New AI service to help combat phishing emails

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Introducing “Is it Phishing?” – Sorted Solution’s New AI Service to Help Combat Phishing Emails

[Seattle, WA] – Sorted Solution, a leading IT company renowned for its dedication to cybersecurity, is excited to announce the launch of its new AI-powered service, “Is it Phishing?” This innovative service aims to help individuals and organizations stay safe from malware, phishing, and ransomware attacks.

For years, Sorted Solution has offered a no-shaming policy to clients in which users could feel safe and forward any suspicious emails to our team for analysis. This proactive approach has successfully prevented numerous breaches, data losses, and cyber-attacks. Now, we are taking this commitment a step further with the introduction of “Is it Phishing?”

“Is it Phishing?” – How It Works

1. Automated Email Analysis: Simply forward any questionable email to phish@sortedsol.com. Our advanced AI will immediately analyze the email to determine if it is safe or potentially harmful.

2. Detailed Report: You will receive an instant reply with a detailed analysis of whether the email appears to be dangerous or safe. The report will include the characteristics that led to the conclusion and recommended next steps.

3. Human Follow-up: Each analyzed email is assigned a unique ticket number. If you wish to follow up with a human expert or if you suspect a compromise, you can contact the Sorted Solution team with the ticket number for further assistance.

Is it Phishing, in action

“Our goal with Is it Phishing? is to provide a rapid and reliable response to potential cyber threats, leveraging the power of AI to enhance our clients’ security. This service not only ensures faster turnaround times but also empowers users with actionable insights to protect themselves from cyber-attacks. On top of that, we also added a bit of humor— we can not only lighten the mood in these stressful circumstances but also reinforce the importance of recognizing and handling phishing emails effectively.”

About Sorted Solution

Sorted Solution is committed to providing top-notch IT services and cybersecurity solutions. With a strong focus on client education and support, we strive to create a secure digital environment for businesses of all sizes. Our services are designed to be accessible, user-friendly, and highly effective in combating the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.

For more information about “Is it Phishing?” or any of our other services, please contact us.

Using a password manager to fight phishing email scams

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Why every Office Manager needs to use a Password Manager to protect against Phishing Emails

 

As an office manager, one of your most important responsibilities is ensuring the security of your company’s digital assets. This can be a daunting task in today’s increasingly digital world, where cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to breach security systems and steal sensitive information. One common tactic used by cybercriminals is phishing emails, which are designed to trick employees into entering sensitive information like login credentials or financial information. One of the best ways to protect against these attacks is to use a password manager like 1Password. In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of using a password manager and how it can help protect against phishing emails.

What is a password manager, and how does it work?
A password manager is a software application that stores and manages all your login credentials for websites, applications, and services in a secure vault. With a password manager, you only need to remember one master password to access all your other passwords. When you want to log in to a website or application, your password manager will automatically fill in the login form for you. A password manager also generates strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts, making it much harder for hackers to crack them.

How can a password manager protect against phishing emails?
Phishing emails are a common tactic used by cybercriminals to gain access to sensitive information like login credentials or financial information. These emails are designed to look like they come from a legitimate source, such as your bank or a popular website. However, if you click on a link in the email and enter your login credentials, you could be handing over your sensitive information to a cybercriminal. With a password manager, you don’t have to worry about remembering all your unique passwords, which will reduce the risk of falling for a phishing scam.

Why is 1Password the best choice for office managers?
1Password is a popular password manager that is designed with the needs of office managers in mind. One of the key benefits of 1Password is that it supports multi-user access, which means that multiple employees in your organization can use the same password manager. This makes it easier for your team to stay organized and ensures that everyone is using strong, unique passwords for each of their accounts. Additionally, 1Password offers advanced security features like two-factor authentication and end-to-end encryption, which will give you peace of mind that your sensitive information is secure.

How to get started using 1Password
Sorted Solution uses and recommends 1Password. If you’re interested in using 1Password, the first step is to sign up for an account. You can choose from a variety of subscription plans, depending on the needs of your organization. Once you have an account, you can download the 1Password app on your computer and mobile devices. From there, you can start adding your login credentials for websites, applications, and services. You can also invite other members of your team to join your 1Password account and share passwords with them if needed.

