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GREATER LEHIGH VALLEY CHAMBER BLOG

Hackers Are Bypassing MFA – Is Your Business Prepared?

4/23/2025

0 Comments

 
Written By: EZ Micro Solutions

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is one of the strongest defenses against cyber threats—but what happens when hackers find ways around it? Recent reports highlight advanced MFA bypassing techniques that cybercriminals are using to infiltrate businesses. As an MSP, we know that cybersecurity is an ever-evolving battle, and staying ahead of these threats is critical.

How Are Hackers Bypassing MFA?

According to Cybersecurity News, attackers are leveraging sophisticated methods to manipulate authentication systems and gain unauthorized access to accounts. These include:
  • Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks: Hackers intercept authentication data during login, allowing them to bypass MFA and hijack sessions.
  • Session Hijacking: Cybercriminals steal active session tokens, allowing them to gain access without needing to authenticate again.
  • Reverse Proxy Attacks: Attackers trick users into entering credentials on fake login pages, capturing MFA codes before relaying them to the real system.

These methods make it possible for hackers to gain entry even when MFA is enabled, proving that no security measure is foolproof.

What This Means For Your Business

MFA alone is no longer enough. If your business relies solely on traditional authentication methods, you could be at risk. Hackers are continuously adapting, and so should your security strategy.

Strengthening Your Cybersecurity PostureTo stay ahead of these threats, businesses must implement layered security measures that go beyond MFA:
  • Next-Gen Behavior Based Anti-Virus Software: Identify and stop suspicious activity before it compromises your network
  • Security Alerts: Real time alerts on suspicious activity, unauthorized access, and potential data breaches to help detect and respond to threats before they escalate 
  • Phishing-resistant MFA: Implement authentication methods that prevent attackers from stealing login sessions
  • Zero Trust Security: Never assume trust; continuously verify users and devices before granting access
  • Cybersecurity Awareness Training: Educate employees on social engineering tactics and how to recognize phishing attempt
  • Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR): Use advanced monitoring tools to detect and block suspicious activity in real time

Ways EZ Micro Protects Your Business
​
  • Advanced Cybersecurity Measures – 24/7 threat monitoring, endpoint protection, and proactive vulnerability management.
  • Email & Phishing Protection – AI-powered filtering, phishing simulations, and Multi-Factor Authentication enforcement.
  • Data Protection & Compliance – Encrypted backups, disaster recovery planning, and compliance support.
  • IT Support & Proactive Management – 24/7 live helpdesk, regular security audits, and IT strategy planning.
  • Cloud Security & Security Alerts Monitoring – Continuous monitoring of cloud applications, automated alerts, and user behavior analytics.

Protect Your Business TodayCyber threats are evolving—your security should too. At EZ Micro Solutions, we help businesses stay ahead of the latest cybersecurity risks with proactive monitoring, employee training, and advanced security solutions. Don’t wait until it’s too late—reach out today to fortify your defenses.
​

Is your business prepared for the latest MFA bypass threats? Contact us today!

0 Comments

Unlocking Business Potential with Microsoft Copilot AI

3/31/2025

0 Comments

 
Written by: EZ Micro Solutions
​

Many businesses like to stay ahead of the curve to remain competitive in today’s digital age. Enter Microsoft Copilot AI—a revolutionary tool designed to supercharge productivity and streamline operations. At EZ Micro Solutions, we’re always on the lookout for innovative technologies that empower businesses, and Microsoft Copilot AI elevates the game.

WHAT IS MICROSOFT COPILOT AI?

Microsoft Copilot AI is an intelligent assistant integrated into Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. Leveraging advanced AI, Copilot helps users create, analyze, and collaborate more effectively, taking the heavy lifting out of repetitive tasks. Imagine having a personal assistant that understands your work and can anticipate your needs—that’s Microsoft Copilot in action.

