Stuart Crawford – Page 23 – Ulistic Projects Blog

October 4, 2019

Who Wants to Become Part of an Elite Group of Business Executives?

Who wants to move past being a typical company with lackluster cybersecurity measures that WILL eventually lead to a data breach?

Welcome to the progressive group of business executives who take their reputation, their customers, and ultimately, their livelihood seriously. At this point in time, only 32% of executive board members are briefed on their company’s cybersecurity on a quarterly basis. What difference does their involvement make? Studies show 70% of breaches result from people and process failures within the company. This 32% of executive board members account for a unique group of people who want their business to thrive. They don’t settle for lackluster cybersecurity measures that will be their downfall.

And now we welcome you to join them…

Your internal information technology person or team will certainly thank you for advocating for more when it comes to cybersecurity. Why? Because they know the risks. Sophos found that the average cost of a ransomware attack on businesses is $133,000. Investing in cybersecurity now can save you hundreds of thousands later on.

{company} will help you reach a level of advanced cybersecurity wherein you can rest assured knowing you’re at a low risk for becoming yet another victim of an attack. If you are seriously motivated to become part of an elite group of business owners, you will be glad to hear that we’re able to make sure:

Your board of directors is fully involved in all of your cybersecurity efforts
Your entire staff (everyone on your payroll) is aware of proper policies and procedures
Your complete infrastructure is protected with the right cybersecurity solutions

These 3 simple factors are absolutely crucial to setting you apart from the majority of companies with lackluster cybersecurity measures.

Our offering is based on more than simply implementing the right cybersecurity controls controls, but on helping a select group of business executives set themselves apart from the rest.

We are well-aware that this offering is not something every business executive will respond to, but the ones who do will learn the behaviors, strategies, and policies necessary to persevere for years to come.

Cybersecurity Ventures found that another organization will fall for a ransomware attack every 14 seconds. We looked at the average cost of those ransomware attacks above: $133,000. For many, this is a hard cost to bounce back from. Our team will help you learn the behaviors, strategies, and policies necessary to persevere for years to come. You’ll stay safe from:

● Malware

● DNS attacks

● Email scams and phishing

● Spyware

● Viruses

● Data leaks

● Ransomware

● Internal threats

What makes us the right choice to help you achieve all of this? Since 1988, we’ve been combining all of our expertise, experience, and different perspectives with the information we’ve gathered working with a multitude of companies to create an offering that works. We’re backed by:

Multiple industry awards, including MSP501, the Inc. 5000, the CRN MSP 500, and more.
Multiple industry certifications, including Microsoft, HP, VMware, EMC, Fortinet, and more.

So what do you need to do?

If you’re ready to become part of an elite group of business executives, call me right away at {phone} or send me an email at {email} to talk about our offering. The behaviors, strategies, and policies necessary to persevere for years to come are YOURS if you’ll take them.

P.S.

If you’re not ready to become part of an elite group of business executives, at least take advantage of our FREE dark web monitoring – available only to the next 14 companies that request it.

This is a HUGE opportunity to find out what sensitive data of yours might be lurking on the dark web:

Leaked data from employees
Financial information
Trademark and copyright infringements
And more

Call {phone} or email us at {email} to claim your FREE dark web monitoring before we run out of availability.

October 2, 2019

5G Networks Present Need for Improved Security

The Security Risks Are Real with Coming Rollout of 5G Networks

Discover what the arrival of ultra-fast 5G networks means for cybersecurity, driven by the significant number of devices that will be connected to each network.

As ultrafast 5G networks emerge, so too do potential cybersecurity threats. For security experts, the unknowns make predictions for what risks to address more challenging

What is 5G?

5G is a new approach to wireless connectivity. It features speeds 20 to 100 times faster than the existing fastest speeds on 4G long-term evolution (LTE) networks. 5G (which stands for the fifth generation of wireless technology to be available in the United States and worldwide) networks also will support larger numbers of wireless devices.

Given the proliferation of connected devices (the Internet of Things), the ability to connect more objects without affecting performance is a significant benefit.

How Does 5G Technology Differ from Previous Network Solutions?

5G delivers faster speeds and lower latency due to fundamental changes in the network structure. Among the key changes are:

Use of higher radio frequencies than 4G, allowing for more data to be transmitted at faster speeds
A new technology, Massive MIMO (multiple input multiple output) that uses targeted beams that follow a connected user around a cell site, providing better capacity, coverage and speed. Massive MIMO acts like a spotlight, directing the technology in a specific direction, as opposed to existing 4G tower technology that’s more like a floodlight, firing data in all directions, wasting power and energy.

