Monday, December 27, 2021

Four Cybersecurity Trends 2022

We are winding down 2021 and looking forward to a better 2022. Are you working on your business plan this week?  Does it include reviewing managing cybersecurity threats to your business?

Although cybersecurity may seem new, it has been around for a while. The National Computer Security Day (November 30) was founded in 1988. This is because 10 percent of all connected computers were affected by an attack on ARPANET, the forerunner to the current Internet.

That’s right. Since the beginning of time, bad actors have attempted to hack into computers connected to the internet. These attacks have become more frequent over the years and are becoming more expensive. Cybercrimes are expected to cost more than $6 trillion by 2021.

One reason for the problem is the increased use of remote work. This has created more opportunities to hack corporate IT infrastructures. Employees started to rely on public networks and personal computers to manage sensitive data.

Ransomware attacks are a major factor in criminal activity. Ransomware attacks have been a lucrative way to make a profit for criminals by paying money to corporations and public institutions to unlock their IT systems.

It will be even more difficult in 2022. Here are some cybersecurity trends:

  1. Global supply chains are at risk of being attacked more often. Supply chains are interconnected systems that deliver goods from manufacturers to businesses, from retailers to automobile dealers. Supply chain disruptions can be costly and difficult to repair. This is why the current supply chain bottleneck that is currently affecting our global economy will continue well into 2022. Cybercriminals are constantly looking for vulnerabilities in corporate IT infrastructures and are determined to target businesses when they are the most vulnerable. Cybercriminals used the COVID-19 onslaught to target IT systems managed by already distracted IT staff in 2020 and 2021. Cybercriminals will exploit vulnerabilities created by (once more) distracted IT departments as businesses invest more resources in figuring out how to share data between each other to solve the supply chain bottleneck.
  2. The number of attacks on Internet of Things devices (IoT), will rise. IoT is a valuable technology. IoT makes refrigerators smart enough to automatically order new products when they run low. IoT allows manufacturers to notify them when essential components on an assembly line are worn down. This prevents major disruptions. Cybercriminals have more options to hack into our homes and disrupt our lives as IoT devices are more common at work and in the home. It is only a matter time before cybercriminals will turn their attention to exploiting IoT vulnerabilities in order to launch ransomware attacks.
  3. Cybersecurity will be the foundation of corporate governance at C-level. Many companies have moved cybersecurity responsibility to their employees. Yes, it is important to train employees about cybersecurity. Businesses are increasingly taking cybersecurity into their own hands at the top. Effective cybersecurity management will be a requirement for CEOs in order to run a business. Because cybersecurity management, like financial management, can have a major impact on a company’s strategy, they will include corporate data chiefs in their strategic planning process.
  4. Artificial intelligence (AI) will be more popular in the business worldArtificial Intelligence is becoming more predictive. This means that AI is learning to predict not only where data vulnerabilities are now but also where they will occur in the future. AI is able to process more data than any human being, and it does so faster than any other human being. AI is able to spot patterns in online behavior that could indicate an attack. AI will be used by more businesses to detect cybersecurity threats and take action.

cybersecurity-ebook.jpgWould you believe that only 16% of businesses are adequately prepared to deal with cyber threats? It’s a clear indicator that many IT professionals and business owners/managers are unaware of the threat actors that aim to attack the weakest aspect of any business’s data protection plan – their employees, or in other words, their “human firewall.”

With a single click, impostors can detonate a payload that cripples systems, steals data, and destroys businesses. Download our free Ebook and rest easy knowing your data is being kept safe from threats lurking in your server closet.

SpartanTec, Inc. in Charleston SC offers malicious traffic analysis, and prevention. Get in touch with us to find out how we can help you.

 

SpartanTec, Inc.
Charleston, SC 29407
843-418-4792
https://manageditservicescharleston.com/

Serving: Myrtle BeachNorth Myrtle BeachColumbiaWilmingtonFayettevilleFlorence, Charleston

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

What is Advanced Threat Protection?



Cybercriminals are constantly learning and adapting and cyberattacks have become more sophisticated each day. As a result, cybersecurity and threat protection technology has improved to anticipate and prevent potential threats and attacks to businesses, governments and other organizations. Even though security technology can anticipate the actions of bad actors and prevent them from happening, new attacks are still possible, especially if there isn’t the right security controls.

