Overview of Network Monitoring
Network monitoring reviews the health of a network’s hardware and software layers. Network monitoring is used by engineers to detect and prevent network failures and outages and watch for suspicious activity. What is Network Monitoring?Networks allow information to be transferred between two or more systems. This includes between two applications or computers. Open Systems Interconnection (OSI), a model that breaks down many functions computer systems use to send and receive information. Data must pass through the OSI to send information across a network to the end user. It will use different protocols starting at the physical layer and ending with the application layer. Network monitoring gives engineers visibility into all components of a network and allows them to troubleshoot any issues that may occur at any layer. Hardware To Monitor NetworkCompanies that manage on-premises workloads and datacenters must ensure that the physical hardware that transports network traffic is operational and healthy. This usually includes the physical, datalink and network layers of the OSI model. Companies monitor components that transmit data using this device-centric monitoring approach. This includes network cabling and network devices like routers, switches and firewalls. Network devices can have multiple interfaces connecting them to other devices. Failures at any one interface could result in network downtime. Benefits of Network MonitoringMajor business disruptions can be caused by network failures. In complex networks with distributed networks, it is crucial to have full visibility to identify and fix issues. Managed IT service providers such as SpartanTec, Inc. in Columbia SC can help. If cross-regional queries are not answered, it is possible for a connectivity problem in one area or availability zone to have an enormous impact on the entire service. Monitoring network devices have the common benefit of helping to prevent or minimize business-impacting outages. Monitoring tools for network devices can collect information periodically to verify that they are functioning as expected and alert you if they are not. Network engineers can quickly respond to any issue that may arise, such as high saturation at a particular interface. This will prevent outages or other user-facing impacts. If monitoring shows that one server is not sufficient to handle the request volume, then teams can implement load balancers to distribute traffic among multiple servers. Network monitoring and IT support can also help companies improve their application performance. Network packet loss could manifest as user-facing latency. Engineers can pinpoint the source of packet loss and fix it with network monitoring. Companies can reduce their network traffic costs by monitoring network data and identifying inefficient cross-regional patterns. Engineers can use network monitoring to verify that their applications are able to reach DNS servers. Without this, websites won’t load properly for users. Modern monitoring tools allow engineers to access the same data when troubleshooting and diagnosing network issues. The ability to consolidate monitoring data allows teams to easily determine if latency or other errors are caused by the network, code, host-level issues, or any other source. Over the past few years cybercriminals have found ways to access the networks of businesses of every size. This may cause a data breach and your company money when they demand a ransom. Network monitoring looks for cyber attempts from the outside as well as the inside. monitoring can identify as threat before it becomes a problem. Primary Use Cases of Network MonitoringDatacenter Monitoring Network engineers can use network monitors to gather real-time data from data centers. They can also set up alerts when problems occur, such as device failures, temperature spikes, network capacity issues or suspicious activity. Cloud Network Monitoring To ensure that applications dependencies communicate well, companies that host cloud services can use network monitoring tools. Network monitoring can be used by engineers to analyze how much traffic passes between regions and how different cloud providers handle it. Network Monitoring for Containerized Applications Network containers enable teams to package and distribute applications across multiple operating system platforms. Engineers often use Kubernetes container orchestration system to create scalable distributed applications. Teams can use network monitoring to make sure that all components of their containerized apps communicate properly, regardless of whether they are running on-premises or cloud. Network monitoring may be used by companies that adopt a hybrid approach to hosting their services. Some workloads are managed internally while others are outsourced and hosted in the cloud. This hybrid approach allows for some flexibility. A network monitoring tool is useful in this situation to provide a holistic view of both on-premise network metrics and the health of data flows between them. When an organization is migrating to cloud computing, it’s common for them to use a hybrid approach. For small to medium size business, outsourcing network monitoring may be a better option. This will free up or eliminate IT staff. Challenges of Monitoring Your NetworkModern networks transmit millions of packets per second and are extremely complex. Engineers use flow logs to examine traffic between two IP addresses. They can also manually log in via Secure Shell Access (SSH) to remote access equipment to run diagnostics. These processes are not scalable, do not provide network health heuristics and may not be able to identify the root cause of network problems. Network monitoring in Columbia SC can also be a challenge for engineers when companies shift to the cloud. Cloud workloads and the underlying infrastructure can cause network complexity to increase. Cloud instances that are short-lived may disappear due to changes in user demand. The cloud provider can shift the network infrastructure. This means that network issues can often be out of the client’s control. Workloads may need to be moved to another available zone or region in order to avoid problems until they are resolved. Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you’re interested in network monitoring and you would like to get the help of our IT experts.SpartanTec, Inc. Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston via Blogger https://ift.tt/vnZ0IEd February 18, 2022 at 07:53PM
