10 Tips to Help Small Businesses Get Ready for the Unexpected

Back when you were a kid, living in a “smart home” probably sounded futuristic. Something out of Back to the Future II or The Jetsons. Well, we don’t yet have flying cars, but we do have video telephones as well as smart refrigerators and voice-activated lights. But even the most advanced technology can have analogue problems. Hackers can get past weak passwords. Bad connections can turn advanced into basic pretty quickly. Have you run into any issues with your smart home gadgets? Not to worry! We’ve got your back when it comes to troubleshooting several common smart home issues. Here are some of the most frequent problems. Along with simple steps to get your smart haven back on track. 1. Connectivity Woes Are your smart gadgets refusing to connect to Wi-Fi? The main claim to fame of smart devices is that you can access them wirelessly. An internet connection is also vital to integrate several devices into a smart home hub. If your device is having connection issues, check the basics first. Restart your router and your devices. If that doesn't work, ensure you've positioned your router centrally. This gives you optimal signal strength. Consider a mesh network for large houses. Or invest in a Wi-Fi extender for better coverage. 2. Device Unresponsiveness Now that we have voice-activated devices, we expect them to always answer. It can be frustrating when a device won’t respond to its “wake word.” We might even raise our voice and ask again… only to be ignored. Are you having trouble with your smart devices not responding to commands? A simple power cycle (turning them off and on) can often do the trick. Check for software updates on your devices. As well as the corresponding apps. Updating software can fix bugs and improve performance. 3. Battery Drain Smart devices, especially those battery-powered, can drain quickly. Adjust settings to reduce power consumption. Disable features you don't use. Such as notification lights or constant background updates. Consider replacing batteries with high-quality ones for optimal performance. 4. Incompatibility Issues Not all smart devices are created equal. Just because it says “smart” on the box doesn’t mean it plays well with others. When a new device won’t interact with your network, it can mean money down the drain. Before you buy, check to ensure your devices are compatible with each other. Build your devices around your smart home platform. Review the manufacturer's specifications thoroughly to avoid compatibility headaches. 5. Security Concerns Security is paramount in a smart home. There have been horror stories about hacked baby monitors. These stories can get real very fast. You need to pay attention to securing your devices. Rather than getting caught up in plugging them in as fast as possible. Use strong and unique passwords for all your devices and accounts. Enable two-factor authentication wherever available. Keep your devices and apps updated with the latest security patches. A few other smart device security tips include: Change the default device name on your network. Choose something generic. Put smart devices on a separate “guest” network. This keeps them separated from devices with more sensitive data. Turn off unnecessary sharing features. These are often enabled by default. 6. App Troubles Are you running into sporadic problems? Bugs that crop up intermittently? Sometimes, the problem might lie with the app itself. Check if any app updates are available and install them. Try logging out and logging back in to refresh the connection. If issues persist, uninstall and reinstall the app. 7. Automation Gone Wrong Smart home automations can be convenient, but sometimes they malfunction. Review your automation rules and ensure they're set up correctly. Test them individually to identify any faulty triggers or actions. 8. Limited Range Some smart devices have a limited range. Check the manufacturer’s guide so you know what to expect. Move your devices closer to the hub or router for better communication. Consider using repeaters or extenders if the distance is an issue. 9. Ghost Activity Ever experienced your smart lights turning on or off randomly? This could be due to factors such as: Accidental voice commands Faulty sensors Scheduled automations you forgot about A hacked device Review your automation settings and disable any you don't need. Investigate if your devices are picking up unintended voice commands from other sources. Change passwords and watch out for breaches. 10. Feeling Overwhelmed It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you’re dealing with several smart devices. Don't hesitate to consult your device manuals and online resources. You can also get help from our IT experts for specific troubleshooting steps. These resources can offer more guidance tailored to your situation. Need Help Securing Your Smart Home Office? A smart device should simplify your life, not complicate it. These simple solutions can help you navigate common issues. It’s also important to get a smart home security assessment to keep you, your family and your business protected. Contact us today to schedule a security check-up for your smart home and gain peace of mind.

