THE TECH CHRONICLE
March 2025
Tax season is here, and with it comes a new wave of tax scams targeting small and medium business owners like you. Scammers are getting more sophisticated each year, using new tactics to trick business owners into revealing sensitive information, making fraudulent payments, or falling for identity theft schemes. Here’s what you need to watch out for in 2025 and how to protect your business from financial fraud.
1. Phishing Emails Posing as the IRS
One of the most common scams is fraudulent emails that appear to be from the IRS. These emails often claim that you owe taxes, need to verify your identity, or qualify for a special refund. They may contain official-looking logos and links to fake IRS websites. How to stay safe: The IRS does not initiate contact via email. If you receive such an email, do not click on any links or attachments. Report it to phishing@irs.gov.
THE TECH CHRONICLE
February 2025
February is all about love—roses, chocolates, and, of course, Valentine’s Day. But while you’re basking in the warmth of Cupid’s arrows, cybercriminals are sharpening their own “arrows” in the form of online scams targeting your heart—and your personal information. Scammers know that this season can make people more vulnerable to emotional manipulation, and they use that to their advantage.
Here are the most common scams you might encounter this month and how to protect yourself:
1. Fake Dating Profiles
Scammers often create fake online dating profiles, luring people in with flattering messages or promises of love at first sight. They might try to quickly move conversations off the dating platform, asking for your personal details or requesting money for “emergencies” or “trips.”
THE TECH CHRONICLE
January 2025
As we usher in 2025, the digital landscape continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace. Cyber threats are growing more sophisticated, and the stakes for businesses of all sizes are higher than ever. If there was any doubt about the critical importance of cybersecurity, this year is making it abundantly clear: the time to take charge of your business’s cybersecurity is now.
At Centrend Inc., we understand that the growing digital footprint of businesses brings both tremendous opportunity and heightened risk. Cyberattacks are no longer limited to large enterprises; small and medium-sized businesses are increasingly targeted due to perceived vulnerabilities. With the rise of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and ever-evolving attack methods, it’s clear that traditional approaches to security are no longer enough.
THE TECH CHRONICLE
December 2024
2024 has been a year of relentless cyberattacks, showcasing the ever-evolving sophistication and impact of cyber threats. From high-profile breaches to emerging attack vectors, the cybersecurity landscape has shifted dramatically. Let’s delve into some of the key takeaways:
1. Ransomware Remains a Persistent Threat:
Impact: Ransomware attacks continued to plague organizations, crippling critical infrastructure and demanding exorbitant ransoms.
THE TECH CHRONICLE
November 2024
As Thanksgiving approaches, ensuring a safe and secure holiday season is paramount, especially in our increasingly digital world. Cybersecurity threats tend to escalate during this time, with more people shopping online and accessing sensitive information from various devices. Here are critical cybersecurity best practices to help you navigate this festive period safely.
1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Creating strong passwords is your first line of defense against cyber threats. Passwords should be complex, incorporating a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts; consider using a password manager to generate and store unique passwords securely.
THE TECH CHRONICLE
October 2024
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of online safety and to educate individuals and organizations about the risks and prevention measures. In today’s digital age, where our personal and professional lives are increasingly intertwined with technology, it’s crucial to understand how to protect ourselves and our data from cyber threats.
What are cyber threats? Cyber threats can come in many forms, including:
THE TECH CHRONICLE
September 2024
We live in a world that relies heavily on technology. But what happens when the digital world crumbles? Welcome to the concept of “IT Doomsday” – a scenario where systems fail, data is lost, and chaos ensues.
The “IT Doomsday Prep Guide” is your essential survival manual for such an event. It’s about understanding the risks, preparing for them, and planning to get back on your feet.
THE TECH CHRONICLE
August 2024
Have you gotten a call, text, or email lately claiming to be from your bank, the IRS, or even a delivery company? You might not be alone. Impersonation scams are on the rise in the USA, and scammers are getting more sophisticated.
These scams involve someone pretending to be from a trusted organization. They might try to scare you into thinking there’s a problem with your account, a package delivery issue, or even threaten legal action. Their goal? To steal your personal information or money.
THE TECH CHRONICLE
July 2024
We all deserve a break. A chance to unwind, explore new destinations, and recharge. But cybercriminals don’t take vacations! They often see travel seasons as prime opportunities to target unsuspecting victims.
Here are some essential cybersecurity measures you can take to ensure a relaxing and hack-free vacation:
THE TECH CHRONICLE
June 2024
Imagine this: you’re in the middle of a crucial presentation, and your entire computer system crashes. Data vanishes, deadlines loom, and panic creeps in. Now imagine a calm, capable IT expert swooping in to save the day.
