Best Cybersecurity Practices For Organizations
To achieve optimal health and well-being, there are many things you can do. These include flossing, meditation, eating green vegetables, scheduling a colonoscopy, and even scheduling your appointment for blood work. The confusion is compounded by the fact that recommended practices change as people age and their health needs change, as well as as as medical science advances. Or more recently, a pandemic. To achieve optimal computer security, there are also many things you can do. The process of achieving the best cybersecurity posture is not easy. There are many recommendations, and constantly changing threat landscapes. A good IT security framework and cybersecurity standards can be helpful in organizing and managing a cyber hygiene program. They use established policies, processes and practices to prioritize and set priorities. Checklist Organizations Can Use To Improve CybersecurityAllow listing/block listing You can control which websites, applications and email addresses are allowed and not. Two methods of controlling access are blacklisting and whitelisting. This allows users to access a limited number of files, processes, and applications. With employee training from SpartanTec in Charleston you can find out the pros and cons of each method. Access control and authentication Cyber hygiene is incomplete without authentication. This is the process of confirming that a user is who they claim to be. Organizations can choose between at least six types to secure their networks. Knowledge-based authentication is the most basic. It requires that a user share pre-established credentials such as a username, password, or PIN. A good practice is to require at least two authentication factors. These include a password and a unique code that is sent to the user’s email address or cellphone. Biometric authentication uses biological identifiers such as fingerprint scanning and facial recognition. Other authentication options include certificate-based, token-based authentication, single sign-on and token-based authentication. Cybersecurity hinges on access control and authentication — the ability of certain users to be verified and admitted while excluding others. Common access control mechanisms are role-based access control which grants network permissions based upon a user’s formal position within an organization and the principle of less privilege which allows users access only to the resources they need to perform their job. IT security professionals must regularly review the user access entitlements to make sure that no one is granting them inappropriate or out-of-date privileges. This could lead to a compromise in overall security. Backup strategy. Create a backup strategy to ensure mission-critical data is stored in a secure place and regularly duplicated. Experts recommend the 3-2-1 rule for backup. This requires three copies of data stored on two media types, such as tape, disk, and cloud (preferred). One copy should be kept off-site if not using cloud backup. Cloud access security broker (CASB). A CASB is a cloud access security broker (CASB) that should be implemented by any organization that depends on IaaS/PaaS/SaaS. CASB software allows secure connections between end-users and the cloud. It enforces enterprise security policies such as authentication, encryption and data loss prevention. Alerting, malware detection, and logging are all possible with CASB software. A CASB provides greater visibility for cloud-based apps by employees and gives organizations greater control over cloud-based data security. Management of cybersecurity assets Protecting IT assets requires first knowing they exist. Cybersecurity asset management is a subset IT asset management (ITAM). It involves the discovery, inventory and management of assets in an organization with the aim of protecting them. This is a difficult task for three reasons.
Despite these difficulties, cybersecurity asset management can be done, however, it may require outside assistance from companies such as SpartanTec, Inc. Encryption. Encryption is used to protect sensitive corporate data in transit and at within the organization. Endpoint security. Endpoint security. In today’s workplace, many endpoint devices go beyond the traditional security perimeter. This requires ia process to identify, manage, and secure devices ranging in size from PCs to IoT Nodes. Management strategy and incident response. To minimize the risk to an organization’s business from a security incident, it must have a pre-established incident response (IR), and management strategy. An IR team must have a mix of legal, executive, legal, and operational expertise. Data breaches can cause financial losses as well as operational disruptions and reputational damage. This group records the who, what and when of its anticipated IR. It also creates a plan to guide in future crises. Network segmentation. Segmentation of the network restricts how far cybercriminals are able to move, if they manage to penetrate a network. This will reduce the impact and extent of an attack. Password policy. Hackers are open to using simple or recycled passwords. By establishing expectations, rules and requirements around user credentials, a company’s password policy can help protect enterprise security. Patch management. The flossing of cyber hygiene is patch management. While everyone knows it’s important, not all do. Failure to floss can increase your risk of developing heart disease. However, failure to patch security breaches increases your risk. Recent surveys found that 60% of data breach victims admitted they could have prevented their attackers from accessing their systems by simply patching known security holes. The stakes are high so it is important to learn and follow best patch management practices. Many technologies, including CASBs and firewalls, VPNs and Secure Access Services, can be used to provide secure connectivity for users regardless of their physical location. Training in security awareness. Mike Chapple, senior director of IT services delivery at the University of Notre Dame, suggests that employees be educated about the critical role they play in mitigating cybersecurity risk by creating a comprehensive cybersecurity training program. Management of security logs. Security programs are only as good as their ability to detect suspicious or