by Christine Hipplie | Dec 17, 2020 | Uncategorized
Are you wondering how to implement a zero trust model of security for your networks and IT infrastructure? Do you wonder why the term ‘zero trust security’ is becoming such a buzzword or how you can better protect your digital assets from cyberattacks?
Many companies believe that their current approach to cybersecurity is enough to protect them from malware, malicious insiders, and data breaches. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case and companies only realize their mistake after it’s too late.
We’re going to talk about what zero trust security is, the benefits of it, and of course, how to implement a zero trust approach in your own IT system. Keep reading for more information.
What is Zero Trust Security?
Zero trust is an approach to security that never automatically assumes a user is supposed to access your system or that an application should be able to run on a specific computer. It authenticates users and/or applications before allowing them to access your network.
The premise behind zero trust is, “never trust, always verify.”
This model of security came to fruition years ago when corporations realized that once malware or a hacker accessed their network, there were very few measures stopping the attack from spreading. It only allows access to users and/or applications with appropriate credentials and ensures that each person or device uses only the level of privilege they need for their task.
Benefits of Using a Zero Trust Approach to Security
Because zero trust security can ensure that every user, device, and/or application is verified and authenticated, businesses that use this model of security have a lower risk of being a victim of cyberattacks, infected with malware, and losing time and money due to data breaches.
When your network, IT system, and sensitive data are better protected, your customers are less likely to face the negative impacts of having their information stolen. This fact can help protect your company’s reputation from angry (former) clients and may prevent legal issues that can arise from failing to comply with your industry’s security standards.
Many business leaders perceive the cloud and cloud computing as being risky, particularly when it comes to sensitive data. A zero trust approach integrates well with this type of technology and can further improve the already-secure system.
With all of these security benefits, you may think that using zero trust architecture would impair the overall user experience. This is actually far from the truth. Zero trust can use behavioral analytics to determine the level of access each user and/or application receives.
Implementing Zero Trust
With all of the security benefits of using zero trust, you should be asking yourself why haven’t you already implemented this model of security. For most people, the answer is simple: they don’t know how to do so.
The steps below can help make the process easy – or at least easier to understand.
Multi-factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication will prompt the user for something they have such as a mobile phone, network access key, RFID card, or credit card (a possession factor); something they know, such as a PIN, password, or pattern (a knowledge factor); and for enhanced security, the authorization may require a fingerprint or retina scan (an inherence factor).
The combination of any two or all three of these factors can authenticate users to ensure that they are who they say, making certain that no one else is using their credentials.
Application Permissions
Another aspect of Zero Trust is application authentication. You essentially monitor a computer for common application access, and a policy is created to only allow those applications to operate and no others. With this technique, any malware that attempts to execute will be unable due to the existing policy. This method requires a bit of patience and training but can be a highly effective and affordable layer of security.
Using the Principle of Least Privilege
The Principle of Least Privilege is a practice that grants the users of your network the bare minimum access that they need in order to complete their tasks. You may allow some users to view, modify, and run files – or you may give them no access to certain items at all.
The idea behind this principle is to minimize the level of access given to all users, avoiding the potential for the misuse of data while still allowing each user to fulfill their role.
Endpoint Device Validation
Endpoint devices are those that are used to access your network. They must be validated in order to ensure that outside devices aren’t being used maliciously. In a corporate setting, devices can be enrolled to allow for access after the user is authenticated using their personal credentials.
Micro-segmentation of Security Perimeters
Often, networks are protected by one large security perimeter. This means that once a user or malicious piece of software has access, there is no real way to stop it from moving from device to device or from file to file.
Micro-segmentation breaks your security perimeters up into smaller areas, requiring the reauthorization of anyone who wishes to access it. Segmenting your perimeters allows your IT team to see the point at which any attack begins.
The use of micro-segmentation may break up your data center or cloud into several sections to prevent laterally moving attacks. It also allows you to easily implement the Principle of Least Privilege and multi-factor authorizations.
Working With a Security Provider
Zero trust security is an effective way to protect your networks, IT infrastructure, and to prevent data breaches. It is also is relatively easy to understand, implement, and use.
As with anything, with the right knowledge and know-how, incorporating zero trust in your network can be straightforward and it’s always advisable to work with an experienced security provider.
Techspert starts with zero trust application authentication first and can later implement other security measures, depending on each customer’s needs. Please contact us today so we can demonstrate how easy it is to add a zero trust security layer to your overall cybersecurity solution.
