Small Business IT Archives

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You’d be surprised how many systems are still running on outdated, unlicensed, or unpatched software.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.

Without IT Security, Digital Transformation is a Waste of Time

March 19, 2019/0 Comments/in Cloud Security, Cybersecurity, Mobile Device Management, Small Business IT /by James Wagner

Ever-changing technology is revolutionizing how organizations conduct business, but IT security must be more than just an afterthought during these changes. There is considerable push to meet consumer demand and adapt technologies for higher productivity and better customer experiences, but it all means nothing if your network isn’t secure. As technology catapults business into the digital era, organizations must consider how to make security a part of every step.

Organizations are adapting technology but leaving IT security behind.

The cloud, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and mobility are all driving business initiatives. Many organizations consider these adaptations priorities for remaining competitive. Unfortunately, every technological innovation reveals a new vulnerability that can be exploited by hackers. It takes more than patchwork protection to effectively secure your changing infrastructure, and as your network expands, so does the attack surface.

Everything is connected.

Hackers only need to gain access to one of your perimeters to reach the depths of your network. Improving visibility can mitigate risk, but sophisticated attacks are becoming harder to see. Continuous monitoring and diligent maintenance are required to protect your data. Organizations are now expected to offer all consumers better risk management, heightened privacy protections, and acknowledgment of fault if a data breach occurs. If businesses fail to meet compliance guidelines, they could face severe fines from governing bodies and an overall loss of business from a disappointed consumer base.

IT Security first.

Although businesses are eager to implement new tools that improve their processes, attract new customers, and retain loyal customers, that same technology will be their downfall if security isn’t a priority. Organizations must act immediately to mitigate risk and prevent data breaches, and with every technology innovation adopted, a comprehensive cybersecurity solution that protects you should also be implemented and updated. To do otherwise leaves your organization vulnerable to attack and financial ruin.

IT managed services can help immensely in securing all end-points, ensuring compliance, monitoring for data breaches, and other challenges related to a digital transformation. If cybersecurity is not a part of the conversation as you innovate and update, you’re wasting your resources.

Cybersecurity Solutions For Alberta Small Businesses

September 25, 2018/1 Comment/in Business Continuity, Managed IT, Small Business IT /by James Wagner

Compliance is a concern on an international level, especially in matters of digital privacy and mandatory breach notifications for consumers.

Adoption of new policies is little more than a headache for larger businesses.

However, for smaller businesses, fewer affordable options are available and technical teams tend to be less skilled, if they exist at all.

Regardless, small businesses can’t afford to ignore the persistence of hackers and how susceptible they are to cybersecurity breaches.

The average small business owner loses $180,000 in a cyber attack

Losses of that size are large enough to sink a small business that suffers often irreparable damages and a tarnished reputation.

A ransomware attack can hinder operations for several days, and the affected business may sustain further financial losses as a result of government fines and consumer settlements.

Establishing an effective cybersecurity strategy starts with an understanding that every small business is at significant risk.

Implementing a solution for cybersecurity before disaster strikes is crucial.

Why are small businesses at risk?

The obvious reason small businesses are such lucrative targets is that historically, they do not invest in cybersecurity.

They are easy to exploit, and advanced techniques are unnecessary to gain access to critical data.

Research has also demonstrated that small businesses are more likely to pay the ransom because they are desperate to save their data.

With half of the small businesses shutting their doors in the six months after a cyber attack, a cybersecurity strategy is a serious and necessary investment.

Improving cybersecurity must be an industry-wide effort

Interestingly, Canadian restaurants are now being offered security assessments as part of an industry-wide initiative.

Restaurants are hot targets for cyber attacks because of the sheer amount of consumer credit card information that is stored.

Although these security assessments only highlight the risks and do not address a solution without additional cost, it is a step in the right direction.

Awareness of the problem and the depth of security risks will help small businesses prioritize cybersecurity appropriately.

Education and training are part of the solution

Regardless of business size or industry, internal threats continue to be a primary challenge.

Employees could be inadvertently opening phishing emails, using unsecured devices remotely to access private networks or using their credentials maliciously.

Human error results in the highest number of cybersecurity breaches, yet few small businesses address the lack of training that could minimize, if not eliminate, these risks.

Best cybersecurity practices stem from possessing the available information, and cybersecurity organizations are recognizing that access to cybersecurity strategies is beneficial to the entire economy.

Small businesses must take action to protect themselves from security breaches and malicious attacks; otherwise, they could lose everything.

Small businesses may be a prime target, but there is no reason to be defenceless.

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.

Assume That You Are Secure Can Harm Your Cybersecurity Strategy

April 12, 2018/0 Comments/in Managed IT, Small Business IT /by James Wagner

There is one thing more harmful to your cybersecurity strategy than anything else: the assumption that your files and data are secure.

