How can you avoid phishing attacks that might lead to data breaches and identity theft? Learn about how to recognize five common types of phishing tactics.
A disaster recovery strategy is vital when running a business. This preemptive solution helps you cope with all sorts of catastrophes while reducing downtime.
You can never be too careful when you’re running a business. Whether you own a small startup or an established enterprise, you need reliable tools to assist your team in their daily pursuits. Unfortunately, information technology can be damaged easily, especially when exposed to today’s wide landscape of threats. A multitude of dangers are constantly swarming around your network, and not all are potential cyberattacks. Physical disasters can be just as devastating.
This blog shows you how to optimize your risk management strategy with backup software and disaster recovery support.
Data Backup and Disaster Recovery—What You Need to Know
Many people put together a defense strategy without actually knowing what these two terms mean. Data backup and disaster recovery are completely different remedies that complement the perfect defensive mechanism. Here’s how they break down:
What Is Data Backup?
Data backup is a file-copying process. Data can be copied to many different platforms, including secondary computers and external hard drives. The most popular (and safest) backup procedure is a cloud backup. It places all your sensitive files within an easy-to-use internet dashboard, so if disaster does strike, all you have to do is log in and retrieve your most important information.
With the right backup software, you’ll always have access to everything you need. This ensures you never lose anything of value, even when disaster presents itself. For the safest measures, you’ll want to partner with a managed security provider (MSP) that can back up your data automatically and regularly.
What Is Disaster Recovery Support?
Disaster recovery complements the work of your data backup software. No business deserves to go through a rebuilding process against its will, but sometimes disaster strikes no matter how prepared a company is. Whether it’s a cyber or physical issue, downtime might be necessary just to get things running again. Disaster recovery can help expedite this process. This preemptive solution allows businesses to restore their most important data quickly and efficiently. So even if your firmware does take a hit, you’ll be able to recover your files and pick up with business when everything stabilizes.
And when you have an experienced managed security professional in your corner, you’ll be able to take advantage of a robust collection of benefits, including:
- 24/7 on-call support
- Flexible cloud management programs
- Redundant backups
- Offsite storage space
With disaster recovery support, you’ll be able to have peace of mind knowing you’ll always have access to your most valuable information in its most relevant form.
Stay Ahead With CTMS
Whether it’s disaster recovery, data backup, or any other form of cybersecurity, the experts at CTMS are the best team to have in your corner. We’ll be there to help restore your data and create a backup strategy that allows you to keep your most valuable assets safe.
Start taking advantage of the best data security solutions from the premier managed service providers in Ohio. Why wait for disaster to occur before you start taking action?
Contact us today to set up your [free IT evaluation] with a certified professional!
Data backup solutions are among the most necessary components of an IT strategy for a business, nonprofit, or any other organization. From business continuity to risk mitigation, a comprehensive backup strategy is what keeps an operation…well, operational.
In this piece, we cover some of the basics, from the reasons that backups are so crucial to some of the ways you, your internal staff, or your outsourced provider can keep your systems working in any scenario.
Why Backup Your Data?
Audits and Taxes
A government agency comes knocking and you don’t have what they’re looking for…what are you supposed to do? This situation can be easily avoided if you take data backup seriously in advance of any audit situation. No one can predict exactly when Uncle Sam will stop by for a visit, but you can certainly be prepared.
Safety and Compliance
Many industries have strict regulatory frameworks that require data backup solutions. This offers two fairly obvious motivations for backing up your data. First, you could be at legal risk if your data is not secured properly. Whether you are working in healthcare or any other industry, you need to verify that your firm is meeting legal standards. Second, data backup and security allows you to keep doing business effectively. If you somehow lose critical records, how are you supposed to do business?
Business Continuity
Whether you are simply trying to reduce downtime and enhance productivity or are hoping to mitigate the dangers of a disaster situation (just take a look at the recent earthquakes in California), data backup keeps your organization functional. There are countless threats out there, but by backing up your data—or ensuring that your current provider is already doing so—you don’t have to worry. Peace of mind can go a long way toward helping you achieve your mission.