TOP BENEFITS OF MICROSOFT COPILOT AI FOR BUSINESSES
​
  1. Boosted Productivity
    Copilot handles time-consuming tasks like drafting emails, summarizing lengthy documents, or creating presentations. By automating these processes, your team can focus on higher-value activities that drive business growth.
  2. Data-Driven Insights
    With its ability to analyze data in real-time, Copilot makes it easy to extract actionable insights from spreadsheets and databases. You can ask natural-language questions, and Copilot will provide clear, concise answers, saving hours of manual analysis.
  3. Enhanced Collaboration
    Microsoft Copilot integrates seamlessly into Teams, enabling smarter and more efficient meetings. It can generate meeting summaries, highlight key action items, and even suggest next steps, ensuring everyone stays aligned.
  4. Streamlined Communication
    Whether it’s drafting a customer proposal or summarizing a complex project update, Copilot helps craft professional and accurate content effortlessly. This ensures consistency and clarity in all your business communications.
  5. Improved Decision-Making
    By synthesizing large amounts of information quickly, Copilot equips decision-makers with the insights they need to make informed choices. This can be a game-changer in fast-moving industries where every second counts.

WHY YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS MICROSOFT COPILOT

AIAs an MSP, we understand the challenges businesses face—tight deadlines, resource constraints, and the ever-growing complexity of technology. Microsoft Copilot AI addresses these pain points by:
  • Reducing Manual Work: Free up your team’s time for strategic initiatives.
  • Enhancing Efficiency: Automate mundane tasks, improving operational workflows.
  • Supporting Scalability: As your business grows, Copilot scales with you, offering consistent performance and support.




GETTING STARTED WITH MICROSOFT COPILOT AI

​
At EZ Micro, we specialize in helping businesses integrate cutting-edge technology into their operations. Our team can guide you through:
  • Implementation: Seamlessly integrating Copilot into your existing Microsoft 365 environment.
  • Training: Empowering your team to make the most of this innovative tool.
  • Support: Providing ongoing assistance to ensure smooth operation.
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New Year, New Horizons: A Reflective Guide to Career Evolution in 2025

1/8/2025

2 Comments

 
Written by: Shelley Maley, PHR, GCDF, Dreamcatcher Career Coaching LLC

Happy New Year! I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday season and is excited about the new year's many possibilities! As such, I encourage you to take a few minutes to reflect on your career and envision how you would like your career (and life) to evolve in 2025.

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗳𝗲𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 about 2024:
· How did your employer make you feel?
· What did you learn about yourself last year?
· What was the most enjoyable part of your work?
· How did your career trajectory evolve last year?
· How much did your employer respect your boundaries?
· Which professional goal did you NOT achieve, and why?
· What was one hard thing you overcame at work?
· What three words would best describe your career in 2024?
· Which of your strengths did you get to capitalize on at work?
· Which work activities energized you, and which drained you?
· Were you fairly compensated for your time and efforts?
· In what professional area did you make the most improvement?
· What were your 3 biggest workplace accomplishments in 2024?
· How well were you able to achieve satisfactory work/life harmony or balance?
· What are your top 3 values, and were you able to live by those values at work?
· How much did your employer support your ongoing professional development?
· Which feelings were most prevalent on Sundays as you were thinking about the new week ahead?

𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱:

· What are the emerging trends in your industry, and how will they impact your position?
· What opportunities exist for lateral moves or promotions with your current employer?
· What will you do to better manage and/or plan your career in the new year?
· What professional development opportunities do you want to experience?
· Which workplace relationships do you want to nurture in the new year?
· What new skills do you need to acquire to reach your career goals?
· Where do you want to be professionally at this time next year?
· What is the most important skill you want to develop in 2025?
· What steps will you take to ensure a better work/life balance?
· What will you do to continue growing your network?
· What tasks or activities will you say "no" to?
·Most importantly, are you willing to exchange another year of your life for this employer?

