IT, Technology and Computing Blog | The ITeam

This Is Killing Your Cybersecurity Strategy

January 3, 2019/0 Comments/in Business Continuity, Cybersecurity /by James Wagner

Culture is more important to your cybersecurity strategy than you realize.

In organizations where transparency is minimal and employee training is infrequent, you likely have many people who are ready to pass the buck if something goes wrong.

They want convenience when performing their job duties, and without the proper information, cybersecurity becomes the concern of the IT department.

“It’s not my responsibility” is killing your cybersecurity strategy.

So what can you do to make sure everyone in your organization is carrying the responsibility of securing your networks?

What do you do if you don’t have an IT department?

Employees are your biggest security risk

Your employees probably have little or nothing to do with the decision-making in your cybersecurity strategy. Outside of your IT department, there may have been no brainstorming forums about the best types of firewalls or which multi-authentication strategy to implement. Employees simply use the products that have been passed down the management chain. Without a culture of cybersecurity, then, there is no guarantee they will use the products as intended. How will they know what a phishing scam looks like? It only takes a single click for malware to infiltrate your entire IT infrastructure.

Educate end users to be your first line of defence

You have to end a threat before it begins by mitigating human error. This starts by instilling responsibility in every employee and making sure they know that the designated IT person or team can’t handle it all. Cybersecurity is a group effort, and if you want to defend against hackers, everyone must be on board. This is what makes culture so important because an employee that cares about the organization will be invested in protecting it.

Don’t become complacent

Even the most seasoned professional can make mistakes. Regular training and practice are essential, with frequent reminders and updates on new information. Opt for more than the boring PowerPoint presentation and apply gamification strategies or real-time tests. Format your own phishing email and see how many clicks on it; you might be surprised at how many top executives your trap catches. Your organization can’t afford to be complacent when hackers are constantly attempting to access your private data.

Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility because it can quickly become everyone’s problem. The end users may not play a role in establishing a cybersecurity policy, but they are the first to enforce it. Your organization must create a culture that recognizes the importance of cybersecurity and that also encourages employee buy-in. It must come from the top-down because if you don’t care about cybersecurity, your employees won’t either.

The ITeam understands the cybersecurity issues facing Canada businesses. We are committed to helping Calgary- and Alberta-based businesses develop proactive, cost-effective IT strategies that minimize risk and maximize efficiency. Contact us to learn more.

How To Manage Security Generation Gap in The Workplace

December 11, 2018/0 Comments/in Cybersecurity, Managed IT /by James Wagner

Organizations depend on a digital workplace for success.

A business operation relies heavily on IT to function seamlessly, which demands an IT security strategy that will support a secure network.

Unfortunately, few cybersecurity strategies address the generation gap that creates a disconnect between the technology used in the workspace and the existing security protocols.

When employee buy-in is essential to the success of any cybersecurity strategy, you need to address the concerns of different generations.

Different generations have different priorities

When analyzing Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, and Millennials, studies have shown that each of these groups has a different perception of how cybersecurity should be prioritized.

It’s no surprise that the younger generations are more willing to take risks, particularly when it comes to the ease of conducting work remotely.

n contrast, Boomers are much less willing to share information.

There is never a blanket approach to cybersecurity for any organization, but finding the right fit starts with understanding your employees.

Consider why employees are ignoring best practices

Think about why your employees are circumventing security best practices.

Many organizations make the mistake of implementing a cybersecurity strategy that accounts only for worst-case scenarios, resulting in measures that are too invasive and ultimately halt productivity.

Limiting access to certain programs seems like a good idea in theory, but the only thing you achieve is the ability to frustrate your employees.

There must be an approach that protects the best interests of your company yet still enables your employees to do their jobs.

Apply contextual access management for remote work

Technology is driving the remote workspace, and Millennials and Gen Xers expect this perk, even in smaller companies.

SaaS applications are becoming more common for managing out-of-network access requests, thereby providing safe platforms for work to be conducted with fewer barriers.

Multi-factor authentication has also been proven to improve security.

Monitor activity to ensure use of best practices

Monitoring the end-to-end use of individual access is not a Big Brother approach.

It can be hard to navigate the generation gaps and understand where mistakes are being made, which is where data analytics can be incredibly useful.

Management can identify usage patterns and risky behaviours of employees, establishing the need for additional training in the prevention of cyber attacks.

This visibility benefits the entire organization so that you can understand what best practices are being shirked and why.

