Cyclone 365

Dependable Service. Consistent Results.

With over 25 years of industry experience, we provide a wide range of IT services for small and medium-sized businesses on the Gulf Coast.

Open weekdays from 9am to 5pm.

In-person office meetings by appointment only.

Don't Let Your Firmware Expose Your Business

Is your business unknowingly at risk due to outdated firmware? While you may think your latest gadgets are invincible, the reality can be quite different. That new wireless copier in the breakroom might be exposing more than you realize.

What is Firmware?

Firmware is the software that tells devices what to do. It's usually hidden and added by the device manufacturer. Just like your computer needs security updates, this hidden software inside your devices needs care too. Neglecting firmware updates can leave your business vulnerable to hackers.

The Importance of Firmware Security

Devices with poor firmware security can expose your network, leaving your business a sitting duck for cyber threats. Here are some tips to ensure your devices remain secure:

1. Prioritize Firmware Updates: When choosing devices, prioritize those with a history of regular and timely firmware updates. These updates patch security holes and keep your gadgets safe from harm.

2. Look Beyond Features: Don’t be fooled by fancy features! Look for manufacturers with a reputation for prioritizing security in their firmware.

3. Ask Questions: Before you buy, investigate the device's firmware update policy. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to ensure your devices won’t turn into ticking time bombs.

Conclusion

Firmware security is a crucial piece of the cybersecurity puzzle. Let us help you choose devices that are built to last and stay secure. With our expertise, we can guide you in selecting secure devices and implementing robust security measures.

Don't wait until it's too late. Ensure your business is protected by securing your firmware today. Click to Call or Email us today to schedule a meeting.

Supercharge Your Productivity with Microsoft Planner's Latest Upgrade

Do you ever feel like your desk is swamped with endless sticky notes and to-do lists that never get checked off? Are you exhausted from toggling between multiple apps just to complete a single project? If this sounds all too familiar, then it’s time for a change. Meet the new and improved Microsoft Planner, which is shaking things up in the world of task management—and it might just become your new productivity best friend.

Why Switch to the New Microsoft Planner?

Forget about the outdated, cumbersome planners of the past. The latest iteration of Microsoft Planner is here to revolutionize how you organize your work and personal life. Here’s why you should be excited:

1. Centralize Your Task Management

Gone are the days of juggling multiple tools to track your tasks. The new Planner integrates To Do and Project for the web, making it a powerhouse for both personal and professional project management. Whether you're planning a solo endeavor or coordinating with a team, Planner adapts to your needs and keeps everyone aligned.

2. Meet Copilot: Your AI-Powered Assistant

Imagine having an assistant that's on top of your schedule, can draft plans, and track progress using just natural language prompts. That’s what Copilot brings to your workflow. It’s like having a personal secretary who's always one step ahead, helping you stay on track without breaking a sweat.

3. Seamless Integration

Planner doesn’t just work in isolation. It’s designed to play nicely with your favorite Microsoft tools. With flawless integration into Teams, Power BI, and Viva, all your information stays interconnected. No more siloed data or switching contexts—you have everything you need in one unified interface.

4. Powerful Organizational Tools

Dive into a suite of intuitive features like buckets, cards, and labels that make project management a breeze. These tools are not only easy to use but also powerful enough to manage complex projects. Planner helps you organize your tasks visually, making it easier to see the big picture and make adjustments as needed.

Transform Your To-Do List Into a "Ta-Da!" List

With Microsoft Planner, you're not just checking off tasks; you're celebrating achievements. It’s about turning your daily grind into tangible successes, all while keeping your task and project management streamlined in one convenient place.

Getting Started Is Easy

Ready to take control of your productivity? Getting started with Microsoft Planner is straightforward. Whether you're a seasoned project manager or a task management newbie, Planner’s intuitive design makes it accessible to everyone. Say goodbye to the chaos of scattered tasks and hello to streamlined productivity.

Don’t let your productivity suffer any longer. Give Microsoft Planner a try and watch how it transforms your workday from overwhelming to overachieving. Click to Call or Email us today to schedule a meeting.

Navigating QR Code Scams

I've got some news that might rival the buzz from your morning coffee: there's a new scam lurking in the digital shadows. This one wears a QR code disguise, making it tricky to spot before you scan that next menu or coupon. Here's what you need to know to protect yourself:

Scammers are pasting fake QR codes over real ones and using bogus codes in spoofed emails. These nefarious codes lead to places you definitely don't want to visit, like Malware City or Identity Theft Island.