Many companies believe that their current approach to cybersecurity is enough to protect them from malware, malicious insiders, and data breaches. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case and companies only realize their mistake after it’s too late.
We’re going to talk about what zero trust security is, the benefits of it, and of course, how to implement a zero trust approach in your own IT system. Keep reading for more information.
What is Zero Trust Security?
Zero trust is an approach to security that never automatically assumes a user is supposed to access your system or that an application should be able to run on a specific computer. It authenticates users and/or applications before allowing them to access your network.
The premise behind zero trust is, “never trust, always verify.”
This model of security came to fruition years ago when corporations realized that once malware or a hacker accessed their network, there were very few measures stopping the attack from spreading. It only allows access to users and/or applications with appropriate credentials and ensures that each person or device uses only the level of privilege they need for their task.
Benefits of Using a Zero Trust Approach to Security
Because zero trust security can ensure that every user, device, and/or application is verified and authenticated, businesses that use this model of security have a lower risk of being a victim of cyberattacks, infected with malware, and losing time and money due to data breaches.
When your network, IT system, and sensitive data are better protected, your customers are less likely to face the negative impacts of having their information stolen. This fact can help protect your company’s reputation from angry (former) clients and may prevent legal issues that can arise from failing to comply with your industry’s security standards.
Many business leaders perceive the cloud and cloud computing as being risky, particularly when it comes to sensitive data. A zero trust approach integrates well with this type of technology and can further improve the already-secure system.
With all of these security benefits, you may think that using zero trust architecture would impair the overall user experience. This is actually far from the truth. Zero trust can use behavioral analytics to determine the level of access each user and/or application receives.
Implementing Zero Trust
With all of the security benefits of using zero trust, you should be asking yourself why haven’t you already implemented this model of security. For most people, the answer is simple: they don’t know how to do so.
The steps below can help make the process easy – or at least easier to understand.
Multi-factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication will prompt the user for something they have such as a mobile phone, network access key, RFID card, or credit card (a possession factor); something they know, such as a PIN, password, or pattern (a knowledge factor); and for enhanced security, the authorization may require a fingerprint or retina scan (an inherence factor).
The combination of any two or all three of these factors can authenticate users to ensure that they are who they say, making certain that no one else is using their credentials.
Application Permissions
Another aspect of Zero Trust is application authentication. You essentially monitor a computer for common application access, and a policy is created to only allow those applications to operate and no others. With this technique, any malware that attempts to execute will be unable due to the existing policy. This method requires a bit of patience and training but can be a highly effective and affordable layer of security.
Using the Principle of Least Privilege
The Principle of Least Privilege is a practice that grants the users of your network the bare minimum access that they need in order to complete their tasks. You may allow some users to view, modify, and run files – or you may give them no access to certain items at all.
The idea behind this principle is to minimize the level of access given to all users, avoiding the potential for the misuse of data while still allowing each user to fulfill their role.
Endpoint Device Validation
Endpoint devices are those that are used to access your network. They must be validated in order to ensure that outside devices aren’t being used maliciously. In a corporate setting, devices can be enrolled to allow for access after the user is authenticated using their personal credentials.
Micro-segmentation of Security Perimeters
Often, networks are protected by one large security perimeter. This means that once a user or malicious piece of software has access, there is no real way to stop it from moving from device to device or from file to file.
Micro-segmentation breaks your security perimeters up into smaller areas, requiring the reauthorization of anyone who wishes to access it. Segmenting your perimeters allows your IT team to see the point at which any attack begins.
The use of micro-segmentation may break up your data center or cloud into several sections to prevent laterally moving attacks. It also allows you to easily implement the Principle of Least Privilege and multi-factor authorizations.
Working With a Security Provider
Zero trust security is an effective way to protect your networks, IT infrastructure, and to prevent data breaches. It is also is relatively easy to understand, implement, and use.
As with anything, with the right knowledge and know-how, incorporating zero trust in your network can be straightforward and it’s always advisable to work with an experienced security provider.
Techspert starts with zero trust application authentication first and can later implement other security measures, depending on each customer’s needs. Please contact us today so we can demonstrate how easy it is to add a zero trust security layer to your overall cybersecurity solution.
by Christine Hipplie | Dec 9, 2020 | Uncategorized
Are you aware that every IT system has vulnerabilities that can negatively impact how your infrastructure operates?
Most people aren’t aware of their cybersecurity vulnerabilities until after they’ve been a victim of a cyber attack. Many business owners are under the assumption that their firewall and antivirus software are enough to protect their digital assets from data breaches and other types of IT security threats.
