security | TechSolutions, Inc. Optimized IT solutions supercharge your productivity and growth, and our IT services make it easy to take full advantage. Contact us for a FREE consultation. Thu, 27 Apr 2023 03:41:23 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.techsolutionsinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/favicon.png security | TechSolutions, Inc. 32 32 How to protect your network from watering hole attacks https://www.techsolutionsinc.com/blog/how-to-protect-your-network-from-watering-hole-attacks/ https://www.techsolutionsinc.com/blog/how-to-protect-your-network-from-watering-hole-attacks/#respond Tue, 22 Jun 2021 00:00:12 +0000 https://www.techsolutionsinc.com/blog/how-to-protect-your-network-from-watering-hole-attacks/ Cybercriminals are getting more creative in infecting computers with malware, and users must step up in order to protect their devices. To stay one step ahead of cybercriminals, you should learn more about their more insidious tricks such as watering hole attacks. Here’s what you need to know about these attacks and how you can […]

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Cybercriminals are getting more creative in infecting computers with malware, and users must step up in order to protect their devices. To stay one step ahead of cybercriminals, you should learn more about their more insidious tricks such as watering hole attacks. Here’s what you need to know about these attacks and how you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

The term “watering hole” colloquially refers to a social gathering place where a particular group of people often go to. As internet users, we all have unique “watering holes” or websites that we visit frequently. A financial analyst, for example, is likely to visit websites related to financial investments and market trends.

In a watering hole attack, cybercriminals observe the watering holes of a specific demographic and infect their most visited websites with malware. Any user who has the misfortune of visiting any of these compromised sites will then have their computers automatically loaded with malware.

The malware used in these attacks usually collects the victim’s personal information and sends it back to the hacker’s server. In extreme cases, the hacker will actively take control of the infected computer.

But how does a cybercriminal choose which websites to hack? With internet tracking tools, hackers find out which websites companies and individual users visit the most. They then attempt to find vulnerabilities in those websites and embed them with malicious software.

Hackers these days are so highly skilled that they can exploit any website using a watering hole attack. In fact, even high-profile organizations like Facebook, Forbes, and the US Department of Labor have fallen prey to this scheme in recent years.

Protect yourself from watering hole attacks by doing the following:

Update your software

Watering hole attacks often exploit security gaps and vulnerabilities to infiltrate computers and networks. By updating all your software and browsers regularly, you can significantly reduce the risk of an attack. Make it a habit to check the software developer’s website for any security patches. Or better yet, hire a managed IT services provider to keep your system up to date.

Watch your network closely

Regularly conduct security checks using your network security tools to detect watering hole attacks. Use tools like intrusion prevention systems that allow you to detect and contain suspicious or malicious network activities before they can cause problems. Meanwhile, bandwidth management software will enable you to observe user behavior and detect abnormalities that could indicate an attack, such as large transfers of information or a high number of downloads.

Hide your online activities

Cybercriminals can create more effective watering hole attacks if they compromise websites only you and your employees frequent. As such, you should hide your online activities with a VPN and your browser’s private browsing feature. Also, block social media sites from your office network, as these are often used as share points of links to infected sites.

Staying informed is one of the best ways to stay protected. As cyberthreats continue to evolve, it pays to be vigilant and aware of the newest threats. Tune in to our blog to find out about the latest developments in security and to get more tips on how to keep your business safe.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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The 5 types of hackers who want to harm your business https://www.techsolutionsinc.com/blog/the-5-types-of-hackers-who-want-to-harm-your-business/ https://www.techsolutionsinc.com/blog/the-5-types-of-hackers-who-want-to-harm-your-business/#respond Thu, 03 Jun 2021 00:00:12 +0000 https://www.techsolutionsinc.com/blog/the-5-types-of-hackers-who-want-to-harm-your-business/ You’ve probably heard it said that not all hackers are dangerous. That’s true, of course. For instance, white hat hackers hack into a system to uncover vulnerabilities and boost its protection against cyberthreats. However, we won’t be talking about white hat hackers in this blog. Instead, we’ll take a close look at five types of […]

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You’ve probably heard it said that not all hackers are dangerous. That’s true, of course. For instance, white hat hackers hack into a system to uncover vulnerabilities and boost its protection against cyberthreats. However, we won’t be talking about white hat hackers in this blog. Instead, we’ll take a close look at five types of malicious hackers and the motives behind their activities.

