IT Security & Compliance FAQ: Essential Terms Explained

Navigating IT security and compliance can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with complex technical jargon. To help, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions that break down key IT security concepts in a straightforward way.

1. What is Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR)?

Answer: EDR is a cybersecurity solution that continuously monitors user devices like computers and servers to detect and respond to threats like malware or ransomware. It provides real-time threat analysis and response to help prevent cyberattacks before they cause major damage.

2. What is a Firewall, and why is it important?

Answer: A firewall is a security barrier that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on security rules. It acts as a protective shield between trusted internal networks and untrusted external sources, blocking malicious activity and unauthorized access.

3. What does ‘End of Life (EOL)’ mean for software?

Answer: EOL refers to the point when a software vendor stops providing updates, patches, or technical support for a product. Running outdated, unsupported software increases security risks, as vulnerabilities are no longer fixed.

4. How does Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) enhance security?

Answer: MFA requires users to verify their identity using two or more authentication factors, such as a password and a temporary code sent to their phone. This extra layer of security helps prevent unauthorized access, even if a password is compromised.

5. What is Dark Web Monitoring?

Answer: Dark Web Monitoring involves scanning hidden areas of the internet where stolen data is bought and sold. Businesses use this service to detect leaked passwords, financial information, or other sensitive data before it is exploited.

6. What is the difference between a Security Event, Security Incident, and a Breach?

Answer:

  • Security Event – Any observable occurrence related to an organization’s security, such as receiving a phishing email.  Events occur regularly and do not always lead to a security incident or breach.
  • Security Incident – When a security event leads to a violation of a company’s security policy or controls.  A security incident is often a pre-cursor to a breach but early detection of and reaction to an incident may prevent a breach. 
  • Breach – Unauthorized access to data, applications, network, or devices that results in or may result in information being exposed, leaked, stolen, destroyed, or altered. 

7. What does a Password Manager do?

Answer: A password manager securely stores and encrypts passwords for various accounts. It helps users improve password hygiene by making it easier to create and store long, strong, unique passwords.  Improved password hygiene  reduces the risk of security breaches caused by weak or reused passwords.

8. How does a VPN (Virtual Private Network) improve cybersecurity?

Answer: A VPN encrypts traffic (data) as it is passed across the public Internet.  A VPN connection might be established between a user’s device and a corporate network, or between two networks, or by using a VPN service which encrypts and anonymizes Internet browsing from a specific device.  Encrypting traffic, with A VPN, helps prevent hackers from intercepting sensitive information, especially when employees work remotely or use public Wi-Fi.  However, a VPN does not make a device or network impervious to threat actors.   

9. Why is regular Patching important for businesses?

Answer: Patching involves updating software to fix vulnerabilities, bugs, and security gaps. Cybercriminals often exploit outdated software, so applying patches regularly reduces the risk of threat actors taking advantage of known vulnerabilities.

10. What is Phishing Training, and why does it matter?

Answer: Phishing training educates employees on how to recognize and report fraudulent emails designed to steal sensitive information. Regular simulated phishing campaigns help reduce the likelihood of falling victim to real phishing attacks.

11. What is DMARC, and why is it critical for email security?

Answer: DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) is an email authentication protocol that prevents attackers from sending fraudulent emails using your domain. Implementing DMARC protects businesses from phishing, email spoofing, and brand impersonation.

13. What is Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)?

Answer:  SASE is a service that combines always-on VPN encryption with robust network traffic monitoring to prevent and detect malicious or unauthorized activities.  SASE can also provide a very secure remote access solution to supplant traditional VPN services and it provides a conditional access additional mechanism to only allow certain user devices to connect to corporate resources on the network or in the cloud.

How does Go West IT help businesses with IT security and compliance?

Answer: Go West IT helps businesses secure their IT infrastructure in alignment with compliance requirements. Our services include:

  • Managed next-generation antivirus, patch management, and devices monitoring.
  • Managed firewall configuration, vulnerability patching, and alert monitoring.
  • Managed Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR)
  • Managed password manager solutions including dark web monitoring.
  • Vulnerability scanning
  • DMARC configuration and ongoing monitoring.
  • Managed backup, login analysis, threat detection, and phishing protection for the Microsoft 365 environment.
  • By providing a SASE solution for remote access security, monitoring, and conditional access controls.

