by David Delorme, CTS Services, Inc.

When it comes to enjoying reliable, high-quality printing, planned maintenance is the key. At CTS Services, Inc., we know that you know the value your well-performing printers bring to your company's mission. A little attention when it's due, or when those signs of degrading performance first show up, goes a long way to ensuring your large format print jobs go as planned.

Let's face it, large format printers are amazing tools that help businesses create sharp, professional visuals. These powerful machines produce high-quality visuals that help businesses communicate and create with precision.

Large and wide format printers are indispensable tools in industries like architecture, engineering, design, marketing, and photography. But like any piece of equipment, they need regular care to keep running smoothly. Skipping maintenance can lead to annoying breakdowns, expensive repairs, or having to replace your printer sooner than you'd like. That’s why planned maintenance is so important—it helps prevent problems, saves you money, and keeps your printer working like new for years to come.

This blog offers practical advice on maintaining your large format printer, addressing common problems, and providing solutions to maximize its life cycle and performance, and make sure you’re getting the most out of your equipment.

Key Maintenance Practices for Long-Term Performance

1. Keep Your Printer Clean

A clean printer is a happy printer. Dust and debris can easily accumulate inside your machine, causing clogs, streaks, and other printing defects. Regular cleaning helps ensure high-quality output and reduces the risk of damage. Here’s how you can keep yours in top condition:

• Dust Removal: Use an anti-static brush or microfiber cloth to remove dust from the heads, trays, and exterior.
• Print Head Cleaning: Refer to your manufacturer’s guidelines for routine print head cleaning to maintain sharp results.
• Interior Maintenance: Periodically open your printer (following safety instructions) and clean any exposed surfaces to prevent debris buildup in mechanical parts.

2. Use High-Quality Materials

Using the right paper, ink, and other consumables ensures smooth operation. Substandard or incompatible materials can cause paper jams, print defects, or even mechanical damage. Always:

• Choose media and substrates recommended by the printer manufacturer.
• Use high-quality ink, preferably brand specific, to avoid nozzle clogs and color inconsistencies.
• Avoid overloading paper trays beyond their capacity to prevent misfeeds.
• Monitor the ink cartridge date codes as to not use ink that has expired. This can cause clogging and incorrect coloring.

3. Check Ink and Cartridge Levels Regularly

Running out of ink mid-job can not only delay production but also leave dried ink residue in print heads, causing clogs. To avoid this:

• Monitor ink levels regularly and have replacement cartridges handy before they run empty.
• Store cartridges in a cool, dry place to maintain ink quality and consistency.

4. Calibrate and Align Regularly

Regular calibration ensures your printer operates at peak performance, particularly for color accuracy and resolution. Over time, misalignment can lead to:

• Blurry or distorted prints
• Color inconsistency and banding. To maintain precision:
  • Schedule calibration for the print heads and alignment checks based on your usage frequency.
  • Use the calibration tools and software provided with your printer for accuracy.

5. Store the Printer Safely

Your printer’s environment greatly affects its longevity. Heat, humidity, and direct sunlight can cause damage to electronic and mechanical parts. Always:

• Place your printer in a cool, ventilated space away from extreme temperatures and humidity.
• Cover the printer when it’s not in use to prevent dust accumulation.

6. Perform Routine Maintenance

Establish a preventative maintenance schedule to mitigate the risk of major issues. Tasks should include:

• Cleaning nozzles and inspecting belts and rollers for wear.
• Replacing filters, rollers, or any worn-out parts based on manufacturer guidelines.
• Regularly updating printer firmware for optimized performance.

Common Problems and How to Address Them

Even with diligent care, issues can arise that disrupt productivity. Below are some of the most common problems large format printer owners face, and how to avoid or fix them.

1. Print Quality Issues

Symptoms include streaks, smudges, uneven color, faded outputs, or banding.