Script kiddies

In terms of skill, script kiddies (or skids, for short) are at the bottom of the hacker totem pole. Their name comes from the fact that they use scripts or other automated tools written by others. They are often young people on a quest for internet notoriety or who are simply bored and in search of a thrill.

Script kiddies shouldn’t be dismissed so easily, however. The ILOVEYOU virus, considered one of the worst malware on the planet, was developed by skids.

Hacktivists

Hacktivists often hack into businesses and government systems to promote a particular political agenda or to effect social change. These so-called “hackers with a cause” steal confidential information to expose or disrupt their target’s operations.

Even if you’re a small- or medium-sized business (SMB) owner, you’re not immune to hacktivist attacks. This is especially true if your company is associated or partnered with organizations that are prime hacktivist targets.

Cybercriminals

Cybercriminals break into digital systems or networks with the intent to steal, destroy, taint, and/or lock away data. They usually target individuals, SMBs, and large companies that have exploitable weaknesses in their cybersecurity.

Cybercriminals attack using a number of methods, including social engineering tactics to trick users into volunteering sensitive personal or company data. This information is then used for identity theft, sold on the dark web, or leveraged to launch attacks against other businesses. Cybercriminals can also infect computers with ransomware and other types of malware.

State-sponsored hackers

True to their name, these hackers are backed by governments. The hackers’ goal is to promote their backer’s interests within their own country or abroad. In most cases, this involves taking down websites that criticize the state, swaying public opinion, cyber-terrorism, and leaking top-secret information, among others.

As they are, state-sponsored hackers are already dangerous to business owners, but even more so when they make it their goal to cripple an entire country’s financial system or disrupt commodity supply lines. This could involve interfering with the economy or disrupting business operations. Tech and pharmaceutical companies are a frequent target, but businesses in other industries aren’t safe from state-sponsored hackers either.

Insiders

The scariest type of hacker is the one that lurks within your own organization. An insider can be your company’s current and former employees, contractors, or business associates. Oftentimes their mission is payback. They’ll steal sensitive documents or try to disrupt the organization’s operations to right a wrong they believe a company has done to them. Edward Snowden is a prime example of an insider who hacked the organization he worked for — the US government.

Malicious hackers are always changing their tactics to meet their goals, making them an ever-present threat to any organization, including yours. It’s crucial that you stay one step ahead by working with cybersecurity experts who can help protect your company from dangerous hackers and other cyberthreats. Contact our team today to get started.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Microsoft 365 security pain points and how to solve them https://www.techsolutionsinc.com/blog/microsoft-365-security-pain-points-and-how-to-solve-them/ https://www.techsolutionsinc.com/blog/microsoft-365-security-pain-points-and-how-to-solve-them/#respond Tue, 04 May 2021 00:00:25 +0000 https://www.techsolutionsinc.com/blog/microsoft-365-security-pain-points-and-how-to-solve-them/ Many businesses prefer Microsoft 365 not only because of its powerful features and cost-saving benefits, but also because of its world-class security. However, the cyberthreat landscape is constantly evolving, so using this suite of cloud-based tools and services will always come with security challenges. Fortunately, Microsoft is continuously looking for ways to address these issues […]

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Many businesses prefer Microsoft 365 not only because of its powerful features and cost-saving benefits, but also because of its world-class security. However, the cyberthreat landscape is constantly evolving, so using this suite of cloud-based tools and services will always come with security challenges. Fortunately, Microsoft is continuously looking for ways to address these issues to ensure that your environment and data are protected.

Vulnerabilities in SharePoint

Businesses typically use SharePoint Online and on-premises SharePoint sites to store sensitive information like personally identifiable data. Failing to secure SharePoint content against unauthorized users is one way to expose data and your business to malicious actors. This can be critical for companies that are required to comply with stringent data privacy and protection regulations and may face serious consequences for noncompliance.