As an office manager, it’s your responsibility to protect your organization’s digital assets from cybercriminals. One of the best ways to do this is to use a password manager like 1Password. By using a password manager, you can ensure that everyone in your organization is using strong, unique passwords for each of their accounts. Additionally, a password manager can help protect against phishing emails, which are a common tactic used by cybercriminals to gain access to sensitive information. If you’re interested in using 1Password, be sure to sign up for an account and start exploring its many features today.

Benefits of automating redundant tasks using Python scripting

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Running a business takes a lot of time and effort. With various tasks that entrepreneurs need to handle on a daily basis, it can be overwhelming to stay on top of everything while ensuring that the business continues to grow. One way to increase productivity and boost your business is through automation. In this post, we will delve into the benefits of automating redundant tasks using Python.

Saves Time and Increases Efficiency
Python is a versatile language that is used extensively in automation. With the help of Python, businesses can write scripts to automate many tasks, from data entry to repetitive file management. This saves time and increases efficiency, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on other core areas of their businesses.

Reduces the Chance of Human Error
When humans perform repetitive tasks, there is a high likelihood that they will make mistakes. Automation eliminates such errors by streamlining tasks and ensuring that data is entered correctly. For instance, Python programming language can be used to automate data input, ensuring that everything is accurate and in the correct format.

Lowers Operational Costs
Automating redundant tasks reduces labor costs as it eliminates the need for employees to perform these tasks. Additionally, it ensures more accurate and efficient use of available resources, which leads to lower operational costs.

Enhances Scalability
As your business grows, automating tasks becomes even more critical. Automating tasks earlier on ensures that your business is efficient and scalable. Python, in particular, is highly scalable, and once automation scripts are built, they can handle even large amounts of data seamlessly.

Provides Competitive Advantage
As more businesses adopt automation technologies, having a competitive advantage becomes more critical. Python automation gives a business the upper hand, enabling it to reduce labor costs and focus on more important areas of the business. By investing in automation now, businesses will remain competitive in the future.

With the benefits of automation, Python is a practical solution for businesses looking to save time, reduce errors, lower operational costs, enhance scalability, and gain a competitive advantage. It’s clear that automation is the future of business, and Python automation is at the forefront of this technology. The Python programming language has numerous libraries and frameworks available, and with the help of a Python developer or by learning it yourself, businesses can benefit from automation and increase efficiency. Don’t miss out on the benefits that Python automation can bring to your business.

Slack vs Teams: Which Instant Messaging app is the right choice for your business?

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Instant messaging has become an increasingly crucial communication tool in the business realm. With many companies now having teams located in different parts of the world, conventional communication methods like emails, phone calls, and in-person meetings are no longer efficient enough to keep teams connected. Thankfully, instant messaging apps like Slack and Microsoft Teams have come to the rescue.

Slack and Microsoft Teams are two of the most popular instant messaging apps for businesses. While Slack has been around for quite some time and has steadily risen in popularity, Microsoft Teams is relatively new but has quickly made a name for itself. We will be looking at both apps closely, comparing their features, strengths, and weaknesses, so you can make an informed decision about which is the right choice for your business.

User interface

Slack and Teams both have similar interfaces, but one could argue that Slack has a more user-friendly and intuitive interface. Slack’s modern design, simple and clean layout, and customization options are everything anyone would want from an instant messaging app. Teams, on the other hand, has a classic interface that may take some time for new users to get familiar with. However, Teams’ interface is customizable, allowing users to move around elements to suit their preferences.

Integrations

Both Slack and Teams integrate well with other apps, but Slack stands out with its countless third-party integrations. Slack has integrations with virtually every app that you may need in a business setting. Teams also has several integrations. However, given that Teams is a Microsoft app, it integrates better with other Microsoft apps like Outlook, OneDrive, and SharePoint.

Features

In terms of features, both Slack and Teams offer almost everything you would need in an instant messaging app. However, Slack’s features have a more polished and intuitive feel to them. Slack has a cleaner-assistant feature that can help users clean up channels with outdated messages. Slack also boasts useful features like screen sharing, video conferencing, and the ability to create custom emojis. Teams has similar features, but they’re not as polished or user-friendly as Slack’s.

