CYBERSECURITY
THE FORTIFI BLOG
October 9, 2025When it comes to protecting your business from cyberthreats, the basics still matter. A lot. In fact, according to IBM’s 2023 Cost Of A Data Breach Report, 82% of breaches involved data stored in the cloud, and most of them…»
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October 7, 2025There’s a lot of excitement about artificial intelligence (AI) right now, and for good reason. Tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot are popping up everywhere. Businesses are using them to create content, respond to customers, write e-mails, summarize…
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October 3, 2025Cybercriminals are changing how they attack small businesses like yours. Instead of breaking down the door, they’re sneaking in with a stolen key…your login credentials. It’s called an identity-based attack, and it’s becoming the top way hackers get into systems.…
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September 24, 2025You don’t have to be a big corporation to suffer a major cyberattack. In fact, small businesses are now the most common targets for cybercriminals. Why? Because they’re easier to get into – and more likely to pay up. And…
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September 8, 2025Think ransomware is the biggest threat to your business? Think again. A new breed of cyberattack is emerging — and it’s even more ruthless. Instead of locking down your files with encryption, hackers are stealing your sensitive data and threatening…
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September 3, 2025Most of us carry our phones everywhere, trusting them with everything from passwords to private business conversations. But here’s the unsettling truth: phone tracking is far more common – and easier – than most people realize. Whether it’s a jealous…
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August 13, 2025You and your employees may be getting back from vacation, but cybercriminals never take a day off. In fact, data shown in studies from vendors ProofPoint and Check Point indicate that phishing attempts actually spike in the summer months. Here’s…
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August 6, 2025Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way businesses operate, offering unprecedented efficiency, automation, and innovation. However, as with any powerful tool, AI comes with its own set of risks — especially when it comes to data management and decision-making. A…
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July 23, 2025Many small business owners operate under the misconception that regulatory compliance is a concern solely for large corporations. However, in 2025, this belief couldn’t be further from the truth. With tightening regulations across various sectors, small businesses are increasingly in…
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July 23, 2025A client recently asked me, “What mistakes do you see business owners making the most when it comes to IT and cybersecurity?” Oh, where to begin… After years of working with businesses of all sizes, the biggest mistake I see…
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July 21, 2025If you’re still running Windows 10 on your business machines, let’s cut to the chase: The clock is ticking. On October 14, 2025, Microsoft is officially ending support for Windows 10. That means no more security patches, no more bug…
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July 8, 2025Cyberthreats are no longer just a big-business problem. In fact, large corporations with deep pockets are not the primary target for most cybercriminals. Less well-defended small and medium-sized businesses are increasingly at risk, with the average cost of a data…
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June 17, 2025You set it, forget it, and while you’re heading off on vacation, your inbox starts sending automatic replies like: “Hi there! I’m out of the office until [date]. For urgent matters, please contact [coworker’s name and email].” It seems harmless,…
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June 13, 2025If I asked you to name the biggest cybersecurity threats in your office, you’d probably say phishing e-mails, malware or weak passwords. But what if I told you that your office printer – yes, the one quietly humming in the…
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June 11, 2025The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is now officially underway, and businesses along the East Coast and Gulf regions especially should prepare for increased risks. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) anticipates an above-average season, forecasting 13 to 19 named…
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May 29, 2025Your employees might be the biggest cybersecurity risk in your business – and not just because they’re prone to click phishing e-mails or reuse passwords. It’s because they’re using apps your IT team doesn’t even know about. This is called…
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May 21, 2025Chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini and Microsoft Copilot have revolutionized how we interact with technology, offering assistance with almost every task imaginable – from drafting e-mails and generating content to writing your grocery list while keeping it within your budget. It's…
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May 12, 2025By this point, most people’s Social Security numbers (SSNs), a.k.a. one of the most important pieces of data assigned to you, have found their way onto the dark web. Thanks to breaches at major companies, government sites and even health…
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May 12, 2025Microsoft Office 365 has become a cornerstone for businesses of all sizes, offering a powerful suite of tools — including Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams — that streamline collaboration and drive productivity. However, its popularity also makes it a prime…
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April 30, 2025Business e-mail compromise (BEC) is quickly becoming one of the most dangerous cyberthreats businesses face. While these scams have challenged organizations for years, the introduction of advanced AI tools has made them more sophisticated – and far more dangerous. In…
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April 30, 2025Mark your calendars! October 14, 2025 – the day Windows 10 officially reaches its end of life. After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, bug fixes or technical support for Windows 10. But what does this mean…
