The Simply Smarter Blog

Cybersecurity would be much easier if every threat looked obviously suspicious. But that is not how it works anymore. Today’s attacks are often polished, believable, and timed to catch people when they are busy.

Security awareness training helps employees recognize threats, make smarter decisions, and become a stronger first line of defense. And when done well, it helps organizations build a stronger security culture over time.

Phishing has been around for years, with scammers pretending to be a trusted person or company to steal sensitive information. But the way they target businesses continues to evolve. Today, attackers are not just sending fake emails. They are using QR codes, text messages, phone calls, and even AI-generated voices to steal money, data, and login credentials. According to the 2026 Kaseya Cybersecurity Outlook Report, nearly 70 percent of businesses expect to experience a phishing attack in the next 12 months, which shows just how common and persistent these threats have become. Understanding what these scams look like and how to prevent them is critical, so here are the top five phishing attacks businesses need to watch for in 2026.

You’re about to take that perfect picture on your smart device – with the perfect lighting, in the perfect setting. But you come to find out that your storage is maxed out! Just delete some old photos to make room, right? That’s when you come to the next realization – you never backed up your old photos! Unfortunately, mistakes and mishaps are unavoidable. There are ways to proactively get ahead of data loss, with more tools available than ever before to help make the process easy even for the worst procrastinators and most tech-challenged users among us. Here are four important tips to help you get started on your backup journey.

If you’ve been thinking, “Cybersecurity? That’s for the big guys, not me,” it’s time for a reality check. In 2025, small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) are discovering the hard way that cybercriminals don’t care about company size — especially when AI makes their jobs way easier. According to the latest whitepaper by Vanson Bourne Research and Connectwise, The State of SMB Cybersecurity: Racing Against AI-Driven Cyberthreats, AI is supercharging cyberattacks, and many SMBs are dangerously underprepared.

Think you’d never fall for a scam? Picture this - your inbox dings, your phone rings and a perfectly polite voice (or email) insists you urgently update your password, click a link, or wire money to “an important vendor.” Congratulations! You’ve just been invited to the Phish & Chips Buffet. Grab a napkin. Here’s how to leave before dessert.

Cybercriminals are increasingly impersonating HR departments to trick employees into revealing sensitive information through fake meeting invites, training reminders, or job interview emails. Because HR communications naturally carry authority and urgency, employees are more likely to engage without questioning authenticity. HR can turn this vulnerability into strength by collaborating with IT, educating employees with real examples, and making it easy to report suspicious emails — transforming HR from an easy target into a key line of defense.

Homographic impersonation, a type of domain spoofing scam that swaps characters to fool the eye, is like a spot-the-difference puzzle with high stakes. It’s subtle, scalable, and increasingly automated, perfect for cybercriminals seeking quick payments. One hidden character can be costly, leak data, and hurt your brand.

In today’s digital-first world, securing sensitive information is more than a best practice—it’s a business imperative. As cyber threats evolve and consumer awareness around data protection grows, global security certifications like Common Criteria (CC) have become essential. But what exactly does Common Criteria certification mean, and why should it matter to your organization? Let’s break it down.

Copiers and printers have become increasingly crucial technology in small to medium-sized business (SMB) environments, managing everything from invoices and contracts to sensitive client data. The “State of SMB Cybersecurity in 2024” by ConnectWise revealed that 94% of SMBs have experienced at least one cyberattack, with a growing number of incidents traced back to overlooked endpoints—printers included. This data point is just one of many printer security statistics that show why securing printers should be a top priority in 2025.

Multifunction printers (MFPs) play a fundamental role in offices worldwide. However, it is critical to recognize that these devices can pose significant security risks if not correctly protected. With cybercriminals and malicious hackers constantly seeking vulnerabilities to exploit, it is necessary to understand the conventional attack methods they employ and implement robust security measures to mitigate these risks. Below, we address a few common printer vulnerabilities and best practices to identify and avoid them.

In the rush to ensure laptops, servers and mobile devices are installed with top level security measures, printers rarely make the cybersecurity highlight reel. After all, they’re just there to spit out paper, right? Think again. In today’s digital age, printers are more like tiny data vaults on your network, and if left unprotected, they can quickly become a hacker’s dream come true. Although SMBs should be on high alert, don’t worry—it’s not all doom and gloom. Protecting your printers can be straightforward if you know where to start. Here are five essential steps to protect your business from unexpected printer vulnerabilities.

