The Alarming Truth About Chatbot Privacy: What You NEED To Know

The Alarming Truth About Chatbot Privacy: What You NEED To Know

by | Apr 29, 2025 | Newsletter

The Dark Side Of Chatbots: Who's Really Listening To Your Conversations?
We understand the growing concern about AI chatbots collecting and potentially misusing your sensitive information. The article you’ve shared highlights a critical issue that affects both individuals and businesses across Northeast Ohio and beyond.
What’s REALLY Happening With Your Data
The information shared in this article confirms what our cybersecurity experts have been warning about: chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and DeepSeek aren’t just helpful assistants – they’re sophisticated data collection tools.
We’re particularly concerned about several key points:
1. Even when you delete your chat history, these companies retain your data for up to THREE YEARS
2. Your information is being shared with “vendors and service providers” with limited transparency
3. Some platforms like DeepSeek store data on servers in China, creating additional security concerns
4. Companies face regulatory compliance risks when employees share sensitive information with these tools
Our 4-Step Protection Plan For Your Business
Trust Our Local Northeast Ohio Technology Support Team to help you navigate these digital privacy challenges. We’ve developed a comprehensive approach to protect your business:
1. **POLICY DEVELOPMENT**: We’ll create clear guidelines for your team on what information can and cannot be shared with AI tools, tailored to your industry’s compliance requirements.
2. **SECURE ALTERNATIVES**: Our technicians will deploy and configure privacy-focused collaboration tools that keep your sensitive data within your control.
3. **EMPLOYEE TRAINING**: We’ll educate your team on recognizing data privacy risks and using AI tools responsibly.
4. **ONGOING MONITORING**: Rest easy knowing that we genuinely care about your digital security with regular audits and updates to protect against evolving threats.
How Can We Serve You Today?
Business leaders should be free to focus on strategic decisions, not worrying about whether their employees might accidentally leak proprietary information to an AI chatbot.
NOT READY TO COMPLETELY ABANDON THESE USEFUL TOOLS? We understand. Our experienced technicians will help you implement a balanced approach that leverages AI benefits while minimizing privacy risks.
Phone Calls Are Answered Live In 60 Seconds Or Less! Schedule a FREE Consultation with our CEO Adam to discuss your specific concerns about AI privacy and how we can help protect your business data.
Enable your business to thrive in the age of AI without compromising your security or compliance standards.

The Epic Battle: AT&T BGW320 Modem and IP Passthrough (Formerly Known As Bridge Mode)

The Epic Battle: AT&T BGW320 Modem and IP Passthrough (Formerly Known As Bridge Mode)

by | Apr 29, 2025 | Newsletter

Trust me when I say that configuring networking equipment in this day and age, should be straightforward. Oh wait, that’s still a pipe dream.  But sometimes, what should be a simple task turns into a multi-hour adventure that tests both your technical skills and your patience. 
Let me take you through my recent journey with an AT&T BGW320 modem that refused to play nicely with my WatchGuard gateway. 
The Initial Setup: Where Hope Still Existed 
The plan looked solid on paper. Enable IP Passthrough on the BGW320, point it to the WatchGuard’s MAC address, and enjoy enterprise-grade security with my AT&T connection. What could possibly go wrong? 
Everything. The answer is everything. As usual. 
The Support Call Marathon 
After enabling IP Passthrough on the modem and configuring the WatchGuard with an external interface using the static IP info given by AT&T, I was met with the networking equivalent of a blank stare. No internet. No connectivity. Just silence and frustration. 
Like many IT professionals before me, I reluctantly picked up the phone and called AT&T support. The first representative was friendly but ultimately unhelpful – a tale as old as time in the tech support world. 
After being escalated to a Level 3 technician, I was hopeful. Surely this networking sage would unlock the mystery! Strike two.  While listening to their tech fumble again and again, his voice began to fade into the background as I took matters into my own hands.   
The Moment of Discovery 
While exploring the BGW320’s labyrinth of settings, I found myself on the “Home Network > Subnets & DHCP” tab – not the first place you’d look for IP Passthrough issues, but networking equipment has never been known for its intuitive design. 
There it was – the Public Subnet area displaying the static IP I wanted to assign to my WatchGuard. I felt like an archeologist discovering a long-lost civilization. “I’m getting close!” I exclaimed to my empty office, startling only my coffee mug. 
The Solution Emerges 
With newfound determination, I made three critical changes: 
1. Disabled the DHCP Server Enable by setting it to “Off”  
2. Ensured both the Public Subnet Mode and Allow Inbound Traffic settings were turned “On” 
3. Assigned a WAN IP on the WatchGuard’s external interface that matched one from the range shown under the DHCPv4 Start Address. 
A screenshot of a computer AI-generated content may be incorrect., Picture 
The Sweet Taste of Victory 
After applying these changes…success! I was able to ping 9.9.9.9 and then a hostname on the internet. Internet connectivity restored, security intact, and my sanity barely hanging on by a thread. 
Rest easy0 knowing that should you encounter similar challenges with your AT&T modem and gateway setup, you now have a roadmap to navigate this particularly frustrating corner of networking purgatory. 
Once again, undefeated!   