Understanding IT security terminology is key to protecting your business from evolving threats. If you have questions about your organization’s cybersecurity posture or need expert guidance, Go West IT is here to help.

Need IT security support? Contact Go West IT today to ensure your business stays secure and compliant.

Avoiding a Cybersecurity Upset: How One Business Lost Big During Tax Season

March Madness isn’t just for basketball—it’s also the perfect metaphor for cybersecurity. In the world of college hoops, you can’t rely on last year’s strategies to win this year’s championship. Your competitors are constantly improving, analyzing past plays, and adjusting their tactics. The same applies to cybersecurity—especially for businesses handling sensitive financial data.

Unfortunately, one accounting firm learned this lesson the hard way last tax season. Before working with us, they believed their existing security measures were enough to protect them, but cybercriminals were playing a much more advanced game. Their lack of email security and data hygiene left them vulnerable, and when tax season rolled around, they suffered a devastating loss.

The Play-by-Play: A Costly Mistake

Everything seemed normal in early March. The firm’s accountants were busy filing returns and managing financial documents for their clients. Then, it happened—one of their employees received an urgent email that appeared to be from a longtime client requesting a tax return update. The email was well-crafted, used the client’s real name, and contained no obvious red flags. Without second-guessing, the employee responded, attaching sensitive financial documents.

A few days later, the real client called, confused. They hadn’t sent that email. It was a business email compromise (BEC) attack, and now, the cybercriminal had access to highly confidential tax documents, Social Security numbers, and financial records. By the time the firm realized what had happened, thousands of dollars were stolen in fraudulent tax refunds, and their reputation was on the line.

What Went Wrong?

Just like trying to rely on the same roster year after year in basketball, the firm was relying on outdated security strategies. Here’s where they fell short:

  • No DMARC Policy – Their email domain lacked proper authentication protections, allowing cybercriminals to spoof their email addresses and trick employees.
  • No Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – A hacker had previously compromised an employee’s email account, and without MFA, it was easy to use that access to gather more intelligence.
  • No Secure File Transfer Policy – Employees were sharing sensitive tax documents over email instead of using encrypted portals.
  • Lack of Employee Awareness – The firm had no regular cybersecurity training, so employees weren’t trained to spot sophisticated phishing scams.

Adjusting the Game Plan: How They Recovered

After the breach, they reached out to Go West IT for help, and we immediately stepped in to strengthen their cybersecurity, ensuring they never faced an upset like this again. We implemented:

DMARC, DKIM, and SPF Policies – To prevent email spoofing and ensure only legitimate emails were sent from their domain.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Adding an extra layer of security for email logins and financial platforms.

Encrypted File Sharing – Transitioning the firm to a secure document-sharing platform rather than using email attachments.

Phishing Awareness Training – Conducting simulated phishing campaigns to test and train employees to recognize scams.

24/7 Email Monitoring – Installing advanced email security solutions to detect and block suspicious activity before it reaches employees.

Tax Season & Cybersecurity: Don’t Leave Your Business Vulnerable

Tax season is already stressful enough—don’t make it harder by leaving your business exposed to cyber threats. Cybercriminals are constantly evolving, just like the competition in March Madness. If your security strategy hasn’t been updated recently, you’re taking a gamble on your business.

Instead of guessing who might attack next, fortify your defenses. Let Go West IT help you develop a winning cybersecurity game plan that protects your business from tax fraud, email compromise, and financial theft.

Are your cybersecurity defenses ready for the next big game? Contact Go West IT today to ensure you’re prepared for whatever threats come your way.

Why Businesses Need to Act on DMARC Reject Policies Now

Email security is undergoing a major shift, and if your business relies on email communication (as most do), it’s time to pay attention. You may start hearing more about DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) and its impact on email deliverability. Large email providers like Google and Yahoo are now enforcing stricter DMARC policies, requiring organizations to adopt better authentication measures—or risk having their emails rejected outright.

Ignoring these changes could mean disrupted communication with clients, vendors, and partners, increased susceptibility to email fraud, and damage to your business’s reputation. Here’s what you need to know and how to ensure your organization stays protected.

What is DMARC and Why Does It Matter?

DMARC is an email authentication protocol designed to prevent email spoofing and phishing attacks. It works in conjunction with SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) to verify that the sender of an email is authorized to use a given domain.

