Common Cybersecurity Weaknesses Of Businesses

Your business cannot afford being a victim to internet criminals and cybersecurity threats. Your business could be exposed if it is harmed by a weak security system.

Cyberattacks are more common than ever and they are becoming more frequent. They are more common in small and medium-sized businesses.

A study found that 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses. Only 14% of small businesses are prepared for hackers.

Cyberattacks are not limited to small businesses. Identity theft can happen to anyone. It is important to be aware and alert for cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity refers to the protection of computer and network systems against harm and theft, including data, software, and hardware. It also helps businesses to find a way out of disruption.

Cybersecurity is not just about the internet or software attacks. Few people consider the physical components of computers. Cyberattacks can cause serious damage to the device.

Cybersecurity Protection Elements

Organizations must plan their cybersecurity efforts across the entire information system in order to have an impact on cybersecurity. These are the components of cybersecurity:

Network security: Protecting a company’s network against unwanted threats and attacks.

Application security: Continuous testing and updating is required to ensure that programs are safe.

Endpoint security: This is for companies that have remote access to their business network. The system can allow cybercriminals to take the data. Remote access to company network can be protected by endpoint security.

Data security: This is the protection of company and customer data within networks and applications.

Database and infrastructure security: Secures data and databases that are part of the company’s network.

Cloud security: Protects files and data stored in the cloud. This is a complex task because data protection requires a completely online environment.

ERP Cybersecurity Strategy

Enterprise Resource Planning or ERP, systems allow employees to collaborate more effectively and communicate with each other through a single database. Companies can run their business processes by using ERP systems.

These include supply chain management, manufacturing, finance, human resource management, and marketing. This system stores data that can be used for planning, decision-making and operational management.

ERP is a tool that can be used by partners and businesses involved in product development, sales campaigns, mergers and acquisitions. This means that more data flows and is available to many users. An ERP’s data flow will increase, exposing business information systems and software to more vulnerabilities.

ERP security is not often a primary consideration when choosing a provider. In recent years, ERP has become more vulnerable. Serious disruptions to ERP systems can cause financial and operational problems that could cost you your company time and money.

Cyberattack risks can be mitigated by an ERP system strategy. These are eight other cybersecurity vulnerabilities that businesses need to be aware of.

Cybersecurity’s Top 8 Common Weaknesses

Businesses can work with cybersecurity teams to achieve the following:

Unsecured Networks

Cybercriminals can gain access to your network if it isn’t secured. They can access all systems and devices connected to the network once they are infiltrated.

Unsecured Communication Channels

Companies exchange sensitive information frequently, so it is important to protect all communication channels. An encrypted email platform can be a great way to communicate with clients securely.

Old Systems

Hardware engineers and software developers are constantly looking for security threats that could harm users. They patch the problem to fix it once they have found it. To make a patch work, hardware and software must be updated at the device level.

Businesses can be put at risk by outdated systems. Software and devices can be set to automatically update to receive any patches that are available to correct known security flaws.

Unknown Bugs

Cybercriminals can gain easy access to user accounts through bugs in an app. This could be due to a bug in the software programming interface that integrates two apps. You could also be experiencing a problem with software from a third-party.

It is impossible to detect and prevent every bug. You can improve security by scanning your applications regularly and carefully vetting vendors.

Cybersecurity strategy lacking

Many businesses don’t have a comprehensive strategy to address their cybersecurity needs. Many businesses don’t have a high-end strategy for their cybersecurity needs.

Strategic approaches set the scene for security priorities and serve as a guide to anticipating and responding in case of attacks.

Inadequacy of monitoring

You should monitor traffic and be proactive in scanning for ransomware and distributed denial-of-service attacks. Businesses are at risk from these types of intrusions if they don’t have proper monitoring. Modern monitoring also integrates artificial intelligence for vigilance.

Employee Training is a Problem

90% of data breaches are due to human error. When an employee gives a password to another person, this is called a “password swap”. They then gain access to company data which opens the door to attacks.

Employees are taught best practices in cybersecurity by training them. They learn how to use strong passwords and identify attacks in advance.

Companies should ensure that employees receive consistent training in order to retain information.

Internet of Things and Multiple Connect Points

One of many technologies that companies can use to leverage their business is the IoT (Internet of Things). This could involve multiple connections to a single network. IoT offers businesses greater productivity and efficiency but it also presents vulnerabilities.

To mitigate threats, it is important to be prepared for remote access security threats.