Unfortunately, waiting to learn about your system’s cybersecurity vulnerabilities until after a cyber attack or relying solely on your firewall and antivirus software for protection may leave your business and data in a compromised position.
We’d like to help you understand what cybersecurity vulnerabilities are, the different types of vulnerabilities, how to find them, their impacts on your IT infrastructure, and what we can do to protect your data infrastructure. Keep reading for more information.
Vulnerabilities vs. Cyber Threats
The biggest question that you probably have is what is a vulnerability and how is it different from a cyber threat?
To put it simply, a cybersecurity vulnerability is any security weakness that can possibly be exploited by a threat actor–the perpetrators of the attack. These threat actors may be a person, a group, or some other entity, even at a nation-state level. For example, China and the CCP lead the world in cyber warfare.
On the other hand, cyber threats are the events that are responsible for attacking your vulnerabilities. These threats may include malware like trojans, viruses, ransomware, adware, and spyware; threats may also include Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS), and cloud jackings. Most (about 90%) of cyber threats are in the form of email phishing attacks.
The success of cyber threats and attacks will depend on your system vulnerabilities as well as the steps you take to protect your system from them.
Different Types of Vulnerabilities
Similarly to the wide variety of cyber threats, there is also a wide variety of vulnerabilities when it comes to the security of your computer and IT systems. You can typically count on a few common vulnerabilities that occur in every system.
These vulnerabilities include:
- Unpatched software – skipping software updates or forgetting to install available patches gives threat actors an easy access point to run malicious code or install malware.
- Poor password practices – cyber attackers may run a dictionary or brute-force attack. These attacks systematically use words found in the dictionary to guess passwords; brute-force is similar – the attacker may submit multiple passwords in their attempt. And to give you an idea of the ease at which a common high-end server can guess an insufficient password, about 30 BILLION passwords PER SECOND! We recommend to our clients that length is the most important factor in a password. You should still avoid common names, and include numbers, caps, and symbols, but it can be easy and we can show you how.
- Unmonitored user access – many businesses don’t consider limiting the amount of access their staff members have which can allow users to see, modify, or delete information without needing any credentials. Ideally, you should only allow users access to the information that’s required for their job.
- Non-encrypted Data – when data is encrypted, it is coded so that only authorized users can access it. If your data isn’t encrypted, it is left in the open for almost anyone to find, see, or use for their own gain. Data encryption usage depends on individual situations, but is always recommended for remote/mobile devices such as laptops and tablets.
- Insufficient WiFi security – your wireless network security can be a gaping hole for threat actors to compromise. There are actually six areas of breach within a WiFi network itself! An improperly configured WiFi network will leave your systems highly vulnerable to cyber threats. This is one area much overlooked and should be taken very seriously.
- Disgruntled employees – unfortunately, a disgruntled employee can wreak havoc on your system–even with minimal access.
- Not using cybersecurity best practices – cybersecurity, cyber threats, and vulnerabilities change rapidly. Keeping up with these changes, or as we refer to as the Threat Horizon, takes experience, time and knowledge to continuously combat. Cybersecurity best practices should always be followed. We focus on common breach areas in all data infrastructures including Security Awareness Training to help avoid Phishing emails, web filters, software patching and many other areas. This ensures layers of protection because there is no solution that can cover all breach points.
How to Find Your IT System’s Vulnerabilities
The only method to ascertain the risk level to your company is to perform a vulnerability assessment (also known as a risk assessment) as well as penetration testing or pen testing.. Vulnerability assessments look for any risk that hasn’t been properly managed or mitigated to your satisfaction.
These assessments also allow for a prioritization path in order to focus on higher risk areas.
In addition to a vulnerability assessment, a pen test will simulate a cyberattack from the outside (against the firewall) but is performed by cybersecurity professionals. These tests help identify poorly configured firewalls so that the areas at fault can be rectified before a real threat occurs.
Addressing Computer Security Vulnerabilities
Having a pen test and vulnerability assessment is a great start toward securing your IT infrastructure. Unfortunately, in order to see real results and maintain the highest level of protection, you will need ongoing monitoring to help manage vulnerabilities and hence your risks.
The best way to address all of these issues and to avoid the impacts of a cyber attack is to consider hiring an experienced managed service and security provider (MSP or MSSP). Cybersecurity companies like Techspert Data Services are not only knowledgeable about security best practices but also stay current on the ever-changing types of attacks and threats.
