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NetAscendant Solutions, Midland, TX (2026)

05/19/2026

NetAscendant Tips and Tricks
May 2026
Have You Reviewed Your Passwords Lately?
Most users set passwords when they first use a system or application and change them if the system prompts them to do so. However, a set-and-forget approach leaves critical gaps that can allow hackers to compromise credentials.
Regular password reviews are a critical component of security. Stolen credentials are involved in a massive portion of data breaches, making proactive audits essential for identifying vulnerable accounts. Password audits enable users to simplify their digital lives while making it harder for others to access sensitive information.
Audits help identify weak, reused, or breached credentials before attackers exploit them. They also reduce the risks associated with “orphaned” or dormant accounts.
Many password managers have built-in audit features that automatically flag credentials that have appeared in known data leaks. These tools also identify simple or short passwords and instances in which the same password is used across multiple accounts and sites.

Consider these five pro tips to maximize password security:
• Inventory Accounts: Start by listing the 10 to 15 most critical accounts (email, banking, primary social media) and ensure they are secured first. Also, look for accounts that are no longer needed and disable them.
• Prioritize Passphrases: Instead of short, complex codes, use long, random passphrases. Length (at least 12 to 16 or more characters) is often more effective than complexity. However, it is important to avoid the “standard substitution” trap. Hackers know common substitutions such as $ for s or 1 for i. Truly random words or phrases are better.
• Adopt Passkeys: Where available, switch to passkeys. These are device-based and significantly more resistant to phishing than traditional passwords.
• Secure “Master” Keys: Email and password managers are the most sensitive accounts. If they are compromised, an attacker can reset passwords for almost everything else. Make sure they have the highest levels of security
• Look for Missing MFA: Check which accounts support multifactor authentication (MFA) but do not have it enabled yet. For accounts with MFA, save emergency backup codes in a separate secure location (such as a safe or a dedicated thumb drive) to avoid getting locked out.

04/20/2026

NetAscendant Tips and Tricks
April 2026
Unlicensed Software Comes with Financial and Security Risks
Unlicensed software remains a major global issue for both the technology companies that produce it and the businesses that use it. Despite the rise of cloud-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and strict subscription models, the scale, and consequences of using unauthorized software continues to grow.
About 37 percent of software installed on PCs worldwide is unlicensed. It is estimated to cause $46 billion in annual revenue loss for the software industry. While North America has some of the lowest rates of unlicensed software use, it still accounts for billions in commercial value loss.
What Are the Risks of Unlicensed Software?
Organizations that use unlicensed software also face significant financial risks. Major developers employ aggressive compliance teams and use built-in telemetry data to track unauthorized use. If caught during an audit, organizations can be hit with retroactive licensing fees and damages that can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars. It can cripple smaller organizations.
There is also a direct correlation between unlicensed software and cyberattacks. Roughly one-third of unlicensed software is infected with malware. Additionally, unlicensed programs cannot authenticate with central servers to pull security patches and version updates. This leaves company networks exposed to ransomware and data breaches.

Do Employees Play a Role?
Employees frequently introduce unlicensed software into company environments. They may download tools they believe will help them work faster without waiting for company approval. In some cases, employees download unlicensed versions of expensive software because they assume the company will not pay for it. They may also use software that is free for personal use but requires a license for business use.
License overuse is a major part of the problem. This happens when a company legitimately purchases software but installs it on more devices than permitted or fails to properly manage user seats. Employees may install single-user software on multiple company machines or download software without asking if there are enough licenses available.
How Can Organizations Avoid Unlicensed Software?
Organizations should implement a formal policy prohibiting the installation of unauthorized software on both company-owned and BYOD devices. They should use tools to track installed software and prevent unauthorized applications from running on the network. Routine audits of computers and network activity can also identify and remove unlicensed software. IT teams should remove user permissions to install software and take responsibility for managing all software installations.
Employees have a responsibility as well. It starts by learning the risks and understanding that the use of unlicensed software is illegal. It’s important to:
• Adhere to company policies that restrict installation privileges.
• Use only approved software repositories.
• Report any unauthorized tools to IT or management.

