6 January

How to Train Employees on IT Security

CK SolutionsMANAGED IT Support services Dublin, Training

In today’s digitally driven workplaces, IT security training is no longer optional. With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated and widespread, equipping employees to recognise and tackle these risks is essential for protecting your organisation. A single mistake—like clicking on a phishing link or using a weak password—can lead to devastating consequences. By providing proper training, you turn your team into a proactive line of defence, reducing vulnerabilities and fostering a culture where security comes first.

Grasping the Basics of IT Security

IT security isn’t just for tech experts—every employee needs to understand the basics. This foundational knowledge forms the backbone of your organisation’s defence. At its heart, IT security involves practices and protocols designed to protect sensitive information and digital resources.

Risks like phishing attacks, malware, and social engineering are often underestimated by employees, yet they remain the leading causes of data breaches. Effective training highlights these threats, showing how attackers operate and why vigilance is critical. Explaining the financial and reputational damage a breach can cause also reinforces the importance of staying alert.

Creating an Effective IT Security Training Programme

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to IT security training. Each organisation has unique vulnerabilities and operational needs, so tailoring your programme is vital. Start by assessing your specific risks and weaknesses, then build a curriculum that addresses the threats most relevant to your industry.

Practical, hands-on learning is key. Activities like simulated phishing attacks and penetration tests give employees the chance to experience threats in a safe, controlled environment. This not only increases engagement but also prepares them for real-world scenarios. Alongside these exercises, provide clear, actionable policies for everyday practices, such as managing passwords and handling data securely.

Engaging Training Methods to Foster Long-Term Learning

Dull, lifeless training sessions often leave employees switching off, so injecting creativity is crucial. Take gamification, for example—it transforms learning into a dynamic experience. With points, badges, and leaderboards, participants are motivated to get involved, making the process both effective and enjoyable.

Another great tactic is microlearning, which delivers easily digestible bits of information that fit neatly into a busy workday. Short videos, infographics, or quick quizzes ensure employees stay interested without feeling overwhelmed. For a more collaborative vibe, group workshops let team members share their knowledge and strategies, fostering a shared sense of responsibility for IT security.

Measuring the Effectiveness of IT Security Training

Training programmes are only worthwhile if they produce results. Assessing their effectiveness means tracking key metrics like success rates in phishing simulations, how quickly incidents are handled, and the feedback from employees. These insights help you tweak and improve the programme continuously.

Regular assessments and refresher courses are essential to keep knowledge sharp and relevant. Cyber threats evolve quickly, so ongoing education is a must. By identifying knowledge gaps through reassessments, you can tackle weak points before they lead to bigger issues.

Building a Culture of Continuous Security Awareness

IT security training shouldn’t be a one-off event. It needs to be woven into the fabric of your organisation’s culture. Create an environment where employees feel comfortable reporting anything suspicious without fear of blame. This openness encourages vigilance and swift responses.

Acknowledging staff who go above and beyond in maintaining security helps reinforce positive habits. Whether it’s through incentives, public recognition, or team-based rewards, these gestures emphasise the importance of staying secure.

To stay ahead of emerging threats, regularly update your training materials to reflect the latest vulnerabilities and technologies. A forward-thinking approach ensures your team is always ready to tackle new challenges.

Conclusion

Investing in IT security training is investing in your organisation’s future. By arming your employees with the skills and confidence to handle digital risks, you build a strong, resilient workforce ready to defend against even the most advanced attacks. Make IT security everyone’s responsibility, creating a culture of awareness and collaboration.

Looking for tailored IT security training? Get in touch with us today!

16 December

Boost Your Cybersecurity Awareness in 5 Simple Steps

CK SolutionsMANAGED IT Support services Dublin, Training

In today’s world, where almost every aspect of life is connected to the internet, awareness of cybersecurity is more important than ever. Our digital footprints, from financial management to maintaining relationships, are extensive and valuable. However, cybercriminals continuously adapt, finding new methods to exploit vulnerabilities and steal sensitive data.

The good news is that improving your cybersecurity awareness doesn’t require technical skills or costly tools. By following these five straightforward steps, you can greatly minimize your risk and navigate the online world with assurance.

Step 1: Grasp Cybersecurity Fundamentals
Awareness of cybersecurity starts with understanding the threats you face. Cybersecurity entails protecting systems, networks, and data from digital attacks, while awareness involves recognizing risks and knowing how to react.

Common threats include phishing, ransomware, and data breaches, which exploit weaknesses in software, networks, or human behavior. Simple actions like clicking unknown links or using similar passwords can leave you vulnerable.

Educating yourself on these risks empowers you to make safer online choices.