To prevent this, limit administrator-level privileges and enable encryption. Additionally, set the necessary security restrictions per user for every application.

Unprotected communication channels

Phishing attacks and malware are two of the most common ways cybercriminals infiltrate a system, but there are other paths of attack. Microsoft 365 applications like Microsoft Teams, which can connect to external networks, may serve as a medium for ransomware and other types of attack.

Train your staff to identify potentially malicious files and links. Also, offer guidelines on how to handle and route sensitive files and communication to safe locations.

Security risks in dormant applications

Organizations using Microsoft 365 often won’t use all the tools and services included in the productivity suite. You may use one or several programs like Word, Excel, and SharePoint but rarely use OneDrive. If your business has been utilizing specific programs, note that some dormant applications may be prone to attack. This is why it’s crucial to identify the apps that aren’t being used, and have an administrator tweak user settings to restrict availability on such apps.

File synchronization

Like most cloud services, Microsoft 365 allows users to automatically sync on-premises files to the cloud, such as in OneDrive. This useful feature is not without security risks, however. If a file stored locally is infected with malware, OneDrive will view the file as changed/updated and trigger a sync to the OneDrive cloud, with the infection going undetected.

Office 365 Cloud App Security, a subset of Microsoft Cloud App Security, is designed to enhance protections for Office 365 apps and provide great visibility into user activity to improve incident response efforts. Make sure your organization’s security administrators set it up on your systems so you can detect and mitigate cyber risks as soon as possible.

Cybercriminals will continue to sharpen their hacking techniques, and your organization must keep up to protect your systems, apps, and devices. Call our team of IT experts now if you want to strengthen your business IT security.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Protect your Facebook and Twitter from hackers https://www.techsolutionsinc.com/blog/protect-your-facebook-and-twitter-from-hackers/ https://www.techsolutionsinc.com/blog/protect-your-facebook-and-twitter-from-hackers/#respond Sat, 24 Apr 2021 00:00:01 +0000 https://www.techsolutionsinc.com/blog/protect-your-facebook-and-twitter-from-hackers/ Popular social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter have been suffering massive data breaches for a number of years now. If you wish to continue using these services, you need to tighten your social media privacy settings. Here are a few reminders and tips to help you secure your personal information on social media. Lock […]

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Popular social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter have been suffering massive data breaches for a number of years now. If you wish to continue using these services, you need to tighten your social media privacy settings. Here are a few reminders and tips to help you secure your personal information on social media.

Lock screens exist for a reason

Always lock all your devices as soon as you stop using them. This way, you are safe from the simplest hack of all: someone opening a social media site on your browser while you’re still signed in.

In case you didn’t know, here’s how to lock your computer:

On Macs:

  • Press Ctrl+Command+Q.
  • Click the Apple logo on the top left corner of the screen, and click Lock screen.

On Windows devices:

  • Press Windows key+L.
  • If there are multiple users using the device, click the Start button on the bottom left corner of the screen, then select User > Lock.

Strong passwords aren’t out of fashion — yet

A six-digit passcode may be enough to secure your phone, but you’ll need something much more complicated for your social media account passwords. Create a password that you don’t use for any other account because with the regular occurrence of data breaches, hackers probably already have a long list of your favorite passwords from other websites and platforms.

It is best to use a password manager like 1Password, LastPass, or Dashlane. These allow you to generate, save, and retrieve complex passwords.

You can also enable multifactor authentication, which requires users to fulfill at least one more identity verification step after entering their username and password. The extra step or steps can be getting your fingerprint scanned or entering a one-time passcode on an authentication app. Even if hackers have your password, they won’t be able to log in without the additional authentication requirements.

Make use of social media features

Facebook can help you monitor who’s accessing your account and from where. On a Mac or Windows computer, click on the down arrow located at the upper right corner of your Newsfeed and select Settings and Privacy. Then click Settings > Security and Login to get more information.

Under the section Where You’re Logged In, you’ll see a list of the places and devices you’re logged into. If you don’t recognize a particular location or device, that means someone else has logged in as you and is likely doing things you do not approve of. You need to log them out forcibly (by clicking the ellipsis on the row indicating the malicious login and click Not you?) and then report the incident immediately.

