Company

How We Help

Industries

<div class="ce-blog">
  <section class="ce-blog-hero" data-reveal>
    <div class="ce-blog-hero-inner">
      <span class="ce-blog-label">Crown Insights</span>
      <h1>Technology Insights for Smarter Business</h1>
      <p>
        Explore practical insights on IT strategy, cybersecurity, managed IT services,
        technology solutions, and the trends shaping modern businesses.
      </p>
    </div>
  </section>
</div>
{{blog_posts}}


Blog

<section class="zoom-security-article">

    <p>
        Are your establishment's digital collaboration spaces truly safe? The recent disclosure
        of the Zoom account hijacking security flaw should warn businesses that no platform,
        even the most established ones, is completely immune to cyber threats.
    </p>

    <h2>Zoom's Latest Security Challenges</h2>

    <p>
        Nearly every workforce today depends on Zoom and other popular digital platforms to stay
        connected and productive. From real-time video conferencing to asynchronous chats,
        they're the backbone of modern communication.
    </p>

    <p>
        Unfortunately, these tools also bring new risks for businesses. Zoom has recently
        released patches for a flaw (tracked as CVE-2026-53412) impacting Zoom Workplace for
        Windows. It allowed remote bad actors to steal accounts over the network without needing
        a password or any help from the user.
    </p>

    <p>
        The Zoom security update also addresses the following discovered flaws:
    </p>

    <ul>
        <li>
            <strong>CVE-2026-53411:</strong> The plugin fails to check data properly, letting a
            logged-in user trick the system into running commands with higher privileges.
        </li>

        <li>
            <strong>CVE-2026-53410:</strong> A timing loophole during setup or removal allows a
            user to grab system-level permissions.
        </li>

        <li>
            <strong>CVE-2026-53409:</strong> Zoom Rooms for Windows may allow authenticated users
            to locally conduct an escalation of privilege through local access.
        </li>
    </ul>

    <h2>Has Your Business Been Potentially Affected by the Zoom Account Hijacking Vulnerability?</h2>

    <p>
        The good news is that there's currently no evidence that cybercriminals have exploited
        these flaws in the wild. However, it's worth noting that the patched vulnerabilities
        affected the following products for Windows systems:
    </p>

    <ul>
        <li>Zoom Desktop Client (before version 7.0.0)</li>
        <li>Zoom VDI Client (before versions 7.0.10, 6.6.15, and 6.5.18)</li>
        <li>Zoom Meeting SDK (before version 7.0.0)</li>
        <li>Zoom Rooms (before version 7.0.5)</li>
        <li>Remote Control for Zoom Contact Center (before version 7.0.0)</li>
    </ul>

    <p>
        Zoom advises users to update their software to the latest version. We also recommend
        enabling automatic security patch deployment for convenience.
    </p>

    <h2>Protecting Your Company From a Potential Account Takeover Vulnerability</h2>

    <p>
        Even if the Zoom account hijacking security flaw has had no impact on your company,
        why not take this moment to review your cybersecurity practices? Consider adopting
        the following measures.
    </p>

    <h3>Advanced Threat Monitoring</h3>

    <p>
        Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) or endpoint protection tools to monitor
        for suspicious activity on employee devices. When these systems detect sudden setting
        changes or data downloads during odd hours, for example, they flag or freeze the
        session instantly.
    </p>

    <h3>Internal Hygiene</h3>

    <p>
        Give staff access only to the systems they need for their daily work. This can help
        isolate a privilege escalation attack and limit the potential damage. Regularly
        reviewing permissions and revoking old accounts also helps maintain security.
    </p>

    <h3>Strengthened Authentication</h3>

    <p>
        Using multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a simple yet effective way of preventing
        breaches. Threat actors who manage to steal login credentials would have to face more
        difficult barriers, like a device-based authentication prompt or a biometric scan.
    </p>

    <h2>Why Constant Cybersecurity Awareness Matters</h2>

    <p>
        While the Zoom account hijacking security flaw, thankfully, has no reported incidents
        yet, it serves as a wake-up call. Each new platform, application, or service adds
        another potential entry point for attackers. Scrutinize every tool before adding it
        to your digital ecosystem and account for the potential risks.
    </p>

  

