Sunset of outdated security standards for home subscriptions

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Greetings amazing clients,
 
The holiday is almost here! Time for some R&R, right? 🌞 

Who else knows about the holidays coming up? The hackers… and as your IT team we are dedicated to always looking for ways to keep you safe! Ok ok… so what are we getting at? 🤔 
 
As attacks continue to become more sophisticated, it’s our job to improve security layers to aid in the prevention of a computer attack. Unfortunately, our lowest cost and most basic security plans are simply “not good enough” any longer (we’ve had these plans for 5+ years). This email is a courtesy update to those of you on the old minimum level of care and security. 
 
NOTE: We are HAPPY to say that many of you receiving this email have already upgraded to the new minimum level of security as an upgrade to the most basic option (THANK YOU! – Nothing changes for you!). ❤️ 
 
So… you ask… what is changing? How does this protect you better? Great questions! Let us explainOur new minimum level of security (for home users) adds a security layer called “URL FILTERING”. 
 
The simple “no geek” explanation is that URL filtering helps protect you from bad websites that can cause you harm. These websites may look like a normal website and this is where the URL filtering deciphers that it’s safe or not safe based on a lot of factors. If unsafe, the website is blocked and closed, therefore stopping the attack from starting. PHEWWW!!!! 
 

“Geeky” explanation: URL filtering is a type of web filtering, which automatically blocks access to specific online resources, including websites and file downloads. Web filtering is used to prevent users from accessing suspicious or malicious websites and downloading malware, limiting the potential for cybercriminals to compromise individual systems as well as the network at large. There are several different types of web filtering. Some of the more common implementations include URL filtering — which blocks individual pages, and DNS filtering – which blocks entire domains.  URL filtering blocks access to known malicious websites including: Phishing websites that try to steal credentials, Websites that operate as command-and-control servers (C&C) sending instructions to — or receiving data from — systems compromised by malware, Websites that download malware, and Fake e-commerce shops that may steal money or cardholder data. 

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=== F.A.Q ===

How do I know if I was on the minimum plan? 
Fairly easily! If you had a “legacy” line item, EPP1, or VIP1 – all of these plans were replaced with the next level. Software only plans were $10/month and VIP “tech support included” Support Plans were $30/month. Both of these basic security plans will or have been retired. They will be replaced with the new minimum-security plans that cost $5 more per month per device. If your cost increased by $5/month per device you have with us, then you had a legacy plan or our most basic plan. The plans may have the same name but now include more security. 
 
Do I need to do anything? 

No! We will be doing all the work for you at no cost. 

When does this pricing change go into effect? 

Changes are taking affect between 9/1/23 and 10/1/23. 
 

I’d like better security than the minimum, what are my options? 
We have several upgrade options that can improve privacy (VPN services to stop your internet provider from selling your data), dark web awareness (passwords that are stolen for example), identity theft awareness (identity protection services), and many other layers of security to reduce your changes of a cyberattack. If you’d like more info, please contact us so we can learn more about your goals. 

There was a price change in 2022, will this happen every year? 
This year, we did not have a price change but a minimum level of care (security/protection) change. This primarily affected clients that chose to use the bare minimum offerings. It’s important to note that we’ve always had these plans available as an upgrade and the price has always been $5 more than the most basic option. We are doing everything we can to balance out excellent security with fair pricing. 

I’m a business, should I have received this email? 
As a business user on a home support plan, you are missing a LOT of layers of security. This means that cyber insurance applications have a VERY high chance of being declined and that you have a much higher risk profile than a home user. All business clients on a home support plan will get an email later this month about upcoming liability, security, and coverage adjustments. Businesses can absolutely use the home experience with the understanding that it’s well under standardized recommendations from the SBA, FTC, SEC, NIST, and even the US government. We are happy to have a conversation with you about what you should be doing, how it can secure your business, and help improve your reputation with your clients as a “cyber safe and aware” business. Check out there pages to learn more –> Tips and Tricks | EasyITGuys , Why You Need a Cyber Security Risk Assessment | EasyITGuys , Why you need to authenticate your domain with SPF, DKIM DMARC, and BIMI protocols | EasyITGuys , Risk Assessment Quiz | EasyITGuys,  and What is Cybersecurity? | EasyITGuys
 
I need more info on URL filtering. Does it help block malware and phishing attacks?

YES! URL filtering helps to prevent users from visiting malicious sites, URL filtering can also stop bad emails from loading malicious email links or visiting phishing sites. Email security is important as a Verizon report cited that 94% of attacks come thru this vector. Attackers include a malicious link in these emails to trick a user into clicking on it and loading a malicious webpage. URL filtering can block this type of attack. Phishing attacks trick a user into giving away sensitive credentials by using fake websites that appear legitimate. URL filtering can stop these attacks by ensuring the malicious websites are not loaded.  

Do you offer any other free tools I can check out to protect myself? 
Absolutely! If you visit our website, you will see various free tools you can use under the “tools” dropdown. Such as: Email Breach Scanner | EasyITGuysEmail Delivery Security Scanner | EasyITGuys, and more! 


If you have any questions, please feel free to respond to this email or call us at 651-400-8567. Thank you for your business and time!

P.S – If you haven’t worked with us in a while, check out what others have to say… hundreds of 5 star reviews here –> Reviews | EasyITGuys

Sincerely,

Charles Van Duynhoven | Director of Cyber Security
EasyITGuys | 651-400-8567

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