BDR Archives | The ITeam

improve cybersecurity without increasing spending

You Don’t Have to Increase Spending to Improve Cybersecurity

April 8, 2019/0 Comments/in BDR, Multifactor Authentication, Small Business IT /by James Wagner

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) aren’t as protected from cyber threats as they should be. Although larger corporations have more data for cyber criminals to take advantage of, SMBs are less likely to have up-to-date cybersecurity defenses, making them tempting – and easy – targets for hackers.

Because SMBs are easier targets, you may feel the need to invest heavily in the right infrastructure to protect your private information. Although cybersecurity is a must, a good strategy doesn’t have to drain your budget; managed services can be a predictable, plannable, and affordable cost. Your MSP can help protect your business and support a stronger strategy that includes:

Lifecycle management.

You’d be surprised how many systems are still running on outdated, unlicensed, or unpatched software. This leaves businesses completely open to attack, as critical upgrades to prevent data breaches must be installed to protect your organization. Hackers will take advantage of these vulnerabilities in your infrastructure.

Staff training and education.

Human error is the most challenging aspect of cybersecurity because it’s not as easily managed. The only way to mitigate the possibility of mistakes is to educate employees on an ongoing basis. Teach your staff about the latest phishing methods and implement basic policies and procedures to protect business data.

Strict permissions and policies.

Not everyone in your organization should have access to every system. Controlling access to your data to only those who must have such access can limit risk. As well, having strict policies about passwords, email security, and mobile device use can protect your organization.

Offsite backup and data recovery (BDR).

By storing a backup of your data at a secure offsite location, you will have access to the information your business needs to remain in operation, even if your facility is inaccessible or destroyed. Offsite backup and data recovery is critical to all businesses, no matter their size.

Multi-factor authentication.

Every organization should be using multi-factor authentication because password protection simply isn’t enough to protect your business. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a crucial security layer requiring more than one authentication method to verify a user’s identity.

These basic cybersecurity practices will help you protect your infrastructure in a cost-effective way. SMBs must defend against cybersecurity threats, because they are at risk, more so than larger organizations. These simple steps are the best start to securing your private networks, leaving more money in the budget for the right resources. Don’t fall victim to cyber threats when you can be prepared and remain competitive in a time when IT is your strongest asset.

As a top-rated IT security firm in Canada, we are committed to helping Calgary- and Alberta-based businesses develop proactive, cost-effective IT strategies that minimize risk, maximize efficiency, and build trust with Canadian citizens. Contact us to learn more.

Think Like a Hacker to Improve Your Cybersecurity

March 22, 2018/0 Comments/in BDR, Cloud Security, Cybersecurity /by James Wagner

Hackers continuously develop diverse ways of penetrating your cybersecurity defences.

New threats are always around the corner, and it can be difficult for organizations to identify when, where, and how the next breach will occur.

And while there is no fool-proof method to protect your private information, you can be one step ahead of malicious attacks, if you think like a hacker.

By adopting the mindset of those determined to break through your digital walls, you can improve your cybersecurity infrastructure.

Identify Weaknesses

Hackers will conduct a thorough investigation of your systems, often dubbed “footprinting.”

Their goal is to find any weaknesses, whether they exist within your own systems or that of third-party vendors.

Footprinting is a careful analysis of your entire system, mapped to identify any potential points of entry.

This is also where insider resources are most commonly utilized, which is why it’s important for organizations to mitigate insider threats before logins and passwords can be used against them.

Run Penetration Tests

Many organizations have begun to employ ethical hackers to test their systems.

There is no better way to determine the strength of your cybersecurity systems than by means of an actual hacking attempt.

If someone can gain access to your network, you’ll be able to clearly see where the holes are and how the hack was accomplished.

Patches are crucial to a strong defence, as something as simple as a delayed update can open a window for malicious software.

Attempt to Gain Access

Gaining access to critical systems is only half the battle.

Once a hacker is inside your network, the next essential element of the attack is to remain unnoticed.

Hackers can exploit the information they have access to, which is why it is so important for organizations to have separate encryptions for different data segments.

Breaches are often a bigger problem than necessary because hackers have found a way to jump from network to network, gaining access to substantial amounts of information.

Some malicious software remains unnoticed for several months, allowing hackers to work quietly in the background.

Repeat the Plan

Once hackers have found a reliable way into your system, they can repeat the process as often as is necessary.

This is also what you must do to ensure that your private data is consistently protected.

Cybersecurity protocols must be run continuously to remain most effective, as hackers’ techniques are constantly evolving.

Certain technologies are quickly becoming obsolete, a reminder to organizations that their cybersecurity strategies must always be at peak performance.

