As technology continues to advance, small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) face increasing cybersecurity risks. Protecting sensitive data and maintaining a secure online environment is crucial for the success and longevity of SMBs, but without the right resources and expertise, this task can be daunting. Managed IT services providers (MSPs) offer a cost-effective and comprehensive solution to these challenges, helping SMBs bolster their cybersecurity defenses. Here’s how.

Enhanced security expertise and resources

Cybersecurity can be challenging for SMBs because it requires specialized expertise and solutions. Luckily, top MSPs employ teams of dedicated cybersecurity experts who have seen it all, from malware attacks to sophisticated network intrusions to online scams. These experts possess a wealth of knowledge on the latest cyberthreats and security best practices, so they can help SMBs develop a solid security strategy and framework. They’ll even facilitate the implementation of the security protocols and solutions, which can save SMBs time and money.

Comprehensive security assessment

To understand an SMB’s risk profile and security posture, an MSP will perform a thorough security assessment. This helps the MSP identify any existing vulnerabilities and develop solutions to correct them before they can be exploited. They will also review the SMB’s current security protocols and provide recommendations for improving them. By taking advantage of these assessments, SMBs can protect themselves from the newest threats.

Proactive monitoring

Managed IT services providers employ advanced threat intelligence databases and monitoring software to watch over networks, systems, and data. With these tools, MSPs can check network traffic for any suspicious activities that may indicate a potential cyberattack and promptly warn the SMB. This proactive monitoring can help SMBs detect, contain, and eliminate potential threats before they cause any serious damage.

Regular security updates

Maintaining a secure IT infrastructure requires constant updates and patch management. Patch management is a core service of many MSPs. It involves keeping track of all software patch releases, testing the patches for compatibility, and deploying them to client networks. By regularly updating and patching vulnerabilities, SMBs can significantly enhance their overall cybersecurity posture and reduce the likelihood of successful attacks.

Security awareness training

Beyond the technical security measures, MSPs also offer security awareness training programs for SMBs. These programs educate employees on the process of identifying potential threats, safe online practices, good password hygiene, and the importance of protection. Through ongoing training sessions and workshops, employees can develop a security-conscious mindset and contribute to maintaining a strong cybersecurity posture within the organization.

Incident response

If a security breach occurs, SMBs must be prepared to respond swiftly and effectively. MSPs can help SMBs develop comprehensive incident response plans to ensure they are well equipped to handle any cyberthreats. With an incident response plan, SMBs will be able to quickly identify potential breaches and take remedial actions with minimal disruption to their operations. MSPs can also assist SMBs in preserving evidence, restoring systems to their pre-breach state, and communicating with stakeholders regarding the incident.

Cybersecurity is a multifaceted endeavor that requires the right resources and expertise, but you don’t have to handle all of it by yourself. MSPs can lighten the load and provide your SMB with powerful security solutions and services. Contact us now to learn more about how managed IT services can help you protect your SMB.

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, ransomwareTrojans, 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

Bring your own device (BYOD) is a trend that has grown in popularity because of the convenience it offers employees, but it also presents a serious security risk. If an employee’s personal device is not appropriately secured, it can become a potential entry point for attackers to gain access to sensitive corporate information. Therefore, it is imperative to take steps to strengthen BYOD security. Here’s how you can do just that.

Establish a BYOD policy

The first step in securing personal devices used for work is to establish a clear BYOD policy. This policy should include guidelines for acceptable use of personal devices and security protocols such as device encryption, password policies, and data backup requirements. It should also define the types of data that can be accessed on personal devices and the consequences of policy violations.

Use mobile device management (MDM) software

MDM software allows companies to manage mobile devices from a centralized console. It provides administrators with control over the configuration, application installation, and security settings of mobile devices. With MDM software, administrators can establish company-wide security policies as well as monitor and wipe data from compromised devices.

