Report Shows 18% of Small Businesses Still Using Windows XP

According to a new report, almost one in five small and midsized businesses worldwide are exposed to major security risks as they are still using Windows XP after Microsoft ended support for the operating system. This report was released after a three-month study conducted by Bitdefender, and showed that businesses around the world still rely on the legacy Microsoft OS despite major security concerns. Millions of malware attacks target companies every month and hackers try to steal confidential data by taking advantage of the unsupported system’s vulnerabilities. Since April 8th, the date Windows ended support, enterprises that continue to run Windows XP are more vulnerable to these cyber-attacks. Windows XP users no longer receive new security updates, non-security hotfixes, free or paid assisted support options or online technical content updates. Experts recommend that Windows XP users upgrade to a current and supported system as soon as possible to minimize security risks.

Cyber Attacks Cause Big Effects on Small Business

The data breaches that we most often hear about affect larger companies and compromise millions of customers, such as the attacks against Target and eBay. Data possessed by small businesses can be just as valuable and, in some cases, much more so. Small business owners know that the impact of an embarrassing or costly data breach can mean potentially losing their livelihood and/or the entire business enterprise. The majority of cyber-attacks actually target small and medium-sized businesses because they are typically much more vulnerable than large enterprises, and the effects can be much more devastating. Firewalls, spam blockers and antivirus software are always recommended, but these do not always work to keep criminals out. “The Verizon 2013 Data Breach Investigations Report found that 62 percent of breaches impacted smaller organizations, and that number is likely conservative because it assumes an organization is even aware it has been breached” (CPA Practice Advisor). Small businesses that do not have the IT resources or expertise to implement and manage security systems are prime targets for cyber criminals, as they might not even be aware that an attack has taken place.

 Monitoring where files exist, how they move inside and outside the network is critical to immediately identifying an attack and preventing information loss. It is also recommended that every business, regardless of size, create a comprehensive security training program in place for employees. This would involve not leaving files open or unattended and shutting down all unsecured devices at the end of every day. It is a good idea to also classify employees based on what they can and cannot access on the company system, and keep files as restricted as possible. Additionally, employees should have a different and strong password for all accounts or services. Unfortunately, cyber-attacks can occur despite a business owner’s best efforts. But the effects can be limited by relying on a crisis management plan that centers on transparent communication between management, employees, stakeholders, customers, and anyone else who may be affected.

How to Keep Your Records Safe in Case Disaster Strikes

It is always a good idea to have a plan for what to do if and when disaster strikes. A disaster recovery plan is especially important when it comes to keeping your tax and financial records safe. The Internal Revenue Service provides taxpayers with some basic steps to take now to be prepared in case of emergency:

1.      Backup Records Electronically. Ask for your bank statements to be emailed rather than mailed, and scan tax records and insurance policies into an electronic format. Always remember to backup these files and keep them in a safe place.

2.      Document Your Valuables. Take photos or videos of the contents of your home and/or business. Visual records can help prove the value of lost items. They will also help with insurance claims or casualty loss deductions on your tax return. Store these pictures or videos with a friend or relative who lives away from the area.

3.      Update Emergency Plans. Review your family’s emergency plan every year, and update when changes are needed.

4.      Get Copies of Tax Returns or Transcripts. Visit IRS.gov to obtain a copy of Form 4506, the Request for Copy of Tax Return, to replace lost or destroyed tax returns.

Do you have a disaster plan for your important records? Let us know in the comments below.

New QuickBooks App for Mac Devices

 

Intuit, the maker of QuickBooks and many other business and financial technologies, has announced the availability of a new QuickBooks application for Mac OS devices. The QuickBooks app for Mac is the newest addition to the QuickBooks family, which is the number one cloud accounting solution for small businesses. The new app offers business management on multiple devices, as the data is available through the QuickBooks Online account, and users can access the data from their computer, iPhone or iPad. The app automatically syncs data between devices and users, so small businesses can manage their finances anytime and anywhere. The QuickBooks app for Mac also offers menu bar notifications that provide real-time alerts, multi-window support to streamline how users want to work in QuickBooks, and keyboard shortcuts that save business owners even more time.  If you have any questions about QuickBooks, contact us and a certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor will be happy to assist you!

Windows Key Shortcuts

Did you know that the Windows key on your keyboard can be used for time-saving shortcuts and quick access to Windows Explorer? This key can make navigating through Windows 7 much easier by using the following keystrokes:

·         Windows Key opens and closes the Start Menu

·         Windows Key + T scrolls through items on your taskbar

·         Windows Key + Ctrl + Tab advances through Windows using Aero Flip 3D

·         Windows Key + Up Arrow maximizes the activate window

·         Windows Key + Down Arrow  minimizes and restores the active window

·         Windows Key + Left Arrow snaps the window to the left side of the screen

·         Windows Key + Right Arrow snaps the window to the right side of the screen

·         Windows Key + Home minimizes all but the active window

·         Windows Key + (+/-) zooms in and out and opens Magnifier

·         Windows Key + M minimizes open windows

·         Windows Key + Shift + M restores all open windows

·         Windows Key + E opens Windows Explorer

Do you use other shortcuts for navigation ease? Share with us in the comments below.