Cybersecure California

June 25, 2025

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Category: Blog

  • The Hidden Costs of Waiting: Why California Businesses Can’t Afford to Delay Their Windows 10 Upgrade

    If you’re still running Windows 10 on your business machines, the clock is ticking. On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10—no more security patches, no more bug fixes, and no more technical support. But the real cost of waiting isn’t just about upgrading down the road. It’s about what ignoring…

  • Your Firewall Is Set, But Is Your Staff? Why Human Error Is Still the #1 Threat

    You’ve locked down the firewall, upgraded endpoint protection, and configured backups like a pro. But all it takes is one well-meaning click from a staff member to bring it all crashing down. Welcome to the uncomfortable truth of school cybersecurity in 2025: your biggest vulnerability isn’t a gap in your software — it’s the people…

  • Why Your Vacation Auto-Reply Is Risky for California Businesses

    Your standard OOO message often includes: That gives attackers two major advantages: 1. Timing They know you’re unavailable and less likely to spot suspicious activity. 2. Targeting They know exactly who to impersonate (you or your listed backup) and whom to impersonate to (the person handling your requests). From there, it’s a short path to…

  • What Cyber Insurance Providers Are Looking for (and Why It Matters to Your Job Security)

    Cyber insurance isn’t just an IT checkbox anymore — it’s a district survival strategy. And if you’re responsible for your district’s tech, what insurance carriers find (or don’t find) could directly affect your job security. Let’s break it down. Why Schools Are Under the Microscope Cyberattacks on K–12 schools are on the rise. From ransomware…

  • 7 Questions Every California Business Should Be Asking Their IT Provider Quarterly

    If you only reach out to your IT partner when it’s time to renew your contract, you’re missing out. Technology—and the cyberthreats it attracts—evolves every day. Quarterly check-ins are essential if you want to keep your California business secure, efficient, and competitive. But most business owners aren’t sure what to ask. Use this cheat sheet…

  • Plain-Language Guide to AB 1584, FERPA & CIPA Compliance for K-12 Schools in 2025

    This 2025 guide to AB 1584, FERPA, and CIPA helps K-12 schools stay compliant and protect student data. If you’ve ever stared at a 12-page vendor agreement and wondered if you’re signing your district into a compliance nightmare, you’re not alone. California tech directors and ed leaders are doing more with less, and compliance jargon…

  • Out of Office, Out of Luck: Why Reactive IT Support Can Ruin Your California Summer

    It’s a bright June morning from Redding to San Diego. Half your team is on vacation; the rest are hopping between home offices, coffee shops, and beachside Wi-Fi spots. Then it happens: You reach for your phone—only to see your IT contact is also “out of office.” Suddenly, your entire operation grinds to a halt.…

  • Shadow IT: The Silent Cybersecurity Risk Hiding in Your Business

    When most people think about cybersecurity risks, they picture phishing emails, weak passwords, or unsecured devices. But one of the fastest-growing – and often overlooked – threats in California workplaces is Shadow IT. If your employees are using tools or apps your IT team hasn’t approved, your business could be vulnerable to data leaks, malware,…

  • Is Your Printer Your Biggest Cybersecurity Blind Spot?

    When you think of cybersecurity threats, you probably picture phishing emails, malware, or weak passwords. But one of the most overlooked vulnerabilities in California workplaces today is quietly sitting in the corner… your printer. It might sound far-fetched, but printers are increasingly becoming targets for cybercriminals. In fact, during Cybernews’s 2020 “Printer Hack Experiment,” researchers…

  • The Fake Travel Email That Could Expose Your Business

    Summer is nearly here, and with it comes the rise of one of the most convincing cyber scams we’ve seen: fake travel confirmations. These phishing emails are designed to look like legitimate messages from trusted companies – Expedia, Delta, Marriott, and more – and they’re catching even tech-savvy people off guard. But the risk doesn’t…