03/23/2026

NetAscendant Tips and Tricks
March 2026
Smart Glasses Bring Benefits and Risks to the Workplace
Smart glasses are becoming commonplace thanks to AI. While the earliest models were little more than hands-free cameras and recording devices, AI has enabled capabilities such as video streaming, real-time translation, and facial recognition. Smart glasses have also become less clunky and more fashionable.
This Internet-connected eyewear offers significant benefits in the workplace, particularly in industries such as manufacturing, logistics and field services. Smart glasses give employees hands-free access to data, instructions, and checklists, which can increase task efficiency by more than 50 percent in some scenarios.
Smart glasses enable “see-what-I-see” support, allowing offsite experts to guide field technicians, reducing travel costs, and minimizing downtime. Augmented reality overlays can provide step-by-step guidance for complex assemblies, reducing errors and providing a faster training tool for new staff. Employees can receive real-time updates directly in their field of view without needing to check a phone or tablet.

However, smart glasses come with an array of risks. Because they can record video or audio discreetly, they can create a surveillance culture that damages trust, erodes collaboration and violates two-party consent laws. They also pose a high risk of corporate espionage or inadvertent data breaches, as they can easily capture, transmit and store sensitive data or proprietary processes to third-party AI platforms.
The constant display of notifications and visual data can be distracting, potentially leading to injuries when operating heavy machinery or in environments requiring full attention. Prolonged use of smart glasses can cause physical strain, including headaches, “tech neck”, and eye strain from constantly refocusing. Some users report visual fatigue from lower resolution or monocular displays.
Everyone plays a role in reducing these risks. If you own smart glasses or plan to buy them, consider these tips:
• Never bring any device into the workplace that is not approved and managed by IT.
• Follow your organization’s policies regarding the use of smart glasses.
• If you need smart glasses due to a disability, be sure to get appropriate approvals.
• Recognize that smart glasses can be distracting and should not be used while driving, operating machinery or performing tasks that require high focus.
• If you use smart glasses to record conversations, be sure to inform all meeting participants. Never record in sensitive areas or places where people expect privacy.

02/24/2026

NetAscendant Tips and Tricks
February 2026
AI Skills to Develop in 2026 and Beyond
AI is quickly becoming entrenched in the workplace. Organizations of all sizes and in every industry are taking advantage of chatbots, AI agents and analytics capabilities embedded into business applications. However, many organizations struggle to take full advantage of their AI investments.
In a recent Salesforce survey, 95 percent of business leaders said that integrating AI into their operations remains a significant hurdle. The biggest challenge is outdated IT infrastructure, followed by cybersecurity. However, organizations are also having trouble finding people with the skills needed to use AI effectively.
Organizations need professionals with expertise in AI-enabled cloud platforms, software programming, agentic AI coding and data science and analytics. However, nontechnical staff must also have a range of AI skills. Employees in virtually every role will need the ability to interact with AI.

These skills enable any professional to enhance their productivity using AI tools:
• Prompt Engineering: The ability to craft clear, contextual, and iterative queries to get accurate results from AI models.
• Critical Thinking & Evaluation: Validating AI outputs for errors, “hallucinations” (plausible but false facts), biases, and logical consistency.
• AI Ethics & Bias Awareness: Recognizing ethical risks such as data privacy concerns and algorithmic bias in automated decision-making.
• Tool Proficiency: Staying updated on a diverse array of task-specific tools for writing, design, data analysis, and workflow automation.
As AI automates routine tasks, human-centric “soft” skills have also become extremely important. Organizations value workers who can communicate, collaborate, and think critically. Humans can manage relationships and build trust in ways machines cannot. We also have the ability to understand the broader organizational context and business objectives to decide when and how to apply AI effectively.
Human adaptability and insight are essential to identifying the right challenges to tackle and breaking them into manageable sub-tasks for AI assistance. Cross-functional skills are also important given that AI agents collect, analyze and act on data from across the enterprise.
Workers need to remain adaptable as AI capabilities continue to evolve rapidly. Continuous upskilling and practical learning will be essential to remain competitive and valuable to employers.

01/19/2026

NetAscendant Tips and Tricks
January 2026

Outdated Technology at Home Puts the Company at Risk
In November 2025, security experts discovered Operation WrtHug, a large-scale cyber-espionage campaign that compromised more than 50,000 ASUS routers worldwide. Attributed to a China-linked threat actor, the operation transforms small-office/home-office (SOHO) routers into “operational relay boxes,” creating a stealth proxy network for global surveillance and network attacks.
The campaign targets ASUS WRT routers, specifically end-of-life (EOL) models that no longer receive security updates. Attackers exploit multiple known flaws to open a persistent backdoor into the devices.
Operation WrtHug is hardly unique. Hackers often target older, unpatched hardware and software such as home routers, smart devices, and PCs. These threats not only put individuals at risk but also create easy entry points for hackers to access company networks when employees work from home. Unsecured home devices can host malware that can spread across the network or steal sensitive company data.