</section>

Zoom Fixes Critical Account Hijacking Security Flaw

<section class="supply-chain-article">

    <p>
        How prepared are you if threat actors hit your establishment? The possibility of KFC
        store closures caused by a recent cyberattack proves that even major brands aren't
        necessarily immune. Learn more about it here.
    </p>

    <h2>The Disastrous Ripple Effects of a Cyberattack on Supplier Companies</h2>

    <p>
        On July 13, 2026, Nichirei Corporation, a large Japanese company that produces and
        distributes frozen and processed foods, reported widespread system failures due to
        unauthorized third-party access. The incident affected inbound and outbound cold-chain
        shipments for some corporate clients, including KFC.
    </p>

    <p>
        The fast food company's Japan outlets suffered shortages of chicken ingredients,
        prompting reduced menus, shortened hours, and temporary app suspensions before normal
        operations resumed. KFC warned on July 14 that it may have to temporarily close stores
        to manage the impact.
    </p>

    <p>
        Aside from supply chain disruption, the attack may have also compromised sensitive data.
        Nichirei Corporation said that some of the accessed servers contained personal
        information, and it had already notified affected individuals. The company has yet
        to disclose the type and volume of data affected.
    </p>

    <h2>Assessing Third-Party Cybersecurity Risks</h2>

    <p>
        If one cyberattack on a supplier company can lead to possible KFC store closures,
        it's clear how interconnected cybersecurity truly is. Partnering with other companies
        for operations is a practical way to enhance efficiency, but it also introduces
        new vulnerabilities.
    </p>

    <p>
        Third-party vendors usually have access to your critical systems or sensitive data,
        creating potential entry points for cyberattacks. A breach in one partner's network
        can quickly cascade into your own.
    </p>

    <p>
        That's why it never hurts to review the cybersecurity posture of all your partners.
        Look for the following:
    </p>

    <ul>
        <li>Regularly practiced incident response plans</li>
        <li>Adherence to industry-standard security frameworks</li>
        <li>Routine vulnerability assessments and penetration testing</li>
        <li>Employee cybersecurity training and awareness programs</li>
    </ul>

    <h2>Strengthening Your Own Cybersecurity Measures for Business Continuity</h2>

    <p>
        If one of your partner companies experiences a cyberattack, having the following
        proactive measures in place can make all the difference.
    </p>

    <ul>
        <li>
            <strong>Limit access:</strong> Give partners only the minimum system access they
            need to do their jobs, and employ multi-factor authentication when possible.
        </li>

        <li>
            <strong>Isolate networks:</strong> With network segmentation, the infection cannot
            easily spread into your own core network if ever a partner's system gets hacked.
        </li>

        <li>
            <strong>Watch connections:</strong> Continuously track activity and data flow
            between your systems and vendors to spot strange behavior early.
        </li>

        <li>
            <strong>Pre-stage "kill switches":</strong> Prepare emergency mechanisms to revoke
            API keys, shared tokens, or remote vendor access within minutes if a partner
            reports a breach.
        </li>

        <li>
            <strong>Plan together:</strong> Include partner-failure scenarios in your emergency
            response plans so both sides know who to call and how to cut off access faster.
        </li>
    </ul>

    <p>
        The food supply shortages, downsized restaurant operations, and possible KFC store
        closures caused by the Nichirei Corporation cyberattack highlight the fragility of
        today's supply chains. Cybercriminals are constantly evolving, and they know how to
        exploit weaknesses quickly. Take the proactive route by adopting smarter systems
        and stronger partnerships today.
    </p>

    <p class="article-source">
        Used with permission from Article Aggregator
    </p>

    <p class="article-source-link">
        <a href="https://sitesdev.net/articles/"
           target="_blank"
           rel="noopener noreferrer">
            https://sitesdev.net/articles/
        </a>
    </p>

</section>

Cyberattack Could Force KFC Store Closures

<section class="onedrive-article">

    <p>
        If your business uses OneDrive for cloud storage, mark your calendar for August 15, 2026.
        This is the date that Microsoft ends support for older OneDrive systems.
    </p>

    <p>
        While the app won't suddenly stop working, businesses that continue using these older
        systems could face growing compatibility and security concerns over time.
    </p>

    <h2>What’s Changing for OneDrive?</h2>

    <p>
        The biggest change affects the OneDrive desktop app on computers running Windows 10
        version 21H2 or older. August 15 marks the practical end of support for the OneDrive
        sync app on those operating systems. It will continue to launch and sync, but it won’t
        get new features, bug fixes, or security updates from Microsoft.
    </p>

