Encryption: It’s an essential component of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. However, businesses too often take a patchwork approach to encryption deployment and management and as a result, open themselves up to costly cyberattacks. Learn more about the impact poor- and high-quality encryption can have on your business’s success. What Is Data Encryption? Data encryption is a process through which your business’s data becomes unreadable. It works by scrambling data into a code, also known as “cipher text,” that no one can break unless they have the key. Once it reaches its intended recipient, a private “key” decrypts the data and returns it to its original form. There are two types of encryption: symmetric and asymmetric. Symmetric encryption is any [...]

We live in a data-driven world, which means leveraging data to make strategic business decisions is more critical than ever. But how do you keep loads of data easily accessible, pared-down, and up to date? The key is to develop your own data architecture. What Is Data Architecture? Data architecture is the blueprint for how data moves through your organization, including how it’s captured, used, transformed, stored, and distributed. With a strong focus on data accessibility and security, your architecture acts as a system for keeping an organization's data strategy aligned with its larger business goals. Developing Your Framework: Getting Started There’s no universal system for developing a modern data architecture framework, but these steps will help you get started [...]

Stolen usernames and passwords caused the most data breaches in 2021, which means it’s time to start viewing your login credentials as a first line of defense, rather than just a way to access different services. Learn more about how attackers use login credentials to enter your networks—and how you can stop them. What is credential stuffing? Why is it a threat to your business? Credential stuffing is a form of cyber attack that involves a bad actor taking usernames and passwords from one device and using it to gain access into another. For example, a bad actor might take the credentials from user accounts for an online retailer and use it to get into a bank’s website, hoping [...]

From meeting compliance requirements to protecting your business’s bottom line, safeguarding sensitive data is essential to the success of your business, but do you have a solid management model in place to ensure you can do so effectively? Often used to secure personally identifiable information (PII), data protection management is a strategic combination of human and automated data backup and protection processes, and we break down the best practices you should follow to make sure your management is always up to speed with the latest regulations and security threats. Data Protection Principles to Guide Your Approach The United States doesn’t currently have a central federal data protection law. However, different industries across the country often work toward the same [...]

Holding a person's or business's data for profit has been wildly successful in the most recent years. The cybersecurity world may seem complicated for many non-IT experts to understand; however, the act is pure and shares a common goal. Ransomware is a form of malware that locks a person or business's out of their hard drive, preventing the owner from accessing the files, and demanding payment for the release of the data. No business is immune to a malware attack, and an attack can be costly. Did you know that the average cost of a ransomware attack can cost well over $133,000 per attack? When your digital systems come under attack, it can be extremely stressful can put your [...]

January 29, 2018 – As an IT support company, we spend a lot of time obsessing about the technology we use to keep our customers’ data safe and secure from cyber criminals. But if you’re not into all that tech detail, what steps can you take on your own to protect your data? Are there non-technical security measures you can take? Absolutely. When we implement a data security solution we think about a multi-layered approach that goes beyond the technology. In fact, one of the most critical elements is the people factor. Careless behavior by employees is a leading cause of data breaches. And while not malicious or intentional, the security breach is still a very painful reality for small [...]

January 15, 2018 -- Data security continues to be a top concern for small and midsized businesses...as it should be. According to the Verizon Data Breach Investigation report, 61% of breaches hit smaller businesses. And while data security might be a top concern, too many small businesses don’t take action. 90% of small businesses aren’t using any sort of data protection according to UPS Capital. In order to protect your business, there are some critical questions you should be asking your IT Security provider. (Don’t have one? Contact Us.) IT Security Question #1 – How Often Do We Back Up Our Data? Your business changes by the minute. Backing up your data only once per day or just weekly isn't [...]

November 6, 2017 - What are Social Engineering Scams? Social engineering scams are tactics that allows hackers to access your systems through direct manipulation of your employees. This is taking cyber-attacks to a whole new level. And it is challenging because it can be extremely difficult to prevent. With social engineering, the hacker will focus themselves on a specific target. They will try to fool their target into clicking on a link and downloading a file. Or they'll try to get them to reveal personal and confidential information like usernames and passwords. What are the main Social Engineering Scams to watch out for? There are 5 main social engineering scams. Read below to find out how to spot them before [...]