Pricing

Both Slack and Teams have similar pricing models, but Teams has a more budget-friendly option, especially if you already subscribe to Office 365. While both apps offer reasonably priced subscription packages, Teams’ free version offers more than Slack’s. Teams’ free version supports up to 300 users and offers unlimited chat messages, video calls, and integrations. Slack, on the other hand, only offers a limited free version, and its paid versions cost more than Teams’.

Security

Slack and Teams take security seriously, but in terms of security features, Teams is more secure. Teams has advanced security features like multi-factor authentication, single sign-in and device management, all of which are key in keeping data secure. Slack has similar features, but Teams has better integration with other Microsoft security tools like Conditional Access, making it a safer bet in terms of security.

In conclusion, both Slack and Teams are superb instant messaging apps that are undoubtedly efficient for businesses looking to stay connected. However, which of the two is the right choice for your business? Well, it depends on your priorities. If a user-friendly interface, third-party integrations, and polished features are what you’re looking for, Slack is the way to go. However, for budget-friendly options, better integration with Microsoft applications, and advanced security features, Teams is your best bet. With this comprehensive comparison guide, you can now make an informed decision on which app to go with.

Wireguard, the best new VPN solution

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What is Wireguard VPN?

Wireguard is a new, open-source (aka free) VPN protocol that uses modern encryption methods to secure communication channels between devices, servers and networks. It was developed to be faster, simpler, and more secure than traditional VPN protocols such as OpenVPN and IPSec.

An important feature of Wireguard that sets it apart from other VPNs is its small code base, which makes it easier to review and audit for potential security vulnerabilities. Whether you operate in a multi-cloud environment or require privacy and security across all devices and platforms. By adopting Wireguard VPN, you can protect your data, ensure privacy, and safeguard your business against cyber attacks.

Wireguard VPN is compatible with all major operating systems, including Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. With Wireguard, businesses can use one solution to secure their data across all devices and platforms, ensuring that their data remains private and secure no matter what device they are using. Wireguard VPN is also compatible with most cloud-based services such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, making it an ideal VPN solution for businesses that operate in a hybrid or multi-cloud environment.

You can get more information about Wireguard here.

Using Virtual Desktops in the Cloud

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As business owners, you know that time and money make a big impact on your bottom line. And as technology keeps advancing, keeping up can be a daunting task. But virtual desktops in the cloud could be just what you’ve been looking for to give you an edge in efficiency, flexibility, scalability and cost savings.

Virtual desktops in the cloud allow you to access your desktop and all its applications from any device with internet access. This means your employees can work from home, a coffee shop, or even while traveling, without sacrificing the experience or performance they would have at the office. Plus, with less need for expensive hardware and on-premise IT support, virtual desktops in the cloud can help you save money.

Access from Anywhere

Virtual desktops in the cloud give businesses the agility to work from any place with internet access. This is especially important for businesses where employees may need to travel frequently or work from remote locations. Employees can simply log in to their virtual desktop from wherever they are, be it their home computer or a tablet, and access all the same resources and applications that they would have in the office.

Increased Security and Compliance

By using a cloud-based virtual desktop, businesses no longer have to worry about the physical security of their hardware. Additionally, backup and redundancy are taken care of automatically by the cloud provider. This way, even if a local computer gets lost or stolen, you can rest assured that sensitive company data won’t be lost with it. Plus, compliance becomes easier with the ability to lock down access to certain files and applications based on user roles.

Scalability and Cost Savings

When using virtual desktops in the cloud, businesses only pay for the server and application resources they need. This means there is no need to spend big money up front on hardware that may not even be used. Additionally, since the virtual desktops are cloud-based, resources can easily be scaled up as the business grows or down if required.

Improved Collaboration

Since virtual desktops can be accessed from any device with internet access, employees can share documents and collaborate seamlessly from wherever they are working. Additionally, virtual meetings can be conducted with all participants able to access the same documents and applications.

Easy Management and Maintenance

Virtual desktops in the cloud require less technical support and maintenance than traditional desktops. With a cloud-based solution, IT staff no longer need to spend time on patching software or updating drivers on individual desktops. Instead, updates are made at the server level, and all users accessing the virtual desktops benefit from them simultaneously.