    <p>
        As Windows and OneDrive continue to change, older versions may encounter bugs or
        compatibility issues that will never be fixed. Perhaps most concerning is the end of
        security updates and patches. Once this happens, cybercriminals can target older systems
        to exploit newly discovered vulnerabilities in the sync client, and there will be no way
        to fix those gaps.
    </p>

    <h2>Which Systems Are Affected?</h2>

    <p>
        If your business computers run Windows 10 version 21H2 or earlier, then you need to take
        action to be ready when Microsoft ends support for older OneDrive systems. Anything tied
        to a Microsoft account for business file storage on an older build is at risk.
    </p>

    <p>
        Systems using Windows 10 22H2 or later are safe for now and will continue receiving
        OneDrive support.
    </p>

    <h2>What The Change Means for Day-to-Day Operations</h2>

    <p>
        For many companies, cloud file synchronization is woven into daily operations. Employees
        save documents, collaborate on shared folders, and access files from multiple devices
        using a Microsoft account. When the software responsible for that process stops receiving
        updates, the risks gradually increase.
    </p>

    <p>Over time, businesses may encounter:</p>

    <ul>
        <li>Sync failures that cannot be corrected</li>
        <li>Compatibility issues with newer Microsoft services</li>
        <li>Reduced reliability when sharing or accessing business files</li>
        <li>Increased exposure as security vulnerabilities go unpatched</li>
    </ul>

    <p>
        As Microsoft rolls out changes elsewhere in the operating system, the OneDrive desktop
        app on unsupported versions could start behaving oddly or stop working altogether.
        Cloud file synchronization that used to be reliable might soon become untrustworthy.
    </p>

    <h2>What You Need To Do To Prepare</h2>

    <p>
        This announcement provides an opportunity to review existing hardware and operating
        systems before support officially ends. Upgrading eligible devices to supported Windows
        10 versions or Windows 11 allows the OneDrive desktop app to continue receiving ongoing
        maintenance and support.
    </p>

    <p>
        Even organizations with only a handful of affected computers should verify which systems
        employees use for file synchronization. One outdated workstation can create unnecessary
        headaches if it begins experiencing sync problems.
    </p>

    <h2>A Good Reminder to Stay Current</h2>

    <p>
        Technology updates are easy to postpone, especially when everything appears to be working
        normally. However, software that no longer receives security updates slowly becomes harder
        to rely on. That can affect productivity, collaboration, and overall business continuity.
        The announcement that Microsoft will end support for older OneDrive systems is a reminder
        to review both operating systems and cloud software before problems develop.
    </p>

    <p class="article-source">
        Used with permission from Article Aggregator
    </p>

    <p class="article-source-link">
        <a href="https://sitesdev.net/articles/"
           target="_blank"
           rel="noopener noreferrer">
            https://sitesdev.net/articles/
        </a>
    </p>

</section>

Microsoft Ends Support for Older OneDrive Systems

<section class="claude-password-article">

    <p>
        Running a business means juggling a long list of logins: payroll platforms, CRMs,
        vendor portals, banking dashboards, and the list goes on. But despite the increasing
        acceptance of AI tools, most business owners are reluctant to give them login
        credentials to outside accounts. They have to make the uncomfortable choice between
        handing over the username and password or locking the AI assistant out entirely,
        limiting their usefulness.
    </p>

    <p>
        A new Claude password management feature empowers AI to take on more browser-based
        tasks while keeping sensitive login information protected. 1Password for Claude
        allows Anthropic's Claude AI assistant to securely sign in to websites on a user's
        behalf without ever seeing or storing passwords.
    </p>

    <h2>Addressing the Risk of Allowing AI To Access Passwords</h2>

    <p>
        AI assistants are useful, but there has always been a limitation. AI assistants
        can only work with the information that you provide, and if a password protects
        important details, they can’t include them. Giving an AI direct access to passwords
        creates obvious security risks, while manually handling every login defeats the
        purpose of automation.
    </p>

    <p>
        The new Claude password management integration solves that problem by placing
        1Password between Claude and the login process. Instead of requiring you to give
        the platform your credentials, Claude requests access through 1Password. The password
        manager handles the sign-in, allowing the AI to continue its assigned task without
        exposing usernames or passwords.
    </p>