What Are the New Cyberthreats?

With any new technology comes the new potential of attacks and intrusions. With 5G, more devices can be connected at once, more data is flowing, and data exchange happens at a far more rapid pace. Here are some of the main challenges that come with the new wireless protocol.

More Devices Means Lack of Scalability. Today, companies that have large numbers of connected devices on their networks find it difficult to manage and secure these objects. As those businesses adopt 5G, they may be managing hundreds if not tens of thousands of devices. The challenges of scalability of security solutions will only magnify.
New Risks Will Emerge. Today, most cybersecurity solutions focus on traditional connected devices — desktop computers, servers, smartphone and other mobile devices. 5G increases the opportunity to connect more types of objects. With each newly connected object comes an increased network threat, another possibility for hackers to expose a security flaw in a device that’s not updated or fully protected.
5G also encourages more businesses to invest in connected devices as part of their business operations. That means a growing number of new devices, interfaces and technologies.

Consider the potential number of smart devices in your home — refrigerator, coffee machine, washing machine, doorbell, television, digital assistant and security system are all connected and potential targets.
More Privacy Issues. More entities are passing laws and regulations that govern how data can be stored, transmitted and used. That means organizations using 5G will need to comply with multiple regulatory hurdles related to information collected by, stored on and used by connected devices.
Unknown Capabilities. Today’s network security systems and processes are constructed to monitor traffic and identify potential threats based on activity and data, all in real time. Doing so allows them to detect and contain suspect activity quickly. The solutions are designed to work with the existing bandwidth speeds and restrictions. With the higher capacity and speeds of 5G, that model may go out the window. New protocols are necessary for encryption, monitoring and prevention, which may mean existing firewalls may no longer work with 5G.
Yet with few 5G networks operational, there is little to baseline for testing or assessment. Hardware will likely need to be upgraded, processes changed and new guidelines developed and implemented.
Integration and Automation. Today’s solutions can operate independently of other systems, but the impending 5G revolution means integration and automation will need to become part of future solutions. Security solutions will need to connect to the entire IT operation and data will need to be synchronized throughout multiple security layers.

What Can the Security Profession, Carriers and Businesses Do to Prepare for 5G Security Needs?

The solution to 5G security challenges will be multilayered and the responsibility of multiple parties. Among the key changes necessary are:

Carriers will need to extend firewall protection to cover new distributed networks of connected devices
Improved authentication and management of devices
Self-updating, self-reporting, self-hardening and self-healing devices will need to become the norm
Access and discoverability protocols will need to be built through multiple layers

The benefits of 5G are significant. With the right security programs and solutions in place, it’s likely to be a big leap forward in connectivity.

October 2, 2019

Security Checklist for Business

Security Essentials for Business

Cybercrime is on the rise, and businesses must be proactive with their cybersecurity programs. Learn what to look for when choosing an MSP for your organization.

Cybercrime is on the rise, and businesses must stay on top of their data security. A managed services provider (MSP) can help protect your organization’s data from breaches and cyber attacks. However, not all MSPs offer the services and features businesses need to stay on top of the latest threats. Below is a checklist you can use to decide if an MSP provides the optimum value in the short and long term.

Proactive Protection

Every MSP worth considering will have a proactive process in place to minimize issues and quickly resolve problems as they arise. Common red flags include a break/fix pricing model and overage charges. These usually point to an MSP that operates inefficiently and doesn’t prioritize your time, money, or security.

Below are some green flags that point to proactive MSP:

They provide you with up-to-date security software that you can use right from your desktop.
They provide round-the-clock administration of your network and servers.
Their help desk is easily accessible and includes a comprehensive knowledge base.
They communicate and implement an IT strategy that fits how your business operates.

Fast Round-the-Clock Response

Smaller MSPs may not have enough staff to respond to issues in a timely manner, let alone resolve them efficiently. Data travels 24/7, and you need an IT solution that can help you at any hour. Experienced MSPs employ a large team of IT professionals to ensure that all of their customers receive prompt service. They are also more likely to use state-of-the-art tools to detect, prevent, and resolve issues before they threaten your data.

A Team of Experts

Nearly every MSP will claim to be expert IT gurus. But talk is cheap, and failing to delve further into an MSP’s qualifications may cost you. Here are a few indicators that an “expert” MSP lives up to their advertisement:

They have a team of experts that specialize in every aspect of cybersecurity including software, hardware, cloud services, and networks.
They provide regular training and certification programs to their employees and have low turnover.
They document all services and processes provided.

