Cybersecurity Measures to Prevent Cyberattacks

Businesses of all sizes are dependent on cybersecurity. This means that defense strategies and cybersecurity attack plans are essential. It is important to understand how to deal with a cyber threat when it happens, but proactive measures to prevent cybersecurity attacks are just as important.

Cybersecurity Threat Analysis

You must fully understand all the threats that you might face in order to take proactive cybersecurity precautions. To get a better understanding of the top cyber vulnerabilities, you need to conduct a thorough threat analysis. It is important to determine how common cybersecurity attacks are based on your industry, geographic location, and other relevant exposure data. You need to identify where your defenses are the weakest and the area where with the most coverage. You will also need to develop a defense strategy.

Your team should be educated

Education of your employees and team is one of the most important proactive cybersecurity steps you can take. Forbes says, “Focus on your employees.” The first line of defense will be your employees. If they have no idea how the should respond in a manner that can be considered as cybersecurity-conscious, then your company is at risk. It will be difficult for your company to defend itself against cybercriminals using various threats to your data if your employees don’t have the right education.

Every member of your organization should be aware of the most common cyberthreats your company may face and what they can do to prevent them. Make sure they are aware of:

• Identity theft
• Password hacking
• Malware
• Ransomware
• Phishing

Once your team has become aware of the most serious cybersecurity threats, give them all possible tools to stop them. Make sure to update your software, patch up the systems and improve your firewall systems.

Threat Hunting

After identifying possible threats as well as equipping your team with the tools to fight them, proactive cybersecurity measures that include actively searching for potential threats before they happen.

You can identify malicious actors that might be lurking in your system and trying to compromise it. An experienced team will examine your data and other digital assets in order to identify cyber threats that may have escaped regular perimeter defenses (like the attentive and alert employees).

Penetration Testing

Penetration testing is a great proactive cybersecurity measure. This involves hiring skilled hackers who are vetted to attempt to breach your company’s security measures.

This is because if friendly hackers can penetrate your defenses, then surely malicious ones can too. A penetration test can be compared to a preventative visit to a dentist. It can detect weak points in your security network and pinpoint them. But it also strengthens the overall network security.

Get help

If this all seems overwhelming, it is time to consider proactive cybersecurity measures-calling the cavalry. You can relieve your IT team and improve your company’s security by enlisting the assistance of experts at each stage.

Our team of cybersecurity professionals will begin taking proactive steps to protect your organization. SpartanTec, Inc. can help you learn more about our Threat Monitoring, Response, and Detection services.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 218-9255
http://manageditserviceswilmington.com

Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston

Employee Cybersecurity Training

Cybersecurity issues will be a growing threat to businesses in the future, despite numerous technological advancements. As more people started working remotely, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a spike in cybersecurity issues. Its subsequent financial recession has made it difficult for companies to implement and maintain satisfactory cybersecurity practices.

Many organizations’ data is still unprotected, which makes them vulnerable to data breaches and cyberattacks.

cybersecurity awareness training programs are essential in today’s workplace, both at the office and at home. Learn seven essential ways to improve the effectiveness of your employee program.

A recent Stanford University study found that human error is the greatest threat to cybersecurity. According to this study, 88 percent of data breaches were caused by employee errors. The study found that younger employees are more likely to be phished and to admit to making mistakes than older employees.

A study by IBM that examined thousands of customers across 130 countries found that human error was a significant contributor to 95 percent of all breaches. In other words, 19 of the 20 breaches that were analyzed in this IBM study could have been prevented if human error was not present. These results show that even the most advanced technical security measures are not stronger or more resilient than those who apply them. The first step to protecting your company against cyber threats is understanding the importance of human error. A proactive approach is essential to successfully reduce risk in the future.

7 essential steps to cybersecurity awareness training

#1. Cybersecurity education for employees is ongoing

Your employees will be more successful in protecting your company and assets from phishing, malware, or other threats if they are more aware of them. By investing in cyber literacy, your employees will be more aware of the importance and motivated to do a better job.

