9-Point Guide to Identity Theft Prevention

A March 2017 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on the benefits of identity theft services recommends that agencies have the freedom to determine how much identity theft coverage to provide customers and constituents impacted by a data breach. Concluding that mandated coverage levels are “likely unnecessary” as well as potentially costly and misleading, the GAO report has led to a heightened focus on proactive data theft prevention.

 

 

Here are 9 steps the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends private- and public-sector organizations take to improve the security of private data:

1. Don’t collect what you don’t need. Take only the data you need, and keep it only as long as necessary. Use personal data only when absolutely essential.
2. Control data access. Restrict access to the sensitive data you do keep, and limit administrative access. Sensitive data should always be accessed on a “need-to-know” basis only.
3. Require secure passwords and authentication. Require employees to choose complex passwords that are unique and not used for personal accounts. Store passwords securely, and protect them against brute force attacks by locking out accounts after repeated unsuccessful login attempts. Protect the system against authentication bypass by testing for common “backdoor” vulnerabilities.
4. Store sensitive personal information securely and protect it during transmission. Keep sensitive data secure throughout its lifecycle. Use validated, accepted methods for securing data. Ensure proper configuration to avoid man-in-the-middle attacks and other risks.
5. Segment your network and monitor access attempts. Use firewalls to segment your network; each computer should talk only to necessary connections. Monitor activity on your network including system logs and use an intrusion detection system.
6. Secure remote access to your network. Set secure remote access policies and stick to them. Solidify endpoint security by reinforcing “weak links” on computers with remote access. Establish sensible limits, allowing just enough access for employees to do their jobs. When necessary, grant temporary limited access or limit connections to specific IP addresses.
7. Make sure your service providers implement reliable security measures. Disclose all of your security expectations to potential IT outsourcing service providers and monitor their services. Put all security standards in vendor contracts and verify compliance.
8. Develop procedures, update security and address vulnerabilities as they arise. Always update and patch third-party software. Listen to warnings about credible security threats and take action immediately. Make sure you have an incident response plan.
9. Secure paper, physical media and devices. Store sensitive files securely. Protect any devices that process personal information and that could be vulnerable to theft or tampering. Keep safety standards in place when data is in transit, not just when it's in the office. Dispose of sensitive data securely; destroy physical data and wipe devices when you're finished with them.

Identity Theft Prevention is the Best Policy

If you would like a copy of our Free Report:  "What Every Business Owner MUST Know To Protect Against Online Identity Theft", feel free to email or call the office.  We'll be happy to provide you with your own personal copy.  When it comes to avoiding the costs and headaches of identify theft, prevention is the best approach by far. A co-managed IT Services provider, SpartanTec, Inc. has the expertise and best-of-breed technology solutions to help agencies check identify theft prevention steps off their lists. Contact us today.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now and let our IT team help protect you and your business from identity theft and other forms of online attacks.

 

SpartanTec, Inc.
Fayetteville, NC 28304
(910) 745-7776
http://manageditservicesfayetteville.com

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

What is Zero-Day?

 

A zero day is the code that attackers use to make a hole and it is also the unpatched software hole that was once unknown to the vendor of the software. Zero day refers to the zero day exploit and zero day vulnerability, too.

Zero day vulnerability is the software’s security hole such as the operating system or the browser software that is still unknown to the antivirus vendor or the software maker. This means that the vulnerability is not yet known to the public, although it may already be known to the cybercriminals who are exploiting it quietly. Since zero day vulnerabilities are not known to the vendors of the software and the antivirus companies, there’s no available patch that can be used to repair the hole and no antivirus signatures to determine the exploit, although in some instances, antivirus scanners could still pinpoint a zero day that uses heuristics.

Zero day exploits are also the code that cybercriminals use to exploit the zero day vulnerability. They will utilize the exploit code to move through the hole within the software and add the virus, which could be a Trojan horse or other kinds of malware onto your device or computer.

The term zero day refers to the number of days that the software vendor knew about the hole. The term came from the days of the digital bulletin boards wherein it was about the number of days that a software was released to the public. A zero day software was a software that was not released and highly sought after by hackers who want to be the first one to get their hands on it. If you need help with this, you can always hire the co-managed IT services.