Implement two-factor authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication is a security process that requires users to provide two forms of identification to access company data. This typically includes a combination of passwords and one-time verification codes generated by a third-party authenticator app. By implementing 2FA, the security of a device doesn’t solely depend on the strength of its user’s passwords. Hackers will need to gain access to both authentication factors to hack company devices, which can be incredibly difficult.

Conduct regular security training

Educating employees on security best practices is crucial for any organization. Employees need to be aware of the risks associated with using personal devices for work-related tasks. Companies should conduct regular security training sessions to help employees understand their roles and responsibilities in maintaining the security of company data.

Monitor and enforce compliance

It’s essential to monitor the use of personal devices and ensure compliance with the company’s BYOD policy. This can be done through regular audits, periodic security assessments, and the use of security tools to detect unauthorized access attempts.

Establishing a robust security framework for BYOD is essential for any organization. Companies can work with a managed service provider to ensure that their BYOD security measures are up to date and effective. Call us today and let us help you strengthen your BYOD 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

Many see security as a barrier, not a business enabler

Despite news of devastating cyberattacks breaking almost daily, many business leaders still fail to see the full value a strong cybersecurity posture brings to their organization, new research has found

This is according to Risky Rewards, a new report published by cybersecurity experts Trend Micro polling more than 2,700 business decision-makers in companies with 250+ employees across 26 countries, finding that around half (51%) see cybersecurity is a “necessary cost but not a revenue contributor”.

At the same, a somewhat similar percentage – 48% – claim cybersecurity’s value is “limited” to attack and threat prevention. For nearly two-fifths (38%) cybersecurity is a barrier, not a business enabler.

Winning new clients

“If organizations want to make the most of their security investments, business leaders must reframe their view of cybersecurity – to think more broadly about how it can positively impact the enterprise,” commented Jon Clay, VP of threat intelligence at Trend Micro.

“This research shows it’s clearly a critical component of winning new business and talent. At a time when every dollar/penny counts, it’s concerning to see stereotyped views of security persist at the very top.”

Further in the report, Trend Micro claims 81% worry that a poor cybersecurity posture could hurt their ability to close new clients. In fact, for 19% this already happened. What’s more, 71% of business decision-makers are being asked about their cybersecurity posture in negotiations with potential customers and suppliers, with 78% admitting the questions are getting more frequent.

Cybersecurity has also become pivotal for talent acquisition. Almost three-quarters (71%) said remote and hybrid working offerings are now essential for talent acquisition. For 83%, current security policies affect remote employees’ ability to do their jobs, with 43% saying current security policies prevent employees from working remotely. Also, 54% said their policies restrict what devices and platforms employees can use for work.

Finally, two-thirds (64%) of business decision-makers confirmed they’re planning on increasing their security budgets this year.

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

Password fatigue is a real problem for businesses. Here’s what they can do while they await passwordless authentication.

Does the term “password fatigue” sound familiar? It’s ironic that increased security measures put in place to keep us safe may sometimes do the exact opposite. Mandatory password changes, lengthy password requirements and security questions, while well intentioned, can lead some people to backslide with their digital hygiene.

With the average person reusing the same password 14 times across their portfolio of digital accounts, it’s no wonder the FBI received a record number of cybercrime complaints from the American public last year, with potential losses exceeding $6.9 billion.

How To Prevent Password Fatigue

Password fatigue is a reaction to the fact that safety and functionality are often seen as in opposition to each other. Our days are filled with a series of different programs and platforms, each requiring its own login credentials.

The average adult has at least 100 passwords to keep track of, and the majority of Americans say they’re locked out of an average of 10 accounts per month. It’s impossible to remember all the passwords that safeguard our daily lives. The seemingly endless need to remember or reset passwords can wear people down, resulting in risky behavior.

One study revealed that 92 percent of people are aware of the security risk associated with reusing passwords, but 65 percent reuse them anyway. The password has stuck around so long despite its flaws precisely because it is not easy to replace.

