FirstLink Technology

09/02/2026

WordPress powers millions of websites, but its popularity also makes it a frequent target for cyberattacks.

Recent security vulnerabilities have affected WordPress itself as well as popular plugins and themes, reminding businesses that website security shouldn't be something you think about only after a breach.

How can you better protect your WordPress site?

🔄 Keep WordPress, plugins, and themes updated – Security vulnerabilities are regularly discovered, and outdated components can leave the door open to attackers.

🧩 Be selective with plugins – Only install plugins from reputable developers, remove ones you no longer use, and avoid keeping abandoned or unsupported plugins on your site.

🔑 Protect administrator accounts – Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication whenever possible.

💾 Maintain reliable backups – Regular backups can make recovering from a compromised or damaged website much easier.

🛡️ Monitor your website – Watch for suspicious activity, unexpected file changes, unusual logins, and other signs that something isn't right.

Quick Tip: WordPress security isn't a one-time setup. It requires ongoing maintenance, monitoring, and attention.

That's where FirstLink can help. From secure website hosting and backups to WordPress maintenance and support, we can help keep your website protected, maintained, and available so you can focus on running your business.

💬 When was the last time your WordPress website had a security checkup?

08/31/2026

Servers work hard everyday and sometimes they just need a pat on the back. 🫶🥹

08/27/2026

🐾 Happy National Dog Day!

At First Link, 100% of our staff has dogs.

We’re not saying dog ownership is a requirement for employment, but at this point, the data is pretty compelling.

Our team handles servers, networks, websites and technical problems.

Our dogs handle:
• Security monitoring
• Package detection
• Employee wellness
• Lunch inspection
• Escalations involving squirrels

Between all of us, we provide excellent customer service.

The dogs would like it noted that response times for treats remain unacceptable.

08/26/2026

Keeping your technology updated is important, but there's another step businesses can easily overlook: making sure those updates were actually installed successfully.

Recent cybersecurity warnings have highlighted actively exploited vulnerabilities affecting widely used Microsoft, VMware, and Apple technologies.

Attackers often move quickly once a vulnerability becomes known, which means an unpatched computer, server, or application can become an unnecessary security risk.
What should your business be doing?

🔄 Keep systems current – Make sure computers, servers, applications, and network infrastructure are receiving security updates.

✅ Verify your updates – Don't assume an update installed just because it was scheduled. Failed or interrupted updates can leave systems vulnerable.

💻 Know what's on your network – Maintain an inventory of your devices and software so you know what needs attention when a new vulnerability is announced.

🔐 Prioritize critical vulnerabilities – Security issues that are actively being exploited should receive prompt attention.

📊 Monitor regularly – Proactive IT maintenance can help identify vulnerable or outdated systems before they become a bigger problem.

Quick Tip: Automatic updates are helpful, but they aren't a complete vulnerability-management strategy. Businesses should have a process for identifying, applying, and verifying critical security fixes.

🛠️ Not sure if your systems are protected? FirstLink can help. We can help manage and monitor your business technology so critical IT maintenance doesn't get overlooked.

💬 Do you know if all of your business devices are fully up to date today?

08/21/2026

Changing your password is easy.

Choosing a new one that:
- you haven’t used before
- meets all 14 security requirements
- doesn’t contain your name
- doesn’t resemble your old password
- and you’ll actually remember tomorrow…

That’s the real IT challenge. 🔐

08/19/2026

💡 Tech Tip Tuesday! It's Time to Start Using Passkeys

The tech world is moving beyond passwords.

Major companies like Microsoft, Google, and Apple are encouraging users to switch to passkeys, a more secure way to sign in that helps protect against phishing and password theft. Microsoft is even making passkeys the default sign-in method for Microsoft Entra ID later this year.

Why are passkeys better?
🔐 They can't be easily stolen in phishing attacks.
📱 They use your device's fingerprint, face recognition, or PIN to verify it's really you.
⚡ They're faster than typing a password.
🛡️ There's no password to remember or accidentally reuse.

Quick Tip: If your bank, email provider, or other frequently used apps offer passkeys, consider enabling them. They provide stronger security while making sign-ins simpler.

Small changes like this can make a big difference in protecting your personal and business accounts.

💬 Question: Have you started using passkeys yet, or are you still sticking with traditional passwords?

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08/16/2026

There’s something deeply humbling about being a robot and failing the “prove you’re not a robot” test. 🤖

CAPTCHAs: keeping bots out… and apparently causing existential crises along the way.

08/12/2026

💡 Tech Tip Tuesday! CAPTCHA Not Working? Try These Quick Fixes

Stuck in an endless CAPTCHA loop? Before you get frustrated, try these simple troubleshooting steps:
✅ Refresh the page and try again.
🧹 Clear your browser's cache and cookies if the problem persists.
🔒 Disable your VPN or proxy temporarily, as some websites flag these connections.
🧩 Turn off browser extensions like ad blockers or privacy tools that may interfere with CAPTCHA.
🌐 Try a different browser or device to see if the issue is browser-specific.
📶 Check your internet connection.

An unstable connection can prevent CAPTCHA from verifying correctly. Most CAPTCHA issues are caused by browser settings, extensions, or network configurations, not the website itself.

💬 Have you ever been stuck clicking traffic lights or crosswalks over and over? You're not alone!

08/06/2026

Congratulations to the Valorem team! What a wonderful new home for your business

Celebrate Valorem Financial's new location on August 10th at 4:00 pm! RSVP here: https://business.arvadachamber.org/events/Details/ribbon-cutting-valorem-financial-1852657?sourceTypeId=Website

Valorem Financial was founded to help others lead inspired lives and plan for the days ahead. At Valorem Financial, the firm's mission is to guide clients with value and trust through life's financial journey. As a team, they work together to craft financial strategies that help enable clients to enjoy the rewards of their hard work today, while preparing them for the days ahead.

08/05/2026

You've probably visited a website that asks, "Accept Cookies?" But what exactly are cookies?

Cookies are small text files that websites save on your device to remember information about your visit.

They can help websites:
🔒 Keep you logged into your accounts
🛒 Remember items in your shopping cart
🌎 Save your language or website preferences
⚙️ Streamline future visits by remembering your settings

However, not all cookies serve the same purpose.

🍪 Essential cookies are required for core website functions, like logging in or completing a purchase, and generally can't be disabled through a website's cookie settings.

📊 Analytics cookies help website owners understand how visitors use their site so they can improve the user experience.

📢 Advertising cookies, often through third-party providers, can track your activity across multiple websites to deliver more personalized ads.

Quick Tip: When a website asks you to accept cookies, take a moment to review your options. Many sites allow you to accept only the essential cookies while declining analytics or advertising cookies.

Understanding how cookies work helps you make informed decisions about your online privacy.

💬 Do you usually click ""Accept All,"" or do you customize your cookie preferences?