by Christine Hipplie | Jan 21, 2021 | Uncategorized
Does your business have a data backup and recovery plan in place as a safeguard against disaster? Have you thought about how losing access to your network and data would affect your business or if you could continue daily operations?
Unless you have a solid plan that includes data backup as well as a plan for recovery and business continuity, your business could be vulnerable during the next disaster. Techspert Data wants to help you better understand how different types of disasters can affect your business as well as the various ways to protect against these issues.
Continue reading for helpful insights and to understand the importance of data backup and recovery.
Defining “Disaster”
In most instances, the word disaster indicates an unexpected event that disrupts daily life, damages property, or causes the loss of life. In the world of Information Technology, the word disaster includes any event that causes your network to slow, disruption of services, data deletion, or otherwise interrupts the daily operations of businesses.
An IT disaster can include natural disasters like tornadoes, flooding, and earthquakes. IT disasters may also include cyberattacks, critical infrastructure or hardware failure, terror attacks, building incidents such as a fire, and either localized or widespread power outages.
There’s no way of knowing if, when, or the type of disaster that may affect you. Additionally, there is no way to know the exact consequences of any disaster. Although you may find this uncertainty unnerving, there are a few ways to prepare for a disaster and minimize the possible negative impacts.
Methods of Data Backup
One of the best ways to prepare your business for a disaster is by performing regular backups. There are a few different methods that you might choose to use including full backups, differential backups, and incremental backups.
- Full backups make a copy of every piece of information that is stored in your system. This copy is conveniently placed into a single file, allowing for a simple restoration if needed
- Differential backups copy and store files that have changed since the last full backup and requires much less space than a full backup but is usually slower to restore
- Incremental backups copy any information that has changed since either the last full or differential backup. These backups require far less space than differential and full backups but are also much slower to restore.
Aside from deciding on how you’ll back up your data, you’ll also want to establish a frequency at which the backups should occur as well as where the information will be stored.
In an ideal recovery plan, your backups are stored either off-site or in the cloud. This is to help minimize the chances of your backups being affected by the same disaster that you’re preparing for while also helping to prevent theft.
Disaster Recovery Planning
Frequently updating your backups and storing them in a safe manner are the first steps to take when it comes to disaster recovery planning. It is probably safe to say that without having access to recent backups, a recovery plan will likely be inefficient or fail completely.
The failure of a recovery plan can mean the failure of your business – or at least large financial costs.
Successful recovery plans will consider two main factors: Recovery Point Objective (RPO) and Recovery Time Objective (RTO). RPO is the amount of time since your last backup and allows you to consider how much data is lost between those backups. RTO is how much downtime your business can tolerate and expect to face after a disaster.
When building your disaster recovery plan, RPO and RTO are two of the most important measurements and can be used as a guide to help you determine which backup method and frequency is best for your business.
One of the best ways to improve your RPO and RTO is to increase the frequency of your backups. This isn’t an option for every business, but RTO can still be minimized by ensuring these elements of your recovery plan are in place:
- An easily accessible, printed version of your disaster recovery plan
- A list of critical infrastructure, beginning with the most important components
- Roles and responsibilities of the staff on your recovery team
- How your team will communicate
- Frequent testing to ensure all recovery plans are functional
Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail
Aside from considering the above factors, you’ll also want to consider how your business will return to normal after a disaster strikes and your recovery plan has been implemented. This is known as a business continuity plan and allows you to incorporate the other aspects of your company such as your emergency plans, finances, and personnel.
Strategizing your disaster recovery to include a business continuity plan will help to ensure that your business can survive almost any disruptive event. Although it’s possible for businesses to create a disaster recovery and business continuity plan without the help of professionals, the results may not always be as desired.
To ensure that your business has each aspect of the disaster recovery planning process covered, it is best to work with a team of professionals that has experience in this field.
Techspert Data can help you identify the best type and frequency of backups for your data, the best possible RTO and RPO parameters, and give you insights on business continuity planning. To begin strategizing your data backups and recovery plan, contact us today for a consultation.
by Christine Hipplie | Jan 21, 2021 | Uncategorized
Are you aware of the latest cybersecurity trends or are you attempting to protect your business from cyberattacks by relying on outdated information? Cybersecurity is an ever-changing landscape that requires an understanding of the topic as well as a proactive approach to handling new threats.