A Variety of Data Backup and Recovery Services
On-Premises Backup
Whether you have one location or several, a dedicated IT infrastructure system can be built to house a complete backup of your systems and data. While this doesn’t mitigate all risk, it ensures all of your eggs aren’t in a single basket. Also, an onsite solution is easily accessible for both use and maintenance. The advantage here is the control you get keeping from your systems close to home.
Public and Private Cloud
The best cloud data backup service is one that is properly set up from the get-go. There are a number of public options—from Amazon Web Services to Microsoft Azure—and private cloud solutions that can be set up by your managed service provider. Which solution is best for you depends on the needs of your organization and the regulatory standards that must be met for your industry, but the cloud can be a great solution that lets your system be restored from anywhere to anywhere.
This list of reasons and solutions is by no means exhaustive, but it should give you a starting point when you’re considering a backup solution. Whether you work with an online data backup company or work with your service provider to create a physical, onsite system, it’s critical that it is working properly before you need it.
Computer Technology Management Service (CTMS) is a data backup service provider that can find the best solution for your organization. Get in touch if you’d like to learn more.
Have you heard any of these panic-inducing exclamations?
- Cyber criminals are out to steal your data!
- Vulnerabilities in your systems are being exploited as you read this!
- Regulatory noncompliance could end your business!
These aren’t necessarily disingenuous statements, but you don’t need to panic. By taking appropriate steps, you can focus on your mission and organizational goals instead of cyber security woes keeping you up at night.
This is not to say that you can let your security fall by the wayside. Taking cyber security seriously means having the appropriate policies and strategies in place before an incident occurs. There are some steps you can take on your own, while others might require hiring a firm that specializes in cyber security.
Either way, it’s critical that your organization advances on the path toward true security. From privacy to business continuity, your entire operation can be affected. Below are five tips to enhance your security profile.
1. It Starts With Smart Policy
One of the biggest vulnerabilities within any organization is the staff that works within it. If employees are clicking links in suspicious emails, sharing passwords, or are simply unaware of security threats like malware, you are asking for trouble.
Conduct regular cyber security training to keep your employees on the side of common sense when interacting with coworkers or clients electronically. Have your employees regularly change passwords in company systems, teach them not to click suspicious links in emails (or to verify with the sender first), and consider blocking websites that may contain viruses.
Policy extends from employees’ workstations to their mobile devices as a part of your small business phone solution. Your internal staff should be able to conduct basic training to give you some semblance of security.
2. Don’t Forget Physical Security
When focusing on cyber crime or electronic threats, managers and business owners too often forget good old-fashioned physical threats. Restrict access to servers and data centers to all but those professionals who absolutely need to be there. Other steps can include prohibiting employees from leaving passwords written down and left visible on a desk. These rules don’t need to be draconian and are just as common sense as locking the door at night.
3. Stay up to Date
If you are relying on software like firewalls or antivirus programs to keep your systems secure, make sure everything is updated regularly. Cyber threats are always evolving, and new malware is created every day. Most software platforms have options to enable auto-updating. Make sure these settings are enabled.
Sometimes your systems will need more than just a simple update. For instance, Microsoft will soon be ending its support for Windows 7. It won’t be long before systems that use it will no longer be secure.
4. Use an Effective Backup Solution for Small Business
Business continuity is a critical aspect of any organization’s cyber security strategy. If you don’t have plans and infrastructure in place to navigate the maze of a disaster situation, the loss can be catastrophic. Threats range from natural disasters to intrusion from hackers. Both are dangerous and both can be mitigated with appropriate disaster planning.
Creating offsite backup solutions or leveraging the cloud are both viable strategies depending on your situation and security needs. Cloud solutions for small business have the extra benefit of staying updated per the third item on this list.
5. Consider a Professional Managed Security Provider
Training and software updates can only get you so far. Network security solutions companies are the key to reducing risk and ensuring that your business is protected. Computer Technology Management Services (CTMS) offers a holistic suite of cyber security solutions that range from compliance to system backup.
