Why Cyber Attacks Should Be Treated Like Natural Disasters

Backup Management, Computer Security, Cyber Security, Data Breach, Data Security, Disaster Recovery

Companies often prepare their employees for emergencies such as natural disasters, weather events or fires with outlined procedures and training in order to minimize damage and ensure safety. When it comes to cybersecurity, businesses often overlook the potential for serious harm to occur from a data breach. This ultimately leaves employees uninformed and unprepared for a cyber disaster to occur.   Recent Reports According to World Economic Forum, each year the Global Risks Report works with experts and decision-makers across the world to identify and analyze the most pressing risks that we face. The report for 2018 shows a strong indication that the threat of cyber attacks will cause just…

Cybersecurity Tips for Accounting Firms

Computer Security, Data Breach, Data Security, IT Managed Services, Security

Accounting firms are ethically and legally obligated to keep their clients’ information and data protected. Due to a recent increase in cyber attacks, accounting firms need to be prepared to defend their valuable information against sophisticated breaches. According to Accounting Today, there are many preventative measures that can be taken by accounting firms, but three actions in particular help create a sufficient plan against major cyber attacks. Beyond implementing data protection software, knowing how to use the software properly is necessary to ensure utmost protection.   Educate Employees The first step to any problem is acknowledging the situation. It is important for large accounting firms that employ thousands of employees…

How Preventative Managed Services Maintenance Reduces Costs and Breakdowns

Managed Service

Proactive maintenance is an important part of a productive IT infrastructure. By scheduling regular check-ups for the network and hardware, companies can prevent major catastrophes that hinder their productivity. Preventing malfunctions within your network is noted to reduce maintenance costs in the long term and decrease downtime due to technical difficulties. Just like repairs, field maintenance and tech support, preventative maintenance is an important piece of IT infrastructure that is often overlooked. Minimizes Surprises Checking networks and IT systems regularly catches problems before they arise. This can help keep the network secure from unauthorized actions and detect a potential breach before it happens. This also makes patch work on networks…

How Adapting to New Technology Minimizes Risks for Your Business

Cyber Security, Data Breach, Data Security, Disaster Recovery, IT Managed Services, Network Monitering

As cybersecurity has become a top priority for organizations, it’s essential to adapt to innovative technology in order to prevent a potential cyber attack. Companies that actively pursue innovative ways to defend themselves against cyber criminals and data breaches prove that adapting to the modernization of technology could play a vital role in protecting valuable company information. When it comes to cybersecurity, the only constant is the ability of cyber criminals to innovate faster than companies are able to defend themselves, according to CSO. Confidence Organizations that continuously adapt to new technology are more confident in their cyber security policies. Your being comfortable and knowledgeable about a potential data breach,…

Why Your Business Needs 24/7 Network Monitoring

Network Monitering

  Network monitoring is crucial for every business, no matter the industry. In fact, 24/7 network monitoring ensures your computer network is always up and running by checking for slow or failing systems. If any issues arise, the system will alert the network administrator. This constant monitoring can help save money, time and potentially catastrophic data loss. Here are some of the reasons why every business needs 24/7 network monitoring: Security One of the main benefits of 24/7 network monitoring is ensuring that your files and data are secure. Any issues in the network will be detected beforehand. Network monitoring is perhaps the most proactive way to deal with problems…

Why Companies Should Conduct a Monthly Cybersecurity Audit

Cyber Security

Cybercrime damage costs are set to hit six trillion dollars by 2021. Last year, made headlines with the largest ransomware attack in history, WannaCry. Needless to say, cybercrime is on the rise and organizations need to be prepared. Organizations that leave their companies vulnerable to cyber attacks risk losing business and crucial data. A monthly cybersecurity audit helps businesses prevent being victims of cybercrime. Here are some steps that should be included in a cybersecurity audit:   Check that all software is up to date. Regardless of the size of your organization, it’s critical that employee devices are operating on the most current software. Outdated software is a common culprit…

The Benefits of Outsourcing Managed IT Services

IT Managed Services

    In today’s digital landscape, organizations must adapt the technological changes and adopt new technologies in order to improve their operations and customer experience. Even small to midsize organizations will not be able to scale their business without a stable IT infrastructure.  Many organizations don’t have the resources for an adequate in-house IT department. This is when an outsourced managed IT services company becomes crucial. Below are some of the benefits of outsourcing IT through a managed services provider.   Lower Labor Costs The search for adequate IT staff can be challenging, and the hiring and training process can be very expensive. An outsourced managed services provider cuts out…

Free and Open Source Software Month is a Reminder of the Need for Cybersecurity

Cyber Security

  February is Free and Open Source Software month (FOSS). If you’ve ever used Mozilla Firefox web browser, Thunderbird email, PHP scripting, or Apache web server, then you’ve used open source programs. Open source software (OSS) is distributed with its source code available for modification by anyone, turning software development into a collaborative process. Open source has become a bit of a buzzword in recent years, with opinions falling strongly in both the pro and con categories. Supporters tout OSS as an innovative concept that essentially crowd-sources software development for rapid evolution, bug identification and repair, readily available community support, and complete customization. Another boon, of course, is that it’s…

Olympic Games Hit with Cyberattack

Cyber Security

  Olympic officials and cybersecurity experts are attributing Internet disruptions during last week’s Olympic opening ceremony were the result of a cyberattack. Jihye Lee, a spokesman for the PyeongChang Organizing Committee, confirmed the news Sunday, saying, “The technology issues experienced Friday night were caused by a cyberattack.”   The first signs of trouble arose when the website and internal systems of the winter games were taken offline during the opening ceremony in PyeongChang on Friday, after hackers detonated their probes inside the network, according to Sky News. News outlets had issues reporting on the event because the hackers knocked out the WiFi. Analysis by researchers at the cybersecurity intelligence wing…

Municipal Organizations Need Cybersecurity

Cyber Security

  Municipal entities are responsible for storing personal records of citizens. Birth certificates, mortgage documents, medical records and Social Security numbers are just some of the sensitive data they collect and store. Citizens rely on municipal organizations to keep their data private and protected, which cannot be accomplished without a proper cybersecurity program.   According to CIO, the vast majority of public agencies lack a clear cybersecurity plan. This is troubling when you think about the amount of personal data hackers could steal. There are several factors that cause a lack of sufficient cybersecurity programs in municipal organizations. Here are a few:   Lack of training. Employees of municipal organizations…