Techspert Data would like to help you better understand a few of the latest cybersecurity trends and how they may affect your business. Having a grasp of these topics allows you to make the best security decisions as you move forward and to better protect your digital assets.
5 Cybersecurity Trends in 2021
Below are some of the more interesting cybersecurity trends you can expect to see this year with a quick explanation of how each trend can impact your business:
- A huge and exciting cybersecurity trend that many businesses can look forward to implementing is the use of artificial intelligence (AI). The use of AI in cybersecurity isn’t necessarily a brand-new innovation, however, it is becoming more prevalent and accessible to businesses of all sizes.
AI can help smaller cybersecurity teams with the task of analyzing large quantities of data and offer threat surveillance, allowing quicker response times to risks, attacks, and other threats
- As more employees began working from home, businesses began to realize the flaws that come with using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). VPNs automatically assume that a user is trusted which means that a hacker can easily move from one area of the network to another. Because of this, companies began switching to zero-trust network architecture to remove any assumed trust and further enhance the security of their networks.
Using a zero-trust security model means that every user and device must be verified and that the principle of least privilege is applied. The verification of devices and users along with a need-to-know level of access keeps threat actors from wreaking havoc on data
- The onset of the Covid-19 Pandemic led to a huge increase in stay-at-home workers, pushing organizations to hastily move their operations to the cloud. The cloud gave employees remote access to company files and the ability to continue their collaborative efforts while remaining socially distant.
Unfortunately, many businesses didn’t spend the time, effort, or money to completely secure or configure their cloud. This will ultimately lead to new cloud-related security threats and disruptions to daily operations that will likely affect data held by companies in multiple industries
- The demand for security talent is increasing as businesses realize the importance of Chief Information Officers and Chief Information Security Officers. As the need to fill these roles increases, the price of hiring in-house talent will likely do the same. CIOs and CISOs help to close the gap between business functions and cybersecurity; companies without a way to fill these roles may see increased cybersecurity risks
- Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services are an ideal form of communication for businesses that are operating remotely or in-office. Unfortunately, these services are also helping to increase the number and likelihood of successful social engineering attacks by allowing hackers and other threat actors to make phone calls appear to be from trusted sources. This trend in cybersecurity is here to stay, making it imperative for companies to be aware of the related dangers
Some of the above cybersecurity trends are new and exciting; some offer some insight regarding new, potential threats. Regardless of how you might choose to see them, they can each be used to help you make the best cybersecurity decisions for your business.
Why Cybersecurity is in High-Demand
Cybersecurity being in high-demand is another trend and this increased hat isn’t new and isn’t going away anytime soon.
Using protective software and following cybersecurity best practices will go a long way toward protecting your computers and infrastructure. However, the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity combined with the increasing number of connected devices means that there are far more opportunities for hackers to take advantage.
The increased number of opportunities and the relentlessness of hackers means that businesses are hiring more cybersecurity talent, IT consultants, and other service providers to protect networks, IT infrastructure, and data.
Allowing a cybersecurity professional to handle the task of protecting your digital assets gives you the opportunity to focus on other aspects of your business without concerns about cyberattacks, data breaches, or other interruptions to operations. Many companies are choosing to hire their own internal security professionals while others are opting for more cost-effective managed service providers.
Whether you choose to hire an in-house specialist or want the collective experience of an entire team, there’s no doubt that cybersecurity is – and will continue to be – in high demand.
Are You Protected?
It is imperative for your business to stay ahead of every cybersecurity trend and implement the latest technology designed to protect digital assets. If you’re simply relying on antivirus software to protect all of your company’s data and infrastructure, you may be setting yourself up for failure in the near future.
To avoid the high costs of cyberattacks and data breaches, it is advisable to speak with a provider who has cybersecurity experience and understands the needs of small and medium-sized businesses.
When you are ready to have a conversation about improving your cybersecurity or would like to understand the vulnerabilities of your company, contact Techspert Data for a consultation.
by Christine Hipplie | Dec 17, 2020 | Uncategorized
Are you curious as to why zero trust is important to your business’ security? Do you want to better understand the zero trust model of security or how it can be implemented?