If you have concerns about your existing security profile or think your internal staff could use a helping hand, give us a call today.
As of November 2, 2018, Ohio’s Data Protection Act, also known as a “safe harbor” law, grants businesses protection from lawsuits relating to data breaches if they are reasonably complying with industry-standard and federal regulatory frameworks. This groundbreaking legislation may soon be mirrored by other states but is limited to Ohio for now.
To qualify for “safe harbor,” as it were, a business must design its cyber security strategy to:
- Protect the security and confidentiality of confidential information
- Protect against any unanticipated physical or cyber threats or other hazards to that information
- Protect against unauthorized access to and acquisition of information that is likely to result in a material risk of identity theft or other fraud to the individual to whom the information relates
Cyber Security Frameworks Enumerated in the Law
The three provisions listed above can fit under a variety of regulatory frameworks. This means that businesses, including those in the healthcare industry, that reasonably conform to these frameworks are granted safe harbor. Although safe harbor does not provide total immunity—and thus businesses cannot use it as an impenetrable shield—it does offer protection against torts, which can result in closed businesses, especially for smaller operations.
The Regulatory Frameworks Under Safe Harbor:
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework
- NIST Special Publications 800-53, 800-53A, or 800-171
- Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program Security Assessment Framework
- Center for Internet Security Critical Security Controls for Effective Cyber Defense
- International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission’s 27000 Family – Information Security Management Systems
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 Security Rule
- Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act
- Title 5 of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999
- Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014
Reasonably Conform—What Does That Entail?
There are some situations where safe harbor will not apply. This can include a breach of contract or a violation of other law. Safe harbor is designed as a defense against tort claims claiming that the security protocols mandated by the regulatory standards mentioned above were not met.
To use a safe harbor defense, an organization must demonstrate that they have taken steps to meet all of the requirements under a given framework. Moreover, when these frameworks are updated based on new technology or processes, organizations have one year to conform or they may be forced to abandon the safe harbor defense.
Because many of these regulatory frameworks can be general in their suggestions whereas others can be quite specific (like HIPAA’s 29 required organizational policies), it can be hard for businesses to know if they are meeting standards or not. This is especially complex based on a variety of factors: the nature of the information being protected, the size of an organization, the resources available to that organization, and the availability of compliance tools.
In this sense, a cyber security solution provider like Computer Technology Management Solutions may be required so that organizations can mount the best defense possible and avoid being put out of business. Surveillance and cyber security solutions are not just crucial to keeping a business running efficiently; they are vital to keeping an organization running at all.
Industrial Cyber Security Solutions
Depending on the industry, compliance with one or more cyber security frameworks is critical to ensuring efficient operational functions and privacy. Although compliance can seem like a burden at times, through the Data Protection Act Ohio has added an extra layer of defense and protection for businesses and other entities that are making their best effort to conform and protect patients and other entities they may work with.
By consulting with a cyber security solution provider like CTMS, business owners and IT directors can improve their chances at fighting torts and reduce the risk of harmful data breaches.
Circle your calendars for January 14, 2020. On that day, Windows 7 will become a thing of the past and your network could face some very serious dangers if you don’t upgrade your operating system (OS) before then.
It won’t be long until Microsoft takes Windows 7 off life support. Since this operating system (OS) is nearing its final days, many businesses have begun taking advantage of the latest and greatest collection of office utilities—Windows 10. But users aren’t moving to Windows 10 solely to upgrade their software. The fact is, the cyberthreat landscape is becoming increasingly dangerous, and if you fail to move on from Windows 7, be prepared to confront a toxic mess on your computer system.
The Top Security Risks Windows 7 Causes
You may still have six months to prepare for [Windows 7 End of Life], but it’s never too early to practice some necessary risk management. If you’re not careful and neglect to make the switch to Windows 10 on time, you can open the door to a host of cybersecurity issues.
The Spread of Malware
Malware is one of the biggest problems circulating on the web. Since Microsoft won’t provide any security updates for Windows 7, the likelihood of this OS experiencing a malware attack increases dramatically. What’s most concerning is that malware is just getting stronger and more malicious by the day. If you don’t ditch Windows 7 in a timely manner, be prepared to put up with a wave of viruses, data breaches, and expensive repairs.
