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/3FEXPtE January 18, 2022 at 05:01PM
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What Is Firewall Configuration?
A firewall plays a vital role in network security and needs to be properly configured to keep organizations protected from data leakage and cyberattacks. This is possible by configuring domain names and Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to keep the firewall secure. Firewall policy configuration is based on network type, such as public or private, and can be set up with security rules that block or allow access to prevent potential attacks from hackers or malware. Proper firewall configuration is essential, as default features may not provide maximum protection against a cyberattack. Importance of Basic Firewall ConfigurationImproper firewall configuration can result in attackers gaining unauthorized access to protected internal networks and resources. As a result, cyber criminals are constantly on the lookout for networks that have outdated software or servers and are not protected. Gartner highlighted the size and magnitude of this issue, predicting that 99% of firewall breaches would be caused by misconfigurations in 2020. The default settings on most firewalls security and protocols like the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) do not provide the necessary level of protection to keep networks secure from cybersecurity attacks. Organizations must ensure basic firewall configuration meets the unique needs of their networks. How To Configure a FirewallProper configuration is essential to supporting internal networks and stateful packet inspection. Here is how to configure a firewall securely: 1. Secure the FirewallSecuring a firewall network is the vital first step to ensure only authorized administrators have access to it. This includes actions such as:
2. Establish Firewall Zones and an IP Address StructureIt is important to identify network assets and resources that must be protected. This includes creating a structure that groups corporate assets into zones based on similar functions and the level of risk. A good example of this is servers—such as email servers, virtual private network (VPN) servers, and web servers—placed in a dedicated zone that limits inbound internet traffic, often referred to as a demilitarized zone (DMZ). A general rule is that the more zones created, the more secure the network is. However, having more zones also demands more time to manage them. With a network zone structure established, it is also important to establish a corresponding IP address structure that assigns zones to firewall interfaces and subinterfaces. 3. Configure Access Control Lists (ACLs)Access control lists (ACLs) enable organizations to determine which traffic is allowed to flow in and out of each zone. ACLs act as firewall rules, which organizations can apply to each firewall interface and subinterface. ACLs must be made specific to the exact source and destination port numbers and IP addresses. Each ACL should have a “deny all” rule created at the end of it, which enables organizations to filter out unapproved traffic. Each interface and subinterface also needs an inbound and outbound ACL to ensure only approved traffic can reach each zone. It is also advisable to disable firewall administration interfaces from public access to protect the configuration and disable unencrypted firewall management protocols. 4. Configure Other Firewall Services and LoggingSome firewall network security can be configured to support other services, such as a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server, intrusion prevention system (IPS), and Network Time Protocol (NTP) server. It is important to also disable the extra services that will not be used. Further, firewalls must be configured to report to a logging service to comply with and fulfill Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) requirements. 5. Test the Firewall ConfigurationWith the configurations made, it is critical to test them to ensure the correct traffic is being blocked and that the firewall performs as intended. The configuration can be tested through techniques like penetration testing and vulnerability scanning. Remember to back up the configuration in a secure location in case of any failures during the testing process. 6. Manage Firewall ContinuallyFirewall management and monitoring are critical to ensuring that the firewall continues to function as intended. This includes monitoring logs, performing vulnerability scans, and regularly reviewing rules. It is also important to document processes and manage the configuration continually and diligently to ensure ongoing protection of the network. Mistakes To Avoid When Setting Up a FirewallConfiguring a firewall can present difficulties, which can commonly be prevented by avoiding common mistakes, such as:
How Fortinet Can HelpA next-generation firewall (NGFW) filters network traffic to protect organizations from both internal and external threats. The Fortinet FortiGate NGFW possesses deeper content inspection capabilities than standard firewalls, which enables organizations to identify and block advanced attacks, malware, and other threats. NGFWs also update in-line with the evolving cyber threat landscape, so that organizations are always protected from the latest threats. The FortiConverter firewall configuration migration tool primarily applies to third-party firewall configuration migration to FortiOS—for routing, firewall, network address translation (NAT), and VPN policies and objects. The FortiGate NGFW was recognized as a Leader in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for Network Firewalls because of its ability to protect any edge at any scale and manage security risks while reducing cost and complexity and improving operational efficiency. Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you’re interested in managed firewall solutions.SpartanTec, Inc. Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston via Blogger https://ift.tt/3I9Bia1 January 14, 2022 at 10:54PM
What Are The Risks Of Not Having A Firewall