Zero day exploit codes and vulnerabilities are very valuable and are utilized not just by hackers but also by cyber warriors and state spies. Fortunately, IT outsourcing can help protect your company from this threat.

Zero day vulnerabilities can be very rare. Only one or two zero day exploit code are found for more than a million malware that are found and processed every month. Today, unfortunately, zero days are used more often and that’s partly because of the rise of the buy and sell market for zero day exploits and vulnerabilities, which are partly driven by the demand that comes from the intelligence agencies of various governments.

There are three parts to the zero day market. These are the gray market, white market, and the black market. The gray market is where the companies and researchers sell zero day exploits as well as vulnerability data to intelligence agencies, militaries, and law enforcement. They will use it for offensive computer operations as well as surveillance.

The white market is where security companies purchase zero day exploit that they can utilize in their penetration, checking the products to know if the system of the customer is vulnerable to an attack. The black underground market is where cybercriminals trade vulnerability information and exploit code to break into computer systems and steal credit card numbers and passwords.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you need zero day managed ITservices so your company can be protected against zero day exploits and vulnerabilities.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Fayetteville, NC 28304
(910) 745-7776
http://manageditservicesfayetteville.com

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

What are the Benefits Of Outsourcing IT Through Managed Services?

Here are the benefits of IT outsourcing.

1. Control your IT costs.

Outsourcing IT through managed services helps you budget effectively since your fixed IT costs will be converted into variable costs. This mean you only have to pay for the services you use whenever required.

2. Minimize Your Labor Costs

Hiring and training staff for your IT team can be costly and in many instances, these employees don’t meet your expectations. IT outsourcing Fayetteville NC allows you to concentrate your human resources in areas that need them most.

 

 

3. Certified, Qualified, Experienced, Trained

How do you know what an employee is qualified if you are not IT trained yourself? Experience is as important as certifications such as Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer.

4. Qualified Doesn’t Mean Experienced

There are only a few things that IT service companies aren’t familiar with. In most cases, they’re dealing with IT issues that they’ve already handled several times. Meanwhile, an in-house IT employee will continue to have an isolated existence regardless of how much they train.

5. Boost Efficiency and Effectiveness

Companies that try to come up with an in-house IT department that covers all IT services can be very costly. These expense will then be passed on the clients by increasing the price of the product or service you offer. You don’t have to deal with this if you outsource your IT services.

6. Implement New Technology Immediately

A reliable outsourced IT service company will have the needed resources to implement new projects immediately. Handling the same project with an in-house IT team may require you weeks or months before you can hire the right people. Plus, you have to train them and give them the support they need. This won’t be a problem with IT outsourcing. SpartanTec, Inc. already has a team of IT experts who are experienced, licensed, and certified, which means you’ll get to save money and time.

7. Focus On Your Core Business

Your company most likely have limited resources and each manager has limited resources and time. IT outsourcing will help your company concentrate on your core business. You can just leave complex IT decisions at the hands of experts.

8. Reduce Risks

Every investment comes with a certain level of risk. Government regulations, competition, markets, technologies, and financial conditions evolve fast. IT outsourcing companies assume as well as manage most of these risks for you, which certain industry knowledge, like compliance and security issues.

9. Level The Playing Field

Small businesses cannot afford to match their in-house support with the IT department of a larger company. IT outsourcing helps level the playing field when it comes to IT services. SpartanTec, Inc. can provide your business with the competitive advantage it needs.

10. Security and Compliance

Is your firewall updated? Did you install a DMZ? Do you conduct a regular audit of your servers and workstations? Has your business implemented the PCI security standards? IT outsourcing will take care of all these.

 

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now and let our team of IT experts help minimize the risks of facing a cybersecurity breach linked with sensitive data, credit card numbers, and your business in general.

 

SpartanTec, Inc.
Fayetteville, NC 28304
(910) 745-7776
http://manageditservicesfayetteville.com

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

Is Cybersecurity Important In The Digital Age?

The way people see and experience the world has been changed significantly by the digital age. Although collectively the setting where the world works has become much smaller, it’s brought its own share of concerns. Connectivity has increased but the risk of cyberattacks also rose exponentially. So why is cybersecurity crucial in today’s digital age?