Final Cybersecurity Measures

Security risks should be communicated to the entire workforce as part of a company’s cybersecurity efforts.

Employees are also the last and most important line of defense. A strong team and collaboration between the upper management is key to business security. When there is a disconnect between operations and teams, common weaknesses can often be present.

You can take a stand on cybersecurity and embed it in your operations. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding responsibility.

A security-minded, ownership-focused culture is key to ensuring resilience. For cybersecurity initiatives to be effective, organizations must make changes and show constant commitment.

Awareness and preparation are key to successful implementation. Companies that document and test risk mitigation plans reduce risk and increase client confidence.

Prevent data breaches

Organizations must continue to plan for cybersecurity maturity and risk planning. These essentials will ensure that your organization is agile, adaptable, and alert to emerging threats.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you want to boost your company’s online security measures to prevent cyberattacks.

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

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

Manage Your Reputation Online

Small business owners are terrified of having their company or brand online smeared. It’s no wonder and it is not surprising that business owners can feel powerless when they are subject to a torrent of online criticism.

You can prevent this from happening by simply controlling your reputation. Companies that are directly hurt by the media are examples of companies who have lost control of their narrative or didn’t pay attention until it was too late. But that doesn’t mean you have to.

Two-step procedure to manage your brand online.

Engage!

When it comes to reputation management, the best and most important thing you can do is simply to be there. If you don’t participate in the conversation, it is impossible to control it. You can connect with customers regularly on all your social media channels. Social media is social. Your customers are not your target audience. Instead, you should be talking with them. This is an important distinction that owners often overlook. You should be prepared to talk with your customers for a while. You’ll have control over the story and be able to guide the conversation.

Rapid Response

Engaging means you have an ear for the ground. If someone leaves a negative review, or any other negative press, it will be obvious quickly. Respond when you see it! Do not respond in anger. Do not lash out or get defensive. Remember, everyone online can see your responses and what you are saying.

You can respond calmly and professionally, try to find the root cause of the problem, then do your best to solve it. Customers will respect you if you show that you are trying and don’t lose your cool.

Management of your reputation sounds more difficult than it really is. It’s all about being involved and connected. Keep your fingers on the pulse of the online community around your business.

Dark Web Scan

There is nothing that can damage a company’s reputation faster than the exposure of their customers’ data to the rest of the world. Are you aware if your data was compromised? SpartanTec Inc provides a free dark-web search. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Contact us today or fill out our simple online form – https://www.spartantec.com/darkweb/

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

What’s the Difference Between a Data Breach and Security Incident?

If you think a data breach can’t happen to you, think again: According to the Ponemon Institute’s Fifth Annual Benchmark Study on Privacy and Security of Healthcare Data, criminal attacks are up 125 percent compared to five years ago. And that’s just in the healthcare sector. Now more than ever, organizations need a primer on how to protect sensitive data. With cybercrime attacks on the rise, it’s critical to understand what a data breach is, how it differs from a security incident and how to plan a data breach response.

Incident vs. Data Breach

 

Think of a security incident as a pesky cold that may sideline you for a couple days, but clears up fairly quickly. It’s any event that violates an organization’s security or privacy policies around sensitive information like Social Security numbers or confidential medical records. This can be anything from a misplaced drive to missing paper files. A data breach, on the other hand, is like the nastiest flu bug ever — a whopper of a virus that will knock you off your feet.  The folks at ID Experts define it as a security incident that meets specific legal definitions per state and federal laws. Specifically, data breaches require notification to the affected individuals, regulatory agencies, and sometimes credit reporting agencies and media.

 

Security Incidents Are Status Quo

 

Security incidents are, sadly, part of the status quo — with 65 percent of healthcare organizations reporting having experienced electronic information-based security incidents over the past two years, according to the Ponemon study. While not all cybersecurity incidents escalate into data breaches, there’s a regulatory obligation to complete an incident risk assessment when PHI (protected health information) or PII (personally identifiable information) is compromised.

 

Responding Effectively

 

When an incident does escalate into a data breach, a quick and effective response is critical. This requires close collaboration across the company or organization, not just IT security. Stakeholders in legal, marketing, public relations, the C-Suite and other functions have to be prepared to own a piece of the incident response and work together in a fairly seamless manner.