Testing your system regularly is the only way to ensure that hackers cannot take advantage of your weaknesses.

By thinking like a hacker, you can establish a cybersecurity protocol that will keep your sensitive data protected. Otherwise, you leave yourself open to obvious vulnerabilities. Hackers are patient and dedicated. If you don’t notice your weaknesses, a hacker is almost guaranteed to find them. Therefore, you must identify the problem areas of your cybersecurity infrastructure before they are exploited.

The ITeam understands the cybersecurity issues facing Canada. 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.

What Can Data Breaches Teach Us About Cybersecurity

March 13, 2018/0 Comments/in BDR, Managed IT /by James Wagner

What Breaches Tell Us About Cybersecurity

Every breach offers both the organization experiencing the breach as well as everyone else a reminder of the importance of proactive security measures.

Any time a breach occurs, it reveals any weaknesses in security exploited by hackers.

The following lessons can help prevent further cybersecurity disasters.

Vigilance is necessary

Hackers become more technologically savvy each day, making vigilance essential.

Breaches in cybersecurity will occur, but as demonstrated by the many large corporations, including Equifax, that has been rocked by massive breaches, many of them are likely preventable.

Breaches in security are often exacerbated when organizations ignore basic security measures.

Only when businesses recognize that information is always at risk can they take a more proactive approach in employing measures that can mitigate the losses associated with, if not entirely prevent, data breaches.

A shared economy creates a higher risk

As the sharing economy continues to gain traction and disrupt, organizations must recognize that along with the benefits that may be realized, there is also a risk.

As the shared economy grows, it’s not only consumers who are at risk from data breaches but the companies they work for.

The reality is, breaches are costly and can result in more than simply financial loss.

Stakeholders and investors are wary of businesses that have experienced breaches, as well as are consumers.

A shared economy demands that there are strong cybersecurity protocols across channels.

Third-party vendors can be a risk

Target and Home Depot were both victims of the same malware, and investigations proved that their primary security systems were not the main point of failure.

Granting access to third-party vendors, like offsite HVAC vendors, can allow hackers to embed malware and exploit system vulnerabilities.

Breaches have taught organizations that their vendors must be carefully vetted and should not be given more access than necessary to complete their jobs.

Security connections, passwords, logs, and more must be consistently monitored to find evidence of and prevent breaches.

Everyone is responsible for cybersecurity

Cybersecurity professionals are gaining knowledge from every breach, to help them prevent loss of critical information in the future.

The most important lesson we can learn from data breaches is that everyone within an organization is responsible.

The organization must invest not only in proper security measures and infrastructure but also in policies and procedures that encourage safe practices.

Every person on the staff must be trained to be vigilant, to recognize phishing, to report irregularities.

Companies must develop an entire culture of cybersecurity awareness; otherwise, weaknesses in systems will continue.

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

3 Important Steps To Improve Your Cybersecurity in Canada

November 21, 2017/0 Comments/in BDR, Business Continuity, Cloud Security, Cybersecurity, Managed IT /by James Wagner

The Canadian government has its doubts about the necessity of eradicating Kaspersky Lab products from U.S. vital programs.

The apprehensions over Russian interference in the U.S. election, proving to be more valid as the investigation continues, have prompted the Trudeau government to improve Canada’s own cybersecurity.

Protecting sensitive data from cyber threats is a constant battle for any organization.

Considering recent global concerns, now is the time to address your own preventative cybersecurity measures.

Understand Your Vulnerabilities

One of the most prominent issues that organizations face is the lack of resources designated to address cybersecurity, as well as a complete lack of understanding of the technological processes necessary to alleviate risk.

By better understanding the vulnerabilities that exist, whether they are specific to your industry or unique to your business, you can address the changes that need to be implemented to ramp up your cybersecurity strategy.

You can also reduce vulnerabilities by identifying personnel who are capable of navigating threats that do occur, as well as investing in an insurance policy in the event of a security breach.

Incorporate Industry Standards

Taking a wait-and-see approach, or simply doing the bare minimum, is not enough.

The Canadian government recognizes that to avoid a breach similar to what has occurred in the U.S., preventative measures must be put in place.

It is no longer enough to incorporate damage control into budget discussions.

Organizations must be one step ahead of potential cyber threats.

To do so, appropriate governance and compliance must be issued as an industry standard.

Risk management should be a pivotal component of a progressive cybersecurity strategy, and employee cybersecurity training must be a requirement.

Hackers are too advanced for organizations to take chances, and lack of awareness is no longer an excuse.

Develop a Response Plan

Does your cybersecurity strategy include a response plan?

Although the goal is to avoid a breach altogether, cyber attacks are inevitable, and it is critical that you have a plan in place to rectify and minimize ensuing damages.