Advanced threat protection, also known as ATP, is a collection of security solutions that protect against sophisticated cyberattacks and malware that target sensitive information. ATP technology is a way for organizations to adapt to changing cybercriminals’ strategies and help them prevent and mitigate costly security breaches.

What is considered “advanced” threat?

An attacker can be considered advanced if they have all the resources or tools necessary to carry out an attack, maintain access to networks, and have the ability to continue funding the attack to adapt it as needed.

It is important to first understand advanced threats and their impact on your organization in order to be able to protect yourself against them using effective cybersecurity measures.

The advanced persistent attack (APT) refers to an attack where an unauthorised person or group gains access to a company’s network, and then remains undetected for a prolonged period of time. APT attacks are usually carefully planned and targeted at a particular company. They use malware that can bypass common security protections. These malicious attacks are an example of a sophisticated attack that requires the use of security technology to mitigate and prevent.

Once an attacker has gained access, often by installing malware or phishing, they can view files, conversations and other sensitive material. The attacker can gain access to large amounts of company data by going unnoticed for a long time (sometimes for years or even months).

What are the most popular tactics for advanced threat attacks?

APT attackers use Phishing to gain access into an internal network by sending links to a trusted source.

Once access is granted, malware can be installed to help cyberattackers penetrate the network, monitor activity and collect company data.

Password cracking allows attackers to gain administrative access and free roam of the network.

A backdoor allows attackers to gain access to the network.

Cyberattacks are currently affecting roughly 2/3 of small and medium-sized companies around the globe. However, 45% feel their cybersecurity is still “ineffective.” 39% do not have an incident response strategy in place.

Ponemon Institute

Data breaches cost an average of $3.86m in financial terms

IBM

Threat Protection: How can you protect yourself against advanced threats?

Although some businesses and industries are more vulnerable to advanced threats than others, businesses need to be aware of the preventive steps they can take as these attacks increase in frequency.

As cyberattacks get more sophisticated, the ATP landscape is changing. Sandboxing protection is essential for ATP. However, this technology was stored in legacy hardware within a Data Center and does not protect an ever-increasing remote workforce.

The suspicious file is also typically inspected in TAP mode. This means that it is taken into the sandbox to be tested before being sent to the recipient. The alert is sent to the recipient if the sandbox detects that there is a threat. Unfortunately, this alert may come too late and cause damage that has already been done. Additionally, over half of all malware is transmitted via encrypted SSL channels. However, many organizations are limited by budget and performance to detect these vulnerabilities before it’s too late.

Cloud-based security technology solutions can provide additional layers of ATP protection and managed threat response for all employees. Zscaler Cloud Sandbox works inline instead of in TAP mode. This means that all traffic within the organization’s network is inspected, including SSL.

Protective measures include ransomware protection and zero-day protection. Real-time, magnified visibility into malware behavior provides additional protection. Comprehensive security solutions must be able stop all known threats, prevent zero-day attacks in real time, and utilize predictive technology to protect your company from evolving threats.

Call SpartanTec, Inc now if you need more details managed IT services for your business.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Charleston, SC 29407
843-418-4792
https://manageditservicescharleston.com/

Serving: Myrtle BeachNorth Myrtle BeachColumbiaWilmingtonFayettevilleFlorence, Charleston

Thursday, December 16, 2021

Data breaches: The dangers and consequences



This is the second article in a series on data breach risks. It covers issues such as regulatory compliance, costs, reputation loss, and other related topics. We will be discussing the different cyber threats and the possible consequences for businesses affected by data breaches in “Threats & Consequences”.

Data breaches are when an individual or group of individuals is allowed to view data that they aren’t authorized to. This is described in the “What You Should Know” article. They can also steal the data and make changes to it once they have it. The consequences of data theft can vary depending on what type of data is involved. They could destroy or corrupt databases, leak confidential information, or steal intellectual property. There may also be regulatory requirements that notify the affected and compensate them.