inappropriate activity in the IT environment. According to Michael Cobb, security logging is “the heartbeat of any security strategy.” It’s not easy, however. Security log management best practices include logging and storing the correct events, assuring their accuracy and integrity, analyzing log data to find problems, and using log tools to manage the event volume. Security monitoring. Security monitoring. Regularly scan the network for vulnerabilities and threats, including open ports that hackers could use to launch port scan attacks. Use tools like SIEM or vulnerability scanners. Regular scanning and monitoring improves cyber hygiene, flagging both active threats and weak points that could allow attackers to gain access. Cyber hygiene and email securityDespite the rise in popularity of collaboration platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, most organizations still use email as their primary method of communication. Cybercriminals still use email to gain access to corporate networks and data, making it a very popular attack vector. Email security refers to a variety of techniques, technologies and practices that prevent cybercriminals from gaining unauthorized access to email accounts or message content. Email security, like all cyber hygiene measures is shared responsibility by individuals and organizations. Clear, concise and informative policies set cultural norms for safe email use and establish behavioral expectations. It is important to clearly define email’s inherent risks and dispel any security concerns employees may have about using this ubiquitous technology. IT leaders need to understand the importance and benefits of email security protocols. Further reducing the threat of phishing or BEC attacks can be achieved through antimalware, antispam and email security gateways. Good cyber hygiene isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. It is a dynamic mix of practices, habits and initiatives from users and organizations with the goal to achieve and maintain the best possible security posture. We all know creating a good hygiene schedule is important for your health. Creating a cyber hygiene schedule is even more important for your companies health. If this seems intimating or even impossible, give SpartanTec in Charleston a call. We can show you how to make the impossible – possible with employee training and a continuity plan.SpartanTec, Inc. Serving: Woodhaven, Lighthouse Point, Farmington, Lynnwood, Hillside, Oak Forest, Oceanview, Mount Pleasant, Green Acres, Northbridge via Blogger https://ift.tt/vzhR7qZ February 22, 2022 at 05:05PM
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IT Services Charleston SC
Charleston South Carolina, is a port city founded in 1670, is defined by its cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages and pastel antebellum houses, particularly in the elegant French Quarter and Battery districts. The Battery promenade and Waterfront Park both overlook Charleston Harbor, while Fort Sumter, a federal stronghold where the first shots of the Civil War rang out, lies across the water. SpartanTec, Inc. serves the businesses of Charleston SC with IT Support and managed services. Whether you need to supplement your IT Team or need us to be your complete support solution, we are here for you. Serving Charleston, Berkeley, Georgetown, Colleton and Dorchester Counties IT Services for Charleston SC BusinessesModern Charleston businesses rely heavily on IT services to support their daily operations. Whatever IT services they may need, all play an important role in any company’s daily operations. The term ‘IT Services” can be used to cover many areas and subjects. Sometimes, it’s done in-house. Other times, a third party provider provides services that facilitate smooth IT operations. Or it could also be a combination of both, referred to as co managed IT support. What type of IT services are you does your company need? This is a huge question with a bigger answer. Most IT services can be customized to suit a variety of business requirements. Each company has its own set of needs. One managed IT company in Chicago might offer different services than one in Charleston SC. SpartanTec would like to provide an overview of the types, their uses and how you can get the most out of them. IT Support for Small BusinessesWhat are IT services and where they fit in the business arena? Some of these are general, while others are specific for certain entities. Managed IT Services Managed IT is a wide-ranging, comprehensive type of service. Managed IT is usually a component of an MSP (managed service provider), which handles multiple IT service needs. Most often managed IT services are used for remote server, desktop, and device management. Another common use is remote cybersecurity. Cloud Backup Services Cloud computing is flexible and can be used to support many virtual services, such as ecommerce or operating systems. This service model includes cloud backups which allows companies and users to store their data on cloud servers that are not physically located in their location. This can help prevent hardware failures. Cloud backup is usually handled by service providers for either monthly or annual fees. Monitoring Services An MSP can provide a monitoring application that is similar to security services. It does exactly what it says: it monitors servers, internet traffic and security, as well as communications, and/or any other information that an enterprise requires. This service is great for small businesses who don’t have the IT resources, but still require strong IT support/features. These responsibilities include automatic updates of software/antivirus and monitoring the integrity of networks . Data Recovery and Backup Many service providers offer data backup via cloud services or external data centers. No matter what method you use, data backup is the protection and recovery of information in the case of an unanticipated problem such as a natural disaster or malicious intrusions. This is sometimes called “Backup Disaster Recovery” (or “BDR strategy”) or “backup data recovery”. Backup is essential for organizations to prevent downtime and information loss. Firewall Services A cybersecurity strategy must include firewalls. Most companies already have firewalls in place. However, some businesses will opt to use SpartanTec, Inc., Charleston