With stricter DMARC enforcement policies now in place, emails that fail authentication may be rejected entirely or flagged as spam—significantly impacting your email communication and business operations.

How to Tell if an Email is DMARC Approved or Rejected

Understanding how DMARC policies impact email security is crucial. When an email is sent, email servers verify whether it passes authentication checks before allowing it into an inbox. If these checks fail, the email is either marked as spam or rejected altogether.

Here’s a quick comparison of what a DMARC-approved email looks like versus one that fails authentication:

DMARC Approved (Passes SPF, DKIM, and DMARC Checks)DMARC Failed (Rejected or Marked as Spam)
✅ From: support@yourcompany.com❌ From: support@yourc0mpany.com
✅ Sent via: yourcompany.com❌ Sent via: unknownserver.com
✅ SPF Alignment: Verified❌ SPF Alignment: Failed
✅ DKIM Signature: Valid❌ DKIM Signature: Missing or Mismatched
✅ DMARC Policy: Pass❌ DMARC Policy: None or Reject
✅ Lands in Inbox❌ Marked as Spam or Rejected

If your legitimate business emails are being marked as spam or failing to reach recipients, it may be time to review and implement a strong DMARC policy. Without it, your business could face email spoofing risks, phishing attacks impersonating your domain, and a loss of trust from customers.

The Business Risks of Ignoring DMARC Reject Policies

If your company’s domain lacks proper DMARC configurations, you could face:

  • Email Deliverability Issues: Emails sent from your domain may not reach clients, partners, or employees if they fail authentication checks.
  • Increased Cybersecurity Risks: Attackers frequently use domain spoofing to impersonate businesses in phishing scams. Without DMARC, your domain is vulnerable to misuse.
  • Regulatory and Compliance Challenges: Many industries, especially finance and legal sectors, are tightening email security requirements. Non-compliance could lead to fines or reputational damage.
  • Customer Trust Erosion: If fraudulent emails appear to come from your domain, your brand’s credibility takes a hit—leading to lost business and damaged relationships.

How Businesses Can Adapt and Secure Their Email Communication

The good news is that Go West IT has a solution. As a Managed IT and cybersecurity provider, we specialize in configuring and enforcing DMARC, SPF, and DKIM policies to secure business email communications. Here’s how we can help:

  • DMARC Policy Implementation: We assess your domain and establish an appropriate DMARC policy (Monitor, Quarantine, or Reject) to enhance security without disrupting legitimate emails.
  • Email Authentication Configuration: We properly configure SPF and DKIM records to align with your email-sending sources, ensuring all authorized emails pass authentication.
  • Ongoing Monitoring & Reporting: DMARC reports provide insights into who is sending emails on your behalf. We analyze these reports to detect unauthorized use and prevent future threats.
  • Strategic Rollout to Avoid Business Disruption: Enforcing DMARC too aggressively without monitoring can lead to unintended email rejections. We implement a phased approach, allowing you to monitor and adjust policies before moving to a full reject mode.

Stay Ahead of Email Security Threats

Email remains a primary attack vector for cybercriminals, and with the latest enforcement of DMARC policies by major providers, businesses must take action to protect their domains. Go West IT ensures your email security is up to modern standards—reducing your risk, maintaining email deliverability, and keeping your business communications secure.

Don’t wait until email failures or phishing attacks disrupt your business. Contact Go West IT today to ensure your email domain is secure and compliant with the latest DMARC policies.

Windows 10 Sunset: A Guide for Small Businesses

As of October 2025, Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10, signaling the end of an era. For small businesses, this means the clock is ticking to secure your systems and prepare for the transition. Without updates, patches, or support, your systems could be left vulnerable to cyber threats and operational disruptions.

If your business runs on limited resources or lacks an in-house IT team, this can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. With the right plan and support, you can transition smoothly and position your team for greater efficiency and security.

Why Small Businesses Need to Act Now

When an operating system reaches its end of life (EOL), it no longer receives critical updates, leaving your business exposed to serious risks:

  • Increased Cybersecurity Threats: Outdated systems are a prime target for hackers.
  • Compliance Risks: Unsupported software could lead to non-compliance with regulations, especially for businesses handling sensitive data.
  • Disruptive Compatibility Issues: Legacy systems might not work with modern software or devices, causing interruptions to your workflow.

The good news? By planning early, you can avoid costly disruptions and ensure your business stays secure and operational.