Then, under Setting Up Extra Security, turn on Get alerts about unrecognized logins. Unfortunately, as of this writing, Twitter doesn’t have the same option. This makes implementing multifactor authentication even more necessary.

Hackers can also take over your Facebook and Twitter accounts through third-party services to which you’ve given access to your profiles, so make sure to double-check what you have approved. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Facebook: Go to Settings > Apps and Websites to view and manage third-party services that use Facebook to log you into the accounts you have with them.
  • Twitter: Go to Settings and Privacy > Apps to check and edit the list.

Lastly, check the permissions Facebook and Twitter have on your smartphone or tablet.

  • Android: Go to Settings > Apps > App permissions.
  • iOS: Go to Settings > Privacy to manage which service can access which parts of your phone (such as the camera and speaker).

Less personal info, fewer problems

These steps are just the beginning of what you should be doing. You should also limit the personal data you share on your social media accounts. Avoid oversharing.

By following these tips, you can significantly prevent Facebook and Twitter hacking.

Cybersecurity is a sprawling issue — and social media privacy is but one of the many things you need to stay on top of. For 24/7 support, call our team of experts today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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5 Ways systems can be breached https://www.techsolutionsinc.com/blog/5-ways-systems-can-be-breached/ https://www.techsolutionsinc.com/blog/5-ways-systems-can-be-breached/#respond Thu, 01 Apr 2021 00:00:52 +0000 https://www.techsolutionsinc.com/blog/5-ways-systems-can-be-breached/ When it comes to business IT security, many small- and medium-sized businesses like yours often struggle to protect their systems from cyberattacks. One primary step is to be aware of online threats. Here are five common ways your systems can be breached. 1. You are tricked into installing malicious software There are countless ways you […]

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When it comes to business IT security, many small- and medium-sized businesses like yours often struggle to protect their systems from cyberattacks. One primary step is to be aware of online threats. Here are five common ways your systems can be breached.

1. You are tricked into installing malicious software

There are countless ways you can be tricked into downloading and installing malware. One is by downloading software from torrent websites. When you visit these sites, you are told to download software in order for the site to load properly. Once downloaded, the malware that came with the software infects your system. In other cases, hackers send emails with a malware-infected attachment.

Luckily, there are steps you can take to avoid accidentally installing malware:

  • Never download files from an untrusted source. If a website is asking you to download something, make sure it’s reputable and reliable. Double check the URL of the website as well, as hackers can spoof legitimate websites and use similar but slightly altered URLs, such as “www.g00gle.com” instead of “www.google.com.” If you are unsure, it’s best to avoid downloading and installing the software.
  • Always look at the name of the file before downloading. A lot of malware is often deliberately given names similar to those of legitimate files, with only a slight spelling mistake or some unusual wording. If you are unsure about the file, then don’t download it. If you know the sender, you may contact them to verify the file’s authenticity.
  • Always scan a file before installing it. Use your antivirus scanner to check downloaded files before opening them.
  • Stay away from sites with torrents, adult content, or those that stream pirated videos. These sites often contain malware, so avoid them altogether.

2. Hackers obtain admin privileges

Many users are logged into their computers as admins. Being an administrator allows you to change settings, install programs, and manage other accounts. The problem with this is that if a hacker manages to access your computer with you as the admin, they will have full access to your computer. This means they can install other malicious software, change settings, or even completely hijack the machine.

Even worse is if a hacker gains access to a computer used to manage the overall IT network. Should this happen, they can control the entire network and do as they please.

To avoid these unfortunate situations, limit the administrator role only to users who need to install applications or change settings on their computers. Installing antivirus software and keeping them up to date, as well as conducting regular scans, will also help reduce the chances of being infected.

3. Someone physically accesses your computer

Your system can also get infected with malware or your data can get stolen because someone physically accessed your systems.

Let’s say you leave your computer unlocked when you go out for lunch. Someone can just walk up to it and plug in a malware-infected USB drive, which can infect your system. They can also manually reset the password, thereby locking you out.

