As cyber-attacks continue to proliferate, the costs of cybersecurity insurance are on the rise. Insurance providers are making changes that significantly impact the way businesses need to protect themselves. Insurers are increasingly requiring companies to adopt specific cybersecurity measures in order to qualify for coverage. This has led to a rise in the cost of cyber insurance, with premiums reaching as high as $100,000 per year for some businesses. For small businesses, who are especially vulnerable, the rising cost of cybersecurity insurance can be daunting. However, it's important to remember that the cost of not having insurance is much higher. In the event of a cyber-attack, businesses without insurance can face steep financial losses. The increased cost of insurance is worth it for the peace of mind it provides. By taking measures to protect your business, you can make yourself eligible for coverage and help reduce the cost of premiums. Here are some of the major factors and challenges companies face in both applying for cybersecurity insurance and in meeting the increased requirements of the insurance companies. 1. The increasing cost of cybersecurity response (or ransomware payment) insurance. Cybersecurity response insurance is one of the most commonly purchased forms of cyber insurance. It covers the costs associated with responding to a cyber-attack, such as hiring a forensic team, notifying customers, and repairing damage to systems. In recent years, premiums for this type of coverage have increased significantly, often doubling or even tripling in cost. 2. The increasing number of data breaches. Insurance providers are also raising premiums in response to the increasing number of data breaches. As more businesses are targeted by hackers, the risk of a data breach increases, and insurers must charge more to cover their potential losses. 3. The growing sophistication of cyber attacks. The sophistication of cyber attacks is also increasing, making it more difficult for businesses to defend themselves against threats. This has led to an increase in the number of claims filed under cybersecurity insurance policies and has driven up premiums accordingly. 4. The expanding range of risks covered by cybersecurity insurance policies. Cybersecurity insurance policies have also been expanding to cover a wider range of risks. In addition to covering costs associated with data breaches and cyber attacks, many policies now also provide coverage for ransomware payments, intellectual property theft, and business interruption caused by a cyber incident. This has led to higher premiums as insurers seek to spread their risk across a larger number of policies. 5. The difficulty in meeting insurer requirements for coverage. Many businesses find it difficult to meet the requirements set by insurers for coverage under a cybersecurity policy. This can include having robust data security measures in place and demonstrating an understanding of potential threats and how to mitigate them. Businesses that cannot meet these requirements may be forced to go without insurance or pay higher premiums for less comprehensive coverage. In addition, insurers are becoming more demanding in their requirements for coverage. They are no longer willing to simply provide coverage for damages that have been caused by a cyber-attack. They are now also requiring businesses to take steps to prevent such attacks from happening in the first place. This includes adopting specific cybersecurity measures such as installing firewalls and antivirus software, and training employees on how to protect themselves from cyber threats. Businesses that want to obtain cyber insurance face several challenges in meeting these requirements. One is the cost of implementing these measures, which can be significant. In addition, many businesses lack the expertise needed to properly secure their networks from cyber threats. And even businesses that do have the necessary expertise may find it difficult to keep up with the constantly changing security landscape. To overcome these challenges, businesses should take a holistic approach to cybersecurity. This includes not only implementing specific security measures, but also developing a corporate culture that is mindful of cybersecurity risks and taking steps to mitigate them. Businesses should also partner with qualified cybersecurity professionals who can help them assess their risk profile and design a security strategy that meets their needs. 1. Review your business's risk profile. Before applying for cybersecurity insurance, businesses should assess their risk profile to determine how likely they are to be targeted by hackers. This includes evaluating their data security measures and understanding the types of threats they are most vulnerable to. 2. Implement robust data security measures. Small businesses can protect themselves from cyber-attacks by implementing robust data security measures. This includes installing firewalls and antivirus software, encrypting data, and training employees on how to protect themselves from cyber threats. 3. Develop a corporate culture that is mindful of cybersecurity risks. It's not enough to simply implement security measures; businesses must also develop a corporate culture that is mindful of the risks associated with cybersecurity and takes steps to mitigate them. This includes educating employees about common cyber threats and how to avoid them, establishing policies governing the use of technology, and regularly testing the security of their networks. 4. Partner with qualified cybersecurity professionals. Businesses that lack the expertise needed to secure their networks from cyber threats should partner with qualified cybersecurity professionals. These experts can help businesses assess their risk profile and design a security strategy that meets their needs. 