Passwordless authentication is available for use today; however, most organizations have not yet deployed the technologies to support it. For now, they rely on multi-factor authentication to mitigate the risk of passwords being hacked. That’s a good intermediate step, but it doesn’t do anything to solve password fatigue.

Resetting Passwords: What You Need to Know

In addition to multi-factor authentication, businesses can help employees by deploying password management technology that acts as a digital logbook — a compilation of passwords to various accounts that can be accessed through a single master password.

Password managers can automatically monitor your password strength and help you create strong, unique passwords for every account.

Take the following factors into consideration when deciding which password manager is best for your needs:

  • Will it protect your organization against a cyberattack? You are best served by a manager that cr­eates high-strength, random passwords for each website, application and service that you use. Ensure you have alerts and dark web monitoring engaged so you can take immediate action if your credentials are leaked in a public data breach.
  • Does it enable multi-factor authentication? An additional PIN sent to employees’ digital devices, or one that works in tandem with an authentication app, is one element that separates a dedicated password manager from a browser-based manager, which saves and auto-fills passwords, giving anyone using your computer access to your online accounts.
  • How flexible is it? Some password managers can only be used with one device type, or with specific software systems. Make sure you’re protected on every platform, with a manager that securely syncs across all your devices.
  • Is it easy to use? Safely storing passwords should make employees’ lives simpler. Ensure your password manager can auto-fill user IDs and passwords, and consider additional features, such as the ability to add payment cards for faster checkouts.

Custom fields can help securely save important information such as your driver’s license or passport number, or even sensitive files, documents, photos and videos. Most experts agree that the ongoing use of passwords represents a security risk for organizations. Until passwords are a thing of the past, however, businesses should do all they can to reduce that risk.

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 BizTech  SOURCE

Protecting your business printers from malicious cyberattacks may be the last thing on your mind, but it should definitely not be. Hackers are always looking for new vulnerabilities to exploit, and, if left unprotected, printer systems can offer a trouble-free gateway into vast troves of sensitive data. To help safeguard against unforeseen risks, take these key steps to secure your company’s printers now.

Vulnerabilities of business printers

Printers are considered indispensable business tools, but their core functions can make them irresistible targets for cybercriminals. These devices process a plethora of valuable data such as tax forms, employee information, financial statements, medical records, and the like. And did you know? Even if you cancel print jobs, these data are still stored within printer hard drives. Without proper security measures, valuable data can fall into the wrong hands.

Organizations also need to take a closer look at their network printers since these are connected to the web. With the right tools and opportunities, hackers can easily intercept sensitive data traveling through open network ports. Printer vulnerabilities can open unknown backdoors that can give criminals an opportunity to launch far-reaching cyberattacks from within your network. Such attacks are difficult to stop once they’ve been launched.

Ways to protect your business printers

Keeping business printers secure should be an essential step when developing a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. To ensure your print devices aren’t vulnerable to attacks, following these best practices will safeguard them from potential threats.

  1. Keep an eye on your network and make sure to install printer software updates and patches right away.
  2. Update printers with web management capabilities by modifying their default passwords and administrator login credentials.
  3. Only company-owned devices should be permitted to connect to your printing network.
  4. Always use secure connections and avoid accessing your printer through a public internet connection.
  5. Maximize your network security by using a firewall to limit printer access.
  6. For improved security and to prevent unauthorized access, activate the PIN/password feature of your wireless printer to ensure that only authorized users are able to print documents on your device.
  7. Disconnect the printer from its main network and turn off out-of-network printing if you don’t use it for faxing or email purposes.
  8. Protect classified data by connecting printers directly to computers or using a thumb drive.
  9. Use your printer’s manual feed settings. This feature allows you to feed paper into printers manually, making sure that printed materials don’t end up in the wrong hands or left lying around for anyone to see.

Furthermore, working with an IT specialist can provide peace of mind when it comes to managing your printers. Trusted IT experts can make sure that any potential attack vectors are closed off while also helping you lower management costs and keep your devices at peak performance.