Personalized Security Evaluation

Lesser MSPs will sit back and wait for you to call them about an issue. A reliable MSP will analyze your organization and create a strategic program that addresses its strengths and weaknesses. They will share and review these documents with you to ensure you understand the state of your cybersecurity and goals moving forward.

Scalability

A smaller MSP may provide great value for the time being, but they may fall behind when your business grows. A high-quality MSP understands the needs of small businesses and large enterprises alike. They have the tools and personnel ready to adapt to your evolving needs and goals. They may offer multiple price tiers, but communicate each plan to you clearly before you sign up.

Value

Pricing alone is a poor indicator of the actual value an MSP provides. Some will undercut their competitors while providing far less value, while others may charge a premium for inflated solutions that you don’t need. On the other hand, trustworthy MSPs will offer a fair price and stick to it. Don’t let the numbers fool you. Examine the content behind the price tag and you’re sure to make a smart choice.

Reputation

You wouldn’t hire someone without checking their references, and you shouldn’t choose an MSP without reading reviews. Many MSPs will post customer testimonials on their website, but there’s no real way to verify their legitimacy. Criminals may even pose as MSPs to get their hands on your valuable data. Search for the MSP’s name on unbiased review sites and read comments on their social media pages. A strong candidate will have a high percentage of positive reviews and be active on social media to answer questions and provide assistance.

Hopefully, this guide has helped you make the best choice regarding your MSP. Don’t be afraid to refer to this list when interviewing MSP candidates. You’ll get a much clearer picture of their offerings and be better equipped to choose who to trust with your sensitive data.

October 2, 2019October 2, 2019

[ Free Training] Protect Your Yourself From Hackers

Ransomware attacks are growing a staggering 350% each year. And to make matters worse, 43% of all cyber-attacks are aimed at small businesses. Why? Because more often than not, they don’t have the budget or expertise to protect themselves.

Online Cybersecurity Training

Fortunately, knowledge is prevention in situations like this. Even if you don’t have an unlimited amount of money to spend on enterprise-grade security solutions, you’re able to stand a chance as long as your staff members are trained.

After all, human errors are the biggest vulnerability when it comes to staying safe online. Take a look at our training site where we outline 10 ways to stay safe online below.

Click Here To Watch Our Online Training

You never know… One of the tips outlined in the video might be just the thing to prevent you from becoming a victim of an attack that would otherwise cost you thousands of dollars.

If you have questions, hit the “reply” button and let me know.

October 2, 2019October 2, 2019

Your Healthcare Organization Is HIPPA Compliant—Is That Enough for True Security?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is in place specifically to protect sensitive information in the healthcare operation. With a complex and diverse listing of standards regarding how information can be handled, how systems should function, and how things should be done within an organization, HIPPA does do a lot to protect patient information. While most organizations stick closely to these standards, there is no real way to certify you are actually compliant.

Sadly, the inability to check compliance and the lacking aspects of HIPPA compliance can lead to a cyber-attack or major data breach. Healthcare cyber-attacks cost as much as $1.4 million in recovery, so making sure compliance is where it needs to be and considering whether more needs to be done is important.

Reasons Why HIPPA Compliance Alone May Not Be Enough

Even though HIPPA policies and standards are generated to protect private and sensitive information in the healthcare industry, the truth of the matter is, HIPPA alone does not address every security concern. It is unfortunately not uncommon for a healthcare industry manager to foolheartedly put all of their faith in HIPPA compliance and completely miss that certain security defenses are missing.

In the most basic terms, HIPPA standards are designed to provide the most basic security setup in the healthcare industry. There is nothing stating that following these minimum standards will protect your healthcare business from every single threat there is where information security is concerned. Furthermore, cybersecurity threats evolve and develop so quickly that HIPPA doesn’t catch up fast enough to make much of a difference. Pair this with the fact that many healthcare organizations already struggle to keep up with newly developing security concerns associated with cloud data storage and the Internet of Things (IoT), and you have a lot of looming risk to speak of.

