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Online employee monitoring: Should businesses implement it?

Employee monitoring has become a widely debated topic today. With advancements in technology and the increasing reliance on digital communication and work platforms, many employers are choosing to monitor their employees’ activities. This practice has many benefits, but it’s not without drawbacks. Here, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of online employee monitoring to help you decide if it’s right for your business.

Defining online employee monitoring

Online employee monitoring refers to the practice of tracking and analyzing employees’ digital activities in the workplace. This is often performed using specialized employee monitoring software that is installed on employee devices. The software can track various aspects of employee behavior, such as internet usage, email communication, screen activity, and even keystrokes. By leveraging monitoring tools, employers gain insights into how employees interact with digital resources, enabling them to identify patterns, assess productivity levels, and mitigate security risks.

Benefits of online employee monitoring

The adoption of online employee monitoring offers several tangible benefits for organizations:

  • Enhanced productivity – By gaining visibility into employee workflows and identifying bottlenecks, businesses can optimize processes and improve overall productivity. For example, if employees are spending too much time on non-work-related websites, monitoring can help address the issue and boost efficiency. At the same time, simply knowing that their activities are being monitored can motivate employees to stay on task.
  • Data security – Monitoring digital activities allows employers to detect unsafe online behavior and warn employees who violate security protocols before they fall victim to a cyberthreat. For instance, if an employee often visits malicious websites or downloads unsanctioned applications, employers and system administrators can put a stop to these actions to minimize the risk of a data breach.
  • Compliance management – Employee monitoring can aid in compliance management by ensuring that employees follow industry regulations and internal policies. This is especially important when it comes to industry-specific data policies where employees must handle sensitive information with utmost confidentiality and only share data with authorized parties.

Potential drawbacks of online employee monitoring

While online employee monitoring offers various advantages, it also comes with several drawbacks:

  • Privacy concerns – Monitoring employees’ digital activities can raise significant privacy concerns, potentially eroding trust and morale within the workforce. This is particularly problematic if employees are not aware that their actions are being tracked or if monitoring extends to personal devices.
  • Ethical issues – The use of employee monitoring software raises ethical questions about the balance between employer rights and employee privacy. Employers must consider implementing clear policies on how and when monitoring takes place to avoid violating employee trust.
  • Employee resistance – Excessive monitoring may lead to employee resentment and resistance, undermining morale and negatively impacting retention rates. What’s more, anxiety levels toward performance may increase if employees feel that their every move is under scrutiny.
  • Inaccurate assessments – Monitoring alone does not provide a complete picture of an employee’s performance. Some activities, such as brainstorming or working collaboratively with colleagues, may not show up in monitoring data and could lead to inaccurate productivity assessments.

Finding the right balance

To effectively leverage online employee monitoring while mitigating its potential drawbacks, companies must strive to find the right balance. Here are some strategies to achieve this:

  • Transparency and communication – Foster open communication with employees regarding monitoring practices, clarifying the objectives, scope, and implications of monitoring activities.
  • Purposeful monitoring – Focus monitoring efforts on specific areas or activities relevant to business objectives, avoiding unnecessary intrusion into personal or non-work-related communications.
  • Privacy protections – Implement safeguards to protect employee privacy, such as anonymization of data, access controls, and clear policies governing data usage and retention.
  • Employee involvement – Get feedback from employees about the monitoring practices and be open to making changes based on their input. Once you’ve found the right balance, ensure that policies and practices remain consistent, fair, and respectful of each employee’s rights.
  • Regular evaluations – Assess the effectiveness and impact of monitoring on both employees and the organization regularly. If employees report that monitoring is deeply affecting their well-being, privacy, and productivity, you may have to consider adjusting your monitoring policies or even abandoning them altogether.

Keeping your workers safe and productive is a challenge, and online employee monitoring is just one tool in the toolbox. If you need more ideas on how to optimize productivity and address cybersecurity risks, call us today.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

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Emerging trends in data breaches and how to address them

Now, more than ever, it is crucial to prioritize investments in advanced threat intelligence, monitoring systems, and ongoing employee training.

