Any IT or cybersecurity company worth their salt will tell you that you need multiple layers of security …
Tag: Educational Materials
Tech Tip: How to Disable “Off-Facebook Activity”
Facebook tracks its users’ activity across the web. Here’s how to stop it. Among security experts, there’s a …
Let’s Talk Network Documentation!
IT documentation is a powerful force when it comes to your business network and overall operations. Done well, …
FBI IC3 Report: Cybercrime Losses Up 48% in 2021
Did You Know? The dark web could now be considered the world’s third largest economy, with experts estimating that cybercrime brought in over $6 trillion in 2021, according to the FBI’s annual Internet Crime Report, which documents cybercrime trends. The Bureau...
Do You Know SBDC?
Business owners should know about the SBDC and their programs. By: Brian Ford, President at Facet Technologies, Inc. I have found over the years that most business owners have not heard of the SBDC. The SBDC (Small Business Development Centers) is a partner...
Blackmail Phishing Scams: 4 Steps to Take if You Receive an Extortion Email
Fear, Lies, and Greed: Blackmail Phishing Scams Play on Embarrassment for Huge Payouts Why am I getting this email? I didn’t do anything wrong! A friend of mine recently sent me a screenshot of an email via text. The subject line was a random string of characters,...
Ransomware on the Rise: Five Steps to Improved Email Security
How far would you go to protect your company’s data? How about your customers’ data? Every day, business owners are confronted with this exact question when they become victims of ransomware schemes. According to an industry report by Coveware, the average ransomware...
Turn Your Team Into Your Greatest Security Defense
IT security experts will often tell you that employees are the greatest security vulnerability in any company. We warn of social engineering emails and phone calls, reused passwords, work emails used on personal accounts, and dozens of other behaviors that can put...
Seven Factors that Affect the Lifespan of Your Computer
How long will a computer last? When do I need to replace my computer? We get these questions often here at Facet, but it’s not easy to formulate an answer in most cases. There are no fixed rules here, as it often comes down to personal preference. We can, however,...
Tech Tip: Take the Shortcut!
This month’s tech tip is from Annette Ford, Vice President at Facet Technologies. Annette has shared a few shortcuts for web browsers that will save you time. You’ll never go back to using your mouse again! These tips are for Windows 10 users, but if you use an Apple...
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Why Business Continuity Planning Matters
Your server just crashed. Ransomware hit overnight. Hardware failed. How long until your Peoria business is operational again? If you're guessing, you don't have continuity—you have hope. Hope isn't a recovery strategy for Central Illinois businesses. What Business...
Which Compliance Framework Does Your Central Illinois Business Actually Need?
A straight answer to PCI, HIPAA, CMMC, and FEDRAMP requirements for Peoria-area companies You process credit cards. Does that trigger PCI requirements? Your facility handles patient records. Does HIPAA apply? You bid on government contracts. Is CMMC mandatory? These...
5 HIPAA Violations Costing Medical Practices Millions (And How to Stop Them)
Federal regulators collected nearly $145 million in HIPAA fines since enforcement began. In 2024 alone, 22 investigations ended in penalties—one of the busiest years on record. For medical practices across Central Illinois, the question isn't whether you'll be...
Cybersecurity Awareness Month: The 4 C’s That Stop Attacks in Central Illinois
Most breaches don’t start with elite hackers. They start with something simple: a clicked link, a skipped update, or a reused password. For business leaders in Central Illinois, October is the perfect time to address these vulnerabilities during Cybersecurity...
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...
