New Business Directions

This last #CyberSecurityTip may seem a little basic, but we urge you to think of it in a new context outside of Facebook friends. Tip 5️⃣: Phishing attacks are increasingly moving to social platforms like #LinkedIn and #Facebook. Hackers may pose as recruiters, customers, or industry professionals to extract personal information or trick you into downloading malicious files. How to dodge the threat: Be wary of unsolicited messages from strangers on social media, especially those requesting personal details or sharing links. Always verify the identity of anyone asking for sensitive information and avoid clicking on unknown links shared via direct messages. In addition to the five tips we've shared over the past few days, our most recent blog post on #CyberSecurity has a list of seven best practices for staying secure in an era of evolving phishing tactics. Check it out at: https://loom.ly/i1A2Gtk

It's time for our fourth (and second-to-last) #CyberSecurity tip. Here's something you've likely never considered: maliciously swapped QR codes. Keep reading to find out what we mean. Tip 4️⃣: #QRcodes have become a ubiquitous tool, especially in restaurants and retail. However, phishers now use QR codes to disguise malicious URLs. They may overlay fake QR codes in public spaces by placing a sticker of their own QR code over another business's flyer or menu, or they may send phishing emails with QR codes that link to compromised websites or malware. How to dodge the threat: Before scanning a QR code, double-check its placement on a physical surface and ensure it hasn’t been tampered with. After scanning, review the web address that previews in your camera app you click on it to ensure it's legitimate. If something feels suspicious, don’t scan the code.

Ready for our third #CyberSecurity tip? Keep reading to find out what email subject lines should raise a red flag when you see them. Tip 3️⃣: While voicemail and invoice phishing schemes aren’t new, hackers are increasingly using these tactics to create a sense of urgency. You might receive an unexpected email about a voicemail or invoice, often from a service you don’t use. In addition, we’ve seen emails alerting you to free prizes – you’ve won a free trip – with a link to click to claim your prize. Last in this category, there is a new strategy in which phishers send “confirmation” emails suggesting that you’ve made a subscription purchase, going so far as to even include a pdf of a phony receipt. How to dodge the threat: If something feels off, it probably is. Never download an attachment or follow a link without verifying the source through another channel. Call the service provider directly to check whether they sent the email, and always be wary of “business” emails that end in @gmail.com, @yahoo.com, etc.

We're ready with your next #CyberSecurityTip so that you can keep your small to mid-sized business protected against common threats from phishers and hackers: Tip 2️⃣: Hackers are now leveraging #AI tools to generate #phishing emails that mimic legitimate communications. These emails may come from familiar addresses or look nearly identical to a colleague’s typical correspondence, including personalized details that make the email seem even more credible. How to dodge the threat: Never click on links or download attachments from unexpected emails, even if they appear to come from trusted contacts. Always hover over links to preview the URL and verify its legitimacy. AI tools are being used both by hackers and cybersecurity experts, so staying ahead of phishing trends is more important than ever.

As #CyberSecurityMonth comes to a close, we'll be sharing a few of the most common #CyberSecurity threats that #SmallBusinesses face, and tips to stay vigilant: Tip 1️⃣: Phishers continue to target users of popular accounting software, impersonating platforms like QuickBooks with claims such as “Your file is corrupted,” “Your payment method is expiring,” or “Your software needs an urgent upgrade.” The goal is to either convince you to pay for a fake service or grant them access to your system. How to dodge the threat: Always verify the sender’s email address. Emails from Intuit or QuickBooks will end with “@intuit.com” or “@quickbooks.com.” If you receive a suspicious email, permanently delete it. Do not provide sensitive information or remote access to anyone unless they are a trusted, verified partner.

Ready to get in-depth #smallbusiness insights sent straight to your inbox? Join our mailing list and get expert tips delivered to your inbox every month. Don’t miss out – hundreds already benefit from our newsletter! 👉 Join our mailing list: https://loom.ly/L4T9ObY #AskAnAccountant #BusinessLeadership #BusinessStrategy

Don't believe the rumors—QuickBooks Desktop is very much alive and kicking 🌟 Even though the 2021 versions are no longer supported, existing users can continue to renew and even expand their licenses. New users, take note: after September 30, 2024, new subscriptions for Desktop Pro, Premier, and Mac will no longer be available. Stay ahead and ensure you have the 2024 version. Need help with renewal or upgrading? We’re here to assist! https://lnkd.in/eHm-Z_9D

Wondering why you're seeing negative #AccountsReceivable on your #CashBasis Balance Sheet? There are a few scenarios that will cause a negative accounts receivable on a cash basis balance sheet in QuickBooks. In this month's newsletter, we focus on two common ones: unapplied payments and timing differences. Read more about why they happen and what you can do about them here: https://lnkd.in/dM6B-hfP

Wondering why you're seeing negative #AccountsReceivable on your #CashBasis Balance Sheet? There are a few scenarios that will cause a negative accounts receivable on a cash basis balance sheet in QuickBooks. In this month's newsletter, we focus on two common ones: unapplied payments and timing differences. Read more about why they happen and what you can do about them here: https://lnkd.in/dM6B-hfP

It's Certification Season at New Business Directions, and we are pleased to announce Britney Schaub's THREE new certifications! Britney, our dedicated Office Manager and Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor, has recently earned her QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise ProAdvisor Certification, QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor Certification, and Fathom Advisor Certification! It is no small feat to attain these certifications, let alone in such a short time. We are so proud of you, Britney!