Regardless of generation, maintaining a positive user experience within the workspace is crucial.

Your security infrastructure shouldn’t inhibit any of your employees, and there are benefits to managing different expectations.

Technology is not going to slow down, and it is unlikely that you will ever have an entire workforce on the same page.

By adapting to the needs of your employees, you’re creating a cybersecurity strategy that is moulded around the details of your unique infrastructure.

4 Tips on Building a Better Cybersecurity Strategy

November 26, 2018/1 Comment/in Cybersecurity, Managed IT /by James Wagner

Many organizations work diligently to employ the latest cybersecurity technology.

Securing networks and private data is a top priority for organizations of every size in Alberta, yet there should still be major concerns with relying on technology alone.

The assumption that better digital infrastructure will prevent malicious attacks can put your business at risk.

Without the right practices, even the best digital defences don’t stand a chance.

1. Trust no one

Every organization should begin with a zero-trust model.

What is zero-trust?

It is the assumption that none of your networks, internal or external, are secure.

This demands a proactive approach that encourages consistent monitoring and constant improvement.

Zero-trust also demands that you avoid putting trust in network users.

As drastic as it sounds, best practice means never sharing passwords, never giving people access to more of your company information than it is necessary to do their jobs, and carefully vetting third-party vendors.

Use multifactor authentication whenever possible and implement emerging technology, such as behavioural analytics.

This detects network patterns and monitors user activity to fight insider threats, whether they are a result of innocent mistakes that can be remedied or are malicious activities that need to be checked.

2. Know what’s worth protecting

Businesses often make the mistake of implementing technology that is not useful to their unique IT needs.

Before you jump at the chance to install the latest cybersecurity update, identify your assets, the risks specific to your organization, and your main vulnerabilities.

Once you’ve measured performance and what needs to be strengthened, you can select the right tools and get the best return on your investments.

For example, a dental practice in Alberta is required to have specific protections in place for patient data that other organizations may not be required to have.

3. Focus on more than reactivity

Prevention is a critical part of any cybersecurity strategy, and predictive analysis has come incredibly far in the proactive identification of threats.

Big data offers businesses the opportunity to understand where improvements can be made based off automated processes and large sets of expansive cybersecurity information.

Technological advancements are also changing how businesses can manage risk.

However, no defence is foolproof. It’s a matter of when, not if, a cyber attack will occur, and your business needs a response strategy.

Machine learning utilizes algorithms to make predictions based on real-time communications and transactions, allowing you to formulate a response to potential threats.

4. Instill a culture of security fundamentals

The reality is, no cybersecurity technology can protect your business from careless staff.

Employees are often one of the biggest vulnerabilities in an organization, and the only way to remedy this weak link is to provide education and consistent training.

Tool integration is critical to a cybersecurity strategy, but only if employees understand why policies are important and how to use the tools available.

Awareness of cybersecurity threats and precautionary practices within your organization is the best compliment to emerging technology.

A comprehensive cybersecurity strategy necessitates a true understanding of preventative measures, along with the technological tools that are appropriate for your business needs.

Cybersecurity does call for constant updates as threats change; yet, relying on emerging technology alone will leave enormous vulnerabilities.

Best practices that have been the cybersecurity norm, such as employee education and the zero-trust model, should remain a considerable piece of every cybersecurity strategy.

When human error is always a factor, technology must have a human partner.

How To Choose the Best Managed IT Service Provider in Alberta

November 15, 2018/0 Comments/in Email Security, Managed IT /by James Wagner

IT has advanced significantly, even in the past few years, leaving small and mid-sized businesses reeling from the pressure to remain competitive.

Consumers want reliable services, and cybersecurity is more important than ever as hackers target these smaller businesses due to the perception that they have weaker infrastructures and often invest less in cybersecurity.

Proper IT leadership involves more than assigning someone in the office to update computers, and if you’ve made the smart decision to invest in managed IT services, then selecting a provider can be a challenge.

Selecting the best managed IT service provider in Alberta for your company is critical to performance. As you begin your search, be sure to keep these factors in mind:

Credibility

Before you sign a contract with a managed service provider (MSP), you need to know their business background. Ask pertinent questions regarding the certifications they have, how long they’ve been in business, what they specialize in, and how they have been evaluated by previous clients. IT is a booming industry, and although signing with a start-up may seem tempting, you need to know that they can manage your infrastructure. Your partnership with an IT MSP is more than simply a financial investment; your MSP must promote good business practices that mirror your culture and your values.

