Always Networks

Cybersecurity's journey began in the 1970s, at a time when the internet as we know it was just a vision. It all started with ARPANET, the precursor to today’s internet, and a program called Creeper. Created by Bob Thomas, Creeper wasn’t designed to cause harm - it simply hopped from computer to computer across the network, leaving a message behind. This demonstrated the potential for software to move between different systems, raising the need for digital safeguards. Ray Tomlinson, a key figure in early computing and the inventor of email, saw an opportunity to address this new challenge. He created Reaper, a program specifically designed to chase and delete Creeper. With Reaper, we had the first example of antivirus software, and Creeper became the first computer worm. These programs highlighted a new frontier in computing - protecting networks from threats. Today, cybersecurity is a cornerstone of any business’s digital strategy. While the threats have become more complex, the goal remains the same: keeping networks safe. Curious about how you can strengthen your IT security? Get in touch with our team to learn more. #BarnsleyIsBrill #YorkshireBusiness #CyberSecurity

How safe are your passwords? With 10 billion passwords leaked in the largest breach ever recorded, it’s time to ask whether your current security measures are enough. This breach is a reminder that we need to be proactive about protecting our data. Weak passwords are one of the easiest ways for hackers to access sensitive information. Here are some steps you can take to strengthen your password security: 1. Use complex combinations – mix letters, numbers, and symbols. 2. Avoid obvious choices like "password123" or your pet’s name. 3. Enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security. 4. Change your passwords periodically, especially after news of a breach. We help businesses keep their data secure by providing expert advice on cybersecurity best practices. Don’t let a weak password be the reason your data falls into the wrong hands. Get in touch to discuss how we can help strengthen your business’s security. 🔐 #BarnsleyIsBrill #YorkshireBusiness #PasswordBreach

Thanks for the great feeback Steve 😁 #FeedbackFriday #BarnsleyIsBrill #YorkshireBusiness

On this day in 1907, the landscape of global communication changed forever, thanks to Guglielmo Marconi. By launching the first commercial transatlantic wireless service, he linked Nova Scotia, Canada, with Ireland, enabling messages to travel across the Atlantic without undersea cables for the first time. This was more than just a technological achievement; it was a game-changer for global business. Marconi’s wireless service made communication faster, more affordable, and accessible, allowing companies to keep in touch with international contacts more easily. The days of waiting weeks for a message to arrive were over. This milestone laid the foundation for modern communication technology, transforming how we connect across the globe. It’s remarkable to think that this innovation in 1907 helped shape the wireless world we live in today. How different would business be if we still had to rely on cables and ships to deliver our messages? #BarnsleyIsBrill #YorkshireBusiness #Wireless

The largest Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack ever recorded hit a peak of 3.8 terabits per second last month. To put it in perspective, that’s like adding thousands of extra cars to an already congested motorway, causing complete gridlock - only, it’s your website that ends up at a standstill. 🚦 So, what exactly is a DDoS attack? Cyber criminals deliberately overload a website with fake traffic, making it impossible for legitimate visitors to access. This can lead to serious issues for businesses, from losing revenue to suffering damage to their reputation. The previous largest DDoS attack, which occurred in 2021, reached 3.47 Tbps. With threats like this increasing, it’s clear that businesses need strong online security systems more than ever to stay operational during such incidents. We specialise in helping companies protect themselves against these kinds of cyber threats. With the right defences, you can ensure your website stays up and running, no matter what traffic comes your way. 🛡️ Has your business ever dealt with a DDoS attack? Let’s discuss how you can better prepare for the future. #BarnsleyIsBrill #YorkshireBusiness #DDoS

We’ve all experienced the horror of accidentally deleting an important file. But don’t panic – there are steps you can take to recover it. We've put together a new blog with tips on things you can try: ✅ Check the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac). ✅ Restore from a backup using File History or Time Machine. ✅ Try file recovery software like Recuva, Disk Drill, or PhotoRec. ✅ Contact a professional data recovery service if needed. Need help setting up a backup system or recovering lost files? Get in touch with us today. Read the full post here: https://lnkd.in/evhNAG9s #BarnsleyIsBrill #YorkshireBusiness #DeletedFile