Cyber security awareness training is not enough to raise awareness. Top-performing cybersecurity awareness programs use a variety of scenarios to help employees understand what they need to be aware of and why. These programs don’t come on a one-and-done basis. They are held regularly, while continually incorporating new and relevant knowledge.

Is your IT staff qualified to provide on-going awareness training? Are the up-to-date with the current threats that could affect your company? SpartanTec in Wilmington can provide co-managed services that work with your team to ensure the highest quality training and protection for your network.

#2. A hands-on approach in learning

Your employees are only as effective as the practices taught to them about cybersecurity awareness when they actually put them into practice. Your cybersecurity awareness program must go beyond mere training to ensure that your employees are able to prevent attacks such as phishing emails.

Training is not enough. A plan must be in place to follow-up and ensure the practices are being followed.

Instead, make sure that your employees learn the knowledge you impart through your training program. Employees will learn the most from that knowledge when they put it into practice. SpartanTec uses a hands-on approach combined procedural learning with highly relevant, contextual and immediate feedback. All parties involved will gain a better understanding of the subject and form memories that can change their habits or eliminate mistakes.

#3. Targeted Groups Based on Risks

Cyberattacks can be more dangerous to certain employees than to others. Statistics show that less than 20% of employees are responsible for the majority of human error-induced losses.

You can get a better understanding of your risk groups by micro-segmentation. These insights will help you to:

• You will be better able to understand the different levels of risk that employees invite into your organization.
• You can identify more specific actions based on each employee and the associated risks.
• Supervise groups of employees to make monitoring more cost-effective, as opposed to individual workers, and still protect their privacy.

#4. The Predictive Analytics

Predictive analytics takes your targeted persona groups up to the next level. Analytics allows you to identify high-risk individuals and monitor them for potential threats using specific markers. This will allow you to identify and monitor high-risk individuals before they become threats. You can then take preventive action.

Machine learning advances allow you to use data to create predictive behavior that will optimize the learning experience for your employees. For improved performance, you can provide extensive cybersecurity awareness employee training that includes contextual delivery during regular intervals.

#5. Real-time feedback

Real-time feedback, as we have mentioned, is an effective way to engage employees. It allows them to internalize and recall why they are doing, what they can change, and helps them avoid making mistakes.

By providing feedback, you show your employees the security gap that exists between them and the organization–evidence of their need for security training in the first place. Employees will quickly understand what happened and how to avoid similar mistakes in the future when they receive real-time feedback on security incidents.

This “nibble-sized” approach allows employees to take advantage of learning opportunities that are relevant to their daily lives. They can quickly identify the training they need and then engage with it when it is most important.

#6. Change in Culture

A deeper approach to cybersecurity awareness training will eliminate the co-opting and negligence that can lead to human error. It encourages cultural change by addressing employee attitudes and beliefs head-on.

This is a highly personal task that addresses the motivations for malicious behavior and how employees see them. Instead of employees just going through their daily routines, you foster an environment of employee engagement. Using a third-party such as SpartanTec to provide the training eliminates bias and takes away any perceived personal agenda.

Continuously delivering the awareness “bites” will help transform your organization’s cybersecurity culture. These “bites” should be:

• engaging
• easy to use
• seamless integration into the daily work routines of your employees.

An interactive and informative email newsletter on cybersecurity can be used to provide employees with relevant information and quiz them about it, reinforcing their knowledge at regular intervals. These newsletters can be automatically deployed and tracked online to see how successful your cultural revolution is.

#7. Scientific training method

For long-term, optimal results, you should adopt a scientific training methodology. This method combines learning expertise, data science and automation to make security awareness training simple and efficient for businesses. This platform leverages your data to maximize the learning experience for each employee every day.

You can use a scientific training platform to:

• To improve employee performance, analyze the data.
• To keep it top-of-mind, you must provide continuous learning that is not boring.
• To optimize contextual delivery, you can achieve effective performance.
• To create strong cognitive patterns, use diverse stimuli that are relevant and applicable.
• To make learning relevant and memorable, engage in just-in time learning.
• Training at flexible intervals is possible that can be adjusted to each employee’s learning curve.