It's essential to take the time to reflect on your experiences and aspirations with intention and purpose. The questions posed here serve as a valuable guide to help you assess where you've been and where you want to go in your career. Embrace the possibilities that 2025 holds, and remember that each step you take—whether it’s nurturing relationships, acquiring new skills, or setting boundaries—brings you closer to your professional goals. By aligning your actions with your values and aspirations, you can create a fulfilling career that not only meets your needs but also inspires growth and satisfaction. 
​

Here’s to a new year of reflection, growth, and exciting opportunities ahead!

​
Shelley Maley, PHR, GCDF
Dreamcatcher Career Coaching, LLC
www.dreamcatchercareercoaching.com
(610) 663-0585

Communications Chairperson - Pennsylvania Career Development Association (PACDA)

Connect with me on Linkedin: 
https://linkedin.com/in/shelleymaleycareercoach


2 Comments

529 Day - Choose the Smart Way to Save for Education

5/30/2024

4 Comments

 
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Whether college or a variety of other options, education can be a significant success factor for someone entering the workforce or seeking to advance their career. But it can also bring substantial expenditures. If you need to save money for your child’s or grandchild’s education, you should know about 529 education savings plans. Vestra Financial Partners can help you learn about this great tax advantaged savings plan.


529 plans are designed to make saving for education easier. Under these plans, earnings on the money you save grow tax-free on a national level and in most states, as long as the money is used for qualified tuition and other expenses. It’s a great way to save that can help jump-start your child’s education. Here are some things you should know:

529 savings and earnings can be used for tuition at:
· Four-year colleges and universities
· Community colleges
· Career and technical schools
· Registered apprenticeships
· Qualified institutions abroad

529s can also be used to pay for such expenses as:
· Room and board
· Fees
· Books
· Computers

529 plans can be front loaded with 5 years of gifting, which can help your family achieve your estate planning goals.

If the child does incur debt, 529 funds may be used to pay up to $10,000 in qualified student loans per beneficiary.

Anyone can contribute to a 529 savings plan account – friends, family members, etc.!

A Vestra Financial Partners professional can help you learn more about 529 education savings plans and get you started. It’s the smart thing to do!

About Vestra Financial Partners:

Vestra Financial Partners is a cohesive, seamlessly integrated team of professionals with an innate commitment to serving at the highest level. Clients benefit from their vast collective experience, knowledge and insights, and multigenerational makeup and perspectives.

At Vestra Financial Partners, it’s about more than investing; it’s about connecting your life and your finances. Our greatest goal is to guide you in funding the life you desire – for you, your family, and generations to come.
[email protected] | 610.861.8419 | 267.685.4208 | 727.214.2492 www.vestrafinancial.com | Bethlehem, PA | Yardley, PA | St. Petersburg, FL
Janney Montgomery Scott LLC | Member: NYSE, FINRA, SIPC
For more information about Janney, please see Janney's Relationship Summary (Form CRS) at www.janney.com/crs which details all material facts about the scope and terms of our relationship with you and any potential conflicts of interest. The concepts illustrated here have legal, accounting and tax implications. Neither Janney Montgomery Scott LLC nor its Financial Advisors give tax, legal, or accounting advice. Please consult with the appropriate professional for advice concerning your individual circumstances.

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4 Comments

It's that time of year again...

5/2/2024

5 Comments

 
Written by: Shelley Maley, PHR, GCDF, Dreamcatcher Career Coaching, LLC

GRADUATION SEASON!!
 
Whether it’s from high school, college, the military, or a trade school,
 
and they’re getting their diploma, bachelor’s degree, masters degree, or PhD,
 
now is a great time to offer our words of advice.
 
What would YOU like to tell our new graduates??
 
Here are my words of wisdom ---
 
Most folks don’t land in the right spot right out of the gate.
 
In other words, your first job or career (or perhaps your child's) may not be THE ONE.
 