More Ransomware Viruses
Ransomware is the most dangerous form of malware found on the web. This malicious software has a mind of its own. If it breaks through your firewall, ransomware can automatically install itself on your Windows OS. When that happens, sensitive data such as credit card numbers, business reports, and customer information can be held hostage until the hacker’s ransom is paid. Don’t expect a security premium to bail you out, because there won’t be any unless you decide to upgrade to Windows 10.
Disruptive Behavior
Outdated technology can leave a variety of issues in its wake, but one of the most frustrating is a lack of compatibility. An alarming number of PCs still rely on Windows 7 support, and once End of Life kicks off, most of these computer systems will lose their touch. Expect slower applications, more compatibility issues, and very little peace of mind.
Email Invasions
One of the easiest ways to encounter a cybersecurity issue is through one’s inbox. Hackers try to introduce threats through a variety of email attacks. And since the Windows 7 version of [Outlook] has a security deficit, it’s a lot easier for spam, phishing traps, and malware viruses to make their way into your network, paving a clear path to your most valuable data.
Take Advantage of Better Network Security
At CTMS, we are a team of problem solvers who do whatever it takes for you to get the most from your technology. We know that change can be tough, but we’ll make the move over to Windows 10 well worth it.
Work with the top managed service providers Ohio has to offer. [Set up your free consultation] with our team and begin taking advantage of exceptional [computer security], more efficient business utilities, and greater peace of mind!
There are a massive amount of unique cyber attacks that bear enough power to compromise your most valuable assets. Fortunately, there are solutions that can help you protect information from leaking into the wrong hands.
We are living through an ever-growing technological revolution and an information-driven age. Every day, new technology evolves and changes the entire landscape of life as we know it and this is especially when it comes to business. It doesn’t matter what type of industry you work in because the fact is that intellectual property dictates how practically any company operates. With that said, it’s vital to keep your most coveted business documents locked in safe keeping. This includes financial reports, business plans, customer information, or any other form of sensitive data.
Today’s cyber landscape is loaded with risks, and that is only going to continue growing as technology advances. Fortunately, though, there are two defense mechanisms that can help fend them all off. This blog teaches you everything needed for you to master the art of threat detection and threat prevention.
Cyber Threat Security 101
Millions of cyber threats circulate around the web and some are powerful enough to put your entire business at risk. Disaster can strike from practically any angle at any point in time, so if you’re not careful, your computer system might get an unexpected visit from a cyber hacker. And it’s not just the small companies that are in danger, because large market businesses bear enormous targets as well.
The bottom line is that there will always be a surplus of emerging threats, but fortunately, most of these hazards are preventable. You just need to know what to look for. When it comes to threat detection security, you’ll need to pay special attention to these critical factors:
Types of Cyber Threats
Hackers are very diverse with their methods of attack. If one attack pattern doesn’t work, don’t expect the hacker to give up so easily. Hackers are persistent so they’ll switch things up until they identify a way into your network. These manipulative cyber criminals will take advantage of even the slightest vulnerability that gets exposed. Keep your guard up at all times because hackers will be practicing multiple techniques in order to penetrate holes through your IT system.
Some of the most dangerous forms of cyber attacks include:
- Denial of Service (DoS)
- Password invasions
- Phishing and spear phishing
- Malware viruses
- Man-in-the-Middle (MitM)
- Birthday messages
- Drive-by invasions
What Triggers the Attack
When it comes to cyber security, one of the most important things is to identify the source of the problem. Cyber attacks aren’t an automatic thing. There is always someone in the driver’s seat leading the charge and that culprit usually belongs to a malicious criminal group, but that’s not always the case. Sometimes a cyber attack is even plotted from an internal source. It’s crucial to cover every end of your network because there is always someone ready to pull the trigger on an attack, whether that be from web-related incidents or even from one of your own teammates.
