Montani Solutions - Free Advice

Montani Solutions, LLC

IT Security and Compliance

Consulting, Assessments, Audits, Reviews, Training

Expert assistance in keeping your IT resources as secure as the mountains.

Recommendations:

· Buy the maintenance subscription.

· Configure it to automatically :

· Get and install updates at least daily.

· Check all files when accessed.

· Perform a complete virus scan once a week, at a time when you’re not using the computer.

· Do not disable it, especially when you’re connected to the Internet.

Everyone is better off when we each practice safe computing. To get you started, here’s some free advice. We’ll be adding more from time to time.

Even with advances in technology, logon UserIDs and passwords continue to be key elements in securing access to IT systems.

Treat your passwords like toothbrushes:

· Don’t share them with others.

· Change them every three months.

· Use ‘good’ ones, not ‘cheap and easy’

· Use different ones for inside and outside activities.

There are many good anti-virus products on the market today. There are versions for servers, PCs, Macs, PDAs, and almost every operating system. Pick one appropriate to your needs, keep it up to date, and use it.

UserIDs and Passwords

Anti-Virus Protection

Free Advice

What is Phishing?

Phishing is an online type of identity theft. Criminals create fictitious emails in an attempt to get you to give up personal or financial account information. These fraudulent emails appear to be from trusted companies, financial institutions, and even government agencies (like the IRS). Make sure you educate your employees about this serious form of identity theft. Because these criminals go to great lengths to make the Phishing emails look like legitimate emails from banks and other institutions, it is important for you to recognize them in order to protect your business.

Phishing—Caution: Don’t get hooked!

· An email includes scare tactics that lead you to believe clicking on a website link is vital to your continued access to your financial accounts or other services.

· There is a request for sensitive information such as your password, PIN number, Social Security Number ore account number. A legitimate company will never ask you for this via email.

· The email message may contain misspelled words, poor grammar or strange formatting.

· The URL of the hyperlink you’re asked to click goes to a strange address, particularly a foreign country.

How to Recognize Phishing Email:

Contact the institution the email claims to represent by phone—using the number that you’ve gotten from an independent source. D not respond to the suspected Phishing email or go to any referenced website within the email. If you visit these types of sites, “spyware” software can be automatically installed on your PC without your knowledge, and personal information can then easily be stolen.

You can preserve the integrity of your business information by increasing awareness about Phishing. If you would like more information about Phishing emails and how to combat them, contact us at Montani Solutions or speak to a representative of your financial institution.

If you Receive a Phishing Email: