This week take a look at the events that led to a big IRS data breach and trouble at Bell Canada, explore our case studies and read up on talking to clients about protecting their businesses from BEC. United States U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) https://news.yahoo.com/irs-inadvertently-publishes-120-000-234841222.html Exploit: Human Error U.S. Internal Revenue Service: Federal Government […]

This week we’re checking in from DattoCon 2022 with news about upcoming innovations, a tale of NATO hacking, the new Comprehensive Guide to Business Email Compromise and making the dollars and cents case for security and compliance awareness training. United States Nelnet Servicing (Nelnet)  https://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/98306-data-breach-exposes-records-of-25-million-student-loan-borrowers Exploit: Hacking Nelnet Servicing (Nelnet): Student Loans Servicer Risk to […]

Welcome to the Business Email Compromise special edition! This week, take a look at some recent BEC attacks and learn more about how to protect your clients from phishing-related disasters like BEC. United States Klaviyo https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/email-marketing-firm-hacked-to-steal-crypto-focused-mailing-lists/ Exploit: BEC Klaviyo: Email Marketing Firm Risk to Business: 1.706 = Severe  In an interesting twist on the usual data […]

 It’s all ransomware all the time this week with a spate of damaging attacks in the U.S., U.K. and South America. Plus, find out which training videos are the most popular and take a look at the two threats that make up almost three-quarters of cyberattacks. A convoluted BEC scam rocks a Pennsylvania school district, more fallout from […]

Small businesses are exploding across the United States. Over five MILLION new businesses opened in 2021 alone, so we are no stranger to supporting them.  Companies that provide managed IT services are chomping at the bit to help other small business owners grow and expand without running into some of the worst problems.  Helping small […]

 It’s all ransomware all the time this week with a spate of damaging attacks in the U.S., U.K. and South America. Plus, find out which training videos are the most popular and take a look at the two threats that make up almost three-quarters of cyberattacks.  United States Entrust https://www.securityweek.com/ransomware-group-threatens-leak-data-stolen-security-firm-entrust Exploit: Ransomware Entrust: Cybersecurity Solutions Company Risk […]

A new Twitter hack exposes data for 5.4 million accounts, LockBit scores hits on two municipalities, explore 3 major shifts in the data breach landscape and Powered Services Pro’s new Done-4-U 2.0. United States Twitter https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/hacker-selling-twitter-account-data-of-54-million-users-for-30k/ Exploit: Hacking Twitter: Social Media Network Risk to Business: 2.783 = Moderate Cybercriminals say that they’ve exploited a vulnerability in […]

It’s game over for security at Bandai Namco, human error causes a breach at a UK college, Lending Tree admits they’ve been breached and the best format for delivering security awareness training. United States Narragansett Bay Commission https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2022/07/16/ri-sewer-system-narragansett-bay-commission-hit-cyber-attack/10076978002/ Exploit: Ransomware Narragansett Bay Commission: Utility Company Risk to Business: 2.783 = Moderate The Narragansett Bay Commission has […]

Marriott gets hit by ransomware, another attack on an MSP, three things to remember when to secure your clients from a data disaster and everything you need to know about a new BullPhish ID integration that eliminates whitelisting and saves tech time. United States Marriott International  https://www.cyberscoop.com/marriott-data-breach-baltimore/ Exploit: Ransomware Marriott International: Hotel Operator  Risk to […]

Two automotive companies get hit by ransomware, a remarkable tale of a data loss incident for one Japanese city and why MSPs need to be careful about cyber threats to their own businesses right now. United States Flagstar Bank https://www.housingwire.com/articles/flagstar-reports-data-breach-affecting-1-5-million-clients/ Exploit: Hacking Flagstar Bank: Banking & Financial Services Risk to Business: 1.617 = Severe Flagstar Bank […]