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IT Services West Columbia SC
IT Solutions That Advance Your BusinessSpartanTec, Inc. West Columbia SC can help your business remain safe, productive, and profitable by effective use of technology. Companies of all sizes have been relying on our comprehensive range of managed IT services to solve their IT problems for over 15 years. Our confidence can be put to work for yours. Our Managed IT ServicesReliable and nimble. To remain competitive in today’s economy, a business must be agile and responsive. It often involves leveraging technology to optimize business performance, reduce costs and protect security. SpartanTec, Inc. West Columbia SC offers three levels of service to help you: 1. An IT strategy that is proactive – evaluations and tactical planning geared to your business. This provides flexibility, scalability and adaptability 2. Preventative IT Support – Remote Monitoring which identifies potential problems before they can disrupt operations 3. Reliable – A local team made up of highly-skilled technicians who can respond remotely or onsite via a Network Operations Center and Network monitoring. We provide IT outsourcing, co-managed IT support, and consulting services for special projects. SpartanTec, Inc. West Columbia SC offers the following:
Technology is constantly changing and evolving. SpartanTec, Inc. West Columbia SC can help you ensure that your systems and data are secure and protected. We’re always available to assist you when you need us. This is a competitive advantage. Why Manage It ServicesYour Vision is Realized. Technology can make companies more productive and provide faster response times. It protects against viruses, bad actors, and human error. It can help you save time and money. As you attempt to find viable IT solutions yourself, it can be distracting and a draining. SpartanTec, Inc. West Columbia SC is your managed IT service provider and can help your business realize its unique vision. You need more bandwidth? Even with an IT department, you may find yourself lacking the skills and resources necessary to meet deadlines or solve speed-to-market problems. SpartanTec, Inc. West Columbia SC can help you bridge the gap and meet your goals and deadlines. Do you need full-time IT support? SpartanTec, Inc. West Columbia SC is available 24/7 to assist you when you realize that you require IT support. We offer cost-effective, pragmatic outsourcing solutions that can be tailored to your business. We bring local expertise to help you with everything from remote monitoring and trouble-shooting, to equipment upgrades, and network assessment. Are you looking for IT services and special skills? SpartanTec, Inc. West Columbia SC offers a wide range of IT services and skills to assist you in solving your business problems. We work closely with you to help you find the right solutions. Cybersecurity AssessmentUnfortunately, these are the cyber threats of today and businesses cannot ignore them. Sixty percent have been the victims of cyberattacks, including phishing, DDoS attacks and social engineering attacks. Cyber threats are constantly evolving and require constant monitoring. Although it sounds dire, you can rest easy knowing that your business is being protected and monitored by SpartanTec, Inc. West Columbia SC. With our Cybersecurity Services, you can have peace-of-mind. SpartanTec, Inc. West Columbia SC offers comprehensive cybersecurity services that will protect your business. We begin our process by conducting a thorough Cybersecurity Assessment to determine and support your cybersecurity requirements. Cybersecurity Assessment examines your most critical IT infrastructure, data, and procedures. It also identifies areas where improvement or remediation is needed through risk, policy, and device-level reviews. We will use the results of the assessment to create a plan for addressing any exposed areas. Then, we will outline ongoing managed IT services to ensure your business is secure. The CloudThe cloud is the great equalizer. It gives small, medium and larger businesses unlimited data storage and cloud computing. The way you use the cloud will depend on your company’s structure, business goals and security requirements. SpartanTec, Inc. West Columbia SC experts will help you navigate the available solutions – private, hybrid, and public – to determine which approach best suits your needs. More businesses are turning to the cloud in recent years to ensure their future success. Cloud services enable you to work anywhere and on any device. Today, cloud solutions are more important than ever to ensure a remote workforce. Cloud subscriptions and consumption-based business models make IT a capital expense that can be used to support operations. The latest technology is now within reach. Isn’t this the time to move your business into the cloud? Cloud Migration & Management Your virtual office. Today, business is not limited to the office. Mobile business is possible on smartphones, tablets, and laptops anywhere, from airport lounges to golf course fairways. Cloud provides 24/7 permission-based access for your company’s data and mission-critical software apps. Customers, employees, and vendors have access to what they need at any time, so your business can continue to move uninterrupted. Cloud environments offer unlimited usage potential and are scalable. Cloud services are available as either an annual subscription or monthly pay-as you-go plan so that your business can adapt to its needs. Cloud Backup and Storage Do more with less. There are three main types of cloud services: 1) Data storage, 2) Desktop as a Service, and 3) Infrastructure as a Service. Cloud services allow you to archive data assets, which will help your computer run more efficiently and faster. Your data is stored in the cloud, so it’s not only on your computer but also online, which means that your data can be recovered should your equipment fail. Cloud computing also presents great opportunities to explore back-office and front office cloud computing applications. These are the areas that cloud solutions can cover:
