Reliable Networks Blog

Multi-Factor Authentication 101

March 27, 2025 No Comments

Multi-Factor Authentication 101

You have probably already come across the term multi-factor authentication (MFA, sometimes 2FA). The concept is not new, but more vendors are suggesting and even requiring it to secure accounts on their systems. We will discuss what multi-factor authentication is and why you should be adopting it.

What is multi-factor authentication?
Multi-factor authentication is basically the use of more than one credential to gain access to data. It is a combination of multiple access credential types. For example, instead of gaining access to an account by just typing your username and password, you will be asked to further verify your identity by entering some other information, such as a PIN, a one-time password (OTP) sent to the phone number linked to the account. Mobile apps and fobs that generate new codes constantly are also being more widely used.

Why do you need multi-factor authentication?
Multi-factor authentication offers an additional layer of security. Simple access control measures such as logging in with user ID and password are increasingly being breached by cybercriminals because no matter how much we condition ourselves to follow good password hygiene, sometimes, we slip up. Have you ever been guilty of any of the following?

  • Writing down your password so you don’t forget it
  • Sharing your password with someone just to get the work done faster
  • Used the same password for multiple accounts just because it is easier to remember
  • Creating a password that is obvious or easy to figure out, such as your date of birth, numbers or letters in sequence, your name, etc.

Multi-factor authentication can help prevent cybercrimes that happen due to leaked or hacked passwords.

How does multi-factor authentication work?
Multi-factor authentication depends on a combination of the following three elements:

  • What you know
  • What you have
  • Who you are

The user has to prove their identity by answering the questions related to each of these three elements. User IDs, passwords, secret questions*, date of birth, etc., fall into the first category (What you know), while OTPs sent to your smartphone, a physical token or an access card belong to the second category (What you have) and the third category (Who you are) includes biometric authentication such as retina scan, fingerprint or voice recognition.

Multi-factor authentication is no guarantee of data safety, but it certainly reinforces your data security. While there are tools available in the market that you can purchase and deploy, you could also connect with an MSP to help you implement multi-factor authentication across your network smoothly.

*A note on secret questions: Some vendors still use secret questions, but they can be as problematic as passwords. Any publicly available information should not be used as answers to secret questions. This includes information from your own or other’s social media posts as well as public records. Make up fake, even nonsensical questions and answers to your accounts, and just like passwords, vary them from account to account.

8 Ways to Organize Your Devices for Productivity

March 25, 2025 No Comments

Our devices are a big part of our daily lives: work, fun, and staying in touch. Still, sometimes they make us less productive.

In this article, you will learn how to organize your device. You’ll learn ways to boost your productivity and get more done.

Why is device organization important?

Messy devices slow us down and make it tough to find what we need. An organized device makes for a faster, much more productive experience. It also reduces stress and preserves time.

How does clutter impact productivity?

Clutter on devices adversely influences productivity. It forces you to waste precious time searching through files. It could make computers run slower, too, building frustration and making less work being done.

What are the benefits of organized devices?

There are several benefits when using organized devices. They help us find things quickly, work efficiently, feel less stressed, and have more free time.

Now let’s look into 8 ways how to organize your device for better productivity.

1. How can you declutter your home screen?

Remove unused apps

Look at your home screen. Remove the applications you never use. This makes it easier to find the ones you need.

Group similar apps

Gather similar apps into folders. This keeps your home screen neat and clean. You can find applications much quicker this way.

Use a minimalist wallpaper

Use a simple wallpaper. This helps you focus on your apps and tasks.

2. How do you organize your files and folders?

Set up Logical Folders

Set up file types in folders. Label them appropriately. This would make access easier and faster.

Naming your files descriptively

Clearly label the name of the file. Attach dates or names of projects for easy location of files.

House clean now and then

Trash the old and irrelevant files. Get some space cleared out to reduce clutter.

3. How could you organize your email?

Create Folders and Labels

Create folders for emails of different kinds. Label them and categorize them accordingly. This helps to keep your inbox organized.

Unsubscribe to Unwanted Emails

Remove your name from email lists you never read. This cleans up your inbox.

Use the Two-Minute Rule

If an email can be handled within two minutes, then handle it immediately. This helps you avoid the piling up of small tasks.

4. How Can You Optimize Your Browser?

Organize Bookmarks

Sort your bookmarks into folders. Delete ones you don’t use. This makes finding websites easier.

Use browser extensions wisely

Only keep extensions you use often. Too many can slow down your browser.

Clear your cache regularly

This helps your browser run faster. It also frees up space on your device.

5. What are good ways to manage passwords?

Use a password manager

This tool securely vaults all your passwords. You only have to remember one master password.

Generate strong, unique passwords

Use a different password for every account. Make them long and complicated. This will keep your accounts secure.