Outdated technology also hinders productivity. Older systems struggle with modern software, causing slowdowns, data loss, and system crashes. Employees working from home face constant issues and slow performance, reducing work quality and efficiency.
If your home office technology is extremely outdated, you may have no choice but to purchase new equipment. However, there are steps you can take to improve security and performance without buying the latest gear.
• Keep firmware up to date. Firmware is a type of software permanently embedded in hardware devices that provides low-level instructions for performing basic functions. Keeping the firmware in routers and other devices up to date reduces the risk that a hacker can exploit a known vulnerability.
• Turn on automatic software updates. Most modern devices and operating systems allow you to update software automatically, so you do not have to remember to do it manually. Turn on that feature but also check from time to time to ensure that there are no pending updates that did not install successfully.
• Uninstall unused and outdated applications. The more applications you have on your device, the greater the chance that a hacker will be able to exploit a vulnerability. Cull down your apps to the ones you use regularly and keep those updated. If you buy a new device, be sure to remove any unwanted “bloatware” that comes with the system.
• Follow security best practices. Commonsense measures go a long way toward boosting security. Change default passwords on routers and other devices. Use a strong, unique password for each device, system and app, and use multifactor authentication wherever possible. Install robust security tools.

12/18/2025

NetAscendant Tips and Tricks
December 2025
Cybercriminals Increasingly Using LinkedIn for Phishing Scams
Most people associate phishing with email, but cybercriminals increasingly use other digital channels for their attacks. LinkedIn has become a particularly popular choice.
In October 2025, security researchers reported a phishing campaign targeting executives and high-level professionals. The message invited the target to “join the Executive Board of Common Wealth investment fund in South America.” It claimed that “Common Wealth” was in partnership with AMCO Asset Management.
Of course, no such investment fund exists. The goal of the campaign was to steal the victim’s Microsoft credentials.
Phishing on LinkedIn frequently involves fake job offers that steer the victim to malicious sites to steal their information. Some scammers pose as researchers to get personal data in exchange for promised gift cards or money. LinkedIn messages may include malicious links designed to steal logins or install malware. Emails purportedly from LinkedIn may mimic alerts about profile views, new jobs or account issues but contain phishing links.

Scammers are using LinkedIn because it gives them ready access to high-value targets. Rather than creating accounts, building credibility, and making connections, scammers simply take over existing accounts. LinkedIn users are more likely to fall for these scams because they are accustomed to interacting with people outside their organization.
There is not much the organization’s IT team can do. LinkedIn messaging does not go through email, where most spam and phishing is intercepted. Hackers use various techniques to evade security controls that inspect web pages and traffic. Organizations must rely on users to detect and report these attacks.
Spotting a LinkedIn phishing scam involves many of the same techniques used to detect other types of phishing. Look out for:
• Sender address. Check for misspellings or non-LinkedIn domains.
• Links. Hover over the URL. If it is not linkedin.com or seems suspicious, do not click.
• Urgency and emotion. Scammers use high-pressure tactics and emotional pleas.
• Requests for money or info. Legitimate contacts will not ask for passwords, credit card information or upfront payments.
• Poor grammar or generic greetings. Poor writing, awkward phrasing or “Dear Sir/Madam” greetings are red flags.
• Moving off platform. Scammers want to move the conversation to email or WhatsApp quickly to avoid LinkedIn’s monitoring.
If you see any of these red flags, odds are high that it is a phishing campaign. Do not trust links in messages — use official apps and sites to check notifications.
Most of all, remember to be skeptical. If a job or offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

11/21/2025

NetAscendant Tips and Tricks
November 2025

Do Not Let Holiday Cyber Scams Impact Your Organization
The holiday season is a time of friends, family, and fun — and, unfortunately, also cyber fraud. Various studies show that cybercrimes surge by about 30 percent during the holidays. Common scams include phishing emails with malicious links, malware-infected advertisements, and fraudulent charitable appeals. Nonpayment and non-delivery scams cost Americans more than $785 million during the 2024 holiday season, according to the FBI.
Consumers are not the only victims. Many employees shop online from the office or while using a corporate device. That means holiday threats could expose company networks and business-critical information.
Cybercriminals target businesses as well. Attempted ransomware attacks are typically 70 percent higher in November and December than in January and February. Phishing attempts surge by 46 percent in December compared to the monthly average. One study found a 106 percent increase in the number of malware infections during the first weekend of the season.

