SOLUTIONS MONTHLY
Your Monthly Dose of Tech and Business News
Welcome to the November Issue of Solutions Monthly!
We're committed to keeping you informed and protected in our ever-evolving digital landscape. This month's newsletter brings you timely insights and updates to help safeguard and optimize your business operations. We invite you to dive in and, as always, reach out if you need any assistance. Your success is our mission.
As the autumn leaves fall and we reflect on the changing seasons, we're especially grateful for our recent opportunity to honor local service members at this month's 10th Annual Berks Veterans Luncheon - check out a few of our favorite photos from the event below. These moments remind us of the importance of community and service—values that remain at the heart of everything we do at Solve IT Solutions.
Questions? Something on your mind?
Until then, stay safe.
Solve IT Solutions: Proud Supporters of the
10th Annual Berks Veterans Luncheon
ALERT: Spear-Phishing Campaign
Cybersecurity professionals, organizations, and governments are on high alert as the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued a warning about a large-scale spear-phishing campaign targeting several sectors, including government and information technology (IT). This sophisticated attack, reportedly conducted by a foreign threat actor, has been leveraging malicious Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) files to gain unauthorized access to sensitive networks. Here are some ways to protect your organization.
THE NATURE OF THE ATTACK
According to CISA, the threat actor behind this attack is posing as a trusted entity, sending spear-phishing emails with malicious RDP files. These files, if opened, allow the attacker to remotely access the target's network, often giving them the ability to manipulate or steal sensitive data. Once inside the network, the attacker may deploy additional malicious code to establish persistent access, enabling further exploitation.
While this attack primarily targets organizations in the government and IT sectors, no industry is immune to the threat. Therefore, it is crucial for all organizations to understand the risks and take immediate action.
Key Measures to Mitigate the Threat
CISA, alongside industry partners, is actively coordinating a response to the campaign and assessing its impact. However, organizations must also take their own proactive measures to protect their networks. Below are some crucial steps your organization should take immediately:
1. Restrict Outbound RDP Connections
One of the most effective ways to protect against this type of attack is to restrict outbound RDP connections to external or public networks. By minimizing RDP exposure, you can limit the potential entry points for cybercriminals.
2. Block RDP Files in Communication Platforms
RDP files can be used as delivery mechanisms for malicious payloads. Blocking RDP files in email clients, webmail services, and other communication platforms is an essential step in preventing this kind of attack.
3. Prevent the Execution of RDP Files
Even if RDP files do make it through your communication channels, you can prevent them from being executed by users. Implementing robust execution controls is critical to reducing the risk of exploitation.
4. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a fundamental security measure that can help prevent unauthorized access to your organization’s systems. It is crucial that MFA is enabled wherever possible, especially for remote access.
5. Adopt Phishing-Resistant Authentication Methods
Phishing-resistant authentication methods are an effective defense against sophisticated spear-phishing attacks. FIDO2 tokens or hardware-based authentication solutions are a more secure alternative to SMS-based MFA.
6. Deploy Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
Implementing Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions is essential for monitoring and responding to suspicious activity within your network. These tools help detect threats early, allowing security teams to respond before significant damage is done.
7. Evaluate Additional Security Solutions
In addition to EDR, organizations should consider antiphishing and antivirus solutions to further bolster their defenses. These tools help catch threats that may bypass other security layers.
8. Conduct Regular User Education and Awareness Programs
User education is often the first line of defense against phishing attacks. Training employees to recognize suspicious emails and phishing attempts can drastically reduce the risk of successful attacks.
9. Monitor for Unauthorized RDP Connections
Actively monitor your network for any unauthorized or unexpected outbound RDP connections, especially those that appear to be directed to public or external networks. This could indicate a breach.
Final Thoughts
This spear-phishing campaign underscores the need for proactive cybersecurity measures. Solve IT Solutions works tirelessly to ensure that our clients and their networks stay as safe as possible - and one of the best ways you can help is to stay educated and vigilant.
MEET SAM JORDAN
At Solve IT Solutions, we believe the strength of our organization lies not just in what we do, but in who we are. We're committed to helping our clients know the faces behind the names—the dedicated professionals who make our company tick. In that spirit, we're delighted to introduce you to Sam Jordan, our new Director of Finance, who brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to our leadership team.