SpartanTec, Inc. West Columbia SC is here to keep your business safe and help you meet your business objectives. Call us today for a comprehensive analysis of your security policies. We can give you recommendations that provide peace of mind. SpartanTec, Inc. via Blogger https://ift.tt/JzxDj1Z February 17, 2022 at 09:16PM
Tips to Improve Cybersecurity in Small Businesses
We saw an increase in sophisticated phishing emails schemes after the COVID-19 pandemic. Google blocked more than 18 million coronavirus-phishing attempts daily at the start of the pandemic crisis. Cybercriminals will never miss an opportunity, even if it means a tragedy or a global crisis. Cybercrimes saw an increase in recent years, with 54% of companies having experienced an incident in their industrial control systems. Even though cybersecurity spending is expected to rise to $1 trillion over five years (2025), not all companies spend enough to secure their networks and data. Cybercrime is predicted to cause the loss of 33 billion records by 2023. Cybersecurity is a serious concern for small businesses This is especially true for small and medium-sized businesses. Recent data shows that 70% of small businesses are not prepared to handle a cyberattack and 51% have not allocated any budget to cyber security. No matter how small or large your business may appear, 43% of cyber-attacks target small businesses. Small businesses are often too small to invest in cyber security, and therefore they are not equipped to handle increasingly sophisticated cyber-attack strategies. This makes them a lucrative target for hackers. This is a dire situation when you consider the cost of a malware attack against a company at $2.4 million. According to how prevalent the attacks are, the cyber-attacks against small businesses can be divided into these categories:
Unfortunately, many small businesses continue to believe that they can ‘fly under the radar’ because they are small. 69% of small businesses continue to not enforce password policies. 16% of small businesses report that they only review their cyber security after a major security incident. Small businesses can use managed IT services to help them protect their networks from rising cyber security threats. Tips to Improve Small Business CybersecurityLayered security can be used to limit access. This will help protect your most important data even in the event of a breach. This could mean that sensitive information can only be accessed on a strictly need-to-know basis. Additional protections such as encryption and passwords can be used. You can use layers of security to include the following: Asset inventory – A comprehensive review of all hardware and software is necessary to ensure their security and performance. A current inventory of mission-critical and sensitive data, as well as periodic checks of user accounts for inactive accounts, can help to prevent data theft and credential theft. Network security and perimeter – When threats do infiltrate your defenses, it is helpful to divide your network into zones that have different access levels and security levels. Malicious attacks can be prevented by reviewing your SQL code and using web-application firewalls. Activity auditing – Regular monitoring and review data and network activity can pinpoint user access and flag suspicious activity. Use Enterprise-grade firewalls. Enterprise-grade firewalls offer more control and better traffic management than regular firewalls. They are your first line of defense against malicious traffic and prevent accidental clicks to compromise websites. A strong Mobile Device Policy is essential – Most employees use mobile devices to work remotely and for any other reasons. Access to sensitive data off-premise can make it difficult for employees to use work email from mobile devices. Strong password protection should be used and security apps installed to monitor the use of these devices should be used. Hire outsourced managed IT services – If this has been a long read, and you are overwhelmed by the steps required and/or estimated budgets to protect your business against cyber security threats then you should seriously consider consulting a local managed service provider in IT Support. They can help you assess your business’s risk and provide the most recent defensive strategies, tools and technologies at predictable and manageable monthly costs. Centralize hardware management – Please make sure you have a centralized dashboard for all hardware on site (including mobile devices), with pre-set configurations. An asset inventory is a great way to keep track of your equipment. All network logs should also be audited in order to trace any unauthorized device access. You should strengthen your password policy. In addition to enforcing strong password policies at work, it is important that all employees are required to change their passwords at least once a quarter. For assistance in creating strong passwords, you can use a complex password generator tool. This includes a mixture of capital and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters. Zero Trust Policy – Although the idea of zero trust policies is still relatively new, it can be very useful in protecting enterprise data and networks. This means that users have access to data and applications only on a need-to-know basis. The strict enforcement of zero trust limits the damage caused by breaches, credential theft, and user violations (accidental and deliberate). Regular Data Backups – Automate your backup processes. At the very least, make regular backups that are stored offsite. Offsite backups can be used to ensure uninterrupted business services and continuity in the event of a network attack or disaster. Secure Your Website with SSL – All your website should be secured with secure socket layer (SSL). It ensures that all data can be transmitted securely over the Internet between any computer on your network server and any other computer. This makes data theft impossible. SpartanTec, Inc. can assist you in implementing SSL on your website. This will allow for a higher ranking on Google and safer data practices. Call SpartanTec, Inc. in Columbia SC now if you need help in improving your computer and network security measures against cyberattacks.SpartanTec, Inc. Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston via Blogger https://ift.tt/3BilzmQ February 16, 2022 at 12:38AM
What is Edge Computing? Why Does It Matter?