• Causes: Clogged nozzles, dirt buildup on print heads or rollers, use of low-quality materials, or improper alignment.
• Solutions:
• Clean print heads and rollers using manufacturer-approved methods.
• Regularly perform print head alignment and calibration.
• Inspect ink cartridges for clogging or compatibility issues and replace if necessary.
• Always use recommended materials for the best results.

2. Paper Jams

Paper jams are a frequent headache for printer operators, often caused by improper handling of the paper.

• Causes: Overloaded trays, incorrect media type, or curled/damaged sheets.
• Solutions:
• Always load paper correctly and ensure it matches the size/type the printer requires.
• Never force paper into trays, and check for proper alignment before starting a job.
• Inspect rollers for wear or debris that may block smooth paper feeding.

3. Network Connectivity Problems

Many modern large format printers rely on network connectivity, which can occasionally fail.

• Causes: Faulty cable connections, outdated software, or router configuration issues.
• Solutions:
• Confirm that all cabling is securely connected.
• Restart the printer, router, and any connected devices.
• Update drivers and firmware to fix potential compatibility or bug issues specific to networked devices.

4. Aging Equipment

Older printers may experience dips in performance, increased downtime, or a loss of compatibility with newer technology.

• Causes: Accumulated wear and tear, outdated components, and diminished capacity to handle high-demand jobs.
• Solutions:
• Have your printer evaluated by a professional who can advise whether repairs or a new replacement is more economical.
• Consider upgrading to a newer model with increased productivity features if repair costs outweigh the benefits.

5. Consumables Shortages

When certain parts, such as ink cartridges or belts, are hard to source, it can put your printer out of commission.

• Solutions: Proactively stock up on essentials and reliable alternatives. Partner with a vendor who offers a wide inventory and fast shipping.

6. Overlooking Firmware Updates

Ignoring firmware updates might cause printers to operate inefficiently or fail to meet new compliance standards.

• Solutions: Regularly check the manufacturer’s website for updates and install them promptly.

The Value of Professional Servicing

While daily and routine maintenance is essential, partnering with a professional service provider adds another layer of reliability. Certified technicians can:

• Perform advanced diagnostics to identify hidden issues before they lead to failure.
• Replace critical components like belts, motors, or fusers to keep your printer running efficiently.
• Offer preventive maintenance plans tailored to your usage pattern.
• Provide guidance on leveraging your printer’s features for additional functionality.
  Preventative maintenance not only minimizes unexpected breakdowns but also extends the lifespan of your machine, ensuring you get the most return on your investment.

Final Thoughts

Taking care of your large format printer doesn’t have to be daunting. By following these best practices and addressing issues as they arise, you can ensure your printer continues to deliver high-quality output while reducing costly downtime. Remember, prevention is the best repair. Routine maintenance, investing in quality consumables, and turning to experts, when necessary, will pay dividends in keeping your machine operational for years to come.
One final recommendation: remember to check and update the media ICC (International Color Code) profiles on a regular basis. Updates will ensure color accuracy, clarity, and media feed through the printer. ICC profiles help you to get the correct colors for your images.

With a little care and attention, your large format printer can remain a workhorse for your business, producing exceptional prints and maximizing your productivity.

Does your large format printer need attention? We service all major brands, and our expert service team can quickly diagnose and repair your printer and restore it to factory-like performance.

Request a quote. Send us your make, model, and serial number for a manufacturer's update. We'll take care of you.

Learn more here.

CTS Services, Inc. is a full-service IT support and managed services provider, located in Bellingham, MA. Reach us at 508-528-7720 or at www.ctsservices.com.