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April 29, 2025The perception that SMBs have limited resources, smaller budgets and often a “that won’t happen to us” mindset makes them attractive to hackers. Although it’s true that SMBs don’t have the resources of Fortune 500 companies, you don’t need that…
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April 7, 2025In today's rapidly evolving digital age, the term "dark web" frequently pops up in various discussions, particularly those centered around online security and privacy. But what exactly is the dark web, and why should businesses be concerned about it? Understanding…
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April 4, 2025As tax season approaches, businesses are hyper-focused on preparing financial documents, filing returns and meeting tight deadlines. Unfortunately, cybercriminals see preoccupied business owners and employees and leap at the perfect opportunity to strike. Most hackers are looking for ways to…
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April 2, 2025In today's digital world, remote work has become a norm for many businesses. While it offers flexibility and increased productivity, it also presents unique challenges in safeguarding your business assets. Here's how you can protect your data, equipment, employees, and…
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April 1, 2025Social media is an incredibly powerful tool for businesses, offering a wide range of opportunities to connect with customers, promote products, and build brand awareness. However, it also comes with its own set of risks — much like everything else…
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March 24, 2025Protecting your data from hackers is crucial — whether it's for business or personal reasons. So, any steps you can take to make it harder for a hacker to get your data are steps that should be taken. Here are…
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March 17, 2025Cybersecurity is more crucial than ever for businesses. Online transactions, remote work and beyond, companies must protect their data and systems from cyber threats. Cybersecurity protects sensitive data and systems from cyber threats like malware, phishing, and ransomware. These threats…
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March 11, 2025It’s game time! As football season comes to an end and baseball begins, cybercriminals are busy preparing their playbook for 2025. Just like a championship game, the battle against hackers requires strategy, teamwork and preparation. Are you ready to tackle…
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March 10, 2025Email is a vital tool in the workplace, but it can also be a doorway for security threats if not used carefully. Here are some tips to help you use your email safely at work. 1. Use Strong Passwords Ensure…
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March 5, 2025Hackers have leaked a database of 3.9 billion stolen passwords, underscoring the rising threat of infostealer malware targeting personal and corporate data. What Happened? The breach was initially reported by cybersecurity experts who discovered the compromised database on a…
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January 28, 2025January 28 is Data Privacy Day, a global reminder of just how vital it is to keep sensitive information secure. For business owners, “data privacy” is more than just a buzzword; it’s a critical part of protecting your bottom line.…
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January 24, 2025If you think hackers are only targeting Fortune 500 companies, think again. Thanks to artificial intelligence, cybercriminals now have the power to scale their attacks like never before - and small business owners are at the top of their hit…
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January 23, 2025Smishing is a type of phishing attack that uses SMS (text messages) to trick people into giving away personal information. The term is a combination of "SMS" and "phishing." How Does Smishing Work? Here's the lowdown on how smishing works:…
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January 22, 2025Staying productive is tough. Luckily, there are a gaggle of tech tools can help you manage your time, tasks, and projects better. Here are three tools that we recommend to help boost your productivity: Snag-It is a powerful screenshot tool…
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January 20, 2025It's a new year so, it might be time for new policies! Many companies are revisiting their Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies. BYOD allows employees to use their personal devices for work purposes, offering both advantages and challenges. Let's…
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January 16, 2025New Year, New Tech! January isn’t just for new resolutions - it’s a great time to review your business technology needs. Staying competitive in 2025 means leveraging IT solutions that boost efficiency, enhance security and prepare you for the demands of…
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January 15, 2025Cyberthreats have moved beyond the realm of science fiction and become a stark reality. Rapid advancements have led to AI-driven cyberattacks and the formidable power of quantum computing. As we approach 2025, the landscape of cybersecurity is becoming both innovative…
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December 20, 2024In today's digital era, having a robust Business Continuity Plan (BCP) is essential. It prepares your company to manage unforeseen disruptions, ensuring smooth operations and protecting both your reputation and financial health. By proactively addressing potential risks, a BCP enhances…
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December 11, 2024Some massive data breaches have made headlines this year and have costed companies millions — a busy year for cybercriminals. Unfortunately, no industry is immune. So, what do these breaches mean for small to midsize businesses? The same vulnerabilities exist…
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November 26, 2024It's prime holiday season — and prime hacker season. As the holidays are in full swing and family travel time picks up, hackers are gearing up. This is the time they see a prime opportunity to exploit travelers who may…
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November 21, 2024Staying ahead of technology trends is crucial. Managed IT services can be a game-changer for businesses looking to optimize their IT operations. Here are some key benefits: What Is Managed I.T. Services? Managed I.T. Services is outsourcing the management and…
