IT Insights by Julian Rouse

Imagine your business as a high-tech fortress. You’ve got solid walls and a secure gate, but if your gatekeeper only asks for a simple password, any determined threat actor could stroll right in. This is where Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) steps in, adding layers of security that make unauthorized access nearly impossible. The Power of MFA MFA isn’t just an extra step; it’s your best defense against cybercriminals. By requiring multiple forms of verification—like a password, a text message code, or a fingerprint scan—MFA ensures that even if a password is compromised, your systems remain secure. Consider Sarah, the CFO of a mid-sized company. She’s out for a coffee when she gets an alert on her phone: Someone just tried to log in to her company’s financial software using her password. But thanks to MFA, that attempt is blocked because the threat actor doesn’t have access to her phone for the second authentication step. Crisis averted, and Sarah can enjoy her latte in peace. Why You...

Every now and then, my team and I might encounter a security vulnerability that could potentially impact our operations. One such instance was brought to our attention recently, and it underscores the importance of proactive security measures. On Monday evening, senior leadership alerted me to a new security concern: popular Microsoft apps for Mac are at risk of code injection attacks. You can read more about this issue in the  Computer Weekly article . Proactive Detection and Leadership Response As someone who typically stays ahead of security threats, it's not uncommon for me to discover vulnerabilities early. However, this particular issue was flagged by senior leadership, highlighting the critical role of vigilance at all levels. When such concerns arise, my approach involves a few key steps: Asking the Right Questions:  In situations like these, it's essential to ask the right questions to understand the potential impact and urgency. Key questions include: What is the nat...