ACES

06/02/2026

Threat actors are getting smarter about leaving their digital fingerprints behind and leveraging YOU as the bad guy instead.

While you may be more familiar with fake CAPTCHA boxes and verification tests, threat actors are always evolving. A newer example we've heard from one of our security partners involved a victim who thought they were entering a legitimate Teams call with a potential vendor. During the call, the "vendor" claimed the victim had audio issues and said they would assist the victim with troubleshooting during their call. Unfortunately for the victim, they were actually executing the steps needed to download malware and give the threat actor access to their device. Once the threat actor was in, it was a race between the victim's security tools to recognize the threat and the threat actor getting the information they wanted.

These types of attacks, called the Click(Fix) technique, most often take advantage of users who have basic troubleshooting knowledge and feel comfortable trying to resolve minor technical issues by themselves. Hiding behind seemingly normal interactions like human verification and CAPTCHA checks, the threat actor will give victims instructions such as clicking through prompts and copying/pasting/running commands directly with their device under the guise of troubleshooting an issue.

It's good to have basic troubleshooting skills to use when you run into issues with your device. However, when in doubt, it's always best to reach out to your trusted IT provider to help you resolve technical issues.

To learn more about Click(Fix) attacks, check out these links below -
- https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2025/08/21/think-before-you-clickfix-analyzing-the-clickfix-social-engineering-technique/
- https://cybersecuritynews.com/clickfix-attack/
- https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/bugs/2026/05/700-education-and-tech-websites-hijacked-in-huge-clickfix-malware-campaign

If you need help creating a better cyber-secure environment, give Dave a call at 319-553-0844 and schedule an assessment with our team today!

06/01/2026

At ACES, we use a layered defense strategy with tools like firewalls, antivirus, endpoint protection, and email filtering to block threats like malware and phishing. We also implement advanced safeguards such as multi-factor authentication and regular patching schedules.

If you're stuck trying to keep your devices up to date and compliant, give Dave a call at 319-553-0844 and schedule an assessment to see what our team can do you today!

05/28/2026

ACES provides strategic IT consulting to help clients align their technology infrastructure with business goals. This includes assessing current systems, identifying inefficiencies, and recommending upgrades or new technologies that can improve productivity and scalability.

Aces acts as a virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO) and helps clients plan for future growth, budget for IT investments, and stay ahead of emerging threats and trends. Our strategic guidance ensures that the client’s IT environment not only supports day-to-day operations but also contributes to its long-term success.

If you're in the market for new hardware or want help bringing your organization into the 21st century, give Dave a call at 319-553-0844 and schedule an assessment with our team today!

05/26/2026

AI is being used by threat actors to craft emails, make spoofed phone calls, and in some cases create profiles that feel eerily real to people you know in real life.

These generated threats are evolving quickly. Better language models, better training material, and real-time feedback are making AI tools able to hide the flaws that made their work obvious in the past.

That's why it's important to partake in continued security awareness trainings and slow down before providing sensitive information.

If you're looking for help navigating the AI landscape, give Dave a call at 319-529-0666 for a free assessment.

05/21/2026

When it comes to keeping your organization cybersecure, is a shared responsibility. One careless moment can easily open the door to threats that impact the entire organization.

Many people think that they aren't worthy enough to be a target but in this day and age, everyone's data has a price tag. Even things that seem innocent can be pieced together to give a threat actor enough information to crack your password, sound convincingly like you on the phone, or slip through email conversations to get access to your account.

Taking time to verify requests, keeping your devices up to date, and reporting suspicious behavior helps to keep you AND your team safe.

If you'd like to learn more about how you can make your company more cybersecure, give Dave a call at 319-529-0666 for a free consultation!

04/28/2026

the temperatures are rising - here are a few tips to keeping your home plumbing in working order preparing for those warmer days!

questioning if something is functioning properly or need something fixed? we are always a phone call away! 📲

04/23/2026

Happy belated ! Yesterday was a perfect day to be outside and enjoy some sunshine.

Aces celebrates by working with local e-waste recycling companies to keep technology from our clients out of the trash. This video by Business Insider gives a great overview of what these recycling companies do with old and outdated technology.

If you're not a client but have business e-waste you'd like to recycle, check out the Iowa Waste Reduction Center or Midwest Computer Brokers.

If you're a resident of the Cedar Valley area and have old e-waste you'd like to get rid of check Black Hawk County - Waste Trac Education Team's annual hazardous waste and electronics collection event. Registration for the spring event is full but the next event will be August 29, 2026.

Alternatively e-waste can be dropped off at the Cedar Falls, Iowa, City Government transfer station and Goodwill of Northeast Iowa for recycling. No matter who you choose, keeping tech out of the landfill is a win for all! ♻️🌍🌱

Only 17% of electronic waste is recycled. That’s because devices aren’t designed to be recycled. They’re full of tiny, toxic materials that are hard and expe...

04/09/2026

It's comforting to know that even the NASA Artemis crew has trouble with Microsoft Outlook too. Wishing them the best as they come back home tomorrow!

You may not be planning the next trip to the moon but with a partner like ACES, you can breathe easy knowing that mission control is one call away!

From Outlook to CAD programs and all the tech in-between, ACES is happy to help your business reach for the stars! ✨🚀

NASA Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman faced the most earthly possible conflict while in outer space: his Outlook wasn't working.

04/02/2026

Did you know that nearly half of all cyberattacks target small businesses. Why?

Threat actors know that small businesses are often working within tight budgets with limited IT resources, outdated security, and minimal training. These weak spots make them easier prey for attackers seeking quick wins.

With the right cybersecurity strategy, your small businesses can shift from vulnerable to vigilant and protect your operations, reputation, and customer trust.

To learn more about how ACES can help take the stress of being up to date on all things cybersecurity, give Dave a call at 319-529-0666 today!

04/01/2026

Happy April Fools day! While today may be full of fun cybersecurity is no joke.

Threat actors are crafty and often use a variety of messages to try and get you to give up your private information or to get access into your systems. Here are two tips to keep your company and yourself more this spring.

🖱️Call before you click - If you get a message from a number you don't recognize claiming to be your bank, the IRS, or another vendor you use, call them directly to verify the request before updating your account information or sending any money.

🧠Slow down and think logically - Many threat actors will try to confuse you by giving false information and try to take advantage of your brain's processing power when you are already overwhelmed. If you aren't in a place where you can focus and think clearly, return to the message later or let them leave a voicemail.

If you're looking for peace of mind when you get messages like these, call Dave at 319-529-0666 for more information on how Aces can help.