How Can Managed IT Services Protect Your Systems From Ransomware

According to a survey by InfoSec professionals in 2018, the greatest cybersecurity problem globally was ransomware prevention. That’s why managed IT services are essential for businesses.

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that threatens the victim’s data by publishing or blocking it. If the ransom is not paid, the victim will be unable to access their data. Sounds nasty, doesn’t it? It is.

You may be able reverse certain attacks if you are knowledgeable about ransomware. Advanced malware is more difficult to combat because it encrypts victim’s files and demands money to decrypt them. This is known as crypto-viral exortion.

Without the decryption keys, it is almost impossible for victims of cybercrime to retrieve their files. It is also difficult to report cybercriminals as ransoms are paid in digital currencies that are hard to trace such as Bitcoin.

Do I need Ransomware Protection

Ransomware can be used to target anyone who has an internet connection and a computer. The risk of being attacked is high, regardless of whether it’s an individual user or business. Ransomware protection is necessary.

You might be curious about ransomware’s operation. When it infects computers, victims are shown a warning message on their screen. There is also a demand for payment.

In the 1980s, ransomware was first developed. Payment was sent by snail mail. Today, however the payment can be made using cryptocurrency or credit cards.

According to research, Iran, Thailand, and the UAE had the highest ransomware infections rates in 2018. These infections are most often caused by spam/phishing emails and a lack of cybersecurity training.

Managed IT service providers reported that CryptoLocker was the most common ransomware strain by victims, followed by WannaCry (WannaCry) and CryptoWall.

Ransomware can target backups

Advanced ransomware can delete any backups it finds. One common tactic is to delete backups of files that have been created on Windows. You can’t revert back by restoring the system.

Ransomware can also be spread to other computers via shared network drives. Ransomware crawls the system searching for certain file types depending on its intent. It will most likely encrypt any backup file extensions it finds.

Ransomware actually aims to infect as many systems as possible.

Backups need not be vulnerable. Reputable managed IT providers can help protect your backups and systems from ransomware attacks.

How can managed IT services prevent ransomware attacks?

Small and large businesses today want to learn how to avoid ransomware. Most small businesses turn to managed service providers for reliable solutions. Here are some ways they can make sure that adequate protections are in place so as to reduce the chance of infection.

Advanced Defense to Minimize Risques

Ransomware is a form of malware so it is crucial to have reliable antivirus software on all computers. This is the first line defense and is installed by managed IT service providers.

DNS filtering is another line of defense that prevents users from accessing dangerous web pages. DNS filtering redirects user’s web traffic via a cloud-based security system that can be adjusted so that protections are in place that stop threats at the network’s door and prevent users from accessing malicious sites.

Increased email security:

Ransomware uses emails as a main route to spread its malicious code. This is why it is important to have a solution that reduces the chance of malware reaching users’ inboxes. If ransomware does manage to reach the user’s inbox, this solution will prevent it from causing any damage.

You may be mistaken if you believe the spam filter will quarantine ransomware. Multi-layered security inspection is crucial. An IT service provider may be able to provide advanced protection against unsafe attachments and links. You can also block people from accessing infected files.

Patching and Updating

It is important to patch and update your system regularly in order to reduce the chance of ransomware attacks. Managed service providers ensure that all systems are kept up-to date by following a strict patching schedule. This allows your business to continue its day without interruption and prevents you from being delayed in getting patches that could make your system vulnerable.

Training end users

It is crucial to educate all employees and users about cybersecurity and possible threats in order to ensure that they use their devices and apps responsibly.

Users may use any method necessary to complete their tasks quickly. Clients may send files via their email. Or they might use external storage drives to transfer files. You must inform them of the consequences of their actions, including the possibility of placing your systems at risk.

Managed service providers provide continuous education to users in order to increase their awareness of cyber threats and to test their knowledge. Simulators allow users to track their responses to a threat.

This information may be used by organizations to reward users who correctly identify threats and take corrective action. They also provide additional training for users who require it.

Regular backups are essential

Ransomware can still be a threat to systems even if they have all the necessary defenses. Trustworthy managed service providers will be able to anticipate any possible infection and use the right software to restore sensitive data. Clients have access to both cloud-based and local backup to facilitate this.