    <p>
        This zero-exposure architecture significantly reduces the security tradeoffs that
        have limited browser automation. You never have to type or paste a password into a
        chat window or store it somewhere the AI can retrieve later, because 1Password
        prevents Claude from ever having access to it.
    </p>

    <h2>User Approval Remains Front and Center</h2>

    <p>
        One of the strongest features of this integration is that people remain in control
        of how Claude uses their passwords.
    </p>

    <p>
        Whenever Claude needs to access a protected account, 1Password sends a request to
        the account owner. Before anything happens, the user must approve the action.
    </p>

    <p>
        Only after receiving that user approval does 1Password autofill the login credentials
        into the browser. Claude never gains access to the actual password, and those
        credentials are never loaded into the AI's memory.
    </p>

    <p>
        If the login process encounters a problem, 1Password clears the entered information
        and reports the result back to Claude instead of leaving sensitive data exposed.
        The integration works with 1Password's Agentic Mode, which lets users review which
        logins were approved during a session. It's a small detail, but it gives owners a
        digital paper trail of what an assistant did and didn't touch.
    </p>

    <h2>Why Secure Credential Access Matters</h2>

    <p>
        The arrival of Claude password management represents an important step toward more
        practical AI assistants. With secure credential access, you no longer have to choose
        between productivity and security. Instead of stopping whenever a login screen
        appears, 1Password integration with Claude can now complete more complex browser-based
        workflows with the user's permission.
    </p>

    <p>
        For organizations exploring Claude as a business tool, Claude password management
        demonstrates that smarter automation doesn’t have to come at the expense of stronger
        security.
    </p>

    <p class="article-source">
        Used with permission from Article Aggregator
    </p>

</section>

Claude password management with 1Password lets AI sign in securely with user approval. Learn how protected credential access improves business security.

Claude Password Management With 1Password: Secure AI Logins

Claude Now Handles Passwords With Your Approval

<section class="clicklock-article">

    <p>
        Apple device users often argue that they don’t need antivirus protection, as malware is
        “a Windows problem.” However, the newly discovered ClickLock scam that’s moving through
        Europe is proving that Apple products aren’t immune to cyberattacks.
    </p>

    <p>
        Researchers at Group-IB just published findings on a new operation that doesn't rely on
        a clever exploit or a hidden backdoor buried in a fake update to steal information.
        Instead, hackers are using deception and persistence to trick users into giving away
        valuable credentials. Essentially, they’re annoying users into handing over their passwords.
    </p>

    <h2>The ClickLock Scam Is a Different Kind of Attack</h2>

    <p>
        Unlike cyberattacks that exploit software vulnerabilities, the ClickLock scam focuses on
        manipulation. Security researchers found that this campaign creates an incredibly
        frustrating experience, making the computer functionally useless until the victim gives in.
    </p>

    <p>
        Attacks typically begin when the victim is tricked into copying and running a malicious
        command in Terminal (often via a fake Cloudflare/ClickFix verification page). That command
        then repeatedly forces key macOS applications to close every fraction of a second. Finder,
        Dock, Terminal, and other essential apps are constantly terminated, making the computer
        difficult or even impossible to use normally. At the same time, a password prompt
        continues appearing on the screen.
    </p>

    <p>
        Because the device becomes so disruptive to use, many people may assume the prompt is
        legitimate and enter their password simply to make the interruptions stop. The ClickLock
        macOS stealer succeeds because it creates urgency rather than relying on technical
        sophistication.
    </p>

    <p>
        These attacks try to frustrate users so they ignore their normal security behaviors.
        The repeated fake verification prompt is convincing enough that some users may believe
        macOS needs authentication to fix the problem. When dealing with an unusable computer,
        many people will just enter their password to make the chaos stop, putting it right into
        the hackers’ hands.
    </p>

    <p>
        This combination of relentless disruption and convincing prompts makes the campaign a
        serious macOS security threat, even though it does not rely on traditional malware techniques.
    </p>

    <h2>Protecting Your Company From This macOS Security Threat</h2>

    <p>
        ClickLock Scam is designed for credential theft, specifically targeting Apple user
        passwords. Once criminals obtain those credentials, they may gain access to business
        accounts, cloud storage, email, or other sensitive resources connected to the device.
    </p>

    <p>
        Even businesses that follow good cybersecurity practices may be vulnerable if employees
        aren’t prepared for a social engineering attack like this one. Traditional antivirus
        tools are built to catch malicious files, not social engineering loops disguised as
        system prompts.
    </p>

