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In the early days of cyber insurance, insurers entered the cyber market with minimal reservations, underestimating the complexity and risks of cyber threats, which led to significant financial losses.

Today, the narrative has changed dramatically. Insurers are now well aware of the high stakes of cybercrime and have tightened their criteria for cyber insurance policies. Businesses seeking cyber insurance must now navigate through rigorous assessments, detailing their cybersecurity measures through comprehensive questionnaires. These assessments have crystallized into five critical security measures that are non-negotiable for insurers.

Cyber Insurance: 5 Essential Security Measures To Implement Before You Get Coverage Businesses seeking cyber insurance must now navigate through rigorous assessments, detailing their cybersecurity measures through comprehensive questionnaires. These assessments have crystallized into five critical security measures that are non-negotiable for insurers.

6 Myths About Microsoft 365 Backup Debunked

Microsoft 365 has become an indispensable tool for businesses worldwide. However, the misconception that Microsoft 365 is inherently secure and doesn't require backup persists. Microsoft 365 offers robust infrastructure but doesn't guarantee foolproof data security. Accidental deletions, malicious attacks, and even system errors can jeopardize your vital business information. In the article we debunk the six common myths surrounding Microsoft 365 backup and shed light on the critical importance of safeguarding your data.

IT First Responder's Microsoft 365 data backup solution is designed to seamlessly integrate with your workflow and ensures comprehensive protection against data loss, user errors, and cyber threats. Don't let the myths surrounding Microsoft 365's inherent security jeopardize your business—invest in our robust backup solution that not only guarantees peace of mind but also delivers exceptional value.

Check out the full article below.

6 Myths About Microsoft 365 Backup Debunked | IT First Responder Microsoft 365 offers robust infrastructure but doesn't guarantee foolproof data security. In the article we debunk the six common myths surrounding Microsoft 365 backup.

🚨Google Exploit Alert🚨

Security researchers have uncovered a hack that allows cyber criminals to gain access to users’ Google accounts without needing their passwords. A dangerous form of malware uses third-party cookies to gain unauthorized access to people’s private data, and is already being actively tested by hacking groups.

Google is recommending turning on Enhanced Safe Browsing in Chrome to protect against phishing and malware downloads. This mode is not saving any credentials on cookies session.

Our security analyst Adam Yilmaz also recommends accessing your Google accounts in private window, so your session and credentials aren't saved in cookies. Application security solutions such as ThreatLocker are also an effective way to protect yourself (apart from migrating to Microsoft 😉)

Did you know that all our endpoint security solutions include ThreatLocker as an additional layer of protection?

Check out the full article here

Hackers have discovered a way to access Google accounts without a password ‘Exploit enables continuous access to Google services, even after a user’s password is reset,’ researcher warns

Some tech stats that we found interesting to recap 2023.

Small Business Technology Boost

Did you know that small businesses with an aggregated annual turnover of less than $50 million will be allowed an additional 20% tax deduction to support and digitise their operations for the 2022-2023 financial year.

Eligible expenditure may include, but is not limited to:

💻 Digital enabling items - computer and telecommunications hardware and equipment, software, internet costs, systems and services that form and facilitate the use of computer networks.
📈 Digital media and marketing – audio and visual content that can be created, accessed, stored, or viewed on digital devices, including web page design.
🛒 E-commerce – goods or services supporting digitally ordered or platform-enabled online transactions, portable payment devices, digital inventory management, subscriptions to cloud-based services, and advice on digital operations or digitizing operations.
🔒 Cybersecurity – cybersecurity systems, backup management, and monitoring services.

We hope that the ATO will extend this incentive for the 2024 financial year to encourage businesses to digitally transform even further!

As IT First Responder sets its sights on broader horizons and endeavors to scale up in response to increasing demand and evolving industry landscapes, we are excited to extend a hearty welcome to our new team member Joe Azar.

Bringing his more than two decades of experience in the tech and software industry to the forefront, Joe (as he likes to be called) steps into the role of Business Innovation Manager, melding his seasoned business and technical expertise.

Joe's background, along with his prior roles, primed him ideally to contribute to propelling ITFR towards quick scalability. Seamlessly intertwining IT service management, digital strategy, and technology leadership, he stands ready to lay the foundation for an even speedier path.

AI is indeed the future of technology, and Microsoft Copilot is a groundbreaking tool that is revolutionizing the way we solve problems and complete our daily tasks.