Enable two-factor authentication

This adds an extra layer of protection to your accounts. It makes them harder to break into.

6. How can you streamline your notifications?

Turn off unnecessary notifications

Only retain notifications from important apps. This decreases distractions.

Set specific times to check notifications

Don’t view notifications throughout the day. Decide on certain times of the day to view notifications. In this way, you will be able to concentrate on your work.

Use ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode

Switch this on when you really need to focus on something. This blocks all your notifications for a certain period.

7. What is the best type of data backup?

Utilize cloud storage

Store important files in the cloud. This keeps them safe and easy to access.

Set up automatic backups

Make your device backup files on a regular basis. This ensures you don’t lose important data.

Keep multiple copies of important files

Store critical files in more than one location. This protects against data loss.

8. How can you maintain your device’s health?

Update software regularly

Keep your applications and operating system updated. This will enhance the performance and security.

Run virus scans regularly

Run virus scans using antivirus software to check for threats. This will keep your device safe from any kind of threat.

Clean your device physically

Dust and dirt can slow down your device. Cleaning it regularly will help in keeping it in good shape.

It takes some time and effort to organize your devices, but it is really worth the investment. You’ll be more productive and less stressed. Try at least one from this list and then, once you get comfortable, try some more.

Remember, everybody has different needs, so do what will work best for you. If you need help organizing your devices, feel free to reach out to us. Contact us now for personalized advice on boosting productivity.

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Featured Image Credit

This Article has been Republished with Permission from The Technology Press.

Why MSP relationships fail

March 20, 2025 No Comments

Why MSP relationships fail

A lot of SMBs opt for managed service providers who can help handle their IT requirements, and for the most part, it works well. Almost everyone knows the benefits of having a MSP manage your IT. Increased cost savings, ability to focus on your business without worrying about IT, better IT support and expertise, and so on. But, there are times when the managed IT services model fails, leaving business owners to wonder what went wrong. This blog discusses some key reasons why MSP relationships fail.

You didn’t do a reference check
Did you just pick the first MSP you found on the Google search? Did you just go by the presentations they gave you, or the information on their website? Always remember to ask your MSP for references. Talk to someone they work with and get feedback.

They don’t have enough staff
If your MSP is short of staff, they won’t be able to give you the attention you need. One of the biggest advantages of bringing an MSP onboard is having someone who proactively manages and monitors your IT requirements– something you cannot do without a full fledged IT department. So, it is important that your MSP is well-staffed.

They are not experienced enough
Before you bring an MSP on board, make sure you pay attention to how long they have been in business. This is important because the whole idea behind hiring an MSP is to leverage their knowledge and expertise. Secondly, someone who has been in the business for quite some time is more likely to be able to scale with you as you grow.

They said they will be there, but…
You want your MSP to be available 24/7, because with IT, you never know when the problem will arise. Not only should your MSP be proactively monitoring your IT infrastructure to ensure everything runs smoothly, they should also be able to resolve IT problems when they happen–time and day notwithstanding, so that your business is back up and running as soon as possible.

They are not able to provide you with all that you need
Sometimes, as you grow, your IT needs change. You may need much more support and new technologies that you didn’t think you’d need earlier. In such cases, if your MSP is not able to grow and scale with you, then the relationship won’t work.

When choosing an MSP, think of the whole process as a partnership, and not a one-time deal. When you look at the relationship as a long-term one, you are more likely to consider all the factors that go into making your relationship with the MSP work in the long run.

How to Minimize Ransomware Damage

March 20, 2025 No Comments

Ransomware has now become a big problem for many people and businesses. It can lock up your files and make you pay money to get them back. This article will show how one can protect themselves from ransomware and what to do in case of an attack.

What is ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of bad software. It penetrates your computer, locks up your files, and then they ask you to pay money to unlock your files. This can be very scary and costly.

How does ransomware work?

Ransomware usually comes in through email or bad websites. It can also spread through networks. Once it’s in, it starts to lock up your files with strong codes. Then you see a message asking for money.

How can you prevent ransomware attacks?

There are many ways to stop ransomware before it hurts you. Here are some key steps:

Keep your software up to date

Always keep your computer and programs up to date. Updates often fix problems that ransomware uses to get in.

Use good antivirus software

Get strong antivirus software. Keep it turned on and updated. It can detect many kinds of ransomware.

Be careful with emails

Don’t open emails from people you don’t know. Don’t click links or download files unless you are sure they’re safe.

Back up your files

Copy your most important files and store them on something other than your primary computer. That way, if ransomware locks your files, you’ll still have copies.

What do you do if you get ransomware?

So you think you have ransomware? Don’t panic. Here’s what to do:

Disconnect from the network

Immediately disconnect your computer from the internet. This may prevent the ransomware from spreading or worsening.