With cyber threats evolving at an alarming pace, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. It’s a must for safeguarding sensitive information. Data security threats are becoming more sophisticated and prevalent. The landscape must change to keep up. In 2024, we can expect exciting developments alongside persistent challenges. Over 70% of business professionals say their data privacy efforts are worth it. And that their business receives “significant” or “very significant” benefits from those efforts. Staying informed about these trends is crucial. This is true whether you’re an individual or a business safeguarding valuable data. Here are some key areas to watch. 1. The Rise of the Machines: AI and Machine Learning in Security Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are no longer futuristic concepts. They are actively shaping the cybersecurity landscape. This year, we'll likely see a further rise in their application: Enhanced Threat Detection: AI and ML algorithms excel at analysing massive datasets. This enables them to identify patterns and anomalies that might escape human notice. This translates to a quicker detection of and reaction to potential cyber threats. Predictive Analytics: AI can predict potential vulnerabilities and suggest proactive measures. It does this by analysing past cyberattacks and security incidents. Automated Response: AI can go beyond detection and analysis. Professionals can program it to automatically isolate compromised systems as well as block malicious activity and trigger incident response procedures. This saves valuable time and reduces the potential impact of attacks. AI and ML offer significant benefits. But it's important to remember they are tools, not magic solutions. Deploying them effectively requires skilled professionals. Experts who can interpret the data and make informed decisions. 2. Battling the Ever-Evolving Threat: Ransomware Ransomware is malicious software that encrypts data and demands a ransom for decryption. It has been a persistent threat for years. Unfortunately, it's not going anywhere in 2024. Hackers are constantly refining their tactics, targeting individuals and businesses alike. Here's what to expect: More Targeted Attacks: Hackers will likely focus on meticulously selecting high-value targets. Such as critical infrastructure or businesses with sensitive data. They do this to maximize their impact and potential pay-out. Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS): This enables those with limited technical expertise to rent ransomware tools. This makes it easier for a wider range of actors to launch attacks. Double Extortion: Besides encrypting data, attackers might steal it beforehand. They then may threaten to leak it publicly if the ransom isn't paid, adding pressure on victims. 3. Shifting Strategies: Earlier Data Governance and Security Action Traditionally, companies have deployed data security measures later in the data lifecycle. For example, after data has been stored or analysed. But a new approach towards earlier action is gaining traction in 2024. This means: Embedding Security Early On: Organisations are no longer waiting until the end. Instead, they will integrate data controls and measures at the start of the data journey. This could involve setting data classification levels as well as putting in place access restrictions. They will also be defining data retention policies early in the process. Cloud-Centric Security: More organisations are moving towards cloud storage and processing. As they do this, security solutions will be closely integrated with cloud platforms. This ensures consistent security throughout the entire data lifecycle. Compliance Focus: Data privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA are becoming increasingly stringent. As this happens, companies will need to focus on data governance to ensure compliance. 4. Building a Fortress: Zero Trust Security and Multi-Factor Authentication We're in a world where traditional perimeter defences are constantly breached. This is why the "Zero Trust" approach is gaining prominence. This security model assumes that no user or device is inherently trustworthy. Users and programs need access verification for every interaction. Here's how it works: Continuous Verification: Every access request will be rigorously scrutinized. This is regardless of its origin (inside or outside the network). Systems base verification on factors like user identity, device, location, and requested resources. Least Privilege Access: Companies grant users the lowest access level needed to perform their tasks. This minimizes the potential damage if hackers compromise their credentials Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an important extra layer of security. It requires users to provide extra factors beyond their password. 5. When Things Get Personal: Biometric Data Protection Biometrics include facial recognition, fingerprints, and voice patterns. They are becoming an increasingly popular form of authentication. But this also raises concerns about the potential for misuse and privacy violations: Secure Storage Is Key: Companies need to store and secure biometric data. This is ideally in encrypted form to prevent unauthorised access or breaches. Strict Regulation: Expect governments to install stricter regulations. These will be around the collection, use, and retention of biometric data. Organisations will need to ensure they adhere to evolving standards. They should also focus on transparency and user consent. How to Prepare for Evolving Data Security Trends Feeling a bit overwhelmed? Don't worry, here are some practical steps you and your organisation can take: Stay Informed Invest in Training Review Security Policies Embrace Security Technologies Test Your Systems Schedule a Data Security Assessment Today! The data security landscape of 2024 promises to be both intriguing and challenging. We can help you navigate this evolving terrain with confidence.  A data security assessment is a great place to start. Contact us today to schedule yours.