This combination of tips will give you complete security awareness.

Final thoughts

These seven principles will help you reduce the number of malicious attacks that are caused by employee error. This will increase employee engagement and empower them to protect your valuable assets and your bottom line.

SpartanTec, Inc. is here to help you develop a compressive training plan. We can drastically cut down on the human error factor and keep your company data secure.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 218-9255
https://manageditserviceswilmington.com

Serving Lake Forest, Fairlawn, Winter Park, Woodburn, Brookfield, Leland, Myrtle Grove, Murraysville, Ocean View, Kirkl

What is Hacking? How Did It Start?

Hacking should be a constant concern for all internet users, especially small business owners. Not because  hackers can take over their accounts and devices, but because of the potential for serious consequences.

What is hacking? How did ordinary small business owners become so afraid for their data security and privacy, even though they were in their own environment?

What is Hacking?

Hacking refers to any activity that attempts to illegally gain access to a computer system, device or network without the owner’s permission. Hacking can sometimes cause harm, but it is not an essential element.

Gray and white hat hackers can force their way into systems to achieve positive or morally upright motivations. It is not uncommon for hackers to do this as a joke, or to show their technical skills to peers.

Hacking Definition

Based on their knowledge of the internet, almost anyone can define hacking. Hacking is a story about illegally accessing networks and devices. However, it is important to understand what hacking means.

Understanding the language used to describe something is the first step in understanding it. You’ll find two definitions of hacking in both the old and new dictionaries.

Computer hacking is a way to gain unauthorized access to a system or device that isn’t malicious, but which has become synonymous with illegal activities.

Hacking is a term that refers to cutting or chopping. This does not refer to illegally accessing computer systems or devices. Actually, the verb word “hacker” predates modern computers and digital systems. It is however related to hacking’s very first instances.

How did hacking begin?

In 1878, the first instance of illegally manipulating technical systems occurred. Bell Telephone hired a group of teenage boys to abruptly disconnect and misdirect telephone calls. This incident is not often mentioned because it was the first hacking incident.

In 1959, hackers were able to access an illegal system without being detected. Tech Model Railroad Club members used the term “hack” to refer to cutting into circuits and controlling the switches and lanes.

In 1969, M. I.T. formed a group of model train and tech enthusiasts. To improve the efficiency of railroad companies, they challenged themselves to hack into their systems.

Although illegal, the M. I.T. Although illegal, the M. I.T. incident was not harmful or malicious.

In 1971, the first internet  hack was created. Some people discovered that they could access AT&T long-distance switching systems by making a loud whistling sound at 2600 hertz. They were able to make international and national phone calls without any charges.

Computer hackers and their schemes

Hackers, as we now know them, have been around since the advent of modern computers in offices and homes in late 1970s and early 1980s. Hackers managed to hack into nearly every system and device as technology advanced and emails, smartphones, and cell phones became more mainstream.

There are many hacks that you should be aware of when you use social media to check your email or make a call. These include:

• Phishing attacks
• Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks
• SQL injection attacks
• Brute-force password attacks
• DNS attacks
• DoS and DDoS attacks
• Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks

Is Hacking on the Rise?

Since its inception in 1800s, hacking has evolved many times. It is not dead and it will continue to evolve in order to keep pace with technological advances and innovations.

Hackers are already developing new ways to hack into networks and devices using machine learning, artificial intelligence, and bots. There are also ways to hack into devices via USB charging ports, also known as juice jacking. You don’t even have to do anything in order to be infected by malware.

Awareness is the first step in protecting your data and network. Call SpartanTec, Inc. to discover how we can help you build a defense against hackers.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 218-9255
http://manageditserviceswilmington.com

Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston

Managed Firewall Offers Extra Level of Cybersecurity

Firewalls are an essential part of network security. They filter outgoing and incoming traffic using a set user-defined rules. This allows legitimate communications to flow freely while protecting against unauthorized access. Many companies are now exposed due to the complexity of firewall management.

