Posts by The Abacus Blog Team
The MFA Level-Up: Why SMS Codes Are No Longer Enough (and What to Use Instead)
For years, enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) has been a cornerstone of account and device security. While MFA remains essential, the threat landscape has evolved, making some older methods less effective. The most common form of MFA, four- or six-digit codes sent via SMS, is convenient and familiar, and it’s certainly better than relying on passwords…
Read MoreThe Daily Cloud Checkup: A Simple 15-Minute Routine to Prevent Misconfiguration and Data Leaks
Moving to the cloud offers incredible flexibility and speed, but it also introduces new responsibilities for your team. Cloud security is not a “set it and forget it” type task, small mistakes can quickly become serious vulnerabilities if ignored. You don’t need to dedicate hours each day to this. In most cases, a consistent, brief…
Read MoreThe “Deepfake CEO” Scam: Why Voice Cloning Is the New Business Email Compromise (BEC)
The phone rings, and it’s your boss. The voice is unmistakable; with the same flow and tone you’ve come to expect. They’re asking for a favor: an urgent wire transfer to lock in a new vendor contract, or sensitive client information that’s strictly confidential. Everything about the call feels normal, and your trust kicks in…
Read MoreSecuring the ‘Third Place’ Office: Policy Guidelines for Employees Working from Coffee Shops and Coworking Spaces
The modern office extends far beyond traditional cubicles or open-plan spaces. Since the concept of remote work became popularized in the COVID and post-COVID era, employees now find themselves working from their homes, libraries, bustling coffee shops, and even vacation destinations. These environments, often called “third places,” offer flexibility and convenience but can also introduce…
Read MoreAI’s Hidden Cost: How to Audit Your Microsoft 365 Copilot Usage to Avoid Massive Licensing Waste
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has taken the business world by storm, pushing organizations of all sizes to adopt new tools that boost efficiency and sharpen their competitive edge. Among these tools, Microsoft 365 Copilot rises to the top, offering powerful productivity support through its seamless integration with the familiar Office 365 environment. In the push to…
Read MoreThe Smarter Way to Vet Your SaaS Integrations
Your business runs on a SaaS (software-as-a-service) application stack, and you learn about a new SaaS tool that promises to boost productivity and streamline one of your most tedious processes. The temptation is to sign up for the service, click “install,” and figure out the rest later. This approach sounds convenient, but it also exposes…
Read MoreHow to Use Conditional Access to Grant and Revoke Contractor Access in 60 Minutes
Managing contractor logins can be a real headache. You need to grant access quickly so work can begin, but that often means sharing passwords or creating accounts that never get deleted. It’s the classic trade-off between security and convenience, and security usually loses. What if you could change that? Imagine granting access with precision and…
Read MoreHow to Implement Zero Trust for Your Office Guest Wi-Fi Network
Guest Wi-Fi is a convenience your visitors expect and a hallmark of good customer service. But it’s also one of the riskiest points in your network. A shared password that’s been passed around for years offers virtually no protection, and a single compromised guest device can become a gateway for attacks on your entire business.…
Read More6 Ways to Prevent Leaking Private Data Through Public AI Tools
We all agree that public AI tools are fantastic for general tasks such as brainstorming ideas and working with non-sensitive customer data. They help us draft quick emails, write marketing copy, and even summarize complex reports in seconds. However, despite the efficiency gains, these digital assistants pose serious risks to businesses handling customer Personally Identifiable…
Read More5 Ways to Implement Secure IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) in Your Small Business
Even the most powerful IT hardware today will eventually become outdated or faulty and will need to be retired. However, these retired servers, laptops, and storage devices hold a secret: they contain highly sensitive data. Simply throwing them in the recycling bin or donating them without preparation is a compliance disaster and an open invitation…
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