Cloud-to-cloud backup solutions are another necessity. Microsoft has taken many safeguarding measures to ensure Office 365 backups, but users can upload malicious files into OneDrive, which could lead to all files being infected. Only an experienced managed services provider can protect your files in such a situation.

Monitoring and mitigation

Finally, managed IT providers closely monitor your IT environment and ensure it is safe. Your systems are equipped to respond to ransomware attacks automatically. If an attack occurs, you will be notified immediately. The provider’s settings will immediately isolate the infected machine and run an anti-malware scan to prevent other files from being infected. This will limit the damage and protect other computers.

Conclusion

There is no single solution to ransomware prevention. To protect their systems against attacks, both individuals and businesses would be well advised to hire a reliable managed IT service provider. A reliable service provider can help you defeat such attacks by removing malware from the system and training your employees on internet security. We would love to hear about your security measures to protect your system from malicious malware. Please share them with us in the comments section.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you are interested in getting managed IT services for your business.

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

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

What are the Managed IT Services Included?

In 2020, the global market for information technology services was worth $748 billion. Grand View Research reports that the global IT services market will surpass $1 billion in 2025 due to the increasing adoption of modern technology by small and medium-sized businesses. This is an 8.4% increase in CAGR from 2018.

What does managed IT services mean?

Managed IT services allow businesses to outsource their IT operations and save a lot of money compared to setting up and managing an IT department. IT service providers, like SpartanTec Inc. in Wilmington SC,  have years of experience and specialized knowledge that businesses wouldn’t otherwise have. Businesses can delegate their IT operations to allow them to concentrate on their core competencies and not worry about IT.

What do Managed IT Service Providers Actually Do?

Managed IT service providers, also known as managed service providers (MSPs), are responsible for managing all aspects of the IT systems in a company’s business. This can include providing 24/7 monitoring, resolution of issues and reporting.

Managed IT services providers offer the following:

Security and Compliance

Security and compliance are becoming a significant concern with the rapid growth of digital data. Good IT service providers will have strict mechanisms in place to prevent hacking, ransomware, and data theft.

Network and Infrastructure

A reliable MSP will offer solid network  and infrastructure solutions. Your team can work uninterrupted with increased uptime.

Disaster Recovery

The provider of managed IT services will ensure that everything is up and running quickly in the event of a disaster. The business can avoid the devastating effects of data loss by having regular backups.

Cloud Services

Cloud services can significantly reduce hardware costs and increase security for businesses.

Managed IT Services: What else is included?

Managed IT Services Partners offer advanced technology, resources and tools that help businesses reach their goals. These services could include:

Managed Helpdesk

Businesses have access to helpdesk resources that provide the support they require in case of any question or when things go wrong. Businesses can increase employee productivity by getting professional help quickly.

Infrastructure Management

Good managed services providers help companies manage IT operations across all business applications and endpoints. They also align technology and resources with business goals. A comprehensive approach should be taken by the provider to allow businesses to lower their overheads and improve technology reliability.

These services could include:

• Management of servers and networks
• Management of cloud infrastructure
• Cloud application management
• Virtual CTO-services
• Managed Security

A reliable managed service provider will ensure compliance and security throughout operations. This includes endpoint security, network security, and policy management.

These services could include:

• Cybersecurity management
• Management of access and identity
• Security of cloud applications and infrastructure

What are the advantages of managed IT services?

Here are some reasons why businesses should partner with managed services providers:

Concentrate on your core competencies: Companies can outsource IT operations to professionals and have greater peace of mind. Instead of worrying about IT issues, they can concentrate on their core business.

Accessibility of IT specialists at a fair price: Many businesses cannot afford to hire IT experts. It is much cheaper to partner with professionals who are committed to the highest industry standards in support, infrastructure, and services.

Proactive support: Managed services offer expert and proactive support that helps to identify and fix problems as quickly as possible.

Strategic IT Planning: Managed services providers advise businesses and help them plan for their future IT infrastructure.

Managed IT Services give businesses access to an entire IT department without having to set up one. Call us today to discover how we can give you peace of mind.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 218-9255
https://manageditserviceswilmington.com
Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston

Managed IT Services for Small Businesses

Although many people believe they understand “managed services“, they find it difficult to define it. What exactly are managed services? What does it really mean to receive managed service?

