Hard to believe we are halfway through 2026.  This year has officially marked the definitive turning point where business leaders can no longer afford to treat cybersecurity as a passive IT background task. The threats we face today have matured beyond simple malware; they are now sophisticated, identity-focused operations that target the very language of your daily business.

As we move into June, this serves as a critical mid-year technology and security check-in for your organization. The first half of the year has proven that attackers are no longer relying solely on obvious scams or poorly written emails. Instead, they are leveraging Artificial Intelligence, stolen personal data, and familiar business workflows to bypass traditional defenses. For many organizations, the most important question is no longer, “Do we have security tools?”

The better question is: Are our people, tools, settings, and processes working together effectively enough to reduce actual business risk? This month, we are focusing on three practical areas where your business must stay proactive: identity-based phishing, personal cybersecurity habits, and the financial integrity of your QuickBooks Online environment.

1. The "Code of Conduct" Email: A Sophisticated Identity Trap

A “Code of Conduct” email sounds harmless, and that is exactly why it is one of the most dangerous threats in circulation right now. It is the type of message an employee is trained to take seriously, often appearing to originate from HR, Compliance, or Internal Administration.

Microsoft recently reported a massive phishing campaign that used these themes to target more than 35,000 users across 13,000 organizations. This campaign was not a generic spray-and-pray attack; it specifically targeted professional services, financial firms, and healthcare organizations, the very businesses that rely on trust and formal policy.

A fake “Code of Conduct” email uses familiar internal language to create trust and urgency, making it easier for attackers to capture credentials or session access before anyone realizes what happened. It is a strong reminder that your team must verify unexpected requests before they escalate.

Read the full article on LinkedIn: Your Employees Just Got a “Code of Conduct” Email. It Might Be a Trap.

2. Personal Cybersecurity: Trust Nothing, Verify Everything

Cybersecurity is no longer strictly a business issue; it has become deeply personal. Every day, your employees use digital tools to access retirement accounts, health information, and personal files on the same devices, or the same networks, used for business. This means personal accounts are now part of your business's security perimeter.

The core principle we advocate for is a Zero Trust mindset: Trust nothing. Verify everything. Personal security habits now directly affect business risk, especially when employees use the same devices, networks, and accounts across both environments. Small actions like slowing down, verifying requests, and using strong passwords make a meaningful difference.

Read the full article on LinkedIn: Personal Cybersecurity: Trust Nothing, Verify Everything

3. QuickBooks Online: Securing Your Financial Heart

It is a common mistake to view QuickBooks Online as "just accounting software." In reality, it is a cloud-based financial hub containing sensitive payroll details, bank connections, and tax data. This makes it a high-value target for attackers.

For CPA firms and accounting organizations, the risk is magnified. A single compromised account can expose highly sensitive financial data, which is why QuickBooks Online deserves the same security attention as any other critical business platform. Focus on the fundamentals: strong passwords, app-based MFA, access reviews, and tight control over connected apps.

Read the full article on LinkedIn: QuickBooks Online Security: Four Things Every Business Should Do Right Now

4. Frankel Technology Strategy: Planning for Your Future

At Frankel Technology Services, our goal is to align your technology with your organizational goals. This requires moving beyond "break-fix" support and focusing on long-term strategy.

Technology Strategy Meetings with Jeff Reichert

We are pleased to announce that our new Account Manager, Jeff Reichert, will be reaching out to all clients over the next 90 days. The purpose of these Technology Strategy Meetings is to step back from the daily tickets and focus on the bigger picture:

• Assessing how your current technology supports your growth.
• Reviewing your Microsoft 365 security posture and risk management.
• Planning for upcoming hardware, software, or cloud migration needs.
• Improving operational efficiency and system reliability.

When Jeff reaches out, we encourage you to schedule a time. These meetings ensure that your IT roadmap is proactive rather than reactive.

Referral Reminder

If you know another business, particularly in the CPA, Accounting, or Professional Services sectors, that could benefit from a more proactive technology partner, we would appreciate the introduction. Our firm specializes in helping growing organizations run secure, modern environments.

We Are Here to Help

The best way to ensure your systems remain reliable and secure is to communicate with our team as soon as needs arise.

For support requests:
Please email help@frankel.technology. Including a brief description of the issue and the affected application helps us prioritize effectively.

For urgent issues:
Please call our support line directly at 402.963.4340 for an immediate response.

Let's talk about how we can strengthen your environment and help you navigate the evolving technology landscape of 2026.

Thanks and take care,
Tim Weidman
Director, Frankel Technology Services