News You Can Use: FBI & CISA recommend Encryption amid Chinese Cyber Threat

In a significant shift, the FBI & CISA are now advising business leaders and the American public to adopt encryption technologies to protect against potential Chinese cyber threats. 

This recommendation comes despite the FBI’s historical criticism of full end-to-end encryption.

Key Points:

• Chinese hackers have compromised at least eight U.S. telecom companies, including major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and Lumen Technologies.

• The FBI and CISA are urging encryption - especially when sharing proprietary/confidential texts between Apple and Android devices.

• End-to-end encryption is highlighted as a powerful tool to prevent data interception and unauthorized access.

Recommendations for Business Leaders:

• Implement Encrypted Communications: Adopt encrypted messaging platforms and voice call solutions across your organization.

• Update Mobile Devices: Ensure all company devices receive timely operating system updates automatically.

• Enhance Authentication: Implement phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication (MFA) for email, social media, and collaboration tool accounts.

• Review Telecom Security: Assess your company's telecommunications infrastructure for potential vulnerabilities.

• Stay Informed: Keep up with ongoing developments in this cybersecurity threat landscape.

Click here for CISA guidance

More USAToday.com coverage here

The shift in the FBI's stance underscores the severity of the current cyber threat. Business leaders should prioritize implementing these security measures to protect sensitive corporate communications and data from potential foreign surveillance.

We’ll continue to keep you informed about emerging Voice and IT news. 

With the New Year approaching, schedule time with us to discuss your 2025 business communications plan. Contact CTS today at 800.787.4848 or jnolte@ctsmd.us.

AT&T announces Sunset of Old-school Copper Landlines by 2029

AT&T officially announced it will retire its copper networks across most of the country by the end of the decade. Pending regulatory approvals, AT&T will be working to move landline users to wireless, fiber, and satellite technology.

Consumer advocates have raised concerns as landline access is a vital need for seniors who don't want to use mobile phones, those in rural areas with no access to reliable cell or broadband service, and those who can’t afford cell service. Some Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) customers prefer copper lines for their reliability during power outages, as they do not require external power like fiber or wireless networks.

AT&T’s efforts to encourage customers to switch from POTS include offers such as free devices and service trials, though adoption remains slow.

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Client Success… Easton Dermatology Associates boosts Patient-Satisfaction Metric by 400% with RingCX

For decades, Easton Dermatology Associates has been helping patients with everything from cosmetic skin improvements to cutting-edge treatments for skin cancer. 

As a sought-after practice, Easton Dermatology Associates has experienced a steady increase in new patients. To meet this growing demand, the practice has added more providers and locations. But as grateful as they were for the growth, it taxed the organization’s on-prem telephony environment to the breaking point.

A smooth transition to RingCX 

With their phone system consistently underperforming the practice’s otherwise 5-star-rated patient experience, Lainie Elliott, Patient Support Manager, and her team turned to CTS for help.

"When CTS introduced us to RingCX, we realized how much we were missing in terms of the caller experience for our patients. Now agents quickly and efficiently answer calls, and our managers can easily drop in and monitor agents’ calls in real-time to improve training and performance." 

“My small team of agents handles more than 7,000 each month. And since we moved to RingCX, our agents answer 97% of those calls within 2 minutes, and patients give our caller experience glowing reviews.” -Lanie Elliott

The perfect call center solution for a growing practice

The practice has also deployed RingEX as the primary business phone system for its doctors, physician assistants, and other staff – and gives each new employee a RingEX account that they can use via the desktop softphone or mobile app.

Business App Integration Plans

Next, Lainie plans to integrate RingCX into the organization’s practice management solution. “Our practice has become so busy that we’re booking new patient appointments at least seven or eight months out. With RingCX we’re confident that we can continue delivering outstanding service no matter how many locations we add or how many more patients we take on.”

Let’s talk about how local CTS support and RingCentral’s latest capabilities can transform your communications...

Contact us today: 800.787.4848 or jnolte@ctsmd.us.

RingCentral announces AI Receptionist beta launch 

This innovative service greets your callers and routes them automatically to employees and departments anywhere in the world. 

With Ring as your AI Automated Attendant, you’ll enjoy significant benefits:

• Professional call handling 24/7

• No training needed - works right out of the box

• Sounds conversational and friendly, just like a real receptionist who understands

• Zero extra staff costs

Take 2 minutes to see how it handles calls just like a pro receptionist would… 

Check out the 2-min video here

Want to explore how Ring can work for your business? Let’s set up a personalized walkthrough.  

Contact us today: 800.787.4848 or jnolte@ctsmd.us.

How CTS supports Leading Mid-Atlantic Healthcare Providers

CTS’s HIPAA-compliant communications solutions solve a critical piece of the healthcare puzzle… How to facilitate effective provider-patient relationships. 

The technology for healthcare UC is constantly evolving:

• Omnichannel chat, voice, and video platforms keep patients, healthcare professionals, and providers connected and informed, regardless of location.

• API integrations mesh with providers’ existing digital ecosystems, reducing silos and enabling easy, secure data transfer. 

• AI-supported automation triages and prioritizes patient calls, tracks patient recovery, and sends prescription renewal reminders, while smart scheduling improves efficiency and response times.

As your end-to-end technology partner, CTS designs, deploys, and supports UC solutions that improve service for single and multi-site practices - from contact centers and telemedicine to phone systems and collaboration platforms.

CTS enables communication-enhanced healthcare workflows that can adapt to your evolving needs. Whether deployed on-site or in a hybrid or private cloud, our customized healthcare solutions provide a strong foundation for better communications, including:

• AI-powered call center triage with escalation and intelligent routing

• Telecare for remote consultations and scheduled video calls between residents and family members

• Virtual assistants for 24/7 patient support

• Omnichannel communications on preferred platforms

• Automated, customized alerts and reminders

• API integrations with existing health IT systems

• Seamless migration to on-site or hybrid cloud systems

• Strict HIPAA compliance with privacy and security regulations

• Antimicrobial handsets for improved phone hygiene

Learn how our latest healthcare communications and collaboration systems facilitate better patient outcomes. 

Contact us today at 800.787.4848 or jnolte@ctsmd.us.

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