In 2023, there has been a concerning surge in data breaches. During the second quarter of 2023, over 110 million accounts were compromised, a staggering 2,6 times more than in the first quarter of the year. Recent findings reveal that the average cost of a data leak has reached $4.45 million, including both direct costs, such as fines and legal proceedings, as well as indirect like reputational damage.

The good news is that the causes of such breaches are often trivial and are under your control, like neglecting to change passwords or using overly simplistic ones, or overlooking the deactivation of access by a fired employee. Businesses can readily mitigate risks to safeguard themselves from both data and the subsequent financial losses. So, what are the most common reasons for data leaks, and how can they be effectively handled?

Cloud misconfigurations

According to IBM, 82% of breaches involve information stored in the cloud. Cloud misconfigurations can lead to data exposure or even compromise entire environments. They take various forms, including improperly configured storage buckets, insecure access controls, and mismanaged encryption settings. These errors often stem from a lack of understanding of the cloud service provider’s security features or oversight during the configuration process. Attackers exploit these vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Solution:

– Adhere to recommendations from your cloud service provider, such as AWS, Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud. This includes configuring security groups, setting up proper identity and access management, and implementing encryption for data both in transit and at rest.

– Implement automated tools for configuring and enforcing security policies. For example, in Kubernetes clusters you may use Gatekeeper or Kyverno. They can significantly reduce the risk of human error.

– Additionally, look for software solutions and scripts to regularly check your cloud configuration against best practices and compliance standards.

Lack of permissions control

The human element remains a significant factor in 74% of data breaches, and the common reason is the lack of proper permissions control. It means that users may have access to data and systems beyond what is necessary for their roles.

The primary issues associated with this challenge include overprivileged accounts, with users having more permissions than necessary, thereby expanding the attack surface. Additionally, there is a concern about proper segregation of duties. For example, a single user may have the right to both create and approve transactions. This leads to an increased risk of fraudulent activities. Outdated settings also contribute to the problem. Imagine a fired support employee still having access to the company’s database. They could potentially download and sell sensitive data to competitors.

Solution:

– Implement least privilege concept to ensure that users and applications have only the minimum level of access required to perform their tasks.

– Utilize role-based access control to assign permissions based on job roles. This way your team members will only see resources and data necessary for their specific responsibilities.

– Implement multi factor authentication by requiring users to provide multiple forms of identification before gaining access. Even if login credentials are compromised, MFA adds an additional security barrier.

Infrequent software updates

Outdated software often contains known vulnerabilities. When businesses fail to regularly update, they leave a window of opportunity for cybercriminals. An illustrative case is Memcached, a widely utilized distributed memory-caching system for enhancing the performance of dynamic, database-driven websites. Vulnerabilities in this software were uncovered in 2016, however, it wasn’t until 2018 when a novel method for DDoS attack amplification using Memcached was exploited in notable network incidents.

Solution:

– Update at least once in half a year. Ideally, implement a patch management policy that outlines procedures for identifying, testing, and deploying software updates in a timely and systematic manner.

– Utilize automated tools to streamline the process. Automation helps to guarantee that patches are deployed consistently across all systems.

Insufficient perimeter control

This risk refers to a situation when an organization’s network boundaries are not adequately secured, allowing for potential unauthorized access to critical information or systems. The network perimeter serves as the first line of defense against external threats. Today, it extends to cloud services, remote users and mobile devices. The attack surface has expanded even further with the proliferation of the Internet of Things. From smart thermostats to industrial sensors, these gadgets often become attractive targets for hackers. Recently, it was reported that the number of IoT devices involved in botnet-driven DDoS attacks had risen from around 200,000 a year ago to approximately 1 million.

Solution:

– Deploy firewalls (such as Web Application Firewall) at network entry points to control and monitor incoming and outgoing traffic. Configuring them correctly allows only authorized and necessary communication.

– Implement Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS) to detect unusual or suspicious activities within the network. They can automatically respond to potential threats, mitigating risks in real-time.