Virtual Desktops in AWS and Azure

Virtual desktops in the cloud offer several key advantages for businesses, including accessibility, enhanced security and compliance, scalability and savings, improved collaboration between employees, and easy management and maintenance. By reducing the need for on-premise IT and hardware, businesses can streamline operations and increase their bottom line. Whether you’re a small business owner looking to reduce overhead or a larger enterprise seeking greater efficiency and collaboration, virtual desktops in the cloud could be just what you need to take your business to the next level.

The Era of Artificial Intelligence: A Rise to Great Heights and a Precipitous Fall

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The dawn of the artificial intelligence (AI) era marked a remarkable turning point in the annals of human history. Emerging from the fertile grounds of technological innovation and scientific curiosity, AI rapidly ascended to unprecedented heights, reshaping societies, economies, and cultures around the globe. Its ascent was punctuated by awe-inspiring achievements and groundbreaking discoveries that seemed to promise a future beyond imagination.

The Early Days: Seeds of Promise
The origins of AI could be traced back to the mid-20th century, when visionary pioneers planted the seeds of machine intelligence. Early breakthroughs, like the creation of expert systems and the development of neural networks, laid the groundwork for the transformative decades to come. As computational power grew exponentially, AI systems demonstrated prowess in tasks that once seemed confined to the human mind – from language translation to image recognition, and even intricate problem-solving.

The Golden Age: AI’s Grandeur and Influence
The latter half of the 21st century witnessed AI’s grandeur in full bloom. Autonomous vehicles navigated city streets, healthcare benefited from personalized treatments powered by AI diagnostics, and industries from finance to entertainment optimized operations through AI-driven insights. Human-AI collaboration became the norm, as people and machines forged synergies that propelled productivity and innovation to unprecedented levels. The global economy experienced a surge in growth, underpinned by the efficiencies and breakthroughs that AI facilitated.

The Struggles: Ethical Dilemmas and Concerns
Yet, amidst this period of rapid advancement, ethical dilemmas and concerns began to emerge. The pursuit of AI excellence sometimes seemed to overshadow the importance of responsible development. Discussions about the ethical use of AI, the potential for job displacement, and the concentration of power in the hands of AI-driven corporations became prevalent. Societies grappled with the implications of AI decision-making, especially when it came to critical matters such as healthcare, criminal justice, and governance.

The Precipitous Fall: Technological Turmoil
As the years unfolded, a series of unforeseen events rocked the foundations of the AI era. A cascade of catastrophic failures, ranging from systemic vulnerabilities exploited by malicious actors to unintended consequences of overly complex AI systems, eroded public trust. The global AI community found itself in the throes of a technological turmoil, with a series of high-profile incidents prompting widespread reevaluation of the unbridled AI expansion.

The Reckoning: Lessons Learned and a New Dawn
In the aftermath of the collapse, humanity embarked on a period of introspection and reformation. Lessons learned from the AI era’s rise and fall paved the way for a renewed emphasis on ethical considerations, responsible innovation, and transparent AI development. A diverse array of stakeholders – including governments, academia, industries, and civil society – converged to chart a new course, one that embraced the potential of AI while safeguarding against its pitfalls.

The Enduring Legacy: Balancing Progress and Prudence
The AI era, with all its splendor and challenges, left an enduring legacy on human history. It served as a poignant reminder that even the most dazzling technological feats must be tempered with prudence and foresight. As societies moved forward, guided by the hard-won lessons of the AI era, they navigated the intricate dance between progress and responsibility, harnessing the power of innovation to forge a future that harmonized human values with technological marvels.

IT best practices for small businesses

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Best Practices for Small Business IT

Introduction

As a small business owner, I understand the critical role that Information Technology (IT) plays in streamlining operations, enhancing productivity, and maintaining a competitive edge. However, managing IT in-house can be challenging due to limited resources and expertise. This is why outsourcing IT services to a Managed Service Provider (MSP) like Sorted Solution can be a strategic move to ensure robust and efficient IT management.

Enhancing Operational Efficiency

Outsourcing IT to Sorted Solution allows my business to focus on core activities while leveraging advanced technology to automate routine tasks, optimize data management, and ensure smooth communication across departments. This partnership helps reduce operational costs and enhances overall efficiency.