Don’t pay the ransom

Experts say you shouldn’t pay. There’s no guarantee you’ll get your files back. Plus, paying encourages more attacks.

Report the attack

Tell the police about the attack. Also, report it to your country’s cyber security center. They can help and use the info to stop future attacks.

Use your backups

If you have backups, then you can restore your files from them. That is what backups are for, after all.

How can businesses protect themselves?

Businesses will want to take a few additional steps to remain safe. Here are some suggestions:

Train your employees

Train your employees about ransomware. Give them examples of what to watch out for, and what to do in case they encounter something suspicious.

Use strong passwords

Ensure that everyone uses good passwords. Also, use different passwords for different accounts. This might make the ransomware spread more slowly.

Limit access to key files

Not everyone needs access to every file. Provide access only to those needed to perform the job. This may limit how far ransomware can spread.

Have a plan ready

Have a strategy in place, in case you become a target of ransomware. Exercise it. Preparation will make you swift and thereby contain the damages.

How is ransomware evolving?

Ransomware is getting newer tricks all the time. Watch out for these:

Attacks on phones and tablets

Not only computers but also your phones and tabs could be attacked by ransomware now. Be wary with all your devices.

Double extortion

Some ransomware now steals your data before it locks it. Then the bad guys threaten to share your private info if you don’t pay. This makes the attack even worse.

Attacks on cloud services

Many people are migrating to the cloud for storing data. Ransomware has started targeting those services too. Ensure your cloud accounts are secure. 

Stay Safe and Prepared

Ransomware is a serious threat, but you can protect yourself: keep your software updated, be careful online, and always have backups. If you run a business, train your team and have a solid plan. Stay alert and ready.

Do not try to face ransomware on your own. Contact us if you need any help with ransomware or have additional questions. 

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Featured Image Credit

This Article has been Republished with Permission from The Technology Press.

10 Steps to Prevent a Data Breach

March 15, 2025 No Comments

Data breaches can harm your business. They can cost you money and trust. Let’s look at how to stop them from happening.

What is a data breach?

A data breach is when someone steals information. This can be names, emails, or credit card numbers. It’s bad for your customers and your business.

Why should you care about data breaches?

Data breaches are terrible things. They will cost you money. Perhaps your customers will stop trusting you. You may even be fined. It is vital to try to prevent them from occurring in the first place.

How do you prevent a data breach?

Here are 10 steps to help keep your data safe:

1. Use strong passwords

Use long, complex passwords that are hard to guess. Include letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not use the same password for all of your accounts.

2. Update your software

Always update your computer programs. Updates usually patch security holes. Have your computer set to update automatically.

3. Train your employees

Educate your employees on data security. Teach them how to identify fake emails. Inform them to not click on suspicious links.

4. Use encryption

Encryption scrambles your data. Only people who have a special key can read it. Use encryption on important information.

5. Limit access to data

Not everyone needs to know everything. Only give people access to what they need for their work.

6. Create backups of your data

Create copies of your important information. Keep these copies in a safe location. This helps in case anyone steals or destroys your data.

7. Use a firewall

A firewall acts like a guard for your computer. It blocks the bad things from getting inside. Always turn the firewall on.

8. Be careful with emails

Almost every data breach starts with a trick email. Don’t open emails from people you don’t know. Never click on links unless you are sure that they are safe.

9. Protect your Wi-Fi

Use a strong password on your Wi-Fi. Do not leave the default password on. Update your Wi-Fi password frequently.

10. Have a plan

Prepare a plan if, in case of a data breach. Know whom to contact and what you should do. Do a practice drill so you are ready if there is an intrusion.

Even with good plans, data breaches can still happen. If one does, take action quickly. Inform your customers about the breach ASAP. 

Fix the problem that led to the breach. Then, use what you learned from that mistake to make your security better.

At what frequency is security checked?

Keep checking your security. Look over it at least once a month. There are new dangers all the time. Keep informed about the most up-to-date ways of keeping the data safe.

Can small businesses be targets for data breaches?

Yes, small businesses can be targets too. Actually, most hackers target small businesses. They perceive their security level to be low. Whatever the size, make sure your business is prepared.

What are some tools that can prevent data breaches?

There are lots of tools to help keep data safe. Antivirus software stops bad programs. Password managers help you use strong passwords. VPNs keep your internet use private. Employ these tools to make your data much safer.

How much does it cost to prevent a data breach?

The cost may be high to prevent data breaches. But it costs less than fixing a breach after it has happened. Consider this as insurance for your data; thus, the cost is well worth keeping your business safe.

Stay Safe and Secure

Data safety is very important; it keeps your business and customers safe. Take these steps to prevent data breaches. Always be on guard against new threats. If you need help, ask an expert. They can make sure your data stays safe. 

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Start protecting your data today.

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Featured Image Credit

This Article has been Republished with Permission from The Technology Press.