– Add encryption for data transmitted over networks, including local networks, for an extra layer of protection. This way, intercepted data remains unreadable without the proper decryption keys.

Other emerging threats

Among other emerging threats is the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. Cybercriminals use it to assess attack strategies, significantly increasing their chances of success. It is also used to amplify the speed, scale, and reach of their attacks. For example, hackers now use cutting-edge AI to create convincing phishing campaigns in nearly any language, even those with fewer historical attack attempts due to their complexity.

While there are also other cyber threats, in reality, businesses rarely face them as they are typically targeted at large corporations, government systems and critical infrastructure with top grade security. These include advanced persistent threats (APTs) orchestrated by well-funded and persistent criminals and characterized by their long-term presence within a target network. Usually, these are state-sponsored cyberattacks driven by political, economic, or espionage motives.

Safeguarding your business: universal tips

Apart from all the measures already listed, there are a few general rules to keep your business protected. First of all, conduct regular security audits and assessments, whether they concern cloud infrastructure, the status of software updates, user permissions or the overall effectiveness of perimeter control. External audits or penetration testing can also help in evaluating the organization’s security posture.

Second, invest in advanced intelligence and monitoring solutions. They can detect threats and respond in real-time. Such systems can use machine learning, behavioral analytics, and pattern recognition to establish a baseline of normal network behavior and detect deviations. Upon identifying a potential threat, the system will automatically trigger response mechanisms: block suspicious traffic, isolate compromised devices, or alert security personnel for further investigation.

Third, regularly train your employees to recognize and counteract threats, especially phishing. The latter remains one of the most common methods used by cybercriminals to gain access to sensitive data.

The effective employee training comprises two key elements, which I refer to as the “stick” and the “carrot.”

The “stick” involves educating all team members on the company’s security policies and legislative initiatives, such as GDPR. It emphasizes the collective responsibility in safeguarding confidential data, which extends beyond the information security department’s duty. Training sessions should explain the consequences of breaches, including potential fines and even dismissals. It is important to conduct these events at least once in two years, if not more often. Moreover, businesses should incorporate them into the onboarding process for new employees.

The “carrot” aspect involves workshops, meetups, and webinars focused on various cyberattacks and the latest advancements in information security. This facet of training is designed to be more engaging and enjoyable. It may include some interactive activities, such as online games and simulations. Guest speakers can take part in these events, for example, employees from the IT department, representatives from other divisions sharing insightful cases, and external market experts.

Through the combined “stick” and “carrot” measures, team members cultivate a collective immunity to information security issues, fostering a culture of mutual accountability.

And, of course, always keep abreast of the latest cyber trends to develop countermeasures in time.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechRadar SOURCE

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Proven business continuity strategies to safeguard your operations

Businesses operate in a volatile world where unforeseen events such as cyberthreats and natural disasters can strike at any moment. To ensure your company’s survival, it’s essential to have the following business continuity strategies in place.

Back up your data

The most effective way to ensure business continuity is to back up your data regularly. Having a comprehensive data backup strategy is like having insurance for your most valuable digital assets. If any of your systems fail, become corrupted, or are inaccessible, these backups will allow you to quickly recover and minimize downtime.
When backing up your data, it’s important to consider off-site backups in addition to on-premises solutions. This will ensure that your data is safe in the event of a physical disaster, such as a fire or flood at your primary location. Additionally, cloud-based backup solutions can provide added security and accessibility for your data during times of crisis.

Virtualize your IT infrastructure

Virtualization is the process of creating a virtual version of a physical IT resource, such as a server or desktop. The virtualized resources are put into a virtual machine, which can be easily replicated and migrated to other physical machines as if it were a simple file. This allows for quick and efficient disaster recovery, as virtual machines can be easily backed up and restored to new hardware if necessary. Virtualization essentially provides flexibility and scalability, making it easier to recover your systems and maintain operations without extended downtime.

Install a UPS

Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) are essential components of your business continuity strategy. They offer protection against power interruptions and surges, allowing your systems to continue running even during electrical outages. A UPS provides a buffer period for you to shut down your systems safely or transition to backup power sources, reducing the risk of data loss and downtime.