If you have any questions about securing your business printers, don’t hesitate to contact 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

Learn About Today’s Most Common Types Of Cyber-Attacks

If you’ve turned on the news sometime during the past few years, you’ve probably heard of more than one instance where a business closed due to a cyber-attack. You may think your business is small enough and hackers won’t target you, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Every business is at risk of experiencing a cyber-attack and should be well-prepared to defend against these threats. With the right type of attack, a cybercriminal can gain valuable information about your business, customers and employees, which can be used to damage your reputation and hurt you financially.

If you’re a business owner or leader and you want to ensure your business is well-protected, check out the most common cyber-attacks that are affecting companies today. From there, you can implement cyber security plans and tactics to ensure your business is protected from cybercriminals.

Phishing Scams

Phishing is a type of social engineering where an attacker sends a fraudulent message designed to trick a person into revealing sensitive information to the attacker or to deploy malicious software on the victim’s infrastructure. Phishing scams can wreak havoc on your business and personal life. You may have seen an e-mail from someone claiming to be Amazon or your credit card company asking for specific sensitive information. Often, the e-mail address does not line up with who the person is claiming to be.

When a phishing scam targets your business, they’ll likely request valuable information from your employees such as passwords or customer data. If your employees fall for the scam, they could give a cybercriminal unprecedented access to your network and systems. This may also allow the cybercriminal to steal private employee and customer information, leaving your employees vulnerable to identity theft. Phishing scams can be averted by using common sense and providing cyber security training to your employees. Most companies will not request private information over e-mail. That being said, if an employee receives a suspicious e-mail, they should do their due diligence to ensure the e-mail is genuine before responding in any way.

Malware

Malware is software installed on a computer without the user’s consent that performs malicious actions, such as stealing passwords or money. There are many types of malware, including spyware, viruses, ransomware and adware. You can accidentally download malware onto your computer by clicking on sketchy links within e-mails or websites. You might not even notice you have malware on your computer right now. If your computer is operating more slowly than usual, web browsers are taking you to random sites or you have frequent pop-ups, you should scan your computer for malware.

Prevention is key in stopping malware from affecting your business. Hiring and utilizing a managed services provider is the best way to protect your business, as they will continually monitor your network for exploitable holes. With malware, it’s always better to play it safe than sorry. If a cybercriminal is able to use ransomware on your network, your business could be stuck at a standstill until you pay the ransom. Even if you can pay the ransom, your reputation will still take a hit, and your business could be greatly affected. Be careful where you click on your phone, too, since malware attacks on cellphones have become more common over the past few years.

Attacks Involving Passwords

How do your employees access your network or computer systems? They most likely use a password to log in to their computer, access their e-mail and much more. What would happen if someone with bad intentions gained access to one of your employee’s passwords? Depending on the individual’s access, they could obtain sensitive information about your business, customers and employees.

Your team should be using long, complex passwords for their accounts, and each password for every account should be different. Encourage your employees to use password managers that will allow them to create the most complex passwords possible and keep track of them more easily. You can also incorporate multifactor authentication to ensure nobody can steal a password and gain access immediately. You should make your employees aware of this during your annual cyber security training.

If your business falls victim to a cyber-attack, it could have lasting consequences for everyone involved. Now that you know the most common types of cyber-attacks, you can start implementing plans to ensure you and your business stay protected.

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

Phishing attacks are increasing and getting more sophisticated. Here’s how to avoid them:

Phishing is on the rise, and anyone who uses email, text messaging, and other forms of communication is a potential victim.

These attacks, in which a cybercriminal sends a deceptive message that’s designed to fool a user into providing sensitive information such as credit card numbers or to launch malware on the user’s system, can be extremely effective if done well.

These types of attacks have become increasingly sophisticated — making them more dangerous — and more common. An October 2022 study by messaging security provider SlashNext analyzed billions of link-based URLs, attachments, and natural language messages in email, mobile and browser channels over a six-month period, and found more than 255 million attacks. That’s a 61% increase in the rate of phishing attacks compared with 2021.