    <p>
        To address this issue, train staff on how to respond if their Mac suddenly starts acting
        erratically, with apps closing on their own, windows disappearing, or a sudden password
        prompt. The right move is to disconnect the device from the network and shut it down or
        seek IT assistance, not comply with the prompt.
    </p>

    <p>Other protections include:</p>

    <ul>
        <li>Keeping macOS updated</li>
        <li>Using strong passwords</li>
        <li>Enabling multi-factor authentication</li>
        <li>Reporting unusual activity</li>
    </ul>

    <p>
        Regular cybersecurity awareness training can help staff recognize suspicious prompts like
        the ClickLock scam before sensitive information is exposed. Even if you use Apple devices,
        investing in security protection is critical to keeping your company on track.
    </p>

  
<p class="article-source-link">
    <a href="https://sitesdev.net/articles/2026/08/18/microsoft-makes-passkeys-the-new-business-standard/"
       target="_blank"
       rel="noopener noreferrer">
        https://sitesdev.net/articles/2026/08/18/microsoft-makes-passkeys-the-new-business-standard/
    </a>
</p>

</section>

The ClickLock scam targets Apple users with fake macOS password prompts. Learn how this credential theft attack works and how to protect your business devices.

ClickLock Scam Targets Apple Users: How to Stay Protected

ClickLock Scam Puts Apple Users at Risk

<section class="identity-fraud-article">

    <p>
        Is your establishment doing enough to fight identity fraud? Threat actors are getting
        smarter every day, and a successful attack can lead to financial ruin and a damaged
        reputation. Learn how modern businesses stay proactive with sophisticated cybersecurity
        strategies.
    </p>

    <h2>What Does Identity Fraud Look Like in Today's Digital Environment?</h2>

    <p>
        Identity fraud has come a long way from forged signatures and stolen wallets. Today,
        it lives in the vast, interconnected web of digital activity.
    </p>

    <p>
        With massive data breaches hitting both small businesses and large corporations,
        it's clear that cybercriminals are evolving just as quickly as the technology we rely on.
        They use many different strategies to steal personal information, including:
    </p>

    <ul>
        <li>
            <strong>Social engineering:</strong> Cybercriminals might pose as trusted colleagues
            or service providers to make their requests appear harmless.
        </li>

        <li>
            <strong>Phishing:</strong> These are deceptive emails or messages designed to appear
            legitimate and trick people into providing personal data or clicking a malicious link.
        </li>

        <li>
            <strong>Malware:</strong> With sneaky software hidden in email attachments or shady
            downloads, hackers can gain access to sensitive data.
        </li>

        <li>
            <strong>Credential stuffing:</strong> Using stolen passwords from other breaches,
            cybercriminals test combinations across different platforms.
        </li>

        <li>
            <strong>Insider threats:</strong> Not all identity fraud comes from outsiders.
            Disgruntled employees or careless actions by team members may expose valuable data
            to those with ill intentions.
        </li>
    </ul>

    <h2>Fine-Tuning Your Identity Fraud Prevention Policy</h2>

    <p>
        Why wait for a breach to act? Consider adopting the following proactive strategies.
    </p>

    <h3>Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)</h3>

    <p>
        Passwords alone aren't enough anymore. By adding MFA, such as biometric verification
        or a texted one-time-use code, you significantly reduce the chances of unauthorized
        access. Even when an attacker gets hold of login credentials, they'll hit a brick wall
        without the secondary verification step.
    </p>

    <h3>Create Role-Based Permissions</h3>

    <p>
        Not everyone needs full clearance, so divide system permissions using identity and
        access management (IAM) platforms. For example, someone in HR shouldn't have admin-level
        permissions for IT systems. Limiting each employee's scope reduces the risk of accidental
        or malicious data exposure.
    </p>

    <h3>Conduct Continuous Security Monitoring</h3>

    <p>
        Incorporate identity threat detection and response (ITDR) tools into your existing
        strategy to spot repeated failed login attempts, access from unfamiliar locations,
        and other unusual identity-related activity.
    </p>

    <h3>Educate Employees on Security Best Practices</h3>

    <p>
        Even the best technology can't protect against human error. Train your employees to
        recognize phishing emails, avoid sharing sensitive information, and handle suspicious
        software downloads. Security starts with awareness, and empowering your team is the
        first line of defense.
    </p>