TRAVEL SEASON ALERT: How to Spot Fake Booking Confirmations

TRAVEL SEASON ALERT: How to Spot Fake Booking Confirmations

by | Apr 14, 2025 | Newsletter

A photo of a laptop screen showing a suspicious email with a phishing scam. The screen displays an email inbox, and a highlighted message says 'Your Vacation Has Been Confirmed!' with a 'Click to View' button. A dark hooded figure icon is in the background, symbolizing a hacker. There's also a faint image of a credit card. The environment is minimal, with a neutral background, and the screen is clearly visible. Captured with a DSLR camera, shallow depth of field, professional lighting, modern office setting.
In 2025, travel-related phishing scams have reached an all-time high, with cybercriminals launching increasingly sophisticated attacks that target both individuals and businesses.
Recent studies show that 95% of cybersecurity incidents are primarily due to human error, making these carefully crafted travel scams particularly dangerous. With summer approaching, your business faces heightened risk from these deceptive tactics.
The Alarming Rise of Travel Phishing Scams in 2025
According to the latest cybersecurity data, phishing attacks have surged dramatically, now accounting for 40% of all data breaches reported in 2024. Even more concerning, only 1.6% of senior leaders can correctly identify a phishing scam, leaving businesses extremely vulnerable during peak travel season.
How These Sophisticated Travel Scams Target YOUR Business
Step 1: The Perfectly Crafted Fake Confirmation Email Lands in Your Inbox
These aren’t amateur attempts. Today’s cybercriminals create emails that are virtually indistinguishable from legitimate communications:
  • Professional Design Elements – Using official logos, correct formatting, and authentic-looking customer support information
  • Targeted Subject Lines – Creating urgency with phrases like:
    • “URGENT: Your Miami Trip Confirmation – Verification Required”
    • “ALERT: Flight Schedule Changed – Action Required Within 24 Hours”
    • “FINAL STEP: Hotel Reservation Pending – Complete Now”
Step 2: The Convincing Fake Website Captures Your Credentials
When clicked, these links direct to sophisticated clone websites designed to:
  • Capture login credentials for popular travel platforms
  • Collect payment information for immediate fraudulent transactions
  • Install ransomware on company devices (ransomware attacks increased 50% in February 2025 alone)
Step 3: Your Business Information and Systems Are Compromised
For businesses, the consequences extend far beyond a single compromised account:
  • Access to corporate travel accounts and booking platforms
  • Exposure of company credit card information
  • Potential network-wide malware infection
  • Theft of sensitive employee and client data
Why Even Tech-Savvy Companies Fall Victim to These Scams
  1. Perfect Mimicry – Modern phishing emails perfectly replicate legitimate confirmation emails down to the smallest details
  2. Exploitation of Urgency – Business travelers react quickly to “booking problems” without verifying authenticity
  3. Operational Distraction – Travel coordinators handle hundreds of legitimate confirmations, making fraudulent ones harder to spot
  4. AI-Enhanced Attacks – 87% of security professionals report encountering AI-driven cyber attacks in the past year
7 ESSENTIAL Safeguards for Your Business During Travel Season
  1. Implement Direct Verification Protocols – Train staff to verify bookings directly through official websites or apps, never through email links
  2. Establish Email Authentication Standards – Teach employees to scrutinize sender addresses for subtle inconsistencies (e.g., “@deltaair.net” vs. “@delta.com”)
  3. Create a Company-Wide Travel Booking Policy – Designate approved booking channels and verification processes
  4. Deploy Robust Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Require MFA on all travel-related accounts and company devices
  5. Conduct Regular Phishing Simulations – Test employees with realistic travel-related phishing scenarios
  6. Install Advanced Email Security Solutions – Block malicious links and attachments before they reach employee inboxes
  7. Develop an Incident Response Plan – Create clear procedures for reporting and containing potential breaches
The Cost of Ignoring This Threat Is Too High
The financial impact of cyberattacks continues to soar, with businesses facing an average cost of $4.45 million per data breach. Beyond immediate financial losses, your company risks long-term damage to customer trust and brand reputation.
Protect Your Business Before Your Next Trip
Our FREE Cybersecurity Assessment provides a comprehensive evaluation of your current vulnerabilities and delivers actionable recommendations to strengthen your defenses against these sophisticated travel scams.
Phone Calls Are Answered Live In 60 Seconds Or Less!
Trust our local Northeast Ohio Technology Support Team to protect your business from these evolving threats. We understand that change can be daunting, so we’ll take the time to understand your unique needs and develop a tailored cybersecurity strategy.
Schedule your FREE Cybersecurity Assessment today and rest easy knowing that we genuinely care about your success.
[CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE ASSESSMENT]