Step 2: Develop Strong Password Habits
Passwords are essential to your digital security; weak or reused passwords can leave you exposed. Strong passwords should be long, complex, and unique for each account.

Incorporate a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters while avoiding obvious choices like birthdays. A memorable yet secure option is a passphrase—an unconventional sentence meaningful to you.

Consider using a password manager for unique password storage and generation. Always activate two-factor authentication (2FA) for added protection—this ensures that even if someone obtains your password, they still need a secondary verification method.

Step 3: Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams
Phishing is a prevalent and effective tactic employed by cybercriminals. These scams often masquerade as legitimate communications, deceiving victims into divulging sensitive information or downloading harmful files.

Watch for emails with urgent language, unfamiliar senders, or unexpected attachments as red flags. An email claiming your bank account is locked and requiring immediate action is a classic phishing attempt.

Always confirm the sender’s email address and refrain from clicking links without prior inspection. When uncertain, contact the company or individual through verified means. Trust your instincts—if something seems suspicious, it probably is.

Step 4: Safeguard Your Devices and Networks
Your devices and networks are critical to your online safety. Keeping them secure is vital for cybersecurity awareness. Regular software updates fix vulnerabilities and implement new features.

Firewalls and antivirus programs serve as shields against unauthorized access and threats. Ensure these measures are installed, updated, and actively in use on your devices.

For your home network, secure your Wi-Fi with a strong, unique password. Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks like online banking, or use a virtual private network (VPN) if necessary.

Step 5: Foster a Habit of Ongoing Education
Cybersecurity is a continuous commitment. As cybercriminals constantly evolve, staying informed is essential. Follow credible cybersecurity blogs, news sources, and organizations to stay current on the latest threats and practices.

Share your knowledge with friends and family to promote awareness in your community. Regularly examine your personal security settings for outdated passwords, inactive accounts, or unsecured devices.

By developing these habits, cybersecurity awareness will become second nature, enhancing your safety in the digital realm.

Conclusion
Enhancing your cybersecurity awareness might seem overwhelming, but these five simple steps can significantly improve your security. By grasping the basics, strengthening your passwords, recognizing phishing scams, safeguarding your devices, and remaining informed, you can establish a strong defense against cyber threats.

Start taking action today. Even small efforts can lead to significant improvements in your online safety, providing peace of mind in an increasingly digital landscape. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and stay safe.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEdOVyoPGKg

6 January

Things to Look for in Phishing Email

CK SolutionsMANAGED IT Support services Dublin

1. The Anatomy of a Phishing Email

Phishing emails are digital wolves in sheep’s clothing. At first glance, they appear innocuous, often impersonating trusted entities such as banks, businesses, or government institutions. Their primary goal? To trick recipients into revealing sensitive data like passwords, financial details, or personal identifiers.

These emails capitalize on subtle psychological tricks, exploiting trust and urgency. Phishers rely on the average user’s instinct to act quickly rather than inspect. Understanding the anatomy of these deceptive messages is the first step to avoiding the bait.

2. Suspicious Sender Information

Scrutinizing Email Addresses

While phishing emails often mimic legitimate companies, the sender’s address reveals critical clues. Instead of an authentic domain (e.g., @paypal.com), you may encounter misspellings like paypalsupport@gmail.com or unfamiliar variations like @secure-accounts.net. Always hover over the “From” address to see its true origin.

The Trick of Impersonation

Advanced phishing attacks may employ spoofing, where a sender appears to be someone you trust—like your boss or a customer service agent. The sophistication lies in subtle typos or the use of public-facing contact names. If something feels “off,” don’t take it at face value. Contact the individual or company directly through trusted means to confirm authenticity.

3. Unusual or Urgent Language

The Role of Emotional Manipulation

Phishers exploit human psychology to provoke emotions. Words like “urgent,” “immediate action,” or “account suspension” trigger panic, prompting users to bypass their usual caution. By creating fear or excitement, scammers push recipients into impulsive decisions.

Common Phrases That Raise Red Flags

Be wary of emails containing phrases such as:

  • “Verify your account now!”
  • “Your payment failed—click to fix it!”
  • “You have won a prize!”

These messages often have exclamation points, capitalized words, or aggressive calls to action. The urgency is deliberate; its purpose is to override rational skepticism.

4. Inconsistent or Poor Design

Formatting Issues and Branding Inconsistencies

Legitimate companies invest in clean, professional communication. Phishing emails, however, frequently contain visible errors. Watch for odd font changes, misspellings, or uneven logos. If the formatting feels disjointed or unpolished, treat it as a red flag.