Option 1: Upgrade to Windows 11

If your current hardware is up to the task, upgrading to Windows 11 can be the simplest and most cost-effective solution. Windows 11 brings improved security features, better performance, and a modern interface designed to support today’s business needs.

Steps for Small Teams to Upgrade:

  1. Check Compatibility: Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check Tool to see if your hardware supports Windows 11.
  2. Back Up Critical Files: Ensure all important business files are securely backed up before starting the upgrade.
  3. Prepare for the Upgrade: Work with Go West IT or a trusted provider to handle the upgrade process. We’ll manage the technical details, so you can stay focused on your business. If you prefer to manage internally, ensure your current system is fully updated before initiating the upgrade. Then follow Microsoft’s upgrade instructions.

Option 2: Replace Outdated Hardware

If your systems don’t meet Windows 11 requirements, replacing them with new devices is the best path forward. While this may feel like a bigger investment, it’s an opportunity to modernize your business technology for faster, more efficient operations.

How to Transition Securely

  • Assess Your Needs: Determine the specifications and features you need for your business or personal use.
  • Migrate Data Safely: Use secure tools or IT professionals to transfer data to your new system. Avoid using unencrypted external drives or unsafe online transfer methods.
  • Decommission Old Devices: Properly wipe data from your old system before recycling or disposing of it. Use certified destruction services for sensitive data.

How Go West IT Makes Replacement Simple:

  • Needs Assessment: We’ll help you determine the best devices for your specific business requirements.
  • Secure Data Migration: Let our team handle moving your data safely from old devices to new ones—no technical know-how required on your end.
  • Proper Disposal of Old Devices: We’ll ensure your sensitive data is securely wiped and your old devices are responsibly recycled.

Staying Secure During the Transition

Data security is a top concern for small businesses, especially during upgrades or replacements. Go West IT ensures your transition is secure with managed services like:

  • Encryption: Protect your data during transfer and storage.
  • Endpoint Protection: Set up modern antivirus and security tools on your new system.
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Secure your accounts and systems with added layers of protection.
  • Backup Management: Create reliable backups stored securely in the cloud or offsite.

Why Start Now?

Small teams often wear many hats, so last-minute tech changes can disrupt your operations. Starting early gives you time to prepare and avoids unnecessary downtime or stress. This type of technology transition may also require a great partner.

Partnering with Go West IT means you’ll get:

  • Tailored Planning: Solutions designed specifically for your small business.
  • Hands-Free Implementation: We handle the technical work, so your team can focus on their priorities.
  • Peace of Mind: Your systems will be secure and compliant, with minimal disruption.

Ready to Future-Proof Your Business?

Don’t let the Windows 10 sunset catch you off guard. Whether you’re upgrading to Windows 11 or replacing old systems, Go West IT specializes in helping small businesses make the transition seamlessly and securely.

Contact us today to plan your upgrade and keep your business running smoothly. Your future starts now.

Hidden Costs of Unused Cybersecurity Software

In the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, phishing remains one of the most persistent and damaging threats businesses face. To combat this, many organizations invest in software solutions to enhance their security posture. However, all too often, these tools are purchased as a “check-the-box” measure and left underutilized—or worse, completely unused. The result? Vulnerabilities persist, resources are wasted, and businesses remain exposed to the very risks they sought to mitigate.

The Problem with “Shelfware”

A common scenario: a company identifies phishing as a top concern and purchases an email filtering or endpoint detection and response (EDR) solution. Yet, the software is never fully set up, integrated into their systems, or managed effectively. It sits idle for years, offering no protection while silently draining budgets.

For example:

   • Phishing Prevention Tools: Businesses often invest in robust tools like email filtering solutions but fail to implement and monitor them correctly or run phishing campaigns to train employees.

   • Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Some companies run EDR software for years without proper configuration and more importantly monitoring, leaving systems vulnerable despite the illusion of security.

   • Incomplete IT Transitions: Organizations that start transitioning to new antivirus or other security platforms may abandon projects mid-way, leaving gaps in their defenses.

Why Managed Services Are the Solution

A managed service provider (MSP) like Go West IT solves this common issue by offering software, expertise, and execution in a single, comprehensive package. Here’s how partnering with an MSP delivers better outcomes:

  1. Cost Savings

MSPs often have access to enterprise-level pricing for software, meaning businesses can secure top-tier tools like Microsoft Defender, Azure Information Protection, CrowdStrike, Ironscales, and SaaSAlerts at lower costs. Consolidating software and services under one vendor eliminates the hidden costs of unused tools and duplicate solutions.