Accessing the internet without a firewall is one of the worst things you can do. It is your network’s first line defense. It’s like driving on the freeway with no seatbelt. It might seem a bit overwhelming, but it is possible. You might think that following good security practices is sufficient. You’ll soon discover that reality is much more forgiving. PurpleSec reported that cybercrime has increased 600% in the six months since the pandemic. Of all cyberattacks reported in 2021, 43% were targeted at small businesses, with 60% going out of business within six month of the attack. It is important to remember that more people have access to your data via unsecured networks and the higher your chance of a security breach. Good practices are not enough. According to Tessian’s study, 88% of data breaches were caused by human error. This is where firewalls come in. When setting up cybersecurity systems, a firewall should be your top priority. It is your first line defense, and the first thing that a cybercriminal will come across when trying to penetrate your defenses. It allows you to restrict access to sensitive information, and monitors your network for suspicious activity. SpartanTec, Inc. of Columbia SC has helped many businesses improve their cybersecurity efforts. A good firewall is essential for network security, according to our experience. This article will explain what a firewall is, the types of firewalls available, and the top risks that your business faces without one. What is a firewall?Your firewall acts as your network’s gatekeeper. Your firewall determines whether anyone trying to access your network via the internet is trustworthy by following a set of predetermined rules such as a digital doorman. The firewall will allow connections that follow the rules. If it violates any of these rules, the firewall will block certain data packets from your IT network. What are the differences between the two types? There are two types of firewalls that you can choose from: Hardware Firewall These physical devices, commonly referred to network firewalls or simply network firewalls are installed between your computer’s computer and the internet (or any other network connection). Many manufacturers sell integrated small office/home offices routers that can also be used as firewalls. Hardware-based firewalls can be used to protect multiple computers and control network activity. Hardware-based firewalls offer additional protection against attacks on desktop computers. They are also distinct machines and require qualified specialists to assist with their maintenance and configuration. Software Firewall For added security, most operating systems include a firewall function. Software for firewalls can also be purchased separately at your local computer shop, software manufacturer, or ISP. You should ensure that firewall software downloaded from the Internet comes from a trusted source, such as an established distributor of software or services, and is available via a secure website. Software firewalls have the advantage of being able to monitor specific applications’ network activity on a particular device. It is usually located on the same computer that is being protected. This is a major problem. The firewall’s ability to detect and prevent malicious activity will be affected if it is located on the same computer. A potential downside to software firewalls is the fact that you will need to manually update and manage each firewall on each computer in a network. What are the three biggest risks to not having a firewall installed? Although a firewall will not protect your business from every attack, it can make things worse. Below are the top three dangers of not having one: Unlimited Public Access It’s almost like leaving your front door open without a firewall. You are inviting criminals into your network, and they will. It’s easy to hack into a business that doesn’t have a firewall. Anyone can access their network and there will be no way for them to monitor potential threats. Unrestricted Access to Data Anyone can walk into your IT network and gain data access. If you believe that your small business is safe because the data generated doesn’t have any value beyond your company, think again. Cybercriminals know that your data is valuable. Ponemon Institute found that an average data breach costs $4.24million per incident, which is 10% more than the $3.85 million last year. You are giving hackers free reign to your data without a firewall. They can steal your data and leak it to the media, encrypt it, hold it for ransom or delete it. It’s not just a costly mistake, it can also cost your business. Network downtime Total network collapse is one of the most dangerous scenarios that you could face without a firewall. Malicious criminals could effectively shut down your business without adequate protection. This can cause serious damage to your business. It is possible to lose your data and it could take several days, or even weeks, before your systems are able to be restored. Vanson Bourne, GE Digital, found that an hour of unplanned downtime could cost a company $250,000 per hour. Some industries reported an average cost of $25,000 per minute. Add in the loss of productivity, morale and customer trust and it is only a matter time before the irreversible damage caused by downtime occurs. Are you ready to protect your network using a firewall A firewall can help you avoid the dangers of losing your network. A firewall is a fundamental aspect of cybersecurity. Although it’s not impenetrable it can help protect your network when used in conjunction with other security solutions. Security experts have been using them for more than 25 years. We have helped hundreds of businesses secure their networks at SpartanTec, Inc. of Columbia SC. We would recommend that you set up a firewall. Do you want to set up firewalls for your business? Learn how to select the right firewall for your business. Call SpartanTec, Inc. now for more details.SpartanTec, Inc. Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston via Blogger https://ift.tt/3r53y6Q January 11, 2022 at 11:02PM
Three Reasons Why Your Company Needs Managed Firewalls