SC, for additional firewall protection. Some managed firewalls, for example, can be hybrid models which allow additional network monitoring or control options beyond what is available with the standard rulesets. Some firewalls offer one solution that can cover all internal networks and remote devices. The specific requirements of each company will determine the type of firewall that is best suited for them. Cybersecurity Services This broad category covers all services that fall under cybersecurity. It is the act of or process of protecting networks, data and computers from malicious attacks using various methods. Anti-virus, firewalls, and network monitoring are all examples. These include layering networks. Cybersecurity services are often more valuable because they have more resources and are better equipped. Office 365/Email Office 365 by Microsoft is the all-inclusive package. It includes Word and Excel. This package is great for companies who need different software to organize their documents, but don’t wish to subscribe to a monthly plan. This is also known software as a Service (SaaS). Office 365 can be used to update your email management platform or as a cloud server. Office 365 is a great choice for companies that rely heavily on email to communicate. Anti-Virus Protection Anti-virus services are a subset that includes cybersecurity and are one of the most sought after types of IT services. Anti-malware protection can be provided as software or monitoring. To combat the constantly changing threat of malware, every company that depends on the internet should have anti-virus software installed. Remote Support Remote support allows IT professionals to offer remote support. This support can be used to remotely control a device over the internet to assist with troubleshooting. Remote support is available for software repair, IT assistance and other needs. Remote support is very helpful for IT professionals who aren’t physically available. An MSP can typically handle this. Remote and mobile networking Staff can work remotely using mobile and remote networking. This allows staff to work remotely from anywhere, even if they are not in their office. This is compatible with BYOD policies. This feature is useful because it allows employees to be flexible and also allows them to work remotely. This feature is helpful if the company is located far from their headquarters. Which IT services should you use?It may be possible to learn about the various IT services available and choose which one suits your needs. There is no single right answer because every company has different needs. It can be hard to determine if third-party resources will work best for your company. However, not all businesses have the same resources so it is easy to lose sight of IT’s importance to your business. Before you start looking at third-party solutions, consider the following.
These scenarios may be relevant for your business. Managed IT services is the best option. Instability or internal problems can cause lost productivity and lower profit margins. Conclusion Businesses can use IT solutions to increase efficiency and lower communication costs. Modern businesses need to protect their data, offer quality customer service and stay on top of the latest technology. All of this while maintaining a healthy profit margin. For small and medium-sized businesses, this is much easier said than done. Does your company need to take a look at any of these services/ If yes, then it is time for an in-depth review by SpartanTec, Inc. in Charleston, SC. SpartanTec, Inc. via Blogger https://ift.tt/GXW4dbg February 20, 2022 at 12:59AM
Cyber hygiene: What is it and why is it so important?
Cyber hygiene is a practice that organizations and individuals use to ensure the security and health of their users, data, devices and networks. Cyber hygiene is about protecting sensitive data from theft and attacks. This concept is similar to personal hygiene. Individuals can take precautionary measures to protect their health, such as flossing to reduce cavities and handwashing in order to prevent the spread of diseases. By following cyber hygiene precautions, organizations can protect their health and avoid data breaches. It is important that cyber hygiene does not fall solely on IT security analysts, technicians and managers. It is a shared responsibility that all users and departments must prioritize. A common way that employees can contribute to cyber hygiene is to follow current email security best practices. This includes avoiding public Wi Fi and creating strong, unique passwords. Cyber hygiene: What are its benefits and why is it so important?Cyber hygiene has many benefits. Organizations can reduce the likelihood of data compromise, operational interruptions and data loss by ensuring they have a good cyber hygiene. Security posture is the enterprise’s overall cybersecurity program strength and how well it can handle emerging and existing threats. A basic cyber hygiene program can help you achieve optimal cybersecurity. Cyber hygiene issues can result in data compromise, data loss, and security incidents. Data breaches can lead to financial loss, government fines and operational downtime. They also cause organizational upheaval and damage to the reputation of the organization. What are the challenges in maintaining cyber hygiene? Cyber hygiene is crucial, but it’s not easy. These are some of the common challenges: Complexity and breadth of IT environments. It is extremely difficult to maintain cyber hygiene in today’s enterprise due to the large number of users, devices, and assets that are often scattered across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Monotony. Cyber hygiene cannot be achieved by simply crossing off a checklist. It requires end users and security professionals to engage in a constant stream of important, but often mundane, tasks. User buy-in. IT security teams cannot achieve good cyber hygiene by themselves. They require the engagement and support of all end users within their organizations, even those who are not experts or interested in cybersecurity. Cyber hygiene best practices for users Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility. This means that although organizations must prioritize cyber hygiene, individual users also need to be vigilant. Users should be aware of these cyber hygiene best practices.