The study revealed that cybercriminals are shifting their attacks to mobile and personal communication channels to reach users. It showed a 50% increase in attacks on mobile devices, with scams and credential theft at the top of the list of payloads.

“What we’ve been seeing is an increase in the use of voicemail and text as part of two-pronged phishing and BEC [business email compromise] campaigns,” said Jess Burn, senior analyst at Forrester Research. “The attackers leave a voicemail or send a text about the email they sent, either lending credibility to the sender or increasing the urgency of the request.”

The firm is receiving a lot of inquiries from clients about BEC attacks in general, Burn said. “With geopolitical strife disrupting ransomware gang activity and cryptocurrency — the preferred method of ransom payment — imploding as of late, bad actors are going back to old-fashioned fraud to make money,” he said. “So BEC is on the rise.”

Criminals using phishing attacks based on tax season, shopping deals

One of the iterations of phishing that people need to be aware of is spear-phishing, a more targeted form of phishing that often uses topical lures.

“While it is not a new tactic, the topics and themes might evolve with world or even seasonal events,” said Luke McNamara, principal analyst at cyber security consulting firm Mandiant Consulting. “For example, as we are in the holiday season, we can expect to see more phishing lures related to shopping deals. During regional tax seasons, threat actors might similarly try to exploit users in the process of filing their taxes with phishing emails that contain tax themes in the subject line.”

Phishing themes can also be generic, such as an email that appears to be from a technology vendor about resetting an account, McNamara said. “More prolific criminal campaigns might leverage less specific themes, and conversely more targeted campaigns by threat actors involved in activity like cyber espionage might utilize more specific phishing lures,” he said.

What people should do to ward off phishing attempts

Individuals can take steps to better defend themselves against phishing attacks.

One is to be vigilant when giving out personal information, whether it’s to a person or on a website.

“Phishing is a form of social engineering,” Burn said. “That means that phishers use psychology to convince their victims to take an action they may not normally take. Most people want to be helpful and do what someone in authority tells them to do. Phishers know this, so they prey upon those instincts and ask the victim to help with a problem or do something immediately.”

If an email is unexpected from a specific sender, if it’s asking someone to do something urgently, or if it’s asking for information or financial details not normally provided, take a step back and look closely at the sender, Burn said.

“If the sender looks legitimate but something still seems off, don’t open any attachments and mouse or hover over any hyperlinks in the body of the email and look at the URL the link points to,” Burn said. “If it doesn’t seem like a legitimate destination, do not click on it.”

If a suspicious-looking message comes in from a known source, reach out to the person or company via a separate channel and inquire as to whether they sent the message, Burn said. “You’ll save yourself a lot of trouble and you’ll alert the person or company to the phishing scam if the email did not originate from them,” he said.

It’s a good idea to stay up on the latest phishing techniques. “Cyber criminals constantly evolve their methods, so individuals need to be on alert,” said Emily Mossburg, global cyber leader at Deloitte. “Phishers prey on human error.”

Another good practice is to use anti-phishing software and other cyber security tools as protection against potential attacks and to keep personal and work data safe. This includes automated behavior analytics tools to detect and mitigate potential risk indicators. “The use of these tools among employees has increased significantly,” Mossburg said.

Another technology, multi-factor authentication, “can provide one of the best layers of security to secure your emails,” McNamara said. “It provides another layer of defense should a threat actor successfully compromise your credentials.”

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 CNBC.com SOURCE

Businesses of all sizes can fall prey to cyberattacks that can cause major financial losses and even put companies out of business. And with more numerous and sophisticated threats like these expected in 2023, it’s more critical than ever for business owners to stay ahead of the latest cybersecurity trends and protect their organization from potential threats. Pay attention to the following trends to help keep your data safe this year and beyond.