Consider a secondary recovery site or temporary hot desk arrangement

In scenarios where your primary business location becomes inaccessible due to natural disasters or other crises, having a secondary recovery site or temporary hot desk arrangement is a lifesaver. This tactic ensures that your employees can continue working, even when the primary workspace is unavailable. Establish agreements with co-working spaces or set up an alternative location where your team can temporarily relocate and access the necessary resources to keep your operations running smoothly.

Implement cloud solutions for remote work

The cloud has revolutionized the way businesses operate and has become a vital component of modern business continuity plans. Cloud solutions provide the flexibility to enable remote work, allowing your team to access essential applications and data from anywhere with an internet connection. This is particularly valuable during unforeseen disruptions, as your employees can work from home or any location, maintaining productivity and business operations.
If you want to ensure business continuity, we can help you develop and implement a comprehensive business continuity plan. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

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Should you be setting up a guest Wi-Fi network in your office?

Does your office regularly get visitors? Chances are that many of these visitors ask to connect to your Wi-Fi for different reasons. In any case, an improper Wi-Fi setup can lead to a frustrating experience for them, and worse, it can put your sensitive data at risk of falling into the hands of malicious entities. The question is, how can you ensure your Wi-Fi is set up correctly?

Why you should keep guests off the primary Wi-Fi network

While granting guests access to your primary company’s Wi-Fi may appear convenient, it’s a practice you should avoid.

Even individuals with modest technical skills could potentially breach your company’s network security, gaining access to sensitive data. This includes confidential documents, proprietary information, and even customer data. Moreover, in the event that any of your visitors’ mobile devices have been compromised, there is a risk that they could introduce malware to your entire network.

To mitigate these security risks, it’s advisable to establish a separate guest Wi-Fi network that provides internet access while maintaining a strict separation from the company’s main network. This way, guests can enjoy connectivity without jeopardizing the security and integrity of the internal network.

Methods for establishing secondary Wi-Fi access for guests

If your router is equipped with built-in guest Wi-Fi functionality (which can be verified with a simple web search), you have the option to establish a distinct “virtual” network. This approach ensures that guests can enjoy internet access without directly linking to your company’s primary network.

In case your router lacks the capability for multiple Wi-Fi networks, you can opt to deploy a separate wireless access point that operates independently of the rest of your network. This direct connection to the internet effectively safeguards your company’s private data from intrusion.

It’s important to note that guest Wi-Fi relies on your ISP connection, so it’s advisable to impose restrictions on the bandwidth usage within your guest network. If your visitors stream videos while connected to your network, your internet connection can slow down, potentially impacting your employees’ productivity. In relation to this, you might want to encourage your employees to use the guest Wi-Fi on their mobile devices to reduce the risk of them monopolizing company bandwidth for personal activities.

Bear in mind that your guest Wi-Fi should exclusively offer external users internet connectivity and nothing beyond that. While the correct configuration isn’t overly complex, it can be a time-consuming task. So if you require a team of professionals to handle this for you, or if you have any inquiries about optimizing your hardware for improved efficiency and security, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

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Critical errors to avoid in your business continuity planning

A business continuity plan (BCP) can help your business mitigate the impact of unexpected disruptions such as natural disasters and cyberattacks, and keep your operations running smoothly. However, crafting an effective BCP requires careful consideration and planning. In the following sections, we’ll look at business continuity errors business owners should know and avoid.

Incomplete risk assessment

Make sure to conduct a comprehensive risk analysis that takes into account natural disasters, cybersecurity threats, supply chain disruptions, and other potential hazards.Failure to do so can leave your business vulnerable to unforeseen disasters that may arise from unidentified potential risks.

Lack of employee training

Your business continuity plan is only effective if your employees understand their roles and responsibilities during a crisis. Insufficient training can lead to confusion, delays, and critical errors when trying to implement the plan. Conducting regular training sessions and drills will ensure everyone knows what to do in different scenarios.