What are Managed Services?

Managed services is a term that refers to an outsourced IT service provider who manages your IT solutions. Managed services providers (MSPs) oversee and manage IT solutions, which typically include servers and networks, software and technology infrastructures and data backup systems. They also manage network security and risk management.

Managed services are a way to outsource the management of these systems without having to hire an employee.

What does Managed Services Offer?

Every managed service provider has a different offering, so make sure to carefully review your agreement to ensure you understand what your expert is expecting. These services could include:

• Monitoring and testing of networks
• Assisting in network security and risk mitigation
• Bandwidth and connectivity
• Providing data storage
• Installations and upgrades management
• Implementing software patches and suggesting their implementation
• Hosting web sites
• Virtualization or network provisioning
• Monitoring and reporting on performance
• Technical support via help desk

Why should you use Managed Services

Managed services can improve operations and reduce expenses by delegating general management and monitoring tasks from an in-house team and transferring them to an external team that is better equipped.

Managed services offer 24/7 monitoring of IT systems without the expense and inconvenience associated with hiring an in-house employee.

This also increases security because it takes control of the security of your network, data and networks from one person and puts it in the hands and hands of an entire team that follows strict protocols and systems. It’s easy to overlook certain aspects of your IT security or monitoring. A managed services company, however, is designed to monitor and mitigate potential threats and malfunctions and to manage them as quickly as possible.

This also allows you to free up your internal IT staff’s time. It takes a lot of time to monitor and manage information technology. This is why it is important to delegate this part of IT management to an external team. Your internal IT team will be able to focus more on the day-to-day issues and have more strategic thinking.

The benefits of a managed service provider (MSP).

Although the benefits of hiring a managed service provider vary depending on who you hire, they often include:

• Higher efficiency and lower costs You can get round-the-clock monitoring for a fraction of the cost of an in-house 24/7 team.
• Greater expertise. You don’t have to rely on the knowledge of just a few people in the company. Instead, you can benefit from the expertise and experience of an outsourced managed service team.
• Security. A higher level of security is possible when you use an outsourced managed service provider. They offer round-the-clock monitoring, which prevents you from “putting all your eggs into one basket” by a single employee.
• Predictable pricing. Predictable pricing.
• You are less likely to be sued. You have less risk when you use an external managed service team.
• Service agreements. Managed service providers offer a comprehensive list of deliverables, which is often more than a full-time employee.
• Support after hours and holidays. Your technology and servers will not be affected if your employees are away on a holiday or weekend. Managed services providers provide 24/7 support and monitoring, even on weekends and holidays.
• Certifications with higher standards. Managed services are made up of many technology vendors and must have more current certifications than an in-house IT specialist. This allows for more knowledge and better decision

Are Managed Services Available for Design and Implementation of IT Services

Many people are curious if managed services can also refer to the design and implementation IT services. Traditionally, “managed services” meant management of existing IT systems. However, managed services providers (MSPs), which offer design and implementation services, can be a one-stop shop for all your IT service needs.

What can we do to help?

Would you like to learn more about managed services? Or would you prefer to schedule a no-obligation, free consultation? We’d love to hear from you. Complete the form to the right or give us a call.

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

Managed IT Services: What Is It and Why Is It Important?

Managed IT services refers to a solution that is provided by an IT service provider. It is comprised of 24/7 IT support for a monthly fee along with the constant monitoring of IT infrastructure and workstations.

To put it simply, managed services returns the spotlight on the IT firm. The more issues your company has, the more resources and time the IT firm requires to designate. The consequence is less profit for the IT company and causes it to set in place proactive measures to lessen the amount of issues that the company has. This eventually aligns the outcomes of both organization.

The Importance of Managed IT Services

Aligns The Results of the Organization

An IT firm gains something when they do a very good job. They are looking to less the problems for your firm since they have KPIs that are directly linked to your IT’s efficiency.

IT Experts Provide Peace of Mind

You are not an IT support professional. Managed service providers will deal with your IT concerns so you could concentrate on your business operations.