Attackers come in all shapes and forms, but more often than not, they belong to one of these specific groups:
● Hackers
● Terrorists
● Business competitors
● Criminal organizations
● Foreign governments
Detection and Defense Mechanisms
It’s pretty easy to tell when cyber threats are on the horizon, especially when your information security system is up to date. With the right cyber security software in place, a business’ can detect when their network is in serious danger. Additionally, you’ll also have the ability to spot where threats stem from the moment they start to bloom. And once a disaster is in plain sight you’ll gain the upper hand because you’ll be able to capitalize on a plethora of defense strategies.
These are the most effective approaches to take in order to predict and fend off against any potential data breaching:
- Basic defense: Track real-time dangers with this initial layer of network security. This sophisticated software system provides sends you alerts that warn when suspicious threats start to emerge.
- Emerging approach: Anyone who has been hit by a cyber disaster can tell you how hard it is to recover from the damage. To prevent history from repeating itself, you’ll be able to keep a record of any historical data that relates to previous cyber security issues. Administrators will gain access to a wide range of analytical data, which will come in handy when business owners choose to define sharper security policies.
- Advanced security: This is your most sophisticated form of network security. Not only does advanced security give you access to the critical functions of the basic defense and emerging approach mechanisms, but it takes things a full step further. With this intuitive security program, you’ll be able to put an inside hacking activity. Advanced security automatically denies any abnormal network behavior.
Call CTMS to Keep a Firm Grip On Your Most Sensitive Information
At CTMS, we offer much more than provide customers with tech support and managed IT services. When it comes to IT security, we are constantly raising the bar. Every day, we work tirelessly to make sure that your personal information is completely safeguarded. We build authentic cyber security solutions to ensure that your most valuable assets never end up in the wrong hands. Be at peace knowing that you have the sharpest security professionals in your corner at all times.
If you want to take advantage of a more efficient infrastructure and significant cost-savings, then give us a call or send us a message to set up a free consultation with one of our certified experts.
When creating a compound strategy for your business, cybersecurity and disaster recovery form the ultimate tag team.
Millions of cyber threats surround today’s digital landscape, and some are strong enough to keep your entire business out of commission for a long time. And what it comes to network security, you can never be too careful. Just because you have a firewall system and some antivirus software installed doesn’t mean that you will be safe. As technology evolves, cyber attacks intensify, which increases the likelihood of your network being invaded by a hacker. When this occurs, you could be endangered to lose any of your hard-earned valuables.
This won’t happen when you incorporate cybersecurity into your disaster recovery (DR) strategy, because when these two elements complement each other, you can expect:
- An unscathed business
- Technology that operates in peak form
- A firm grasp on your most valuable data
This blog will show you how these two elements work together to create the perfect risk management solution.
Where Does Cybersecurity Fit In With My DR Plan?
Disaster recovery and cybersecurity form the best combination since peanut butter and jelly, especially when they are under the same service bundle. Simply put, cybersecurity streamlines all DR initiatives, making the road to business recovery so much easier. When this program is incorporated into your DR plan, you’ll have fewer data to restore, which enables you to rehabilitate your business back to a stable operating form.
In order to align both of these elements together, you’ll need to follow these three steps:
Define the Most Important Priorities
Data is the backbone for practically any business, regardless of its size or industry. With that said, it’s important to note that not all business data is created equal. This is why you need to shield each data set with a different level of protection. The key action during this phase of cybersecurity planning is prioritization. Identify which files are most sensitive and carry a higher overall value. In order to keep sensitive information out of harm’s reach, make sure that you are planning for the worst case scenario, keeping your passwords encrypted, and backing up critical files in offsite data centers.
Always meet with your managed service provider (MSP) before you put your cybersecurity strategy and DR plan into effect. This gives you the opportunity to construct the perfect protection program for your most important assets.
Plan Against Select Threats
While there are millions of hazards circulating around the web, it’s important to know that not every cyber threat bears the same amount of danger. Many cybersecurity risks carry various levels of strength. Even one data breach can hold enough power to take your entire business out of operation. Educate yourself on different types of cyber threats and develop specific defense strategies to help fend off as many cyber hazards as possible.