What Happens To Your Applications When Windows 10 Support Ends?

What Happens To Your Applications When Windows 10 Support Ends?

by | Apr 7, 2025 | Newsletter

What Happens To Your Applications When Windows 10 Support Ends?
Mark 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 for your business applications and productivity tools?
If you’re still using Windows 10 after the cutoff date, it’s not just your operating system that will be at risk – your critical business applications could be affected too. Let’s break down what you need to know.
No More Security Updates = Major Vulnerabilities
Once Windows 10 support ends, there will be no more security patches. This means any vulnerabilities discovered after October 14, 2025, will remain unpatched, leaving your applications exposed to cyberthreats.
What This Means For Your Applications:
  • Higher Risk Of Data Breaches: Without security patches, your applications will be more susceptible to hacking attempts, ransomware and other malicious attacks.
  • Compliance Issues: If you’re in a regulated industry (e.g., health care or finance), running applications on an unsupported OS could lead to compliance violations and hefty fines.
  • Productivity Disruptions: If a cyberattack compromises your systems, it could bring business operations to a standstill.
No More Feature Updates = Compatibility Issues Becoming Inevitable
As software vendors continue to release updates and new versions, they’ll eventually stop supporting Windows 10. This means your applications may no longer be compatible with your operating system, leading to:
  • Frequent Crashes And Glitches: Applications may become unstable, crash frequently or fail to launch altogether.
  • Feature Limitations: You might miss out on new features and functionality that are only available on supported operating systems like Windows 11.
  • Security Gaps: Application updates often include security patches. If your OS is no longer supported, the latest security features won’t work, increasing your risk of cyberattacks.
No More Technical Support
It’s not just Microsoft ending support – third-party software vendors will follow suit. As Windows 10 becomes outdated, you’ll notice:
  • No More Technical Support: Software vendors will stop providing customer support for their products running on Windows 10.
  • Lack Of Integration With New Tools: Modern tools and applications will be optimized for Windows 11 and beyond, leading to compatibility issues and reduced productivity.
  • Limited Hardware Compatibility: New peripherals and hardware may not have drivers compatible with Windows 10, limiting your ability to upgrade or expand your setup.
Performance And Productivity Will Suffer
Outdated systems can’t keep up with modern demands. As more advanced applications are developed, they require updated operating systems to run efficiently.
The Impact On Your Business:
  • Slow Performance: Applications may run slower on outdated operating systems, affecting employee productivity.
  • Increased Downtime: More frequent crashes and glitches lead to costly downtime.
  • Maintenance Costs: Keeping legacy systems functional can require more IT resources and expenses, cutting into your bottom line.
What Should You Do?
To ensure your applications continue running smoothly after Windows 10 support ends, consider these steps:
  1. Back Up Your Data – You don’t want to risk losing anything
  2. Decide To Upgrade To Windows 11 Or Replace Your Computer
    • Check Compatibility: Not all devices will support Windows 11. You can use Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool to confirm.
    • Plan For Upgrades: Budget for new hardware if your existing devices are incompatible.
  3. Partner With A Trusted IT Provider – RECOMMENDED
    • Get expert guidance on the best upgrade path for your business.
    • Ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruption to your operations.
    • Implement security measures to protect your data throughout the upgrade process.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
The end of Windows 10 support is closer than you think. Waiting until the last minute could leave your business vulnerable to cyberthreats, productivity bottlenecks and compliance issues.
Start with a FREE Network Assessment. Our experts will evaluate your current setup, identify application dependencies and help you create a seamless transition plan to ensure your business stays secure and productive.
Click here to schedule your FREE Network Assessment today!
Don’t leave your applications to chance. Take action now to protect your business from the risks of outdated technology.