Today’s firewall in Wilmington NC has more security features than ever before to combat sophisticated threats. This means that firewalls must be configured carefully, monitored continuously, and updated regularly. The management requirements for industrial operations that have more than a few firewalls can quickly become overwhelming.

One problem is that firewall interfaces are often complex and not intuitive. This increases the risk of making mistakes that could have serious consequences. Gartner analysts estimate that up to 91% of firewall breaches are due to misconfigurations, rather than technical flaws.

Access to the right expertise

Most companies should consider outsourcing their management to qualified managed service providers, given the critical role firewalls play for network security. However, not all managed services providers are equal. Only a provider who is skilled in firewall configuration and policy design can provide the level of monitoring and management that you need to ensure your firewalls are properly updated and patched.

A managed firewall service is provided by a dedicated team that handles all aspects of operation and maintenance. A managed firewall service may be the responsibility for in-house IT personnel. A managed firewall can be outsourced to third parties for smaller and mid-sized businesses. Managed firewalls don’t necessarily need an IT support specialist technician to install. However, using a service provider like SpartanTec in Wilmington NC can ensure your firewalls are installed correctly. We can then handle technical issues, such as errors, crashes, and failures remotely.

A security assessment is the first step to implementing a managed firewall. This will determine the business’s security needs. After the assessment has been completed, the firewall is constructed and installed using the most advanced technology. All areas of the firewall are managed by offsite analysts, which includes software updates and troubleshooting.

Firewall Management Benefits

Managed firewall services offer many benefits that will ensure you have the best cybersecurity situation possible. There are many financial benefits, including reduced downtime and higher productivity. A service provider can provide around-the-clock support by highly qualified professionals with knowledge and experience that is difficult or expensive to maintain in-house. You should also consider:

Network reliability and uptime increase

Employees are more productive when there are no downtimes or unexpected security breaches. Firewalls not only block access to unwelcome webpages but also prevent access to unsaved web applications like file sharing and video streaming.

Expertise and Knowledge

It takes a lot of knowledge to properly maintain and upgrade firewalls. It can be costly to build the right team of experts. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t have the experts you need to maintain your firewalls in a productive manner. You can have access to an extensive range of expertise 24 hours a days, 7 days a week through a firewall management service. All this without having to hire someone with basic knowledge or a team of your own.

Disaster Recovery

Are you ready to deal with any kind of disaster? Your company’s performance will be affected if it takes longer to restore normal operations. Let professionals handle everything. Firewall management can help you identify problems and recover from the disaster as quickly as possible.

Compliance/Regulation / Product Certificate

To determine which policies should be protected, a managed firewall service provider will listen carefully to your requirements and specifications. A managed firewall service provider will also take care of any newer software or tools. They will install the necessary updates and backup your existing software to increase the security of your firewall. You won’t be notified as fast or know which updates to install if you try to do it yourself.

Reduce the risk of security breaches affecting business operations

Managed firewall services can be used to prevent breaches in many different ways. Technology updates and additions are evaluated independently and firewall settings are adjusted accordingly to minimize the impact on your company’s security posture and compliance.

A managed firewall service ensures that rules are constantly reviewed and updated in response to new cybersecurity threats. Furthermore, dedicated monitoring and management ensures maximum system uptime and maximizes system performance while protecting websites, applications and databases as well as servers and other endpoints.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you need help in boosting your cybersecurity measures using managed firewall services.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 218-9255
https://manageditserviceswilmington.com

Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston

5 Cybersecurity Best Practices to Strengthen Your Data Defenses

Electronic storage of sensitive data is essential for any business. It doesn’t matter if you store confidential financial documents or customer information, it is vital that you protect this data from theft and loss. Although it may seem daunting, there are some cybersecurity best practices that can help.

Cybersecurity Tips: Prepare for Viruses and Their Aftermath

We would love to be able build secure systems that are 100% secure, without the risk of data breaches or viruses. Even with the best cyber security practices, there is still the possibility of a system being infected. Although no one can provide complete protection, it is possible to reduce your risk and make the virus aftermath more manageable while minimizing the damage.