Rely On More Than Just HIPPA Compliance and Amp Up Security Efforts

Of course, HIPPA compliance is important, but it never hurts to up the efforts to make sure every aspect of the digital operation is secure and safe. There are multiple areas where security must be address in a healthcare organization’s digital infrastructure according to Health IT Outcomes, including:

Controlling access to the system in a way that yields sensitive information only to those who would need to see it within the company
Maintaining a stable protocol that dictates how risks are identified and handled on a daily basis
Having an excellent security plan in place that acts as a go-to guideline for proper security practices
Maintaining assets in a way that carefully documents the existing location of all assets, data, and other components of a system
Implementing an information security incident management plan
Controlling the physical hardware and keeping it secure at all times
Organizing security plans that work for all aspects of the organization

Naturally, handling HIPPA compliance is also part of what is necessary, but as you can see by this detailed list, it is only one part of ensuring network security. It is not the only process to be considered for absolute security.

Final Thoughts On HIPAA Compliance and True Security

Even though HIPPA sets forth decent standards, the process of applying these standards to put them to work within a healthcare operation can vary considerably. Furthermore, some HIPPA compliance standards only cover the basic necessities of having a secure system. Unfortunately, these two facts can leave a healthcare facility with digital security concerns they have no idea exist. It is always a better idea to take things further than even HIPPA recommends to secure the system properly with the help of an IT managed services company and make sure all aspects are covered.

October 1, 2019October 1, 2019

This free training could save you thousands…

Online Cybersecurity Training

After all, human errors are the biggest vulnerability when it comes to staying safe online. Take a look at our training site where we outline 10 ways to stay safe online below.

Click Here To Watch Our Online Training

You never know… One of the tips outlined in the video might be just the thing to prevent you from becoming a victim of an attack that would otherwise cost you thousands of dollars.

If you have questions, hit the “reply” button and let me know.

October 1, 2019

MSP Vs. In-House: The Pros and Cons

What Are the Pros and Cons of an MSP Vs. In-House IT Services?

Many businesses struggle with how to choose an IT services team. Should you hire in-house or go with an MSP? Learn the pros and cons of each option here.

When it comes to IT services — from daily maintenance and cybersecurity, to new installations and troubleshooting — which is better: Hiring an outside managed services provider (MSP) or employing an in-house IT specialist or team?

This question is not a new one. It’s dealt with in many other arenas where outsourcing a specific task is possible — for example: Marketing, bookkeeping, janitorial services, catering, etc.

Part of making a final decision on matters like these is weighing the pros and cons. If your business is considering the hire of an MSP versus the hire of an in-house IT specialist (or team of specialists), consider the following pros and cons to each option below.

In-House IT: Pros and Cons

Pro: On-site availability

Many businesses like having an in-house IT support person (or a team) because it gives them continual, on-site access to IT help when they need it. Of course, this only extends to business hours.

Pro: Possible deeper knowledge of your company’s internal infrastructure

In-house IT service professionals will generally know the ins and outs of your particular business better than outsourced IT services.

Con: High personnel costs

In-house IT teams should be paid a living wage, which often includes perks such as healthcare services and paid vacation and sick leave.

Con: Lack of support if IT specialist is on vacation or sick

Speaking of paid vacation and sick leave, during those times when your IT staff is away, you’ll have no access to IT services, which could put your business efficiency at risk.

Con: Lots of downtimes

On the other hand, when you don’t require the services of your IT team, you’ll still have to pay them, resulting in a continual outflow of money that’s not actually serving your business.

Con: Lower level of expertise

Of course, this all depends on the IT team you’d hire, but it’s generally accepted that most SMBs won’t be able to support continual training for their in-house IT team. Unfortunately, in the IT support world, continual training is absolutely vital.

Managed Services Provider (MSP): Pros and Cons

Pro: Range of payment options

From the get-go, businesses can choose their level of service when it comes to MSPs. If you’re small and just starting out, you can choose a service level that matches your budgets and your needs.

Pro: Scalability

As your business grows, MSPs allow you to scale up to higher levels of service. That way, you’ll actually be paying for the services you use instead of an unchangeable flat rate, no matter how many services you employ.

Pro: Broader skill base

MSPs specialize in IT services — it’s their bread and butter. As a result, they have a vested interest in staying up-to-date with the most advanced IT service practices available at any given time. They are continually learning, training, and expanding their knowledge and capabilities.

Pro: 24/7 availability

Although it’s true that in-house IT services are always available on-site, MSPs offer 24/7 service — you just have to give them a call. In fact, most MSPs will give you a “minimum response time.” That’s the maximum number of minutes you’ll have to wait if you need their services any time of the day or night, 24/7. It’s generally around 10 minutes to an hour at most.