Proactive Support

Managed services provide proactive support. So, you don’t have to fix your IT problems. An IT expert Wilmington will try to determine the problems before they take place, keeping your company’s systems running smoothly while preventing problems from happening.

 

Call Now

 

Strategic IT Planning

What kind of IT systems does your company need in one or two years? Managed services could help you consider this ahead of time and offer you recommendations on the things that you need to be planning on from an IT department. You will be provided with proactive support while making sure that your IT software and infrastructure is updated and upgraded to lower the risks like crashes, viruses, and downtime.

Complete Outsourced IT

Managed IT services provide you access to an entire IT department. You will not only receive daily IT support; you will also get a virtual CIO and IT manager so you could think strategically regarding how IT will fit your firm.

Challenges of Managed IT Services

There are a few challenges that you have to know when you are thinking of transitioning to a managed IT services arrangement.

The first one is making sure that the provider is held accountable. You need to hold the IT firm you’ve chosen accountable. You also have to make sure that they are providing the improvements you expect when you got their services. You also need to get strategic IT planning and find an IT company like SpartanTec, Inc. that has a good track record.

Tips To Successfully Implement Managed IT Services

There are a few decision that your company needs to make when you are transitioning to a managed IT services contract. Some factors you need to consider include:

-       Having a total cost of IT so you will know the real cost of IT for your company.

-       Determine potential providers; ask for an audit of your existing systems. Select a managed services provider and finish the on-boarding process with the provider.

Are you thinking of getting managed IT services for your company? Call SpartanTec, Inc. in Wilmington now.

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

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

What are the advantages of Using Managed IT Services?

Companies in different industries are finding how the technologies these days help them meet their objectives and that includes managed IT services. For instance, retailers utilize beacons so they can personalize marketing messages to each client based on their location in a store. Hospitals utilize technology to monitor patients and know their experiences, assisting them in reducing readmission rates. Airlines use apps to help streamline check in as well as sport teams use them to increase the stadium attendance.

Although new technologies present great chances for companies, they also introduce problems. The pace of the change in the IT sector is unprecedented. IT departments can’t standardize on 1 or 2 computers models, one operating system, as well as a short list of applications that are approved. The cloud based technologies and mobile devices that have opened up so many possibilities have introduced a hodgepodge of apps, platforms, and devices for IT departments to secure and manage.

Why Turn To A Trusted Managed IT Services Company?

Free up your IT staff

Many IT departments have been stretched thin. By outsourcing the back end operations or complex and fast changing technologies to a managed IT service providers, companies ask their inhouse technology professionals to tasks that would improve their core goals and encourage innovation.

Keep pace with the demands for IT expertise

Companies in different parts of the world are finding it difficult to fill in the IT jobs, especially in mobile app development and cybersecurity. By outsourcing these functions to a third party company with specialized and skilled engineers in new as well as emerging technologies, these pressures will be alleviated.

Greater Scalability

IT companies spend months or years deploying major systems. A lot of firms have found that it’s more effective to begin small and then move fast and then expand when necessary. A modular approach to managed IT services Wilmington NC will make it easier for companies to scale up or down based on their demand, like a retailer boosting their capacity during the holidays or being experiencing rapid growth.

24/7 Scalability

A workday that runs from 9am to 5pm is now considered as outdated just like the phone booth. If users work 24/7, so should the network. With managed service providers, you can be sure that you will receive help whenever you need it.

Shift the burden of compliance

Apart from regular audits, several organizations are obliged to meet the requirements and standards through their IT initiatives. SpartanTec, Inc. understands the policies that firms are bound by, and could provide the systems, reports, processes to guarantee that companies meet their needs, without giving that burden to the in-house staff.

Predictable monthly costs

IT investment has peripheral costs. Companies require sufficient storage, networks, as well as security. They should train staff, manage equipment, and deploy systems. But you need to remember that unexpected costs may come at any time. By outsourcing these IT tasks to a managed service provider, companies could break down the IT costs into monthly payments that are fixed, as opposed to huge capital expenditures that are associated with managing system in house.

 

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you have finally made the decision to hire a managed IT services company to help with your IT tasks and secure your company against online threats.

 

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

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

Do Small Businesses Need Managed IT Services?