Good Cyber hygiene may be difficult to achieve, but, it can be accomplished with help. SpartanTec in Charleston SC is a cybersecurity company you can call on for help. We have been around since 2002 and have seen many changes in internet security. We are a company you can trust to keep your data, employees and devices secure from external and internal threats. SpartanTec, Inc. Serving: Woodhaven, Lighthouse Point, Farmington, Lynnwood, Hillside, Oak Forest, Oceanview, Mount Pleasant, Green Acres, Northbridge via Blogger https://ift.tt/aUjXkpC February 17, 2022 at 09:17PM
What is a Managed Firewall?
Although firewalls can be equipped with all the security features necessary to keep bad guys at bay, they are only as effective and efficient as their management. You need a managed firewall service to get the full benefit of having a network firewall. What is a managed firewall?Monitoring your network can take up significant time, resources, and cost. Managed firewall services provided by SpartasnTec in Charleston SC, offer solutions that cover administration, operation monitoring, maintenance, and monitoring of your firewall infrastructure. The managed firewall service includes an assessment of your security risks and monitoring network traffic. Any abnormal traffic patterns that are not “normal” will be detected and corrected once the we have established what normal traffic looks like. Managed firewall solutions typically include network monitoring, set-up, maintenance and modification of firewall rules. They can include detailed analysis, reports, and feedback. Updates and patches are an integral part of the solution. Firewalls are not plug-and-play devices. It is not possible to just install a firewall on your network perimeter and expect it to do its job. Firewall management requires extensive knowledge and constant monitoring. It is just the beginning of a long process. Do you have the staff to do the job? Common firewall problems and complexitiesOnly a small portion of the complexity involved in managing a firewall is represented by the resources needed. Companies should also be aware of other less obvious issues. Balance between security and user-friendliness If protocols are too restrictive or don’t allow users to access specific data or applications, firewall rules can be a business inhibitor. Companies can be vulnerable to data theft and security breaches if they have access to more information than is necessary to perform their job duties. Auditing is not necessary Although it is a good practice to analyze firewall rules on a regular basis, many companies overlook this critical step. Don’t be one of them. Hire IT Support Charleston SC to help you. Inability to keep pace with changing threats The complexity of managing a firewall increases as the threat landscape changes and the company’s attack surface grows. Even though firewall rules and configurations may have been adequate weeks or months ago to block cyber threats, they are no longer effective today. Multiple locations, multiple firewalls All of the above complexity can be too much for one firewall, but many organizations need multiple firewalls. Each firewall is unique and requires its own configurations and rules. Each firewall can multiply the work. Complexity of industry compliance standard Your firewall must be PCI DSS compliant if your company accepts online payments. But, simply installing a firewall to protect your network may not make you PCI DSS-compliant. As a guideline for how firewalls should install, be updated, and be maintained compliant with PCI DSS, there are more than 20 sub-requirements. The benefits of having a service provider manage the firewall Working with a managed security provider (MSSP) such as SpartanTec, Inc. in Charleston SC for firewall management goes beyond the solutions and complexity outlined above. Empowering digital transformation As organizations adopt SaaS, hybrid cloud, IoT and public clouds, IT environments are changing. Digital transformation may be delayed because traditional security controls might not have the ability to adapt to these changing IT environments. Even worse, the transformation can be slowed down by inadequate security controls. Monitor your network 24/7 Managed firewall services that are highly regarded will monitor and manage your firewalls from their SOC (security operation center). A fully redundant, secure SOC should be available to the MSSP. It should also have advanced security technology and emergency backup power. Threats can be better managed by collecting data, monitoring your network traffic, and analyzing for known vulnerabilities. Solutions customized to suit your environment You can have your firewalls managed whether they are on-premise, cloud-based, hybrid or virtual. SpartanTec, Inc. can provide managed firewall solutions that are tailored to your network environment. Contact SpartanTec, Inc. now if you wish to know more about managed firewalls and IT services.SpartanTec, Inc. Serving: Woodhaven, Lighthouse Point, Farmington, Lynnwood, Hillside, Oak Forest, Oceanview, Mount Pleasant, Green Acres, Northbridge via Blogger https://ift.tt/Ng0toKI February 11, 2022 at 05:48PM
IT Support Mt Pleasant SC – Cyber Security Solution for Growing Businesses
Mount Pleasant, SC is a large suburban town located in Charleston County, South Carolina. In the Low Country, it is the fourth largest municipality and largest town in South Carolina, and for several years was one of the state’s fastest-growing areas, doubling in population between 1990 and 2000. Mount Pleasant Welcomes BusinessesMount Pleasant, South Carolina is home to stunning natural beauty, low taxes, the best schools, low crime and an unbelievable array of recreational opportunities, shopping, dining and culture. What you might not know is how attuned and attentive to business Mount Pleasant is – with incentives, support and hands-on, real-time help built for startups and smart growth. SpartanTec, Inc.is proud to serve Mt Pleasant and surrounding Charleston County with IT Support and Managed Services for companies with no IT team or to supplement an existing IT department. SpartanTec Mount Pleasant SC Network SecurityCybercrime targets small and medium-sized businesses in excess of 77% of the attacks. Yet, 42% of small and middle-sized businesses do not consider cyber crime a threat. While cyber security is essential for your business, it can also take away time and resources from your growth activities. Advanced attacks are more difficult to prevent than traditional security measures.
