Category: Blog

  • 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…

  • The 4 Biggest Cybersecurity Mistakes California Business Owners Are Still Making

    We’ve all seen the headlines: ransomware attacks taking down hospitals, data breaches costing companies millions, and regulatory fines hitting small firms that didn’t even know they were out of compliance. And yet, after years of working with businesses across California, the most common mistake we still see is this: Treating IT and cybersecurity as an…

  • What Is Zero Trust — and Why Every Small Business Needs to Know About It

    “Zero Trust” might sound like a buzzword or something reserved for big tech companies — but in reality, it’s one of the most important cybersecurity strategies for small businesses in California today. At Synergy Computing, we talk to business owners who think their antivirus software and strong passwords are enough. The truth is, cybercriminals are…

  • The Hidden Cyber Risk in Chatbots: What California Businesses Need to Know Before You Type

    AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and others are quickly becoming everyday tools for businesses across California. They’re helping busy professionals draft emails, summarize reports, generate ideas, and even respond to customer inquiries. They’re convenient. Fast. Smart.But they also come with a risk that most businesses haven’t even considered. At Cybersecure California, we’re…