5. Stay up to date with the latest security threats. The environment of cybersecurity is constantly changing, so businesses need to stay up to date with the latest threats and how to protect themselves against them. This includes subscribing to newsletters and blogs, attending industry events, and working with qualified cybersecurity professionals. 6. Regularly test the security of your networks. Businesses should regularly test the security of their networks to ensure that they are protected against current threats. This can be done through penetration testing or vulnerability scanning tools. 7. Keep backups of your data in case of a breach. In the event of a data breach, it's important to have backups of your data so you can continue operations without losing any information. Businesses should make sure that their backup plans are robust and include offsite storage in case of a ransomware attack." By following these steps, businesses can not only meet the requirements of their cybersecurity insurance policy, but also improve their overall security posture and protect themselves from cyber-attacks. The very first step in getting started with cybersecurity insurance is to review your business's risk profile. This includes assessing your data security measures and understanding the types of threats you are most vulnerable to. Once you have a better understanding of your risk profile, you can begin implementing robust data security measures to protect yourself from cyber-attacks. By following these steps, businesses can not only meet the requirements of their cybersecurity insurance policy, but also improve their overall security posture and protect themselves from cyber-attacks. If you are a business looking for help securing your network from cyber threats, CTS Services, Inc. is the perfect partner. With many years of experience in the cybersecurity industry, we can help businesses of all sizes assess their risk profile and design a security strategy that meets their needs. Contact us today at 508-528-7720 or visit www.ctsservices.com to learn more! The Case for Managed IT Services: Shared IT Priorities to Minimize Risk and Maximize Performance8/4/2022
Managed Services provides peace of mind and positions a company to focus on what it does best; attention to the business at hand and serving clients. Protecting your company’s data (including your clients’ and your vendors’ data) is a full-time job in today’s world and it requires a cooperative effort of your team and of ours. Our job is to support your IT infrastructure so that all your company’s applications run smoothly, with minimal disruption, and with rapid recovery to any disaster that may strike. Shared IT priorities are important in managed IT services because they help to minimize risk and maximize performance. By sharing IT priorities, companies can better identify potential risks and take steps to mitigate them. Additionally, shared IT priorities help to ensure that all members of the IT team are on the same page and working towards the same goals. This can help to avoid confusion and duplication of effort, and ultimately lead to more efficient and effective IT management. Savvy IT professionals and business leaders strive to manage risks and leverage opportunities using technology more so that ever, and there are many strategies and steps for limiting vulnerabilities from both internal technology issues and from cybersecurity attacks. Much can be done to limit exposure, including: Smart Cybersecurity Practices and Awareness Training As the world becomes increasingly reliant on technology, cybersecurity becomes more and more important. Online criminals are constantly finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities, and it can be difficult for even the most tech-savvy individuals to stay ahead of the curve. That's why businesses need to provide on-demand education and awareness training for their employees. By making sure that everyone understands the basics of cybersecurity, businesses can make themselves much less inviting targets for attacks. Furthermore, employees who are aware of the latest threats are more likely to spot suspicious activity and report it to the IT department. On-demand education and awareness training is essential for any business that wants to protect itself against cybersecurity threats. Asset Protection: data backup and recovery Asset protection is a top priority for any business, and data backup and recovery are essential components of a comprehensive asset protection strategy. By protecting corporate information, businesses can mitigate the risk of data loss and ensure that critical information is always available. Backup and restore policies should be designed to protect against all types of data loss, including hardware failure, software corruption, and user error. To maximize data protection, businesses should regularly test their backup and recovery procedures to ensure that they are effective. By taking these steps, businesses can safeguard their assets and ensure that they are always able to access the information they need. End User Support, Monitoring and Access Control In order to ensure remote and mobile users have secure access to corporate networks and IT resources, organizations must implement a comprehensive end user support strategy. This strategy should include a robust system of monitoring and access control. By tracking user activity and setting strict permissions, organizations can ensure that only authorized users are accessing sensitive data. In addition, by monitoring IT performance, organizations can identify and resolve issues before they cause major disruptions. By implementing these