Edge computing is revolutionizing the way data is processed, delivered, and handled from millions of devices all over the globe. Edge computing systems are driven by the explosive growth in internet-connected devices (the IoT) and new applications that demand real-time computing power. Edge computing systems are faster than ever thanks to 5G wireless. They can be used to create or support real-time applications such as video processing, analytics, artificial intelligence, and robotics. Although the initial goals of edge computing were to reduce the cost of data traveling long distances due to the increase in IoT-generated information, the technology is moving ahead because of the rise in real-time applications that require processing at the edge. What is edge computing?Gartner defines edge computing “a part of a distributed topology in computing where information processing is located near the edge–where things or people produce and consume that information.” Edge computing is essentially a way to bring computation and data storage closer than possible. It does this by relying on central locations that may be thousands of miles away. This ensures that real-time data is not affected by latency issues, which can impact an application’s performance. Companies can also save money by processing locally. This reduces the data that must be processed in a central or cloud-based location. Edge computing was born out of the rapid growth in IoT devices that connect to the internet to receive information from the cloud and to deliver data back to it. Many Internet of Things devices produce huge amounts of data in the course of their operation. You can think of devices that monitor equipment in a factory floor, or an internet-connected camera that transmits live footage from remote offices. Although a single device can produce data and transmit it over a network, issues arise when there are many devices sending data simultaneously. Multiply the number of devices that transmit live footage by one camera instead of dozens or hundreds of them. Latency can lead to poor quality and high bandwidth costs. This problem can be solved by edge-computing hardware, services and software. They act as a local source for processing and storage for many systems. An edge gateway can, for instance, process data from edge devices and send the relevant data back to the cloud. This reduces bandwidth requirements. It can also send data back to an edge device in case of urgent application requirements. An IoT sensor, a worker’s notebook computer or their smartphone can all be considered edge devices. Edge gateways are edge devices in an edge-computing infrastructure. All you need to know about edge computing There are many edge uses cases – each arrangement will be unique – but there are a few industries that have been at the forefront in edge computing. Edge hardware is used by heavy industry and manufacturers to enable delay-tolerant applications. This allows for the efficient storage of processing power, such as for automated coordination of heavy machinery at a factory floor. Companies can also use the edge to integrate IoT applications such as predictive maintenance closer to their machines. Other use cases present different challenges entirely. Edge nodes can be used by retailers to provide a clearinghouse in-store for many different functions, such as tying point of sale data with targeted promotions and tracking foot traffic for a shop management application. This connectivity component could be as simple as in-house Wi Fi for all devices or more complicated with Bluetooth or other low power connectivity for traffic tracking and promotional services. Wi-Fi is reserved for self-checkout and point-of-sale. Edge Computing Equipment Although the physical architecture of an edge may be complex, the principle is simple: Client devices connect to an edge module nearby for faster processing and smoother operations. There are many terms used to describe the edge modules, such as “edge servers” and “edge gateways”. There are many ways an edge system can be purchased and used. A business may want to manage most of the process themselves. This would include selecting the right edge devices from hardware vendors like Dell, HPE, or IBM, designing a network that meets the requirements of the use case, as well as purchasing management and analysis software. This is a lot of work, and it would require considerable IT expertise. A better alternative would be to outsourse this project to a company like SpartanTec in Columbia SC. Edge Computing BenefitsMany companies look for cost savings as a reason to use edge-computing. Many companies that first embraced cloud computing for their applications might have found that bandwidth costs were much higher than they expected. They are now looking for a cheaper alternative. Edge computing could be an option. Edge computing’s greatest benefit is its ability to store and process data faster. This allows for companies to develop more efficient real-time applications. A smartphone that scans a person’s face to detect facial recognition would have to use a cloud-based service to process the algorithm. This would be very slow. The edge computing model allows the algorithm to run locally on an edge server, gateway or smartphone, thanks to the increased power of smartphones. Fast processing and response is required for applications such as virtual and/or augmented reality, self driving cars, smart cities, and building-automation system. Edge infrastructure will be a major growth engine in the server- and storage market over the next decade, thanks to enhanced interconnectivity that allows for better edge access to core applications and new IoT business use cases. AI algorithms are complex and require large amounts processing power. Most of them run on cloud services. AI chipsets capable of processing at the edge will enable faster responses to applications that require instant computing. Security and privacy Data at the edge can pose security risks. This is especially true if it’s being handled from different devices than centralized or cloud-based systems. That’s why companies need to invest in IT services Columbia SC. It’s crucial that your IT support is aware of the security risks associated with IoT devices and ensures that those systems are protected. This includes encryption of data, access control methods, and VPN tunneling. Call SpartanTec, Inc. now for expert assistance when it comes to IT services.SpartanTec, Inc. Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston via Blogger https://ift.tt/E8shQrK February 10, 2022 at 06:33PM
Cybersecurity Threats: The Daunting Challenge of Securing IoT
