Month: July 2025

Why Immutable Backup Should Be Part of Your Strategy
By in

Why Immutable Backup Should Be Part of Your Strategy

SMBs, Don’t Let Ransomware Destroy Your Business!

For small and medium-sized businesses, a single cyberattack can be devastating. Whether it’s ransomware, accidental deletion, or insider threats, losing your data means lost productivity, lost revenue, and in some cases, lost customers.

That’s where immutable backup comes in.

What is Immutable Backup?

Immutable backup means your backed-up data can’t be altered, deleted, or encrypted even by a hacker or rogue employee. Once your backup is saved, it’s locked in place for a set amount of time. You can restore it, but you can’t tamper with it.

This gives your business a clean, untouchable copy of your data you can rely on, no matter what.

Why It’s Critical for SMBs

SMBs are a top target for ransomware. Why? Because many don’t have the time, staff, or budget for enterprise-grade cybersecurity. Attackers know that. That’s why newer ransomware variants are built to seek out and destroy backups first, forcing businesses to pay up. With immutable backup, even if your network is compromised, your data is not. You can recover quickly and avoid paying the ransom.

Real-World Benefits for Your Business

  • Ransomware Resilience – Your backup stays safe even if your network is breached.
  • Regulatory Compliance – Meet HIPAA, PCI, or other industry requirements with confidence.
  • Peace of Mind – You don’t need to wonder if your backups will work when it counts.
  • Faster Recovery – Get back up and running without starting from scratch.
  • Cost-Effective Protection – Immutable backup is more affordable than you think—and far cheaper than downtime or ransom payments.

How Citynet Protects Your Business

At Citynet, we understand the unique challenges SMBs face. That’s why our managed IT and cybersecurity services are built to be powerful, practical, and scalable. No bloated solutions or confusing tech talk.

With Citynet, you get:

  • Immutable backups as part of our managed backup and disaster recovery plans
  • Monitoring and support from our in-house West Virginia-based team
  • Flexible cloud or hybrid options to fit your business size and budget
  • Expert guidance so you’re never left wondering what’s next

Let Citynet make your business ransomware-ready, recovery-capable, and future-proof!

The Scam You Haven’t Heard About Yet: Deepfake Voicemail Fraud
By in

The Scam You Haven’t Heard About Yet: Deepfake Voicemail Fraud

Cybercriminals are getting smarter – and sneakier. One of the fastest-growing threats targeting businesses right now? Deepfake voicemail scams.

How It Works

Attackers use AI to clone voices from public recordings—like YouTube videos, webinars, or even voicemail greetings. They then leave urgent-sounding voicemails pretending to be a CEO, manager, or trusted colleague, pressuring employees to:

  • Transfer money
  • Share sensitive information
  • Click a malicious link

These voicemails can sound incredibly convincing, and they don’t get flagged by email filters. This scam has already cost businesses millions globally. Smaller businesses are especially vulnerable because attackers often know that internal verification processes are less formal.

How to Stay Protected

  • Slow Down
    Never rush to act on a voicemail, even if it sounds urgent.
  • Verify Requests
    Call or message the person back using your regular contact methods, not the number in the voicemail.
  • Employee Awareness
    Educate your team about this threat. A quick awareness session can prevent big losses.
  • Layered Security
    Citynet Managed Services clients already benefit from advanced threat protections, but social engineering requires human awareness too.

The Bottom Line

Technology can now fake voices, but simple verification steps can stop scams in their tracks. Need help with security awareness training? Citynet can help.

Train Your Team!
Citynet President & CEO Jim Martin Appointed to West Virginia University Board of Governors
By in

Citynet President & CEO Jim Martin Appointed to West Virginia University Board of Governors

Bridgeport, W.Va., July 21, 2025 – Citynet is proud to announce that its President and CEO, Jim Martin, has been appointed to the West Virginia University (WVU) Board of Governors by West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey.

Mr. Martin joins a distinguished group of appointees that includes Bray Cary and Oliver Luck, both well-respected leaders in business and sports management. Their appointments reflect a commitment to strong, forward-looking leadership at the state’s flagship university.

A lifelong West Virginian and entrepreneur, Jim Martin has been a champion for broadband expansion and technology advancement across the Mountain State. As the founder of Citynet, one of West Virginia’s leading telecommunications and broadband infrastructure companies, Martin has worked tirelessly to improve broadband access, especially in rural and underserved areas. He launched his first company, MARCOM, while studying computer science at WVU and has continued to drive innovation and economic opportunity throughout his career.