measures, organizations can provide remote and mobile users with secure access to corporate networks and IT resources. Best In Class, Latest Generation WiFi Routers and Firewalls The new generation of WiFi routers and firewalls are the best in class, providing wireless access and security that is unrivaled. With new technology, these devices can provide a higher level of protection against hackers and malware. In addition, they are able to properly configure firewall settings to ensure that your network is secure. As a result, you can rest assured that your data and devices are safe when you use the latest generation of Wi-Fi routers and firewalls. Software Patch Monitoring and Management In today's business environment, software patch monitoring and management is critical to ensuring the security of company data. With the ever-present risks of malware and ransomware, it is essential to keep software up-to-date with the latest security patches. Automated updates can help to take the burden off of IT staff and ensure that all systems are updated in a timely manner. However, it is important to monitor update activity to ensure that vital systems are not disrupted. By keeping on top of software updates, companies can minimize the risks associated with security vulnerabilities. Endpoint monitoring and end user support In today's digital world, endpoint monitoring and end user support are essential for any organization. Endpoint devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets, are often the first point of contact for users when they access corporate networks. As a result, it is critical that these devices are properly monitored and managed. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) is a key component of endpoint security. It involves monitoring endpoint devices for signs of malicious activity and responding quickly to any incidents that are detected. An endpoint management platform can provide comprehensive visibility into all endpoint activity and helps to streamline the EDR process. By deploying an endpoint management platform, organizations can improve their overall security posture and better protect their end users. Endpoint monitoring is the practice of monitoring the activity on a device that is connected to a network. This can be done in order to troubleshoot issues, assess performance, or keep track of compliance with policies. End user support is the provision of assistance to individuals who use an organization's products or services. This can include providing training, answering questions, or resolving problems. In many cases, endpoint monitoring and end user support are provided by the same team or individual. However, it is becoming increasingly common for organizations to outsource endpoint monitoring to specialist firms. This is often seen as a more cost-effective way to ensure that devices are properly monitored and maintained. Server performance monitoring and remote support Server performance monitoring is a critical task for any business that relies on a network of computers to function. By tracking server performance, businesses can identify and solve problems before they cause major disruptions. Additionally, remote support can be used to resolve issues quickly and efficiently. Remote support allows businesses to connect to servers remotely in order to troubleshoot and repair problems. When combined, these two tools can help businesses keep their servers running smoothly and avoid costly downtime. IT Compliance requirements for your industry Depending on the industry in which your company operates, there may be specific IT compliance requirements that must be met in order to do business. For example, companies in the healthcare industry are subject to HIPAA compliance regulations, which govern the way patient data is stored and transmitted. Financial companies are subject to Sarbanes-Oxley compliance regulations, which govern financial reporting. And companies that handle credit card transactions must comply with PCI-DSS standards. While meeting these compliance requirements can be a challenge, it's essential to ensuring the security of your data and protecting your company from legal liabilities. By working with a qualified IT consultant, you can ensure that your company is in compliance with all applicable regulations. Latest hardware in place, including servers, storage, and end user devices In today's business environment, having the latest hardware is essential for success. With servers, storage, and end user devices that are constantly being updated, it's important to have a plan in place to keep your business up-to-date. By staying on top of the latest hardware trends, you can ensure that your business is using the best possible equipment. This not only helps to improve efficiency and productivity, but it also helps to reduce costs. In addition, by keeping your hardware up-to-date, you can help to ensure that your business is always able to take advantage of new technologies as they become available. Remote and mobile user device security, access control and monitoring The remote and mobile user device security landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years, as remote and hybrid work environments have become the norm. This new reality has created significant security challenges for organizations of all sizes, as they strive to protect their assets and data from a variety of threats. As more and more businesses move to remote and hybrid work models, the need for effective remote and mobile user device security has never been greater. Security challenges posed by remote and mobile workers include protecting assets from unauthorized access and ensuring that data is properly encrypted during transmission. To meet these challenges, organizations must