, paper or other supplies, expendables or services.
System Maintenance Services: NOVA shall perform Virtual Maintenance Services at least once per month. If client experiences a Major Alarms the client will notify NOVA by telephone. Client shall cooperate with NOVA’s reasonable requests for assistance to determine the cause of the reported problem and whether an on-site Maintenance Service visit is required. NOVA may assist Client with additional services outside the scope of the Maintenance Services. This assistance will be billed at NOVA’s prevailing hourly rate.
Fees: The monthly Fee shall be invoiced in full at the beginning of every month. Any other amounts due hereunder, including the applicable Surcharge Rate or any reimbursable out-of-pocket costs, shall be invoiced monthly as well. The rate for additional time needed per month for System Maintenance Services will depend on the package you select. No Travel Cost Within in 25 Miles of Primary Support Office, Discounted Rate for over 25 miles.
Certain Client Responsibilities: Client shall ensure that: (I) all software and hardware is installed and operated according to applicable manufacturer specifications; (ii) all upgrades and releases have been properly installed; (iii) a uninterrupted and suitable power supply and other environmental conditions have been implemented and maintained; (iv) suitable surge protection devices have been implemented; (v) no other equipment or software having an adverse impact on the system have been introduced; (vi) no repair attempts or other changes have been made other than by or with the express approval of NOVA or the applicable manufacturer, (vii) the systems haven’t been mishandled, neglected, abused, damaged by fire, lightning or water, or otherwise subjected to unusual electrical or physical stress (viii) Client periodically makes and stores in a safe place archival copies of all software and all valuable data. (a) Failure to Comply. NOVA may refuse to provide Service or may treat any such work as Other Billable Maintenance Service at NOVA’s prevailing hourly rate.
Cancellation Policy: NOVA or Customer may cancel this contract for any reason with 90 days written notification.
Limited Warranty: Client must notify NOVA of any dissatisfaction, problems, or concerns within 3 days of the date the services were provided. Client will grant NOVA a reasonable amount of time to resolve problem to Client’s satisfaction. NOVA represents and warrants that it will use its best efforts to perform Maintenance Services in a competent and workmanlike manner.
Limitation of Liability: NOVA shall have no liability or responsibility to Client or any other person or entity with respect to any liability, loss, or damage caused directly or indirectly by a manufacturer or third party equipment or programs sold or provided by a manufacturer or third party. This includes, but not limited to, any interruption of service, loss of business or anticipatory profits, or consequential damages resulting from the use or operation of the equipment. NOVA shall not be liable for any loss of data at any time, under any circumstances. Client is responsible for backing up all its data before NOVA performs any service.
Late Charges, Collections and Attorneys’ Fees: Client will be charged $40.00 for each returned check. Client will be responsible for all attorney fees and costs incurred and collection fees. Any late payment shall be subject to any costs of collection, reasonable legal fees and shall bear interest at the rate of eighteen (18) percent per month or fraction thereof until paid. Client shall pay amounts invoiced under the terms of this Agreement within seven (7) days after receipt of invoice. In any dispute, action, arbitration, bankruptcy, probate, or administrative or judicial proceedings, or any settlement thereof, NOVA shall be entitled to recover attorney’s fees and costs.
Fee Increases: This contract has an automatic 5% increase yearly and NOVA reserves the right to revise fees at any time. NOVA will provide the Client of the updated fee’s, other than the automatic yearly increase, fifteen (15) days prior to the next month’s invoice.
I / We have read and understand the Terms and Conditions above and agree to be bound by them by digitally accepting the attached quote for services.
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