On the other side of things, make sure that your backup and recovery plan applies to each individual threat. You’ll want to especially plan for threats that carry ransomware and malware viruses.
Pave the Road to Recovery
It takes a lot of work to get your business back up and running following the impact of a disaster, whether it’s physical or virtual. To get your operation performing at normal speed, your disaster recovery plan needs to revolve around three critical activities:
- Disaster containment
- Threat eradication
- Data restoration
The digital landscape is crawling with a variety of unique threats so you’re recovery strategy needs to be adaptable to each individual scenario. Make sure that your network is constantly monitored by an experienced cybersecurity specialist. This will help you identify existing vulnerabilities in your IT system so that you know what needs the most protection. From there, establish DR blueprint that is applicable to all of those specific discoveries.
When cybersecurity is incorporated into your DR plan, you’ll be able to identify and neutralize incoming attacks. This helps speed up business continuity and will allow you to focus on what’s most important—serving your customers and growing your business.
Disaster Recovery Planning Done Right With CTMS
When it comes to cybersecurity, there is no one better to have in your corner than the CTMS team. We have the skills, resources, and know-how to keep your computer systems at its most optimal level. We build custom solutions that will help you protect sensitive data from any type of potential threat. With our team by your side, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that your sharpest cybersecurity professionals safeguarding your most coveted data.
Give us a call and plan your free security evaluation with our team today.
Recently, the automotive industry was struck with a new flood of cyber threats. Over the past several months, many auto dealerships have been invaded by hackers from all over the web.
Certain surveys have concluded that hacking a dealership is easier than hacking a banking system. Across the United States, we’ve already started seeing a trend of dealerships being attacked by a severe collection of cyber invasions. Hackers have easily identified vulnerabilities in networks, penetrated an attack into their system, and confiscated personal information of their customers in resulting fashion.
Don’t be surprised if you to see a steady drop in car the car dealership business soon. According to a study by Total Dealer Compliance, nearly 84% of consumers said that they would not purchase cars from dealerships that were compromised by data breaches. Fortunately, there are preventable actions you can take in order to combat these issues. With the right resources and information, you’ll be able to fend off cyber invasions with ease.
If you are a business owner, make sure that you are aware of where hackers can stem them their attacks from. These are some of the factors and effects of this recent wave of cyber hazards that you should be especially mindful of:
Outdated Technology:
An obsolete computer system doesn’t stand much of a chance against today’s most advanced threats. Over time, technology will start to rust away and expose more vulnerabilities in an open setting. If you are operating with infrastructure that hasn’t been updated for years, then you may be an easy target for a hacker to prey on.
Lack Of Cybersecurity Support:
It’s important to have a strong line of defense protecting your most critical infrastructure. When it comes to security monitoring and management, you should have a managed IT team watching your network in real time. They’ll be able to spot threats when they are on the horizon and steer the issue away with ease in an immediate fashion.
Inability To Adapt To New Mobile Technology:
In today’s age, mobile technology is pivotal. More and more companies are performing business on the go from their laptops, tablets, and other mobile devices. Unfortunately, this expands the threat landscape to mobile property that your company owns as well. Make sure you have a managed IT service protecting your mobile and wireless networks as well.
Late Discoveries Of Data Breaches:
When it comes to threat detection, your network must be monitored in real-time. Unfortunately, some auto dealerships come face to face with a security breach before they have the opportunity to respond. Don’t wait until it’s too late and you have to practice disaster recovery. Assemble a security system that will detect hazards as they emerge.
Stay Ahead Of The Curve And Stay Out Of Harm’s Reach:
When it comes to network security, there is no one better to have in your corner than the managed IT experts at CTMS. For years, we have been Ohio and Pittsburgh’s leading source for managed security services. When it comes to data protection, security monitoring, and threat intelligence, we are the top security experts within the technology management industry. If your network gets struck by a disaster of any kind, we’ll be there to help you remedy the situation as quickly as possible, so you can get your operation back up and running smoothly.
Give us a call to schedule a free security evaluation with one of our experienced technicians.