implement effective remote and mobile user device security policies and procedures. These policies should include provisions for authentication, authorization, data encryption, device management, and activity monitoring. By taking these steps, organizations can protect their assets and ensure that their data is properly secured. Call to Action - Partnering for IT Support and Security Together, let’s focus on doing all we can to protect your network, your company assets, and ensure all appropriate IT best practices are in place to keep your business running smoothly and securely. Trust and confidence are the cornerstones of any successful business relationship. IT support and security are critical for any business. Trust and confidence are essential in any partnership, and that's especially true when it comes to IT. We're here to help you ensure business continuity and plan for future growth. We'll work with you to identify your specific needs and develop a customized solution that meets your unique requirements. Contact us today at 508-528-7720 to learn more about how we can help you protect your business. Internet Security: An Introduction to Virtual Private Networks (VPN)
When you connect to the Internet, whether through a home network or public Wi-Fi, you are opening yourself up to potential security risks. Hackers can easily steal your personal information, passwords, and credit card numbers if you’re not using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN creates a secure connection between your device and the Internet by encrypting your data. This makes it much more difficult for hackers to steal your information. It provides an additional level of security and privacy when you are online. A VPN also hides your IP address, making it harder for websites to track your location and activity. A Virtual Private Network is a way to connect to the internet using a secure, private network. This means that your computer or phone connects to the VPN server instead of directly to the internet. This makes it harder for someone to track what you are doing online or steal your personal information. Choosing a VPN Service Provider There are several different VPN providers from which to choose, so it’s important to do your research, as features vary. Some factors to consider include price, security features, speed, and customer support. When it comes to choosing a VPN service, our network team can make a recommendation for your business. Some of the most reputable VPN providers include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost. These providers offer robust security features, high speeds, and excellent customer support. Specifically, we recommend you consider these five factors: 1. Price 2. Security 3. Ease of use 4. Speed 5. Location When it comes to choosing a VPN service provider, one of the most important factors to consider is location. The reason for this is that different countries have different internet censorship laws. For example, the Chinese government imposes strict censorship rules on all internet traffic coming in and out of the country. If you are trying to access a website that is blocked in China, you will need to use a VPN service that has servers located outside of the country. Similarly, if you are trying to access a website that is blocked in your country, you will need to use a VPN service with servers located in another country. This is why it’s important to choose a VPN service provider with servers in multiple countries. That way, you will be able to access a wider range of websites and online services. It’s important to do your research before choosing a VPN provider. NordVPN, CyberGhost, and ExpressVPN are all popular options when it comes to VPNs. But how do their prices compare? NordVPN is one of the more affordable VPNs on the market, with plans starting at just $3.49 per month. CyberGhost is also a budget-friendly option, with plans starting at $2.75 per month. ExpressVPN is slightly more expensive, with plans starting at $8.32 per month. However, ExpressVPN also offers a few more features than its competitors, including unlimited bandwidth and 24/7 customer support. So which VPN is the best value for your money? That depends on your needs and budget. If you're looking for an affordable option with plenty of features, NordVPN or CyberGhost might be a good choice. If you're willing to pay a bit more for additional features and support, ExpressVPN could be the right VPN for you. Once you’ve chosen a VPN provider, setting up your VPN is usually straightforward. You’ll simply need to install the VPN software on your device and then connect to the VPN server. A VPN server is a remote server that allows users to connect to a private network using a public network, such as the Internet. VPN servers are used to provide secure access to a private network for employees or other authorized users. Common Concerns and Questions Our network support team fields many questions about IT security solutions. Among some of the questions we receive about VPNs are:
What are the best VPNs? That depends on your needs and budget. For a comprehensive list of the best VPNs, check out this link. It's Time to Start Using VPNs By using a VPN, employees can connect to the company's network as if they were in the office, allowing them to work from home or on the go. Vendors who need to connect to the company's network remotely can also use a VPN. By doing so, they can access the company's resources as if they were on-site. This is especially useful for companies with sensitive data that needs to be kept secure, such as healthcare organizations. VPNs are not just for businesses, however. Individuals can also use a VPN to keep their personal data safe. When connecting to the internet from a public Wi-Fi hotspot, for example, using a VPN can help to prevent hackers from stealing personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers. Overall, VPNs provide a secure way for individuals and businesses to connect to the internet. By using a VPN, businesses can keep their data safe, and individuals can protect their personal information. There are many benefits to using a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN can keep your data safe from hackers, prevent your ISP from tracking your online activity, and help you access geo-locked content. However, not all VPNs are not the same. When choosing a VPN, it is important to choose one that is reputable and offers a high level of security. If you are looking for a VPN to keep your data safe from hackers, we recommend ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN uses military-grade encryption to protect your data from hackers, and their strict no logs policy means that your ISP will not be able to track your online activity. ExpressVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free. If you are looking for a VPN to help you access geo-locked content, we recommend NordVPN. NordVPN has servers in over 60 countries, so you can easily connect to a server in the country of your choice. NordVPN also uses military-grade encryption to protect your data, and their strict no logs policy means that your ISP will not be able to track your online activity. Summary A VPN is a private network that uses public infrastructure (usually the internet) to provide remote users secure access to their network. Overall, VPNs provide a secure way for individuals and businesses to connect to the internet. By using a VPN, businesses can keep their data safe, and individuals can protect their personal information. A VPN creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between your computer and the VPN server. All your internet traffic passes through this tunnel, so your data is protected from prying eyes along the way. In most countries, VPNs are legal. There are a few countries, like China, that have restrictions on VPN use. Whether or not you need a VPN depends on your needs. If you’re concerned about online privacy, security, or accessing geo-locked content, then a VPN is worth it. The best VPN for you depends on your needs and budget. Our VPN Recommendations Every client is different, with unique support and security requirements. Security and privacy are, however, a universal need. If you are looking for a VPN to keep your data safe from hackers, we recommend ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN uses military-grade encryption to protect your data from hackers, and their strict no logs policy means that your ISP will not be able to track your online activity. ExpressVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free. If you are looking for a VPN to help you access geo-locked content, we recommend NordVPN. NordVPN has servers in over 60 countries, so you can easily connect to a server in the country of your choice. NordVPN also uses military-grade encryption to protect your data, and their strict no logs policy means that your ISP will not be able to track your online activity. Generally speaking, it might seem like a good idea to use a free VPN service, but it is not worth it in the end. You are better off paying for a VPN service that you know and trust. We can help you choose the right VPN service for your company. Simply call us at 508-528-7720 or send an email to service@ctsservices.com to book a phone call to discuss your VPN needs. Stay vigilant. Michelle Carlow President Cybersecurity Awareness: An Introduction As business leaders, we are all too familiar with the headlines about major companies being hacked and sensitive customer data being exposed. We have also seen an increase in cyber-attacks targeting small businesses. These attacks can have a devastating impact on our businesses, both financially and reputationally. That is why it is essential that we make cybersecurity awareness training a priority for all of our employees. Cybersecurity awareness training helps employees to understand the importance of cyber security and how they can protect themselves and our businesses from attacks. There are many different types of training available, but it is important to choose a program that is right for your business. A managed services provider (MSP) can help you to assess your risks and choose a program that will be most effective for your company. MSPs can also play a vital role in reducing your company's cybersecurity risks. They can provide 24/7 monitoring and support, as well as expert advice on how to best protect your business from attacks. By working with an MSP, you can ensure that your employees are properly trained and that your business is as secure as possible. Getting started with a cybersecurity awareness program does not have to be difficult or expensive. There are many free resources available online, including webinars, articles, and tips from experts. You can also find affordable training programs that will meet the needs of your business. The most important thing is to make cybersecurity awareness training a priority for your company. By taking steps to educate your employees, you can help to protect your business from attacks and safeguard your customers' data. How cybersecurity awareness training can help mitigate costly IT vulnerability risks. Cybersecurity breaches can have a number of devastating consequences for businesses, including financial loss, damage to reputation, and loss of customer trust. Cyber awareness training can help employees to understand the importance of cyber security and how they can protect themselves and our businesses from attacks. By taking steps to educate