Many companies lack the resources, expertise, and capital required to maintain their firewalls 24 hours a day. Managed firewalls can be an effective and affordable solution for these companies. A firewall is a tool that could protect the network and let legitimate company communication. It could keep bad actors at bay and could also be used by employees to stop them from visiting unsafe or unrelated sites. Although firewalls provide excellent protection and security, they need to be managed and monitored. Monitoring your firewall can be a tedious, expensive, time-consuming and costly task. Regular upgrades and security expertise are required. How a Managed Firewall works managed-firewall-with-firstlight-servicesA managed firewall is a service that offers enhanced threat management. Remote monitoring by security experts can assist in reducing potential threats to your firewall. They analyze your network traffic to determine what your normal business traffic looks like. Any unusual activity can be identified quickly and addressed. Your provider will also perform routine traffic analysis, and send you regular reports. This will give you a clear understanding of network traffic patterns and how managed services teams are managing threats to your network. The Economy of Scale Makes Expertise Affordable IT services such as managed firewall have the advantage of leveraging economies of scale to provide companies with the cybersecurity they require at a cost they can afford. In the past, you could only create an in-house network security solution, which was expensive and required capital investment. 3 Ways That Managed Firewalls Can Improve Your Company’s OperationsProtect against cybercrime cybercrime-services-with-firstlightCybercrime is a growing concern for businesses and citizens alike. Cybersecurity Ventures published a report on cybercrime that showed cyberattacks are increasing faster than any other crime. It is estimated that cybercrime will cost the world $6 trillion per year by 2021. Cybercriminals can cause serious damage to businesses and make it difficult for them to recover. A 2017 report by the Better Business Bureau found that half of all businesses would experience a loss in profitability within one month if their critical information was stolen. A managed firewall and IT services Columbia SC can help business owners avoid or minimize the risk of cyberattacks or breaches. Conform to compliance requirements The burden of compliance regulations is increasing as cyberattacks continue to increase in severity. The existing regulations, such as HIPAA and PCI DSS and Sarbanes Oxley, continue to evolve and include more stringent and technical compliance requirements. The complexity is further heightened by new regulations like GDPR. A managed firewall service provider can help you meet these legal requirements and avoid the severe penalties for negligence as well as provide you with managed IT services. Monitoring is simplified The burden of round-the-clock monitoring can be heavy for many SMBs. Monitoring services can be difficult for small IT departments with only one security specialist. This makes it impossible for them to monitor your network 24/7. Business owners must keep their focus on their core business activities. They don’t have the time or resources to learn IT security. It may also be prohibitively expensive to hire enough staff to provide 24/7 monitoring. These problems can be solved by a managed firewall solution. We Can Help SpartanTec, Inc. can help you to shift the responsibility of monitoring, compliance, and network security to our security team. FirstLight’s Managed Edge Security service offers next-generation firewalls Columbia SC, unified threat mitigation, and network security monitoring. Our security experts are dedicated to staying on top of new threats, best practices, and compliance regulations. Our security specialists will monitor your network for suspicious patterns or anomalies. Routine tasks such as security updates and patches can be performed by us to free up internal resources for more important tasks. As an OpEx, we can provide high-level security for your network. We also bill you monthly. We will provide you with a Service Level Agreement (SLA) that clearly outlines our responsibilities as well as what you can expect of us in the case of a cyberattack. Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you’re interested in managed firewalls for your company.SpartanTec, Inc. Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston via Blogger https://ift.tt/3t54ISg January 08, 2022 at 12:04AM
The Most Serious Cybersecurity Breach Ever is Happening Now
The cybersecurity community began to hear about a new computer bug discovered in a popular piece of code on December 9. Nearly every major software company was now in crisis mode trying to find out what had happened and how they could fix it. Security experts used descriptions to describe the vulnerability in a very common section of code, log4j border on apocalyptic. Jen Easterly, U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency director, stated that the log4j vulnerability was “the most serious vulnerability” in a Thursday interview with CNBC. Why is this software causing such panic? And should regular computer users be concerned? Log4j: What is it and where did it come? Log4j is a piece of code that allows software applications to keep track of past activities. Developers don’t have to create a new “logging” component every time they build new software. Instead, they can use existing code such as log4j. It is free and widely used on the Internet, appearing in large parts of Internet services. Log4j attempts to add the new entry to the record each time it is asked. The cybersecurity community discovered that if log4j was asked to log malicious code, it would execute the code. This allowed bad actors to take control of log4j servers. There are varying reports on who raised the concern about the vulnerability. Some claim it was discovered in a Minecraft forum. Some others point to an analyst at Chinese tech company Alibaba as the source. Experts say this is the most serious software vulnerability in history, as it exposes a large number of sites, services and devices. Software bugs are everywhere. This one is different. Log4j is a very popular piece of software. Imagine what would happen if the lock that is used to secure their doors was discovered to be inefficient. It is simple to switch one lock for a better one, but it would be a huge task to find all the buildings with that same defective lock. Log4j is a part of Java’s programming language. This is the most fundamental way software has been written since mid-90s. Log4j is found in large swathes of modern computer code. These companies, such as Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, provide the digital backbone to millions of apps. Software sellers with