 

Understanding Cybersecurity

 

Nowadays, there exist different kinds of processes and technologies that are made to protect the sensitive data, which is continuously at risk. The data that’s being referred to here may include information that’s saved on programs, devices, software, etc. Any kind of unauthorized access to such data is a breach in cybersecurity and therefore, effective measures must be taken in order to prevent it.

Data breach is now a serious issue because of the rising cases in cyber threats. Any company that suffers a cyberattack will have a damaged reputation and credibility in the eyes of their clients. It will also place the customers at risk because their valuable data will be exposed and can even be used for different purposes. These setbacks can be prevented by hiring a provider of managed IT services.

 

 

 

Why Cybersecurity?

 

Information technology has closed the gap between nations. It can also be between individuals or organizations. Everybody is keeping their information on the cloud and that means digital footprint is growing rapidly and in a massive scale. Hackers know all these and they can misuse technology for their benefit.

 

Factors Associated With Cybersecurity

 

Data security – prevents unsanctioned access to the network and system of firms and organizations. It is a crucial aspect of IT security.

Mobile security – also referred to as wireless security. It helps protect portable computing devices such as smartphones and laptops from online threats.

Network security – hardware and software technologies are utilized to safeguard computer networks.

Application security – the security features are integrated into the application to ensure that they’re safe from cyberattack.

Endpoint security – protects wireless devices like phones and laptops because their connectivity also pose risks.

Identity management – a detailed and established procedure will check the accessibility to systems, networks, and applications.

Disaster recovery – Companies offering IT services will create a security plan that will help keep unplanned scenarios in check.

 

Does Your Company Need Cybersecurity

If you believe that governments and nations are the only ones that should be careful of cyberattacks. The corporate sector and even individuals are also at risk and they have to make sure that they are not vulnerable. That’s why it is crucial to take the right steps to setting up a good IT security. You can do this in house or you can also consider IT outsourcing.

 

Protecting your company against various online threats is not an easy pursuit. Fortunately, SpartanTec, Inc. is here to help you. Call us now and learn more.

 

SpartanTec, Inc.
Fayetteville, NC 28304
(910) 745-7776
http://manageditservicesfayetteville.com

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

5 Overlooked Security Measures When Using Mobile Devices

Implement a mobile device policy. This is particularly important if your employees are using their own personal devices to access company e-mail and data. If that employee leaves, are you allowed to erase company data from their phone? If their phone is lost or stolen, are you permitted to remotely wipe the device – which would delete all of that employee’s photos, videos, texts, etc. – to ensure YOUR clients’ information isn’t compromised? Further, if the data in your organization is highly sensitive, such as patient records, credit card information, financial information and the like, you may not be legally permitted to allow employees to access it on devices that are not secured, but that doesn’t mean an employee might not innocently “take work home.” If it’s a company-owned device, you need to detail what an employee can and cannot do with that device, including “rooting” or “jailbreaking” the device to circumvent security mechanisms you put in place as part of the IT service.  

 

 

Require STRONG passwords and passcodes to lock mobile devices. Managed IT service providers say that passwords should be at least 8 characters and contain lowercase and uppercase letters, symbols and at least one number. On a cell phone, requiring a passcode to be entered will go a long way in preventing a stolen device from being compromised.

Require all mobile devices be encrypted. Experts of IT services Fayetteville NC suggest that encryption is the most effective way to achieve data security. To read an encrypted file, you must have access to a secret key or password that unlocks (decrypts) the data.

Implement a remote wipe software for lost or stolen devices. If you find a laptop was taken or a cell phone lost, remote “kill” or wipe software will allow you to disable the device and erase any and all sensitive data remotely. 

Backup remote devices. If you implement step 4, you’ll need to have a backup of everything you’re erasing. To that end, make sure you are backing up all MOBILE devices including laptops so you can quickly restore the data. While these 5 are a good start, many organizations that are heavily using mobile devices or are handling highly sensitive data such as credit card numbers, financial information, social security numbers or medical records need to be far more diligent about monitoring and securing all mobile devices.  

 

For those of you who fit into that category, we have a special report that details X more security measures and strategies that you need to implement and know about that most IT firms don’t know or won’t tell you. For a free copy, simply call SpartanTec, Inc. or shoot me an e-mail at lcarter@spartantec.com with “Mobile security report” in the subject line.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Fayetteville, NC 28304
(910) 745-7776
http://manageditservicesfayetteville.com

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