Miami Valley May Experience More Than A Solar Eclipse On April 8th

From Back To Business I.T. | The Greentree Group

The upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, is a highly anticipated event, but it has the potential to cause significant disruptions for small businesses. The Dayton region is expected to attract an influx of visitors, leading to potential traffic congestion, widespread cellular network overloads, and internet service outages. Cell phone and Wi-Fi access could be significantly impacted by the unusually high volume of users.

Lynda Kennedy, Client Services Manager at Back To Business I.T., a leading provider of managed IT and cybersecurity services in the Miami Valley, urges business owners to take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of potential outages and protect themselves from cyber threats. "The recent AT&T outage highlighted some of the biggest pain points businesses can face during unexpected service disruptions," she says. The AT&T outage gave unique insight into what could happen if there are service disruptions on April 8th and how businesses can keep their operations running smoothly despite them.

“This eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime event," says Kennedy. "While it's exciting, disruptions could impact your business's ability to operate smoothly. Proactive planning, including an emphasis on cybersecurity, is crucial to ensure your employees can continue to work and serve customers, even with potential service interruptions.”

Key Preparations to Minimize Service Disruptions and Protect Your Business:

• Multi-factor Authentication (MFA): Ensure MFA methods have offline options that don't rely on cellular networks. "One of the most significant issues for customers in the most recent AT&T network outage was being locked out of accounts due to a reliance on Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) that required texts or phone calls." Says Kennedy.

• Document Accessibility: Save important documents or documents that you intend to need on the day of the solar eclipse locally. Don't rely solely on cloud storage during the eclipse, as internet access may be spotty.
• Communication Alternatives: Have a landline as a backup to stay connected with customers if cellular service fails.
• Unsecured Wireless Networks: While you may be tempted use public Wi-Fi while cellular service is down, avoid logging into unsecured public Wi-Fi networks, as your sensitive data could be compromised.
• Plan for Downtime: Recognize the risk of technology outages. Have backup plans ready in case your usual tools or systems are inaccessible.
• Prioritize Cybersecurity: Cybercriminals often exploit the chaos of major events. Stay vigilant against phishing attempts and suspicious activity. Update your software in advance and be sure to practice good cyber hygiene so this once-in-a-lifetime event doesn't turn disastrous for your business operations.
• Protect Personal Area Networks: Doug Walters, Senior Consultant for Back To Business I.T., warns that crowded events like the eclipse pose unique risks to personal devices. “Bluejacking, where attackers exploit Bluetooth connections to send unsolicited messages or even gain unauthorized access to devices, can be a concern in crowded areas. Additionally, enabling personal hotspots increases your network exposure without complex passwords. Always be cautious about connecting to unknown networks and disable Bluetooth and hotspot features when not actively using them, even in trusted environments.”

Tyler Greenwood, VP of Back To Business I.T., adds, "Remember, cyber threats don't take a break during an eclipse. Make cybersecurity a top priority during your preparations for April 8th."

Back To Business I.T., the service brand of The Greentree Group, is a leading provider of managed IT solutions and cybersecurity services in the Miami Valley. We help businesses of all sizes navigate the complexities of modern technology, ensuring their systems are secure, reliable, and optimized for success. Our team of experts delivers proactive support, strategic planning, and cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions to protect businesses from cyber threats and minimize downtime. Visit our website at www.backtobusinessit.com to learn more.

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