Spotting Unusual Attachments or Links

Phishing often hides malware or credential-harvesting tools in attachments or links. Never click on a link without inspecting it first. Hovering over links reveals their destination URLs, which can expose misleading or unfamiliar domains. Legitimate companies rarely send attachments without prior notice. If an unexpected file appears—especially .exe, .zip, or macro-enabled formats—it’s best left unopened.

5. Analyzing the Call to Action

Pressure Tactics: Time-Sensitive Requests

Phishers excel at creating artificial urgency. Phrases like “Your account will be locked in 24 hours” are meant to provoke anxiety. These time-sensitive traps cloud judgment, compelling you to act without verifying.

Demands for Personal Information

Legitimate businesses rarely, if ever, request sensitive details—like passwords or Social Security numbers—via email. Be especially wary of requests that redirect you to “login portals.” Fake landing pages may look authentic but are designed to capture your credentials. A legitimate company would encourage secure, verifiable interactions through official channels.

Final Thoughts

Phishing emails are constantly evolving, becoming more sophisticated and harder to identify. Awareness is your greatest shield. By carefully inspecting sender details, language, formatting, and calls to action, you can defend yourself against falling prey to these deceptive tactics. When in doubt, err on the side of skepticism and verify through trusted means—because online vigilance is no longer optional; it’s essential.

9 September

Phishing Test

CK SolutionsMANAGED IT Support services Dublin

You clicked on a simulated phishing test.

Tips to help you stay safer
in the future.

Tip: #1

Stop, Look, Think

Did anything look out of the ordinary? Did you recognize the senders address? Was it similar but not the same as an offical email?

Tip: #3

When in doubt throw it out

If you ever think that an email is suspicous it is better to err on the side of caution. Forward it to support@cksolutions.ie

Tip: #2

Do you spot a red flag?

Where you expecting the email?

Tip: #4

When in doubt throw it out

Tip4.

28 May

Why You Need a VPN to Stay Safe Online

Uncategorised

If you use the internet, security should concern you. Hackers can easily intercept your personal communications and even monitor what websites you visit.
When you consider the use of your computer for work or business, online threats become even more disconcerting. When family members, including children, become involved, you start to understand that security matters.
With so much at stake every time you go online, shouldn’t you take some precautions? Although online security may at first seem complicated, you can quickly enhance your safety by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Continue reading to learn what a VPN can do for you.
Anonymity :
A VPN service creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between your computer and a VPN service. This prevents your ISP and hackers from seeing what websites you visit. Also, when using a VPN, web servers log your VPN’s IP address, not yours, allowing you to anonymously use online resources.
Additionally, your ISP sees only that you’ve connected to your VPN service. If you choose a VPN provider that doesn’t keep user logs, you can defend yourself against government surveillance, advertisers and third-party subpoenas.
Security :
Have you ever connected to a “free” Wi-Fi network at a coffee shop, library, airport or store? Every time you do, anyone else connected to that network has a chance to hack your phone or computer. Also, they can monitor your plain-text data such as emails and URLs sent from your device to the internet.
A VPN tunnel allows you to safely use public Wi-Fi without fear. Sure, the owner of the Wi-Fi network as well as any snoopers and hackers can see that you’re using the network. However, they can’t see any of your data or what websites you visit while connected via your VPN service.
Freedom :
Some Wi-Fi operators, such as schools, employers and businesses restrict the type of websites that users can access through their network. They may do this for one or more reasons:
• Conserve bandwidth.
• Prevent distractions.
• Maintain standards.
• Manage liability.
Common content restrictions may include social media, video, pornography and file downloads.
In such settings, you can still freely access the internet by first connecting to a VPN service. When you do, network administrators can see that you’ve connected to an internet resource. However, since all data goes through your VPN tunnel, no one can analyze your activities.
In summary, a VPN gives you an affordable, easy to use way to increase your anonymity, security and freedom online. Stop taking risks with your personal, family and business. Always connect to a VPN before using the internet.