The Make-Or-Break Factor Failing Business Owners Often Miss

The Make-Or-Break Factor Failing Business Owners Often Miss

by | Apr 1, 2025 | Newsletter

The Make-Or-Break Factor Failing Business Owners Often Miss
When it comes to running a business, most owners consider aspects like quality customer service, reliable products or services, and closely monitored P&Ls as reasons for company success or failure. Most never consider one other sneaky element that is often overlooked as a make-or-break factor because it’s “a boring necessity.” What is it?
Your technology.
The technology you choose to use to run your business shapes and drives your success. Dropped calls can affect sales performance. Poor collaboration tools can slow team communication. However, having effective technology and IT support isn’t just about fixing glitches or installing the right software. It’s about leveraging technology strategically to enhance productivity, secure sensitive data and drive growth in all areas of the business.
As we move into Q2, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how technology impacts your business, what updates you’ve made and how they’ve performed so far and, most importantly, whether your current IT support is helping you thrive or holding you back.
The Cost Of Outdated Or Inadequate IT Support
Many businesses settle for mediocre IT support, thinking it’s cost-effective. However, inadequate IT support can cost your business more than you realize:
  • Downtime And Lost Productivity: Poor IT infrastructure leads to frequent downtimes, impacting productivity and revenue.Consider a midsize company experiencing a server failure during peak hours.
This could halt operations, prevent employees from accessing essential applications and delay customer transactions. Even a one-hour outage can lead to significant revenue loss and damage to the company’s reputation.
  • Security Vulnerabilities: Outdated systems are more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Cyberattacks increased by 75% in 2024 compared to 2023, reaching an all-time high in Q3, as companies experienced an average of 1,876 attacks per week! (eccouncil.org)
  • Missed Growth Opportunities: Companies using outdated systems struggle to keep up with competitors who leverage the latest technology for automation, streamlined communication and data analytics.
For example, take a retail business stuck with legacy POS systems that fails to integrate online and in-store sales data. As a result, they will miss out on valuable insights that could have informed inventory management and marketing strategies, leading to lost revenue opportunities.
  • Employee Frustration And Customer Dissatisfaction: Frequent IT issues can frustrate employees, leading to decreased morale and productivity. Persistent technical problems may cause staff to feel unsupported, potentially increasing turnover rates.
But that’s not all; it can affect your customers’ experiences too. Customers expect seamless interactions. System outages or slow response times can lead to dissatisfaction, negative reviews and loss of business.
Example: Imagine an e-commerce site during a flash sale experiencing downtime that leads to abandoned carts and lost sales opportunities, frustrating customers and damaging brand loyalty.
How The Right IT Support Boosts Your Business
Choosing the right IT support isn’t just about having someone to call when things break; it’s about strategically leveraging technology to optimize productivity, secure sensitive data and support your business growth. Here’s how the right IT support can make a measurable impact:
1. Enhanced Productivity And Efficiency
  • Automation Of Routine Tasks: By implementing automation tools such as Microsoft Power Automate or Zapier, repetitive tasks like data entry, customer follow-ups and invoicing can be streamlined, reducing human error and saving valuable time.
  • Cloud-Based Collaboration Tools: Utilizing platforms like Microsoft Teams or Slack, along with cloud storage solutions such as SharePoint or Google Workspace, enables seamless communication and real-time collaboration, whether your team is in the office or remote.
  • Customized Software Integration: Integrating CRM systems (like Salesforce or HubSpot) with your e-mail, calendar and project management tools ensures your team stays organized and productive.