The Internet of Things (IoT), broadly speaking, refers to equipment and devices that can be accessed, controlled, and/or readable via the internet. This includes physical objects that communicate with one another, including machine-to-machine and machine-to person. This makes Cybersecurity more important now than ever. It includes everything, from home appliances to edge computing devices, to wearable technology to cars. IoT is the merging of the digital and physical worlds. It is predicted that by 2025 there will be over 30 billion connections for IoT. This means that almost 4 IoT devices per individual as the average average, and trillions of sensors connected to these devices. The State of IoT 2022: 12 Billion IoT connections (iotanalytics.com). According to McKinsey Global Institute 127 devices connect to the internet each second. This is a lot of IoT devices. Protecting such a large attack surface is difficult, especially with so many security standards and issues. Security operations view of the billions upon billions of IoT devices suggests that any device connected to it can be hacked. Threat to IoT ConnectivityEvery IoT device is an attack surface for hackers. According to a Comcast report, the average household is being attacked by 104 threats each month. A new report has found that laptops, tablets, smartphones, computers, storage devices and networked cameras are the most vulnerable devices. The IoT devices are smaller than smartphones and laptops, and have less storage and processing power. It is therefore difficult to use anti-virus, firewalls, and other security apps that could protect them. Edge computing also intelligently aggregates local information, making it a target for sophisticated threat actors. Ransomware can target applications and data, as well as IoT device hardware. Check Point Research found that there was a 50% increase in ransomware attacks per day for the third quarter 2021 compared to the first half. There is an increasing number of IoT-related attacks, particularly when remote work and remote offices trends are considered. It is crucial to understand and comprehend the threat landscape. These are the primary threats to IoT as identified by the U.S. General Accounting Office GAO:
Zero-day exploitsSome of the GAO-referred threat actors are also becoming more sophisticated with their attack methods. Vulnerabilities and other tools are being shared on the Dark Web, and forums. These threat actors include hackers, criminal enterprises, and nations. It is important to understand the threat vectors and attackers. However, it is also important to investigate areas that have special implications for IoT cybersecurity. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities & Endpoints Supply chain weaknesses are exacerbated by the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT’s ever-expanding connectivity means that there is an ever-growing network of devices and networks. A significant threat to the internet-of-things is the increased integration of endpoints and poorly managed attack surfaces. Hackers can flood websites with traffic requests and cause them to crash by using IoT endpoints. A study by The Altman Vilandrie & Company in April 2017 found that nearly half of U.S. companies using the Internet of Things had suffered cybersecurity breaches. Many more companies were likely to be victims, but did not report the breaches. The interaction of OT and IT operating system, especially critical infrastructure, is another security concern. Adversaries now have a better understanding of control systems and how they can attack them. Any type of cyber-attack can be applied to the IoT ecosystem. Future IoT connections via 5G will improve connectivity, performance, and capacity. This will require stronger security for all IoT endspoints. Cybersecurity Improvement ActThe good news is that policymakers are now recognizing the need to protect IoT. The Cybersecurity Improvement Act was recently passed by Congress. “The Cybersecurity Improvement Act, along with other guidelines for cybersecurity and device identity, encryption, provide an additional compliance layer that requires OEMs in other industries, such as automotive, medical devices, as well as critical infrastructure to create safe and secure products that provide support in reducing vulnerability during operation.” The Cybersecurity Improvement Bill provides guidelines for the use of IoT to manage security vulnerabilities. IoT Cybersecurity Readiness: Possible Solutions and ServicesAny security matter, digital or physical, requires a risk management approach. Both of these elements are combined in IoT. Cyber-securing IoT is a significant task. This includes understanding the IoT landscape and how it connects, as well as knowing how to protect the most valuable assets. There are many options, services and protocols that can be used to help a business or organization manage risk. Here is a list to help address IoT security concerns.
Be Vigilant Unfortunately, despite all the efforts made, there is no way to guarantee IoT security. It’s a difficult task. Machine learning and better automated cybersecurity tools will eventually reduce breaches. IoT security, and any security, is best if you are more secure than less. This will make it less likely that you become a target. A comprehensive risk management approach can help you understand and mitigate the risks of the Internet of Things. This will allow you to reduce security gaps. Everyone connected should make cybersecurity a priority. Does all of this sound daunting? It should. Whether you have an in-house IT team or are just now taking a look at cybersecurity and your business, it is time to call SpartanTec, Inc. for an assessment of company’s security measures against online threats.SpartanTec, Inc. Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston via Blogger https://ift.tt/ZCSDrxs February 09, 2022 at 03:09PM
Why Business Should Beware Of Ransomware
Ransomware is rampant and targeting organizations and industries. This is also posing significant cybersecurity risks. Ransomware is a cyber-attack that encrypts key files by hackers to make it impossible for victims to access their data. Ransomware is used criminals by cybercriminals to demand money and promises data restoration when ransom is paid. Ransomware is used by hackers to exploit and obtain financial benefits. Ransomware is a well-known cybersecurity threat that has been around for more than two decades. While basic ransomware malware has been used since the 1980s, it has recently become more popular and dangerous. Ransomware has become a cyber weapon of choice for criminals due to the interconnectedness of digital commerce and growing attack surfaces. Cybercriminals are like bank robbers. They go wherever the money is. It is easier to get extortion benefits. Hackers now have the ability to demand cryptocurrency payments and pre-paid cards that are anonymously transacted. These digital payments can be difficult to track down by law enforcement It’s not only about the financial gain. While hackers may use ransomware for extortion, it can also serve to harass or demonstrate vulnerabilities to critical infrastructure. State actors and criminal gangs may use ransomware to gain geo-political influence. Hackers are often supported by criminal organizations and nation states. Ransomware has been used to attack critical infrastructures, raising the security of the world. Ransomware attacks: The Costs and TargetsRansomware attacks are increasing in number and reputation, making the current cyber-affairs especially worrying. There are three statistics that highlight ransomware trends. 