More trouble for two of 2021’s most ransomware-prone sectors, a detailed map of exactly how ransomware hit a Japanese hospital and a look at the 6 major influences responsible for today’s threat landscape and the threats of tomorrow. United States Tenafly Public Schools https://www.govtech.com/education/k-12/new-jersey-district-cancels-finals-after-ransomware-attack Exploit: Ransomware Tenafly Public Schools: Local Government Entity  Risk to Business: 2.827 […]

Advantex Acquires Tech Firm Round Rock SolutionsStrategic purchase adds momentum to Advantex’s position in Houston market. DALLAS, TEXAS – March 23, 2022 – Houston-based tech solutions firm Advantex announced today it hascompleted its acquisition of Houston-based Round Rock Solutions. Round Rock Solutions has been providing IT services across the Houston area since it was founded […]

10 Best Practices for Cyber Security Training for Employees Studies show that 83% of small and medium-sized businesses are not financially ready to recover from a cyber attack. Because of this, it is crucial that you learn how to protect your data in your organization.  One easy way you can do this is by training employees on […]

Cloud network security can save money and eliminates the need for on-site hardware that has to be maintained and can fail. Find out about security as a service. Data security is a big concern to most companies worldwide. According to the 2021 report by Cybersecurity Ventures, the cost of data breaches is rapidly increasing at 10% yearly. […]

Does the current trouble in Ukraine worry you?  As someone responsible for your organizations' cybersecurity it probably should.  Russia has proven time and again that it has powerful offensive cyber weapons able to disrupt businesses and infrastructure and it’s not afraid to use them. CISA has recently put out a warning to businesses to be on high alert.  […]

How to Choose the Right Managed IT Service Providers: A Guide Are you wondering how you can choose the right managed IT service providers for you? Keep reading and learn more about it here. As the owner/operator of a small business, you have to wear a lot of hats. Running your own business can be […]

Every Cybersecurity Threat to Watch Out for in 2022 For businesses, it's important to have the most cybersecurity protection now more than ever. Take a look at 2022's latest cybersecurity threat details here. Cybersecurity attacks can permanently shut down businesses and steal sensitive information. A cybersecurity threat carries significant weight. Staying aware of each cybersecurity […]

Have you tried turning it off and on again? There is a very good reason why most computer performance issues are solved by simply rebooting the computer. If rebooting is not a user’s regular habit, they could be adding to their own complaints on the performance of their workstation. At the most basic level, there […]

Are You Sure Your Employees’ Information is Safe from the Dark Web? Your employees’ credentials could be exposed on the Dark Web. The exposure of your staff’s login and password information can cause serious security threats to your business. The good news? There’s a way you can protect and keep these crucial details safe. Talk […]

It is important to hire a trustworthy managed IT service provider for your business. Here are 7 questions to ask your potential provider. 64% of all companies have been victims of cyber-attacks at one point or another. One of the causes of these cyber-attacks is an inefficient in-house IT department. Organizations use information technology services to […]

The Dark Side: Are Your Employees' Credentials on the Dark Web? Are you wondering if important information like your employees' credentials can end up on the dark web? Learn more here. You've probably heard about the dark web before. Whether you've read horror stories about this unknown part of the internet or heard of people's […]

Twitch LINK: https://www.theverge.com/2021/10/6/22712250/twitch-hack-leak-data-streamer-revenue-steam-competitor Exploit: Hacking Twitch: Streaming Platform Risk to Business: 1.402 = Extreme Leading streaming and gaming platform Twitch has been hacked. Source code for the company’s upcoming expansion to its streaming service, an unreleased Steam competitor from Amazon Game Studios, has appeared on message boards as well as data that details the terms […]

So, what's the deal with IT security anyway? Does it really matter? We're here wit seven reasons why it does. Let's jump in! Data compromises have been rising in recent years. In fact, in 2021, 118.6 million people were impacted by these data breaches and leaks in the first half of 2021. One way that you can […]

To remain competitive in the ever-evolving business environment, businesses have to leverage technology. Technology helps to automate monotonous tasks and make previous tedious tasks seamless. The need for technology adaptation in businesses, no matter the size, has skyrocketed. Businesses had a large number of employees in the past to serve a large market. Most companies […]

