Enter if You Dare. Ringing the doorbell AND saying "trick or treat," also counts as 2FA, just FYI. This Year's Cybersecurity Nightmares We don't like to get too spooky here at Cyber Treats, but this year had sophisticated attacks, massive breaches, and threats...
About the Author
Ellie Shaw
Cyber Treats: Rolling Out the Welcome Mat (Guest Wi-Fi)
Wi-Not? Guest Wi-Fi Dos and Don'ts Most routers have a default “guest network” setting, but for both home and business networks, “flip it on and forget it” isn’t a great strategy for guest Wi-Fi. What’s the danger? While your average visitor may just need to...
Cyber Treats: Rogue Downloads
What's Up With Shadow IT? Sounds cool; is not cool. So you’ve got a document you need to send to your accountant yesterday… but the file’s too big to attach in an email. What’s there to do? The correct answer is to contact your IT team (us!) so we can...
Cyber Treats: ClickFix Attacks
Forget Everything You Know About Ransomware Well, don't do that exactly, but keep this in mind: Interlock ransomware doesn't necessarily arrive in your inbox disguised as a fake invoice or urgent payment request. This threat lurks on legitimate websites that have...
How To Plan For A Ransomware Attack (Avoid Losing Everything and Paying Massive Ransoms)
Why Having a Plan Pays Off How To Plan for a Ransomware Attack (and Avoid the Worst-Case Scenario) "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." I've seen this Chinese proverb recently adapted to describe business continuity:...
In-House vs. Outsourced IT: Total Cost Analysis for Peoria Businesses
A comprehensive guide to understanding the true costs of IT staffing decisions for Central Illinois organizations Executive Summary Bottom Line: For most Peoria businesses with 25-150 employees, outsourcing IT to a managed service provider costs 40-60% less than...
Cyber Treats: Three AI Tools We Love
Listen to the Cyber Treats podcast below, made with AI, then learn how to make your own! AI tools are everywhere these days, but which ones are actually worth your time? Here are three that our team swears by—and some crucial security tips for using them safely....
Cyber Treats: How Hackers are Stealing Millions With Zero Coding Experience (Inside the RaaS Economy)
Play Cyber Treats Trivia We've made a short trivia quiz to test your cybersecurity knowledge! Click here to play on Interacty or paste https://interacty.me/projects/7328b43acd252461 into your address bar. Ransomware-as-a-Service: When Hackers Get...
Cyber Treats: Firewalls, and Why Your Business Can’t Go Without One
Ever wonder what stands between your sensitive data and hackers? It's not just antivirus software. Say hello to my little friend. Firewalls are small boxes that filter network traffic, providing security and control over what’s allowed into your system. Hardware...
Got a Digital Lucky Charm?
Luck is Not a Cybersecurity Strategy. While lucky shamrocks and leprechauns make for charming tales over a pint, they make dangerous cybersecurity strategies. Protect your data with more than wishful thinking. Many businesses operate with the "luck of the Irish"...
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Recent Posts
Managed vs. Co-Managed IT: Which Model Fits Your Business in Peoria?
Managed IT means an outside provider handles all of your technology — helpdesk, security, monitoring, planning, and vendor management. Co-managed IT means that provider works alongside your existing internal IT person or team, filling gaps in coverage, expertise, or...
Switching IT Providers in Peoria: What to Expect When You Move to Facet
Switching IT providers does not have to be painful — but it does require a plan. In our experience, the vast majority of transitions are completed within 30 days for small and mid-sized businesses across Peoria and Central Illinois. The only time it runs longer is...
CMMC 2.0 Compliance for Manufacturers: What Central Illinois Defense Contractors Need to Know
The Time for Adoption is Now CMMC 2.0 certification is now required for manufacturers bidding on Department of Defense contracts in 2026. Phase 1 implementation began November 10, 2025, which means self-assessments are already appearing in new solicitations across the...
Why Central Illinois Manufacturers Are Prime Targets for Cyber Attacks in 2026
Central Illinois manufacturers face growing cyber threats because they combine high-value intellectual property, operational technology that's difficult to update, and connections to larger supply chains. Attackers know that production downtime costs manufacturers...
AI-Fluent Leaders: A Practical AI Webinar Series for Business Owners and Executives
AI isn't waiting for you to figure it out. It's already in your business—whether you've approved it or not. Your employees are experimenting with ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and automation tools right now. Some are saving time. Others might be exposing sensitive data...