Introducing Microsoft 365 Copilot – your copilot for work - The Official Microsoft Blog Humans are hard-wired to dream, to create, to innovate. Each of us seeks to do work that gives us purpose — to write a great novel, to make a discovery, to build strong communities, to care for the sick. The urge to connect to the core of our work lives in all of us. But...

Do you agree?

50% of office workers admitted to spending more time looking for files than they do actually working. Is your cloud storage slowing your team down?

Here are some helpful tip on how to keep cloud storage organised.

How To Organise Cloud Storage: 6 Helpful Tips | IT First Responder Cloud storage revolutionized the way we handle documents. However, disorganized cloud storage systems lead to problems. This includes having a hard time finding files. It’s estimated that 50% of office workers spend more time looking for files than they do actually working. Here are some tip on ho...

20% of surveyed businesses have experienced a data breach connected to a former employee. Are you properly disconnecting former staff? Here are a few tips for better digital offboarding.

Checklist For Better Digital Offboarding Of Employees | IT First Responder Effective offboarding of employees is vital not only for human resources management but is also an integral part of a business's cybersecurity strategy. 20% of surveyed businesses have experienced a data breach connected to a former employee. Below, we’ve provided a handy checklist to help you wit...

Have you felt more secure from cyberattacks just because you have a smaller business?

Almost every day we hear from customers: "But I'm only a small business. Why would hackers want anything from me?"

Well, a new report by cybersecurity firm Barracuda Networks debunks this myth.

Employees at small companies saw 350% more social engineering attacks than those at larger ones.

Why Are Smaller Companies Targeted More?
· Small Companies Tend to Spend Less on Cybersecurity
· Every Business Has “Hack-Worthy” Resources
· Small Businesses Can Provide Entry Into Larger Ones
· Small Business Owners Are Often Unprepared for Ransomware
· Employees at Smaller Companies Usually Aren’t Trained in Cybersecurity

The good news is that cyber protection doesn't have to cost a small fortune. ITFR's team of CyberSec experts has put together cost-effective security solutions to cater to small businesses across various industries.

Our whole team has been working tirelessly on a number of exciting projects, but there is one that we are particularly stoked about.

IT First Responder is NOW OPEN IN NEW ZEALAND!

It’s still early days, but we can now offer IT & CyberSec solutions and support to New Zealand based customers.

So if you are in New Zealand and are looking for a reliable and professional IT partner hit us up.

🌐 www.itfr.co.nz
📧 [email protected]
📞 0800 28 15 48

The end of the financial year is around the corner. Are you looking for ways to reduce your tax bill? We have a few ideas!

🔒Prepay for cybersecurity & save 10%*
Successfully running a business with poor cybersecurity measures is no longer an option in this day and age. The risk of losing precious data and reputation is just too high. To ensure your organization isn’t a sitting duck for cyber attackers, ITFR's Cyber Security & Compliance team can audit and implement state-of-the-art security solutions tailored to your business and industry requirements. Pay 12 months in advance for any of our cyber security offerings before 30 June 2022 and receive 10% off*.

💻Upgrade your hardware
Eligible businesses can claim an immediate deduction for business assets as part of the ATO's Temporary Full Expensing Scheme. ITFR offers a wide range of IT hardware to meet your business needs from brands like HP, Lenovo, Dell, Cisco and many more. Whether it's an entry-level laptop or a complex infrastructure setup, our sales team can assist you with selecting the right products at a competitive price.

👨‍🏫Invest in your people
Unfortunately, the majority of cybercrimes and tech issues happen due to human error. That's why it's vital to understand where the human vulnerabilities exist within your business and to train staff regularly to reduce the risk of a data breach, fines or damage to your business's reputation.

Microsoft has discovered a critical vulnerability in MS Word and potentially other MS Office Apps. Please stay vigilant when opening any attachments especially in MS Word. Even opening a document in preview mode can detonate the malicious code.

Microsoft Office zero day leaves researchers scrambling over the holiday weekend The company warns a successful attack could allow an attacker to install programs, delete data or create new accounts.

Did you know that 81% of company data breaches are caused by poor password security? It is extremely important to educate your employees about password management best practices and implement password management strategies to prevent security breeches within your organisation.

Being a family friendly workplace is one of ITFR’s fundamental values. For us it’s about enabling employees to reconcile work and life responsibilities and creating an inclusive environment.

Little Bobby is a regular at our office and is a valuable part of ITFR team.