Bloomberg reports that data breaches increased by 40% in 2016 compared to 2015. These incidents can have severe consequences and may even result in a company losing its ability to do business. Businesses must identify and minimize their exposure to potential threats.

Data Breach Targets

Only business data can be made a target if it has any value to third parties. Different types of data can be more or less valuable to third party and pose different risks to businesses. These are the types of data that you will find:

Personally Identifiable information. This data includes contact information, social security numbers, birth dates, education, and other personal information.

Financial Information. This data includes bank account details, investment details, and expiry dates.

Health Information. This includes information about health conditions, prescription drugs and treatments, as well as medical records.

Intellectual Property. This includes product drawings, manuals, specifications and scientific formulas, as well as marketing texts and symbols.

Information on Competition. This information includes information on competitors, market studies and pricing information.

Legal Information. This includes documents regarding court cases that the company might be pursuing, legal opinions about business practices, merger-and-acquisition details, and regulatory rulings.

IT Security Data. This data includes user names, passwords, encryption keys and network structure.

These types of information are attractive to third parties who value them. You can sell personal, financial, and health information to use for fraud, marketing, and identity theft. You can sell intellectual property and use it to create products and services that are similar to your business.

Competitors can sell your information to use it against your plans. Leaked legal information could also be used to harm your legal position. Because it allows unauthorized parties to gain access all other types of information, data on IT security can be a valuable target.

Data Breach Threats

Your employees, suppliers and consultants can all pose threats to the various types of data. If your company stores data in the cloud, they can access your data via your network, external email accounts, mobile devices, and inside your organization. These threats are not being stopped by traditional perimeter protection.

Insiders can cause data protection to fail. Employees who are unhappy may leak sensitive information. Emails and malicious websites can be used by external individuals to install malware on employees’ computers. They can also get passwords and user names that way. Your cloud service supplier may have access to your cloud data, and employees can lose, hack or compromise email accounts and mobile devices. Companies must identify the risks associated with data breaches and develop solutions to reduce them.

Data Breach Consequences

Cybersecurity attacks can have serious and growing consequences for businesses. This is due in part to the increased regulatory burden of notifying the affected individuals. There are different requirements for notification and penalties for businesses that have suffered a data breach, depending on where they are located in the United States or Canada.

Customers who are the victims of a data breach must be identified and notified by companies. The regulations define what data must be notified after a breach, who must be notified and how notification must be done. They also define which authorities should be notified. Notification requirements are usually required for breaches that involve personal, financial or health data. However, the exact definitions may vary from one jurisdiction to another. International companies may have customers in multiple jurisdictions. They may need to comply with many requirements. This can lead to companies being considered an existential threat due to the high legal penalties, potential damages compensation and possible lawsuits.

Data breaches that involve other types of data could have a devastating impact on a company’s reputation and business position. Data breaches can also impact contractual obligations and could affect the sale of a company, such as what happened recently with Verizon’s purchase of Yahoo. Your business may not survive if your competitors learn your business strategies and can market similar products at a lower cost. That’s why you need to have a robust and effective data services Charleston SC.

Solutions to Reduce Risk

You can maintain your perimeter security and other protection measures, but you also need a data-centric solution to allow you to control who has access to specific files or data sets. This level of control can be achieved with encryption, but it must be the right type of encryption. You can restrict who can access a file or email by encrypting it properly. Even if your IT system is compromised and unauthorised individuals gain access, they won’t be able read the data. This prevents data breaches. This application will reduce data breach risk to acceptable levels, and protect your business against costly data breaches.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you need the help of professional It experts to assist you with your cybersecurity needs.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Charleston, SC 29407
843-418-4792
https://manageditservicescharleston.com/

Serving: Myrtle BeachNorth Myrtle BeachColumbiaWilmingtonFayettevilleFlorence, Charleston

Monday, December 13, 2021

What is Managed Network Services? Why do Businesses Need It?



Do you want to run a business in the twenty-first century? Twenty-first century technology is essential. Managed IT services Charleston SC are a way for companies to build the IT infrastructure that consumers and employees expect.

Managed network services can help companies build or upgrade their network. Learn more about managed services and how SpartanTec, Inc. can help clients create modern solutions that address current challenges.