Can you ever be ready for a cyberattack—yes, you can! Asking if you are ready for a cyberattack is like asking if you are ready for an accident. When an accident occurs, you can have insurance and the coverage you need to take care of the problem—with a cyberattack, if you have a cybersecurity partner […]

In the 21st century, it's not just enough to have your physical security covered. Cybercrime is a growing criminal enterprise and hackers are getting smarter. Because of this, you need to make sure your business is steeled against cybersecurity threats. But what are the top cybersecurity threats? If you've found yourself asking this question, you've […]

The Internet has evolved to be an essential tool that businesses need to leverage in order to optimize their success. Working with a managed IT service provider can allow you to make full use of the Internet and associated technology, but not everybody knows what to look for when searching for one. Let’s explore the […]

Ensure Business Continuity: 9 Tips for Building an Efficient Disaster Recovery Plan Did you know that as many as 90% of businesses in the United States are using cloud storage in 2021? Cloud storage continues to become more useful and prevalent in our daily lives for both business and personal applications. It is especially beneficial […]

Understanding Hyperconvergence Infrastructure, and When You Might Need It Though the idea that 20% of small businesses fail within their first year of operations may sound horrifying to you, there are simple ways that you can avoid becoming part of this statistic. Technology management is one of the biggest challenges for these businesses. You likely […]

Strong network infrastructure is essential for the success of your business. As more and more business is done online, your network needs to be able to cope with the demand. Yet what does successful network infrastructure look like? What does network infrastructure design need to take into account when it comes to doing business in […]

Did you know that cybercrime will cost $6 trillion by the end of 2021 around the world? You want to ensure that you're protected with high-quality IT services for your business. You might ask yourself, how do I pick out the right IT services for my business? In this article, we here at Advantex will […]

Did you know that 95% of Fortune 500 companies trust their business on the Azure cloud platform? What's more, it uses Machine Learning and AI to help it protect its cloud customers from cyber threats. Microsoft Azure Cloud is one that leads in many categories when it's decision time and according to Microsoft, it's continually […]

Finding Managed IT in Houston, Texas that Works for You If you are a business owner or manager in 2020, you know that efficiency will be key to surviving the current economic crunch. Maintaining current levels of service with the least amount of staff is a key way to do this. Finding a service that […]

More and more of our office devices—including thermostats, door locks, coffee machines, and smoke alarms—are now connected to the Internet. This enables us to control our devices on our smartphones, no matter our location, which in turn can save us time and money while providing convenience and even safety. These advances in technology are innovative […]

When you're trying to outfit your business with everything that it needs, you can't go wrong with cloud computing tools. Technology has evolved to the point that people can exchange more information than ever, thanks to the cloud. So what are some services that might benefit you?Read on to learn more about the cloud service […]

Follow These Simple Steps and #BeCyberSmart 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. Many of these breaches have a large reliance on human error. These common cyber threats to cybersecurity will continue to increase, unless we start finding […]

The state of healthcare cybersecurity should have us worried. It is a poorly kept secret that hospitals are extremely vulnerable to even rudimentary cyberattack. The industry needs to start changing. Cyberattacks can devastate hospitals financially and seriously hurt patients. To solve this problem, we have to answer two questions. The first question to ask is […]

Remote work boosts productivity by 14%, compared to working in the office. Of course, staying productive doesn't happen magically. Depending on your company policies, perhaps you're independently accountable. Or, maybe you supervise a team and have noticed a dip in performance. Read this guide for some helpful remote work tips to boost productivity for your […]

IT support isn't just for the big guys. No matter the size of your business, managed IT services can help your business run smarter with less downtime and better overall security. With 24/7 IT support, you can get the access you need to IT service anytime there's an issue. Many small businesses can't afford in-house […]

Many businesses have been making the transition to remote teams, but actually managing remote teams can be frightening. Whether you have a new remote team or have your current employees working remotely, there are many things to consider. Even if this is your first time dealing with remote work, these tips can help bring you […]