30 March

Mozilla Releases Firefox Container Extension to Isolate Facebook Browsing Data

Uncategorised

Mozilla Corporation has implemented new technology by creating a Firefox extension in an effort to isolate specific social media data collection and improve the security of web browsing users.
The well-known browser maker has launched the Firefox Container as a consequence of the recent Cambridge Analytica incident and ongoing investigations of Facebook’s data mishandling aspersions. In response to the security breaches and controversy surrounding the misuse of Facebook user data, Mozilla accelerated the release of the Facebook Container add-on technology, which was previously in the development process with other plugins.
Data analysis firm, Cambridge Analytica, purportedly collected millions of Facebook user data without consent, leading to a potential value for the Trump presidential campaign. As a result, Facebook’s CEO made a public commitment to implement limitations on developer access to user data. Unsatisfied by these limitations, Mozilla has removed advertisements from Facebook as an additional response to Facebook’s data collection practices.
As Facebook’s default privacy setting remained problematic, Mozilla expedited the premiere of the Facebook Container extensions, empowering its web browser users to maintain and increase the regulation of their online privacy and security features.
Further examples of Mozilla’s ongoing commitment to security and usability can be noted through their Extended Support Release of Java Plugins this year. In 2017, Mozilla Firefox announced the removal of the Java Plugin support from its latest version of the web browser. Bank of Ireland addressed this impediment of access to their business clients concerning the Business On Line feature. As a result, Mozilla ensured functionality for older versions of the web browser for such issues while developing a solution towards future plugin support and integration as promised and executed in 2018.
As Irish businesses increase their use of online advertisements through Facebook, concerns were taken into consideration by Mozilla and other web browsing pioneers, despite their own removal of ads in protest of negative data practices. This is highlighted through ongoing developments made by Mozilla to improve usability, the security of plugins, and extensions for business users in Ireland and various locations in Europe.
As noted in the Facebook data security breach and Bank of Ireland inconvenience, Mozilla Corporation demonstrates a continuous development of technology towards user privacy and usability, with an involved interest of their users alongside their corporate responsibility and focus on technology improvements.

15 October

Talk at Dublin City Enterprise Network for Women

Uncategorised

Time: Wednesday 20th October from 9.30-10.45am
Every business, big or small, is totally reliant on technology. Christian Kortenhorst, will talk about some simple, cheap and easy IT solutions for small/medium size companies like ours to use in their every-day business. He will introduce us to some useful and cost-effective applications. He will also show us how to spend less time on our computers trying to solve those frustrating recurring problems that annoy us so much!
Some of the topics Christian will explore:

  • Email, IMAP VS Pop3
  • Online services VS Desktop applications
  • Document-sharing
  • Dropbox
  • Calendars
  • Multiple computer setup
  • Using what you have
  • Mobile devices
  • Hardware recommendations
  • Online backups
  • Open source software

If you have a specific IT topic that you would like Christian to address, you can email your request to Christian@cksolutions.ie .
After the session you should have a better understanding of how a small to medium size business should ideally be set-up for managing files and documents, coordinating email and backing up your data.
Christian Kortenhorst is based in Dublin, Ireland. He has over 10 years’ broad-ranging technical experience, for example in setting up servers, network environments, and backup systems. Christian offers consulting and hands-on solutions in these and many other technical areas. He set up his business – CK Computer Solutions – in 2008 having completed 4 years in Computer Science in DIT.
Christian’s mission is to provide a quality and creative IT service to small and medium sized businesses. “We strive to advise and provide the best product and services that fits a company’s needs. With our constant research and testing of products and services we are able to keep our clients up-to-date with the best possible products and services that are tried and tested. We select products and services objectively based on a company’s needs and wants.”

7 October

Easiest Way To Set Gmail/Google Apps As Default Firefox 3 Mail Client

MANAGED IT Support services Dublin

At the Firefox 3 address bar, type about:config and you will be prompted with a warning page as shown below. Just click on I’ll be careful, I promise!
Search for
gecko.handlerService.allowRegisterFromDifferentHost and set to True
and
network.protocol-handler.external.mailto and set to True
copy and past
javascript:window.navigator.registerProtocolHandler("mailto","https://mail.google.com/mail/?extort=mailto&url=%s","GMail")
to address bar and hit enter
for google apps users change example.com to your domain name,
javascript:window.navigator.registerProtocolHandler("mailto","https://mail.google.com/a/example.com/mail/?extsrc=mailto&url=%s","GMail")
Click on add application.
Now go to Tools -> Options -> Applications and search for mailto
Change mailto to GMail
For more details on this check out Addictivetips.com

5 October

Mobile Me SMTP Settings

Uncategorised
  1. Open Email applications.
  2. Click into Tools -> Accounts or Mail -> Preferences.
  3. Under tools/preferences window, click the Accounts.
  4. Click the Server Settings button near the bottom of the pane. In windows you will see smtp settings or more settings.
  5. Verify your SMTP server settings with the following information:
    • Outgoing Mail Server: smtp.me.com (for either me.com or mac.com addresses)
    • Server port: 587 or 25 (some ISPs may block port 25)
    • “Use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)” should be checked (enabled)
    • Authentication: Password
    • User Name: Your MobileMe member name (without “@me.com” or “@mac.com”)
    • Password: Your MobileMe password
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