     2.    Full Integration

An MSP ensures that every tool—whether it’s an EDR platform or phishing prevention software—is fully set up, integrated with existing systems, and tailored to meet the organization’s unique security needs.  More importantly, it is aggressively monitored so important security events are dealt with in real time.

     3.    Ongoing Management

Cybersecurity is not a “set it and forget it” endeavor. MSPs provide continuous monitoring, updates, and management to ensure tools remain effective against evolving threats.

     4.    Improved Security Outcomes

With managed services, businesses benefit from expertly managed phishing campaigns, employee training, and proactive threat detection, ensuring comprehensive protection.

     5.    Streamlined Operations

Instead of juggling multiple vendors and tools, businesses work with one trusted partner who oversees every aspect of their security infrastructure.

Case Study: The Cost of Inaction

In one instance, a company purchased an EDR solution and ran it on their systems for five years without proper implementation. Not only were they paying for software that wasn’t protecting them, but their systems remained exposed to cyber threats during that entire period. A similar story is common with email filtering solutions like Mimecast—purchased but never leveraged to their full potential.

Had these businesses partnered with an MSP, they could have avoided wasted spend, mitigated risks, and achieved better results through a fully managed and optimized security solution.

Why Microsoft Solutions Matter

Microsoft offers a suite of security tools designed to address modern threats, particularly in email security. Solutions like Microsoft Defender for Office 365 provide advanced phishing protection, link detonation, and real-time monitoring, making them ideal for safeguarding against phishing attacks. When paired with MSP services, these tools can be fully leveraged to maximize both protection and value.

Make the Switch to Managed Services

Stop paying for unused or ineffective software. Partner with Go West IT to consolidate your cybersecurity tools, reduce costs, and ensure your defenses are always optimized. From phishing prevention to endpoint security, we bring the platform, expertise, and execution you need to stay ahead of threats.

Contact us today to learn more about managed services for your business!

Transforming Communication and Security with Microsoft Teams

At Go West IT, we recently had the opportunity to help a client achieve significant cost savings, operational improvements, and enhanced security through a strategic transition to Microsoft Teams. Here’s how we turned a challenging situation into a success story.

The Challenge

Our client, a nationwide organization with 27 locations across the U.S., had recently onboarded into our managed IT services. Just a week into our partnership, they received notice from their existing phone vendor: the platform they were using was being discontinued, and the transition to a new system would come with double the costs.

Frustration was already high. Their existing phone system was difficult to manage and lagging in functionality, causing operational headaches for their 80-person team, many of whom worked remotely. The client had just 45 days to decide whether to migrate to the new platform or explore alternatives.

With such a tight timeline, the stakes were high.

Our Solution: A Seamless Transition to Microsoft Teams

Knowing the client was already a Microsoft 365 subscriber, we proposed consolidating their phone system into Microsoft Teams, leveraging their existing subscription for maximum value. This solution not only aligned with their business goals but also eliminated the need to juggle multiple vendors.

Here’s how we executed the project:

  1. Assessment and Planning
    We began with a comprehensive analysis of their communication needs, call handling, and user requirements across all locations.
  2. Customized Design
    Our team designed a tailored implementation plan to port all phone numbers to Teams while standardizing and simplifying call workflows across the organization.
  3. End-User Training
    To ensure a smooth transition, we conducted multiple training sessions with employees, equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed to fully embrace Microsoft Teams.
  4. Zero Downtime Implementation
    On the target go-live date, we seamlessly transitioned their phone system with zero downtime, ensuring continuity for both employees and customers.

The Results

The move to Microsoft Teams brought significant improvements across the board:

  • Cost Savings
    The client is now saving 50% of their previous phone system costs, avoiding the anticipated price hike and reducing expenses.
  • Ease of Management
    Consolidating their communication tools into Teams streamlined management and eliminated a vendor.
  • Improved Security
    By integrating their phone system into Microsoft’s secure cloud environment, the client enhanced their overall security posture.
  • Standardized Experience
    We curated AI-generated auto-attendant recordings to match the company culture, delivering a consistent and professional experience for their customers.
  • Improved Collaboration and User Experience
    Teams enhanced communication and collaboration, particularly for the client’s remote workforce, creating a modernized and efficient environment.
  • Happy Employees and Customers
    The company’s team quickly adapted to the new system, and their customers benefited from smoother interactions.