    <h3>Have a Response Plan in Place</h3>

    <p>
        Sometimes, breaches happen despite all efforts, and there's no time for improvisation
        during an attack. That's why a detailed response plan is critical. It outlines steps
        for isolating threats, informing affected parties, and restoring systems to normal.
    </p>

    <h2>Stay One Step Ahead of Credential Theft</h2>

    <p>
        AI-assisted tools are now part of the cybercriminal's arsenal. They use advanced
        algorithms to automate phishing efforts and tailor attacks, making it harder to spot
        the red flags. Businesses need to continuously adapt, train employees, and invest in
        updated cybersecurity measures to minimize the risk of identity fraud.
    </p>

    <p class="article-source">
        Used with permission from Article Aggregator
        <a href="https://sitesdev.net/articles/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">
            https://sitesdev.net/articles/
        </a>
    </p>

</section>

Learn how to prevent identity fraud with MFA, phishing awareness, IAM, ITDR, and employee training. Protect your business from credential theft and cyber threats.

Identity Fraud Prevention: Protect Your Business From Cyber Threats

Identity Fraud Never Sleeps, and Neither Should Your Defenses

<section class="ransomware-article">

    <p>
        What if making ransom payments after a data breach invites even more trouble?
        Many businesses believe it's the end of the ordeal, but new research suggests otherwise.
        Learn more about it here.
    </p>

    <h2>What Is Ransomware?</h2>

    <p>
        Ransomware, in its simplest form, is a malicious software designed to encrypt data
        and hold it hostage until you pay the ransom. It's an unfortunate byproduct of our
        rapidly expanding reliance on digital infrastructures.
    </p>

    <p>
        Businesses often have to deal with the following consequences after a successful attack:
    </p>

    <ul>
        <li>Loss of trade secrets, employee information, contracts, and other proprietary data</li>
        <li>Reputational damage and erosion of customer trust</li>
        <li>Financial losses from operational downtime and legal penalties</li>
        <li>Data compliance violations</li>
    </ul>

    <h2>The Perils of Capitulation to Cybercriminal Groups</h2>

    <p>
        A ransomware payment may seem like the quickest way to resolve an attack, but it's
        a slippery slope with no guarantees. The general advice from law enforcement and
        cybersecurity specialists is to never engage with the threat actors.
    </p>

    <p>
        When you acquiesce to an attacker's demands, you help fund their future activities
        while they mark your business as an "easy target," and recent data confirms this trend.
        The cybersecurity research group Proofpoint released its "2026 AI-Era Ransomware Report,"
        which surveyed almost 1,000 security professionals across 12 different markets.
    </p>

    <p>
        According to this global study, over half (54%) of organizations that suffered an attack
        resorted to ransom payments to restore their sensitive data. While 56% of these victims
        did end up regaining access, more than a third (37%) received a second extortion demand
        after paying, while another 2% never got their data back. Are you willing to take this gamble?
    </p>

    <h2>Protecting Your Company From Data Extortion</h2>

    <p>
        Instead of waiting for the worst-case scenario, consider taking the following measures.
    </p>

    <h3>Conduct Scheduled Data Backups</h3>

    <p>
        Back up your data frequently and store copies in isolated offline storage and in a secure,
        cloud-based solution. When ransomware strikes, having clean backups allows you to restore
        operations without giving in to extortion demands.
    </p>

    <h3>Invest in Endpoint Protection</h3>

    <p>
        Use advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools that monitor all devices for
        suspicious activity. These systems can flag unusual file changes or block malicious
        downloads before they wreak havoc on your network.
    </p>

    <h3>Enforce Strong Password Policies</h3>

    <p>
        Use complex passwords, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA), and educate your team
        on avoiding credential reuse across platforms.
    </p>

    <h3>Train Your Employees</h3>

    <p>
        Your team is your first line of defense. Conduct cybersecurity awareness training to
        help your staff spot phishing emails, suspicious links, and common social engineering
        tactics used by hackers.
    </p>

    <h3>Have Backup and Recovery Protocols in Place</h3>

    <p>
        Ransomware actors can strike fast, so having a solid incident response plan is
        non-negotiable. Start by identifying critical assets, then establish clear roles
        for your team during an attack. Simulations and practice drills can help uncover
        weaknesses before hackers do.
    </p>

    <h2>Prevent Repeat Ransomware Attacks With Proactive Cybersecurity</h2>

    <p>
        With no guarantee of data recovery from ransom payments, focus on prevention.
        The investment businesses make toward up-to-date cybersecurity measures often
        pays off in the long run.
    </p>

</section>

Paying a ransomware ransom doesn't guarantee data recovery and may lead to repeat extortion. Learn how proactive cybersecurity can protect your business.