Cybercrimes today go far beyond mere nuisance attacks. It’s not surprising that 60% of victims of cyberattacks against small businesses are forced to close their doors within six months after a breach. For specific information, well-organized groups can launch sophisticated threats against your company. Attackers often target smaller businesses that supply larger companies with products and services. They can eventually reach larger targets by establishing a foothold within smaller companies. They attack via email and the internet 90% of the times. SpartanTec Mt Pleasant IT Support
The Network Security solution is ideal for any IT department that has a single employee or one who needs to expand its security capabilities. Network Security against advanced cyber threats like ransomware and spear-phishing emails. This solution will ensure that your company runs smoothly, without interruptions, disruptions, or waste of effort. Effective defense against targeted attacks Targeted attacks are tailored to your company’s weaknesses. The attacker will research your weaknesses, identify your key assets, and create an attack strategy to accomplish their goal. SpartanTec Mt. Pleasant SC also creates a targeted defense. Our systems scan your email and web traffic against thousands possible computer configurations in order to detect suspicious activity. We scan both embedded URLs and attachments. Web activity is considered interactions. This means that our system scans web activity as if a person visited the pages and clicked on all the links to download different resources. Actionable intelligence accelerates response Alerts are indicators that something is wrong with any security system. The more security systems you have the better, as they often lack the intelligence to validate, prioritize and evaluate the alerts. Only 19% of all alerts are important. Security teams only have the ability to investigate 4% of all alerts. This means that they spend a lot of time sorting through irrelevant alerts. SpartanTec, Inc. is a different company. Our Threat intelligence database can validate alerts and eliminate false positives. False positives are alerts that indicate malicious activities when none exist. Security staff won’t feel overwhelmed by alerts. They will be able to spend more time investigating actual threats. Contact us today at 854-205-2881 to discuss your companies specific security needs and budget. SpartanTec, Inc. Mt Pleasant Serving Woodhaven, Lighthouse Point, Farmington, Lynnwood, Hillside, Oak Forest, Oceanview, Mount Pleasant, Green Acres, Northbridge via Blogger https://ift.tt/q5z2FXC February 08, 2022 at 03:36PM
Small Business Cybersecurity Statistics You Should Know
Small businesses, similar to all enterprises, have to manage customer data. This includes PII, which means personally identifiable Information. They are often not equipped to protect their data from cyberthreats. They are easy targets for state-sponsored and scripted criminals. That’s why cybersecurity is crucial. Even amateur cyber criminals are aware of the likelihood that they will find a user who will fall for the phishing email, or an employee with a default password or obvious password. This is especially true in small businesses where cybersecurity training and employee awareness are often neglected in the hope that bad actors won’t be too busy hunting big-game hunters. Small businesses can also be negligent when it comes to network security. They leave equipment with default passwords and don’t implement WPA2/WPA3 protection. Small businesses are also less likely to follow cybersecurity best practices such as strong passwords, frequent changes, patch management, principle of least privilege and revoking access when not needed. Small businesses are at risk Small businesses are most at risk from social engineering. This is mainly through phishing scams. Attackers can trick innocent users into giving out sensitive or confidential information or clicking on malicious files or links that contain malware. IT support professionals working with small businesses are increasingly concerned about ransomware and double-extortion attacks. Sometimes it isn’t advanced threats that cause incidents, but little things like an employee leaving a sticky with his credentials on a desk. This can expose the entire system and lead to a variety of threats. The Covid-19 crisis highlighted 2020 as a year marked by cyberattacks that leverage vulnerabilities in hastily created work-from-home deployments. After global lockdowns, small businesses were most at risk. Security was often neglected in the quest for continuity. Many small businesses let employees access their internal resources from their personal devices, blurring the lines between business and personal devices. Smaller companies that have limited IT resources and staff had to deal with this large-scale, unplanned work-from-home experiment. Cybersecurity Statistics for Small Business OwnersIt is important to keep up with current cyber-attack statistics in order to understand the state of cyber threats and commonly used vulnerabilities. This will also help you to identify the implications of successful cyberattacks and how to mitigate them. Here are 10 critical cybersecurity statistics that will help you see the lack of preventative and combative actions in small businesses despite modern cyber attacks.