With so many business applications now accessible through web browsers, 'Browser Context' has become a trending topic in #cybersecurity. But what does it mean, and why should it matter to your business? In simple terms, Browser Context refers to the data stored by your web browser - things like cookies, saved passwords, browsing history, and session data. This information helps personalise your browsing experience but can also pose risks if accessed by the wrong people. Cybercriminals can exploit weak points in browser security to gain access to sensitive data, putting your business at risk. Understanding how your browser handles and stores this information is the first step in staying secure. Here are a few tips to help protect your browser environment: 1. Regularly clear your cookies and browsing history. 2. Use strong, unique passwords for different sites. 3. Enable privacy settings and avoid using 'always allow' permissions. 4. Install reputable browser security extensions. 5. Keep your browser up to date to avoid vulnerabilities. Don’t let potential vulnerabilities put your business at risk. Get in touch today to learn how we can help secure your browser environment. #BarnsleyIsBrill #YorkshireBusiness #BrowserContext

As businesses continue to embrace digital transformation, the need for strong cybersecurity measures is more important than ever. One simple yet powerful way to enhance security is by implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). By requiring users to present two or more forms of identification before accessing accounts or systems, MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access. Think of it as an added layer of security on top of your existing defences. Even if a hacker manages to steal your password, they’ll still need another form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone or a fingerprint scan, to gain access. This can drastically reduce the likelihood of a successful attack and gives your business peace of mind. We help small and medium-sized businesses stay secure in a rapidly changing digital landscape. We can guide you through the process of setting up MFA, ensuring it integrates seamlessly with your current systems. Ready to bolster your security? Get in touch today and let’s make sure your business is protected. #BarnsleyIsBrill #YorkshireBusiness #MFA

As part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we're sharing insights on how to protect your smartphone from cyber threats. Our latest blog explores the rise in mobile attacks – up 50% in 2023 – and what you can do to stay safe. 📱🔐 Whether it's phishing scams, malicious apps, or even something as simple as scanning a QR code, cybercriminals have found numerous ways to exploit mobile devices. But with a few simple precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk. Our blog covers practical steps like keeping your phone updated, avoiding public Wi-Fi, and carefully reviewing app permissions. With so many of us using smartphones for work and personal tasks, ensuring mobile security is more important than ever. Don’t wait until it’s too late – read the blog now to learn how to protect your device and keep your data secure. Need guidance on securing your business’s devices? We’re here to help – get in touch with us to discuss mobile security solutions tailored to your needs. Read the full post here: https://lnkd.in/eyA3n7ip #BarnsleyIsBrill #YorkshireBusiness #DeletedFile

Phishing scams are on the rise, and even the savviest employees can fall for them. The good news is, by knowing the common signs of phishing emails, your team can avoid costly mistakes. Here’s what to look out for: 🔗 Dodgy Links: Hover over links before clicking - scammers often disguise malicious URLs to look legitimate. 🛑 Requests for Sensitive Info: If an email is asking for your password, bank details, or any personal information, it's likely a phishing attempt. Legitimate companies won’t ask for this via email. ⚠️ Urgent Language: Be wary of emails that push you to act quickly. Scammers often use urgency to trick people into making quick decisions. 💬 Strange Attachments or Grammar Issues: If something seems off, whether it's poor grammar or an unusual attachment, it’s best to avoid the email entirely. To protect your business from phishing attacks: 1️⃣ Train your staff to recognise these red flags. 2️⃣ Encourage them to report suspicious emails straight away. 3️⃣ Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) to give your business an added layer of security. We specialise in helping small businesses protect themselves from cyber threats like phishing scams. Contact us today to learn how we can support your team’s cyber defences. #BarnsleyIsBrill #YorkshireBusiness #Phishing