Techspert has identified 5 layers of cybersecurity breach for every network and has formulated specific solutions to mitigate all high-risk areas. Techspert offers affordable monthly agreements that encompass all areas of cybersecurity only or cybersecurity PLUS helpdesk services.
MSP agreements will include (but limited to) continuous device monitoring, software patching, alerting, mitigation plans, and business continuity and disaster recovery–including best-in-class recovery time objectives to keep your company running.
If you’d like to better understand your cybersecurity vulnerabilities or would like to know how you can be better protected from all of the various cyber threats, contact Techspert Data Services today. Allow us to eradicate your highest risks first, everything else is easy. We are Technology Experts. It’s in our name!
by Christine Hipplie | Dec 9, 2020 | Uncategorized
Have you ever wondered whether you should monitor your employee’s computer use? Are you on the fence, feeling as though it’s a workplace violation of privacy while also wanting to protect each technology asset that your company owns?
There is no quick answer regarding whether you should monitor employee’s computer use. Doing so is not a violation of workplace privacy and you have every right to protect your technology, data, software, networks, and IT system – but doing so often comes at a cost.
We’re going to take a further look into why you should or shouldn’t monitor the use of computer resources, the legality of computer monitoring, and the types of technology you may wish to employ. Keep reading for more information!
Benefits of Monitoring Employee Workstation Activity
There are several reasons that you may choose to monitor your employee’s workstation activity. You may simply wish to review employee use of company computer assets, or you may have other questions regarding the sites visited by employees or their overall use of technology during the workday.
When you choose to monitor your employees’ online you’ll see if they’re using company time to access their personal e-mail, unrelated Internet sites, social media, or performing various other tasks that interfere with their job. These types of activities decrease productivity and can create a dishonest work environment.
Along the same lines, when you choose to track the use of company computers, you’ll also have an easier time cross-checking the number of hours worked, daily attendance, and possibly learn of any training opportunities.
Monitoring in the workplace allows business owners and managers to track and manage bandwidth while also minimizing the potential for data loss and costly breaches in cybersecurity. You will also be able to quickly see if a computer has been infected with a virus or malware, if employees are sharing trade secrets, and whether customer data is being misused.
Drawbacks of Employee Monitoring
Although there are many options for strict monitoring in the workplace, you may wish to keep activity tracking minimal to avoid employees feeling as though they’re being spied on or micromanaged.
Employees may feel as though their privacy is being violated or devalued with any type of monitoring techniques; some may quit because of them. Additionally, employees may feel as though there is a lack of trust which can breed resentment and lead to less productivity.
With all of this said, you must ask yourself how employees might respond to computer monitoring and if it is truly needed in your work environment.
Can I Legally Monitor Employee Computer Use?
In the United States, it is completely legal to monitor the use of computer resources within a company if there is valid business reasoning to do so. Some state laws may require the employee to consent to computer monitoring while other states simply require disclosure.
As an employer, you may monitor employee’s use of e-mail, the internet, downloads, documents, files, and company devices outside of the workplace. Depending on your state, you may also be able to monitor keystrokes, any e-mail sent via your company computer system, and even personal computers are subject to monitoring if the devices are used for work and there is a workplace policy set forth.
Regardless of legality, it is generally best to tell employees upfront about your company’s computer monitoring policies and how they’re implemented.
The Use of Technology to Track How Employees Use Computers
As a business owner, you have multiple options when it comes to monitoring the use of computer systems. You may find that one, a few, or all of them combined are an ideal solution to employee monitoring in the workplace:
- Network firewalls may be used to scan workstations for prohibited content and monitor the traffic connected to each computer; network firewalls will also monitor where/how files are sent and to whom, if a system becomes infected with malware/viruses, and bandwidth used
- Keystroke loggers – as the name suggests – log each keystroke inputted into a keyboard, including passwords, e-mail content, and search queries
- Remote screen monitoring allows management to view employees activities on workplace computers, either historically or in real-time
- Electronic communications monitoring will allow for a business to view any e-mail that is sent via the company’s servers, including those that have been deleted or archived
- Time tracking software will allow you to see how much time is spent on each project and when an employee is performing unrelated tasks
- Video surveillance is another form of monitoring that doesn’t involve software being installed to your system but can give you an idea of your employee’s activities
Depending on your organization’s needs, current employees’ use of company computers, and requirements for cybersecurity or data protection, your business may require only one of these monitoring options. It is also entirely possible that your business doesn’t require any type of monitoring solution at all!
