Technology Advisor Blog



Ann Westerheim

Recent Posts

Cyber Insurance: What Small Businesses Don't Know Can Hurt Them

Posted by Ann Westerheim on 5/21/25 5:01 PM

Cybersecurity Insurance for small business offers protection that standard business coverage often overlooks. Your company faces mounting risks from data breaches, ransomware attacks, and operational disruptions due to cyber incidents - problems that traditional insurance policies were not built to handle.

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Tags: small business, cybersecurity, Cyber Insurance





How AI is Making Phishing Attacks Smarter - What Small Businesses Must Do Now

Posted by Ann Westerheim on 5/14/25 9:48 AM

 

How hackers use AI for phishing attacks has become more advanced, making standard email security measures inadequate for protection. Modern cybercriminals leverage artificial intelligence to create convincing emails with flawless grammar, personal details from social media, and context-aware content that can deceive your most alert employees.  No more language barriers in cyber crime!

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Tags: phishing, Cybersecurity, email scams, cybersecurity, cybersecurity training, Artificial Intelligence





Click Happens - Human Error Remains The #1 Cyber Risk

Posted by Ann Westerheim on 5/6/25 5:13 PM

Every year, Verizon publishes a Data Breach Investigation Report (DBIR). The Verizon DBIR is one of the most comprehensive reports illustrating REAL security incidents and breaches, not just hypothetical "this could happen" warnings.  The 2025 Report - the 18th annual report! -  was published on April 23, 2025 and as usual, its full of inciteful information for both small business AND enterprise. To generate the report, the Verizon DBIR team analyzed 22,053 real-world security incidents, of which 12,195 were confirmed data breaches. 

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Tags: small business technology advice., cybersecurity, ransomware, cybersecurity, data security, incident response, SecurityBreach





DMARC Gets Serious: Microsoft Enforces Stricter Email Rules

Posted by Ann Westerheim on 4/30/25 4:47 PM

Starting May 5, 2025, all businesses - regardless of size - must meet Microsoft’s stricter email authentication requirements when sending to Outlook, Hotmail, and Live addresses. These changes are designed to reduce spoofing and impersonation, aligning with similar updates from Google and Yahoo to improve overall email security.

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Tags: eMail, SPF record, Cybersecurity, email scams, cybersecurity, DMARC





Spring Cleaning for your Cybersecurity: 10 Things You're Probably Overlooking

Posted by Ann Westerheim on 4/29/25 4:25 PM

Just like your home needs a good spring cleaning, your technology and data need regular organization too. Cybersecurity best practices act like a home organization system for your digital life - keeping your accounts, passwords, and access permissions tidy, updated, and secure. This guide will show you proven methods in protecting your information while making sure your systems run smoothly using smart organization techniques. Learning the straightforward steps to defend yourself against current threats and build a more secure foundation for your business and personal data.  Cleaning out your closets this Spring?  Make sure you take care of your digital clutter as well!

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Tags: computer security, strong passwords, security protection, Cleaning your computer, data backup, cybersecurity, Privacy, cybersecurity training, General





Cybersecurity Starts Here: Identify What Matters Most

Posted by Ann Westerheim on 4/23/25 10:20 AM

Do small businesses need cybersecurity? YES!  Data shows that half of all cyber attacks target small organizations, making them prime targets alongside large corporations. Major security breaches at Fortune 500 companies grab headlines, yet local businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities face ongoing threats that can expose donor databases, financial records, and private customer details.  Each year, Verizon publishes the Data Breach Investigations Report which is loaded with statistics on the latest updates on real-world breaches.  Reports like this make it clear:  small businesses aren't flying under the radar - they're in the crosshairs.  Understanding real-world breach data helps you prepare, protect and stay resilient.

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Tags: small business, cybersecurity, incident response





15 Window Shortcuts to Boost Your Daily Productivity

Posted by Ann Westerheim on 4/15/25 5:42 PM

Keyboard Shortcuts – These are a few of my favorite things!

Keyboard shortcuts are one of the simplest ways to boost your productivity - yet they're often overlooked. These quick key combinations help you navigate, format, and multitask faster without ever taking your hands off the keyboard. Whether you're writing emails, managing files, or working in Microsoft 365, learning a few key shortcuts can save minutes every day and hours over time. It’s a small change with a big payoff!

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Tags: small business technology advice., cybersecurity, Computer Tip





If You've Never Thought of Cybersecurity, You're Exactly Who The Cyber Criminals Want

Posted by Ann Westerheim on 4/9/25 9:26 AM

Cybersecurity and AI have become inseparable forces that create immediate risks to local businesses, regardless of size. Small organizations are now prime targets for criminals who use artificial intelligence to automate attacks, making every business vulnerable.

Major corporate breaches grab headlines, yet the silent wave of cyber attacks on local companies goes unreported, leaving many business owners with a dangerous false sense of safety. Your organization needs basic protective steps that could prevent most attacks, along with cost-effective solutions to shield your business from financial losses and reputation damage. The stakes are high - companies that fall victim to these attacks often struggle to keep their doors open.

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Tags: small business technology advice., Cybersecurity, email scams, cybersecurity training





Why Delaying a Written Information Security Plan (WISP) Could Be Your Business's Costliest Mistake

Posted by Ann Westerheim on 4/1/25 4:03 PM

A Written Information Security Plan (WISP)acts as your small business's shield against cyber threats, protecting both your data and financial health. Research shows 43% of cyber attacks target small businesses directly, making clear protocols and response strategies a must-have for your operations. Verizon 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report

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Tags: service, disaster recovery, small business technology advice., cybersecurity, security risk assessment, ransomware recovery, SecurityBreach





Regret to Resilience: What Small Businesses Learn After a Cyber Incident

Posted by Ann Westerheim on 3/25/25 3:11 PM

What to do after a cyber attack requires fast, strategic action to protect your business and stop further damage. A well-planned response can mean the difference between a brief disruption and a complete business shutdown that costs hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Your response in the first 24 hours shapes your recovery path and impacts your ability to resume operations. This guide outlines the proven recovery methods that have helped businesses survive attacks and rebuild stronger, plus practical steps to prevent future incidents from harming your operations. You'll learn exactly which actions to take, who to call, and how to minimize both financial losses and operational downtime.

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Tags: small business, small business technology advice., cybersecurity, incident response





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