Key Takeaways

This project highlights the benefits of vendor consolidation and maximizing investments in existing platforms like Microsoft 365. By moving to Microsoft Teams, the client not only achieved cost savings but also modernized their communication infrastructure, improved security, and created a better experience for both employees and customers.

For businesses facing similar challenges, the lesson is clear: consolidating platforms isn’t just about saving money—it’s about enhancing performance and security while simplifying operations.

Ready to Transform Your IT Environment?

At Go West IT, we specialize in helping businesses like yours get the most out of their IT investments. If you’re ready to explore how Microsoft Teams and other solutions can streamline your operations, contact us today!

Demystifying Cybersecurity Terms: Understanding What Really Keeps Your Business Safe

As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, so do the terms and tactics associated with them. In reviewing industry guidelines on effective cybersecurity practices, we noticed a common challenge: many cybersecurity terms are frequently misunderstood. These misunderstandings can lead to confusion about what we actually do to protect our clients. One area that stood out was a glossary of commonly misused or misunderstood cybersecurity terms. Let’s dive into a few key terms to help clarify what they mean and why they’re essential for your business.

Common Cybersecurity Misunderstandings: What You Need to Know

1. Antivirus

Misunderstanding: Many people think antivirus software can protect against all types of cyber threats.

Clarification: While antivirus detects and removes malware, it doesn’t defend against threats like phishing or zero-day exploits. Comprehensive protection requires a layered approach, beyond just antivirus software.


2. Regulatory Compliance

Misunderstanding: Compliance with regulations automatically means a business is secure.

Clarification: Regulatory Compliance is about meeting baseline standards and guidance put forth by regulatory agencies.  Meeting regulatory compliance reduces regulatory risk and may reduce some real risk.  The cyber threat landscape evolves much more quickly than regulatory agency guidance and reducing real risk often requires going well beyond regulatory standards.


3. Firewall

Misunderstanding: Some believe a firewall blocks all threats and is the only layer of defense needed.

Clarification: A firewall monitors and controls traffic transversing your local network to the public Internet and sometimes between multiple company locations or cloud environments.  While necessary, a firewall only mitigates a portion of cyber risk and should be part of a multi-layered strategy to effectively protect your network, systems, data, and people.


4. Incident Response Plan

Misunderstanding: Some think an incident response plan only comes into play after a cyberattack.

Clarification: An effective incident response plan is proactive, established, and tested before an attack occurs. This ensures that everyone knows what to do when an incident happens, minimizing impact, accelerating recovery, and reducing risk.


5. Encryption

Misunderstanding: Encryption is often thought of as an unbreakable solution for data security.

Clarification: Encryption helps secure data by converting it to a coded form for data at rest and data in transit, but weak encryption methods, compromised keys, and human error can expose encrypted data to threat actors and thereby increase risk.   Regular review of cybersecurity controls, data storage and transit methods, and encryption key management and efficacy are critical to reduce risk on a constantly changing threat landscape. 

Why Understanding Cybersecurity Terminology Matters

At Go West IT, we often hear, “Aren’t you already doing that?” from clients who may not fully grasp the breadth of cybersecurity risk and mitigation tactics. The reality is, each term above represents a piece of a much larger puzzle. Without understanding the threat landscape and these terms, clients might assume they’re fully protected when, in fact, they’re only partially covered.

Going Beyond Basic Protection

Misunderstanding terms like “phishing,” “malware,” or “two-factor authentication” can lead to an underestimation of the risks and necessary protections. Cybersecurity isn’t just a checkbox; it’s an ongoing process that requires proactive measures and constant adaptation to new threats.

At Go West IT, we’re committed to comprehensive protection, addressing every layer of cybersecurity. From incident response planning to advanced threat intelligence, our goal is to keep you informed and secure, so you can focus on what you do best.If you’re unsure about your current cybersecurity posture, let’s talk about how we can protect you on your journey.


