Pelican3 Consulting LLC, CPAs & IT Advisors

Myth: Once data is deleted, it’s gone forever. Reality Check: Deleting data doesn’t always mean it’s gone for good. Many forms of deletion simply remove access to data, leaving it recoverable with the right tools. This makes secure deletion critical for protecting sensitive information. Here’s what you need to know: 1️⃣ Soft Deletion vs. Secure Deletion: When files are “deleted,” they’re often just marked as available space for future use. Until overwritten, the data remains recoverable. Secure deletion methods, like data shredding or overwriting, ensure data is truly erased. 2️⃣ Physical Drives: Even damaged or discarded drives can be recovered using advanced techniques. Physical destruction, like shredding hard drives, is the most secure option for highly sensitive information. 3️⃣ Cloud Storage: Deleting a file from the cloud may not fully erase it—it could remain in backups or on the provider’s servers. Verify your cloud provider’s data retention and deletion policies. 4️⃣ Regulatory Compliance: Regulations like GDPR and CCPA require businesses to ensure proper deletion of personal data when no longer needed. Failure to do so could result in significant penalties. The Takeaway: Deleting data the right way protects sensitive information and helps you maintain compliance with privacy regulations. Invest in secure deletion practices to minimize risk and safeguard your business. #MythBustingMondays #DataSecurity #DataProtection #SecureDeletion #CyberSecurity #RiskManagement #Pelican3Insights #GDPR #CCPA

Bench Accounting immediately shuts down. Ransomware attacks your network. These are the same thing. Both of these are #incidentresponse.

Small Business Owners - Do you need support after Bench’s closure? With #Bench Accounting announcing its service closure on December 27, 2024, we understand the challenges many businesses may face in finding reliable bookkeeping solutions. At Pelican3, we’re here to help! Our experienced team is ready to: ✔️ Seamlessly migrate your financial records ✔️ Establish efficient bookkeeping processes ✔️ Provide ongoing financial advisory support Don’t let this disruption slow you down—Pelican3 is your trusted partner in navigating this transition and keeping your business on track. Reach out today to explore how we can support you! Let’s turn this challenge into an opportunity for growth. We’re here for you. #BookkeepingSolutions #SmallBusinessSupport #Pelican3 #BusinessContinuity #BenchClosure #FinancialSuccess

Myth: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) makes systems impenetrable. Reality Check: While MFA is a powerful security tool, it’s not an impenetrable shield. Cybercriminals are finding ways to bypass MFA, which means it’s essential to use it as part of a layered security strategy. Here’s what you need to know: 1️⃣ Social Engineering Attacks: Hackers can trick users into revealing their MFA codes through phishing scams or fake login pages. Vigilance and training are critical to counter this tactic. 2️⃣ Session Hijacking: In some cases, attackers intercept session tokens or cookies after MFA has been completed, allowing unauthorized access to systems without needing additional credentials. 3️⃣ Credential-Stuffing Attacks: If users reuse passwords across platforms, attackers may use stolen credentials to gain initial access and then exploit weaknesses in MFA implementation. 4️⃣ MFA Fatigue Attacks: Cybercriminals repeatedly send MFA requests to overwhelm and confuse users, leading them to approve a fraudulent request. The Takeaway: MFA is a crucial layer of defense, but it’s not foolproof. Combine MFA with strong passwords, regular security awareness training, and proactive monitoring for a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity. #MythBustingMondays #MFA #CyberSecurity #RiskManagement #DataProtection #Pelican3Insights #CyberResilience #MultiFactorAuthentication