What are Managed Network Services (MNS)?

Managed network services (also known as managed IT services) is when a third party contractor manages information technology infrastructure. They can manage everything, from private servers to computers, mobile devices and printers, cybersecurity Charleston SC, data storage, and even data storage. Because threats are not always on a workweek schedule, a good managed IT service provider will also provide 24/7 remote monitoring.

Managed network services offer many benefits that make them a worthwhile investment. Managed IT services allow companies to access cutting-edge technology for a fraction of the cost. Companies can also benefit from the expertise of IT support professionals who are familiar with this technology.

These Services Are Important

Managed network services are a phenomenon that has been around since the 1990s. They were first developed as desktop support and network administration. This was in response to companies realizing that the internet could transform the way they do business. Managed network services became mainstream as the digital environment has become more complex. These IT services Charleston SC are available for four reasons:

In the hope of defending themselves, hackers target new companies.

Since 2015, hackers have targeted small businesses in over 40% of all cyber-attacks. This number is growing. Hackers target small businesses because they believe that these organizations won’t be able to afford robust cybersecurity. This is prevented by managed IT services.

There are many choices.

Have you ever spent hours looking through all the options for office computers only to be left confused and exhausted? Managed network service providers are able to identify what works and what is not. They look for solutions that are cost-effective and require minimal tweaking.

No matter what industry, modern consumers expect a brand experience that is contemporary.

Customers expect companies to present their products flawlessly, not only in product design but also in customer service. A dated website, unreliable communication channels or outdated technology can send potential customers running to their competitors.

managed-IT-Services-300x150.jpgHow to determine if managed IT services are required

Managed network services are used by companies to address employee, consumer and organizational needs. These are the three most obvious signs that a company may benefit from a managed provider of network services:

The IT department is unable to keep up with the demand queue.

It could indicate that an IT department is overwhelmed with support requests or that staff aren’t trained properly on how to use it. It is possible to identify common themes in support requests and spot problems.

Installations and solutions are being misused by employees.

If employees start installing their own software and hardware to perform their jobs, it is a sign that the existing infrastructure is not sufficient. This poses a huge security risk to the company.

It seems that new hardware, software, managed firewall Charleston SC and subscriptions are always appearing.

Businesses that are constantly purchasing new programs or parts may not be aware of their infrastructure requirements. Managed services can help reduce this wasteful spending.

Compliance is a brand new concept in the workplace.

Many data, particularly sensitive data like personal data, must comply with legal requirements. This is an important concept that employees and organizations need to be familiar with.

Managed IT Services: The Benefits

  • Installing the right tools and using skilled specialists will lower IT-related expenses
  • Professionals who know every trick in security can provide better security
  • You will spend less time downtime and less time trying to find haphazard solutions.
  • Instead of managing their network, businesses manage their business
  • Scalable solutions address needs, challenges and goals at every stage of the process
  • Companies are free from legal headaches because the service provider has shifted the burden of compliance
  • Monitoring 24 hours a day for potential threats that might sneak in after-hours
  • Technology that is more cost-effective
  • Business continuity and disaster recovery are key to a company’s long-term success

People also ask

Why Small Businesses Need MSP?

Proactive Maintenance and Monitoring: An MSP can help prevent problems before they happen. When you have a team at your disposal, they can help make sure all your hardware and software are up to date and can notice security issues before they become a problem.

https://manageditservicescharleston.com/reasons-businesses-need-it-support/ 

Why do businesses need managed services?

The need to keep the entire IT infrastructure efficient and reliable is a big reason for managed IT services. Working with a managed IT service provider benefits companies financially. It’s a considerable cost saving. It helps control outgoing expenses and increases return on investment.

https://www.spartantec.com/services/managed-services/

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you are interested in getting managed IT services for your business.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Charleston, SC 29407
843-418-4792
https://manageditservicescharleston.com/

Serving: Myrtle BeachNorth Myrtle BeachColumbiaWilmingtonFayettevilleFlorence, Charleston

Saturday, December 11, 2021

7 Examples of IT Services Offers



You, as a manager or business owner, know that IT services are essential to ensure your business runs at its best. You may not know all the IT services your business has available to it.

