Month: September 2025

When “IT Support” Isn’t Who They Claim to Be
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When “IT Support” Isn’t Who They Claim to Be

Cybercriminals are getting craftier, and one of the latest tricks is designed to make you think help is just a call away. Unfortunately, it’s not the help you actually want.

Here’s how the scam works: You receive an unexpected call through Microsoft Teams, an app widely used for messaging, voice calls, and video meetings. The call looks like it’s from “IT SUPPORT” or “Help Desk”—sometimes even with a checkmark emoji to make it look more official.

The caller warns you that there’s an urgent problem with your computer that needs immediate attention. But in reality, it’s a cybercriminal on the other end.

What’s Really Going On

This scam takes advantage of a default Teams setting that allows people outside your organization to contact you. If you answer, the fraudster will pressure you to download software so they can “fix” the problem. But once installed, that software gives them control of your computer, allowing them to steal passwords, install malware, and even access your organization’s entire network.

How to Protect Yourself

If you or your team use Microsoft Teams, keep these tips in mind:

  • Verify first. If someone calls claiming to be IT support, hang up and contact your IT department directly using official channels.
  • Don’t download on demand. Never install software just because someone tells you to in a chat or an unexpected call.
  • Guard your access. Never hand over screen-sharing or remote control permissions unless you’re 100% sure of who you’re dealing with.
  • Watch for urgency tactics. Scammers often try to rush you into clicking or downloading—pause and think before you act.

Strengthen Your Team’s Cyber Awareness

Scams like this remind us that people, not just technology, are the first line of defense against cyber threats. The more your employees know how to spot tricks like these, the safer your business will be.

At Citynet, we take security seriously. That’s why we’ve partnered with KnowBe4, the leader in security awareness training. Through this partnership, we can help your organization train employees to recognize scams, avoid costly mistakes, and keep your network secure.

Think Antivirus Is Enough? Think Again.
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Think Antivirus Is Enough? Think Again.

For years, businesses have relied on antivirus software, firewalls, and email filters to defend against cyberattacks. These tools are important, but on their own, they’re no longer enough. Today’s attackers have become far too sophisticated, slipping past these traditional defenses to gain a foothold inside your systems.

If your organization is depending on “good enough” security, it may already be more vulnerable than you realize.

The Evolving Threat Landscape

Cybercriminals aren’t just sending spam emails or spreading obvious viruses anymore. They’re using stealthy tactics designed to avoid detection:

  • Fileless attacks that use legitimate tools already on your computer.
  • Persistence mechanisms that allow hackers to return even after a reboot.
  • Credential theft that gives attackers access without triggering alerts.

These methods often bypass antivirus entirely. In fact, many breaches go unnoticed for weeks or even months, giving attackers plenty of time to steal data, plant ransomware, or quietly spy on your business operations.

Huntress: Always Hunting for Hidden Threats

That’s where Huntress comes in. Huntress is built to look for what traditional tools miss. Instead of focusing only on known malware signatures, it continuously monitors endpoints for unusual behaviors and hidden footholds.

But the real difference is the human element. Huntress employs a team of expert threat hunters who analyze suspicious activity. When something doesn’t look right, they investigate, confirm whether it’s malicious, and provide clear, actionable steps for remediation.

This combination of cutting-edge detection and human expertise means threats are identified quickly and can be stopped before they escalate.

Citynet’s Managed Security Advantage

Citynet integrates Huntress into a layered managed services strategy designed to protect organizations of all sizes. Here’s how:

  • 24/7 monitoring without the burden on your team. You don’t have to worry about chasing alerts or trying to interpret technical reports—Citynet takes care of it.
  • Proactive response. When Huntress finds something, Citynet ensures the threat is addressed before it becomes a crisis.
  • Scalable protection. Whether you’re a small business with a few computers or a larger enterprise, managed services from Citynet give you enterprise-grade security without needing an in-house security department.

By combining Huntress’ world-class threat detection with Citynet’s managed IT services, you gain a security posture strong enough to withstand today’s cyber threats, without overwhelming your internal staff.

Why Businesses Can’t Afford to Wait

The average cost of a data breach for a small business can be devastating. Not just financially, but reputationally. Recovery costs, downtime, and lost customer trust can add up quickly.

With Huntress and Citynet’s managed services, you don’t have to wait for an incident to realize your defenses weren’t enough. Instead, you get:

  • Early detection of hidden cyber threats.
  • Faster response to minimize damage.
  • Peace of mind knowing experts are watching your environment around the clock.
  • Compliance support for industries where security is not optional.

Antivirus alone can no longer protect businesses from the threats they face every day. Cybercriminals are constantly evolving, and your defenses need to evolve too.

With Huntress’ relentless threat detection and Citynet’s managed services, you get protection that goes beyond “good enough.” You get a security strategy built to stop hidden attacks before they stop you.

Don’t wait until a breach proves your antivirus isn’t enough. Contact Citynet today to learn how our managed services, powered by Huntress, can safeguard your business.