millions of users, like Salesforce, Oracle, and IBM, are also at risk. At risk are also devices that connect to the Internet, such as security cameras and TVs. Hackers looking to gain access to digital spaces in order to steal data or install malicious software have an enormous new opportunity. It doesn’t necessarily mean that everything can be hacked. But it makes it much easier — almost as if half the businesses and homes in a city suddenly went out of business. Hackers can also gain access to the heart and soul of any system they are trying to hack, bypassing all the security measures software companies put in place to protect against attacks. It’s a nightmare for cybersecurity experts. How is the tech industry responding to this cybersecurity threat?Since the vulnerability was discovered, computer programmers and data breach specialists have been hard at work fixing it in any piece of software that they are responsible. According to one employee, over 500 engineers at Google had gone through reams upon reams to ensure that the code was secure. This process was repeated at all types of tech companies, creating a whole new breed of memes that feature coders lamenting their miserable week. Is it possible for hackers to already take advantage of it? Hackers worked just as hard as security professionals to exploit log4j until the bug is fixed. Check Point, a cybersecurity software company, stated in a blog that hackers sent out 60 variations of the original exploit within a 24-hour period. It has been used by hackers to gain access to nearly half the corporate networks in the world. The majority of hacking attempts have been focused on taking over computers in order to run bitcoin mining software. This tactic has been used by hackers for years. However, Check Point reported that Iranian state-backed hackers exploited the vulnerability on Dec. 15 to attempt to gain access to targets within the Israeli government and businesses. Although the bug has been around for many years, criminal hackers are unlikely to have discovered it before now. Security experts would have noticed it being used previously if they had. It doesn’t necessarily mean that hackers working for governments such as the United States, Russia or Israel haven’t used this bug before. CISA has given federal civil agencies a December 24 deadline to patch log4j. Even though engineers are working round-the-clock to meet the deadline, hackers could have gained access to hundreds of thousands more sites and services. Sometimes hackers will install malicious code or “backdoors” that remain even after the log4j issue is fixed. Security experts will need to identify and remove these back doors. This vulnerability gives ransomware hackers a new way to hack into computers networks and lock out their owners. This type of attack has increased in recent years. Hospitals, local governments, and businesses have all been targeted. They are asked to send cryptocurrency in millions to hackers to avoid being locked out of computers indefinitely or having their sensitive information exposed. What can we do to help? Hackers must send malicious code to log4j to take advantage of this vulnerability. Phishing emails, which are messages designed to trick you into opening attachments or clicking on a link, is one way hackers can exploit the vulnerability. Watch out for phishing emails as hackers try to spread bad code as much as possible. Do not open attachments or links in emails claiming that your account has been compromised. Check that you have an account with the company and that you are expecting mail from them. Next, search online for a customer service number or an address and contact them. Regular computer users should ensure that the latest versions of all apps are installed. Developers will soon release patches to fix log4j issues. It is important that you download those patches quickly. SpartanTec, Inc. can help you and your employees stay safe by providing network monitoring, employee training, patching updates, and employee patch ups.SpartanTec, Inc. Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston via Blogger https://ift.tt/3sZkFcP January 05, 2022 at 04:21PM
Cyber Risk Management: Why You Should Take Action Now
We presented 8 Best Practices to Manage Cyber Risk yesterday on our Wilmington website. We’ll now explain why these best practices are so important. Risk teams face constant challenges to ensure their organization is protected against the latest threats as technology advances. Cyber risk is the latest trend that has attracted attention. According to Risk.net‘s 2018 survey, cyber risk was ranked #1 and #2 in a list of the top ten operational threats. Cyber risk: What does it mean? Cyber risk refers to the possibility of financial loss, disruption or reputational damage for an organization as a result of a failure in its IT systems. The Institute of Risk Management has more information about this definition. Cyber risk can pose a huge threat. Here are three reasons why it is a top concern that must effectively be managed. Cyber risk management: 3 reasons1. Respect regulations Governments are creating new laws and standards to keep up with the changing environment. They are beneficial for society and consumers, but they can be costly and require significant organizational changes. Recent concerns have been about data management and privacy. The government is putting more pressure on companies to secure this data, due to increasing data breaches that have resulted in the release of names, phone numbers and email addresses of individuals, as well as credit card information. Organizations can take proactive measures to reduce cyber risk in order to gain competitive advantage in their industry. SpartanTec of Columbia will help you and your employees develop a plan to be secure in 2022. 