Continuity

Any amount of downtime for your business is money lost, whether it’s a system failure or a data breach. An MSP must offer some assurance that your networks will run smoothly, regardless of potential interruptions, providing convenience and peace of mind to both your employees and consumers. How well your business operates will determine your own standing among competitors, and your MSP should be able to guarantee satisfaction.

Responsiveness

When concerns arise, your MSP should respond in a timely manner. Don’t settle for an IT provider that requires you to submit a ticket and indicates that at least a week will be necessary for the matter to be resolved. Problems occur outside of business hours, and a professional IT MSP will be available at any hour. Understand the after-hour policies of your chosen MSP and make sure that someone will be available to address problems, follow through with permanent solutions, and be available for further questions as necessary.

Progressiveness

IT is unique in that it is constantly evolving, and your MSP should work with you to ensure that proper advancements are made in your business. You should feel confident in asking for recommendations regarding future projects and innovations that will keep your business at a competitive standing. A professional IT MSP will stay abreast of current and future issues in IT and be able to suggest best practices for your organization.

Relationship

As the client, you should never feel that your IT challenges are yours alone to resolve. A good MSP will work with you until the right solutions for your challenges are found. Trust, courtesy, and respect are essential components in IT because not all news is good news. Your MSP should feel comfortable exchanging information, and as the client, you should trust that they will stand by their word. The ITeam lives by these standards and emphasizes the relationship between the MSP and the client in our own Ten Commandments of doing business.

There are many aspects of well-rounded IT service management, and the ITeam strives to meet every need of their clients through proactive planning and execution. Comprehensive services range from remote maintenance services to fully managed cloud hosting services, with limitless benefits for your business. Regardless of whom you choose as an MSP, they should meet all the above qualifications to ensure that your IT needs are fully met.

The Future of Cybersecurity Will Be Shaped by AI and Big Data

October 17, 2018/0 Comments/in Business Continuity, Cybersecurity /by James Wagner

The future of cybersecurity is coming at us quickly.

It’s almost impossible to be off-grid.

Virtually everything is somehow connected to the internet, from the smart fridge in your kitchen to satellites in space.

There are now more devices in the world than there are people, with billions of access points.

Technology is now a given for newer generations, yet cybersecurity can’t keep pace as it currently exists.

As our level of connectedness continues to advance, it will be AI and big data that shape cybersecurity.

Every device has a vulnerability

All forms of technology have inherent weaknesses.

This became incredibly apparent with the emergence of IoT.

Many new technological platforms had no security built into them, and even if defence measures existed, they were easily forgotten.

When no upgrades or future installments are made, we forget as consumers who are behind the devices in our homes and offices.

It is essential that we have the ability to retrieve updates in real-time because otherwise, the vulnerabilities are considerable.

It’s easy to assume that no one is interested in your Wi-Fi baby monitor, without realizing that hackers can patch themselves from one device in your home to another, such as a home security system.

Hackers have been successful in gaining access to major company databases, simply by accessing the air conditioning system.

Unrelated devices still function along the same networks, and the risk is very real.

There are too many security events for humans to handle

It’s not realistic to expect that every person will update every technological device as needed.

Even the most efficient IT departments struggle to handle the thousands, and sometimes billions (if you’re a powerhouse like IBM), of security events that occur daily.

Some events are minor, such as lost passwords, while others are suspicious activities indicative of a data breach.

If humans were to handle this influx alone, the backlog would greatly hinder any cybersecurity strategy.

This is where AI can augment, prioritize, and automate cybersecurity protocols.

AI can be programmed to handle low-level priority incidents, as well as send high-priority alerts to the right personnel.

AI will become a crucial component of cybersecurity as technology continues to dominate our world.

Soon, there will be no other acceptable another option.

Data is becoming decentralized

With the emergence of the blockchain, AI is even more crucial.

All transactions, all personal and professional data, cryptocurrencies, and more will be stored securely and accessed from anywhere in the world. Big data is the new technological reality, and it won’t be long until blockchain is commonplace.

With the future of cybersecurity promoting more connectedness than ever, it has become more apparent that security updates are not enough.

In fact, even AI and big data won’t be enough to mitigate risk.

The wider the technological landscape becomes; the more opportunities hackers will have.

As technology advances, it will be essential that cybersecurity is powered by hardware.

Rather than an afterthought, cybersecurity will have to be embedded into our devices to be efficient.

Otherwise, there is simply not enough human or artificial power to protect every device out there.