This scenario, while dramatic, highlights the vital role IT professionals play in modern businesses. In today’s digital age, technology is no longer a sideline; it’s the backbone of most operations. From cybersecurity to data management, a strong IT team ensures your business runs smoothly, efficiently, and securely.
But what exactly do IT experts do, and how can they benefit your company? Keep reading to find out why having an IT superhero (or team) on your side is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.
THE TECH CHRONICLE
May 2024
Hi everyone, we’re excited to announce a new format for the Tech Chronicle! From now on, we’ll use “Smart Brevity” to deliver the need-to-know tech news and security updates.
While the newsletter is shorter, we promise it is every bit as researched and detailed “behind the scenes” so you get accurate information coupled with actionable advice. Please send us your feedback. We hope you love this new format and the time it saves you, our valued reader.
THE TECH CHRONICLE
VOL 13 (April 2024)
Emails are surprisingly insecure, often filled with personal details or business secrets. Encryption acts like a padlock, scrambling the message and making it unreadable to anyone except the intended recipient. This ensures your sensitive information stays confidential and prevents outsiders from accessing or altering your emails.
Email encryption is your solution. It scrambles your email’s content, making it unreadable to anyone except the intended recipient. Like a fancy code, only they can crack.
THE TECH CHRONICLE
VOL 12 (March 2024)
Hi everyone, we’re excited to announce a new format for the Tech Chronicle! From now on, we’ll use “Smart Brevity” to deliver the need-to-know tech news and security updates.
While the newsletter is shorter, we promise it is every bit as researched and detailed “behind the scenes” so you get accurate information coupled with actionable advice. Please send us your feedback. We hope you love this new format and the time it saves you, our valued reader.
THE TECH CHRONICLE
VOL 11 (February 2024)
In today’s digital age, email has become a crucial channel for communication. Whether for personal or professional purposes, the importance of email senders cannot be understated.
First and foremost, the sender of an email establishes credibility and trust. In a world where online scams and phishing attempts are prevalent, recipients are cautious about opening emails from unknown senders. When you consistently send emails from a recognized and trusted address, recipients are likelier to open your emails and engage with your content.
THE TECH CHRONICLE
VOL 10 ( January 2024)
If you’re hoping to cut costs and boost profitability in 2024 without compromising productivity or efficiency, assessing the technology you use in day-to-day operations is one of the first areas in your business to examine.
We’ve created a road map that you can use to go step-by-step through your organization to determine if and where you can save money or utilize new or better technology to improve operational efficiency
THE TECH CHRONICLE
VOL 9 (December 2023)
In today’s hyper-connected world, cybersecurity is a critical concern for individuals and organizations alike. However, as the digital landscape evolves, so do the myths and misconceptions surrounding cybersecurity. If you want to be protected, you have to understand the real threats and how you could unknowingly overlook them every day. This article will debunk five common cybersecurity myths to help you stay informed and protected as you take your business into 2024.
THE TECH CHRONICLE
VOL 8 (November 2023)
When it comes to convenience, debit cards have undoubtedly revolutionized the way we handle our finances. Unlike cash, debit cards allow you to make purchases of any size as long as you have sufficient funds. This flexibility makes them ideal for small everyday transactions and larger purchases.
Now, let’s talk about holiday shopping. We all know how hectic it can be, with countless stores to visit and lengthy queues at the checkout counters. But with a debit card in hand, you can bid farewell to those inconveniences.
THE TECH CHRONICLE
VOL 7 (October 2023)
In an age where technology plays an integral role in our personal and professional lives, the importance of cyber insurance cannot be overstated. With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated and prevalent, businesses of all sizes risk falling victim to costly data breaches or cyber-attacks. The financial consequences can be devastating, ranging from regulatory fines to legal fees, customer notifications, loss of intellectual property, reputational damage, and even business interruption.
THE TECH CHRONICLE
VOL 6 (September 2023)
THE TECH CHRONICLE
VOL 5.0 (August 2023)
In an age where technology plays an integral role in our
personal and professional lives, the importance of cyber
insurance cannot be overstated. With cyber threats becoming
increasingly sophisticated and prevalent, businesses of all sizes
risk falling victim to costly data breaches or cyber-attacks. The
financial consequences can be devastating, ranging from
regulatory fines to legal fees, customer notifications, loss of
intellectual property, reputational damage, and even business
interruption.
THE TECH CHRONICLE
VOL 4.0 ( July 2023)
As time passes, scammers become increasingly sophisticated in their tactics and approaches. With technological advancements and the internet, scammers have gained access to new tools and techniques that make it easier to deceive unsuspecting individuals. One of the key reasons behind this sophistication is the ability of scammers to adapt and evolve their strategies. They continuously study and analyze their targets, identifying weaknesses and…
THE TECH CHRONICLE
VOL 3.0 ( June 2023)
THE TECH CHRONICLE
VOL 2.0 (May 2023)