Not testing the plan

Creating a robust continuity plan is not enough; it must be tested regularly. Unfortunately, many organizations overlook this crucial step, assuming that the plan will work when needed. Performing drills and simulations will help identify weaknesses in your BCP and provide opportunities for improvement.

Ignoring technology dependency

If you fail to address technology dependencies in your BCP, you can experience prolonged downtime and substantial financial losses. To ensure smooth operations in the event of a technology failure, identify critical systems and data, implement data backups, and have contingency measures in place.

Overlooking communication protocols

During a crisis, communication becomes paramount. Not having clear and effective communication protocols can hinder your ability to coordinate responses and relay critical information to stakeholders, employees, customers, and suppliers. Creating efficient communication strategies in the event of emergencies will ensure that everyone is aware of your company’s situation.

Neglecting supplier and vendor relationships

Your BCP should not be limited to your organization alone. Collaborating with important partners will allow you to develop joint business continuity strategies that will ensure your critical business operations will continue even when experiencing unexpected disruptions.

Insufficient insurance coverage

While insurance can’t prevent disasters, it can provide financial protection and aid in recovery. But relying on inadequate insurance coverage can expose your business to significant financial risks. Review your insurance policies regularly and revise them if necessary to ensure they align with your business needs.

Overcomplicating the plan

Another common error is developing a complex business continuity plan that is difficult to understand and execute. Keep the BCP concise, clear, and easy to follow. A straightforward plan is more likely to be effective during emergency situations.

Not adapting to change

Business environments are dynamic, and new risks can emerge over time. That’s why it’s imperative to stay vigilant and continuously improve your plan to stay resilient against evolving threats.

Protect your business from potential disasters by taking proactive steps toward a robust business continuity plan. Call us today to learn more.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

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Fortifying your business with two-factor authentication and two-step verification

The digital realm is teeming with risks that can compromise business data. Thankfully, a variety of tools and technologies are available for your company to fortify its cybersecurity. Two-factor authentication (2FA) and two-step verification (2SV) are among the most effective methods for bolstering your defenses against attackers.

2FA and 2SV are often used interchangeably, but they are, in fact, two distinct approaches to security. Let’s take a look at the differences between them and explore how they can benefit your business.

Two-factor authentication

2FA is a security measure that requires users to provide two different types of credentials in order to log into their accounts. Typically, the first factor consists of something that the user knows, such as a password. The second factor could be something like a one-time passcode sent via text message or email or a biometric identifier, such as a fingerprint.

With 2FA enabled on your business accounts, cybercriminals will have a harder time gaining access to these. Even if they somehow manage to obtain the first factor (e.g., by guessing your password), they still won’t be able to log in without the second piece of information, which only you can have.

Two-step verification

2SV is similar to 2FA in that it requires two pieces of information to gain access to an account. However, the difference between the two lies in the number of authentication steps involved. As the name suggests, 2SV requires two authentication steps: one where the user provides their first factor (e.g., a password) and another where they provide additional information that proves they are who they say they are.

For example, with 2SV enabled on your business accounts, users may be asked to provide a second form of authentication when they attempt to log in from an unfamiliar device or IP address. This could be in the form of another password, a one-time passcode generated by an authentication app on their phone, or some other type of verification.

Benefits of 2FA and 2SV for businesses

Enabling 2FA and/or 2SV on your business accounts can provide a variety of benefits, including:

  • Improved security – By adding an extra layer of authentication, you can reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your accounts.
  • Enhanced compliance – By using advanced authentication, such as 2FA and 2SV, you can ensure that your business is meeting industry and government standards for data security.
  • Reduced costs – Fewer unauthorized access attempts means fewer chances of fraud and data theft, which can lead to significant cost savings over time.

Which is best for your business?

The decision of whether to use 2FA or 2SV depends on a number of factors, such as the size and complexity of your business, the type of data you are storing, and the level of security you require.