Introduction

In our digital world, cybersecurity has become a crucial part of running a small-to-medium business (SMB). The landscape of cyber threats is rapidly evolving, making it essential for SMBs to stay ahead. Surely, you realize that cybersecurity is no longer an optional component of your IT strategy and business protection. With the constant evolution of cyber threats, especially with the evolution of AI phishing, it's important to stay one step ahead in all matters pertaining to business email communication (BEC).
Nowadays, cybersecurity for SMBs is as crucial as having a solid business plan. The digital landscape is constantly changing, and so are the cyber threats that lurk in its shadows. This guide is intended to inform SMB stakeholders on the topic of cybersecurity threat protection. Of course, we are here to help you navigate this fast-changing topic and advise you on best practices to protect your employees and your digital assets. So, let's dive in and explore how you can better safeguard your business.
This executive brief provides an overview of the importance of cybersecurity, the common threats faced by SMBs, and outlines best practices to protect your business.

The Importance of Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is of paramount importance in today's digital era, particularly for small to medium-sized businesses, as I am sure you already know, yet it bears repeating. Its significance transcends the mere protection of sensitive data; it is an essential factor for the survival and continuity of your business. Cyber-attacks not only lead to financial losses but can also inflict irreparable damage to a company's reputation.
SMBs, due to their limited resources, can be particularly vulnerable to these attacks. Effective cybersecurity measures can safeguard your business from these threats, ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of your digital assets. By staying ahead of evolving cyber threats, your business not only gains a defense mechanism, but also a competitive edge in the industry.

The Risks of Ignoring Cybersecurity Best Practices

Ignoring cybersecurity best practices can have dire consequences for SMBs, exposing them to significant risk. As Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes more sophisticated, so do the phishing attacks that cyber-criminals launch. Today, AI phishing tactics can convincingly mimic legitimate communications, tricking even the most vigilant individuals into revealing sensitive information. Without properly implemented and regularly updated cybersecurity measures, businesses stand to lose not only their critical data but also customer trust. The financial repercussions can be catastrophic, leading to revenue loss, penalties from data breaches, and even business failure.
Think of it this way. In this era, where cyber threats are intensifying in both complexity and frequency, neglecting cybersecurity best practices isn't just risky—it's akin to leaving your business's front door wide open.
A company that ignores best practices for cybersecurity also jeopardizes their cybersecurity insurance coverage or the ability to file any claims. Non-compliance with requirements in your policy can negate or cancel your policy.

Threats and Risks

SMBs face a variety of cyber threats, including malware, phishing, social engineering, and ransomware. These threats can cause significant damage, including financial losses and harm to a company's reputation. Real-world examples show that no business is too small to be targeted. For instance, SMBs often have less robust security measures, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals.

The Rise of AI Phishing Scams

Let's talk about AI phishing scams. Sounds sci-fi, right? Well, they're very real and on the rise. These scams use artificial intelligence to mimic legitimate communication, making them harder to spot. As an SMB, your defenses need to be up to snuff to fend off these sneaky attacks.

1. Deepfake Scams: Deepfake phishing scams utilize AI technology to create realistic audio or video content impersonating a known individual, often a senior executive or a CEO. The imposter may instruct employees to perform actions that compromise security, such as transferring funds or sharing confidential information.

1. AI-Powered Email Spoofing: In this attack, AI technology is used to generate highly convincing fake emails which appear to originate from trusted sources. The content is tailored to the recipient's communication patterns, making it difficult to detect the email as a scam. These emails typically trick victims into revealing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links.

1. Smart Chatbots: Cybercriminals are increasingly using AI-powered chatbots to trick individuals into providing sensitive information. These chatbots mimic human-like interactions and can convincingly pose as customer service representatives from well-known organizations, encouraging users to share personal details or financial information under the pretense of resolving an issue.