Myth: Outsourcing IT means you lose control over your systems. Reality Check: Outsourcing IT doesn’t mean giving up control—it’s about leveraging expert support to enhance efficiency, security, and scalability while keeping your strategic goals front and center. Here’s why outsourcing can actually give you more control: 1️⃣ Focus on Strategy: By outsourcing routine IT tasks, your internal team can focus on strategic initiatives that drive business growth and innovation. You gain more bandwidth to align technology with your overall goals. 2️⃣ Access to Expertise: Managed service providers bring specialized skills, tools, and experience that ensure your systems are optimized and secure. This expertise often surpasses what in-house teams can provide. 3️⃣ Proactive Management: Outsourcing enables continuous monitoring and proactive maintenance to address issues before they disrupt operations. You retain oversight while gaining peace of mind. 4️⃣ Customizable Solutions: A good IT partner works with you to tailor solutions to your business needs. Outsourcing doesn’t mean a one-size-fits-all approach—it’s about collaboration. 5️⃣ Enhanced Compliance and Security: Reputable IT service providers stay up to date on regulatory requirements and evolving cyber threats, helping you maintain compliance and protect your data. The Takeaway: Outsourcing IT doesn’t take control away from you—it enhances it. By partnering with the right provider, you gain access to expertise, reduce risks, and free up internal resources for innovation. Have a myth you’d like us to explore? Let us know in the comments! #MythBustingMondays #Outsourcing #ITGovernance #ManagedServices #CyberSecurity #RiskManagement #BusinessContinuity #Pelican3Insights

#InformationTechnology has a direct impact on your financial statements (or marketing research, or #AI accuracy, or sales information, etc.). Have you ever been #phished? Have you ever suffered #ransomware, lost #data, suffered an #outage? In every case, the relationship between IT and the core business was compromised. As CPAs as well as technical advisors, we are built on this understanding.

Is Your Business Prepared for Ransomware? With ransomware threats growing, relying on reactive measures like ransom payments or insurance is no longer enough. The White House is pushing to end policies that incentivize ransom payments, which means businesses need to get proactive about cybersecurity. Are you conducting annual risk assessments? Have you tested your incident response plan? Read our latest blog to learn more about this critical issue and how it could impact your organization. Don't wait until it's too late—let Pelican3 Consulting help you assess your risks and strengthen your defenses. #Cybersecurity #RansomwarePrevention #RiskManagement #CyberResilience #BusinessSecurity #IncidentResponse #RansomwareAwareness https://wix.to/Ftj9HBk

Myth: “Digital transformation is just about adopting new technology.” Reality Check: Digital transformation isn’t just about the latest tech—it’s about reshaping your business processes, culture, and strategy to leverage technology effectively for growth and innovation. Here’s why: 1️⃣ Beyond Tools: While adopting new technology is part of the process, true digital transformation also involves redefining workflows, improving customer experiences, and enhancing employee engagement to maximize the benefits of digital solutions. 2️⃣ Cultural Shift: Digital transformation requires a cultural change where every team member is encouraged to innovate, collaborate, and embrace new ways of working. It’s about creating a mindset shift across the organization. 3️⃣ Strategic Alignment: Successful digital transformation aligns technology initiatives with business objectives. It means using data-driven insights to make informed decisions, enhance efficiency, and create new revenue opportunities. 4️⃣ Continuous Evolution: Digital transformation isn’t a one-time project. It’s an ongoing journey of adapting to changing market conditions, evolving customer expectations, and new technological advancements. The Takeaway: Digital transformation is a holistic approach that integrates technology, strategy, and culture to drive innovation and growth. It’s not just about the tools you use but how you use them to deliver value. Stay tuned for next Monday’s myth-busting post! Have a myth you’d like us to tackle? Drop it in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you! #MythBustingMondays #DigitalTransformation #BusinessGrowth #Innovation #Technology #Pelican3Insights #BusinessStrategy #ChangeManagement #Leadership #DataDriven #CustomerExperience #ITStrategy #ContinuousImprovement #DigitalInnovation

What a fantastic day at the Ohio Credit Union League’s #ClayClassic! This was our first time attending the event, and we were excited to be one of the bourbon booth sponsors. Pelican3 donated two bottles of our selected single barrels to help raise funds for the Ohio Credit Union Foundation’s outreach programs. It’s always inspiring to see such a strong community come together for a great cause. We can’t wait to return next year! “Being part of such a meaningful event, surrounded by industry peers and supporting a cause that strengthens the Ohio Credit Union community, was incredibly rewarding. We’re already looking forward to next year!” — Rob Blanchard, CISA, CDPSE, Managing Member, Pelican3 Consulting. #OhioCreditUnionLeague #ClayClassic #Pelican3 #CommunitySupport #BourbonBooth #OCUF

We extend our heartfelt thank you to our amazing sponsors for supporting the Ohio Credit Union Foundation! Let’s raise a glass and enjoy the finest bourbons, all thanks to you! #OCUFclassic