For example, if your business is storing sensitive data, such as customer credit card information, then a multifactor authentication system that includes both 2FA and 2SV may be the most appropriate choice. On the other hand, if you are simply looking to add an extra layer of protection to your email accounts, then a 2FA system may be all that is needed.

Ultimately, the best authentication solution for your business will depend on its individual needs and requirements. It is always a good idea to consult with an experienced security professional to ensure that you are making the right decision.

Our team of experts is here to help you make the best choice for your business. Get in touch with us today to learn more about 2FA and 2SV and how they can improve your security.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

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Cybersecurity jargon made simple

Cybersecurity is a crucial component of managing a successful company and understanding different cybersecurity terms is essential to protecting your company’s sensitive information, data, and assets can be deleted. Here’s a guide to key cybersecurity terms every business owner should know.

Malware

Malware is short for malicious software and encompasses various harmful programs designed to disrupt computer systems, steal data, or gain unauthorized access to a network. Types of malware include viruses, ransomware, Trojans, and spyware. Employing robust antivirus and anti-malware solutions is crucial to detect and mitigate these threats.

Phishing

Phishing is a cyberattack where malicious actors attempt to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card details, or login credentials. Phishing attacks often come through deceptive emails, spam messages, or websites that appear legitimate. Business owners must educate their employees about the dangers of phishing and promote a culture of vigilance when dealing with suspicious communications.

Firewall

A firewall is a network security solution that acts as a barrier between a company’s internal network and external networks such as the internet. It constantly scans and controls traffic coming in and out of a network using predetermined rules. These security rules help prevent unauthorized access to a system and keep potential cyberthreats at bay.

Encryption

Encryption is a method of converting plain, readable data into an unreadable format called ciphertext. It is used to protect sensitive information and maintain confidentiality during data transmission or storage. Even if the data is intercepted, the information will be unreadable without the correct decryption key.

Multifactor authentication (MFA)

MFA is a security mechanism that enhances the protection of user accounts and sensitive information by requiring users to provide multiple forms of identification or “factors” such as passwords, biometrics, and one-time codes to verify their identity. The goal of MFA is to add an extra layer of security beyond just a username and password.

Patch management

Hackers often exploit vulnerabilities in networks and applications to gain unauthorized access to an organization’s system. Patch management involves regularly updating and applying security patches to software, operating systems, and applications to close these vulnerabilities and protect businesses from potential breaches.

Data breach

A data breach occurs when unauthorized individuals gain access to sensitive information, such as customer data, financial records, or intellectual property. Data breaches can have severe consequences, including financial losses, legal repercussions, and reputational damage. Implementing robust security measures can help minimize the risk of data breaches.

Security awareness training

Security awareness training educates employees about potential cybersecurity threats and best practices to help them recognize and respond to such threats effectively.

Virtual private network (VPN)

A VPN is a software or platform that helps establish a secure and encrypted connection between a user’s device and a remote server. Using a VPN especially when connected to public Wi-Fi networks will ensure privacy and data protection.

Insider threat

An insider threat is a current or former employee, contractor, or business partner who intentionally or accidentally misuses their authorized access to compromise data security.

Security audit

A security audit is a systematic evaluation of an organization’s security policies, practices, and controls to identify potential vulnerabilities and improve overall security.

Cybersecurity is an ongoing process, and staying informed about the latest threats and solutions is essential to keep your business safe in the digital age. Protect your assets, safeguard your customers, and maintain your reputation by talking to our cybersecurity experts today.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

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Surviving the unexpected: Why SMBs need a business continuity plan

No business owner wants to think about the possibility of a crisis that could halt operations, but the truth is that disasters can strike at any time. Whether it’s a pandemic, a cyberattack, or a natural disaster, unexpected events can significantly impact a company. That’s why it’s crucial to create a business continuity plan (BCP) that will enable your small- or medium-sized business (SMB) to survive and thrive during challenging times.

What is a BCP?

A BCP is a document that outlines the procedures and protocols your SMB must follow to continue operating during a crisis. It includes a comprehensive set of instructions and guidelines that are designed to minimize the impact of various unexpected events and ensure that essential business functions continue with minimal disruption.