1)Trend Micro recently reported that 84% US companies have experienced ransomware or phishing security incidents within the past 12 months. 84% of US Organizations Have Experienced Ransomware and Phishing Type Threats within the Last 12 Months (yahoo.com). 2) According to Palo Alto Networks’ Unit 42 security consultancy group, the average ransomware payments climbed 82% to $570,000 in 2021, up from $312,000 in 2020. As aggressive tactics pay off, ransomware criminals’ demands rise – Fox Business 3)Cybersecurity Ventures predicts that Ransomware costs will reach $265 billion by 2031. Cybersecurity Ventures predicts there will be a new ransomware attack every 2 seconds, as ransomware criminals improve their malware payloads. Global Ransomware Damage Costs Predicted To Exceed $265 Billion By 2031 (cybersecurityventures.com) Ransomware attacks can often cripple companies’ networks and systems, causing panic and confusion. Companies and organizations that rely on logistics planning and supply-chain coordination are especially at risk. Ransomware malware can quickly spread to any company’s computers or organizations’ networks. Hackers are not only able to use the most advanced malware, but they also have other options. Hackers can do it easily. Hackers tend to choose the most vulnerable target, given the ease of online attacks. Hackers have an extensive library of malware to choose, with over 120 ransomware families. Ransomware Attacks: A Summary CryptoLocker ransomware was used by hackers to encrypt files. In 2017, WannaCry was launched, a ransomware attack that was used four years later. Many, especially in the media, saw the WannaCry global attack in 2017 as a wake up call about the destructive implications of ransomware. WannaCry ransomware spread quickly and was self-replicating. It reached over 100 countries. Many industries, government agencies, and organizations were affected in different countries. Ransomware caused disruption to hospitals, schools, and organizational networks. These industries are low-hanging fruit for hackers. Although the attacks were not as deadly as initially thought, they did highlight the vulnerabilities of interconnected devices and networks. The Colonial Pipeline, a 5,500-mile natural gasoline pipeline that runs through the United States, was shut down by the Darkside ransomware gang earlier this year. Gas stations along the Eastern coast of the United States were left without gas, and many service and product supply lines were also disrupted. Ransomware attacks have been targeting hospitals and healthcare over the past few years. The University of Vermont Health Network was infected with ransomware in October 2020. Their systems were unable to access electronic health records for almost a month due to the ransomware attack. It was discovered that malware was on every computer at UVM Medical Center. The health dangers of ransomware attacks in hospitals was revealed by the pandemic – The Verge Poor cybersecurity made it easy for hospitals like UVM to be vulnerable. They also used many devices and networks that allowed for an increased attack surface. Covid 19 ransomware attacks were escalated because hackers took advantage of stressed conditions. Ransomware often demands that vital medical facilities be kept open because they cannot afford to close down. Hackers’ soft targets are numerous, particularly in the manufacturing, healthcare, and financial industries. We can expect more of these attacks as hackers continue to have access to vulnerabilities in many networks. Hackers are becoming more aggressive in their illegal activities as hackers continue to get payments from victims. Accenture recently revealed that Ransomware hackers are becoming more sophisticated and bold in their attacks against IT and OT environments. According to the report, criminal gangs share hacking tools via the Dark Web and cooperate with each other. They are targeting critical infrastructure sectors such as agriculture, finance, energy and manufacturing. According to the study, hackers use more aggressive tactics to increase infection consequences. Preventive actions to help mitigate attacksRansomware attacks can affect anyone. However, there are protections that can help you to mitigate these threats such as hiring IT services. You must have a risk management strategy and be proactive. It is essential to keep your software up-to-date by patching them and updating them regularly. Many companies and organizations fail to update patches in a timely manner, which can lead to breaches. Some basic precautions can also be taken to protect yourself from threats. These include training employees on how to recognize malware and phishing attacks, disabling macro scripts and cloaking data. Also, keep systems and applications up-to-date. Software and identity management policies are useful tools. In the event of a data breach, you should have an incident response plan. This plan should include the possibility of contacting law enforcement to help with recovering files and investigating the hacker. Cyber hygiene is an important aspect of fighting ransomware. Hackers prefer phishing and the best advice is to avoid clicking on files you don’t know. Hacker tools can use automated phishes to mimic banks and businesses.
Machine learning (ML) as well as artificial intelligence (AI), are emerging technologies that can detect anomalies and provide user behavior analytics. These tools can also help to mitigate threats. Companies should consider AI and machine learning (ML) as options to enhance their security. Everybody online, whether they are consumers or companies, needs to remember the importance of backing up sensitive or important files. Backup procedures are quick and inexpensive and can help to keep company operations running in the event of a breach. Managed Security Services (MSS), and Managed Service Providers(MSP) can be used for incident response and prevention if you’re a small or medium-sized company. Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you need help in protecting your company against ransomware and other types of threats.SpartanTec, Inc. Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston via Blogger https://ift.tt/iAs8IZwxa February 02, 2022 at 11:46PM
Do You Need A Business Continuity Plan?
