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Preferred Blog

Preferred has been serving the Tinley Park area since 1991, providing IT Support such as technical helpdesk support, computer support, and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses.

Don’t Fall for These BYOD Dangers

Don’t Fall for These BYOD Dangers

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) is a solution that has grown more popular over the past decade or so, primarily because more employees already own devices capable of running work-related applications. The employee gets to use a device they already know and love, while the employer saves money from the cost of equipping that employee. That said, the security risks associated with BYOD can undermine an ill-prepared implementation and open the door to potential legal action.

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When the Smart Office Creates Stupid Security Problems

When the Smart Office Creates Stupid Security Problems

Have you ever considered investing in smart technology for your office? We’re talking, of course, about the smart appliances, lights, thermostats, and so on, all of which make your office feel like you stepped into a sci-fi movie. As IT experts, it would be wrong for us to let you implement all these shiny new solutions without considering the security implications.

Our question to you is this: are you willing to leave glaring security weaknesses in your infrastructure for the sake of being considered “high-tech?” We hope the answer is an emphatic “no.”

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Why Cyberattackers and Other Grifters are Obsessed With Cryptocurrency

Why Cyberattackers and Other Grifters are Obsessed With Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency has brought about innovative new technology for use in the business world, but it’s also created more headaches, primarily due to ransomware. With ransomware, a malicious entity can lock down your computer files and demand a cryptocurrency ransom in exchange for your data’s safe return. So, why is cryptocurrency the chosen currency for these kinds of transactions?

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You Get What You Pay For with Cheap Antivirus

You Get What You Pay For with Cheap Antivirus

So, you’ve added an antivirus to your business’ cybersecurity protections. That’s great—it’s an essential element of the comprehensive defenses that a modern business needs. However, it is important that the antivirus you’re relying on is, in fact, reliable.

Let’s go over how not all antivirus tools are the same, and what makes it so important to implement one that meets your business’ needs and protects against the threats you would otherwise have to deal with.

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Phishing Scams Are Everywhere. Here’s What You Need to Know.

Phishing Scams Are Everywhere. Here’s What You Need to Know.

Scams are everywhere, and it’s up to you and your team to identify them before you accidentally expose your business to something truly sinister. However, it’s often easier said than done, and scammers have gotten craftier in recent years. Today, we want to discuss three of the dead giveaways that you’re looking at a phishing scam, as well as how to address it.

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The Right Cybersecurity Measures are a Great Confidence Booster

The Right Cybersecurity Measures are a Great Confidence Booster

Nowadays, we’re all busy—especially at work. Collectively, our days are filled with improving our products and services, cultivating client relationships, and putting out fires left and right. Do you really have the mental bandwidth to commit to quibbling over whether or not your data is secure?

The fact of the matter is that cyberattacks of all kinds are a constant threat to everyone, and could very well take your business out of commission unless you do something about it. Let’s review some steps that will help reinforce your business’ security posture and better defend your data.

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The 4 Most Common Security Threats (And How to Face Them)

The 4 Most Common Security Threats (And How to Face Them)

Business owners like you are constantly worried about cybersecurity, and with attacks growing more persistent and sophisticated over time, it’s no wonder companies are taking it more seriously than ever before. Today, we want to highlight the four most common types of threats you’ll see and what you can do to protect yourself from them.

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What to Do in the First 60 Minutes of a Cyberattack

What to Do in the First 60 Minutes of a Cyberattack

Cyberattacks are not to be underestimated. The damage that they can do—even in the first hours—is considerable. This means you need to have a strategy to respond to these incidents, conveniently called an incident response plan.

This procedure should be both tested and documented, preparing you to withstand any cyberattack with minimal damage or disruption. As you might expect, the first hour or so will be a crucial period during this process. Let’s go over what you need to do.

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Don’t Listen to These Tech Myths

Don’t Listen to These Tech Myths

Reliable IT advice is hard to come by, especially for cybersecurity. Whether it's uninformed coworkers or fake online influencers with their guides and platforms, most advice you find these days is bound to be outdated, incorrect, or both. You don’t want to base your business’ security around security myths, so we’re here to bust them today and offer you some guidance you can trust.

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How Your SMB Can Beat Ransomware

How Your SMB Can Beat Ransomware

Small businesses are incredibly important for the community, but there can be no denying that cyberthreats disproportionately impact SMBs. This is especially true for ransomware, one of the worst threats out there, that has the potential to end unprepared businesses. Ransomware locks down access to your computer systems and encrypts files, demanding a ransom in exchange for restored access. What makes small businesses such ideal targets, and what can you do about it?

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Build Your Human Firewall Today

Build Your Human Firewall Today

You’ve probably heard of phishing attacks, but if not, the best way to explain it is with the legend of the Trojan horse. In ancient times, the city of Troy fell when a raiding party, hidden within the belly of a constructed wooden horse, was allowed past the gates. The lesson: deception is the most powerful weapon one can employ, and cybercriminals will use it against your business.