Consider Calling a Professional
If a business chooses to monitor the activities of their employees by installing software or video surveillance, it is advisable to contact an IT professional to find the best course of action. IT companies will not only offer the most updated software options but will also be familiar with the types of monitoring activities that are legal and most often used in your area.
If you would like to know more about the various software options for monitoring employee computer use, pricing, and how to minimize internal cybersecurity threats that may inadvertently originate with your team, give Techspert Data Services a call today!
by Christine Hipplie | Dec 9, 2020 | Uncategorized
WiFi dead spots are the bane of many people’s existence. Now that many people work remotely since COVID-19 hit, dead spots at your home office are no fun and can be a huge source of frustration!
We’re going to take a look at what causes WiFi dead spots, as well as how you can fix them if they’re already there. Keep reading to learn what you can do to get rid of this annoying issue!
Causes of WiFi Dead Spots
Generally, WiFi dead spots in your home are caused by physical barriers between the wireless router and the devices trying to connect to it. Anything can be a barrier, including walls, a refrigerator, large television, or tall pieces of furniture. Additionally, the distance between your router and the area that you want to connect from can have an impact.
Improving WiFi Strength and Coverage
The first (and easiest, cheapest) way to fix a WiFi dead spot is to move your router from one place to another. You might consider moving it nearest your home office or central to where most WiFi is used.
Changing the channel on your router is another option that may help improve the signal strength. Changing the channel can improve your WiFi signal strength because it reduces the amount of interference from other neighboring networks or other devices generating radio frequencies. If you don’t already know how to do so, a quick glance at the router’s user manual can help explain the process which is different for all makes and models
If, after moving your router and changing the channel, you’re still having an issue with dead spots, you may consider either purchasing WiFi signal extenders, or upgrading your existing wireless router (equipment) to a mesh system.
Signal extenders do exactly what they say – extend the signal of your WiFi router. These devices offer great results and can help minimize or eliminate dead spots entirely. To be most effective, you’ll want to strategically place them throughout your home – they must be in reach of the wireless coverage to work but also close to the dead spots.
Similar in concept are Wireless devices that create what are known as wireless mesh networks. These systems usually come with the router and at least one other extender that automatically integrates with the router, extending the range and signal without having to make any additional configuration changes.
Preventing New Dead Spots in Your House
Unless you plan to remodel your home, you’re probably not going to be moving the refrigerator, walls, or doors. However, you should know that the addition of cordless phones, wireless audio systems, nanny cameras, and (wireless) security systems all can impact your wireless coverage and signal strength. In other words, any device that generates radio frequencies can affect the performance of your WiFi.
If you happen to be adding any of these items or systems in the near future, consider their location and how they might impact your wireless signal strength.
Calling a Professional
If you’ve tried all of these tips to help minimize the WiFi dead spots and are still experiencing gaps in your WiFi coverage, it might be time to call a professional.
Unfortunately, without seeing your WiFi setup, the layout of your home, your router, and the other issues that can impact your wireless networks, it can be difficult to discern the exact problem. A professional technician can analyze any physical barriers, the WiFi signals and find other unknown causes of WiFi dead spots to identify the root causes.
From there, they can work with you to find a solution that fits your needs and maximizes your WiFi speed and coverage.
Our technicians can recommend hardware for your home proven to provide excellent coverage to help improve your WiFi speed and coverage while helping to eliminate dead spots. If you’re at your wit’s end and tired of trying to solve the mystery of your WiFi dead spots, we are willing to work through your employer to fix these issues. If interested and authorized by your employer, give us a call for an appointment!
We can help ensure that all of your devices connect to your wireless router, dead spots are minimized, and that your online activities are no longer interrupted by annoying gaps in coverage!
by Christine Hipplie | Dec 9, 2020 | Uncategorized
As the popularity of the internet and our reliance on technology grows, so does the number of cyber threats and vulnerabilities that can potentially affect both personal and business computers.
Unfortunately, without a complete understanding of these threats, vulnerabilities, and how they can affect your IT systems, many people are left with poor cybersecurity, unprotected sensitive data, and may risk the overall reliability of their computers and networks.
We’d like to take a further look at cyber threats, vulnerabilities, and answer some common questions about these issues. Keep reading to find out more!
What are Cyber Threats?
A cyber threat is any ill-intended act that attempts to damage or steal data – attempts at upsetting personal digital footprint can be considered threats as well. There are many types of threats that people and businesses face, though some are more common than others.