Antivirus software can help you detect and prevent viruses from getting too close to your computer. You should also be prepared in case a virus strikes. A cloud backup service is the best way to make sure your data remains safe and secure in case of a virus.

You can easily restore your system by storing data off-site with a trusted cloud backup service. Then you can retrieve any files that are not altered from the cloud. It’s a great tool to keep in your pocket for quick recovery after an attack.

1.Select the Right Cloud Backup Service

Cloud backup services can be a great option for your cyber security toolkit. A cloud backup will allow you to retrieve your data in case of a virus causing it to become unreadable. Not all cloud backup services are the same. Make sure you have unlimited versions of your files in order to fully protect your data from viruses and other malicious activities.

Cloud backup providers typically only provide 30 days worth of version histories. However, viruses and other malicious activity often go unnoticed within that timeframe. It’s usually too late by the time they are discovered. You should aim to have unlimited version history, or at least 60-days of cloud backup.

When choosing a backup service, be sure to check out the company’s security standards. Make sure that they provide end-to-end encryption. This will make your data impossible to read as it moves between the cloud and back. You should also consider the physical security of data centers. This applies to servers located in buildings that are:

• Alarm systems
• Armed guards
• Biometric scanners
• Server cabinets locked
• Backup generators

2. You must ensure that your staff is properly trained

Even if everything is perfect, a single mistake by an employee could put all your data at risk. It is vital that all your users are educated about cyber security. Including:

• Selecting a smart password
• How to identify phishing emails
• Avoid dangerous applications
• Use personal devices only for work
• Be mindful of confidential information

It will be worth the extra effort to train and educate your employees about the best cyber security practices. This will help you and your customers save a lot of money and time down the line.

3. Make sure your software is up-to-date

The best practice when it comes to cybersecurity in Wilmington NC is the easiest. Make sure your software is up-to-date Hackers are a constant breed, and even the most advanced security software can be hacked. There are always vulnerabilities that can be exploited to expose your data. These threats are usually eliminated by patches. These updates are usually released as soon as possible. Make sure you check your computers regularly for them.

4. Use access controls

It’s not necessary to grant every employee access to all areas of your system. Your data is at great risk, either accidentally or through malicious intent. Access controls can be used to control who has access to which parts of your system. This will protect sensitive and confidential information from being abused and unauthorized access.

5. It doesn’t matter what industry it is, data security should be a top priority.

Cybercriminals aren’t afraid to take on new challenges, and your business shouldn’t be either. While good cyber security practices such as access control, employee training, software upgrades, and preparedness are important to mitigate risks, you should also use a cloud backup service if your data is to be protected. This is the best way to make sure your data is always safe and accessible in case of a breach.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you need help in protecting your business, network, or information from cyberthreats.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 218-9255
http://manageditserviceswilmington.com

Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston

What is Cloud Backup?

Cloud backup is a service an organization uses for backing up its system, data, and applications to a cloud-based server at a remote location. The server can be either public or private. Larger enterprises may have the budget and resources to create a private cloud infrastructure.

Smaller organizations will typically use a public service that supports multiple tenants. A public cloud backup service is managed by the service provider, and organizations pay a monthly or an annual subscription to access the service.

Cloud backup: Advantages and disadvantages

Cloud backup has many advantages that outweigh the disadvantages. This is why  you may choose to store your data in the cloud.

Cloud backup benefits

cloud backup saves time and money

You can save money and time. Cloud backup is less expensive than an on-premises backup. Cloud backup is also less expensive than purchasing hardware and software. You also don’t have to worry about getting approval for capital purchases. Instead, you pay an annual subscription fee which is an operational expense item.

Data protection in the case of a disaster. In the event of a disaster such as a tornado or hurricane, local backups and on-premises data can be lost. Your offices and systems might be destroyed but data stored in the cloud will remain intact, so your company can be up and running again thanks since data recovery is possible.

Access to data is available from any location. Access to your data is possible from any location with an internet connection. Although restoring a complete backup from the cloud may take some time, downloading just a few files is quick and simple.

Better data security. A public cloud backup may not be as secure as a local backup. Yet for a small-to-medium-sized business (SMBs) that may not have a cyber security expert on staff, a seasoned cloud provider can provide better security.