An easy way to defend against this is to secure your computer with a password. You should also lock, turn off, or log off from your computer whenever you step away from it. You can also disable drives like CD/DVD and connections like USB if you don’t use them. Doing so will limit the chances of anyone using these removable media to infect your computer or steal data from it.

4. Someone from within the company infects the system

A disgruntled employee can compromise your IT systems. They can do so much damage such as deleting essential data or introducing highly destructive malware.

The most effective way to prevent this, aside from ensuring your employees are happy, is to limit access to systems. For example, you may find that people in marketing have access to finance files or even admin panels. Revoke unnecessary access rights and ensure that employees only have access to the files they need.

5. Your password is compromised

Passwords are typically the main verification method businesses use to access their accounts and systems. The issue with this is that many people have weak passwords that are easy to crack. To make matters worse, many people even use the same password for multiple accounts, which could lead to a massive breach.

It is therefore important to use strong and different passwords for your accounts. It’s best to also utilize multifactor authentication, which requires users to present more than one way to verify their identity such as a password plus a fingerprint or a one-time code.

If you want to learn more about securing your systems, contact us today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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How to keep your Android device protected https://www.techsolutionsinc.com/blog/how-to-keep-your-android-device-protected/ https://www.techsolutionsinc.com/blog/how-to-keep-your-android-device-protected/#respond Sat, 13 Mar 2021 02:00:33 +0000 https://www.techsolutionsinc.com/blog/how-to-keep-your-android-device-protected/ As of January 2021, Android is the leading mobile operating system in the market with a 71.9% market share. This is why Android devices are a prime target for cyberthreats and why Android users face a multitude of potential attacks. Fortunately, you can protect your Android device from attacks by following the tips in this […]

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As of January 2021, Android is the leading mobile operating system in the market with a 71.9% market share. This is why Android devices are a prime target for cyberthreats and why Android users face a multitude of potential attacks. Fortunately, you can protect your Android device from attacks by following the tips in this guide.

You don’t have to purchase expensive software to safeguard your device; most of the best protection against common Android threats is available for free. Here are inexpensive ways to secure your Android devices.

Buy devices from vendors that release Android patches quickly

Beware of handset makers that don’t immediately release Android patches. If you subscribe to a vendor that delays the release of such patches, your device will be vulnerable for a longer time to security threats like bugs and will have a higher risk of getting compromised.

Always keep your apps updated

Apps release updates from time to time. These updates improve security, add new features, and/or remove outdated ones. To install updates as soon as they’re released, you can choose to update Android apps automatically by following these instructions:

  1. Open the Google Play Store app.
  2. Go to Menu > Settings.
  3. Tap Auto-update apps.

You can then select whether to update apps using Wi-Fi or mobile data.

Lock your device

Keeping your devices locked provides an extra layer of protection, as unlocking them requires entering a unique key such as a passcode or a pattern, or using your phone or tablet’s facial recognition feature

The simplest way to lock your device is by using a personal identification number (PIN); however, make sure that you use a hard-to-guess but easy-to-remember combination. If you have a newer Android device, you can use fingerprint or face recognition technology to better ensure that only authorized people can access your device.

Download apps only from the Google Play Store

Google Play is the safest place to download apps for your Android device. Third-party sites may offer an interesting lineup of apps, but their software can contain malicious codes. Sometimes, though, bogus apps make it to the Google Play Store, so always read reviews before downloading apps to ensure their legitimacy.

Use Google Play Protect

Google Protect is a built-in malware scanner that monitors apps in the Google Play Store and on your device. It also runs a safety check on any app from the Google Play Store before you download it.

Google Protect is turned on by default, but you can switch it off or on again by opening the Google Play Store app on your Android device and going to Menu > Settings > Scan apps with Play Protect.

Use on-device encryption

Every Android device running on Android 2.3 and above has an encryption feature that can render all your data unreadable to unauthorized entities until they provide the correct PIN or passcode. Whatever Android version your device is running, you can generally find encryption settings by going to Settings > Personal > Security.

Use a virtual private network (VPN)

When you’re connected to public Wi-Fi, there’s always a possibility that someone will intercept your data. Using a VPN encrypts your information so that even if someone steals your data, it will be completely unreadable and useless to them. There are numerous free VPNs on the Google Play Store. Compare their rankings and reviews before choosing one.