It is difficult to justify spending money on a business continuity plan. It doesn’t seem to provide any immediate benefits for your business, and you might not even be aware that it was implemented. So, why do you think should your company invest its resources in a recovery plan? Your organization’s survival depends on it when the time comes that you need to use it. It’s not as grim as it sounds, but it is true. There are many reasons your business operations could be disrupted, including cyberattacks, hardware failures, natural disasters, and other factors. No matter what the reason behind the downtime, the damage to your business will not change. If you don’t have a plan for recovery, there are three major costs that could cripple your business. Business Continuity Plan: Major Costs That Will Affect Your BusinessRECOVERY COSTS All of your data could be lost in the event of a natural disaster. Corporate data, unlike individual users’ data, can be tens of hundreds or even thousands of terabytes. It can cost up to $1 per gigabyte to recover this data. That’s going to be very expensive. This assumes that your data can be recovered completely, and does not account for the time required to retrieve it. You can quickly restore your data and carry on your business operations with a business continuity plan. The Cost Of Downtime Time is money when it comes to downtime. Businesses can’t afford to be down for too long, as downtime costs them an average of $8,600 per hour. A single downtime event can cause a company to lose approximately $70,000. Your organization can get back to normal quickly by utilizing a disaster recovery plan. This will prevent your business from being shut down and save you money. Reputational Damage: The Cost Downtime can cause more than just financial damage. Companies that are affected by downtime may also suffer reputation damage. Businesses that do not have business continuity plans can be seen as unprofessional and unprepared. Competitors will also use your downtime as a way to discourage potential clients from using your services. A structured business continuity plan, on the other hand, reflects your organization’s professionalism, trustworthiness, and preparation. Plan Ahead It is clear that there are significant costs to not having a business continuity program. It is generally impossible to recover, it is expensive, it can cause reputational damage, and downtime costs can be staggering. However, it is easy to prepare for the worst. SpartanTec, Inc. in Columbia SC can help your business develop the right plan to quickly recover. We spend time getting to know you and your business to determine where your most important functions are. We will work with you to develop a plan for recovering your data. Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you are ready to plan for the future.SpartanTec, Inc. Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston via Blogger https://ift.tt/0vRdiJcSj January 31, 2022 at 10:55PM
Machine Learning and Smart Security to Zero Trust
Zero trust is the best option for security. This term is well-known within the cybersecurity industry. To protect yourself against threats from the outside, zero trust means that you must establish external perimeters. Zero trust assumes there are external threats and internal threats. Access to corporate ecosystems must be granted to anyone who is eligible. This policy is "Never Trust, Always verify". This is a preferred security approach. According to the Verizon Report on Data Breach Investigations, 34% of data breaches were caused or facilitated by insiders. These numbers should not be ignored. These are employees and vendors within any organization. These people might be able or unwilling to help you make headlines. Machine learning is one of the most important terms in this generation. This article will explain how machine learning and zero trust go hand in hand when it comes to cybersecurity for businesses. Modern Zero Trust Solutions Are Required For Modern ProblemsOver the years, the threat landscape has changed drastically. Old security techniques like the moat and castle no longer work. Your firewalls and all other security tools do not suffice. You must be vigilant at all times. Cloud, remote work and multiple devices have all contributed to the complexity of threats. Take the data breach at Desjardins. It was unfortunate, but it is an example where an employee used privileged accounts. This cost the company $53 million. These questions will help determine if the zero trust model suits you.
Cybersecurity can be complicated. Zero trust means that you have to question every access to your company. This can cause anxiety among employees, particularly those who have worked with you for a while. This blog Zero trust policy – The People Perspective teaches you how to manage your fear. Organizations face another challenge in data management. It is important to understand how data management works. Companies store a lot of data every day. There is financial data as well as company data. This includes transactions with customers, employees and vendors. Customer data can also be important and used to market or sell. This vast array of data may also contain personally identifiable information about employees and customers. The majority of the data is however sensitive. Machine learning is the combination zero trust, zero data and enabling employees to be productive because they have zero trust. Machine learning creates zero trust and smarter securityZero trust requires that all accesses be verified at every step. Machine learning is able to provide smoother, more intelligent continuous authentication. Zero trust requires that all traffic is monitored and accesses are separated to ensure that there are no compromises. Machine learning is able to do this without the need for human intervention. Zero trust security monitoring with machine learning It is vital to monitor traffic entering and leaving the company. This monitoring must include every interaction checkpoint. Monitoring must include application access, incorrectly entered passwords, application use, and most importantly, who used it. These answers are essential when you talk about zero trust. According to studies, companies spend around 21,000 hours looking for false information and security alerts. They spend $1.3million annually on this. Machine learning can read data much faster than humans. This can help you save both time and money. Only extremely difficult situations can affect your IT. Machine learning assigns access risk scores based on the type of access, user who requested access, and application requested. The risk score indicates the severity of the problem as well as the actions required to fix it. This risk engine can help IT workers be more productive and reduce IT labor. Security is available 24/7, not only between 9 and 5. Machine learning can continually read all your data. Machine learning can detect anomalies like employees accessing business apps at different times. Zero trust allows you to clearly define who has access to what. An application can only be accessed by authorized users. How can you ensure that the individual is who they claim to have claimed to be? It is crucial to analyze behavior. It is essential to identify your employees by their behavior, location, IP address and device. Cognitive technologies can be trained to help employees understand normal behavior and measure their actions against that. Any anomaly can be quickly identified and blocked, or an increase in authentication is necessary. It doesn't matter if you ask your employees to use an OTP every time. You might have different access preferences than others. You might find them in a different location and need to access applications at irregular hours. Imagine being asked to wait for your OTP each time you access an application from another location. This is common when you travel frequently for work. Machine learning