The list of cyber threats is long and includes:
- Malware: Malware comes from the phrase “malicious software” and is a general, catch-all term for any type of software that was intentionally designed to incapacitate computers, networks, or servers; and it may also be used to steal data.
- Virus: While the word virus is used often, it is not quite as common as you’d think. Generally, a virus is a type of code that can modify a particular file or application so that when the host is opened, the virus’s code is executed. Like a human illness, a virus can infect other files on a computer.
- Worm: A worm is a self-replicating form of malware that spreads automatically to other computers, typically through email or messaging apps. They can inject additional malware into your system, install backdoors for later access by cyber attackers, or they can modify/delete files. Some worms have no real purpose other than to deplete network and IT resources.
- Spyware: This type of malware is often installed on a person’s computer by someone they know. As the name implies, it is used to spy on the user’s actions and may capture passwords, browsing habits, banking data, and general information.
- Ransomware: Ransomware seeks to take control of data and encrypt it making it unusable or inaccessible unless one pays a specified cryptocurrency ransom. Often, this type of malware is spread through opening malicious emails in the form of phishing or spear-phishing (see below). This is the most prevalent form of malware because it has the most potential of payout to the bad actors.
- Adware/Madware: Adware is the type of malware that is typically responsible for pop-up ads, skewed web results, and slowed browsers; madware is the mobile device version. Generally, adware isn’t ‘as bad’ as other types of malware but can open the door for spyware.
- Trojan: This type of malware takes its name from the Greek story of the Trojan horse; it acts as a harmless program or application but once downloaded or installed, it can pave the way for cybercriminals to access your computer via backdoors or by installing other types of malware. Trojans aren’t viruses and can’t self-replicate – instead, they spread by opening attachments and downloading files.
- Phishing and Spear phishing attack: phishing is a cyber criminal’s attempt at gaining access to sensitive data by using legitimate-looking emails that entice a user to click on a malicious link. Spear phishing is the use of these methods but using commonly available information, adds known names of executives and other employees to add even more legitimacy.
- Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS): cybercriminals will attempt to disrupt a network with fake traffic from hundreds of thousands of devices. During a successful DDoS attack, a website or server will load slowly (or not at all), may crash, or simply be inoperable because it can’t handle the barrage of requests in a timely manner.
- Cloud jacking: a type of cyber threat in which a cybercriminal attempts to take over a business’ or person’s information that is stored in the cloud.
While this list of cyber threats isn’t everything by any means, it does explain some of the more common issues a person or a business may face when dealing with cybersecurity.
Common Vulnerabilities Businesses Face
In order for a cyber threat to be successful, there must be a vulnerability or a weakness to exploit. No IT system is perfect and vulnerabilities can develop and change daily.
The risk of vulnerabilities in cybersecurity is the probability or likelihood that the weakness will be exploited. There are millions of vulnerabilities across worldwide IT systems – however, if those systems don’t have something of value, it is unlike that they’ll be attacked.
With this said, there are many cybersecurity vulnerabilities that every company faces including unpatched software, poor password management, unmonitored user access, compromised network access keys, missing encryption, and even disgruntled employees.
Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Assessments
To identify and prioritize your company’s cyber threat risks, you will likely need a security vulnerability assessment. This type of assessment will consider all parts of your critical infrastructure including your hardware, software, networks, operating system, and data storage methods. A vulnerability assessment may also consider any problematic human behaviors.
After the assessment is performed, you should be able to identify any risks and prioritize them based on their probability and how they may affect your business.
Penetration testing is used by cybersecurity professionals to simulate an external cyberattack (against your firewall). This attack can give you an idea of how well your firewall and antivirus software is performing.
Both of these methods can be used to assess your cybersecurity as well as your vulnerability to cyber threats.
Stopping Cyber Threats
Most of the time, IT system vulnerabilities can be managed by using cybersecurity best practices such as installing new software updates, forcing the use of strong passphrases, limiting user network access, and securing your WiFi infrastructure.
While not every cyber threat can be avoided, many risks can be mitigated by using common sense and by educating your employees about cybersecurity.
Of course, the use of Endpoint Protection (EPP) (the new form of antivirus) is a crucial tool for limiting risk. Also, every company needs professional Cybersecurity advice to ensure most cybersecurity risk is mitigated.
If you’d like to learn more about how an experienced cybersecurity expert can help minimize your vulnerabilities to cyber threats, give Techspert Data Services a call!