Several factors create a perfect storm for successful attacks during the holidays. Many security and IT teams run on skeleton crews, meaning fewer people are available to monitor for and respond to threats. At the same time, the surge in online shopping provides more opportunities for data theft and fraud.
Employees are often distracted by the festive period, making them more susceptible to social engineering tactics. An influx of seasonal employees with limited cybersecurity training can also create weak points in an organization’s defenses.
Every user plays a role in preventing holiday cyber scams. Here are four ways to protect yourself and your organization:
• Update your operating system and software with the latest patches. Experts estimate that more than half of all breaches exploit known vulnerabilities for which a patch has been released but not applied. Ensure that your operating system, web browsers, and other software are always up to date. Note: NetAscendant performs these tasks for its supported computers.
• Use strong passwords and multifactor authentication. Weak access controls often provide the initial entry point for cyberattacks. Create unique, strong passwords for all your online accounts and change them regularly. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) whenever it is available, as it adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.
• Be vigilant. Attackers often lure in their victims by creating a sense of urgency. Be suspicious of unsolicited emails, messages, or calls, and especially wary of offers that seem too good to be true. The holidays are a good time to review your cybersecurity training and refresh your memory about the latest threats and how to avoid them.
• Be extremely cautious anytime you are prompted for your username and password, especially from emails, pop-ups, or unexpected login pages. When in doubt, stop and verify the source through a known, trusted path.

10/27/2025

NetAscendant Tips and Tricks
October 2025
How to Avoid Dark Web Travel Scams This Holiday Season
The holiday season is approaching, and many people will be traveling to visit family and friends or simply enjoy the holidays. When making travel plans, it is important to be aware of a growing threat: dark web travel scams.
Cybercriminals are setting up fake travel agencies that sell discounted flights, hotels, and vacation packages. The fraudsters book travel using stolen credit card information or compromised frequent flyer accounts, then resell it to unsuspecting consumers.
This form of fraud is known as “triangulation fraud,” in which cybercriminals use stolen payment data to buy products from legitimate companies and resell them to consumers. In this case, the scammers use professionally designed websites or encrypted messaging platforms to advertise cheap, “no-questions-asked” travel deals. The customer pays the fraudulent agency using standard methods, such as e-transfer, or less traceable methods such as cryptocurrency.

The scammer uses stolen credit card data, hacked loyalty accounts, or compromised corporate travel portals to book the trip on legitimate airline or hotel sites. The booking is often made under the customer’s real name. The customer receives a legitimate-looking confirmation, often just hours before the travel date to avoid detection. The customer may be able to successfully check in, not knowing the transaction was fraudulent.
If the airline or hotel discovers the fraud, the booking will be canceled, potentially leaving the traveler stranded with no refund. Some scam victims report that their own credit card information was skimmed during the transaction, leading to unauthorized charges later on. The fraudsters may also steal frequent flyer miles or hotel points from unsuspecting loyalty program members, then use or resell them.
Unknowingly using services purchased with stolen credentials can lead to legal issues. Although you are a victim of a crime, you were still the end-user of a product purchased via illicit means.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, watch for these common red flags:
• “Too-good-to-be-true” pricing. The old saying, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” applies here. Discounts of 50 percent or more, especially on luxury travel, are a major warning sign.
• Unfamiliar booking websites. Check the URL of the booking site carefully for subtle misspellings and verify the company’s legitimacy. Scammers are now using AI to create convincing fake sites rapidly.
• Non-standard payment methods. Be suspicious if the site does not accept regular credit cards. Legitimate companies do not request payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
• Pressure to book immediately. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to prevent you from researching the offer. Take your time and do your due diligence before booking travel.
• Communications via messaging apps. The absence of a standard booking engine, requiring you to communicate through an encrypted messaging app such as Telegram, is a significant red flag.

