How to Steer Clear of Holiday Phishing Scams
Be Safe While Shopping Online.
As the online holiday shopping gains momentum, so does the inevitable rise in phishing scams. We've already seen a dramatic increase in phishing attacks this year, according to the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG). In their report on the second quarter of 2018, they found more than 100,000 unique phishing websites and more than 91,000 unique phishing email campaigns targeting more than 274 brands. So with all the unsavory emails that are surely headed to your inbox, how can you stay safe this holiday season?
If you follow some simple guidelines, it is possible to avoid the pitfalls of phishing scams this holiday season.
>>> Click here to learn how to shop safely online this holiday season.
eNet Healthcare News Desk
Top 10 Cybersecurity Best Practices for Healthcare
#1 - As Stephen Covey once said, "Seek first to understand, and then to be understood." No two organizations run the same. You cannot apply one cookie cutter approach for cybersecurity to every practice. Are you a governance-driven organization -- a regulations-driven practice -- a culture-driven office? Each type warrants a customized plan. Call us today at 281-403-9561 to find out or visit our healthcare page.
eNet News Desk
Take Advantage of the Section 179 Deduction Before it Expires!
Small businesses, healthcare practices and manufacturing firms alike — we have excellent news. As you may have heard from your tax consultant, the Section 179 deduction for tax year 2018 has nearly doubled over last year and is now an impressive $1 million. This deduction is good on new and used qualifying equipment, as well as off-the-shelf software. To take the deduction for this tax year, the equipment must be financed or purchased and put into service between January 1, 2018 and the end of the day on December 31, 2018. If you have never taken advantage of this deduction before, here are the basic facts. As outlined on section179.org, Section 179 of the IRS tax code allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment and/or software purchased or financed during the tax year. That means that if you buy (or lease) a piece of qualifying equipment, you can deduct the FULL PURCHASE PRICE from your gross income. Note: we are not tax professionals and this is not tax advice. Be sure to consult your own tax/accounting team. When you are ready to act, call us at 281-403-9561 or send us an email.
News Desk
Amazon / Apple Deal Helps Both Companies but Not Small Resellers
Given the details of a new deal between Apple and Amazon, starting Jan. 4, only Apple products listed by the company and its authorized resellers will be sold on Amazon. While this should help customers find the products they need, it will leave a legitimate market for used and refurbished devices in serious trouble. "Sellers are incredibly important to Amazon and our customers, and we are notifying them now so they can prepare for this change," an Amazon spokesperson said.
Security Update
Most 'Bring Your Own Device' (BYOD) Companies Lack Security Controls
With the increased use of cloud computing, more employers are allowing employees to work from home or various locations and thereby connect to the company network on non-company issued devices. As reported in Info Security Magazine, the Bitglass 2018 BYOD report found that 85% of enterprises now allow data access from personal devices for employees, partners, customers, contractors and even suppliers. As a result, the report continues, more than half (51%) of participating firms report a rise in mobile security threats this year. Based on a survey of nearly 400 enterprise IT professionals, the study also found that 43% of organizations are not able to determine whether the personal devices that are accessing corporate data have downloaded malware. Only 30% of firms are confident that they are properly defending against malware on personal and mobile devices.