Protect your Google account with two-factor authentication (2FA)

Aside from protecting your Android device, you must also protect your Google account, which you can do using various methods, such as enabling 2FA. Just log in to your Google account, go to Security > 2-Step Verification > Get Started, then follow the succeeding prompts. You can choose to receive the verification codes on your phone via SMS or voice.

Keep an eye on your devices

Thieves are always on the lookout for potential victims. Treat your device as you would your cash, jewelry, and other valuables. Also, avoid using your device in areas with high crime rates to avoid attracting attention and getting robbed.

Keep these tips in mind to safeguard your phone or tablet from physical and digital risks. If you have any comments, suggestions, or questions about your Android device, call us now. Our experts are here to help.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Protect your business data in the cloud https://www.techsolutionsinc.com/blog/protect-your-business-data-in-the-cloud/ https://www.techsolutionsinc.com/blog/protect-your-business-data-in-the-cloud/#respond Tue, 02 Mar 2021 18:11:47 +0000 https://www.techsolutionsinc.com/blog/protect-your-business-data-in-the-cloud/ Despite its enhanced security features, cloud computing isn’t 100% safe from data breaches. A small- or medium-sized business still needs to be proactive in making sure their data is secure in the cloud. The following tips will help tighten cloud data security. Know your cloud apps: Get a comprehensive view of the specific threats that […]

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Despite its enhanced security features, cloud computing isn’t 100% safe from data breaches. A small- or medium-sized business still needs to be proactive in making sure their data is secure in the cloud. The following tips will help tighten cloud data security.

Know your cloud apps:

Get a comprehensive view of the specific threats that business apps pose. Ask questions like: Which ones render you more or less prone to a breach? Does an app encrypt data stored on the service? Does it separate your data from that of others to limit exposure when another tenant has a breach?

Migrate users to high-quality apps:

Cloud-switching costs are low, which means that you can always switch to another application that best suits your needs. Take the time to consult with your vendor before switching to another app to make sure the new app is secure and compatible with your systems. Now more than ever, you have choices.

Find out where your data is going:

Take a look at your data in the cloud. Review uploads, downloads, and data at rest in apps to determine whether you have potential personally identifiable information (PII), or whether you simply have unencrypted confidential data. If you do have PII stored in the cloud, you need to make sure there are additional layers of security measures in place such as encryption. This is to avoid violating compliance regulations and paying hefty fines.

Look at user activities:

It’s important to understand not only what apps you use but also how these apps use your data. Determine what apps employees are using to share content and whether such apps have a sharing functionality. Knowing who’s sharing what and with whom will help you understand what policies to best employ.

Mitigate risk through granular policy:

Start with your business-critical apps and enforce policies that matter to your organization in the context of a breach. For example, block the upload of information covered by certain privacy acts, block the download of PII from HR apps, or temporarily block access to vulnerable apps.


The key to preventing a data security breach in the cloud lies in careful attention to your cloud applications and user activity. Analyzing your apps and looking into user activities might be time-consuming, but minimizing cloud and data security breaches makes this task worthwhile. Looking to learn more about today’s security? Contact us and let us manage and minimize your risks.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Signs you have weak enterprise security https://www.techsolutionsinc.com/blog/signs-you-have-weak-enterprise-security/ https://www.techsolutionsinc.com/blog/signs-you-have-weak-enterprise-security/#respond Thu, 14 Jan 2021 02:00:52 +0000 https://www.techsolutionsinc.com/blog/signs-you-have-weak-enterprise-security/ As cyberthreats become more sophisticated, many businesses need to prioritize cybersecurity more than ever. But are you sure that your security measures are keeping your enterprise IT assets safe? Here are five signs that they may not be effective. Open wireless networks With just one main internet line and a couple of wireless routers, an […]

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As cyberthreats become more sophisticated, many businesses need to prioritize cybersecurity more than ever. But are you sure that your security measures are keeping your enterprise IT assets safe? Here are five signs that they may not be effective.

Open wireless networks

With just one main internet line and a couple of wireless routers, an entire office can get online. A wireless internet connection saves money, but there’s a risk that it might be unsecure.

