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Category: Security

  • AI Security: Essential Tips for Everyday Users

    This isn’t your parents’ software security – Why AI Models are Different

    AI software is different from traditional software. In the past, we wrote instructions called code; if our instructions were off, we would encounter a bug. We then adjusted the instructions to fix the bug. However, AI software has a brain called the model, which comprises both stored knowledge and neural pathways to access that knowledge. There is no way to see which pathways were used when using AI software. You cannot “step-by-step debug” an AI model as you could with macros or other instruction-based(code) software.

    Protecting Your Information

    Your Knowledge is Valuable – Don’t Give it Away.

    The value of an AI model is in its knowledge. A model is “trained” on data to answer more questions and be a more powerful intelligence. Models are hungry for more information so they can become more intelligent. Ready sources of information are users’ conversations with the LLM. Just like we learn when we converse with each other, AI learns when we converse with it. When you ask the model a question and converse on a topic, the AI model can remember that it can converse and use it to inform its answer to the next person it talks with. This means your questions and responses to the AI model could be shared with others. Here are a few things to consider:

    • Nothing is free: Models need data to grow their intelligence. Check if your AI provider commits to not using your interaction with the model to train it. Most free AI is being paid for not in currency but with your data. Anything you do not want to share with the entire world on a billboard, you would not want to enter into an AI that incorporates it into its model.
    • How to address Data Protection: The version of Copilot that comes with most Microsoft core subscriptions, such as Microsoft 365 Basic, Standard, Premium, and their Enterprise counterparts, includes data protection, so your data is not used to train the AI model.
    • Sensitive Information: Copilot uses the security measures you already have to protect your internal content from unauthorized access. This means that your existing security protocols, such as restricting access to specific SharePoint libraries, remain in place to keep your data safe.

    Accuracy and Validation

    No One is Perfect, and Accuracy is not guaranteed.

    Like the human brain, an AI model provides the most likely accurate response, but accuracy is not guaranteed. Think of AI as a thought partner, an intern, advisor, or consultant. In those scenarios, you would know to converse with them with the expectation that some of what they say will be wrong or inaccurate due to misunderstanding, ineffective sources of information, bias, etc. If you met that consultant, advisor, or intern for the first time, you would probably reference check their background and inspect what you expect – delegate but don’t abdicate.

    How to Address Accuracy

    It’s essential to test the validity of your AI model and continue to validate each response. First, for the model itself, look for documentation and reliable sources that support the model’s accuracy. Working with known or trusted vendors whose business model is based on something other than buying and selling data is another good step.

    In our daily work, our best defense against AI’s inevitable errors is to use a tool that includes citations. By providing links to the source documents that the AI model is using to derive its answers, you can judge whether or not that source is reliable and evaluate the source itself for capability.

    Poisoning an AI Model

    Even if the model was created with care and there are excellent citations, a model can be poisoned. Data poisoning happens when threat actors target the training data the model uses. Here are some examples:

    • Malware: Corrupting the model by inserting malware into it. This happened when 100 poisoned models were uploaded to the Hugging Face AI platform. Each one could deliver malicious code onto a user’s machine.
    • Phishing Attacks: For example, having a bot that uses the AI model to provide a phishing link to users rather than the correct link.
    • Inserting Bad Data: A threat actor trains the model to provide inaccurate results or conspiracy theories or to create backdoors into the model for more damage.

    Next Steps:

    How do we stay safe in an AI world? Opt for paid subscriptions to protect your data, leverage your existing security protocols, understand the AI models you’re using, be aware of model poisoning, and test the validity of your models with citations. If this sounds familiar, our team at TechHouse is happy to help.

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  • Cloud VPNs: A Simple Guide

    Cloud VPNs: A Simple Guide

    Cloud VPNs: A Simple Guide

    What Is a Cloud VPN?

    A Cloud VPN is a safe path on the internet. It connects different places like your office and people working from home. It’s like a special road where your data can travel safely. 

    This means your team can work together, no matter where they are.

    Why Is a Cloud VPN Important?

    Cloud VPNs aren’t just for large businesses, they’re necessary for any business with remote employees or multiple locations.

    Here are some of the top reasons it’s important to use a Cloud VPN for your business:

      • Security – Cloud VPNs use special codes to keep your data safe. This means you can send important information without worrying. Even if someone tries to look at your data, all they would see is gibberish.
      • Cost-effective – Traditional VPN solutions require expensive equipment. With a Cloud VPN, you use the cloud and save money. You don’t need to buy or maintain any hardware, which cuts down on costs.
    • Growth  – As your business gets bigger, your Cloud VPN can too. You can add more users or increase its size easily. As you expand and hire more people, your Cloud VPN will be ready to support them.

    Setting Up Your Cloud VPN

    Once you’ve made the decision to set up a Cloud VPN for your business, you’ll need to research providers and find the one that best fits your needs.

    No matter your chosen provider, setting up a Cloud VPN will involve several key steps:

    1. Create an account – After choosing a provider, you’ll need to create an account with them. This usually involves providing some basic information and choosing a payment plan.
    2. Configure your network – This will vary depending on your provider, but generally, you’ll need to specify which devices or networks you want to connect.
    3. Install VPN Client – Install the VPN client software on the devices that will be using the VPN. This could be your servers, computers, or even mobile devices.
    4. Connect to the VPN – Once everything is set up, you can connect to the VPN. This usually involves opening the VPN client software and clicking a “connect” button.
    5. Test your connection – Finally, make sure to test your connection to ensure everything is working correctly. You can do this by trying to access a device or service on your network from a remote location.