Just like in the fairy tale, you may kiss a lot of frogs until you find your Prince Charming.
 
If the first job offer doesn’t seem like THE DREAM JOB and your phone isn’t otherwise “ringing off the hook” with job offers, consider taking the opportunity and making the most of it.
 
You’ll learn valuable transferable skills that will serve you well into the future.
(think teamwork, communication, professionalism, and so much more!)
 
You’ll meet lots of interesting new folks to expand your professional network.
(and those folks may see your potential and think of you for future opportunities!)
 
You may identify someone who would love to be your mentor.
(you are so very lucky if you do!)
 
You will witness folks working in other roles you may have never considered or had even known about.
(that may result in developing an interest in something completely unrelated to your major or intended career)
 
You will develop clarity around what you want your work/life balance to look like.
(This is HUGE, folks!!)
 
While it’s okay to take an offer when needed (like when you need to start paying those student loans), just don’t let yourself (or your child) get caught in the trap of underemployment.
5 Comments

What is a Public Adjuster?

10/25/2022

16 Comments

 
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By: Wade George, Licensed Public Insurance Adjuster, Authentic Adjustment LLC

​A Public Adjuster is an expert property claims handler. They are not an employee of the Insurance company; instead, they are hired by the policyholder (homeowner or business owner) to advocate on the policyholder’s behalf. The Public Adjuster assists and negotiates every detail of the claim. Public Adjusters are insured, bonded, and state licensed professionals. They are skilled, experienced, and trained to interpret policies, document and evaluate damages, and negotiate claim settlements.

2. What do Public Adjuster’s do?
A Public Adjuster exclusively serves the client, not the insurance company. We negotiate and work tirelessly on your behalf to get you the money you are entitled to for your claim. We inspect the loss site, analyze the damages, assemble claim support data, review the insured’s coverage, and determine current replacement costs. Public Adjuster’s provide services on a full-time and professional basis adjusting first-party property claims for owners of fixed properties (residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional) that are damaged by covered causes. This also includes financial losses involving business interruption, rental income, improvements, and additional expenses. Public Adjusters work for you to itemize the loss, figure out how much money it will take to do the repairs or rebuild, and negotiate the settlement.

3. Why would anyone need a Public Adjuster?
Our work is complicated and takes a great deal of talent, experience, and skill. If your property recently suffered damage from a pipe break, a fire, hurricane, or some other situation, now is not the best time to learn on the fly about how to properly present an insurance claim. Public Adjusters take over for you when you’re lost, overwhelmed, or simply don’t have the time to deal with the claims process. The policyholder is responsible for proving the extent of the loss to the insurance company. No matter how organized you and your documentation may be, filing and receiving payment on a claim is a time consuming and tedious process. Our years of experience and the systems we have in place make it a better use of time to have us handle things for you.

16 Comments

Open Enrollment is quickly approaching!

8/5/2022

351 Comments

 
By: Lane Donatelli, Sales Director, ETA Insurance Group
​

As open enrollment for group health insurance is fast approaching, there are a few ideas that employers should be considering. This year, as business is getting back to what may feel like the pre-pandemic normal, there have been major shifts that keep the hiring and retention of key employees feeling anything but normal. Benefits play a huge role in how an employee values their job and their employer. Flexible hours and working from home are becoming more the norm than a benefit in many industries, so employers need to look beyond these and consider benefits that will have a financial and even an emotional value to the employee or candidate.

This is where worksite benefits play a huge role. By offering worksite or “supplemental” benefits such as Life, Accident, Disability, Critical Illness, and GAP Insurance, coupled with affordable Health Insurance, employers can offer very robust benefit packages for employees and their families while keeping within their budgets. Small employers (2-to-49 employees) have plenty of options to provide, or connect their employees with, robust and meaningful benefits as well so they shouldn’t believe the hype that the standard small group plans are the only option, and they are all too expensive. The Insurance Industry has gotten very creative and will continue to develop ways to meet the needs of the consumer, both in the group and individual settings.