Moving forward: What is required?These statistics show the dire cybersecurity situation for small businesses. While it is true that advanced cybersecurity tools, techniques and expertise are not cheap, the cost of a successful hack can be enough to take a small business out of business. It may appear that you are either damned to do it or damned not to. Small businesses should try to cut costs wherever possible. If you don’t have the budget for security personnel, consider hiring an MSSP or MSP with security features like SpartanTec in Charleston SC. You can make a big difference by taking small steps. Focus on what is essential to survive in a complex threat environment. Even the most basic cybersecurity practices can greatly reduce the risk. Here are some tips to improve your cybersecurity without spending a fortune:
Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you need help in boosting your company’s cyber security measures.SpartanTec, Inc. Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston via Blogger https://ift.tt/DqGEBvHZg February 03, 2022 at 10:38PM
Cybersecurity Beyond Firewall Protection
No longer is “Old gold”. We must stop implementing old security measures to improve our organization’s IT infrastructure. They are clearly not working. Firewalls are an age-old security method that worked well in the early years of the internet. However, today it is not enough to rely on firewalls alone defeat the sophisticated and technologically advanced cyber-attacks. We will tell you why. Cloud protection is lackingCloud technology adoption is increasing. Cloud technology is not without its cyber risks. To prevent intruders from unauthorized access to the cloud environment, it is important to set up a firewall. It is possible to extend firewalls beyond the range of the internal network to cover all data on the cloud, but this depends on the availability and capabilities of the cloud infrastructure. Failure configuration Capital One, the largest credit card issuer, was the victim of a huge data breach that compromised the personal information of approximately 106 million people. Cyberattacks can be as easy as having a poorly configured firewall. Configurations that do not fit well in a cloud-based environment have less restrictive access policies, fail to filter outgoing traffic, etc. Cyber threats can be barely escaped. Inefficient monitoring There is a shortage of IT security professionals and IT professionals are often overloaded. This means that they might not have enough time to monitor firewalls, upgrade it or reconfigure it to meet security requirements. Sometimes, a firewall that was installed many years ago may not be monitored over time. This is what bad actors use to their advantage. Inadequacy in detection A firewall is network security that operates according to a set “pre-determined rules”. They can detect threats and allow legitimate traffic to pass. However, this may not be very beneficial. It is easier for an attacker to plan a cyberattack if he knows the rules. Firewalls are not able to detect potential threats. They only respond to them according the predetermined rules. If the rule says that incoming data is from known sources, an attacker could easily launch a campaign to phish via these sources and expose all credentials. You can still achieve maximum security, despite the drawbacks mentioned above. Cyber threat intelligence: Make an investmentA firewall, as we have already mentioned, is a reactive system. It is only able to react to cyber threats, and not identify them before. Cyber Threat Intelligence is something that organizations should invest in. It is mainly made up of security professionals who are able to foresee cyber threats, and possibly detect those that have passed the firewall because of a loophole. Internal network monitoring Firewalls prevent access from outside networks, but that’s it. While firewalls may block unauthorized access to external networks, what about inside the firewall? One of the most serious cybersecurity threats is insider threats. It is therefore important to increase network visibility, monitor users within the network, as well as ensure that no malicious exchanges are occurring from private networks to public networks. Advanced authentication is available Authentication – A barrier that a cyber attacker can easily overthrow or not cross depending on its severity. Cybercriminals are able to hack passwords, even those that are extremely complex. Multi-Factor authentication is a good choice. This allows attackers to bypass one firewall (often poorly designed or unattended) and be stopped by multiple barriers created by MFA. Install an IAM suite This is perhaps the most important investment that an organization can make: deploying an Identity and Access Management system. A comprehensive IAM solution can provide high security despite any flaws in the firewall. It includes access management, identity governance and administration, business to consumer functions and personalized dashboards. Cyber attackers are able to somehow find their way into the security network to cause havoc within an organization. Cyber attackers are constantly improving their methods. Organizations should implement more security measures in addition to firewalls. Now that you know what you need to do – the question becomes HOW? SpartanTec, Inc. in Charleston SC is the answer. We have the cybersecurity solutions to keep your data secure. Call us today – 843-418-4792 – for a complete analysis of your network and security threats. SpartanTec, Inc. Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston via Blogger https://ift.tt/3rRQ9PO January 28, 2022 at 11:42PM
Are Small Businesses Able To Afford Managed IT Services Providers?