    Remember, these are just basic steps. The exact process may vary depending on your specific needs.

    In Conclusion

    In our fast-paced digital world, a Cloud VPN offers a safe, affordable, and flexible solution for managing online data. By adopting this technology and following these setup steps, you’re setting your business up for success in the digital age.

    Want to improve your business connectivity? Discover how our Cloud VPN solutions can help your business grow. Get in touch with us today!

  • Understanding Phishing: A Threat Lurking in Your Inbox

    Understanding Phishing: A Threat Lurking in Your Inbox

    Understanding Phishing: A Threat Lurking in Your Inbox

    In 1996, the first widely known phishing attack occurred when hackers breached aol.com. The perpetrators sent a phishing email to aol.com users, urging them to verify their accounts and provide billing information. Unfortunately, many users unknowingly provided sensitive data to these bad actors.

    Phishing is a form of cybercrime where victims are tricked into:

    • Providing sensitive data
    • Sending money
    • Breaching security protocols

    What is Phishing?

    Phishers use various tactics to bait their victims. 

    Some phishing emails create a sense of urgency, compelling victims to act quickly. Others attract attention by suggesting that the recipient has won a fantastic prize. Some even include malicious hyperlinks and attachments, which can infect the recipient’s device with ransomware.

    Phishing attacks exploit human emotions and are successful when recipients act impulsively. That’s why baits like prizes work – someone excited about winning is less likely to be on their guard. As a rule of thumb, always be skeptical and avoid clicking anything that looks even slightly suspicious.

    Spotting a Phishing Scam

    While phishing attacks have grown more sophisticated, there are red flags you can look out for. 

    A common sign that an email is illegitimate is spelling and grammar errors. Also, pay special attention to the sender’s email address – if it isn’t familiar or doesn’t match the organization the email claims to be from, it may be a phishing email.

    Phishing attacks can happen to anyone, but those with less digital experience are likelier to fall for them. No matter your level of digital experience, education is critical to mitigating the risk of phishing attacks.

    How TechHouse Can Help 

    At TechHouse, we can help educate your organization about the dangers of phishing attacks. 

    Our Phishing Net software simulates attacks so that your team can experience real-world threats without real-world repercussions. Employees who take the bait receive training about what they did wrong to be safer in the future.

    Many organizations don’t think a cyber-attack will impact them and, as a result, don’t prepare. But consider this – you have car insurance not because you expect an accident but to have coverage if there is one. 

    Similarly, cybersecurity measures are not about expecting an attack but being prepared if one occurs.

    Ready to protect your organization from phishing attacks? Contact TechHouse today for more information.

  • Four Ways Microsoft Azure Can Help Your Business

    Four Ways Microsoft Azure Can Help Your Business

    As a business owner, the vast array of over two hundred products and services offered by Microsoft Azure might seem overwhelming. But fear not, we’re here to guide you through the cloud and highlight four key features that can provide immediate benefits to your business:

    1. Windows Virtual Machines (WVM) 
    2. Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD) 
    3. Single Sign-On (SSO) 
    4. Data Management 

    How can each of these help your small business succeed? Let’s find out!

    Windows Virtual Machines (WVM) – Your On-Demand IT Infrastructure

    What is a Windows Virtual Machine? 

    Imagine having an added computer within your primary one. That’s what a Windows Virtual Machine on Azure offers. 

    It’s a secure, isolated environment where you can run servers or entire operating systems without affecting your main system. 

    This setup is invaluable for testing and development purposes.

    Advantages of WVMs include:

    • Cost Efficiency – Save on physical hardware costs.
    • Enhanced Security – Benefit from Azure’s robust cloud infrastructure to keep your data safe and off-site.

    Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD): Empower Your Remote Workforce

    The Windows Virtual Desktop service allows your employees to access a full Windows 10 experience from any device, anywhere. 

    This integration doesn’t require additional licenses and works seamlessly with Microsoft Teams and Office.

    Advantages of WVD include:

    • Accessibility – Supply remote access without the need for added hardware.
    • Security – Azure’s security is top-notch, often surpassing on-premises solutions.

    Single Sign-On (SSO): One Credential to Access Them All

    With Azure Active Directory and our Data Toolkit, you can synchronize Office 365 credentials for Single Sign-On capabilities across various cloud applications, saving your employees from the hassle of multiple logins.

    Advantages of SSO include:

    • Efficiency – Reduce login times and increase productivity.
    • Convenience – Ideal for organizations with large teams or high turnover rates.

    Data Management: Let Azure Do the Heavy Lifting

    If your business deals with extensive reporting from systems like accounting, operations, sales, and scheduling, Azure can streamline your data management. 

    Manual data collection is prone to errors; Azure automates this process, ensuring accuracy and saving time.

    Advantages of Azure for data management include:

    • Automated Data Capture – Say goodbye to manual entry.
    • Centralized Data Repository – Access and manage your data from a single location.
    • Data Cleansing–  Trust Azure to clean your data for precise analysis.

    In Conclusion

    Microsoft Azure is more than just a cloud service; it’s a comprehensive solution designed to enhance and support your business operations. 

    From virtual machines to secure remote access, simplified logins, and efficient data management, Azure has you covered. 

    Start exploring these features today and witness Azure’s transformative impact on your business.