Improving Customer Relations

With the help of IT tools such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems provided by Sorted Solution, my business can maintain strong customer relations through personalized services and swift responses to inquiries and issues. This focus on customer satisfaction drives growth and builds a strong foundation for long-term success.

IT Support and Security

Maintaining and securing IT infrastructure can be daunting for a small business. By outsourcing IT support to Sorted Solution, I can ensure faster issue resolution and more cost-effective solutions. Sorted Solution provides comprehensive security measures to protect sensitive information and maintain smooth operations.

Data-Driven Decision Making

Utilizing IT systems to track key performance metrics is crucial for making informed decisions. Sorted Solution’s expertise in data management allows my business to harness valuable insights, driving growth and operational efficiency.

Assessing IT Needs

Sorted Solution conducts a thorough inventory and analysis of the existing IT infrastructure to ensure it aligns with my business goals and provides a competitive advantage. Their assessment helps identify areas for improvement and implement the necessary solutions.

Managed IT Services

Partnering with Sorted Solution means having access to advanced technology management and security without the need for in-house expertise. Sorted Solution’s managed IT services offer peace of mind, enhanced security, and increased productivity by proactively monitoring and managing the IT environment.

Compliance and IT Alignment

Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements is vital. Sorted Solution helps my business align IT infrastructure with business goals and comply with relevant regulations, mitigating risks and ensuring that IT delivers promised value.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is a top priority for any business. Sorted Solution implements robust countermeasures to protect against cyber threats, conducts regular risk assessments, and provides employee training to safeguard sensitive information and ensure business continuity.

Emerging Trends in Small Business IT

Staying informed about emerging trends is essential for future success. Sorted Solution helps my business leverage technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and automation tools to enhance productivity and maintain a competitive edge.

Conclusion

Outsourcing IT to an MSP like Sorted Solution allows my business to focus on core competencies while ensuring robust and efficient IT management. With their expertise, my business can navigate the complex IT landscape, enhance operational efficiency, improve customer relations, and drive growth. By partnering with Sorted Solution, I can position my business for long-term success in the digital age.

What is Managed IT?

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You’ve probably heard that Managed IT is the most complete solution for small business. Well, it’s actually the most complete solution for any business. But what exactly is it? It’s when your company outsources all (or some) of its Internet Technology functions, or IT functions, to a third-party provider, often referred to as a managed service provider or MSP. We think we know your next question…

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SECURITY CORNER:  How to Know If Your Login Credentials Have Been Compromised in a Security Breach

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This article is about how to know if your login credentials have been compromised in a security breach and what you can do about it.

As you continue to evaluate your options for using a password manager, and assessing your current security stance, we would like to share an industry-leading security website that tracks company breaches from across the world that will let you know if your email or password has been compromised in a security breach.

But first, let’s define “breach.” A breach is an incident where data is inadvertently exposed. This usually happens because there are insufficient access controls or there are security weaknesses in the software. In either case, it means your personal and/or business information is at risk for misuse.

Where To Check if Your Login Credentials Have Been Compromised in a Security Breach:

To check if your EMAIL has been compromised, go here: www.haveibeenpwned.com

To check if your PASSWORD has been compromised, go here: www.haveibeenpwned.com/Passwords

These web pages will check your addresses and passwords against known data that may have become compromised due to company breaches over the past several years. There is no login required and the web interface is easy to use.

What To Do If Your Login Credentials Have Been Compromised in a Security Breach:

After checking your common email addresses and passwords, if you find that your login information has been compromised, we highly recommend making some changes.  Review your logins and change the ones using compromised passwords to something unique for the specific site. If your email address was compromised, change the password for that email account too.

The best practice for creating a strong password is to include letters, numbers, special characters, and to make it at least twelve characters long.

How to Prevent Your Login Credentials from Being Compromised in a Security Breach:

Also, now would be an excellent time to start using a password manager, like LastPass, to help keep all these new passwords easy to track and secure.

If you would like guidance or assistance in setting up your firm with a password manager, please let us know. Your team at Sorted Solution is here to help.

If you think your login credentials have been compromised in a security breach, take a look on www.haveibeenpwned.com and follow the steps above.