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3 Common Causes of Data Breaches (And How to Avoid Them)

3 Common Causes of Data Breaches (And How to Avoid Them)

Data breaches are no joke, and they can be so severe that businesses have a hard time bouncing back. Despite the danger, you can somewhat predict when you are at risk of a data breach, and certain actions can be taken to keep them from being fatal (or prevent them entirely). Today, we want to examine three of the common ways data breaches happen and what you can do about them.

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The 5 Key Components of a Successful Security Strategy

The 5 Key Components of a Successful Security Strategy

Your business’ security infrastructure does a lot of heavy lifting, primarily due to today’s increasingly sophisticated cybersecurity threats. Companies want to know that their security measures work. To help you make sure you’re doing all you can to protect your infrastructure, we’ve put together five important components for any successful cybersecurity solution strategy.

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4 of the Biggest Cybersecurity Risks Your Business Faces

4 of the Biggest Cybersecurity Risks Your Business Faces

Most small businesses have trouble navigating cybersecurity, and that’s because there are too many threats to count. You might even feel like you're a little over your head yourself. Today, we’re bringing to you four of the biggest threats to watch out for on the Internet, as well as what you can do to keep them from impacting your operations.

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Don’t Let Your Organizational Security Take a Vacation This Summer

Don’t Let Your Organizational Security Take a Vacation This Summer

Summer is here, and with it comes the rest and relaxation that warm weather encourages. That said, summer is not a time to let up on your cybersecurity awareness. Today, we’ll share how you can both enjoy the summer season without putting your security at risk in the process.

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Crocodilus is Taking a Bite Out of Mobile Users

Crocodilus is Taking a Bite Out of Mobile Users

A new and formidable predator is stalking the digital waters of the Android ecosystem. Dubbed Crocodilus, this sophisticated Trojan is rapidly evolving, expanding its reach, and demonstrating that it’s likely going to be a major problem. Today, we’ll tell you about the dangerous new strain and what you can do to avoid contact with it, because you will want to.

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How Cybercriminals Rip You Off

How Cybercriminals Rip You Off

Cybercriminals are in the business of ripping you off, make no mistake about it. They’ll do what they can to trick you and steal your hard-earned cash. Thankfully, there are common and recurring trends you can look for that expose these fraudsters for what they really are.

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Protecting Your Business from Cybercriminals

Protecting Your Business from Cybercriminals

The methods criminals use to access money and sensitive information have evolved dramatically. That official-looking email requesting an urgent payment, or a sudden system lockdown demanding a ransom; these are no longer rare occurrences but calculated tactics by modern cyber thieves. 

Cybertheft isn't a one-size-fits-all problem; it's sophisticated, and the types of techniques are designed to exploit vulnerabilities and deceive unsuspecting individuals and businesses. Let’s explore some of the primary ways these digital adversaries operate.

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Cultivating a Cybersecurity Culture That Goes Beyond Checkboxes

Cultivating a Cybersecurity Culture That Goes Beyond Checkboxes

Cybersecurity is non-negotiable for protecting your business. While your awareness as a business owner is key, your employees are your first line of defense. Implementing effective cybersecurity training is crucial, but how do you make it stick?

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Cape Seguridad, Episode One - Zero-Day Threats

Cape Seguridad, Episode One - Zero-Day Threats

We’ve taken it upon ourselves to change tack a little bit and approach some of our warnings against cybersecurity issues a little differently… namely, by using the format of a daytime soap opera. We hope these occasional blogs will help contextualize how dangerous such threats can be. As such, we encourage you to picture the following in the most melodramatic tone possible, while also remembering how serious these issues are in real life.

For decades, the quiet city of Oak Falls has enjoyed a largely peaceful time, hearing the relaxing waves that lap against the nearby coastline. However, new waves are now being created, with cybersecurity threats emerging every day. Come with us and observe how these threats make life more difficult for those who live and love at Cape Seguridad.

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      If there’s one truth we’ve learned supporting businesses for over two decades, it’s this: cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue, it’s a people issue. That’s why over 90% of cyber attacks use social engineering to gain access into systems and user accounts....

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      Best Places to Work - 5 YEARS STRONG!!

      Preferred is once again, honored for being a Best Place to Work for the fifth straight year!  Our team is what makes Preferred a Best Place to Work.  

      Daily Herald Suburban Business 2024 Best Places to Work Honorees The Daily Herald Suburban Business has announced the names of 51 companies, in 5 categories of competition, that are honored as the 2024 Best Places to Work in Illinois. This statewide survey and awards program was designed to identify, recognize and honor the best places of employment in Illinois, benefiting the state's economy, its workforce and businesses.