2. Extremely high frequency John Lupica, Chubb Insurance, stated that cyber risk is “The sole risk where someone is trying do real damage to your business every single day”. It’s not a matter “if”, it’s a matter “when” in some industries. Cyber risk is a concern for all organizations, especially those that store sensitive consumer data like credit card numbers. It is impossible to avoid this risk because any organization can’t function without technology. Logic Manager found that data breaches have increased by 45% between 2016 and 2017, and this trend will continue. Hackers are becoming more prevalent and better-trained. Social engineering is a popular tactic that hackers use to trick people into divulging confidential information. This can be done by getting their trust or using their curiosity. With the advancements in technology, hacking has become more complicated. Organizations that are interested in accessing data can’t be stopped by simple firewalls. It is crucial that employees are fully educated and actively prevent cyber risk. In today’s globalized world, interconnectivity and data sharing have become more common. With employees and organizations spreading around the globe, it is important to have access to remote data and tools that can be used for collaboration. These systems can be as secure, if managed well, as traditional in-house storage. They still pose a risk. AT&T’s Cybersecurity Insights found that 85 percent of organizations share data with external parties, while only 28% have established standards to manage this risk. The 28% of organizations that don’t expose their data to outside parties are most likely the safest. 3. High severity Organizations can’t expect cyber risk to be a problem they don’t see. Even the most powerful organizations can be affected by a well-planned cyberattack. Cyber risk can be so serious for many reasons. Many risk teams underestimate this. AT&T found that while 65% of organizations think they have the right measures in place to protect themselves against cyber attacks, 80% of them have been affected by successful attacks. It is clear that there is a problem. Employees must be made aware of the severity and consequences. Small and medium-sized businesses may underestimate cyber risk. These organizations may think that they are too small or inefficient to reduce cyber risk. They are a prime target for hackers. Clients can lose confidence in organizations and even sue them for a single data breach. Consumers will tell others about the experience if private information is released. The organization will struggle to prove to new customers that it is secure enough to be trusted. PwC’s study found that 87% customers will transfer their data to other companies if they aren’t satisfied with the organization’s handling of it. Business disruption can also be caused by cyber risk. An attack can put an organization in crisis mode and make it impossible for them to continue their regular operations until the problem is resolved. A data breach could expose trade secrets and other confidential information that is essential for an organization to function. If the situation is not contained, imitations could soon appear on the market. Cyberattacks can cause serious physical damage. Computer-controlled systems can be remotely accessed or shut down. In Germany, hackers created malware that caused a massive explosion in a steel mill and severe physical damage. You can read more about this incident and other similar incidents in “Cyber and Physical Threats Collide”. Cyberattacks continue to be expensive on average. Organizations must pay for repairs and upgrades to their technology, as well as legal fees and settlements to customers whose information was compromised. These attacks are becoming more frequent and more powerful, which means that organizations have to pay more. In 2018, the average cyber attack cost was $8 million. This is up from $3.62million in 2017. Cyber risk is complex and can be difficult to manage. Cyber risk is not something that can be ignored by any organization. These risks can have severe consequences. SpartanTec, Inc of Columbia assists risk teams to predict and prevent cyber-risks. Our cloud-computing platform allows for the creation and sharing risk management plans. It is constantly updated to ensure the highest security standards and blocks any unauthorized data from your system. For more information, please contact us.SpartanTec, Inc. Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston via Blogger https://ift.tt/3pA56pE December 29, 2021 at 09:39PM
What Is Your Biggest Cybersecurity threat?
Your pocket is the biggest cybersecurity threat to you business. Your pocket. Perhaps your purse. A Verizon study found that one third of businesses have admitted to having suffered a security breach due to mobile devices. According to the same study, 80% of businesses knew that mobile device usage was causing a significant gap in their network security. However, banning mobile device use at work is not an option. These mobile devices offer productivity benefits that are too great to be ignored. Employees will likely continue to use them. How can you ensure that your data stays safe while it travels with you and your employees. Basic Cybersecurity Protection for All Operating SystemsThese security protocols are easy to implement, regardless of the operating system or device model. Secure passcode and fingerprint recognition are possible. These features will not only protect you but also your employees. Encourage employees to enable these security features on their devices. Provide internal support to assist less-technical employees in setting this up and troubleshooting common issues with unlocking the device using these features. This will help protect your data in case it is lost or stolen, and it will prevent unauthorized persons from accessing it if left unattended. Use a VPN. VPNs provide a secure connection between your phone and a private server that encrypts your data. They also bypass public networks and allow you to access your data from anywhere in the world. This helps to protect your data and encrypts it while it travels between points. Enable data encryption. Enable data encryption on both Android and iPhone devices. It is highly recommended that your employees activate this feature. Spreadprivacy.com provides detailed instructions for how to secure both Android and iPhone phones. Remote wipe capabilities can be set up. You can remotely lock or erase your device depending on its manufacturer. This function is available on both Android and Apple devices.
iPhone users can get mobile protection All Apple iPhone models will come with the following security features, regardless of their model. However, older models may not be able take advantage of the latest iOS and may need to be upgraded. Here are 10 ways to keep your iPhone safe. Regularly update the iOS. So you don’t have the hassle of looking for updates, opt in to automatic software updates via your phone.
