Protecting Your Business, Your Family, and Your Devices from Online Scams
Whether you’re running a small business in Des Moines, working from home in Ames, or helping your parents shop safely online in Cedar Rapids, cybersecurity affects everyone.
At Little Dog Tech, we help Iowans stay safe online with practical, affordable IT support — from phishing protection and data backups to full network security. You don’t need to be a tech expert to stay protected — just a few smart habits and a trusted local partner.
1. The Real Danger Isn’t a Hacker in a Hoodie — It’s a Click in a Hurry
Most cyberattacks start with phishing scams — fake emails or messages that look real but are designed to steal your information.
They often sound urgent or emotional:
- “Your account has been locked.”
- “Click here to confirm your payment.”
- “You missed a delivery.”
If you weren’t expecting the message, stop before you click.
Go directly to the company’s website or call a trusted number instead.
Little Dog Tip: Report suspicious emails to your provider and delete them immediately. It’s better to ignore one real message than to click one fake one.
Helpful resources:
· FTC – How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams
· CISA – Recognize & Report Phishing
If you suspect a phishing email, you can forward it to reportphishing@apwg.org or submit a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
2. Strong Passwords and MFA = Iowa-Tough Security
Your password is the front door to your digital life. Keep it strong and unique for every account.
Use a password manager if remembering them all feels impossible. And turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever it’s available — that extra text code or app confirmation keeps hackers out even if they have your password.
At Little Dog Tech, we help Iowa businesses set up MFA across email, banking, and remote systems so your data stays secure.
3. Keep Your Devices Clean and Updated
Updates don’t just bring new features — they close the holes hackers try to sneak through.
Make a habit of:
- Turning on automatic updates for your computer and apps.
- Restarting regularly so updates install.
- Uninstalling old software you don’t use.
- Running reliable antivirus protection.
If your device suddenly slows down or behaves strangely, don’t wait — let our team take a look before it becomes a bigger problem.
4. Backups: The Ultimate Insurance Policy
From storms to scams, Iowa knows the importance of preparation. Backups work the same way.
Use both cloud storage and a local backup drive for important files. Check them regularly to make sure they’re working — a backup isn’t a backup if you can’t restore it.
Little Dog Tech provides secure, encrypted backup solutions so your data stays safe no matter what happens.
5. When in Doubt, Ask Little Dog Tech
Even careful people can get fooled. If something doesn’t feel right, ask before you click.
We proudly serve homes and businesses across Iowa — including Des Moines, Ames, Ankeny, Boone, and Cedar Rapids — with:
- Managed IT and cybersecurity services
- Phishing awareness training
- Email and spam protection
- Secure data destruction and device disposal
- Backup and recovery plans
Whether you need a quick question answered or a full security review, we’re here to help you stay confident and connected.
💡 Everyday Cybersecurity Habits That Really Work
- Hover before you click — check where a link really leads.
- Double-check the sender — scammers use sneaky misspellings.
- Never pay with gift cards or crypto — real companies don’t.
- Talk to your team or family — one conversation can stop a scam.
- If you click something suspicious — disconnect from the internet, change your passwords, and call for help right away.
Cybersecurity isn’t about fear — it’s about awareness. The internet is full of opportunity, but a little caution goes a long way.
Stay calm, stay curious, and stay connected. And when you need help, Little Dog Tech — Iowa’s trusted IT partner — is here to keep you safe.
Learn more or schedule your security checkup at LittleDogTech.com