The BCP should cover all critical aspects of your business, including IT systems, communications, employee safety, and more. It should also define the roles and responsibilities of your employees during a crisis and provide guidance on how to communicate with customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders. By having a BCP in place, your business can quickly adapt to changing circumstances and continue to provide essential services and products.

What are the key threats to business continuity?

Some of the most common threats to business continuity include natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes, earthquakes, floods), cyberattacks (e.g., malware, phishing, ransomware), power outages, supply chain disruptions, and pandemics. Any of these events can cause significant disruptions to your operations and financial stability.

How to develop an effective BCP

If your business doesn’t have a BCP, now is the perfect time to create one. By following these steps, you can develop a comprehensive BCP that will help your SMB keep running even during a major crisis.

  1. Conduct a risk assessment – The first step in developing an effective BCP is to conduct a thorough risk assessment. This involves identifying potential threats and hazards to your business, evaluating their likelihood and impact, and determining how you can mitigate these risks.
  2. Perform a business impact analysis (BIA) – A BIA will help you determine how a disruption can affect your company’s current functions, processes, personnel, equipment, technology, and physical infrastructure.
  3. Identify recovery options – To be able to restore your business to minimum operational levels, it’s important to identify different recovery options. These may include utilizing data backups, implementing remote work for employees, or operating from a secondary location.
  4. Document the plan – After gathering all the necessary information, make a record of the BCP. It should be stored in a secure location, but it should also be easily accessible to all employees and stakeholders. Don’t forget to update it regularly to reflect any changes in your business or environment.
  5. Test the plan and train employees – Testing the plan will help identify any gaps or areas that need improvement, ensuring that the plan is effective and can be executed efficiently during a crisis. Training your employees on the plan will ensure that everyone is aware of their roles and responsibilities during a crisis, and that they can act promptly and decisively to keep operations running smoothly.

Developing a BCP may seem like a daunting task for SMBs, but it doesn’t have to be. Give us a call today and our team of experts can guide you through the process.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

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5 Seemingly Innocent Download Habits Your Employees Must STOP Now To Avoid A Ransomware Attack

Once upon a time, you could install antivirus software and go about your merry way online and in your inbox, opening, clicking and downloading files without a care.

Today, antivirus alone cannot and will not protect you, especially if you INVITE the hack by downloading a file that is infected with a piece of code designed to circumvent your security protocols. Whether it’s a personal computer, phone or a laptop you use for business, here are 5 things you need to STOP doing now to ensure you don’t get hacked.

  1. STOP downloading apps from unknown sources. There are thousands of free apps available online that are very tempting to download. Hackers are masters at curiosity and “clickbait” designed to nail you in a moment of weakness. To prevent rogue apps and programs from installing, configure your devices to disallow the installation of programs from unauthorized sources. On your phone, ONLY download apps from your device’s respective app store that are tested and forced to meet the store’s security and privacy requirements. Business owners: while I’m sure all of your employees are trusting souls, it IS possible (and recommended) to have business machines locked down, preventing your employees from downloading any applications (or files) that could harm you and compromise your security.
  2. STOP surfing the web unprotected, particularly when accessing downloads. This is particularly true if you are on public WiFi. Starbucks is not going to guarantee your Internet connection is safe, nor is any other business, restaurant or location offering free Internet access. Talk to your IT company (that’s US!) about installing more than just antivirus, but endpoint protection solutions, like a VPN, that will “hide” you from cybercriminals and filter out nefarious websites and attacks so you CAN use public WiFi without the fear of inviting a hack.
  3. STOP opening and downloading files e-mailed to you without extreme caution. Phishing attacks via e-mail are still the #1 way hackers gain access to a network. It’s very common for an attacker to hack into someone’s e-mail and get their list of friends, colleagues, coworkers and their boss to send e-mails that appear legitimate on “their” behalf, even using their actual e-mail – these are are highly sophisticated phishing attacks. So, before you open or download ANY file e-mailed to you, make sure it was one you were expecting. It’s far safer to use IT-managed file sharing like OnDrive, SharePoint or Citrix ShareFile to send attachments. But bottom line, if ANY file “feels” wrong or suspicious about a file download, including a weird extension or suspicious file name, CALL the person who sent it to verify. If it’s important, they can send it again.
  4. STOP downloading “bloatware.” It’s common for legitimate, reputable apps to sneak in other applications or toolbars you don’t need. They sell this as a sponsorship to make more money every time one of their users downloads an app. The best way to spot these is to look for checkboxes when installing that automatically opt you into services by default. So, before you hit “Next” and keep rolling to get your app installed, take a second to really read and review what you’re agreeing to when installing that new app.
  5. STOP downloading music, software, games, movies and the like from websites like BitTorrent, RARBG, 1337x and similar peer-to-peer file-sharing sites. It’s very common for file-sharing networks to be breeding grounds for hackers who post files infected with malicious software for people to download. Some of the ads on these sites are malicious as well. Don’t feel “safe” just because you have antivirus – because you’re not.