Navigating the world of IT and security can be very overwhelming. With so many facets like software, cybersecurity, and network infrastructure, it’s challenging for small and medium-sized businesses to pinpoint exactly what they need.

While it may be evident that your business requires robust technology, you may be wondering if investing in a Managed IT Services program that involves outsourcing your IT needs to a specialized provider, as so known as a Managed Service Provider (MSP), is worth your while. Here are the top five reasons business owners might hesitate—and why now is the time to reconsider.

Law firms, due to the sensitive nature of the data they handle—ranging from confidential client information to sensitive case details—are at a higher-than-average risk for cyber threats. According to the American Bar Association's 2022 Legal Technology Survey Report, 27% of law firms reported experiencing a security breach, while 25% admitted they aren't sure if their firm has been compromised. The consequences of these breaches are severe, often resulting in financial losses, reputational damage, and compromised client trust. Considering these risks, let’s discuss 8 reasons why cybersecurity should be a top priority for the legal sector.

Cybercrime in 2024 is off to a historic start, as we just saw one of the largest data breaches ever, compromising billions of records and exposing confidential data. This most recent attack shows that bad actors are targeting not only large enterprises or government organizations but also smaller businesses and individuals. It’s a sobering reminder to be conscious about what security measures you currently have in place for your organization, where you can improve, and what to do if your data is leaked in a future “Mother of All Breaches” type of attack.

One of the best precautions organizations can take to establish security best practices is to promote proper data management among its employees. Data is generated with every individual’s click, search and interaction online, leaving a trail of data behind while navigating various websites and services. This trail of data, known as "digital exhaust," can leave the individual, and consequently their employer, vulnerable to data breaches and privacy violations if not properly managed and secured. 

As companies increasingly rely on digital platforms for operations, marketing and customer engagement, they inadvertently generate vast amounts of data. The misuse of this sensitive information not only risks compromising customer trust but also opens the door to potential legal and financial repercussions. For businesses, the challenge lies in harnessing the power of digital exhaust for strategic advantage and safeguarding against its pitfalls. Let's dive into the concept of digital exhaust, its implications, and how to manage it effectively.

Cybersecurity remains top of mind for businesses as our world becomes more digitized. A recent report from IBM discovered that on average globally, the cost of a data breach was $4.4 million. Cyber-attacks continue to rise, so we sat down with Tony Roessler, Managed Network Services National Manager at Sharp, to share insights on common attacks and best practices that you can take to best protect yourself and your business from a potential breach.

Have you ever been involved in a conversation with your IT department and thought, "What does that even mean?" Well, you are not alone. Understanding the myriad of security acronyms can be a daunting task, and with the security landscape's constant evolution, even experienced IT professionals occasionally encounter unfamiliar terminology. Whether you are seeking clarity on the latest trends, exploring critical concepts, or simply looking to expand your security vocabulary, you've arrived at the right destination. Below, you will find five frequently used security terms and acronyms and the definitions associated with each.

“Is your teenager cyber-smart?” That question can sound scary, but what does it even mean? As parents or guardians, guiding and empowering your teens to navigate the digital world is crucial. By fostering open communication, educating them about online threats and implementing cybersecurity best practices, you can help keep your teens cyber secure. Encourage teens to participate in offline activities, hobbies and social interactions to develop a well-rounded and healthy lifestyle.

Small and medium businesses (SMBs) are frequent targets of cyberattacks. While large firms maintain dedicated cybersecurity departments, budget constraints can hinder small businesses from doing the same. Thus, small businesses should empower themselves to handle cybersecurity whenever possible.

Though we always recommend partnering with a managed service provider (MSP) to help augment internal resources, here are a few tips that you can use to help bolster your defense against cyberattacks.

Roughly six in ten U.S. organizations (approximately 61%) have experienced data loss due to unsecure printing. Modern multi-functional printers (MFPs) offer a wide array of advanced productivity features to keep employees engaged and connect them to various business applications. Given their strategic importance in today’s workplace, how can we ensure MFPs have proper security measures in place so that they avoid becoming weak points that open doors to bad actors? Following are some steps Sharp has taken to address this.