The Role of AI in Cybersecurity – The Double-Edged Sword of AI in Cyber Threats and Defense

Imagine you’re the head of a growing company. You’ve invested time and resources into securing your digital environment: firewalls are in place, staff have undergone cybersecurity training, and every software update has been meticulously applied. You feel prepared—until a new kind of threat emerges, one that operates faster, smarter, and more unpredictably. Attackers are now using artificial intelligence, leveraging the same technology you depend on for protection.

AI has revolutionized cybersecurity, enabling faster detection and response to threats. But it’s also giving cybercriminals powerful new tools to enhance their attacks, probe for vulnerabilities, and bypass traditional defenses. Understanding how AI can both empower and endanger your business is critical in today’s evolving threat landscape.

How Attackers Use AI

Cybercriminals are deploying AI in innovative ways, creating threats that are harder to detect and even harder to defend against. Here are some of the tactics they use:


Vishing and Deepfakes: AI can create convincing audio and video impersonations, making attacks like vishing (voice phishing) and identity impersonation more believable than ever.
Behavior Analysis: By analyzing user behavior, AI allows attackers to make social engineering attempts feel personal and authentic, increasing the likelihood that a targe will fall for the scam.
Automated Scanning and Targeting: Criminals use AI to automatically scan for vulnerabilities in systems and deploy attacks with unprecedented speed, targeting weaknesses as soon as they’re identified.

Defending Against AI-Enabled Threats with AI

To counter these AI-enhanced attacks, companies must leverage AI-powered defenses that adapt and respond in real time. This is where tools like Go West IT’s Go Secured | Advanced Endpoint (Endpoint Detection & Response, or EDR) come into play. By utilizing AI, these tools offer:


Real-Time Detection and Response: Go Secured | Advanced Endpoint monitors systems 24/7, using AI to detect unusual activity and respond immediately, minimizing the impact of potential breaches.
Enhanced Threat Analysis: With AI, EDR solutions can analyze patterns and learn from emerging threats, providing proactive protection against sophisticated cyber tactics.

Why AI-Enabled Security Matters for Businesses

The stakes are high. Traditional defenses alone can’t keep up with the pace and precision of today’s AI-driven attacks. Incorporating AI into cybersecurity strategy isn’t just a benefit; it’s a necessity. Here’s how AI-enabled security can strengthen your defenses:

Improved Accuracy: AI can process vast amounts of data, detecting threats that human analysts might miss and reducing false positives.
Speed and Efficiency: AI tools react instantly, analyzing and responding to threats in real time—essential in a world where every second counts.

Proactive Security for a Safer Future

Keeping up with attackers requires continuous adaptation. AI-powered solutions like those from Go West IT offer businesses a critical advantage, enabling them to anticipate and counter threats more effectively.

Are you ready to secure your systems with AI’s help? Contact Go West IT to learn more about how AI can serve as both your strongest defense and your competitive edge against AI-enhanced threats.

The Psychology Behind Cybercrime – How Attackers Exploit Human Vulnerabilities

Cyber threats are a known danger to businesses and individuals alike. Yet, even with training and cybersecurity awareness, people continue to fall victim to phishing scams and social engineering tactics. Why? It’s not just a matter of technical know-how; attackers are exploiting our natural human tendencies and psychological triggers to bypass our defenses.

Cybercriminals understand human behavior well enough to manipulate us into making quick, often uninformed decisions. They target our cognitive biases, utilizing tactics that can bypass rational thinking by tapping into emotions like fear, sympathy, or urgency. By recognizing these psychological triggers, we can begin to see the real reason behind our vulnerability to cyber attacks.

Why Do People Fall for Cyber Attacks?

Threat actors use psychological tactics to bypass our defenses. They play on cognitive biases, creating urgency, appealing to authority, or preying on our inclination to help others. Here’s how they do it:


• Misdirection: Criminals distract users to break down critical thinking, often with prompts like “We’ve detected suspicious activity on your account.
• Urgency: The classic “Act NOW” tactic pressures people into action without thinking.
• Sympathy Principle: Attackers pose as someone in need, appealing to our empathy.
• Authority Principle: Bad actors pose as figures of authority to gain trust, using logos or official language.

Why Systems Matter More Than Ever

Relying solely on human vigilance is risky; it only takes a single moment of distraction for criminals to succeed. That’s why having robust systems in place is essential to catch and block potential threats before they reach employees. Solutions like Go West IT’s Go Secured | Cloud 365 strengthen these defenses, helping detect unusual activity such as phishing attempts or suspicious logins. With proactive tools in place, businesses can better protect themselves and reduce the burden on individual users, creating a safer digital environment for everyone involved.