A sound cyber security strategy with email protection is a must in today’s online-centric environment. One phishing email can be responsible for a company succumbing to ransomware and having to face costly downtime. Here are some of the latest phishing trends that you need to watch out for in 2022.

Alarming Phishing Attack Trends To Beware Of In 2022 | IT First Responder One phishing email can be responsible for a company succumbing to ransomware and having to face costly downtime. It can also lead a user to unknowingly hand over the credentials to a company email account that the hacker then uses to send targeted attacks to customers. Here are some of the latest ph...

Do not underestimate the importance of cyber security. Cyber crime is the new “pandemic” bringing down businesses, organisations and even countries.

Costa Rica declares national emergency amid ransomware attacks President Rodrigo Chaves establishes emergency commission as one of his first acts amid attacks by Russian-speaking gang

How strong is your password?

Syed joined ITFR a bit over a year ago and has become integral to our development team with his impressive and skills. Starting off as an intern, he has shown dedication and desire to continuously improve and learn new skills. Congratulation Syed Abdul Rahman on your first cyber security certification! We are glad to have you as part of our ITFR team and look forward to seeing you grow and succeed professionally.

On behalf of our team at IT First Responder we wish you and your families a Happy Easter. May the miracle of Easter brighten your life with love, happiness and joy.

Whilst many companies have turned to cloud-based services using remote data centers, some enterprises still depend on in-house servers for various IT functions, such as applications, emails, hosting websites, and data storage. Effective server management plays a key role in optimizing your business operations.

Enhance Your Server Management With These 8 Tips | IT First Responder Whilst many companies have turned to cloud-based services using remote data centers, some enterprises still depend on in-house servers for various IT functions, such as applications, emails, hosting websites, and data storage. Effective server management plays a key role in optimizing your business....

Technological breakthroughs have streamlined business operations in several ways. Primarily, you can now use mobile devices to make your communication and data sharing more convenient. But this technological advancement also means that information on your team members' mobile devices is no longer limited to just phone numbers and contacts. They now contain much more significant data, such as emails, passwords, and other account details.

The protection of tablets and smartphones against cyberattacks isn't as robust as that of desktops and laptops. Fortunately, you can still implement safety measures to protect your smartphones and tablets.

Mobile Device Security For Businesses: The 9 Best Practices | IT First Responder Technological breakthroughs have streamlined your operations in several ways. Primarily, you can now use mobile devices to make your communication and data sharing more convenient. But this technological advancement also means that information on your team members' mobile devices is no longer limite...

Guess whose birthday it is today?

Dan is the founder and managing director of IT First Responder. As a team we are incredibly lucky to have someone as dedicated and passionate as him leading the way.

Happy Birthday Dan. You are a perfect example of a talented leader and a respectful boss. We appreciate everything you do for us and wish you good health, prosperity and happiness.

Love, ITFR Team

Microsoft 365 is one of the best collaboration and productivity tools around. It provides users with seamless communication, scalability and supports remote work with various features. But did you know that Microsoft 365 also has a wide array of security features that can protect your business from cyber criminals?

As a Microsoft Partner, IT First Responder can help you make the most of your Microsoft 365 subscription and its features.

11 Effective Measures To Boost Your Microsoft 365 Security | IT First Responder Making the most of your Microsoft 365 apps requires you to adopt appropriate security measures. Microsoft 365 is one of the best collaboration and productivity tools around. It provides users with seamless communication, scalability and supports remote work with various features. Microsoft 365 secur...

We are obsessed with our Insta feed makeover by BrandThis

Don’t forget to follow us https://instagram.com/itfr.au?utm_medium=copy_link

February is the month of festivities at ITFR. So far we’ve celebrated Lara Boufarhat Wakim and Ahmet Yilmaz birthdays and Dan’s is coming up.

This February we also celebrate the 5th year anniversary of IT First Responder.

We would like to say thank you to our amazing team, clients, partners and friends. We wouldn’t be able to make it this far without your ongoing support over the past 5 years. Here’s to another 5 years!

Taking your cybersecurity seriously is a must. Otherwise, you leave the door open for criminals to compromise your business. The good news is that every business leader can prevent this scenario. And the best way to do so is to take cybersecurity measures to the next level.

13 Cybersecurity Strategies To Protect Your Business From Cybercriminals | IT First Responder Taking your cybersecurity seriously is a must. Otherwise, you leave the door open for criminals to compromise your business. The good news is that every business leader can prevent this scenario. And the best way to do so is to take cybersecurity measures to the next level. This article will share t...