To avoid falling victim, follow these tips:

1. Do you really need to scan everything? Not every digital rabbit hole leads to Wonderland.

2. Check URLs with a DNS filter before visiting. Trusted QR code scanner apps can also help.

3. Verify before you trust. Treat the digital world like a jungle, and remember: you wouldn’t trust a random vine in the Amazon, so don’t put your password or personal details into questionable sites.

Need stronger phishing security solutions? We've got your back. Click to Call or Email us today to schedule a meeting.

Unveiling Your New Cybersecurity Sidekick

Introducing a new player in the Microsoft universe: Microsoft Security Copilot. Is it the Iron Man of cybersecurity or just another tech sidekick? Let's find out!

What’s Microsoft Security Copilot?

Think of it as Batman's digital partner. Security Copilot is Microsoft's AI-powered wingman designed to guard your data from cyber villains. It scans for threats, builds your cybersecurity strategy, and even alerts you to phishing attempts.

Why Should You Care?

Are you tired of facing cyber threats alone? Security Copilot can be your trusty companion, giving you peace of mind. Its natural language capabilities make it easy to interact with, whether you need a security report or immediate threat response. No more hours spent combing through data yourself!

Should You Use It?

That depends on your cybersecurity goals. If you want to enhance your digital defenses and gain some extra peace of mind, Security Copilot could be your new best friend.

Interested in learning more? Just Call or Email and we’ll schedule a time to meet.

Do You Use Browser Extensions? Uhhh... Maybe Don't.

Ah, the world of online security – it's never dull, especially when browser extensions enter the scene. These little add-ons are like the divas of the digital world, offering a mix of utility and flair to our browsing experience. But beneath their useful exterior, there's a potential for mischief that can't be ignored.

The Unseen Side of Browser Add-Ons

At first glance, browser extensions seem like our digital allies, enhancing our online adventures with their cool functionalities. Yet, there's a darker narrative unfolding behind the curtains. Let's peel back the layers and expose some of the drama these extensions might be stirring up in the background.

·         Unwanted Guests: Imagine your online space as a private party. Now, picture some extensions as those party crashers who slip in unnoticed. Once inside, they begin to monitor every move you make online, turning your private browsing session into their entertainment.

·         Privacy Leeches: These extensions are silent predators, feasting on your personal information without a hint of your awareness. Before you know it, they've compiled a dossier on you, all without your consent.

·         Performance Thieves: Ever feel like your browser is trudging through mud? Some extensions are notorious for gobbling up your system's resources, transforming your swift browsing experience into a sluggish ordeal.

Light at the End of the Tunnel

Despite the gloom, there's hope. Protecting your online realm from these covert operatives isn't as daunting as it seems. Here are a few strategies to fortify your defenses:

·         Spring Cleaning: Regularly audit your browser extensions, trimming the unnecessary ones that have accumulated over time.

·         Stay Updated: Keeping your extensions up-to-date is crucial. Developers often release updates to patch security vulnerabilities and improve performance.

·         Do Your Homework: Before welcoming a new extension into your browser, take the time to investigate. Reviews and ratings can provide valuable insights into an extension's reputation and behavior.

Wrapping Up

The digital domain is vast and filled with wonders, but it's also a battleground where security is paramount. Browser extensions, for all their charm and utility, can sometimes be the unexpected antagonists in our online narrative. By staying vigilant and adopting a few precautionary measures, you can navigate this drama-filled landscape with confidence. Remember, in the vast kingdom of the internet, it's always better to be safe than sorry. We're here to ensure your journey is as secure as it is enjoyable.

Concerned with the ever-increasing risks of computer security to your business? Click to Call or Email us today to schedule a meeting.

We provide IT support and services in and around these areas:

Mobile, AL Pensacola, FL Pascagoula, MS
Daphne, AL Fort Walton Beach, FL Gautier, MS
Fairhope, AL Destin, FL Ocean Springs, MS
Foley, AL Panama City, FL Biloxi, MS
Gulf Shores, AL Tallahassee, FL Gulfport, MS
Orange Beach, AL Lake City, FL Pass Christian, MS

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