It’s not enough to plug in a wireless router and create a basic network to secure your wireless network. If you have an open network, anyone within range can connect. With simple tools and technical know-how, cybercriminals can capture incoming and outgoing data, and even attack the network and any device connected to it.

Ensure that all wireless networks in the office are secured with strong passwords. Many internet service providers that install hardware when setting up networks will often just use an easy-to-guess password for the router. Change this password immediately to minimize the risk of unauthorized users gaining access to your network.

Unsecure email

Most companies that have implemented a new email system in the past couple of years are most likely secure. This is especially true if they use cloud-based platforms or well-known email systems like Exchange, which offer enhanced security and scanning.

The businesses that are at risk are those using older systems like Post Office Protocol, or systems that don’t encrypt passwords (also known as “clear passwords”). If your system doesn’t support encryption, anyone with the right tools can compromise your systems and data.

Unsecure mobile devices

Mobile devices help you stay connected and productive while out of the office. However, if you use your tablet or smartphone to connect to office systems without proper security measures in place, you run the risk of compromising your networks.

Imagine you have linked your work email to your smartphone but don’t have a password enabled. If the device goes missing, anyone who picks it up can have access to your email and your sensitive information. The same applies if you install a malicious mobile app. If you use this same device to connect to your company’s network, the malware will spread across your systems and disrupt your business operations.

Ensure that employee devices have adequate security, such as passcodes, and your company has sufficient security policies in place to regulate their use. Lastly, implement mobile device management solutions to prevent employee devices from being a security risk to your network.

Anti-malware software that isn’t properly maintained

Anti-malware software needs to be properly installed and maintained if they are going to stand a chance of keeping your systems secure.

If your anti-malware scans are scheduled during business hours, some employees may just turn the scanner off because it slows down their computers. This makes your systems vulnerable to malware.

The same goes for not updating your anti-malware software regularly. Updates are important for anti-malware applications because they implement new databases that contain recently discovered threats and fixes.

Lack of firewalls

A firewall is a network security tool that filters incoming and outgoing network traffic and protects data from being accessed from outside the network. While many modems or routers include firewalls, they are often not powerful enough for business use.

Get a firewall that covers the whole network at the point where data enters and exits (usually before the routers). These are business-centric tools that should be installed by an IT partner like a managed IT services provider for them to be most effective.

How do I ensure proper business security?

The best way to secure business systems and networks is to work with an IT partner like us. Our managed services can help you set up cybersecurity measures and ensure that they are managed properly. Tech peace of mind means you can focus on growing your business. Contact us today to learn more.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Top reasons for technology business reviews https://www.techsolutionsinc.com/blog/top-reasons-for-technology-business-reviews/ https://www.techsolutionsinc.com/blog/top-reasons-for-technology-business-reviews/#respond Sat, 15 Feb 2020 02:00:11 +0000 https://www.techsolutionsinc.com/blog/top-reasons-for-technology-business-reviews/ Businesses need technology to be profitable and productive. But not all technologies are capable of delivering on their perceived benefits. To make sure your investments are worth keeping, you need to perform technology business reviews. A technology business review reveals the strengths and weaknesses of your company’s IT framework. It’s often performed by a third-party […]

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Businesses need technology to be profitable and productive. But not all technologies are capable of delivering on their perceived benefits. To make sure your investments are worth keeping, you need to perform technology business reviews.

A technology business review reveals the strengths and weaknesses of your company’s IT framework. It’s often performed by a third-party IT consultant who will give an objective assessment of your technology and provide recommendations to help you meet your goals. If done properly, technology business reviews allow you to:

Save money

Every review starts with a cost-benefit analysis to determine whether an implemented solution is worth the continued investment. If there are technologies costing you a fortune in management and maintenance fees, consultants will advise you to cut them from your budget. The best ones will recommend cost-effective alternatives so you can do more with less.

Increase productivity

System-wide reviews of your IT infrastructure show you what processes are hindering business operations. This allows you to formulate solutions to increase productivity. For example, if employees are mainly sharing files via email, consultants might suggest cloud collaboration platforms, like Office 365 or G Suite, that store data in a centralized location for seamless file sharing.