Sam Jordan, a North Carolina native and Roanoke College graduate, joined Solve IT Solutions as the Director of Finance, bringing with him a wealth of experience from diverse service-oriented industries. With a degree in Accounting, Sam’s professional journey has taken him through a decade in banking and four years in the funeral home industry, instilling in him a deep appreciation for client-focused service.
Now calling Lancaster, PA home for the past 15 years, Sam is excited to bring his financial acumen and service-oriented mindset to the Solve IT Solutions team. He’s particularly enthusiastic about applying his diverse background to enhance the company’s financial strategies and contribute to its overall growth.
When he’s not crunching numbers or strategizing financial plans, Sam can be found enjoying the great outdoors. An avid runner and hiking enthusiast, he often explores Pennsylvania’s scenic trails. His love for water and beaches also keeps him looking forward to family vacations by the shore.
Family is at the core of Sam’s life. He cherishes time spent with his wife Sarah and their two daughters, Sadie and Scarlett. The Jordan family isn’t complete without Molly, their beloved dog, who often joins them on their outdoor adventures.
THE TOP TECHNOLOGIES TRANSFORMING CUSTOMER SERVICE TODAY
Customer service is at the heart of any successful business. Customer expectations continue to evolve. Similarly, companies must evolve to meet those expectations. 55% of customers like self-serve customer service over speaking to a representative.
Technology has become a game-changer in this regard.
Here’s how:
· Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning are leading the charge in revolutionizing customer service. These technologies are enhancing everything from customer interactions to backend processes.
· Omnichannel Support. Customers today expect seamless support across several channels. Omnichannel support ensures a consistent experience, regardless of the channel a customer chooses.
· Cloud-Based Customer Service Platforms are transforming the customer service landscape by offering flexibility, scalability, and accessibility.
· Self-Service Technologies empower customers to find answers and resolve issues on their own. This improves customer satisfaction and reduces the workload on service teams.
· Data Analytics and Customer Insights. By analyzing customer data, businesses can gain valuable insights to provide more targeted and effective service
· Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is another technology making waves in customer service. RPA involves the use of software robots to automate repetitive, rule-based tasks. This frees up human agents to focus on more complex and value-added activities.
Let Us Help You with a Technology Roadmap
The technologies transforming customer service today offer many benefits, but it’s not always easy to know where or how to get started. Our team of IT consultants can help you build a tech roadmap that makes sense.
Want to know more about Robotic Process Automation? Check out this video by IBM Technology.
COPILOT IN TEAMS: NEW FEATURES, AGENTS & MORE
Microsoft Teams continues to evolve. It is a powerful hub for collaboration and communication in the modern workplace. With the integration of AI-driven Copilot, Teams is pushing the boundaries. It’s innovating how we interact with technology to improve and unlock business value.
What is Copilot in Microsoft Teams?
Copilot is Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant. In Microsoft Teams, Copilot acts as an intelligent agent. It helps users by doing things like:
• Automating processes
• Managing tasks
• Analyzing data
• Providing real-time insights
Copilot provides actionable recommendations, transforming how teams collaborate.
New Features of Copilot in Teams
These features help users navigate complex tasks and much more.
Automated Meeting Summaries
A standout feature is generating meeting summaries automatically.
Intelligent Task Management
It analyzes conversations in chats or meetings, then automatically identifies task, assigs them to team members, and tracks progress.
Context-Aware Responses
Copilot’s AI has become more context-aware. This minimizes irrelevant suggestions and keeps teams focused.
Personalized Insights
As Copilot interacts with a team, it learns from past behaviors. For example, it can suggest the best times to schedule meetings.
Agents in Copilot: A New Way to Work
Copilot agents are task-specific AI-driven assistants. You can customize them to handle particular functions or workflows. Agents focus on specific domains such as customer support, sales, or project management. This makes them a valuable asset for small and medium-sized businesses. Here are some of the key capabilities these agents bring to Teams.
• Automating Routine Tasks
• Integration with Business Tools
• Multitasking Capabilities
Benefits of Using Copilot in Teams
Increased Productivity
Copilot frees up time for employees to focus on more important activities.
Improved Communication
Copilot can summarize meetings, track action items, and offer context-aware suggestions.
Enhanced Decision-Making
Copilot helps highlight trends, provide performance metrics, and identify areas of improvement.
Better Workflow Management
Agents and automation tools help manage workflows.
The future of AI in tools like Teams presents an exciting opportunity. By adopting these AI-powered tools now, businesses can stay ahead of the curve.
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