What Your Business Needs Considering that cybercrime is predicted to be more rampant than ever in the coming years, you need to consider taking advantage of data protection solutions for your business. One way to help protect your data is with cloud managed services. Not only do they offer plenty of security, but also much […]

Did you know that 41% of companies in the world have over 1,000 sensitive files that aren't protected? Some of the information in these files include Social Security numbers, health records, personal contact information, and credit card numbers. Common cyber threats to cybersecurity continue to increase, finding ways to improve your cyber security is essential. […]

Over the past several decades, we've seen credit cards begin to Evolve Their Data Security for the benefit of the consumers. These companies are having consistent innovations such as pin numbers, contactless pay, card free ATMs, and mobile apps that can freeze your card in an instant. These companies are striving to innovate because their […]

You can set your own schedule? You can work from anywhere in the world? You can dress living-room casual, at least from the waist down? The ideas of telecommuting and working remotely have finally become mainstream. However, as many employers and employees have come to understand, it’s not as simple as it seems. 1. Maintaining […]

Enterprises are increasingly recognizing cloud video conferencing as a must-have technology It has been years of the same things holding back the widespread acceptance of telepresence and video conferencing. Both the cost and the incredible complexity of on-site systems have slowed progress. However, with cloud systems becoming more affordable, high quality conference systems like RingCentral […]

Did you know that one hour of downtime can cost a small business up to $8,000 in productivity loss? The numbers are higher for larger companies. For example, mid-sized businesses can lose almost $75,000 for every hour of downtime, and large enterprises can lose almost $700,000 in total. Luckily, it is possible to design a […]

Is your small or medium business growing fast? Then you may benefit from the help of the latest technologies like Office 365. Many businesses are moving towards cloud computing software like Microsoft 365 for many reasons, including IT cost reduction, an improvement in workforce productivity, enhanced security, and the latest tools and software. If you’re […]

ADVANTEX IT SECURITY AWARENESS Attacks on networks may be inevitable, but proactive monitoring of stolen and compromised data allows you to respond to a threat immediately to prevent a major breach. We debunk 8 Cybersecurity myths that may have an effect on your business. 1 MYTHSmall BusinessYour business is too small to be targeted by […]

Working remotely provides an abundance of new options for teams, but be careful of the new hazards it presents. While businesses are transferring to their remote environment, opportunists are attempting to attack businesses before they can cement their structures. Thankfully, these scammers can be avoided by simply taking a few extra steps and remaining watchful […]

The drive to figure out remote work solutions has never been higher. Questions and ideas that used to get replies like “someday” or “maybe down the road” are finally being answered. As the world changes, the flexibility to work remotely and adapt to new challenges is more important than ever. You may be struggling to […]

Getting Your Employees Secure and Trained Remotely Coronavirus has forced businesses to make a tough transition from working in their offices to sending their employees home to work remotely. Many businesses struggle with this process as they lack the policies and often the discipline to have a truly secure workforce while working remotely. It's often […]

Due to the concerns around the COVID-19, coronavirus, some businesses are taking proactive actions to lessen exposure by asking employees to work remotely.  Stop being held back by your technology ADVANTEX has helped many clients over the years to develop their technology infrastructure for safe and secure home or remote work.  We do this by […]

When it comes to small business technology needs, it’s tempting to rely on what is already working and address issues as they arise. This may keep a company running and seem to be the best short-term financial decision. Someone in the organization can wear two hats: one for their own job, maybe as CEO, and […]

As more information is being stored online, the value of each hack, no matter how small, is also growing. Securing small business cybersecurity might seem like a lower priority when allocating funds and resources. However, the cost of delaying is growing with every breaking news story. It’s More Than Security, It’s Privacy On the way […]

As the goals and reach of organizations are evolving, so must the approach to data access and storage. As cloud data management becomes more and more ubiquitous, the benefits of managed IT services are becoming more apparent. Public cloud services are a great option, but looking into other cloud service types is the next logical […]