is the name of this technology. It adapts to employees' behaviors rather than creating headaches. While the zero trust model may increase security, it should not hinder organizational productivity. Do more proactive work that you do reactively We all have the tendency to learn from other people's mistakes. Cyberspace is no place for this approach. Learn from the hacker to improve your security. Is this enough? Cybercrime is always evolving. It is essential to keep up with changing times. Machine learning can detect anomalies by continuously monitoring your traffic. Machine learning can detect hackers trying to hack your system and launch bots at it. You can immediately take action once you are notified. It is possible to recognize phishing email sent to employees and take immediate action. This will allow you to stop attacks before they happen. Combining machine learning and zero trust can make cybersecurity a continuous process, not a planned project. When you implement security measures, you must be productive and not intrusion-prone. Your company can be transformed by a zero trust policy. It can not only help your company, but it will also improve its efficiency if done right and with the right tools. Want to know more about machine learning and zero trust policies? Contact SpartanTec Inc, in Columbia SC. Don't wait until an attack occurs. It is a matter of when not if. SpartanTec, Inc. Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston via Blogger https://ift.tt/3rZYnW0 January 28, 2022 at 05:05AM
How to Avoid Phishing Scams and Recognize Them
Scammers will use text or email messages to get your personal information. There are many things you can do in order to protect yourself against phishing emails. How To Recognize Phishing EmailsScammers may use text or email messages to trick you into providing your personal information. They might try to get your account numbers, passwords, and Social Security numbers. They could have access to your bank account, email, and other accounts if they obtain this information. These phishing scammers are often successful in launching thousands of attacks every day. Scammers are known to change their tactics frequently. However, there are signs that can help you identify phishing emails or text messages. Phishing email and text messages can look like they are from a company that you trust. These messages may appear to be from a bank or credit card company, a social network site, an app or online store, or even a payment website. Phishing text messages and emails often tell a story to get you to click on a link or open an attachment. A few common signs are the following:
Here’s an example of a phishing message. The Netflix Phishing Scam
Although it may appear real at first glance, the email is not. These email scammers are not connected to the companies they claim to represent. People who provide their details to scammers can be subject to serious consequences if they send phishing emails. They can also damage the reputation of the businesses they are spoofing. How to Protect Yourself from Phishing Attacks Many phishing emails may be blocked by your email spam filters. Scammers will always try to outsmart spam filters so it’s a good idea to add more layers of protection. These are the four steps that you can take to protect yourself against cybersecurity attacks. Here are four steps to protect yourself from phishingUse security software to protect your computer. You can set the software to automatically update so that it can handle any new security threats. Set software to automatically update your mobile phone. These updates can provide critical protection against security threats. Multi-factor authentication is a way to protect your accounts. Multi-factor authentication is a method of increasing security that requires two or more credentials to log into your accounts, such as a passcode and fingerprint. Multi-factor authentication makes it more difficult for fraudsters to log into your accounts, even if they get your username or password. Backup your data to protect it. Backup your data and ensure that they aren’t connected directly to your home network. Copy your files to an external hard disk or cloud storage. You can also back up your phone’s data. What to do if you suspect a Phishing Attack You may get an email, text message or phone call asking you to open an attachment or click on a link. If you get a “No”, it may be phishing. Review the How to recognize Phishing tips and look out for signs that it is a scam. Report them and delete the message if you find them. If you get a “Yes”, contact the company by calling their official number or visiting the website. The email may not contain the correct information. Malicious malware can be installed by attaching files and linking to them. How to Respond to a Phishing Email IdentityTheft.gov is the place to go if you suspect that a fraudster has access to your personal information. You’ll find the steps you need to take based upon the information you have lost. Update your security software if you suspect that you clicked on a malicious link or opened an email attachment that contained malware. Next, run a scan. Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you need help in protecting your information against phishing and other forms of online threats.SpartanTec, Inc. Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston via Blogger https://ift.tt/3nKTxuI January 22, 2022 at 11:06PM
Security Beyond Firewall: 7 Tips
False security perceptions are one of the biggest threats to IT and business today. It has been a long-held assumption that if your network perimeter is secure, everything will be fine. Management often thinks that network security and firewall are enough to reduce risks. We know this is not true. Take a look at the headlines and research reports such as the Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report. Vulnerabilities are one of the main reasons for false security. They can get past firewall controls and go unnoticed. It is often assumed that if the virus gets past the firewall, it will be detected. Red flags will appear in audit logs and alerts to staff members, just like in the movies. This is false. Many of the root causes of today’s network attacks are hidden and thus out of our minds. Security Tips Other Than Your FirewallBased on our experience as a network security consultant, these are just a few of the vulnerabilities you can’t afford to ignore – there are many more. Attacks on web applications, both internal and external to the network The data loss, malware exploits, and the email phishing, the data loss and malware exploits that go with it Attackers exploit missing patches and other vulnerabilities Open network shares offer unaudited, full access to the intellectual property as well as the personally-identifiable information in the unstructured databases and files. Schwach points in guest wireless network configurations that permit access to the production environment Poor password standards not only at Windows domain level, but also across standalone systems like databases, network infrastructure systems and mobile devices Data exfiltration of endpoints to the cloud and local USB storage Although firewalls can provide better visibility and protect the network, it is unlikely that they will detect or prevent many of the issues listed above. This is especially true if traffic is encrypted, or completely hidden from the firewall’s view. As your computer security program matures, you must be aware that there are always new risks in the network. To improve security throughout your company, identify the risks and fix them. Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you want to know more about managed Firewalls and IT services.SpartanTec, Inc. Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston via Blogger https://ift.tt/327VmtU January 18, 2022 at 05:13PM |
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