Many people think of virus removal and software updates when thinking of managed IT services. These services are only a small part of the many available for your business.

Gartner states that IT services refer to the application business and technical expertise in order to assist organizations with the creation, management and optimization of information and business processes.

There are many IT services Charleston SC available for your business. They can vary depending on who you speak to. Here are seven examples of IT services that can be used to meet the basic requirements of small and medium-sized businesses.

Examples of IT Services

Cloud Services

Cloud service providers allow businesses to take advantage of the cloud’s on-demand advantages. Cloud services can replace on-premise servers without requiring capital investment.

These services are most appealing to the majority because of their ease-of-use, scalability and instant access to company resources. Only one physical requirement is that you have an internet connection.

Backup and Disaster Recovery

Would your data be safe in the event of a natural disaster such as a fire, flood or computer virus? The 3-2-1 backup rule is not applicable to your business. The 3-2-1 backup rule requires that data be kept in three locations. This includes the source device (a computer or office workstation), local backup, and an offsite location (preferably through a cloud backup). The 3-2-1 backup rule reduces the chance of data loss by making sure that all three copies are kept separate.

Cloud backup solutions are now used by many businesses for disaster recovery. Cloud backup options include file-only, server backup, desktop backup and many other types. Companies with large data volumes and multiple locations are best served by cloud backup. Cloud backup solutions are best for companies with several locations that share huge amounts of data.

Network Security

There are many security threats that come with internet access. Hackers, spammers and viruses are all too common on the internet. Without strict network security measures, your business’s information is constantly at risk.

Network security is the goal of protecting a computer network’s resources from unauthorized access or theft. Anti-virus software, firewalls, web filtering and patch management are all possible network security options. You can also request regular check-ups from your IT provider.

Help Desk Support

Any business without an IT department can use help desk support. While the needs of your business may vary, help desk support is a great tool. It’s used to provide IT support for those who have trouble with computers, printers or networks.

IT Consulting

Sometimes, an IT project can be too complex or technical to plan without an experienced team of IT professionals. Hiring your IT service provider to provide consulting services might be an option. They can collaborate with contractors and multiple departments to complete large-scale infrastructure and hardware overhauls, as well as software and operating system upgrades for businesses. This ensures that every technical detail is taken into consideration.

Which IT Services are right for your business?

We’d love to discuss any of these IT services with you if they sound appealing. Call SpartanTec, Inc. now for more details.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Charleston, SC 29407
843-418-4792
https://manageditservicescharleston.com/

Serving: Myrtle BeachNorth Myrtle BeachColumbiaWilmingtonFayettevilleFlorence, Charleston

Thursday, December 9, 2021

Five Reasons Small Businesses Need IT Support



Because of their large business volumes, large corporations often have multiple teams of professionals. You will need to ensure that every penny is well-planned, as you have a smaller budget than large businesses. Businesses like yours often can’t afford to hire an IT support professional who is fully qualified and experienced.

But that doesn’t mean you don’t have to hire IT staff. This does not mean that you can’t hire IT staff in-house.

Budgeting is one of the biggest problems startups and small businesses face. It might seem like an unnecessary expense to hire an IT professional when you are trying to get your business started. This may seem like a luxury, but it’s actually one of the most important things you will need to address. Technology is essential for any company operating in the 21st century. Therefore, managed IT services Charlestons SC is essential for every business in the 21st Century.

We will discuss the Top 5 Reasons Small Businesses Should Outsource IT to Professional IT Companies. This is an important step to growing your business.

Benefits of IT Support

Increase your overall business security

IT companies understand that your business data is important to you and make it a top priority. There are increasing cyber threats around every corner. IT professionals must develop appropriate strategies for preventing and responding to such attacks.

There are far too many types of malware and they continue to evolve at an alarming rate. Antimalware companies work hard to keep up with the latest threats, so any antivirus software won’t fully protect your data. Hackers aren’t limited to large corporations and government agencies. They know that most small businesses do not have strong security measures. They don’t have the necessary knowledge or feel that it is too expensive to protect themselves. So they ignore it. You should be aware that malware is an automated hacking program that searches for their way into any location on a list.

