Security Alert

Given the news from Ukraine, we are advising our clients to be hyper-vigilant about cyber-attacks at this time.

1. Be sure to have current backups.
2. Use 2-factor authentication.
3. Make sure your operating system and Antivirus EDR software are up to date.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at insource@insourceservices.com.

Source: Russia, Ukraine and the Danger of a Global Cyberwar | SecurityWeek.Com

How cyber secure is your business?

The holiday season is a time for celebrating, being thankful, and giving. Unfortunately, it’s also a busy time for bad actors who target organizations with malicious activities while IT personnel are on vacation.

One of the ways you can help protect your business this season – and all-year-round – is to consider taking on increased IT support from a managed service provider (MSP).

To help you assess your current IT security standing and discover the benefits of an MSP, here are the answers to some of the IT-related questions we get asked the most by clients.

What is cyber security?

Cyber security is the way in which individuals and organizations reduce the risk of cyber-attacks. This includes ensuring that data is protected from unauthorized access (confidentiality) and unauthorized changes (integrity) and that authorized users have access to the systems and resources they need (availability).

Why do you need to worry about information security?

Attackers go for the low-hanging fruit (i.e., individuals and small companies). People who think “This won’t happen to me” are the most at risk and vulnerable to a cyber-attack.

What are the biggest cybersecurity threats right now?

Phishing, which is a fraudulent message designed to trick someone into revealing sensitive data or used to deploy malicious software, and ransomware, which is malicious software that blocks access to a computer system or data until a ransom is paid. For more information, don’t miss our guide to how to protect against ransomware.

What are some typical compliance solutions to protect sensitive data?

• Multi-factor authentication: where two or more pieces of evidence are required to access a website or app
• Email and data encryption: this is used to protect confidential information from being hijacked
• Endpoint Detection: this cyber technology is used to constantly monitor and react to cyber threats
• Backups: When bad things do happen, ensuring reliable backups are safe, available, and a clear restore plan exists and has been tested.
• Do you need to have a designated and trained information security expert on staff?

While there should be a trained information security expert available to your organization, they don’t need to be on staff.

Can you rely on a third-party trusted information security and risk advisor/consultant/service provider?

Yes, of course. These service providers typically work with many businesses and are staying on top of the latest security threats and preventative measures. And, they have experience reacting in a crisis situation.

How can outsourcing to a managed service provider support your technology security needs?

Ask yourself these key questions:

• Is your information technology department busy triaging daily issues?
• Are key projects identified, prioritized and implemented?
• Are security compliance procedures developed, maintained, and followed on the systems?
• Are your IT processes and department reviewed for effectiveness annually?

An outside partner is trained and experienced to help with all of the above. They understand the key processes and changing technologies to properly manage security.

Will an outsourced IT partner be as invested in your security as your own team would be?

Yes, not doing so would be a risk to the business and their reputation.

What is cyber security insurance, and do you need it?

Cyber security insurance is a policy specifically designed to protect your business from digital threats such as data breaches or malicious cyber hacks on work computer systems. With malicious attacks a constant threat, yes, you do need it.

To find out more, including what it should cover, here is our guide to cyber liability insurance. Plus, you can discover more about the benefits of working with Insource’s managed service provision here.

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(Originally posted December 15, 2021)