How Businesses Can Combat Ransomware Attacks in 2017

Cyber Security, Data Security, Kansas City Technology, Managed Service, Ransomware

It has been widely predicted that the rate of ransomware attacks will increase worldwide in 2017. Ransomware is a type of malware used to encrypt all of your computer or smartphone data and is often used against companies, government agencies and even individuals. This dangerous malware derives its name from the hackers who put it on your system, then threaten to destroy your data unless you pay a “ransom” fee. While no one can be completely immune to a ransomware attack, everyone can take steps to become better prepared for one. Read on as we detail the outlook for combatting ransomware in 2017. Ransomware makers, or more simply data thieves,…

Kansas City Managed Services Company Analyzes Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware

In 2016 alone, ransomware affected over 90 million individuals and businesses at an estimated rate of 400 attacks per minute. Yet 70 percent of these go unnoticed, according to  TechRepublic. Cybercriminals use of ransomware show no signs of slowing down. Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system until a sum of money is paid. According to Digital Trends, the average rate for a ransom has soared upwards from $294 in 2015 to $679 this year. Studies show that nearly 50 percent of businesses have been hit with some type of ransomware, with 40 percent of those businesses paid the ransom. Studies also…

Kansas City Managed Services Company Reviews Importance of National Cyber Security Awareness Month

Cyber Security

The Department of Homeland Security has declared October National Cyber Security Awareness Month. In its thirteenth year, the program seeks to educate the public and private sector about Cyber Security threats and ways to guard against them with a focus on protecting our digital borders. Attacks in 2016 have hit major companies. From 500 million hacked accounts with Yahoo! to 100’s of Eddie Bauer stores being inflicted with malware. The most common cause of breaches are employees misusing access privileges, according to TripWire. Whether employees do this accidentally or maliciously, training employees on security practices is crucial. Additionally, here are a few tips from Open Forum on how to prevent…

Yahoo! is the Latest Victim of a Data Breach

Data Breach

Data breaches have become all too common. Today’s headlines are littered with stories of cyber theft and security failures. Yahoo! is the latest victim. With over 500 million user accounts compromised, this could be the largest data breach in history. But Yahoo! is far from alone. So far in 2016, we’ve learned about security breaches at Linkedin, the U.S. Department of Justice, Oracle, Dropbox and many others. Is there anything that can be done to stem the tide?   According  to cybersecurity expert Por Thorsheim, the Yahoo! breach “will cause ripples online for years to come.” In a statement from Yahoo! addressing the issue, they provided some information about the…

MDL Technology Takes a Look at the Importance of Network Monitoring

IT Managed Services, Network Monitering

Network monitoring might sound like the easiest and most simplistic part of an IT managed service. While it doesn’t take much to monitor your network and ensure everything is working properly, it’s surprising how many companies overlook this essential component. The idea behind network monitoring is simple: keep a constant eye on your network to catch failing components or components that are running slow before they become a problem. A good monitoring system lets your administrator know of any issues with the network so that they can be addressed before they get out of hand. A business without constant network monitoring  runs the risk of losing a good deal of…

MDL Technology Examines ESPN’s Week 1 Fantasy Football Flop

Network Monitering

The worldwide leader of sports, ESPN, suffered a worldwide fumble on week 1 of the NFL season. The lauded fantasy football app crashed at one of the most inopportune times possible. The blunder shows that if you are not prepared for the absolute worst, the absolute worst will happen. Geekwire estimates that over 74 million people play fantasy football, with the first week of hope being the biggest fantasy weekend by far.   ESPN has acknowledged the issues and has since blamed a backend data access issue. A simple misguided network monitoring problem put the app down for over four hours. Which is roughly the equivalent of one full game…

MDL Technology Examines How OPM Could Have Avoided a Giant Data Breach

Data Breach

In a breach that was first publicly announced mid-2015, the U.S. House Oversight & Government Reform Committee has finally came to a consensus on the root of the issue. With a 241-page analysis of the data breach, they have found that the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) exposed fingerprint data and background investigations on millions of Americans.   Data breaches can be a giant deficit to a company. Not only did someone hack into their system, but also losing trust of employees and business partners. Inverse said, “It all could have been prevented very easily.” Cyber security may seem like a small part of your overall operation, but giant…

Kansas City-Based IT Company Examines How Delta Could Have Avoided Thousands of Cancelled Flights

Cloud Computing

During the dates of Aug. 8 – 10, 2016, customers who flew with Delta airlines experienced thousands of great delays or cancelled flights. As a direct result, the unfortunate event cost the airline financially and their public image was hurt. Could this all been prevented if they were up to date on their network monitoring?   According to Information Management, it very well could have been prevented. Their IT system was simply outdated for today’s times. Information Management also explained that Delta is not the first to suffer from this issue, “Just a month ago, Southwest Airlines dealt with a similar scenario in which a broken router caused another 2,300…

Kansas City Managed Services Company Clears the Clouds: A Start to Finish Guide to Selecting Cloud Computing Services

Cloud Computing

The cloud is everywhere. Whether you work in a small business or a large enterprise, chances are your company already has or will soon adopt a cloud computing system. As a team leader, it is important to consider the qualifications and needs of cloud computing before implementation. MDL Technology shares a guide to help understand and choose a cloud system.   Know Your Stuff It is a common misconception that there is one almighty cloud lingering above our heads at all times. While the cloud never disappears, it is divided. There is a wide variety of different types of cloud systems which serve different functions for a plethora of needs.…

MDL Technology Identifies Three Challenges to Big Data Security

Cyber Security

In the digital world, business owners have no choice, but to keep up with technological advancements and to analyze major trends in their industry. With increasing incidents of data breaches, cyber attacks and compromised private information, it becomes all the more essential to take extra precaution to protect data sets. However, in order to protect the integrity of big data, business owners must first understand and identify their system’s points of weakness.     Human Error In short, data breaches occur when an outside source finds a hole, or vulnerability, within a company’s tech infrastructure. Oftentimes, the vulnerability comes from a human error due to misinformation or not enough IT…