Best Practices for Cybersecurity
Implementing robust cybersecurity measures can safeguard your business from these threats. Here are some key steps:

1. Regular Training: Equip your team with knowledge on the latest scams, phishing techniques, and prevention protocols through regular training sessions. This continuous learning helps your team stay updated on emerging threats and understand how to respond effectively. It also fosters a culture of vigilance and proactive behavior, further strengthening your cybersecurity.
2. Layered Defense Approach: Implement multiple security measures such as firewalls, email filtering services, anti-virus software, and regularly update and patch these layers to keep your defenses strong. By employing a multi-layered defense, you can create a resilient security system that can block various types of attacks at different stages, drastically reducing the risk of successful breaches.
3. Email Authentication: Implement techniques like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to prevent email spoofing. Email authentication not only adds an extra layer of security but also builds trust with your customers by ensuring that they receive only genuine communications from your business.
4. Empower Employees: Foster a culture of security awareness amongst your employees. This can be achieved through regular training sessions, simulated phishing exercises, and promoting safe online behavior. When employees are empowered with the right knowledge, they can act as the first line of defense against cyber threats.
5. Secure Remote Work: With remote work becoming the norm, implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) can provide an additional layer of security. MFA ensures that only verified users can access your systems, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.
6. Incident Response Plan: Have a pre-constructed blueprint that guides your team's response in the event of a security breach. A well-structured incident response plan can significantly reduce the damage and disruption caused by a cyber-attack, enabling you to restore operations quickly and effectively.
7. Disaster Recovery Plan: Have a structured approach for restoring operations post-incident, ensuring business continuity, and minimizing impact on productivity and profits. A disaster recovery plan provides clear procedures for data backup and recovery, reducing downtime and financial impact in case of a cyber-attack.
8. Vendor Management: Ensure your vendors follow adequate security protocols to protect your business from unnecessary risks. By holding your vendors accountable for their cybersecurity practices, you can extend your security perimeter beyond your organization and strengthen your overall cybersecurity posture.

Implementing these strategies can help SMBs stay well-informed and prepared to fend off the ever-evolving threats in the cybersecurity landscape. Remember, cybersecurity isn't a one-time task; it's an ongoing commitment. To take the security of your business to the next level, let's discuss the potential gaps in your cybersecurity.

Don't leave your business exposed to cyber threats - take the next step toward lowering your IT risk exposure by contacting CTS Services, Inc., where cybersecurity is our top priority. We have prepared a more in-depth report, with a set of critical questions every SMB owner or IT executive should be asking about this topic. Email us at [email protected] or call us at 508-528-7720 and we’ll rush you a copy.

When it comes to assessing IT risk and making smart decisions, a clear picture of the current risk posture is required, so that stakeholders can make informed choices. In this second part of our series on IT risk balancing, we present some further points to ponder.

The evaluation of the current IT risk management framework should begin by identifying and analyzing the current risks associated with the organization’s IT systems. This assessment should consider both internal and external threats that could put the system at risk, as well as any historical data or trends that may indicate potential future risks. Once these risks have been identified and analyzed, the organization should then determine an appropriate risk management strategy. This strategy should include areas such as IT policy and governance, personnel training and education, security controls, threat mitigation techniques and incident response plans. The evaluation should also consider whether the existing measures are adequate for addressing current risks or if additional steps need to be taken to ensure that all organizational assets are protected.

Sometimes (usually) an expert is brought in to review the current scenario. An IT risk consultant's main responsibility is to help businesses understand and mitigate the risks associated with their IT infrastructure and technology assets. This involves identifying potential vulnerabilities, assessing risks, developing risk management plans, and designing effective security controls to minimize the risk exposure. At CTS Services, we guide our clients in establishing and improving security posture, optimizing security practices, and minimizing downtime through the use of technology tools and best practices.

Some specific areas that we can advise on as an IT risk consultant, usually your Managed Services Provider, include:

1. IT Risk Assessment: We can execute sufficient analysis of your organization’s technology assets to recognize risks, identify vulnerabilities, and conduct a quantitative or qualitative risk assessment.
2. Security Audit: We can provide comprehensive analysis and audit of the organization's security and network infrastructure, covering all potential risks, threats, and vulnerabilities.
3. Security Awareness Training: As part of risk management, our aim is to improve employee awareness of IT threats, vulnerabilities, and attack vectors with regular and on-going training sessions.
4. Risk Management Plan: Develop an IT risk management plan specific to the organization, identifying key risks with recommendations to avoid, mitigate, transfer or accept them.
5. Security Controls: We can help design and implement security controls within an organization's IT infrastructure, including advanced firewalls, endpoint protection, and data loss prevention tools.
6. Incident Response Plan: Develop an Incident Response Plan to enable an organization to respond to any IT-related security incidents and reduce mitigation downtime.