Enhance security and compliance

Technology business reviews can also uncover security risks within your business. Consultants look for missed patches, poorly configured networks, and other software vulnerabilities that can be easily exploited by cybercriminals.

They’ll then compile their findings to create a more robust cybersecurity strategy, usually, one that involves implementing advanced solutions like intrusion prevention systems (IPS), file access restrictions, and patch management software.

If you operate a business that’s subjected to data regulations like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) or Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), consultants will also pinpoint IT practices and solutions that are noncompliant and customize a strategy that ensures the privacy, integrity, and availability of your data.

Implement technologies that fit

Considering that new technologies are released at a breakneck pace, it’s important to pick those that will help you achieve your business goals. Technology business reviews keep you up to date on the latest technology trends and gauge the impact of implementing them so that you can make informed decisions.

Whether your goal is to increase profits, productivity, security, or all of the above, technology business reviews can put you on the right track. Our seasoned IT consultants can conduct these reviews for you and develop a strategy that gives you an edge over the competition. Just give us a call.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Security audits are more crucial than they seem https://www.techsolutionsinc.com/blog/security-audits-are-more-crucial-than-they-seem/ https://www.techsolutionsinc.com/blog/security-audits-are-more-crucial-than-they-seem/#respond Sat, 14 Dec 2019 02:00:04 +0000 https://www.techsolutionsinc.com/blog/security-audits-are-more-crucial-than-they-seem/ Security audits are an excellent way to set the benchmark for your company’s data integrity. It is also a reliable way of identifying gaps in your system before they can be exploited by hackers. Auditing and the security strategy Audits are necessary to maintain system integrity and uphold quality. These system checks help identify security […]

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Security audits are an excellent way to set the benchmark for your company’s data integrity. It is also a reliable way of identifying gaps in your system before they can be exploited by hackers.

Auditing and the security strategy

Audits are necessary to maintain system integrity and uphold quality. These system checks help identify security gaps and guarantee business stakeholders that the company is doing everything in its power to ensure that all of its information is uncompromised.

The three key procedures of an audit are assess, assign, and audit. Having a methodical way of auditing helps you avoid missing important details. It is also crucial that each stage is treated with the same level of importance to ensure thorough and comprehensive auditing.

During the assessment phase, have your IT partner look at the security system you have in place. All of your business computers and servers need to be checked, as well as every program and every user. Doing an assessment should give you an overview of how secure your business currently is, along with any weak points that need to be improved.
After the assessment, you may begin assigning solutions and solution providers. Ask your IT provider about solutions they can provide for each of your network/system gaps. And for issues that they can’t handle (perhaps because certain machines and software are highly specialized), ask your IT provider for their whitelist of partners.

Finally, you conclude your audit cycle with an “audit” — one last look-around before releasing the system back into the wild. Make sure that installations, patches, and upgrades are integrated properly and working seamlessly. For future reference, you’ll also want to take down notes just in case you need information about software and hardware improvements done during this audit cycle.

What exactly should be audited?

When conducting an audit, there are three factors you should focus on:

The state of your security – Security — especially digital security — is never at an impasse, and it is always in flux. Why? Because according to the Clark School at the University of Maryland, hackers attack every 39 seconds. And that’s not even accounting for other cyberattacks such as phishing, ransomware, and malware. This means that system security has shorter and shorter expiration dates nowadays, which makes audits all the more crucial to accomplishing your security strategy.

The changes made – The key to having long-term data integrity is a continuity plan — and not just one that addresses severe business disruptions such as those caused by calamity or disaster. A true continuity plan tries to address every conceivable risk realistically, especially those that can trip up business operations, such as cyberattacks. This can only be possible if you know what kind of hardware and software comprise your system, as well as their respective updates and improvements.

Who has access to what – Data systems — even proprietary ones — should allow administrators some control over who sees what. Total accessibility is a very dangerous prospect, especially since business nowadays is increasingly hinged on internet presence. An audit will let you check on user access so that you can make necessary adjustments to protect your data.

If you are looking for help in developing a security strategy for your business, contact us today to see how our managed solutions can help.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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