cybersecurity challenges

How to Overcome the Toughest Cybersecurity Challenges

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Business and computers go hand-in-hand today. Technology empowers enterprises but that doesn’t mean it’s not complicated. That’s coming from IT professionals! It’s important to have a baseline understanding of the cybersecurity threats facing businesses. However, we want to emphasize that the best way to face a cybersecurity challenge is to have a proactive and comprehensive plan already in place that includes a dedicated team to manage your IT, specifically your data back-ups, network firewall, risk mitigation, and disaster recovery. Below is an overview of the top cybersecurity challenges you may experience. There are immediate actions you can take if and when you face any of these situations.

Stolen Hardware

Unfortunately, computer theft is not out of the question. Besides the financial implications, if a business is broken into, company information on any stolen devices is a concern. If your laptop has been stolen, (hopefully your IT team encrypted it!) then you’ll need to secure your identity and other highly important information stored on that device right away.  To ensure that the culprit cannot access your info, you’ll want to immediately log out of sessions remotely and contact your financial institutions to alert them of the situation. Be sure also to report the theft to your local police to initiate an investigation into the theft. 

Hacked Data

From passwords to banking information, hackers illegally access computer systems to steal personal data. Changing passwords regularly is a preventative measure that you can use to avoid a data breach.  However, if you suspect that your data has been hacked, you’ll need to change your passwords immediately. In the event of a significant data breach, you also need to monitor your accounts, consider freezing your credit, and watch for company updates to ensure that you’ve wholly addressed the breach.

Computer Viruses

Computer viruses can enter your system by disguising themselves within legitimate programs and documents that execute their codes. To guard against virus threats, be sure to keep all your website and network protection up to date, as well as other software and your browser. If you think there’s a virus on your computer, there are immediate steps you can take to identify and resolve the issue. First, run a virus scanner to check for virus presence. If your software run detects a virus, it may identify files that you should delete. Then, you’ll want to disconnect from the internet and reboot your computer.

Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware is one of the most dangerous software threats that a company can face. It acts as a block to computer system access until a ransom is received. If you’ve been attacked by ransomware, it’s crucial to assess the attack as quickly as possible, and we can’t stress enough the importance of looking to the experts.  In the case of a ransomware attack, your Cybersecurity Insurance provider will engage a forensic team and likely Federal Law Enforcement. If you are reading this and do not have a Cybersecurity Insurance policy, please get one ASAP!  Ransomware is a malicious technology that’s constantly evolving, and so it is also vital to already have someone who specializes in the threat on the line. While you may be able to retrieve your data from backups, some ransomware is more advanced and could affect those too. 

Be proactive!

These are not comprehensive instructions, just immediate steps you may take. As mentioned, the best move is a proactive one. You can face cybersecurity challenges with confidence if you’ve established three operations standards:
  1. Complete a comprehensive assessment of your IT framework and possible weaknesses.
It’s important to know exactly what you’re working with. A comprehensive assessment of your IT framework and its possible weaknesses can help you to analyze your entire network infrastructure and make updates and security improvements where needed.  
  1. Focus on implementation and management of effective security controls.
The analysis of your IT framework then shifts to a focus on implementing and managing effective security controls. Your company can use the data to build and improve upon the security measures already in place to ensure an extensive and thorough safeguard for your valuable information. 
  1. Have a plan for handling and responding to security incidents.
Like we’ve stressed: being proactive is key. From malware to data theft to service outages to ransomware, you need to understand the threats to your security and be able to swiftly react if they occur. Having a plan for handling and responding to security incidents is the best way to ensure that your business’ digital operations are prepared to not only detect but respond to and recover from security breaches.  Our dedicated team provides you with support and proactive technology services to reduce friction and frustrations caused by technology in the workplace so that you can focus on your business. If you’re in need of a comprehensive cybersecurity plan, take the first step here.  

Here’s Why You Should Be Concerned About Ransomware

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Much of our day-to-day business relies on computers. We use devices and networks to communicate, work, and store data. With the amount of crucial information stored on our servers, it is no wonder that there are criminals out there who look for ways to access it. Your vulnerabilities can end up costing your business more than you think.

Cybersecurity is crucial to safely running a business and having ABS on your side could mean the difference between recovering quickly with little loss and huge losses of time and money. Don’t just take our word for it, though.