Example: A marketing agency that integrated Slack with Asana and Google Drive reduced project turnaround times by 20%, allowing their team to communicate, share files and track project milestones without switching between platforms. <<DELETE OR SWITCH OUT TO INCLUDE YOUR OWN EXAMPLE/TESTIMONIALS>>
2. Robust Cybersecurity Measures
  • Multilayered Security Approach: The right IT partner will deploy multilayered security solutions, including firewalls, endpoint protection and secure e-mail gateways.
  • Zero Trust Security Model: Implementing a zero trust security model with identity and access management (IAM) solutions so that only authenticated users can access company data.
  • Employee Security Training: Cybersecurity awareness training, including simulated phishing attacks, equips employees with the knowledge to identify and avoid security threats.
Example: After implementing a comprehensive cybersecurity plan, including two-factor authentication and endpoint protection, a financial services firm reduced phishing incidents by 70% in six months. <<DELETE OR SWITCH OUT TO INCLUDE YOUR OWN EXAMPLE/TESTIMONIALS>>
3. Strategic IT Planning And Growth
  • Scalable Infrastructure: Implementing scalable cloud infrastructure (e.g., Microsoft Azure, AWS) allows businesses to grow without the need for costly hardware investments. This ensures your IT environment can handle increased demand during peak periods.
  • Data Analytics And Business Intelligence: Leveraging tools like Power BI or Tableau helps you turn data into actionable insights, enabling data-driven decision-making.
  • Technology Road Maps: Strategic IT partners develop technology road maps aligned with your business goals, ensuring investments in technology that support growth and efficiency.
Example: An e-commerce company used Power BI to analyze sales trends, allowing them to optimize inventory management, which increased sales by 15% during peak seasons. <<DELETE OR SWITCH OUT TO INCLUDE YOUR OWN EXAMPLE/TESTIMONIALS>>
4. Cost Savings And ROI
  • Predictable IT Costs: Managed IT services offer a predictable monthly expense, covering everything from network monitoring and maintenance to security updates. This eliminates surprise repair costs and helps with budget planning.
  • Reduced Downtime Costs: Proactive maintenance and monitoring prevent system failures, minimizing costly downtimes and productivity losses.
  • Cloud Migration And Virtualization: Moving on-premises servers to cloud solutions like Microsoft Azure or Amazon Web Services reduces hardware maintenance costs and energy consumption.
Example: A manufacturing company that migrated to Microsoft Azure saved 30% on IT infrastructure costs while improving system uptime and data accessibility. <<DELETE OR SWITCH OUT TO INCLUDE YOUR OWN EXAMPLE/TESTIMONIALS>>
Key Technologies To Consider When Upgrading
To stay competitive and secure, consider upgrading the following technologies:
  1. Collaboration And Communication Tools: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom and VoIP systems for streamlined communication.
  2. Cloud Solutions And Storage: Microsoft Azure, AWS, Google Cloud for scalable infrastructure and storage.
  3. Cybersecurity Solutions: (It’s recommended NOT to DIY cybersecurity. Work with a professional who knows what you need.)
    • Endpoint Protection
    • E-mail Security
    • Multifactor Authentication
    • Identity and Access Management (IAM)
  4. Data Analytics And Business Intelligence: Power BI, Tableau for data-driven decision-making.
  5. Automation And Workflow Management: Microsoft Power Automate, Zapier for automating routine tasks.
  6. Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Salesforce, HubSpot for better customer management and sales automation.
  7. Backup And Disaster Recovery: Having a hybrid backup plan is best.
  8. Network Security: Advanced firewall protection is important, but work with a professional to get what your company needs.
  9. Virtualization And Remote Access: So employees can work remotely securely.
  10. Hardware Upgrades:
    • Servers: Upgrading to more powerful, energy-efficient servers.
    • Workstations: Transitioning to SSDs for faster performance.
    • Network Equipment: Implementing Wi-Fi 6 routers and switches for improved connectivity.
Ready To Update Your Tech?
We’re offering FREE Network Assessment to help you evaluate your current IT setup and identify growth opportunities.
Ready To Transform Your Business With Better IT Support?
Call us at 216-800-7800 or click here to schedule and discover how the right IT partner can help you achieve your business goals.