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November 15, 2024In business, minimizing expenses and maintaining a lean budget is often seen as a hallmark of good management. However, when it comes to IT services, cutting corners can result in major issues. Here are five reasons why skimping on IT…
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November 14, 2024Ever found ads on your social media feed that are STRIKINGLY related to something you just spoke about with friends casually at dinner? Long story short ... Your phone is listening to your conversations. If that concerns you, this might…
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November 1, 2024The holiday season brings so much — joy, exuberance, love and shopping. Thanks to the convenience of online shopping, finding the perfect gifts from the comfort of your home is easy. But, increased online shopping activity heightens the risk of…
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October 28, 2024Cybersecurity is crucial for business operations as reliance on technology grows, increasing risks to sensitive information and continuity. Cyberattacks can cause financial losses, reputation damage, and legal issues, making cybersecurity a strategic necessity for all businesses. Common Cybersecurity Mistakes Unfortunately,…
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October 24, 2024Personal data breaches are becoming increasingly common as technology is constantly evolving. Whether it's a hacked email account or a compromised online service, the impact is both stressful and overwhelming. If you find yourself in this situation, it's crucial to…
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October 21, 2024In September 2024, National Public Data confirmed a massive data breach affecting millions of individuals. The hacker exposed personal information, including names, email addresses, mailing addresses, phone numbers, and Social Security numbers, impacting up to 2.9 billion people. Here’s what…
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October 17, 2024Phishing attacks are the most common cybercrime because, point blank, they are effective. Every day, more than 3.4 billion spam emails reach unsuspecting users' inboxes. Phishing scams are easy to create, scale, and continue to trick people. AI tools can…
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October 10, 2024Software updates can be annoying — we totally understand. However, ignoring them is one of the easiest ways to make your systems vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Hackers look for weaknesses, and outdated software is like an open door to your network.…
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September 25, 2024The National Cancer Institute, right here in our home state of Maryland, recently analyzed data from three major US health studies. These studies gathered information on people’s daily multivitamin use. They discovered that people who took daily multivitamins had a…
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September 23, 2024Tired of hearing about AI? Well, we're sorry. But, the reality is that it MAY be worth embracing. AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot can help you cut through some daily, mundane tasks. Many who have implemented AI tools into…
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September 18, 2024Health insurance, by design, provides access to necessary treatments, preventive services and emergency care to individuals and families. But, sadly, now it’s also used to hand out paydays to scammers — medical fraud. In February 2024, Change Healthcare came under…
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September 11, 2024When 8.5 million Windows devices suddenly display the “Blue Screen of Death," that's a rough day for business. This outage included some major league players including airlines, banks and hospitals. Panic quickly settles in — “We are under a (cyber)attack!”.…
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September 4, 2024Cybercriminals are getting more and more creative when it comes to methods of scamming people. The newest way seems a little backwards .... faking data breaches, in hopes of stealing money from unsuspecting business owners and dark web data buyers.…
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August 27, 2024If your business's software unexpectedly went down because of a cyber-attack and you had no idea when it would be fixed, what would you do? We're talking about the software that is used to close deals and pay employees. Could…
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August 19, 2024Is your business relying on outdated technology and you currently feel the dollar signs just slipping away and going toward repairs and maintenance? If yes, then change is needed. A staggering 82% of companies failed to meet their cost-reduction targets…
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August 13, 2024Everything is rising in price, so as smart buyers, we search for the best deals online to book a memorable trip without breaking our budget. Cybercriminals have decided to capitalize on this need and are now using one scarily convincing,…
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July 29, 2024You've probably received at least one notification in life that reads "your data has been compromised in a breach." As much as we protect ourselves -- and yes, we still need to - sometimes, our personal data gets hacked. The…
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July 23, 2024It's summertime! Business owners and employees step out of the office for a well-deserved vacation. Even if they are “out of office” (according to their email responder), many people will periodically check in on work while traveling. Unfortunately, studies show…
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July 19, 2024Unfortunately, 2024 has brought an unprecedented number of layoffs. And that shift in employees can bring a cybersecurity threat that most business owners aren’t focusing on – offboarding employees. Even large brands fail to protect themselves from insider threats adequately.…
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July 17, 2024Cyber security has been at the forefront of concern since the Internet's birthday. As technology grows, so do the cyber threats. AT&T announced on Friday, July 12, 2024 that the company suffered a large hacking incident back in April, compromising…
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July 11, 2024“Eldorado” -- it's not just a town in an old Western movie. It's the newest world-wide, ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) threat “Eldorado” and it's packed with locker variants that prey on Windows- and Linux-based systems to encrypt the files. Eldorado ransomware also…
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