Business owners: after showing this to your team for both their work and personal devices, click here to schedule a quick 10-minute call to find out how we can implement security systems that will give you stronger protections against hackers and against employees who accidentally click on or download a malicious file.

If you need professional solutions and expertise to keep your devices safe, we can help. Contact us today to learn more about our security services and get the peace of mind you deserve.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

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How to defend against browser security threats

Whether your employees are simply searching on Google or accessing online work applications, they’re vulnerable to all sorts of cyberthreats, such as phishing scams and malware. This could endanger your company data and your employees themselves. Therefore, as a business owner, you need to take steps toward helping your employees browse safely.

Install ad blocking software

Even though online ads may seem harmless, they can contain scripts and widgets that send your information to third parties without your knowledge and consent. Ad blocking software will stop banner, rollover, and pop-up ads from appearing on websites. It can also help protect you from accidentally going to malware-laden sites.

Many ad blockers can also disable cookies and scripts used by third parties on sites, block specific items, “clean up” Facebook, and hide YouTube comments.

Prevent browser tracking

In browser tracking, websites monitor your online activity and retain information about the sites you’ve visited. It’s done by placing cookies (i.e., small text files that record everything you do online) on your computer and other devices. Browser trackers not only slow down your computer but can also expose sensitive information to malicious actors.

You can use browser extensions like Ghostery and Disconnect to block cookies from collecting data about your online behavior. It’s also best to utilize your web browser’s built-in private browsing tools, such as Chrome’s Incognito mode or Safari’s Private Browsing. When you use these built-in tools, your browser won’t save details of your browsing session, so it won’t remember your search history, the pages you visited, or your autofill information. This also means your online activities won’t be saved on your device or shared with your other devices.

Use a virtual private network (VPN)

Cybercriminals can intercept data between two parties, allowing them to steal sensitive data, such as login credentials and banking information. A VPN can help solve this problem since it anonymizes your online activity by routing your connection through its secure servers. With a VPN, all of your data traffic gets encrypted and sent via an anonymous IP address. This makes it difficult for hackers to track or intercept your data.

Install antivirus software

Antivirus software is a must for keeping viruses and other malware away from your work PCs, tablets, and smartphones. It will scan your devices for malware and block it if detected, keeping you safe from malicious parties that are after your data.

Make sure to keep your antivirus up to date so it can keep you protected even from the latest cyberthreats. You can enable automatic updates to ensure you’re always running the latest software version.

Train your employees

Provide your employees with security training so they would be aware of the latest scams, know how to recognize cyberthreats, and practice good cyber hygiene. Make sure training sessions also cover your company policies related to data privacy and security, which may include guidelines like:

  • Use strong and unique passwords for every account.
  • Be wary of clicking on links in emails and opening suspicious email attachments.
  • Download software only from legitimate sources.
  • Do not store important documents on unsecured devices.

By taking these steps, you can provide a safer online environment for your employees and protect your business from cyberthreats. If you need help implementing these tips, get in touch with our IT experts.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

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