A strong response plan involves a team of IT personnel dedicated to fixing the problem, monitoring for further intrusion, and containing the existing data breach.

Information gained can then be used to prevent future breaches and adjust your strategy to strengthen the weaknesses that were exposed.

The interference of Russian propaganda exposed a critical weakness in the U.S. electoral system.

An entire year later, officials are only truly beginning to understand the extent of the breach.

Malicious access to your systems can have devastating consequences, particularly if it goes undetected.

Hackers will not wait for the challenge of a strong cybersecurity policy to test their abilities.

They will exploit every weakness, reaping the benefits of a forgotten update or lax firewall.

Now is the time to improve cybersecurity for your organization.

As Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale stated, “In an interconnected world and an interconnected society and economy, you are only as strong as your weakest link.”

The ITeam understands the cybersecurity issues facing Alberta and Canada, and we are dedicated to helping Alberta businesses strengthen their cybersecurity. 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.

Disaster Data Recovery Is Not Optional

July 5, 2017/0 Comments/in BDR, Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery /by James Wagner

One of the most sobering news reports of this year for businesses was the announcement that approximately 190,000 organizations in over 170 countries had been hit by a massive, coordinated, ransomware cyber-attack. Not all of these businesses were disrupted, but many faced significant losses, and it is doubtless that some will go out of business as a result. Such an incident highlights something we have said repeatedly:

Disaster data recovery is critical to all businesses, no matter their size, and the former causes of such recovery efforts no longer define the parameters of business need. Simply put, in our new technological age, each and every organization faces the real possibility of a catastrophic event that could compromise its data integrity and threaten its very existence.

The key issue is expeditious data and IT systems recovery. The businesses that were not impacted significantly by the recent cyber-attack were those that had robust protection and data recovery systems in place; those that suffered the most damage lacked one or the other critical component. Importantly, it is not just financial loss or blackmail that causes difficulty and irreparable harm. It is also the blow to a business’s reputation and the attending fear and anxiety generated among customers and employees.

The following are common misperceptions that hinder companies’ ability to take the necessary measures to strengthen their cybersecurity and survive catastrophic events of various kinds:

Solid Cybersecurity is Cost-Prohibitive

In the past, even only a few decades ago, implementing system improvements robust enough to provide solid data backup and recovery might have been exorbitant. Deploying and maintaining additional, physical data centers and managing redundant networks, servers, print materials, storage centers, and all other necessary measures was daunting, if not completely overwhelming. Advances in technology have increased the likelihood of cyber-attacks, but they also have provided solutions that are affordable and manageable.

In particular, cloud-based data recovery provides an excellent option for all businesses, but it is particularly advantageous for smaller companies that might not have been able to dream of cybersecurity only a few years ago. Disaster-recovery-as-a-service (or DRaaS) is a remarkably secure option.

Since DRaaS allows for payment based on storage units, you have the ability to contract only for the amount of assistance you need – meaning smaller businesses can recover data at a proportionately lower cost. Given the costs of traditional, physical data backup and recovery, DRaaS is a much more cost-effective alternative, and it is often more secure, since it is administered by professionals in the field.

On-Site Server Backup is Adequate

Traditional, physical backup presents serious problems for a number of reasons. The most common are:

They are subject to the same natural disasters that would compromise the primary data systems if housed locally.
They are subject to the same cyber attack vulnerability if administered internally.
Recovery and restoration generally take much longer to complete, and every hour, day, and a week without data is significant for most businesses.

The Business is Too Small to Be a Cyberattack Target

If there is one thing that has become apparent with the most recent cyber-attacks, it is that many hackers view small to mid-sized businesses as excellent sources of moderate income (enough to keep their operations running while they target bigger corporations) and also as good testing grounds for development of strategies to attack larger companies. Company size simply is not a reasonable factor in this day and age.

Minor Downtime is Manageable

Downtime, particularly when it occurs somewhat regularly, can impact businesses in multiple ways, many of them tied directly to revenue. Of particular concern in our modern economy is the increasing customer expectation of immediate communication, input, delivery, etc. In survey after survey, more than half of the respondents (in some cases nearly 70 percent) state that they consider even small amounts of downtime to be their top frustration and would consider frequenting a different business. This is certainly true of potential, new customers, but it also applies to established customers, particularly if even minor downtime occurs more than once.

Conclusion

Modern businesses no longer have the luxury of ignoring disaster data recovery. They simply must consider how to incorporate such systems into their core business plans. Fortunately, DRaaS is available to address this new reality, and The ITeam stands ready to help make disaster data recovery an affordable part of your enhanced business model. Contact us today for more information.