The first two, vital steps following a data breach are 1) Quantify the damage; and 2) Determine your response. To address the first, quantifying damage, it helps to know at any point in time what information requires the most protection, where it’s stored and how it’s protected. At SpartanTec, Inc. in Fayetteville NC we recommend performing periodic cyber threat assessments to develop this understanding for:

• managing enterprise risk
• quell fears, especially when the breach is more serious than initially thought
• credit monitoring isn’t enough
• media interest is high.
• It requires data breach agility.

Organizations with high data breach agility are more likely to have cybersecurity platforms that optimize visibility and the sharing of actionable threat intelligence between prevention and detection tools and across endpoints, data centers and the cloud.

This is one of the advantages of the security fabric. Based on open APIs, it links together different security sensors and tools to collect real threat data, enabling technology and people to more effectively coordinate and respond to potential threats.

To ensure your company’s data is secure, Contact the team at SpartanTec, Inc. to learn more.

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

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

Cybersecurity 101: The Top 5 Reasons It Happens

A data breach can spell doom for many businesses. A cybersecurity breach can result in the loss of customer and business information, as well as internal business data like transaction history and inventory lists. This is something that businesses do not want to have to deal with.

The loss of customer trust can have a devastating effect on a business, not only in the immediate financial consequences of fraudulent orders and bank transfers but also the long-term economic impact.

The first step to preventing data breaches is understanding the causes. What are the top causes of data breaches?

Here are some of the most common causes of cybersecurity breaches.

Reason #1: Unpatched Security Vulnerabilities

Data security professionals have been collecting information for years on exploits hackers have used to attack companies in many countries. To identify these exploits for future reference, they are divided into hundreds of Common Vulnerabilities (CVEs).

Many of these security flaws remain unfixed for long time. According to Verizon’s 2015 Data Breach Investigations Report (PDF), “99.9%” of exploited vulnerabilities were compromised within a year following publication of the CVE.

These security holes are still open to hackers, so don’t leave them unfixed.

Cause #2: Human Error

Unfortunately, the greatest source of computer security breaches is not some forgotten security bug or unknown vulnerability, but human error.

Shrm.org cites statistics from CompTIA that show human error is responsible for 52 percent of security breaches. While the exact nature of an error can vary, some scenarios include:

• Use of weak passwords
• Not sending sensitive information to the right recipients
• Sharing password/account information
• Don’t fall for phishing scams.

It is possible to prevent many of these human errors by making sure that employees are familiar with basic data security procedures. According to the SHRM article, experts often recommend that employees receive more training in order to address the “human firewall” issue.

Cause #3: Malware

Malware isn’t just a problem on personal computers, but it can also be a threat to your company’s systems. According to Verizon DBIR 2015, 5 malware events are reported every second.

Although many of these “malware incidents” are minor, they can still be alarming.

There is also a lot of variation among malware samples.

According to the Verizon DBIR, “We found that 70 to 90% of malware samples (depending upon the source and organization), are unique to one organization.”

Many malware programs are not derived from one “family” but a handful of other families. Verizon estimates that 70% of malware activity came from “20 families.”

Why? Why?

Cause #4: Insider Misuse

Although closely related to human error and company data, it is much more dangerous. Human error can be described as an innocent mistake or accident. Insider misuse is, however, the intentional abuse of the company’s systems and data by authorized users, usually for personal gain.

According to Verizon’s DBIR report, “it’s all in the grabbing of some easy Benjamins by these mendacious malefactors with financial gain or convenience being the primary motivators (40%)

This is because the malicious actor could be someone your company has trusted. Even worse, Verizon’s report points out that “catching insider abuse is difficult… In many of the incidents reviewed, the insider abuse occurred during forensic examinations of user devices after individuals had left a company.”

Although it is almost impossible to prevent insider abuse, you can limit damage by compartmentalizing information on your network and cloud. It is more difficult for one user to access files or systems that are not restricted. It can make it more difficult to share the data.

Cause #5: Physical theft of a data-carrying device

The physical theft of sensitive company information is last on the list. These can be laptops, desktops and tablets as well as smartphones, tablets, hard drives and thumb drives.

A stolen device’s data can lead to a serious cyberattack. This is dependent on the type of information on the device. If the device is not wiped, more sensitive information will be considered a data breach.

Verizon reports that “most thefts occurred within the victim’s work area (55% percent of incidents), but employees-owned vehicles (22% incidents) are also common locations for thefts to occur.”

These thefts are often opportunistic and difficult to predict. It is important to limit the chances of data-storing devices being removed from the workplace.

There are many data breach threats, but these are the most serious.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you need the help of experts in securing your network against online threats.