Phishing remains one of the most common types of cybercrime according to the FBI's Internet Crime Report.  According to a major academic study commissioned by Bromium, cybercriminals generate at least $1-1.5 trillion per year in illicit revenue globally. As cyber criminals get more savvy in the art of deception, these emails are getting harder to recognize. They are no longer desperate requests for money or a plea from an offshore prince. They are simple messages with a simple objective – to get you to click or respond.

Email is a key that cyber criminals can use to comprise you or your employer’s sensitive data - and bank account. It’s time to for us to treat it as such by analyzing every email received to catch phishing attempts. After practice, it will become second nature. Here are a few tips to follow in order to take back our inboxes.

Sharp and Bitdefender recently entered a new partnership, one that strengthens cybersecurity threat prevention in our new range of business MFPs at a time when cybercriminals are increasingly targeting endpoint devices – including printers – to plant malware, steal intellectual property, and launch espionage campaigns. 

Bitdefender is a recognized industry leader in threat prevention, detection and response, with its antimalware detection technology consistently achieving top performance results in independent, third-party tests.

Sharp sat down with George Yunaev, Senior Software Developer at Bitdefender to discuss the partnership and why it is so important to protect all endpoints of any network – regardless of business size.

Data breaches and other cybercrimes are becoming increasingly common. But it’s not just large organizations that are at risk. Small and medium-sized businesses are equally, if not more, attractive targets for cybercriminals because they often lack the robust security infrastructure of larger organizations. Many owners report feeling vulnerable to cyberattacks, highlighting the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures and insurance coverage. If your business falls victim to cybercrime, recovery costs can be significant — including specialized repairs, legal fees, and damage to your brand’s reputation. That’s why cyber liability insurance can be a smart precaution for businesses of all sizes.

You’ve heard countless messages about the importance of data security.  In recent years, bad actors have stepped up their activity and are using more sophisticated techniques to take advantage of distributed and remote work environments. In today’s widespread threat landscape, a well-balanced, multi-layered security strategy is needed to help ensure your copiers and printers keep your information safe from malicious intruders. Read on to learn about some features that can keep your copier on lockdown.

Well-managed organizations are not immune to the risk of potential business interruptions and need to pivot and adapt in the face of adversity. Even the most agile businesses are not prepared for everything. In the event of a catastrophe, having a Business Continuity Plan is essential to keep your organization running. Without proper planning, your business could struggle to recover when a disruption occurs. Let’s talk about business continuity and how your organization can safeguard its operations.

At Sharp, we’re always looking for ways to help you think “simply smarter.” So, we thought it would be a great idea to feature our leaders to get an inside look at what they are working on and their views on the office technology space while learning some fun facts about them too! Today, we’re interviewing Tom McElligott, CIO & VP of Information Technology. We hope you enjoy getting to know Tom!

Small businesses are especially vulnerable when they lack the technology and IT support needed to effectively mitigate and recover from cyberattacks. Limited resources can leave organizations more exposed to cyber threats, and as business processes continue to digitize and employees work remotely, cybercriminals grow increasingly sophisticated. Implementing proper defenses to protect against security breaches is essential. Here are some practical tips to help small businesses strengthen cybersecurity and reduce the risk of becoming a victim.

Remote and flexible work setups are a common part of the modern workplace. Combining remote and in-person work can benefit everyone by offering flexibility and the opportunity to tailor work environments to different tasks. Organizations continue to refine the balance between in-office and remote work to meet operational and employee needs.

Remote and in-office environments each have unique IT security considerations that organizations need to manage. With cyber threats continuing to grow in frequency and sophistication, it’s critical for organizations to ensure that both their own devices and those of their employees are fully secure to reduce the risk of an attack.

Every morning, you wake up, go through your routine, and start your day at the office or home workspace. When you log into your computer and check your email, you might notice that essential messages, such as an RFP you’re expecting, an invoice, or important notes from vendors and partners, have landed in your spam folder. You might ask yourself, “how did these end up here?” Missing these emails is not only frustrating, but it can also affect your business operations and workflow.

Cybersecurity awareness is essential year-round. Data breaches continue to have a significant financial impact on organizations worldwide, highlighting the importance of strong cybersecurity.

If your organization isn’t taking security seriously, it’s only a matter of time before you become a target. Every device on your network and every person with access to those devices is a potential attack vector — and yes, that includes copiers and multifunction printers (MFPs).