Now that you have some ideas of what to offer, it’s time to survey your employees and get their feedback on what your benefit package should consist of to give you the biggest bang for your buck. Whether its insurance products, hybrid work schedules, special pay plans, time off, or retirement investment plans, let your employees tell you what is most important to them. Armed with that information, let your broker build some models for you that will please many of your employees, while protecting your bottom line. I promise… There is a perfect solution out there. It just needs to be constructed.
​
​Finally, we always recommend continuous training for your employees on the benefits they have available. It is very disheartening to see an employer offering a fantastic benefit package only to learn that the employees were never properly advised on all the benefits and therefore are not taking advantage of all the bells and whistles afforded by their plan. Educating your employees and then providing a “total compensation” report at the end of the year showing the total amount of compensation they received (or the total amount of money you spent on them) will go a long way in making your employees feel appreciated and “fairly” compensated.
351 Comments

Expanding my practice for new families!

11/30/2021

23 Comments

 
By: David Anderson, Financial Advisor at Edward Jones Investments
​
(​83. W Broad St.Bethlehem, PA 18018. Office: 610-865-7959)
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Throughout my life, helping others has been an integral part of who I am. I chose a career in financial services because I believe I can make a difference in the lives of families in my community. At Edward Jones, we strive to make sure clients feel heard, and that we understand their unique story. We also work to help clients understand the investment world in terms they can relate to.

For nearly two decades, I served as a retail leader with a substantial portion of my career coupled with distribution experience. Within my storied career, I prided myself in engaging team members and advising growing leaders with behavior-based best practices that directly tie to their business leads. This required perpetual learning and teaching of intra-personal skills to connect to people quickly and in turn, meet needs.

I have spent much of my entire life globetrotting. Born in Germany, I learned to talk in Texas, went to school in Indiana, spent quite a few years in Chicago, and now live in Pennsylvania with my wonderful fiancé and stepdaughter. While my favorite hobby is collecting passport stamps and pins for my travel board, I love the Lehigh Valley and am excited about raising my family in Bethlehem.

In my free time, I enjoy marathon training and volunteering for St Jude as a marathon Hero. My lifetime goal is to run over 50 races and raise over $100,000 for St Jude in an effort to battle childhood diseases. If not running, you can find me at community and chamber events supporting local businesses.

Are you a business leader, a growing manager or a retiree looking for a partner for not just your financial needs but a partner who truly understands the work it takes to drive you career, lets connect! Don't let physical distances to my office stop you. Technology has made the world smaller and I would love to hear your story.




23 Comments

Is Your Small Business Accounting for Inflation?

11/30/2021

29 Comments

 
By: Thomas Jordan, Central Pennsylvania Market President, Univest Bank
​and Trust Co
​Inflation is top-of-mind for many Americans, including business owners. Small or privately-held businesses currently make up more than 99% of companies in the U.S. and inflation can have a large impact on these organizations if not properly planned for and addressed. Getting ahead of inflation is even more challenging for smaller businesses because they don’t usually have a dedicated, in-house finance and accounting team constantly reviewing financial statements, monitoring expenses and calculating profitability.

When inflation occurs, each dollar spent doesn’t go as far as it did before which ultimately decreases buying power. For example, consider a construction business. We’ve seen lumber, steel and copper all skyrocket in price during the last 18 months. As the business is forced to pay more for materials, its margins are decreased, and profitability is negatively impacted.

With many small businesses only “closing the books” quarterly, they could be three to four months behind needing to increase pricing to account for inflation. Unknowingly, a business could be selling at a loss. Business could be booming, but if prices are not adjusted accordingly, financial hardships could still be on the horizon. Small business owners must be vigilant about working with a team of professionals including their accountant and banker to ensure they are aware of inflation’s impact on their margins.