Earlier this year, ABS helped one of our clients recover from a cyberattack. In April, we received the call that one of our clients was experiencing IT issues. Their systems weren’t working and they were unable to run their business. As it turned out, they had fallen prey to a ransomware attack.

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3 Benefits of Choosing Managed IT Services

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Managed IT Services or Managed Service Provider (MSP) are terms you’ve probably heard thrown out from time to time. Unfortunately, it’s not always clear exactly what “managed” means and how it can benefit your business.

If you’re curious about managed IT, what it means, how it works, and why so many businesses are choosing this option for their IT, then you’ve come to the right place. Our goal is to answer these exact questions and pinpoint areas of your business that will benefit from choosing a managed IT service.

Managed IT simply means outsourcing your IT. It means that your IT is being managed by an outsourced team. It means less time and money and resources being spent on internal IT and more time, money, and resources going towards the people and solutions that make your business unique. Read more

What is Remote Monitoring & Why Does It Matter?

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We hear so many terms and services (like remote monitoring) thrown out and, oftentimes, it’s unclear exactly what these terms and services actually mean.

As you seek to understand your IT needs and the many ways you can choose to meet those needs, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each option and the opportunities available to you with them!

Remote is a buzzword in our world right now and it generates a few mental pictures.

To some, remote monitoring might sound a bit like “big brother” – especially to your employees!

To others, it might sound like a cop-out – a way for your IT company to get out of having someone in your office to personally take care of your needs.

But, what it really means is faster, better, and more proactive service. Read more

outsourced it

What Do Outsourced IT Services Include?

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Technology has come alongside businesses and helped some of our most challenging issues – from providing multiple means of communication to helping us create elaborate solutions and intricate designs, technology makes it possible for us to live and thrive in this modern world. On the flip side, technology can cause new issues and create new problems. Read more

server support

The Reasons Why You Need Server Support

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Servers are the lifeblood of any business. This is where your critical information is stored and accessed. As a result, your entire business is affected when you experience an issue with your server. Data loss and downtime are common results of server issues.

In fact, an unprotected and unsupported server should be a business owner’s worst nightmare. That’s why we recommend server support! Having a Server Support system on hand ensures that your computer network systems are operating efficiently and reliably. If your server goes down, your whole network is affected, from the daily operation of your business, to your private and necessary data and information. That’s why it is critical to keep your servers and workstations up and your networks safe. Read more

prevent data loss

How to Prepare for and Prevent Data Loss With a Backup & Recovery Plan

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The world of technology has grown exponentially over the last decade and, as we head into a new year and new decade, we don’t see this trend changing anytime soon. As a result you and your employees are likely having to adapt and adapt quickly to the ever-changing technological landscape of your business and the businesses or customers you serve. Read more

outsourced it

How to Gain from Outsourcing Your IT

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If you’re a business owner and you’re constantly struggling with the increasing need for and use of technology and the frustrations that can come with it, then you’re not alone. Technology is a blessing and a curse. It can be the best thing that has ever happened for your business and simultaneously cause catastrophic and financially devastating roadblocks.

For many, choosing an internal IT department is the best choice. Having 24/7 access to an internal team of technological wizards is priceless – except that it’s not. An internal IT department comes at a cost and few businesses can afford to invest such a large portion of their budget in this. Read more

Multi-Factor Authentication for Office 365

Multi-Factor Authentication for Office 365

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Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a method of authentication that requires the use of an additional verification method and adds a second form of security to user sign-ins, transactions, and activity. Office 365 offers MFA for all of their programs and we recommend you implement this feature. Not only does this extra method of verification provide maximum security but it allows the Microsoft 365 Admin Center to manage and access all activity from the suite. Here is all of the information our team wants you to know about this level of authentication for Office 365. Read more

windows 7 update

What to Do Before Windows 7 Reaches End of Support

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Microsoft will be ending support for Windows 7 on January 14, 2020. The move to Windows 10 requires change and we understand the challenge it will be for those who have been using the older operating system for the past decade. This is why we are here to help you with a few tips and insights on how to make the transition. Our team is at work every day helping our customers make the change and we can assist you with any issues or questions you may have. If you’re ready to connect to create a plan to move away from Windows 7, click here. Read below to better understand what Windows 7 end of life support means for your business.

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