Mobile Protection for Android Users Android devices are great because you can choose from a wide range of features and manufacturers. These may have different features and functionality but here are some tips to protect your Android device.
Next step These tips can help you keep your personal and business information safe wherever you go. This is only the beginning. To find out if there is a weakness in your security, set up a full audit. Give SpartanTec, Inc. a call now.SpartanTec, Inc. Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston via Blogger https://ift.tt/3qmbIar December 24, 2021 at 12:49AM
A Guide To Cybersecurity
What are cybersecurity services? Why does my company need them? The digital landscape of today is filled with threats. These include phishing and targeted attacks. They are being deployed by more sophisticated bad actors. Every business must have a range of IT services Columbia SC and solutions to mitigate cyber risk. Experts who can deploy them will help you protect your data as well as your employees. Your business should focus on three areas of Cybersecurity: assessment, protection and remediation. Working with certified and experienced professionals to work with your staff and executive teams will allow you to effectively establish and maintain complete digital security. Learn how to identify the threats that you face in today’s digital world and how you can protect yourself from them. What is a complete Cybersecurity Program?A comprehensive Cybersecurity Columbia SC program encompasses people, processes, as well as technologies. SpartanTec’s Cybersecurity Programs are tailored to meet your company’s needs based on assessments by our certified IT professionals. SpartanTec, Inc., Columbia, uses a multilayered approach to create and maintain a 24/7 safety net for its clients. Your Cybersecurity program could include everything you need, from training staff in security awareness to monitoring and managing cyber threats, as well as ongoing threat hunting, monitoring, management, endpoint protection, and any additional defenses against them. Who has the need for Cybersecurity services The short answer is: No one. The short answer is: You do. Cybercrime losses will reach $6 trillion annually by 2021, according to estimates. How much impact would one data loss, even a fraction, have on your company? No organization, regardless of its size, can afford to have a breach. Compliance regulations are mandatory for many companies. They require extra protection to protect data and prevent data loss. How can you stop security threats becoming security incidents? SpartanTec, Inc.’s Managed Detection and Response services (MDR), are the most cost-effective and efficient way to resolve your most urgent cybersecurity issues. Without a team of cybersecurity experts, it’s unlikely that you can act on any actionable information that your automated defenses reveal. This means that your response will not be sufficient and your company will suffer. MDR Cybercrime is on the rise. However, the number of vulnerable targets has increased due to factors such as a dispersed workforce, and the proliferation endpoints like handheld devices. These are dangerous times. Our MDR services will provide 24/7 monitoring of your network by a team of cybersecurity professionals in your area. Our incident response team is trained to respond quickly to a cyberattack and can offer immediate protection to protect your most valuable assets. What can you do to ensure that your data is secure regardless of where your employees work? Today’s business realities mean that many companies employ remote workers who use multiple devices. Protecting your data and information is essential, regardless of whether it’s on a smartphone, tablet, phone, or other mobile device. Endpoint Protection as a Service uses AI to monitor threats and deliver reliable security information, reducing response times and continuous threat monitoring. EPaaS includes events from all your endpoints. This allows you to identify suspicious activity and take action immediately. Your employees will have the ability to use devices that help them maintain productivity without becoming cyberattack targets. How can Cybersecurity Awareness Training benefit your employees? Your employees are the weakest link within any firewall network security that surrounds your IT systems. Many employees aren’t aware of cybersecurity and the possible consequences of their actions. Cyberattacks today focus on exploiting this ignorance, tricking users into opening insecure attachments or clicking subtly maligning links. Your workers will be able to recognize and avoid cyber threats, and they will understand the importance of cyber security awareness training to their cyber defense. Cybersecurity Awareness Training fulfills certain industry compliance regulations. SpartanTec, Inc. offers a complete Cybersecurity Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), training solution. This training will provide your employees the tools they need to defend against the attacks on IT systems that exploit human weaknesses. Your most valuable asset is your employees. They are also your greatest vulnerability. The right training can help you protect your employees and prepare your company for any eventuality. You can start the new year knowing that your data is safe. SpartanTec, Inc. can conduct a comprehensive assessment of your network. Contact us now for more details.SpartanTec, Inc. Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston via Blogger https://ift.tt/3sqy6SG December 21, 2021 at 10:33PM
