15 Ways to Protect Your Business from a Cyber Attack

15 Ways to Protect Your Business from a Cyber Attack

ICS Data’s 15 Strategic Ways to Protect Your Business from a Cyber Attack

1 – Security Assessment: It’s important to establish a baseline and close existing vulnerabilities. When was your last assessment?

2 – Spam Email: Secure your email. Most attacks originate in your email. We’ll help you choose a service designed to reduce spam and your exposure to attacks on your staff via email.

3 – Passwords: Apply security policies on your network. Examples: Deny or limit USB file storage access, enable enhanced password policies, set user screen timeouts, and limit user access.

4 – Security Awareness: Train your users – often’ Teach them about data security, email attacks, and your policies and procedures. We offer a web-based training solution and “done for you” security policies. 

5 – Advanced Endpoint Security: Protect your computers and data from malware, viruses, and cyber attacks with advanced endpoint security. Today’s latest technology
(which replaces your outdated anti-virus solution) protects against file-less and script based threats and can even rollback a ransomware attack.

6 – Multi-Factor Authentication: Utilize Multi-Factor Authentication whenever you can including on your network, banking websites, and even social media. It adds an additional layer of protection to ensure that even if your password does get stolen, your data stays protected. 

7 – Computer Updates: Keep Microsoft, Adobe, and Java products updated for better security. We provide a “critical update” service via automation to protect your computers from the latest known attacks. 

8 – Cyber Insurance: Cyber insurace is always the last line of defense – everything else has failed. 

9 – Dark Web Research: Knowing in real-time what passwords and accounts have been posted on the Dark Web will allow you to be proactive in preventing a data breach. We scan the Dark Web and take action to protect your business from stolen credentials that have been posted for sale. 

10 – SIEM/Log Management: (Security Incident & Event Management) Uses big data engines to review all event and security logs from all covered devices to protect against advanced threats and to meet compliance requirements.

11 – Web Gateway Security: Internet security is a race against time. Cloud based security detects web and email threats as they emerge on the internet, and blocks them on your network within seconds – before they reach the user. 

12 – Mobile Device Security: Today’s cyber criminals attempt to steal data or access your network by way of your employees’ phones and tablets. They’re counting on you to neglect this piece of the puzzle. Mobile device security closes this gap. 

13 – Firewall: Turn on Intrusion Detection and Intrusion Prevention features. Send the log files to a managed SIEM. And if your IT team doesn’t know what these things are, call us today’ 

14 – Encryption: Whenever possible, the goal is to encrypt files at rest, in motion (think email) and especially on mobile devices. 

15 – Backups: Backup local. Backup to the cloud. Have a backup for each month of the year. Test your backups often. And if you aren’t convinced your backups are working properly, call us ASAP. 

Transcript

5.7: The 15 Ways came about from security meetings that we had. Clients said, you know, there’s a lot of verbiage, there’s a lot of product you’re talking about. I’d like to get a more concise list on what we have today and what we can work on tomorrow. So, that’s what the 15 ways became. It’s our checklist.

25.1: Items like your antivirus, your anti-spam, those are the more traditional things all the way up to into maybe a security assessment or more of the advanced encryption features that you might need.

So, yeah, at a 10,000 foot view, it’s the list that customers can get a quick understanding of where they sit at with security.

What is the difference between Microsoft 365 GCC and GCC High?

What is the difference between Microsoft 365 GCC and GCC High?

Difference between Microsoft GCC & GCC High?

In the complex landscape of government cloud computing, understanding the difference between Microsoft 365 Government Community Cloud (GCC) and GCC High is pivotal for agencies seeking tailored solutions. At ICS Data, we specialize in making the differences between the two clear and easy to understand for governmental entities.

Microsoft 365 GCC

Microsoft 365 GCC is a strong cloud platform that provides important tools for productivity and teamwork, all while meeting strict rules for safety and following compliance standards.

GCC High

In contrast, GCC High offers even higher security, specially for organizations dealing with sensitive data and needing extra protection. 

Understanding the Differences

Understanding the differences between these options helps government agencies align in their cloud strategies with their specific needs and regulations. Whether it’s about adhering to stringent security protocols or meeting the requirements of U.S. citizens with specialized clearances, ICS Data equips organizations with the knowledge and expertise to navigate the complexities of government cloud services confidently. 

At ICS Data, we’re here to support government agencies in navigating the world of cloud computing. With our deep knowledge, understanding, and dedication to quality, we’re a reliable partner for managaing Microsoft cloud solutions within government settings. With our help, agencies can make informed decisions and smoothly incorporate cloud technology into their operations. Choose ICS Data for clear guidance and seamless transition to government cloud computing.