Another reason inflation can be especially challenging for small businesses is because they operate on lower margins than their big-box counterparts. Many times, these businesses are financed by the owner’s savings. This puts small businesses owners at a significant financial risk. Small business owners often have a majority of their financial security riding on the success of their company so it’s imperative they take steps to ride out periods of higher inflation.

Some of the inflation we are currently facing is expected to be transitory. We have an imbalance of supply and demand largely due to supply chain complications caused by the pandemic. This should temper over time. While the Federal Reserve (Fed) expects increased inflation for the remainder of 2021, it sees inflation diminishing into 2022.

While some inflation will dissipate, businesses need to consider what increased expenses are going to stick. One that stands out is wage inflation. As businesses struggle to fill open positions, many are offering increased compensation and improved benefits to attract and retain talent. As inflation settles and some pricing returns to normal, the increased payroll and benefits costs will not. Businesses need to consider how they will carry these increased expenses for the long term.

Inflation poses significant challenges, especially to smaller businesses. It is vital to work with a team of professionals to help your business navigate inflation and create a plan for long-term success and stability. To learn more about how the Univest Commercial Banking team can assist, contact us at 877-723-5571.

Univest Bank and Trust Co. is Member FDIC, SBA Preferred and an Equal Opportunity Lender.
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Why the Pandemic Didn’t Stop Our Ability to Lend

8/25/2021

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By: Mike Keim, President, Univest Bank and Trust Co
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Earlier this year, many of the largest banks in the U.S. reported a “lending slump.” With lending at the core of any bank’s business, this notable decline from bigger players calls attention to the differences between banks and how the pandemic impacted customers. The pandemic caused many banks, including Univest, to tighten lending guidelines and adopt a more cautious approach. That said, our size and approach allowed us to be nimble in our decision making compared to larger banks and we were able to continue lending, albeit with more conservative underwriting, and maintain our loan growth momentum.

While national players took a broader approach to tighten lending standards to address the business environment, we were able to take a more personalized approach to how and where we could lend. Evidence for this is in the numbers: outside of the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loans that we facilitated over the last year, we increased our annualized lending 5.3% from December 31, 2020 and loans and leases increased 9.8% from March 31, 2020. During last year’s unusually difficult economic environment, our team’s dedication to our customers and commitment to the community allowed us to continue supporting our local businesses. Our customers were able to trust us to keep the financing spigot on despite tough times and were able to rely on us to maintain our support while bigger banks chose to cut back.

Our teams were focused on serving customers unique needs whether through PPP or other financing options. We actually saw customers in certain industries that were able to continue to grow despite the pandemic. For example, we work closely with many agricultural and commercial real estate entities in the region. People still need to eat and most businesses still require a physical location, so these were good credit risks over the last year. While larger lenders may have created “hard and fast” rules to cut lending based on certain criteria, we were able to create unique and tailored solutions. This was especially important for agriculture and commercial real estate customers disenfranchised by large institutions’ broad-brush approach who were in a position to grow despite the pandemic.

Additionally, our lending team’s drive to create and maintain quality relationships drove our ability to continue to work with customers and fill the needs to allow their businesses to grow over the last year. We have strong industry and community connections, knowledge of the markets we serve and trusted partnerships, which have allowed us to create unique solutions to support our customers. Building trust with our customers is paramount to the work we do as the businesses we work with know we will do everything we can to assist them.
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Mitigation efforts have been effective in slowing the spread of the virus and vaccinations have increased, meaning the risk of further shutdowns for businesses is low. It appears we have made it through the end of the tunnel of the past year, and industries and economies will continue to recover. With this, I see lending continuing to trend upward as businesses get closer to returning to pre-pandemic function and industries impacted most by shutdowns are able to restart. The team at Univest looks forward to serving businesses and helping our communities return to a sense of normalcy. To learn more about how we can help, visit www.univest.net or call 877-723-5571.

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