A Comprehensive List of Risk Assessment Stakeholders

While we certainly advise the CEO, CFO and CIO work hand-in-glove in balancing risks, there are many other stakeholders who made need a voice in the decision-making process, at a staff level perhaps. Here is a list of stakeholders related to IT risk management:

• CEO: The CEO is responsible for overseeing the entire organization and ensuring that IT risk management aligns with the overarching company strategy and objectives.
• CIO: The Chief Information Officer is accountable for the day-to-day management of IT operations and ensuring the IT risk management program is implemented across the organization.
• CISO: The Chief Information Security Officer is responsible for overseeing the implementation of cybersecurity practices and policies and ensuring that the organization is appropriately protected against IT risk.
• IT Operations Manager: The IT Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring that all internal IT systems and infrastructure remain online, secure, and are compliant with regulatory and industry standards.
• Security Officers: Physical and Systems Security Officers play a crucial role by implementing effective security measures, managing compliance activities, and monitoring ongoing vulnerabilities across the organization.
• Risk Management Team: The risk management team is responsible for developing the organization's risk management strategy and monitoring risk levels on an ongoing basis.
• Compliance Manager: The Compliance Manager is responsible for ensuring that IT risk management frameworks align with industry and regulatory compliance obligations.
• End-users: End-users should be trained on identifying and responding to potential IT security issues and play a vital role in identifying and reporting potential security issues that may arise.
• Vendors / Third Parties: Vendors and third-party providers with access to the organization's data must undergo validation checks to ensure they comply with the company's IT security policies and protocols to reduce risk exposure.
• Board of Directors: The Board of Directors must receive regular reports on IT risk management activities, ensuring necessary budget allocations and support are given to IT risk management activities.

Here are seven IT risk assessment questions that CFOs, CEOs, and CIOs should be asking when it comes to managing IT risks to their business:

1. What are the most critical IT assets that we need to protect and what risks are associated with them?
2. How do we identify and prioritize the IT risks that pose the most significant threats to our business operations?
3. Do we have adequate security measures in place to protect against cyber threats such as malware, phishing attacks, or ransomware?
4. How do we ensure that our employees are aware of IT risks and have been adequately trained to identify and respond to them?
5. How do we ensure that third-party vendors, contractors and partners with access to our networks are complying with our IT security policies and procedures?
6. How do we ensure that our IT risk management program is compliant with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards?
7. How do we continuously monitor and assess our IT risk profile to identify new risks and vulnerabilities as they emerge?

Developing a Sound IT Risk Assessment Plan

The key is understanding the risks a business faces, generally, and those that are most prevalent within their company, including:

1. Cyber threats such as malware, phishing attacks and computer viruses pose a serious risk to any organization. CFOs must be vigilant in assessing their risk exposure, developing strategies to protect against malicious attacks, and regularly monitoring security performance.
2. The loss or theft of confidential data can have dire consequences for an organization’s reputation, financial standing and customer trust. CFOs should ensure that all data is securely stored and that access is strictly controlled.
3. Regulatory compliance issues are increasingly complex and require organizations to stay up-to-date with the latest requirements. A formal risk assessment process helps CFOs identify areas of non-compliance and create action plans to address them.
4. Weak authentication methods for user accounts leave businesses vulnerable to unauthorized access or data manipulation by malicious actors. CFOs must ensure that only trusted users can access sensitive systems or data with strong authentication protocols in place.
5. An inadequate disaster recovery plan could mean long periods of downtime or lost work due to system failures or disruptions. A thorough risk assessment will help CFOs develop strategies to minimize possible impacts on operations and services if disaster strikes.
6. Uncontrolled access to sensitive systems and data presents many risks, from hacking attempts to unintentional errors caused by untrained personnel making changes they don't understand or have authorization for. As part of their assessment, CFOs should ensure these systems are adequately protected with appropriate access controls in place.
7. Downtime due to system failures or disruptions can lead to severe financial losses as well as customer dissatisfaction if services are unavailable when needed most. To avoid this scenario, CFOs should always include adequate contingencies in their risk management plan, including strategies for preventing disruption before it happens and responding appropriately when it does occur.
8. Unauthorized access to networks or other resources can lead to unauthorized activity on the corporate network, resulting in costly damages for the company in terms of both financial losses and reputational damage if the breach goes public without proper remediation steps taken beforehand.

Conclusion

We hope this two-part blog series helps you to prioritize your IT and business risk posture. As a CFO, CEO or CIO it is essential to develop and maintain an effective IT risk management program to protect your organization’s information assets as well as your overall business continuity.

By asking key questions about cyber threats, data security, compliance issues and more, these leaders can ensure that their business is adequately protected from potential risks. Implementing strong authentication protocols and disaster recovery plans as well as controlling access to sensitive systems are also critical steps for mitigating any financial or reputational damage caused by IT-related incidents. It’s time for organizations of all sizes to take proactive measures when it comes to safeguarding their technology infrastructure - don't wait until it's too late!
We are here to help you minimize risks and stay in IT compliance, as your business may require. If you would like to get a clear picture of your IT risks, the risk gap, and your biggest vulnerabilities, then take the next step and request a phone consultation to learn more about our process.

Call CTS now, before it’s too late, to create a comprehensive security evaluation and solution that specifically addresses your company needs. You can reach us at 508-528-7720 or send an email to [email protected] to schedule a time to meet – at your office via Zoom, or on the phone.

This is the second installment of a two-part series. Read Part One here.

Seven  IT Security Best Practices for Implementing Optimal Protection of Your Network

Introduction

A recent client shared their experience about the plethora of information about IT security. We admit, it can be overwhelming given the fast pace of technology, the growing threats, pressure to meet cybersecurity insurance requirements, compliance, and more. Our team put this information together to help you develop both a sense of calm, and of urgency - not to mention a continuous, organization-wide - sense of vigilance and risk avoidance.
Let's start with an important business question, the kind that perhaps keeps you awake at night, or at least has that potential!

Can you really afford the cost and horrendous inconvenience of a business interruption due to an IT security breach or blunder?

Data theft, malware, ransomware, phishing attacks -- these are all serious threats to any organization’s safety and security. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself from these cyber threats. Here are some best practices that you should consider implementing to fortify your network’s security - which we outline is this article. Specifically, we will discuss some of the essential security best practices that should be implemented within an organization's network infrastructure to help protect against a variety of cyber threats.
In the modern business world today, where technology and digital information are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats, organizations must be vigilant in implementing security best practices for their networks. With hackers becoming more sophisticated in their techniques, organizations need to take proactive steps to protect themselves from potential data breaches or cyber-attacks. The risks posed by these malicious actors have never been greater and organizations need to ensure that they are well-equipped with the right tools and strategies needed to mitigate any potential threats.

Your protection plan must include the following:
 
1. Understand Your Network & Identify Your Assets

The first step in implementing IT security best practices for your network is to understand your network. You need to know what systems and data are on your network, how they are interconnected, and who has access to them. This information will help you identify potential security risks and vulnerabilities.
 
2. Perform Regular Risk Assessments & Audits

Once you have a good understanding of your network and its assets, the next step is to perform regular risk assessments and audits. These should be conducted on an ongoing basis in order to identify any potential security threats and vulnerabilities. This will help you better understand where your weaknesses lie so that you can take the necessary steps to strengthen your network’s security.