A Rising Threat Every Business Owner Needs To Take Seriously

A Rising Threat Every Business Owner Needs To Take Seriously

by | Mar 24, 2025 | Newsletter

A Rising Threat Every Business Owner Needs To Take Seriously
Business 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 2023, BEC scams caused $6.7 billion in global losses. Even more alarming, a study by Perception Point revealed a 42% increase in BEC incidents during the first half of 2024 compared to the same period the year prior. With cybercriminals harnessing AI to refine their techniques, this trend is only accelerating.
What Are Business E-mail Compromise (BEC) Attacks?
BEC scams aren’t your average phishing attempts. They’re highly targeted cyberattacks where criminals exploit e-mail accounts to trick employees, partners or clients into sharing sensitive information or transferring funds.
Unlike generic phishing, BEC scams often involve impersonating trusted individuals or organizations, making them far more convincing and effective.
Why Are BEC Attacks So Dangerous?
BEC scams are alarmingly successful because they rely on manipulating human trust rather than malware or attachments, which can often be detected by filters. Here’s what makes them so destructive:
They can result in:
  • Severe Financial Losses: One convincing e-mail can result in unauthorized payments or data theft. The average loss per attack exceeds $137,000, and recovering stolen funds is nearly impossible.
  • Operational Disruption: An attack can grind business operations to a halt, leading to downtime, audits and internal chaos.
  • Reputational Damage: How do you explain to clients that their sensitive data may have been compromised?
  • Loss of Trust: Employees may feel less secure, knowing their organization was vulnerable.
Common BEC Scams To Watch Out For
BEC scams take many forms. Here are a few of the most common:
  • Fake Invoices: Cybercriminals impersonate vendors and send realistic invoices requesting payment.
  • CEO Fraud: Hackers pose as executives, pressuring employees to transfer funds under tight deadlines.
  • Compromised E-mail Accounts: Legitimate accounts are hacked and used to send malicious requests.
  • Third-Party Vendor Impersonation: Trusted vendors are spoofed, making fraudulent requests appear routine.
How To Protect Your Business From BEC
The good news? BEC scams are preventable with the right strategies in place:
  1. Train Your Team Like It’s Game Day
    • Teach employees to spot phishing e-mails, especially those marked “urgent.”
    • Require verbal confirmation for any financial request.
  2. Enforce Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
    • MFA acts as a safety net, even if a password is compromised. Enable it on all accounts, particularly e-mail and financial platforms.
  3. Test Your Backups
    • Regularly restore data from backups to ensure they work. A faulty backup during an attack could cripple your business.
  4. Get Serious About E-mail Security
    • Use advanced e-mail filters to block malicious links and attachments.
    • Audit access permissions regularly and revoke access for former employees immediately.
  5. Verify Financial Transactions
    • Always confirm large payments or sensitive requests via a separate communication channel, like a phone call.
Next Steps For Security
Cybercriminals are evolving, but you can stay one step ahead. By training your team, securing your systems and verifying transactions, you can turn your business into a fortress against BEC scams.
Want to ensure your business is protected? Start with a FREE Network Assessment to uncover vulnerabilities, secure your systems and keep cybercriminals out.
Click here to schedule your FREE Network Assessment today!

Let’s stop BEC in its tracks – before it stops your business.