A Guide For Businesses On Data Recovery And Backup
Businesses and organizations quickly learn three things in daily operations: computers can crash and people can make mistakes. And disasters can strike when you least expect it or are not prepared for. For a company to be successful, data backup and recovery is essential. Businesses must be prepared for any eventuality and have backup systems in place. To store large amounts of information, data backup systems that work well can be built with separate drives or an offsite storage server. Without these systems, data recovery can be difficult. What is Data Backup and Recovery?Data recovery and backup refers to backing up your data in the event of loss and setting up secure systems that allow you to recover your data. Data backup is the storage and copying computer data to ensure they are available in case of corruption or deletion. Data backups are the only way you can recover data from an earlier date. Backup of data is an essential part of any disaster recovery plan. Backups of data might not restore all settings or data. Backups of data may not always restore all settings and data for computer clusters, active directory servers and database servers. Cloud storage allows you to backup large amounts of data. You don’t have to keep your data on a local hard drive or external storage. Cloud technology can be used to create mobile devices that allow data recovery. Cloud Backup and RecoveryCloud backup, also known as online backup, is a backup strategy that transmits a copy of your primary data to an offsite server via a private network. Hosting fees are usually determined by bandwidth, capacity or the number of users.
Backup vs. Recovery Backup and recovery are two different things. The former can be used as a backup of your data in the case of a database failure, while recovery is the process of restoring your database to its original state following a disaster Backup is a backup of data. It contains all the essential elements, such as control files or data files. Unexpected database failures are possible so it is important to back up the entire database. There are two types of backup: Physical Backup: This is a copy of physical database files such as log files, control files, and archived redo logs. It is a backup of files that store data at another location. This is the foundation of the database recovery program. Logical Backup: A logical backup is one that is created from a database. It contains procedures, views, and functions. It is not enough to have a logical backup in order to provide structural information. Recovery allows you to return your database to its original state after a failure. Because you can restore your database’s original state to it after a sudden failure, this improves reliability and stability. Log-based recovery can be used to recover your databases. Logs contain transaction records. Storing logs in stable storage will make it easier to recover your database after a disaster. This includes information about the transactions that are to be executed, their states, and any modified values. These pieces of information are kept in the order that they were executed. Data Backup and Recovery are of vital importanceBackups are copies of data that are made to ensure you have a backup in case your primary data is lost. Primary data can be lost due to accidental deletion, malicious attacks or data corruption. To quickly restore data from an earlier point, backup copies can be used. This will help in business recovery following unplanned events. It is essential to have a backup copy of your data stored on another medium in order to prevent data loss or corruption. An external drive, USB stick or another medium can be used. Or you could use something heavier like a tape or disk storage medium, cloud storage container or disk drive. You can store the alternate medium in the same location as your primary data or remotely. If you live in an area with high likelihood of weather-related events, remote storage is recommended. Backups should be made consistently and regularly to ensure data protection. There is a greater chance of data being lost if you don’t make backups in the right time. Do not wait to make backup copies. To give yourself insurance and flexibility, you can keep multiple copies of your data in order to restore your system to an earlier point. What is Disaster Recovery Backup? Combined with a business continuity plan, disaster recovery (DR) is an integral part of IT security planning. It’s a collection of policies and procedures that help protect an organization or business from any negative effects such as cyberattacks, natural disasters, or other untoward events. It is essential to devise strategies that will help your company quickly recover its data, hardware, and applications. It is sometimes considered part of business continuity. It is important to do a thorough analysis of your business and the risks associated with creating a disaster plan. These steps will help you identify the IT services that are most critical to your business. These steps can also be used to determine the recovery point and time goals. There are three types disaster recovery measures.