It won’t happen to your small business if you aren’t careful. Then, your precious data is gone.

Because they have seen all of them, the IT company can help you get the best protection. Non-IT personnel can’t keep up with the latest programs and preventions, and they don’t know how to tell the difference. A good IT services company will help you to backup your data so that any cyber-attacks are minimized or prevented.

Get what you need – no more, no less

Some startups and smaller businesses only require minimal IT support, depending on their needs and type. However, they will need email, backup, and security solutions, as well as an IT infrastructure.

There are many local IT service providers that offer managed IT services at a fixed monthly cost or hourly for those who don’t require constant support. It is a good idea to find a local IT company that is reliable, responsive and knowledgeable. This will ensure you get exactly what you need.

High-quality IT companies employ remote and on-site IT specialists who manage IT deployment, maintenance, IT consultants, and IT sales professionals in their teams. These companies can handle everything your company might need. There are many options available.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you are interested in getting IT support to protect your company or personal information.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Charleston, SC 29407
843-418-4792
https://manageditservicescharleston.com/

Serving: Myrtle BeachNorth Myrtle BeachColumbiaWilmingtonFayettevilleFlorence, Charleston

Thursday, December 2, 2021

Cybersecurity in Charleston SC



How can you keep your business safe from cybersecurity attacks?

Hackers are available 24/7. Can you maintain a constant eye on your systems? Don’t think hackers won’t be after your data. Because most small businesses can be easily hacked, Charleston and the surrounding areas are often easy targets. Will your customers be able to trust you again if your data is compromised?

What does a multi-layered security defense look like?

We focus on multiple layers in cybersecurity Charleston SC because threats change constantly. This includes a strong network perimeter that includes managed firewalls, active network management, periodic network inspections, and a managed firewall. The services we offer include proactive monitoring of your systems including anti-malware, anti-virus software and DNS filtering. We recommend that clients invest on cyber security training for their Charleston staff. Your team is your best line of defense against cyber threats.

How high is your risk exposure?

Cyber Security Risk Assessments are offered by us to help you assess your risk and determine the best actions to take to protect yourself from security threats. This advantage is then adjusted for your company’s size and complexity. We offer specialized assessments for companies that operate under HIPAA or PCI DSS, Sarbanes Oxley, DFARs, or PCI DSS regulations. Our services are tailored to your requirements, giving your business the best cyber security in Charleston.

Cybersecurity Services Charleston – Your Cyber Security Specialist

Are you searching for the best IT services in North Charleston? You are not alone. Cyber security can be difficult. We promise to make it easier for all our customers. One step at a time, we aim to improve the management of your company’s IT security systems and application. It can be difficult to find a cyber security analyst who will perform testing. Our passion, expertise, attention to detail, and dedication to providing cyber security for small to medium-sized businesses is what makes us one of Charleston’s best certified cyber security support groups. The best thing about the cyber security maintenance plan is its affordability.

Cyber security specialists are constantly faced with numerous threats. We can help you identify new threats that appear ahead of schedule. A cyber security analyst can provide testing to detect potential issues and identify gaps in your cyber defense strategy before they become a problem. The cyber security maintenance plan must be implemented before any issues are ever discovered.

Our technological expertise is unparalleled and can help you adapt to cyber security. Cybercrime is on the rise and one person’s identity is stolen in just a few seconds in the US. Malicious actors also target business owners, which is not surprising. Cyber crime is prevented by us. We offer the best network security services available in Charleston, SC.

We also ensure that your company is fully compliant with all government regulations and protection of PHI. These standards are important for your bottom line. It can also cost you a lot. Give us a call to make sure that unmet government mandates do not threaten your profit margin. Nobody does IT support and management better than us.

We are committed to lowering the barriers that small and medium-sized businesses face in order to get on board the cyber security train. Cybersecurity is an essential component of maintaining a business’ success in this age of the Internet. Why should you settle for anything less?

Contact SpartanTec, Inc. now to hire the best cybersecurity experts today.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Charleston, SC 29407
843-418-4792
https://manageditservicescharleston.com/

Serving: Myrtle BeachNorth Myrtle BeachColumbiaWilmingtonFayettevilleFlorence, Charleston