09/22/2025

NetAscendant Tips and Tricks
September 2025
Creating a Smarter Workplace with AI
Many employees have mixed feelings about AI. In a 2025 Pew Research Center survey, 52 percent of workers said they are worried about AI’s impact on the workplace, with 32 percent concerned that AI would take away job opportunities. Just 36 percent are hopeful about the future of AI in the workplace, while 33 percent feel overwhelmed.
However, a 2024 McKinsey study found that many employees are already using AI for one-third or more of their work. More than 70 percent believe AI will replace 30 percent of their work within the next two years, and they are eager for more AI training.
These studies are not as contradictory as they might seem. Like any technology, AI is a tool that can be used to make work better. Companies that implement AI responsibly will empower their employees and enhance overall employee satisfaction.

The key is to take incremental steps, starting with proven use cases that can deliver rapid results. In addition to automating routine, repetitive tasks, AI can be used to improve employee well-being and minimize those daily hassles that can accumulate into major headaches. Here are five ways that AI can create a smarter workplace and a better employee experience.
• Simplifying search. Studies show that employees spend almost five hours each week simply looking for information. AI can search through massive amounts of data in seconds, eliminating that lost time. Smarter search can also minimize miscommunications, inaccuracies and duplicative work that occur when information cannot be found.
• Enhancing Collaboration: Implementing AI -powered tools and practices that foster better communication and teamwork among employees, leading to more innovative solutions and a more cohesive work environment.
• Coordinating meetings. Video conferences often end with attendees staring at their calendars trying to find time for a follow-up meeting. AI-powered tools can analyze the meeting notes, look at everyone’s calendars and determine when they should meet next. These tools can even reserve a meeting room based on preferences, past behavior, and available technology.
• Personalizing training. Insufficient and irrelevant training is one of the biggest gripes many employees have. AI can recommend focused training modules based on the tasks an employee performs or the tools they use. Chatbots can even provide basic how-to’s or direct the employee to the right expert.
• Collecting feedback. Generic surveys are not very good at gauging employee sentiment or identifying persistent problems. AI-powered tools can scan comments made in chat sessions and issues brought up in meetings to give managers insight into how their teams are doing. These tools can even alert managers to warning signs of potential performance problems or turnover.

08/22/2025

NetAscendant Tips and Tricks
August 2025
Security Awareness Training Helps You Protect Your Organization
Security awareness training might seem like an unnecessary interruption in a busy workday. However, it plays a critical role in protecting organizations from cyberattacks.
That is because the “human element” is involved in more than 80 percent of security incidents. Rather than trying to break through network defenses, hackers use social engineering to manipulate individuals into divulging confidential information or performing actions that compromise security.

Phishing is the best-known form of social engineering. Attackers create emails that appear to come from customers, trusted partners or even from within the organization. These emails often include malicious links or attachments and create a sense of urgency. AI is making phishing harder to detect.
Security awareness training is designed to educate users about social engineering threats and teach them techniques for combating them. The typical program provides extensive information on phishing, with examples of actual phishing emails. Some programs even have simulated phishing attacks to test users on their knowledge.
The program should also cover other common attacks, such as business email compromise, along with the latest threats. It should remind users of security policies and the consequences for breaking them, and the process for reporting suspicious activity or incidents.
A good security awareness training program is engaging and relevant to the user’s job role. However, users also bear some responsibility for ensuring the program is effective. Here are some tips that will help you get the most out of it.
• Pay close attention. Do not just passively absorb the information. Actively listen, read, and try to understand the concepts being presented.
• Ask questions. If anything is unclear, do not hesitate to ask for clarification from trainers or colleagues. Understanding the “why” behind the training is critical for retention.
• Participate in activities. Engage in any interactive exercises, quizzes or simulations offered during the training. This helps solidify your understanding and identify areas where you might need further training.
• Think about real-world applications. Relate the training content to your daily work and personal life. Consider how the lessons learned can be applied to protect yourself and your organization from cyberattacks.
• Review the materials. Do not treat the training as a one-time event. Review the training materials periodically to refresh your knowledge.
• Stay informed. Keep an eye out for security updates, alerts and news related to cybersecurity, particularly information distributed by your organization. This will help you stay informed about the latest threats.
If your organization does not offer security awareness training, suggest it to your manager. Training should be part of a culture that prioritizes IT security and compliance awareness.

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