Small business owners are often faced with the dilemma of trying to balance their budget and still have the right tools to grow their company. Many business owners are faced with this dilemma because they know the importance of having additional products and managed IT services Charleston SC to help their business thrive. These goals may not be possible if funds are in short supply. This is particularly true in today’s economy, where small business owners may find that financial institutions are less willing to extend credit. Managed IT Services Charleston SC: Why Is It Important?Many small business owners face this dilemma and must make tough decisions about where to spend their money to improve their businesses. Many business owners are unsure whether they can afford to hire a managed service provider. While there may be some situations in which the costs are not worth it, there are other instances where you will pay more over the long-term. These are just a few of the reasons IT services Charleston SC might be cheaper than the alternatives. Technology – Small businesses need to keep up with the latest technology in order to remain competitive. This area can cost a lot of money, so it is important to have someone who can support your technology. Although the average person has a greater understanding of the basics of technology, IT support experts are still needed to ensure that your business is able to continue operating on a daily basis and in case of an emergency. Smaller companies have the resources to fund an IT department within their company that offers support and expertise in technology. Small businesses don’t have the same resources, and are often left without support or at a steep price when they need to hire an expert. MSP services– A small business can enlist the assistance of a managed service provider to provide specific services at a fixed price. This allows small business owners to know upfront what they will be paying and how it will fit into their budget. MSPs offer a variety of services, including computer and server support as well as data backup and disaster recovery, network security and custom software solutions. Remote network monitoring is also available. Technology evaluation and planning can also be done by them. These services can be tailored to the needs of each client depending on their business, which allows them to cut costs in certain areas. Small business owners might not be able to afford managed IT services providers for many reasons. Small business owners often don’t realize the value of the services they receive until an emergency occurs. This is where they quickly discover that the cost to fix a problem or recover after a disaster is more costly than the costs of planning for it. It is not about whether you can afford to manage services but if it is possible to afford them. Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you need help in protecting your business against cyberattacks.SpartanTec, Inc. Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston via Blogger https://ift.tt/3IDZl18 January 25, 2022 at 09:53PM
Phishing Emails Are Becoming Harder To Identify
Microsoft data shows that phishing emails account for 0.62 percent in all inbox receipts as of September 2019. This is an increase of 31% from the previous year. Although the increase in alarm is alarming, at first glance these numbers seem quite normal. Last year, more than a billion dollars was lost by companies worldwide due to phishing emails that targeted business owners (or Business Email Compromise, or BEC). This fact makes it more terrifying to see how the number of phishing emails per year increases. Understanding Phishing EmailsBEC campaigns are expensive and successful because scammers often impersonate CEOs or other top-ranking corporate officials. You respond quickly to emails that appear to be from your boss and are marked urgent. This is exactly what scammers want. Scammers are becoming more skilled at creating emails. They have even taken in IT professionals in some cases. They haven’t been able to distinguish between an email sent by a scammer posing as a CEO and one from the CEO. What hope does an IT professional have if they are taken in? This is a legitimate concern given the rapid rise in phishing emails. You can bet that scammers will become more prolific, thanks to their success. Microsoft claims that two-factor authentication can be used across all platforms as a countermeasure. 2FA blocks 99.9% of automated attacks, which is why phishing and other cyberattacks are often automated. You are putting yourself at unnecessary risk if you don’t use it regularly. SpartanTec, Inc. can help you train your employees to recognize suspicious email and other techniques to protect your company’s network. Contact us to learn more about dark web analysis and firewall protection.SpartanTec, Inc. Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston via Blogger https://ift.tt/3FJbek8 January 20, 2022 at 01:01AM
Importance of Cyber Risk Management