Small business owners know that many of their business operations depend on technology. In case you have problems with computer software or hardware, internal databases, or internet connections, all processes will stop. Although you might have thought about hiring an in-house IT employee to assist you with your tech problems, there are several advantages to why your small business should have managed IT services Wilmington NC.

Here are a few points that you should consider regarding IT support services, especially when some of your staff members have shifted to remote working.

Managed IT support are an in-depth way of outsourcing the daily management of your business IT needs. Not only will it free up your time so you could concentrate your schedule on crucial tasks but it also supports the growth and development of your business.

A managed service provider could support your in-house IT department or they could become one for you, based on your business objectives.

What are managed IT services?

Although a lot are familiar with the role of an IT department in a company, there are those who are unfamiliar with what an external IT team could do for their small business.

An in-house IT department is commonly made up of at least one staff member who knows network administration software and hardware installation, as well as troubleshooting technical problems. In a few small businesses, it may be you, the business owner.

On the other hand, you can get all these and so much more from an MSP. They have several IT experts, a lot more than a regular IT department. An IT team possesses a wide array of expertise and knowledge. But rather than working in your office every day, they will take care of your IT needs remotely. The MSP is just one email or phone call away whenever you need them, even if it’s outside the normal business hours.

An MSP can provide the technology services you need for a fixed monthly fee. This will let your business become more proactive rather than waiting for a problem to happen before hiring somebody to deal with it.

Since you’re paying an affordable monthly fee, your small business could easily budget for the expert services you need and allow you to predict your IT spending for the coming months, quarters, or years.

So how can your employees benefit from all these? These professional IT services will keep your staff connected and on top of the latest technology without having to break your budget. Because of this, you’ll get to focus more on building your business rather than your technical concerns.

 

Call Now

 

 

The Benefits of Managed IT Services

Knowledge – IT services Wilmington NC who have a wide range of knowledge and expertise. You’ll have access to professionals who have several years of experience.

Variety of Service – MSPs offer different service tiers, which is ideal if you want to grow your business. An MSP makes it a lot easier to scale services while your business grows. You probably require essential services for your small business operations, but it’s also good to know you don’t have to worry about your MSP as you expand your business.

Maintenance and Monitoring – An MSP could help prevent problems before they even happen. If you have an IT team to help you out, they could make sure that all the software and hardware are updated and could notice security problems before they become a major problem.

 

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you’re looking for a reliable and trustworthy provider of managed IT services.

 

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

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

Racoon Stealer Malware Is New One To Watch For

There is a new form of malware that you and your staff need to be aware of. That's because it's gaining in popularity among cyber criminals around the world.  Known as 'Racoon Stealer,' it is noteworthy not for its complexity but rather, for its extreme ease of use.  Worse, the malware's designers have been marketing it aggressively both inside and out of the Dark Web, which is driving rampant adoption rates.

Racoon Stealer was first spotted in the wild in April of 2019.  It's a Trojan virus that's relatively simple in its construction, but quite adept at collecting password information and sending it back to whomever launched it.

The Senior Director of Threat Hunting at Cybereason, Assaf Dahan, had this to say about the emerging threat:

"Raccoon, like other information stealers, poses significant risks to individuals and organizations alike.  Any malware that is designed to steal passwords and personal information from browsers and mail clients could potentially inflict great damage to its victims.

The stolen data is being sold to the highest bidder in the underground community and can be used in many ways--from identity theft, financial theft or even as an entry vector to penetrate an organization and in order to carry out a larger attack."

In addition to the general hype created by the marketing campaign, the group behind Raccoon provides its criminal user base with more tools. These include an easy-to-use backend, hosting, and dedicated 'round the clock support, all for $200 a month.  The data that this little piece of code can obtain can easily generate high amounts of income for the hacker. That makes it a fantastic investment for the criminal underground, which explains the malware's explosive growth and spread.

In any case, be sure your IT staff is aware, and be on your guard.  It looks like Raccoon is here to stay.

Keep your passwords, personal and company information secure from all kinds of online threats. Call SpartanTec, Inc. in Wilmington and let our team help set up the most effective strategy to improve your cybersecurity. 

SpartanTec, Inc.
Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 218-9255

https://spartantec-wilmingtonnc.business.site/