Stay Vigilant: A Layered Defense

While user education is crucial, it can only go so far in defending against sophisticated cyber threats. A layered approach that combines user awareness with robust technical safeguards is essential to protect against attacks. Comprehensive cybersecurity solutions, like those offered through Go West IT, integrate advanced phishing detection and email link scanning to catch threats before they reach employees. With these layers of defense in place, businesses can better
guard against evolving cyber risks, creating a more resilient security posture.

Adopt a Security-First Mindset

Adopting a security-first mindset means understanding both the technological and psychological defenses needed in today’s cyber landscape. Ready to strengthen your defenses?

Contact Go West IT to explore how we can help protect your business against evolving threats.

15 Email Security Best Practices for 2024

Email is a critical tool in today’s business world, but it’s also a primary target for cybercriminals looking to break into corporate networks. By implementing strong email security practices, businesses can reduce risks and protect sensitive information. Here are 15 email security best practices to share with your employees to keep your organization secure.

  1. Train Employees on Email Security
    Regular training is the foundation of email security. Employees should be aware of potential threats like phishing and understand how to recognize suspicious emails. Security awareness programs are essential to staying updated on evolving threats.
  1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
    Encourage employees to create long, unique passwords for their email accounts. Passphrases are a great option—easy to remember but hard to guess. A company-wide password policy should outline the importance of password strength.
  1. Don’t Reuse Passwords
    Password reuse across multiple accounts is a major security risk. Attackers can exploit one compromised account to gain access to others. Using unique passwords for each account is crucial for minimizing this risk.
  1. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
    MFA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring more than just a password to access email accounts. Even if an attacker steals a password, they’ll be unable to access the account without the additional authentication factor.
  1. Take Phishing Seriously
    Phishing attacks remain a major threat. Train employees to recognize phishing attempts and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown senders. Include phishing awareness in regular security training.
  1. Be Wary of Attachments
    Attachments can contain malicious code, even from trusted sources. Make sure your email security posture includes safe sandbox detonation and scanning of email born links and attachments to prevent malware from infiltrating your organization through email.
  2. Don’t Click Email Links
    Links in emails can be deceptive, leading to malicious websites. Teach employees to hover over links and scrutinize URLs before clicking. 
  3. Don’t Use Business Email for Personal Use
    Mixing personal and business email usage increases the risk of security breaches. Employees should only use corporate email for work-related purposes and avoid logging into personal accounts using work devices.
  4. Use Corporate Email on Approved Devices Only
    Ensure that employees only access corporate email on company-approved devices with the necessary security controls in place. Unapproved devices might not have sufficient protection, making them a vulnerability.
  5. Encrypt Emails and Attachments
    Email encryption protects the content of emails from unauthorized access. Make sure employees understand how to use encryption tools to safeguard sensitive communications and attachments.
  6. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Email
    Public Wi-Fi networks are notoriously insecure. Employees should avoid accessing corporate email while connected to public Wi-Fi unless they are using a secure VPN to encrypt their connection.
  7. Use Email Security Protocols
    Protocols like DKIM, SPF, and DMARC help prevent email spoofing and ensure that only legitimate messages reach employees’ inboxes. Businesses should ensure these protocols are in place for all corporate email accounts.
  8. Use Email Security Tools
    Implement email security tools such as spam filters, antivirus software, and email security gateways to protect against malware and phishing attacks. These tools provide an additional layer of defense.
  9. Log Out of Email When Not in Use
    Encourage employees to log out of their email accounts when they are not actively using them, especially on shared devices. Leaving accounts open increases the risk of unauthorized access.
  10. Regularly Monitor for Breaches
    Stay vigilant for any signs of data breaches that may affect email security. Tools like password managers can alert employees if their credentials are found in known data breaches, allowing them to take action quickly.

Stay Ahead of Email Security Threats with Go West IT

At Go West IT, we understand the importance of email security in protecting your organization from cyber threats. Our comprehensive managed services include tools and strategies to help you safeguard your business from email-related risks. Whether it’s deploying MFA, monitoring for breaches, or training employees on security best practices, we’ve got you covered.

Learn more about our managed services.