GiaSpace – Page 2 – Ulistic Projects Blog

September 16, 2022October 7, 2022

Raising Awareness of Digital Risks

Raising Awareness of Digital Risks: What Businesses Need to Know

Key Points:

Rapid technological advancement has led to new risks that businesses must now face.
There are many steps businesses can take to mitigate these risks, but they need to be aware of them first.
Ignoring these risks can lead to serious business consequences, including financial loss and reputational damage.

In today’s business world, technology is constantly evolving. This rapid change can be both a blessing and a curse for businesses. On one hand, new technology can provide businesses with new opportunities to grow and improve their operations. On the other hand, it can also lead to new risks that businesses must learn to manage. One of the most significant risks businesses now face is digital.

What Is Digital Risk?

Digital risk is the risk of loss or damage caused by technology. It includes risks such as cyberattacks, data breaches, and system failures. When your business scales, the attack surface area also increases. The larger your business, the more likely you are to be a target for criminals. However, this does not mean small businesses are immune to digital risks. Small businesses are often targeted. After all, they are seen as easier targets because they usually have fewer resources to dedicate to security. Digital transformation has changed how all businesses operate and has created new risks that need to be managed. Businesses must learn to manage these risks or be left behind.

What Are the Types of Digital Risks?

The complex nature of the digital risk landscape can make it difficult to identify all the risks your business faces. However, there are some common types of digital risks that businesses should be aware of, including:

Cybersecurity risks: Cybersecurity risks can be caused by weaknesses in your cybersecurity measures. This includes poor password management, unpatched software, and phishing attacks.
Data security risks: Data security risks can be caused by poor data security measures. This includes poor data management, insecure data storage, and data breaches.
Network security risks: Network security risks can be caused by weaknesses in your network security. This includes unsecured Wi-Fi networks, Denial of Service attacks, and man-in-the-middle attacks.
Compliance risks: Compliance risks can arise from not complying with regulations or industry standards. This includes GDPR compliance, PCI DSS compliance, and HIPAA (US) compliance.
Cloud security risks: Cloud security risks can be caused by weaknesses in your cloud service platforms. This includes insecure data storage, cloud service outages, and account hijacking.
Resiliency risks: Resiliency risks can be caused by failures in your ability to recover from an incident. This includes things like extended downtime, data loss, and reputational damage.
Third-party risks: Third-party risks can be caused by the actions of your business partners or vendors. This includes things like data breaches, system failures, and service outages.
Privacy risks: Privacy risks are risks to the privacy of your customers or employees. This includes things like identity theft and data leaks.

How to Manage Digital Risks

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to managing digital risks. The best approach will vary depending on the specific risks faced by your business. However, there are some basic principles that all businesses should follow when managing digital risks.

Define what digital risks are relevant to your business.
Assess the potential impact of each digital risk.
Put in place controls to mitigate the impact of digital risks.
Monitor and review digital risks regularly.
Communicate with all stakeholders about digital risks.
Be prepared to respond to incidents arising from digital risks.

By following these principles, you can ensure that your business is well-prepared to manage its digital risks. Digital risks are an increasingly important part of business in the modern world. Understanding and managing these risks can protect your business from potentially devastating impacts.

How to Mitigate Digital Risks

Given the complex nature of the digital risk landscape, businesses must take a holistic approach to manage these risks. Some steps that businesses can take to mitigate digital risk include:

Implementing strong cybersecurity measures: This includes things like two-factor authentication, data encryption, and intrusion detection.
Improving data security: Ensure adequate security measures are in place to protect your information.
Securing networks: Install proper security measures on your networks to protect them from outside threats.
Complying with laws and regulations: Familiarize yourself with the data security laws and regulations that apply to your business. Make sure you are taking steps to protect your customers’ data.
Improving resiliency: This means having a plan in place in case of a data breach or other incident, such as a power outage. You should have a backup plan for how you will keep your business running.
Working with trusted third parties: When you work with other businesses, make sure they have adequate security measures in place to protect your data.
Raising privacy awareness: This includes things like training employees on data privacy and implementing security controls.

There are different controls that businesses can put in place to mitigate digital risks. These can include technical controls, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems, and organizational controls, such as policies and procedures.