When you assume that the plan you implemented last year or last month is still the perfect strategy for your IT infrastructure, you tend to relax.

The assumption that all is well prevents you from remaining cautious and vigilant; it prevents you from asking questions.

You stop considering that any risk exists at all.

Rather than let a failed cybersecurity strategy go unnoticed, it is time to be mindful of how assumptions can damage your digital infrastructure.

Assumptions cause noncompliance

Many disastrous outcomes can occur as a result of assuming that your organization is secured against cyber threats.

Just recently, the EU implemented an entirely new data privacy law, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

If you fail to remain constantly vigilant and update your security measures to remain compliant with new standards from the EU and elsewhere, your organization could potentially be fined.

This can result in public distrust of your organization because critical data is not being properly protected.

Assumptions cause neglect

Assumptions can lead you to believe that your IT systems are up to date. Target assumed they were secure.

Home Depot assumed they were secure.

Experian assumed they were secure.

Saks assumed they were secure.

Assumptions are costly.

Hackers are excellent at exploiting weaknesses, and the assumption that your systems are secure can lead to a cybersecurity strategy with many holes.

Avoiding these gaps in security can be avoided only with constant vigilance, testing, updates, and monitoring.

Assumptions cause carelessness

What if your employees were to assume that your business’s current security system was rock solid?

Without proper education, such an assumption can lead to unfounded confidence in business practices.

Emails could be opened without any consideration for potential phishing attacks.

Transactions could be completed over insecure networks.

A casual business encounter could result in an exchange of the information a hacker needs to compromise your entire organization.

Educating staff is crucial to maintaining a secure network, as well as is practicing caution, to defend against hacking attempts.

Vulnerabilities always exist

Never assume that your security strategy is impermeable to malware and phishing attempts.

Furthermore, if you are convinced that IT professionals are the only ones within your organization that are responsible for cybersecurity, your networks are already at risk.

Vulnerabilities are always present, and it is essential that your cybersecurity plan of action is proactive rather than reactive.

Having the right information is the first step in tackling the challenges of building a robust cybersecurity strategy.

The only assumption you should make is that you’re never completely free of risk.

This is the only assumption that will help protect your business from data theft and other cyber threats.

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.

Your Employees Are Your Strongest Cybersecurity Defence

February 20, 2018/1 Comment/in Email Security, Managed IT, Small Business IT /by James Wagner

Cyber threats are consistently evolving, and despite what small- and medium-sized business owners may think, they are prominent targets.

Hackers can cause enormous financial losses that place the success of your entire business at risk, demanding an all-inclusive cybersecurity strategy.

However, the best cybersecurity defence will fail if you haven’t managed what should be your top priority: employees.

Without proper training and awareness, employees are your biggest threat.

But with the right strategy in place, employees can also be your strongest cybersecurity defence against cybercriminals.

Mandate Training for all Employees

Every person within your organization should receive cybersecurity training and be made aware of all security policies, from C-level executives to entry-level staff.

This is particularly important when employees are accessing time sheets or work email accounts on personal devices.

A personal device could be the entryway that a hacker needs to access critical company systems because most of these devices do not meet security protocols.

Awareness of strict security policies will prevent mistakes and deter fraudulent activity from insider threats.

Ransomware is Intelligent

Training is an essential component of a strong cybersecurity defence involving employees because many hacking attempts are becoming increasingly sophisticated.

It can be hard to differentiate fraudulent access points or requests, and a single click can wreak havoc on your infrastructure.

Education, and relaying the importance of cybersecurity information, is how you can build a strong defence against hackers.

Threats Are Avoided Entirely

When employees are routinely trained, they are more likely to identify suspicious activities and prevent breaches altogether.

If a hacker does gain access to your infrastructure, employees working within the system can prevent further damage.

Your employees will also think twice about clicking on links within emails and will be less likely to open attachments that could contain ransomware.

Onboarding is an excellent opportunity to disseminate information regarding current and emerging threats, and ongoing cybersecurity training should update employees on anything new.

Key Elements of Training

Despite the push for initial and continued training, many businesses aren’t sure where to start.

Luckily, the initiatives that can establish a robust cybersecurity strategy are simple and easy to implement.

Communication should be where you start, encouraging employees to discuss concerns and ask questions if they notice anything awry.

Employees must also be aware of common threats and where they are most likely to encounter phishing attempts or malware.

Clear guidelines and standards will also make it difficult for breaches to occur.

When all employees are aware of the existing policies and are held responsible for security within the scope of their positions, threats are greatly reduced.

Employees may feel frustrated by some security standards, such as password strength and multi-factor authentication, but these strategies protect employee and business information.

When education is provided, employees become a partner in your overall cybersecurity efforts.

Your greatest weakness can also be your greatest strength if you invest the necessary time and resources in educating your employees.