Many business owners have similar thoughts and questions, often never receiving a complete answer. We’d like to take a look at zero trust, why it’s important to your business, a few of the myths surrounding it, and discuss how to implement this model of security.
Keep reading for all of the pertinent information!
What is Zero Trust?
Most models of IT network security offer a single, secure perimeter to protect your infrastructure from unauthorized users. This model of security can be somewhat effective at stopping intruders but a malicious user who gains access to your network will be able to move throughout your system without any other barrier and without anyone knowing until it is too late
One aspect of zero trust security verifies every user and device before they access your network. It also authenticates their credentials as they request permission for various areas. Another area of zero trust security involves application authentication which only allows specific applications to run and nothing else.
The idea behind zero trust security is ‘never trust and always verify.’
Why is Zero Trust Security Important for Your Businesses?
You might be wondering why zero trust security is important for your business – after all, you’ve never had a major issue with data security or intrusions…yet!
You may have been lucky enough to never have experienced a data breach, intrusion, or major disruption to your daily operations due to a cyberattack or malware. Unfortunately, it is now very easy for the bad actors to entice users to click malicious links in an email (the most common form of breach is known as phishing). No company is without risk and that risk increases every day.
Zero trust security can help to minimize the risk of your business falling victim to these cyber attacks. Not only will your risk be reduced substantially, but any customer data within your systems is ultimately more secure too meaning less risk of customer exposure.
Companies that fail to see the big picture regarding cybersecurity are potentially exposing their company to reputation damage after a data breach and may be subject to fines, fees, or industry-related repercussions.
All of these consequences can become quite costly and time-consuming to repair. However, by using a zero trust model of security, the likelihood of major issues arising from stolen or damaged data is mitigated.
Myths of Zero Trust
Many business owners are against zero trust security because of myths that they’ve heard in the past. Luckily, these myths are untrue and with the help of a professional team, can easily be avoided.
One of these myths is that zero trust security can’t be used within the public cloud. Zero trust methods integrate well with cloud-based services and can actually add a new dimension to your already-secure platform.
Another myth is that zero trust architecture negatively impacts user experience when in fact, it can improve or at least be no more intrusive than normal.
The zero trust model is also said to be a ‘rip and replace’ IT project. This is also a false notion as zero trust architecture can be built upon existing network infrastructure.
Finally, some business owners and managers have described zero trust networks as an environment of distrust. While the name does imply this notion, zero trust refers to background verification techniques that have nothing to do with specific users. Instead, it fortifies areas around data access and application execution so that users can be more confident when performing their day-to-day tasks.
Implementing The Zero Trust Model of Security
Businesses wishing to implement a zero trust model of security can use the following areas as a good starting point. And as always, a highly skilled and experienced managed services provider can handle the implementation entirely:
- Multi-factor authorization: these authorizations allow your system to constantly and consistently verify users without detracting from the user experience. Often, the factors used will consist of knowledge-based questions, possession-based verification, and inherence scans such as fingerprints or retina scans
- Micro-segmentation: zero factor security relies heavily on breaking up a single perimeter into several, smaller secure areas. Each area requires additional authentication for the user to access which stops any attacker or malware from moving laterally through your system
- Principle of Least Privilege: this principle gives users as little access as they need in order to complete necessary tasks. By limiting the amount of access each individual has, you can better manage when and how your data is viewed, used, and distributed
- Endpoint validation: endpoint devices are phones, laptops, computers, and tablets that are used to access your network. In zero trust architecture, every device must be validated or enrolled with the IT department
- Application authentication: By implementing application policies, a system will only be allowed to execute authorized applications like Microsoft Office but will render malware inoperable since it won’t be part of the policy
Improving Your Network Security
There are many models of network and data security that can help prevent data loss, cyberattacks, and malware from harming your system. Some of the models are more applicable or successful than others – zero trust security just so happens to be useful in almost every setting.
By implementing zero trust architecture, you can improve the overall security of your IT infrastructure and often avoid the many repercussions of data breaches. Should a data breach occur, zero trust makes it easier for the disaster recovery process to begin.
If you’d like to further understand why zero trust is important in your industry and daily operations, contact Techspert Data Services today for a consultation!
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!