VPNs Explained
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VPNs Explained

You may have heard the term “VPN” tossed around when people talk about internet safety, remote work, or protecting personal information online. You may even be required to use one for remote work. But what exactly is a VPN, and should you be using one at home or for your business?

Here at CITYNET, we’re committed to keeping our customers informed, secure, and confident about the technology they use every day. This guide will help you understand VPNs and how they can make your internet experience safer and more private when you connect from home and on the go.

What does VPN mean?

To understand how VPNs work, let’s first look at what it means. VPN stands for “Virtual Private Network.” It protects your online privacy by hiding your physical location and all of your online activity.

How does a VPN work?

Normally, when you browse online, your device connects straight to the internet. Along the way, it can leave behind information, such as your IP address, internet provider, and location, which can be collected by websites, advertisers, and even hackers on unsecured networks. 

When you connect to a VPN, the software encrypts, or hides, your information behind security protocols. It then sends that encrypted information on a private connection between your device and the internet by routing your internet traffic through a dedicated, secure server.

In simpler terms, think of using the internet without a VPN like sending postcards through the mail. Anyone handling them can read what’s written on them and see where they’re going. Using a VPN is like putting your message in a locked envelope and mailing it through a trusted courier who delivers it to the recipient without anyone else seeing what’s inside or where it came from.

With a VPN, your online activity stays private and safe, even when you’re using public WiFi (where you’re at risk of someone more easily hacking your device or online traffic). A VPN makes it look like all of your internet traffic is coming from the VPN’s server location, not your own. It also hides the data you’re accessing.

Why should you use a VPN?

Whether you’re at home, at work, or traveling, using a VPN will keep you safe in many regards:

  • Protect Personal Information: If you’re logging into banking websites, accessing medical records, or checking private emails, a VPN helps prevent others from seeing or stealing that data.
  • Privacy on Public WiFi: Public networks are often unsecured, which means they allow anyone with any intentions online. VPNs help protect your personal information from identity theft and data leaks from those with ill intent when you’re using unsecured public WiFi at hotels, coffee shops, and libraries.
  • Business and Remote Work Security: Businesses and remote workers who use VPNs benefit from having secure access to emails, confidential files, and proprietary data on internal company networks without exposing that information.
  • Avoid Tracking: Prying eyes may not only have access to the websites you’re visiting and what you’re doing, but they could also see where you’re visiting from. With a VPN, the only location they see is the location of the server hosting your private connection.

Will a VPN slow down my internet?

The short answer is no, especially if you’re connecting on a fiber network.

Most modern VPNs are optimized for speed and shouldn’t cause noticeable slowdowns for general browsing or streaming.

But, because your information travels through the VPN server before hitting the internet, it has to go through an extra step. If you are on a slow connection, you may notice a slower online experience.

With a fiber connection and a package designed for remote work, CITYNET’s @Work Plan with synchronous download/upload speeds of 2.5 Gbps, you shouldn’t experience any slowdowns on your VPN. Streaming, browsing, and video calls typically work just fine, especially with a VPN provider known for fast servers.

Can I use a VPN on my phone?

Yes! Most VPNs offer mobile apps, and they can keep your smartphone or tablet traffic safe and secure while you’re on the go.

These apps work just like desktop VPNs by encrypting your internet activity and protecting you on the go. It’s perfect for when you’re checking your bank account at the local coffee shop or your emails before you hop on a flight.

What should you look for when selecting a VPN?

Like all other software, not all VPNs are created equal. Here are a few key things to consider when selecting a VPN:

  • Reputable Provider: Choose a company that is trusted with good reviews and a strong history.
  • No-logs policy: A VPN shouldn’t keep records of your online activity, so make sure they have a policy stating they don’t store that data.
  • Strong encryption: Strong security keeps your data safe. Check their security ratings before selecting a service.
  • Fast speeds: You want to make sure the VPN doesn’t slow down your online experience so you can stream, take video calls, and work from home, without interruptions.
  • Server location: Look for a VPN that offers a server location close to you to minimize lag in the data transfer.
  • Easy to use: You’ll be more likely to use a VPN consistently if it isn’t complicated.

Which VPNs does CITYNET recommend?

There are many great VPN options out there. You don’t want to skimp when it comes to keeping your data and privacy, so keep that in mind when trying to find free or budget-friendly options. Here are a few of the most trusted VPN providers:

  • NordVPN – Known for speed, strong security, and an easy interface, and supports up to 10 devices on a single account.
  • ExpressVPN – Fast, reliable, and works on nearly every device with servers in every state and 105 countries.
  • ProtonVPN – Great for privacy and offers a strong free version.
  • Mullvad – Open-source option, excellent for anonymity, and doesn’t require personal info to sign up.

VPNs keep you protected.

A VPN can make a big difference in your privacy, security, and peace of mind. Pairing a reliable VPN with fiber internet from CITYNET ensures your online experience is fast, private, and safe, no matter what you’re doing and where you’re connecting.

If you want to learn more about how to make the most of your fiber connection or what VPN might work best for your household or small business, we’re happy to help!