Cyberattack protection. In the event of a cybercriminal attacking your on-premises systems, your data will be protected. Attackers can also delete or alter local backups, in addition to destroying or compiling production data. This data is protected by having off-site backups stored in the cloud. Make sure to ask your managed IT services Wilmington NC provider about it.

Scalability.  Cloud services can be scaled by your organization as it grows without needing to buy additional software or hardware. Scaling cloud services is simple and can be done immediately – though your subscription price may increase.

Cloud backup disadvantages

It takes time to download the full backup. It can take up to 24 hours to download a complete backup from the cloud, depending on how fast your internet is and how large the data is.

Data loss could occur at the end of the contract. Pay attention to the policy of your cloud provider regarding cancellations. If you cancel your contract, you will need to ensure that your backup is available for download. Check with your cloud provider to see how long your data will be kept after you cancel your contract.

It can be difficult to switch cloud providers. It can take time to switch cloud providers if you already have a backup and a plan for data recovery in Wilmington NC. You can back up your system to the new provider but you’ll need to also migrate older backups to the cloud infrastructure. Providers such as SpartanTec in Wilmington can assist you with this process.

What is local backup?

Local backup or on-premises backup refers to backing up your system, apps, and data to a local device. This could be tape, disk or hard disk, flash drive or CD, external hard drive or any other media that is on-site close to the data source.

It is recommended that organizations perform a local backup. However, it is a good practice to have a second backup on another device (preferably stored off-site). This will ensure that your data is safe.

Local backup: Advantages and disadvantages

Local backup benefits

Large volumes can be quickly recovered. A local backup can be reliable than a cloud backup because it does not depend on an internet connection. Large volumes of data can be recovered much quicker from a local backup than from a cloud backup.

Find out where your data is. If data compliance regulations are not applicable, cloud providers can store backups in other states or countries. Local backups allow you to know exactly where your data is located and give you direct access to it.

Local backup disadvantages

There is no protection for local disasters. Your data could be at risk if local backups are not located near the source of the data – such as a local data center or local system. We recommend to always have an off-site backup.

If your systems are compromised, they can be attacked. Modern cybersecurity attacks like ransomware don’t just target your systems or endpoints. They will often delete your local backups to prevent you from restoring infected system and increase the likelihood that you’ll be charged the ransom.

It is not easily scalable. You will need more hardware and software if you want to scale up your local backup system.

There are many situations where you may need backups, whether cloud, local or both.

Your organization should have a hybrid backup strategy. This allows you to store backups both locally and in the cloud. This strategy is known as the 3-2-1 backup plan. It allows you to keep your data in three places across two media and one backup offsite such as the cloud. A hybrid strategy is a good choice for a few reasons.

• No matter how secure your cloud provider and IT team are, cyberattacks can still happen to one of your backups. Your local backup could be deleted or compromised if your production systems are under attack.
• If you have a backup copy of your cloud backup, you can restore the systems to their pre-attack state. If your local backup system fails for any reason, the same applies. Your cloud backup can be used to recover.
• Alternatively, in the rare event that your cloud backup copy is compromised, or your data is lost due to a disaster that impacts the cloud provider’s infrastructures, you can use your local copy to recover your systems.
• Backups are essential for software-as-a-service (SaaS), applications. The SaaS provider will backup its infrastructure in order to meet Service Level Agreements (SLAs), but it is your responsibility to ensure service recovery and backup.

It is a good idea to create a local backup of important files. However, having the ability automatically create cloud-to cloud backups of your Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace accounts will ensure that all data contained in them are protected from any data loss.

Deciding on what data backup and recovery plan is right for your business can be daunting. Call SpartanTec in Wilmington when you and team are planning for the future of your company and your data. We listen to your goals and can offer a solution that is affordable and protects your business.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 218-9255
http://manageditserviceswilmington.com

Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston

Local Lake Forest, Fairlawn, Winter Park, Woodburn, Brookfield, Leland, Myrtle Grove, Murraysville, Ocean View, Kirkland