“I am honored to be appointed to the WVU Board of Governors,” said Martin. “West Virginia University helped shape my path as an entrepreneur and business leader. I look forward to giving back to my alma mater and supporting its critical mission of preparing future generations of West Virginians for success.”

Martin has a long history of public service, having served on the West Virginia Broadband Deployment Council and the boards of the West Virginia State Chamber of Commerce and the Harrison County Chamber of Commerce. His work alongside state and local governments, nonprofit coalitions, and industry partners has made a significant impact in advancing high-speed fiber connectivity across the state.

“We are incredibly proud of Jim’s appointment to the WVU Board of Governors,” said Todd Dlugos, Chief Operating Officer of Citynet. “Jim’s leadership has always been rooted in a deep love for West Virginia and a desire to see it thrive. WVU will benefit from his business expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to our state’s future.”

Governor Morrisey also reappointed Bray Cary, a seasoned media executive, and named Oliver Luck, a nationally recognized sports executive and WVU alumnus, to the Board of Governors. Together, these appointees bring decades of leadership experience and a shared passion for strengthening West Virginia’s educational and economic landscape.

Don’t Be Fooled: Why Every Business Must Prepare for the Rise of Deepfake Attacks
By in

Don’t Be Fooled: Why Every Business Must Prepare for the Rise of Deepfake Attacks

Cybercriminals are getting craftier. It’s no longer just about phishing emails or suspicious links. Today’s attackers are using hyper-realistic deepfakes to impersonate voices and faces. These new threats are blurring the lines between real and fake, and every business, no matter the size, is at risk.

Deepfakes: The New Face of Social Engineering

Social engineering has always been about exploiting human trust. But now, AI-driven deepfakes make it shockingly easy for threat actors to create fake audio or video messages that look and sound just like someone you know: your boss, your vendor, your colleague.

Imagine getting a voicemail that sounds exactly like your CEO asking for an urgent wire transfer. Would you think twice?

These attacks are highly convincing, and that’s the danger.

What You Need to Do

To defend your business, you need more than firewalls. You need smart policies, constant vigilance, and a trusted technology partner.

Here are five essential steps to take:

  • Educate Your Team
    Make sure everyone from entry-level staff to leadership understands the risks of deepfakes and social engineering. Awareness is your first defense.
  • Always Verify Suspicious Requests
    If you receive a call, email, or message requesting sensitive information, login credentials, or financial transfers, even if it appears or sounds legitimate, stop and verify. Contact that person directly using a method you’ve used before (such as their known mobile number, internal extension, or direct email address).
    Never trust a communication at face value, especially if it pressures you to act quickly or bypass normal procedures.
  • Implement Strong Access Controls
    Use multi-factor authentication (MFA), role-based access, and password policies to reduce the impact of compromised accounts.
  • Back Up Your Data Regularly
    If something does go wrong, a secure, cloud-based backup can mean the difference between a quick recovery and a business-ending disaster.
  • Partner with a Cybersecurity Expert
    The threat landscape is too complex to go it alone.

Citynet Has Your Back

Citynet helps businesses stay protected with comprehensive managed security services, including:

  • Real-time Threat Detection and Response
  • Security Awareness Training, including social engineering and phishing simulation
  • 24/7 Network Monitoring
  • Cloud Backup & Disaster Recovery
  • Zero Trust Solutions and MFA Integration
  • Proactive Patch & Vulnerability Management
Wi-Fi 5 vs. Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 7: What’s the Difference, and Why It Matters for Your Internet Experience
By in

Wi-Fi 5 vs. Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 7: What’s the Difference, and Why It Matters for Your Internet Experience

As more of our lives go online, streaming, gaming, working from home, and managing smart devices, reliable Wi-Fi is more important than ever. But not all Wi-Fi is created equal. If you’ve seen terms like Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 and wondered how they compare to what you already have, you’re not alone.

Let’s break down the differences between today’s most common Wi-Fi versions so you can decide if an upgrade might be right for you.

Wi-Fi 5: The Workhorse Most People Still Use

Also known as 802.11ac, Wi-Fi 5 has been around since 2014 and is still the most widely used version today. It brought faster speeds and better support for multiple devices than its predecessor, making it a reliable option for general use like HD streaming and web browsing.