Further emphasis on data privacy

As countries implement tougher data protection laws and the number of privacy regulations rises, organizations will be driven to adopt a privacy-first mentality out of necessity. For instance, Google has already taken a big leap in this direction by ending its use of third-party cookies and creating Privacy Sandbox. Apple has also included App Tracking Transparency as part of iOS 14.5 onwards, providing another layer of protection for their customers’ sensitive online information. Although these measures may not be flawless solutions yet, they’re still progressive strides being made toward greater security. Expect other companies to follow suit.

A harmonized global framework to govern the protection of information, privacy, and data

In 2023, countries around the world will strive for international cohesion regarding data privacy regulations. Standardizing security frameworks is expected to deliver better information and data privacy for all organizations and governments, as well as enable global commerce. Consistent data protection strategies and processes reduce risk while facilitating trust across supply chains and borders. Interoperable architectures that prioritize privacy and security can also help ensure the effective protection of information, which ultimately reduces the probability of a data breach or compromise.

A passwordless future

Passwordless security frameworks provide a real chance at fighting phishing while enhancing protection, privacy, scalability, and convenience. They not only improve overall organizational security by eliminating potential password breaches or credential stuffing attacks, but they also enable users to access services without worrying about forgotten usernames or passwords.

However, note that while passwordless authentication offers many advantages, it isn’t without risk. To ensure better security, you should also adopt a zero trust model along with identity access management practices and stringent safety measures. This will make the transition to passwordless authentication much smoother and more secure.

Growing Internet of Things (IoT) risks

Over the past decade, the IoT industry has been on a steady upswing, and is projected to remain so well into 2023. Unfortunately, as companies rely more heavily on this technology for efficiency and profitability, they will face a higher risk of cybersecurity breaches.

If you use IoT, then you should safeguard your connected devices by actively developing or revising relevant cyber strategies, maintaining device catalogs, and continuously patching endpoints. This will help secure your networks from potential threats and allow for more efficient monitoring practices.

The future of cybersecurity is ever-evolving. But by learning about the latest cybersecurity trends, companies can implement comprehensive approaches and protect themselves against malicious actors or incidents.

If you want to learn more about 2023 cybersecurity trends or if you have any questions about technology, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Our IT experts are ready to help.

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

November 30th — is National Computer Security Day, an annual event observed since 1988 to help raise awareness worldwide of computer-related security issues. It should also serve as a reminder to small business owners to protect their computer networks from hackers, fraudsters and identity thieves.

Computer security is sometimes referred to as cybersecurity or IT (information technology) security. It applies to the protection of computer-based equipment, the information stored on and services related to it from unauthorized and unintended access, change or destruction, including unplanned events and natural disasters.

Recently, the public opinion research company Ipsos Reid released the findings of a survey of U.S. small businesses revealing that many of them do not fully comprehend the impact a data breach can have on them. As a result, they take a passive approach to safeguarding sensitive information that leaves them vulnerable not only to a breach but potentially devastating financial and reputational damage as well.

The survey also found that:

  • Sixty-nine percent of small business owners are not aware or don’t believe that lost or stolen data would result in financial impact and harm to their businesses credibility.
  • Forty percent have no protocols in place for securing data.
    More than one-third of the respondents report that they never train staff on information security procedures.
  • Forty-eight percent have no one directly responsible for management of data security.
  • Just 18 percent would encourage new data privacy legislation requiring stricter compliance and penalties to information security threats.

Computer Security Day is an excellent time to ensure that your company is following best practices to protect yourself from data breach and identity theft. They include:

  • Analyzing possible security gaps in your organization and within your supply chain.
  • Implementing ongoing risk analysis processes and creating a security policy specifically designed to limit exposure to fraud and data breaches.
  • Regularly training employees in proper document management and encouraging their adoption of security best practices.
  • Implementing a “shred-all” policy for unneeded documents and keeping sensitive materials under lock and key until they are destroyed.
  • Paying particular attention to hard drives on computers or photocopiers. The only way to destroy data stored on hard drives is physical destruction.
  • Installing and using effective computer network protection such as anti-virus software and a firewall.

To learn more about how to safeguard your business, or 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.