You can ensure business continuity even in the most dire of situations by having a solid disaster recovery plan. Regular exercises and checks are a great way to ensure that disaster recovery plans are in place for all employees. Disaster Recovery: What is the Importance Of Disaster Recovery? Disaster recovery allows your organization to quickly resume mission-critical functions following a disaster. Today’s businesses are more dependent upon high availability and have less tolerance for downtime. In today’s highly competitive marketplace, a disaster can have devastating consequences for your business. Businesses must consider disaster recovery as an integral part their business operations. There is a high likelihood that they will fail after losing significant amounts of data. What are the advantages of a Disaster Recovery and Data Backup Plan for your organization?Without a solid backup and DR strategy, your business could lose data and experience massive downtime. These are just five reasons to make sure you have a backup and DR strategy. All Data is a Target: No matter what profession you are, your data is still vulnerable. Hackers, viruses and malware aren’t picky. They can target your business for any reason including a vendetta or the acquisition of sensitive information. Data loss is easy: Most data losses are caused by human error, hardware malfunctions, and not natural disasters. It’s easy to lose data. Some data are irreplaceable. You can’t recover business information that has been lost. Losing data is not fun. It makes it very difficult for employees not to have it. Without their account status and contact information, it’s very difficult to manage clients. You also need your mission-critical business applications. If you don’t have an effective recovery plan, your restoration efforts will quickly turn into rebuilding efforts. Your reputation is crucial: The perception of your business by other stakeholders and the way they view it will be affected by your downtime or loss of data. Bad reputation can have a serious impact on your business, especially if you are not trusted by stakeholders with their data. The bottom line Backup and recovery are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Both are good practices. You need a reliable and consistent data backup and recovery plan to protect your business against unplanned losses. Data backup is just one component of a disaster recovery strategy. This is only one part of a comprehensive security strategy. Preparing for the worst can help ensure your business continuity. SpartanTec Inc, in Columbia SC provides backup and data recovery for small and medium businesses. Give us a call today before disaster strikes. SpartanTec, Inc. Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston via Blogger https://ift.tt/3E9GYOO December 19, 2021 at 04:04PM
Firewalls and Data Protection
Your cybersecurity is incomplete without managed firewalls. It is an essential part of your company’s defense against cyber threats. Your firewall protects your system from many vulnerabilities. It is a critical layer in a company’s layered security strategy. Stable firewalls are essential for a secure layered security architecture. Layered security should include more than just the firewall network security.
These elements make up multi-layer cybersecurity. These layers reduce the risk of security breaches. What is a Firewall? A firewall is security software or firmware that creates a barrier between networks in order to allow or block certain traffic. It monitors traffic to identify threats and block them. Firewalls allow traffic with low risk that may not cause harm to your network. It blocks any harmful traffic it finds, whether it is a virus or hacker trying to access your network. A firewall acts as a gatekeeper and prevents unwanted people from entering your home. It filters suspicious and untrusted sources using pre-set commands. It protects traffic at the computer’s entry point. Why Are Managed Firewalls ImportantA reliable and stable firewall is essential for your company’s network. It is crucial in protecting your network from outside threats. It is ideal to act as a perimeter guard and perform the following tasks: Avoiding Hacks Hacking activity is on the rise as more businesses adopt a digital approach. Firewalls protect you against unauthorized connections and hackers. A firewall is an integral part of any company’s data protection strategy. It can prevent hackers from accessing your network. Monitor Network Traffic To protect your network, a firewall monitors traffic all the time. The information from continuous monitoring can be used by your IT team to build advanced security layers. Privacy Promotion Firewalls promote brand recognition because they protect your network from hackers. Because all data systems are secured and inaccessible to hackers, clients can feel confident that they can trust you company with their data. No data can be stolen with a strong firewall. Different types of firewalls There are many types of firewalls available that can help to block malicious traffic. These include proxy service, stateful inspection and packet filtering. Different criteria are used to limit network entry. Each one has its own benefits and drawbacks. This is why next-generation firewalls have been developed. Next-Generation Firewalls Next-generation firewalls (NGFW) combine all the best of previous firewall technologies into one tool. This security package includes:
NGFWs offer more security than traditional firewalls. They go beyond blocking ports and protocols to provide a better protection system. Benefits of an NGFW A NGFW is a threat-focused approach to advanced risk detection. This is the best firewall protection. You are doing your business a disservice if you don’t have an NGFW and a reliable IT support Columbia SC. Advanced Policy Control Next-generation firewalls Columbia SC allow the use of internet apps that are more productive and less popular thanks to deep packet inspection. Unlike traditional firewalls which allow traffic but block it, NGFWs prevent access to insecure applications. Content and user identification NGFWs scan and monitor content in real time, so that no data can be lost. This includes threat identification and filtering. These firewalls can also easily identify the users who are responsible for sending traffic that is dangerous. Firewalls reinforce a Layered Security Strategy Cybersecurity is essential in today’s digital world. To stay ahead of evolving threats, defenses must be constantly improved. All businesses should make it a priority to secure their network. A multilayered approach to cybersecurity is the best way to ensure your network remains secure. Call SpartanTec, Inc. now for more information about managed firewalls and IT services.SpartanTec, Inc. Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston via Blogger https://ift.tt/31ZYyaR December 14, 2021 at 10:50PM |
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