your employees, you can help to protect your business from attacks and safeguard your customers' data. There are many different types of training available, but it is important to choose a program that is right for your business. A managed services provider (MSP) can help you to assess your risks and choose a program that will be most effective for your company. MSPs can also play a vital role in reducing your company's cybersecurity risks. They can provide 24/7 monitoring and support, as well as expert advice on how to best protect your business from attacks. Why Cybersecurity Awareness Training is Important As the world becomes more connected, we are seeing a rise in cyber-attacks. These attacks can have a serious impact on businesses, both large and small. Cybersecurity awareness training helps employees to understand the importance of cyber security and how they can protect themselves and our businesses from attacks. There are many different types of training available, but it is important to choose a program that is right for your business. A managed services provider (MSP) can help you to assess your risks and choose a program that will be most effective for your company. MSPs can also play a vital role in reducing your company's cybersecurity risks. They can provide 24/7 monitoring and support, as well as expert advice on how to best protect your business. As businesses face increasing cyber threats, it's more important than ever to make sure all employees are properly trained in cybersecurity awareness. By taking a proactive approach to cybersecurity training, businesses can help protect themselves from costly hacks and data breaches. There are several key reasons why cybersecurity awareness training is essential for all employees: 1. Cybersecurity can help protect your business from costly hacks and data breaches. In today's digital world, cybersecurity is more important than ever. With hackers becoming increasingly sophisticated, businesses of all sizes are at risk of costly data breaches. In addition to the financial cost of such an incident, a data breach can also damage your company's reputation and make it difficult to regain customer trust. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your business from cybersecurity threats. By implementing strong cybersecurity measures, you can help to safeguard your most valuable assets and ensure business continuity in the event of a data breach. In today's competitive landscape, cybersecurity is a necessity, not a luxury. By taking steps to protect your business, you can help ensure its long-term success. 2. Cybersecurity awareness training can help employees identify and avoid phishing scams. Cybersecurity is becoming an increasingly important concern for businesses of all sizes. As the number of cyberattacks grows, it's vital that employees are properly trained in cybersecurity best practices. Cybersecurity awareness training can help employees learn how to identify and avoid phishing scams. Phishing is a type of email scam where attackers send malicious emails in an attempt to gather sensitive information such as login credentials or financial information. By educating employees on how to spot phishing emails, businesses can reduce the risk of a successful attack. Additionally, cybersecurity awareness training should be an on-going process, as new threats and scams are constantly emerging. By investing in cybersecurity awareness training, businesses can help protect their data and their bottom line. 3. Training can also help employees understand the importance of good password hygiene and how to create strong passwords. One of the most important aspects of cybersecurity is password hygiene. Creating strong, unique passwords is one of the best ways to protect your accounts from being hacked. However, many people still use weak and easily guessed passwords. In addition to using strong passwords, it's also important to change them on a regular basis and to never reuse passwords across different accounts. By teaching employees, the importance of good password hygiene, businesses can help to reduce the risk of a successful cyberattack. 4. Cybersecurity awareness training can help businesses improve their overall security posture. As the number of cyberattacks grows, it's vital that employees are properly trained in cybersecurity best practices. Cybersecurity awareness training can help employees learn how to identify and avoid phishing scams. There are many benefits to a well-executed cybersecurity awareness program. It helps employees understand the responsibility they have in keeping the company's data safe. Additionally, it teaches employees how to spot potential cyber threats, such as phishing emails, and it gives employees the confidence they need to report suspicious activity without fear of reprisal. Most importantly, however, it helps create a culture of security within the company, which is essential for protecting data. Cybersecurity Awareness Training Done Right. When it comes to designing a cybersecurity training program, there are a few key things to keep in mind: 1. Make sure the training is interactive and engaging. Employees should be given the opportunity to ask questions and participate in activities, rather than just sit and listen to a lecture. 2. Use real-world examples to help employees understand the importance of cyber awareness. 3. Keep the training program relevant and up-to-date. As new threats emerge, make sure your employees are aware of them. 4. Make sure the training is mandatory for all employees. By making it mandatory, you'll ensure that everyone receives the training and understands its importance. 