Con: Lack of full control over IT systems

The biggest con of MSPs is that they’re outsourced. That is, they’re located remotely, and as a result, they’re not on-premise wherever you are. In some cases, this could possibly result in less control over IT on your end.

At the same time, however, it’s important to note that many businesses aren’t interested in this control. They simply need reliable IT services to fix problems, provide security, and occasionally install new hardware or software.

MSPs: The Right Choice for Your Business

The scalability, low-cost, provided expertise and a wide array of support offered by managed services providers make them the best choice for nearly all businesses.

From small startups with low budgets to large enterprises that need top-of-the-line security from the best in the business, IT services that are handled by MSPs consistently rate higher and provide more satisfaction to their clients.

If your business is looking to hire a managed services provider, do your research. You’ll want to find a local MSP with expertise in your company’s particular industry. Finally, look for adequate training and certifications in employees and reputable history of satisfied clients.

September 30, 2019October 1, 2019

This video might save you thousands…

After all, human errors are the biggest vulnerability when it comes to staying safe online. Take a look at our training site where we outline 10 ways to stay safe online below.

Click Here To Watch Our Online Training

You never know… One of the tips outlined in the video might be just the thing to prevent you from becoming a victim of an attack that would otherwise cost you thousands of dollars.

If you have questions, hit the “reply” button and let me know.

September 29, 2019

Are you ready for the New IOS? Here’s How to find out.

Are you excited about all the new iOS 13 features like Swipe to Type and Improved Dark Mode? Before you install, make sure your device is ready for iOS 13.

So maybe you’re not ready to pounce on a $1,099 iPhone Pro Max. But you do want the new iOS 13 features. It’s time for a major iOS update. But before you hit “update now”, make sure you’re ready for iOS 13 to ensure a smooth update process. Preparing for iOS 13 isn’t complicated. Just follow these simple steps. But first, what’s new in iOS 13?

What’s New in iOS 13?

Haven’t updated to iOS 13 yet? You have some great new iOS 13 features to look forward to like:

Dark Mode – With all the discussion about blue light and the sleep-cycle-impact of viewing a device too close to bedtime, Apple recently released dark mode that eliminates the harsh white light on your screen, replacing it with a dark backlight. In addition, many will find reading on a dark background easier and you’ll experience less eye strain in general.
Swipe to Type – Apple is finally catching up on this one. This has been a feature on Android for 10 years. But we all know Apple is never one to follow. This feature may take some time to learn but can save time. It allows you to swipe rather than “press” letters to type. But don’t worry, you’ll have options until you’re ready to relearn typing.
Updated Apps – You’ll also see some great smaller updates to apps like Reminders, Maps, Photos and more
New Voice for Siri – Apple chose Siri’s original voice after extensive testing. People found in calming and reassuring. But it’s time for a change. Now, instead of a computer-generated voice, “Siri” will respond with actual audio from voice actors. Because the voice is now “Human”, you’re less likely to encounter those funny pronunciations that become tell-tale signs that we’re not hearing a human talking. As AI technology advances, we can certainly expect computer-generated voices to get the nuances of human language right. But for now, it seems, human is the way to go.
Privacy and Security – Privacy and security continue to be a top concern for Apple. So you’ll see several behind-the-scenes and in the foreground features that make you safer.
iPad iOS – For the first time, Apple’s also releasing an iOS specifically for iPad to enhance use. One of the long-awaited features is “slide and split” that will improve your ability to view and work in two web pages or apps with both viewable on the screen at once. Most of us in business who use iPads know how important this feature is and how frustrating and productivity-killing it can be with split screen is either unavailable or doesn’t work well on a device. So this is great news. In addition, they’re adding a full page markup for iPad and more.

Now, on to preparing for iOS 13.

1. Ask: Is My Device Eligible for the iOS 13

The first step to getting ready for iOS 13 is to check to see if your apple device is compatible. And if it isn’t, these new iOS 13 features, in addition to many of the newer capabilities on iPhone X series or the newly released iPhone 11, may finally convince you that it’s time to upgrade to a new model.

In order to enjoy these new updates you’ll need:

iPhone 6S, 6S Plus, or later
iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini, or later

These came out around 2015. If you have a 6S, etc, this gives us a good idea about which devices will be compatible with future major updates and you may want to consider upgrading in the next year so that you’re ready for the next iOS. Technology changes fast and often you don’t know what you’re missing out on.