Cyber risk management is essential for legality, severity and frequency, as well as other reasons. Last week, we shared 8 best practices for managing cyber risk. These best practices are why they are so important. As technology advances, so do the challenges for risk teams. Cyber risk is the latest trend to be noticed. According to Risk.net’s 2018 survey, cyber risks ranked #1 and #2 on a list of top ten operational threats. What is cyber risk? Cyber risk is the potential for financial loss, disruption, or reputational damage to an organization due to a failure of its IT systems. This definition is provided by the Institute of Risk Management. Cyber risk can be a serious threat. Cyber risk and managed IT services are both important concerns that must be addressed. Cyber risk management: Why it is importantRespect the regulations To keep up with changing environments, governments are constantly creating new laws and standards. These laws and standards are good for consumers and society, but can be expensive and require organizational changes. Recent concerns include privacy and data management. Due to growing data breaches, the government is placing more pressure on businesses to protect this data. This has resulted in the release names, phone numbers, and email addresses of individuals as well as credit card details. In Europe, the GDPR was implemented in May and promises to impose fines of up to EUR20million for privacy breaches. Companies can take proactive steps to lower cyber risk to increase their competitive edge within their industry. Extremely high frequency John Lupica from Chubb Insurance stated that cyber risks are “The only risk where someone is trying to do real damage your business every day”. Cyber risk is not an “if”, but a “when” issue in certain industries. All organizations should be concerned about cyber risk, particularly those that store credit card numbers and sensitive consumer information. This risk cannot be avoided because technology is essential for any organization to function. Logic Manager discovered that data breaches increased by 45% in 2016 and 2017 and that this trend will continue. Hackers are becoming more common and better-trained. Hackers use social engineering to trick people into disclosing sensitive information. You can do this by gaining their trust or by using their curiosity. Social hackers could use victim information to their advantage, or strategically place virus-laden USB sticks to try to connect them. This article will provide more information on social engineering and how to protect yourself from it. Hacking has become more difficult with the technological advances. Simple firewalls won’t stop organizations that want to access data. It is vital that employees are educated about cyber risks and take proactive steps to prevent them. Interconnectivity and data sharing are becoming more common in today’s globalized world. It is essential to have access and use remote data and tools to collaborate with employees and companies spread across the globe. If managed properly, these systems can be just as secure as traditional in-house storage. They are still a threat. According to AT&T’s Cybersecurity Insights, 85 percent of organizations share their data with outside parties. Only 28% of these organizations have established standards for managing this risk. The safest organizations are the 28% that do not expose their data outside parties. High severity Cyber risk is something that organizations cannot expect to see. Cybersecurity Charleston SC attacks can affect even the most powerful companies. Cyber risk can be so severe for many reasons. This is a common mistake made by risk managers. AT&T discovered that while 65% believe they have the right security measures in place, 80% have been affected by successful cyberattacks. This is clearly a problem. It is important that employees are made aware of the consequences and severity. Cyber risk can be underestimated by small and medium-sized companies. These businesses may believe they are too small or not efficient to reduce cyber risk. They are prime targets for hackers. For a single data breach, clients can lose faith in companies and sue them. If private information is made public, consumers will share their experiences with others. It will be difficult for the organization to prove that it is trustworthy enough to trust new customers. PwC’s study revealed that 87% of customers will transfer their data if they aren’t satisfied with how the company handles it. Cyber risk can also cause disruptions to business operations. Cyber risk can cause an organization to go into crisis mode, making it difficult for them continue with their normal operations until the problem is fixed. Data breaches can expose trade secrets or other confidential information essential to an organization’s ability to function. If the situation isn’t contained, imitations may soon be on the market. Cyberattacks can cause severe physical damage. Remote access to computer-controlled systems is possible. Hackers created malware in Germany that caused severe physical damage and an explosion at a steel mill. This incident and others similar to it can be read in “Cyber and Physical Threats Collide”. Cyberattacks are still costly on average. Companies must pay for upgrades and repairs to their technology as well as legal fees, and settlements to customers whose data was compromised. Organizations are being more vulnerable to these attacks, making them more expensive. The average cyber attack cost in 2018 was $8 million. This is an increase of $3.62million from 2017. Cyber risk can be complex and difficult to manage. Any organization cannot ignore cyber risk and that’s why IT services Charleston SC are important. These risks can have serious consequences. ClearRisk’s Risk Management Information System, (RMIS), helps risk teams predict and prevent cyber-risks. Our system allows for the creation and sharing of risk management plans. It’s built on the most widely used cloud computing platform. It protects your system from unauthorized data and is continuously updated to maintain the highest security standards. You can find more information here. Click the link to find out more. Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you’re interested in learning more about cyber risk management and IT services that will protect your information against online threats.SpartanTec, Inc. Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston via Blogger https://ift.tt/3tvLHbX January 17, 2022 at 11:01PM |
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