An IT security audit is a comprehensive and systematic review of an organization’s technical controls and processes to ensure that the organization's information assets and systems are safe from unauthorized access, misuse, modification, or destruction. The primary goal of the IT security audit process is to ensure that the organization has implemented appropriate protective measures to reduce the risk of a security breach.

3. Implement Access Controls & Encryption

It is important that organizations implement access controls and encryption measures to protect confidential data from unauthorized access. Access controls should be used to limit user access to only those resources required for their job function, while encryption should be used to protect data at rest and in transit. If you have sensitive data on your network, it is important to use encryption. Encryption is a process of transforming data so that it cannot be read by unauthorized individuals.

There are many different types of encryption, and choosing the right one depends on the type of data you are trying to protect. Our team can help you select the right third party encryption tools for your business protection.

4. Implement Physical Security Controls

Once you have identified your assets, you need to implement security controls to protect them. There are a variety of security controls available, including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and encryption. You need to select the controls that are most appropriate for your environment and make sure they are properly configured and maintained.

Managing WiFi access is important so that your data and information stay secure. It is important to keep public WiFi access separate from internal WiFi access, so that people outside of your organization do not have access to sensitive information.

Here are five common WiFi access mistakes that businesses make today:

1. Not Enforcing Strong Passwords: The most common mistake companies make is not enforcing strong passwords for both their employees and guests. This makes it easier for an attacker to gain access to the network by using simple guesswork or brute-force attacks.

2. Not Refreshing Default Credentials: A lot of businesses don’t realize that many routers come with default usernames and passwords, which can easily be guessed or discovered online. It’s important to change these credentials as soon as you set up your router in order to ensure that malicious actors cannot gain access to your system.

3. Failure To Update Firmware/Software: Keeping your system updated is essential when it comes to maintaining a secure WiFi network. Make sure you keep up-to-date with any new firmware updates or software patches so that attackers cannot exploit any unpatched vulnerabilities in the system.

4. Lack Of Network Segmentation: Companies often forget about segmenting their networks into different VLANs (virtual local area networks). This helps prevent traffic from one segment from reaching another and keeps sensitive information away from prying eyes on public networks, such as guest users or hackers who may have gained access through weak security measures elsewhere.
 
5. Not Using Encryption: If you are not using encryption, then your data is exposed to anyone who can gain access to the network. Encryption ensures that only authorized users can view the data, making it much harder for attackers to steal sensitive information. It’s important to use either WPA2 or WPA3 wireless network encryption to secure your data.

5. Create Security Awareness & Training Programs

One of the most important security best practices is creating security awareness and training programs. These programs should include topics such as online safety, good password management, email safety, phishing, and other cyber threats. Your employees need to be educated on these topics so that they can protect themselves and your network from potential threats. They need to be aware of the potential risks and vulnerabilities associated with using the network and how to avoid them. They also need to know what to do if they suspect that their account has been compromised or if they receive suspicious emails or attachments.
Keep in mind, cybersecurity awareness and training may be required for your cybersecurity insurance. Check your policy. We offer an affordable, year-round awareness and training solution that meets your insurance requirements and your company’s needs.

6. Test Your Controls

It is important to regularly test your security controls to ensure that they are working properly. This can be done through internal testing or by hiring an external firm to conduct a penetration test. A penetration test simulates an attack on your system to identify any weaknesses in your defenses. Penetration testing is a way to check the security of a business network. People try to break into the network and see if it is secure. If there are weak spots, they can be fixed so that bad people can't get in. At a minimum, the following should be tested:

• Firewall testing: Testing the firewall helps to ensure that only authorized users and traffic can access the network, while protecting it from malicious actors.
• User authentication testing: Testing user authentication is important to verify that only approved users have access to the system, as well as ensuring strong passwords are enforced and regularly changed.
• Data privacy testing: This type of test can help to ensure that all data is properly protected and encrypted, as well as verifying that any personal information is not being collected or shared without authorization.
• Vulnerability scanning: Scanning for vulnerabilities helps to identify any potential weak spots in the system so that they can be addressed.
• Intrusion detection: This type of test helps to identify any malicious activity on the network, such as attempts to gain unauthorized access or malware infections.
• Log monitoring and auditing: Monitoring and auditing logs helps to ensure that all activity is being monitored and tracked for suspicious behavior.
• Risk assessment: By conducting regular risk assessments, companies can identify and address any potential risks before they become a problem.
• Security policy review: Reviewing the security policies helps to ensure that all users are following proper security protocols and that the system is being kept up to date with the latest patches and updates.

 
7. Monitor Your Network Traffic

You also need to monitor your network for signs of suspicious activity. This includes monitoring for unusual traffic patterns, unexpected changes in system configuration, and unauthorized access attempts. If you suspect that your system has been compromised, you should take immediate action to contain the damage and prevent further access by the attacker. Monitoring your network traffic can help you to detect suspicious activity and identify potential security threats. There are many different tools available that can help you monitor your network traffic, and it is important to choose the right tool for your specific needs.

Bonus Strategy #1: Use a Properly Configured Modern Firewall

Another important security measure is to use a firewall. A firewall is a system that helps to block unwanted traffic from entering your network. By configuring your firewall properly, you can help to prevent attackers from gaining access to your network. Additionally, firewalls can also be used to control what type of traffic is allowed on your network. This can help to ensure that malicious actors are unable to gain access to sensitive data or system resources. To protect your network from malicious intrusions, using a firewall with updated firmware is essential. Outdated firewalls do not offer the same amount of security as modern ones and should be replaced immediately to ensure maximum protection. With their advanced guard measures, new firewalls are far superior to legacy models – and we recommend a review of your firewall technology and configurations.
 
Bonus Strategy #2: Stay Up-to-Date on Technology and Expert Advice (Ever Vigilant and Always Prepared)

The final step in implementing IT security best practices for your network is to stay up-to-date on the latest security threats and vulnerabilities, and the best practices being used in your industry and for your mission critical applications. You should regularly review security news and information resources, patch any known vulnerabilities, monitor industry trends, and attend conferences or seminars that focus on cybersecurity. Staying informed about the latest security threats and vulnerabilities can help you protect your network from any potential attacks.
By following these steps above, and implementing the appropriate security controls, you can ensure that your network is secure and protected against potential threats. Additionally, it is important to remember that IT security best practices should be constantly reviewed and updated as technology evolves. As new threats emerge, you should make sure that your security controls are able to keep up with the changing landscape and keep your network safe. Implementing IT security best practices will help you protect your data, systems, and networks from malicious actors and prevent security breaches that could cause significant damage to your organization.

Conclusion

IT security is everyone's responsibility and best practices start at the top! Based on more than 30 years of network support and IT management services, setting a good example my senior management has a trickle effect. Vigilance at all levels matters. IT security best practices are essential for protecting the data and systems on your network. By identifying critical assets, implementing appropriate security controls, training employees on security protocol, monitoring network traffic, and staying up-to-date with the latest security threats, you can help to ensure that your network is secure and protected from malicious actors. Our recommendations regarding best practices will help you protect your organization from security breaches and other potential risks. Dive into each area, and develop a solid plan to address them!
 

CTS Services, Inc., is a full service IT support and managed services company, located in Bellingham, MA, serving clients across New England. When it comes to network security, we recommend a quarterly business review to keep pace with the best practices for your industry. In a technology advisory review, which also considers business factors, we examine cybersecurity and IT performance with the goal of an assessment of current technology and policy recommendations.

If you are ready to schedule a technology review, please visit https://www.ctsservices.com/techreview or call us at 508-528-7720.