Top 5 Cybersecurity Tips for West Michigan Businesses

Top 5 Cybersecurity Tips for West Michigan Businesses

Our top five tips for your safety…

If you own or work for a small-to-medium sized business in West Michigan, you need to read this article.

It shows you our top 5 cybersecurity tips.

…and you’re going to want to understand what they are and why they’re important for your own peace of mind.

1. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

  • Multi-factor authentication (MFA) enhances account security by requiring users to verify their identity using multiple methods
  • Verification methods include passwords, fingerprints, or one-time codes sent to mobile devices
  • Enabling MFA can greatly decrease the risk of unauthorized access, even if login details are compromised
  • We recommend that Michigan businesses implement MFA, particularly for critical systems and sensitive accounts

2. Implement Vulnerability Scanning and Management

  • Regular vulnerability scans are crucial for finding weaknesses in network and software
  • However, scanning alone isn’t sufficient
  • Implement a comprehensive vulnerability management system (we can help!)
  • Go beyond identification to proactive management and resolution
  • Continuous monitoring and addressing vulnerabilities help stay ahead of cyber threats
  • Prevent potential breaches before they happen

3. Prioritize Cybersecurity Training and Awareness

  • Employees are a major vulnerability in organizations
  • Human errors like clicking on malicious (bad) links or falling for phishing scams can lead to cyber attacks
  • To reduce this risk, we stress the importance of cybersecurity training for all employees
  • Training educates staff about common threats, data security best practices, and recognizing suspicious activity
  • Empowering employees turns them into the first line of defense

4. Implement Immutable Backups

  • Data backup is crucial, but having backups alone might not be enough against advanced cyber threats
  • We suggest using immutable backups, stored on a computer inaccessible via the network (we refer to this as “air-gapped”)
  • This ensures that if your network is compromised, your backups stay secure and intact
  • It’s essential to store backups in multiple locations, including local and cloud storage, for redundancy and accessibility during emergencies

5. Invest in Cyber Insurance

  • Cyber insurance is vital for reducing the financial impact of cyber attacks
  • It covers expenses like legal fees, notification costs, and damages to third parties resulting from data breaches
  • Small businesses can transfer some risk to the insurance provider by investing in cyber insurance
  • This provides peace of mind and financial protection in case of a breach

Complex Passwords are Important

Complex Passwords are Important

The crucial role of complex passwords…

In the dynamic realm of business IT advancement and challenges, the important of robust security measures cannot be overstated. Among these measures, the significance of complex passwords stands out as a cornerstone in safeguarding sensitive information and preserving the integrity of organizational assets.

They’re the first line of defense

Complex passwords serve as the first line of defense against cyber threats, acting as a formidable barrier that deters unauthorized access. In a business context, where a wealth of valuable data is stored and processed daily, the stakes are high. A breach could result in severe consequences, ranging from financial loss to reputational damage.

They help protect you from cyber-threats

The complexity of passwords plays a pivotal role in thwarting common cyber threats like brute-force attacks, where attackers systematically attempt to crack passwords through trial and error. A strong password, characterized by a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters, exponentially increases the difficulty of such attempts, rendering them impractical for cybercriminals.

There’s more risk for you

Moreover, in the interconnected world of business IT, where employees often use multiple devices and access various systems, maintaining a consistent level of password complexity becomes paramount. A compromised password on one platform could potentially open the door to unauthorized entry across an entire network. Complex passwords act as a unified shield, fortifying not just individual accounts but the collective security infrastructure of an organization.

The era of remote work and cloud services

With the rise of remote work and cloud-based services, the need for robust password policies has never been more critical. Complex passwords add an extra layer of protection to sensitive data stored in the cloud, mitigating the risks associated with unauthorized access or data breaches.

In conclusion, the business IT world requires a proactive approach to cybersecurity, and complex passwords are at the forefront of this defense. By understanding the vital role they play in thwarting cyber threats and implementing robust password policies, organizations can significantly enhance their overall security posture, ensuring a resilient defense against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.

How to Spot Suspicious or Fraudulent Emails

How to Spot Suspicious or Fraudulent Emails

What safety precautions to take if you receive a fraudulent email…

In an age where phishing attempts and fraudulent emails are prevalent, it’s crucial to know how to identify these threats. Here are some quick tips to help you stay safe in your inbox:

1. Check the Sender’s Email Address

Examine the sender’s email address closely. Be cautious if it seems unusual or doesn’t match the official domain of the organization they claim to represent.

2. Look for Misspelled Sender Names

Scammers often use sender names that resemble legitimate ones but contain subtle misspellings. Pay attention to these details.

3. Hover Over Links

Don’t click on links immediately. Instead, hover your mouse pointer over them to preview the destination. Ensure the URL matches the legitimate website.

4. Verify the Domain

Check the email’s domain to confirm it’s valid. Fraudulent emails may use domains that are slightly altered from the real ones.