Ransomware Attacks: Why Paying the Ransom Can Lead to More Extortion

Ransom Payments Can Trigger Repeat Attacks

<section class="passkeys-article">
    <div class="passkeys-container">

        <p>
            What if logging into your business systems could be both simpler and more secure?
            Learn about Microsoft business passkeys, a modern alternative to passwords.
        </p>

        <h2>What Are Passkeys?</h2>

        <p>
            Passkeys use cryptographic math instead of traditional codes. When you make a passkey,
            your device keeps a private key, and the website keeps a public key. With this setup,
            you only need to use biometrics or device-based authentication to log in. You never type
            a password, and your company's servers don't have to store one.
        </p>

        <p>This modern form of verification brings many worthwhile advantages for businesses, including:</p>

        <ul>
            <li>
                <strong>Phishing resistance:</strong> Hackers generally can't trick employees or
                customers into giving up a passkey on a fake website because it only works on the
                real, matching site.
            </li>

            <li>
                <strong>No password leaks:</strong> Since companies don't need to store database
                passwords anymore, a server hack won't expose customer or employee credentials.
            </li>

            <li>
                <strong>Fewer IT helpdesk costs:</strong> Staff spend much less time handling locked
                accounts and manual password reset requests.
            </li>

            <li>
                <strong>Faster customer checkouts:</strong> Instead of typing long codes, users can
                use biometrics to confirm transactions faster. This helps lower cart abandonment
                rates for online stores and services.
            </li>

            <li>
                <strong>No bad password habits:</strong> Passkey authentication stops your team from
                using weak passwords or reusing the same code across multiple work systems.
            </li>
        </ul>

        <h2>Microsoft Transitions to Passkeys for Entra ID</h2>

        <p>
            Does your company use Entra ID for its operations? Microsoft is making passkeys the
            default authentication experience for its service as part of a move toward
            phishing-resistant security.
        </p>

        <p>
            Starting September 1, 2026, users who rely on Microsoft-managed SMS or voice
            authentication will begin receiving prompts to register passkeys during sign-in.
            Later, on February 1, 2027, the platform will retire its built-in SMS and voice call
            authentication service completely. If your business still prefers these methods,
            consider looking into replacements before this date.
        </p>

        <p>
            Microsoft warns that today's AI-powered environment demands stronger forms of
            authentication, as threat actors are actively using sophisticated technology to
            fine-tune their attacks. The company shares that the click-through rate of AI-assisted
            phishing emails is a staggering 54%, while traditional methods sit at 12%.
        </p>

        <h2>The Rise of Modern Authentication Techniques</h2>

        <p>
            Microsoft business passkeys might not completely deter data breaches, but they
            significantly reduce the risk of phishing because passkeys are tied to a specific
            website and the user's device.
        </p>

        <p>
            Businesses may also consider the following types of phishing-resistant authentication:
        </p>

        <ul>
            <li>
                <strong>FIDO2 security keys:</strong> Thanks to advanced cryptography, you can use
                small physical hardware devices, such as USB tokens or smart cards, to log into
                websites and apps.
            </li>

            <li>
                <strong>Biometric authentication:</strong> Biometric authentication uses
                fingerprints, facial recognition, and iris scans to verify identities and strengthen
                passwordless sign-ins.
            </li>

            <li>
                <strong>Multi-factor authentication (MFA):</strong> MFA creates an extra layer of
                protection, so when one factor becomes compromised, gaining access would still be
                difficult for attackers.
            </li>
        </ul>

        <p>
            Cyberattacks will only grow more complex moving forward, but the transition to Microsoft
            business passkeys can help companies stay ahead. Many online services aside from
            Microsoft Entra ID already support passkeys, and more are adopting this passwordless
            authentication method every year.
        </p>

    </div>
</section>

Microsoft ends support for older OneDrive systems on Windows 10 version 21H2 and earlier. Learn which devices are affected and how to prepare your business.

Technology Insights for Smarter Business