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

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

Managed Firewalls: First Line of Defense Against Cyber Attacks

Managed firewalls can be used to provide protection in depth and visibility by blocking malicious traffic and allowing organizations to block large amounts of it before they reach the network perimeter. We will discuss the reasons why an intelligent, modern firewall is the very best line of cybersecurity layer or defense against various kinds of cyberattacks.

Managed Firewalls : Stopping Inbound Threats

Even though firewall network security could be placed at different locations inside a corporate network, the excellent spot to place the is the network perimeter. A firewall that is placed within the network perimeter will create as well as enforce a boundary between the public internet as well as the internal network protected and safe.

The network firewall could also make the most out of the fact all kinds of traffic coming in and out of the corporate network flows through one point of connection to the public Internet. This location allows for complete visibility of data flows across the network boundary by placing a firewall.

Proactive protection against cyber threats is also possible with a perimeter-based firewall. Next-generation firewalls with threat prevention capabilities can detect and block attempted attacks before they reach the corporate network. This significantly reduces the cyber risk that these attacks could cause for the company and its employees.

Protecting the Depths of Defense

Firewalls can be used to provide protection in depth for threats that cross the network boundary. An organization can use network firewalls to segregate the network to gain greater visibility into its internal traffic and make it harder for malicious insiders or attackers to move laterally within the organization’s network.

A next-generation firewall installed within a corporate network is not only capable of protecting against core threats but also benefits from identity-based inspection and application control. Application control allows a firewall to identify which application is causing a flow of network traffic. This allows the firewall enforce application-specific security policies which reduce risk associated with insecure apps and allow the organization to block unauthorized programs from their network.

An identity-based inspection adds context to an analysis of network flows. A firewall can identify the user who is performing a specific action and enforce access controls based on employee job roles or permissions. It is crucial to have visibility over the actions of these accounts as 74% of data breaches are caused by abuse of them.

Meeting Unique Security Needs

The next-generation firewalls, aside from IT services Fayetteville NC, can also be used to secure an organization’s entire network infrastructure. Corporate networks evolve and include a variety of endpoints. These can include traditional workstations and servers as well as mobile devices and cloud-based infrastructure and Internet of Things devices. It can be very difficult to secure a heterogeneous network that is growing quickly.

Because it protects all devices at an organization’s network level, a firewall is able to do so. Unified Security Management (USM) is a new-generation firewall that integrates all security data within one console. As a result of the current shortage in cybersecurity skills, many organizations are having difficulty finding enough talent to staff their security departments.

A next-generation firewall can also be deployed as a virtual appliance in the cloud. This allows you to provide cloud support, which allows you to secure multi-cloud hybrid cloud environments. This allows organizations to deploy IT support Fayetteville NC wherever they are needed, and take advantage of the flexibility of cloud-based infrastructure. Cloud firewalls are able to grow with the organization’s security needs, unlike hardware-based security appliances that require additional hardware to scale.

Security Individualized

Different sizes of companies have different security needs. While traditional firewalls were “one-size fits all” in the past. Modern firewalls can be tailored to meet specific cybersecurity requirements.

Organizations that operate critical infrastructure and industrial facilities face different threats. They also have different operating environments. Choosing an industrial firewall capable of operating in extreme environments will ensure that cybersecurity is not compromised.

A strong first line of defense

It can be hard to choose a firewall because there are so many options and not all firewalls are the same. Firewalls can be small gateways or large-scale network security solutions. There are many differences between traditional firewalls as well as next-generation firewalls. Understanding these differences and their importance is an important step in the procurement process.

A next-generation firewall must possess a few core capabilities to adequately protect your network from modern cyber threats. This guide will help you to choose the right firewall for your company and provide the required level of network security. To learn more about how a firewall can help improve your organization’s cyber defenses, you can request a demo and contact us.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you are interested in having managed firewalls to improve the cybersecurity of your business.

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

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

A Cybersecurity Threat That Comes From Within

Nowadays, it’s not unusual for teams to concentrate on protecting a company from external threats. However, if you look a bit closer, you might realize that there’s a threat that comes from within. Research into cybersecurity threat behavior noted that about 60% of data breaches come from your employees. Are you scared? You have to be especially since insider threats could be among the most dangerous things that can happen to a business.