5. Work with a managed services provider to help reduce your cyber risks. A managed services provider can help design and implement a comprehensive cybersecurity program, as well as provide ongoing support and monitoring. By taking a proactive approach to cybersecurity awareness training, businesses can help protect themselves from costly hacks and data breaches. With the right training program in place, businesses can create a culture of security that will help keep their data safe. Of course, CTS Services, Inc. can help you get started with cybersecurity awareness training and reduce your risks . Our team of experts can provide you with the resources and support you need to make sure your employees are properly trained and your business is as secure as possible. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you protect your business from cyber-attacks. Take The Next Step For more information on how to get started with cybersecurity awareness training, contact CTS Services today. We'll work with you to design a comprehensive program that fits your needs and helps reduce your cyber risks. We are a leading provider of cyber security solutions and services. We help businesses assess their risks, implement security controls, and monitor their networks 24/7. Contact us today at 508-528-7720 or visit www.ctsservices.com to learn more about our services. Avoid a cyber-breach and stay out of the headlines
In public relations circles they joke that ‘bad PR is better than no PR’ – but that is not true. Just ask any CEO of a company in the news for a cyber-breach! Every year, around this time, we reach out to all clients with a reminder about cybersecurity and the smart action that best protects your organization. Sometimes the very topic causes company leadership to freeze or, worse, organizational paralysis sets in and the company does not properly address cybersecurity, leaving unknown vulnerabilities, and opportunities for the dark web! We are often brought in to help strengthen and ‘shore up’ a client’s cybersecurity plan to ensure integrity. All too often, though, we are summoned after the horses are loose from the barn. It is far less costly to have a strong plan in place (and enforced) than to have to recover from a disaster – one that hopefully is never newsworthy in the first place. Cybersecurity is always ‘top of mind’ in every company – at least that should be the case! Hopefully, it remains high on the list, as a constant, on your IT whiteboard list of priorities. While the world of IT Management and Cybersecurity are always changing, there is much sage advice that applies today. Make these four points a top priority, strategically, and put our team to work to help you avoid negative news headlines:
Here are a few things that your company can (ought to) do to minimize risk, lower your vulnerability, and maximize your protection. 1. Designate your company’s Cybersecurity Officer. Support the person in that role with proper management, leadership, training, and the proper budget to implement the company plan. 2. Decide who has access to what kinds of information within your company and use network technology to control and monitor to ensure best protection. 3. The company HR policy manual ought to address the ‘risky on-line behaviors’ to be avoided. Ongoing, all employees must be educated about data protection, and the importance of developing a security-aware mindset. 4. Ensure that your IT systems and policies meet or exceed all external requirements for your business and industry, including PCI Compliance, for example. 5. Utilize cloud storage to support your cybersecurity and data protection requirements. This is especially important if your IT department is not properly staffed with information security experts. Encrypt all data where appropriate. 6. Enable controls over all mobile electronic devices used by your company. Be sure that capabilities such as remote wipe are activated, so that control is maintained. 7. Back up your data – and test your back up and restore policies, procedures and technology. You do not want to wait for disaster to strike only to discover your current solution is inadequate. 8. Proper security software is deployed on all mobile devices accessing the company’s network and business systems. Bring your own devices (BYOD) are properly managed and secured, as are all social media policies an access. It’s a good time - right now - to make sure you gain powerful protection against cyber-threats According to Microsoft, Cyberattacks will likely cost $6 trillion worldwide by 2021. Of course, they admit (and we concur) that the Office 365 collection of threat-protection solutions helps protect against a wide range of threats. Vigilance is required. Take the next step. Cybersecurity is a constant priority, requiring smart oversight and monitoring. Yes, we can help you stay out of the headlines, but you must call us before those horses get out of the barn. In their research, Microsoft has found that 74 percent of small and medium-sized businesses don’t believe they’ll ever be the victim of a cyberattack. However, the reality is much harsher. As many as 41 percent of similarly sized businesses have already been attacked. So, what steps can you take to protect your business? We want to send you Microsoft's State of Security report to get answers to your most pressing security questions, along with:
Simply request the report via email to mcarlow@ctsservices.com. We'll get it right over to you! Let us help you be ever-vigilant about security - and keep you out of the news as well! Need immediate help with your cybersecurity? Call us at 508.528.7720 |
AuthorOur blog posts are written by several members of our team. Please contact us if a particular post or topic is of further interest. We're here to help keep your business up and running. Archives
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