2. Delete Apps You Don’t Use

Updating your iOS is a great time to cut the fat. So delete apps you rarely use.

Remember, they’re still yours. And you can download them for free again if you need them later.

Feeling overwhelmed by the amount of junk on your device? Follow the steps to find out what you’re not using.

Go to Settings.
Click iPhone storage.
See when you used each application last.
Click on the oldest ones and delete.

3. Make Sure iCloud Backup Is On

Finally, don’t make the mistake of not backing up your phone before an update. You could lose everything, including spreadsheets, files, photos and more.

Go to Settings.
Click your name at the top.
Visit iCloud.
Scroll down and make sure it’s “on”.

If it was off, wait several hours to install the update. Ideally, wait 24 hours to be sure. This gives the Cloud an opportunity to backup your device so that when you upgrade everything is there.

September 28, 2019

Proven Ways Not to Lose To Ransomware

Don’t let your small or medium business fall victim to ransomware. Make sure your data, network, equipment, and employees are safe from ransomware attacks.

Watch our video below to learn all about ransomware and please feel free to share with your staff and social media networks.

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month. You may have heard about ransomware attacks on school districts, hospitals, and government organizations. Over 20 U.S. cities were targeted by ransomware attacks between January and July 2019. The cost to the city of Baltimore alone was more than $18 million between lost city revenue and repairs to the city’s computer network. Ransomware attacks on cities, schools, and hospitals are serious, but 71 percent of ransomware attacks target small and medium businesses.

According to Beazley Breach Response Services, in 2018, ransomware crooks demanded an average of more than $116,000 from over 3,300 business computer security breaches they directly tracked. Cybersecurity firm Coveware reported that the average ransomware demand to individuals and small businesses grew from $6,733 at the end of 2018 to over $12,760 in the first quarter of 2019.

How does ransomware work?

In the past, ransomware usually came in the form of unsophisticated “spam” emails that most people could recognize as hacking attacks. Hackers sent out hundreds of thousands of emails hoping to trick a few unsuspecting people into revealing their passwords and other secure information. Once installed on a business or individual computer, ransomware encrypts data and stops access to programs. The program then demands a “ransom” in the form of cryptocurrency, usually bitcoin, to restore the data and access.

Ransomware attacks are getting more sophisticated. A 2018 ransomware program, Ryuk, was developed by a North Korean group of hackers. Ryuk has been aimed at large businesses that can’t afford any downtime. The program individually maps the networks of target businesses and steals credentials in order to install the program and encryption. One business targeted by Ryuk paid over $360,000 in bitcoin to retrieve its data.

Ransomware is getting better at getting around anti-virus programs and computer firewalls. Hackers are using known applications and programs that users think are safe to get around security precautions. Expert estimates report that ransomware could cost small and medium businesses as much as $11 billion in 2020.

What can we do to combat ransomware?

First, make sure the operating systems for your network and connected devices are up to date. The 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack targeted computers running Windows 7. WannaCry was developed from U.S. National Security Agency tools that were leaked online. According to TechCrunch, up to a million computers are still vulnerable to WannaCry because they are running Windows 7 or earlier Windows versions. Microsoft also ends its support for Windows 7 in January 2020. Ransomware and other types of hacking attacks often target older operating systems that are no longer receiving regular security updates and patches.
Second, make sure your security software is also up to date. Check it at least once a month. A managed services provider (MSP) can help in this process.
Third, make sure you and your employees know how to recognize potential security threats. Practice good computer habits that prevent intrusions. For example, do not click on any links or images that come from an unknown source no matter how funny or appropriate the title of an email may look at first glance. Managed services providers can help to train you and your staff on good cybersecurity habits that can prevent ransomware and other attacks.
And finally, make sure you have a good offsite backup. Businesses that have successfully overcome ransomware attacks have strong and redundant backups for their data and programs. You may lose time, but you won’t lose all of your business data. If you’re in a field that keeps confidential client or customer information, it’s essential for your business to have secure, safe backups of data in the cloud and/or separate physical data storage.

Managed services providers (MSPs) are responsible for keeping track of ransomware threats and understanding the tricks hackers can use to take control of your computers and demand a ransom. They can help your business to prevent a ransomware attack and protect your business data and programs in the event an attack occurs. Malicious hackers have been causing damage to computers for years, but ransomware is the first major way they’ve discovered to earn a lot of money from their criminal activities. Don’t let ransomware interfere with your business operations, profits, and growth. Take our recommended steps to fight back and win against ransomware criminals.