Without a specific focus, there’s a real possibility that security teams may be overlooking something pretty obvious – a threat that is much closer, probably within your network perimeter, office, or building. A person that may just be the biggest threat to your company’s security. So what are the possible motivations of an insider threat? What can push an individual to wreak havoc from within your organization? Here’s what you need to be looking for.

Cybersecurity Threats From Inside Your Company

Not every internal threat is malicious

Data breaches usually come from human error or negligence. The CERT Insider Threat Database has more than 1,000 incidents where insiders may have harmed their company, stolen sensitive information, or changed or deleted data for identity threat or personal financial gain. Out of these cases, only 33 involved a disgruntled staff member. It’s a fact that cyberattacks that are linked to insiders through staff credentials could have a significant impact. Among the recorded incidents in the database, the most common results of cybersecurity breaches are copied data, blocked access to systems, and data deletion.

The orphaned account risk

Several companies do not decommission privileged users effectively once they get another role or when the leave the organization. Also known as orphaned accounts, these provides malicious actors from accessing confidential information. The problem is that getting rid of forgotten and lost orphaned accounts isn’t as easy as it seems. It’s easy for accounts to fall into the cracks especially since there are so many systems, applications, and identity directories that have to be managed.

Lost data and damages

Some of the CERT database cases involved data deletion, which range from deleting source code to deleting specific records that corrupted a crucial system that the company and its clients depended on.

Exploited Vulnerabilities

If left unchecked, problems in IT security can result in a data breach. The CERT database showcases different incidents wherein data was stolen, copied, or manhandled maliciously thanks to the unresolved vulnerabilities in the system. One of the biggest threats to your company’s security is unsecure password. Whether it’s a weak, old, generic, or shared password.

Honest Mistake

Even the most well meaning and earnest user could click on a bad file or link accidentally. The problem is that phishing attacks have become much more complicated, and can easily pretend as a legitimate email from a well known colleague or source sharing a link to a word document or invoice to download. That specific link could be hiding a dangerous crypto virus or ransomware which could possibly freeze systems, destroy data or cause problems to your IT infrastructure.

Cybersecurity does not have to be scary. Call SpartanTec, Inc. in Fayetteville NC now and let us help you protect your network through our managed IT services.

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

 

Considering Managed IT? Ask These 6 Questions

If you don’t adapt to the changing IT landscape, your company could be at risk. Smart executives partner with managed IT services providers to manage their hardware and software requirements, so they can focus on the company’s growth.

You might also consider managed IT. A managed IT provider can handle most services, including data protection, cloud computing, enterprise software development, network security and enterprise software development. We make it easy for you to find the right provider for you. Here are some questions to ask about managed information.

6 QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK IF YOU ARE MANAGED IT SERVICES

What are your areas of expertise in the company?

It is important to understand how the provider fits in with your company’s size and goals. Your managed IT provider should have experience working with clients from your industry and work with businesses similar to yours. It is important to have confidence in your managed IT provider’s ability to meet compliance requirements, especially if you work in highly regulated industries.

Is your company a supplier?

Managed IT services offer the opportunity to tap into the expertise of the provider. Managed IT services can serve as a strategic partner and help you plan for the maintenance and upgrading of hardware and software. When they have many clients to support, outsourcing IT staff may not be as committed to your company. Your needs should be the focus of your provider’s IT staff.

What is your response time?

Downtime in the network can reduce productivity and, over time, cut into profits. You should consider a managed IT provider if your company cannot afford downtime. Ask about their support process, including the staff and systems used to log and resolve problems.

What is preventive maintenance?

You can be confident that your potential provider will take proactive steps to replace and upgrade IT assets if you believe in the “an ounce is worth a pound cure” philosophy. You can expect the right provider to look 12-24 months ahead and offer their recommendations and advice on what you will need so that you can plan and budget accordingly.

Who will have access?

In 2018, Facebook revealed that up to 87million of its users had had their data harvested. Managed IT support providers may collect behavioral data to help improve their services. This might not be something you are comfortable with. In the worst case, they might be selling it. Managed IT providers should be able clearly to articulate their data-handling policies.

What are your data protection methods?

Look out for words such as firewalls, encryption and advanced firewalls. Before you start looking for a provider, it is important to understand the meanings of these terms and what protections they offer. Learn about the provider’s backup practices and how they approach disaster recovery. Run if they claim they use floppy discs!

These six questions will provide a framework for your discussion. These questions will also give you information about the managed IT provider as well as their ability to meet your requirements. It’s a good idea to speak with multiple potential providers.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you’re thinking getting managed IT services for your business.

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