Key Features:

  • Top speeds up to 3.5 Gbps
  • Uses the 5 GHz band (less interference than 2.4 GHz)
  • Good for homes with fewer smart devices

Limitations:

  • Not ideal for homes with lots of connected devices
  • Can struggle in larger homes or through walls

Wi-Fi 6: Built for a Connected World

Wi-Fi 6 (also called 802.11ax) came out in 2019 and is designed to handle the explosion of connected devices. It’s faster and more efficient, especially in busy households or offices.

Benefits Over Wi-Fi 5:

  • Speeds up to 9.6 Gbps
  • Supports more devices at once with less slowdown
  • Improved performance in congested areas (think apartments or smart homes)
  • Better battery life for phones and laptops

Why Upgrade?

If your home is filled with smart TVs, security cameras, phones, tablets, and gaming consoles, Wi-Fi 6 can keep everything running smoothly, even during peak usage.

Wi-Fi 7: The Next Generation (and It’s Blazing Fast)

Wi-Fi 7 (aka 802.11be) is just rolling out and is the most advanced version yet. It’s built for future-forward homes and businesses, where ultra-high-definition video, AR/VR, and lightning-fast downloads are the norm.

What’s New with Wi-Fi 7:

  • Potential speeds of over 40 Gbps
  • Lower latency for gaming and video calls
  • Ideal for dense environments like offices, stadiums, or homes with heavy users

Should You Upgrade Now?

Wi-Fi 7 routers are available, but most devices don’t support it yet. If you want to future-proof your network, it’s worth considering, but Wi-Fi 6 is still more than enough for most users today.

The Bottom Line: Your Router Matters, But So Does Your Internet Connection

Even the best Wi-Fi router can only do so much if your internet connection is slow or outdated. Citynet’s GIG Fiber Internet delivers blazing-fast, symmetrical speeds (upload and download) and works beautifully with the latest Wi-Fi tech. Whether you’re on Wi-Fi 5, 6, or exploring Wi-Fi 7, a solid fiber backbone makes all the difference.

SMBs, Don’t Let Ransomware Destroy Your Business
By in

SMBs, Don’t Let Ransomware Destroy Your Business

Why Immutable Backup Should Be Part of Your Strategy

For small and medium-sized businesses, a single cyberattack can be devastating. Whether it’s ransomware, accidental deletion, or insider threats, losing your data means lost productivity, lost revenue, and in some cases, lost customers.

That’s where immutable backup comes in.

What is Immutable Backup?

Immutable backup means your backed-up data can’t be altered, deleted, or encrypted, even by a hacker or rogue employee. Once your backup is saved, it’s locked in place for a set amount of time. You can restore it, but you can’t tamper with it.

This gives your business a clean, untouchable copy of your data you can rely on, no matter what.

Why It’s Critical for SMBs

SMBs are a top target for ransomware. Why? Because many don’t have the time, staff, or budget for enterprise-grade cybersecurity. Attackers know that. That’s why newer ransomware variants are built to seek out and destroy backups first, forcing businesses to pay up.

With immutable backup, even if your network is compromised, your data is not. You can recover quickly and avoid paying the ransom.

Real-World Benefits for Your Business

  • Ransomware Resilience  – Your backup stays safe, even if your network is breached.
  • Regulatory Compliance –  Meet HIPAA, PCI, or other industry requirements with confidence.
  • Peace of Mind – You don’t need to wonder if your backups will work when it counts.
  • Faster Recovery – Get back up and running without starting from scratch.
  • Cost-Effective Protection – Immutable backup is more affordable than you think—and far cheaper than downtime or ransom payments.

How Citynet Protects Your Business

With Citynet, you get:

  • Immutable backups as part of our managed backup and disaster recovery plans
  • Monitoring and support from our in-house West Virginia-based team
  • Flexible cloud or hybrid options to fit your business size and budget
  • Expert guidance so you’re never left wondering what’s next

Don’t Wait for a Crisis to Protect Your Data

If your current backup could be deleted, encrypted, or overwritten… it’s not enough. And when disaster strikes, it’s too late to fix it.

Immutable backup gives you the confidence to grow your business, knowing your data is secure.

Let’s make your business ransomware-ready, recovery-capable, and future-proof. 

Contact us today or call us at 1.844.CITYNET.