What Role Do Risk Assessments Play in Digital Risk Management?

Risk assessments are an important part of managing digital risks. They help businesses identify their risks and implement appropriate controls to mitigate them. The most effective risk management strategies will usually involve a combination of both technical and organizational controls. There are several approaches to risk assessments, but all share some common elements.

Firstly, businesses need to identify the assets they need to protect. These include customer data, financial information, intellectual property, and company secrets. Once these assets have been identified, businesses need to identify their threats. These can come from external sources, such as hackers, or internal sources, such as employees who may accidentally or deliberately leak information.

Once the threats have been identified, businesses need to assess the likelihood of them happening and the potential impact they could have. This will help businesses prioritize the risks and put in place controls to mitigate them. Digital risks are constantly evolving, so businesses must regularly review their risk assessments and update their controls accordingly. This will help ensure that they are prepared for the latest threats and can continue to protect their assets effectively.

Wrapping Up

Digital risks are an inevitable part of doing business in the digital age. However, many businesses are still unaware of the potential risks they face. From data breaches and cyberattacks to reputational damage and loss of customer trust, digital risks to businesses are real and should not be ignored. Businesses must understand their digital risks and take appropriate measures to protect themselves. This includes ensuring that their data is secure, their online reputation is managed effectively, and their customers’ trust is not compromised.

While there are steps you can take to mitigate these risks, it’s important to remember that there is no single silver bullet. The best approach is to take a comprehensive and proactive approach, implementing multiple layers of security and constantly monitoring your systems for vulnerabilities. Now is the time to start if you’re not already taking steps to protect your business from digital risks. Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated and widespread, and the consequences of a breach can be devastating. Don’t wait until it’s too late – take action now to protect your business.

September 12, 2022September 14, 2022

The Benefits of Azure Virtual Desktop Remote App Streaming

The Benefits of AVD Remote App Streaming: Why You Should Stream Your Apps

Key Points:

Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop app streaming can help reduce latency and improve performance when using apps on a remote device.
AVD can help improve the quality of your app experience by providing a consistent connection and reducing buffering.
AVD can help you save on data usage by compressing it before sending it over the internet.

In today’s world, more and more people are working remotely. Whether you’re a freelancer, work for a remote company, or often travel for business, there’s a good chance you’ve had to access work applications from a non-traditional office setting. If you have, you know that it can often be a frustrating experience. Latency, poor internet connection, and inconsistent performance can make using remote apps challenging. That’s where Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) comes in.

Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is a cloud-based app streaming service that allows users to access their apps and desktops from anywhere, on any device. AVD is an alternative to traditional desktop virtualization solutions. AVD can be used to deliver a virtual desktop experience to any device, including PCs, Macs, tablets, and smartphones. AVD is easy to set up and manage and provides a high-quality user experience. AVD includes several features that make it an attractive solution for organizations looking to provide remote access to apps and desktops.

What Is Azure Virtual Desktop(AVD) Remote App Streaming?

Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) remote app streaming is a feature that allows users to access their applications remotely. The apps are streamed from a server to the user’s device, and the user can interact with them as if they were running locally. Users can use AVD remote app streaming to access their apps anywhere, on any device.

App streaming allows you to use remote apps with little to no lag, even on a poor internet connection. That’s because data is compressed before it’s sent over the internet, meaning there are fewer data to transfer and less chance of lost packets or delays. App streaming can also help reduce bandwidth usage, as only the data needed to run the app is sent, rather than the entire application.

There are many other benefits to using AVD app streaming, which we’ll explore in more detail below.

What Are the Benefits of Using AVD Remote App Streaming?

Reduced Latency

One of the biggest benefits of using AVD app remote streaming is reduced latency. Latency is the time it takes for data to travel from your device to the remote server and back again. When you’re using a remote app, any latency can cause problems, as it can make the app feel unresponsive. AVD app streaming eliminates the need for a server round-trip, which can often add several seconds of delay.

Improved Performance

Another benefit of AVD remote app streaming is improved performance. When you’re using a remote app, any inconsistency can be frustrating. Buffering, slow load times and freezing can make using a remote app challenging. AVD’s remote app streaming feature helps to eliminate these issues by allowing you to stream your apps directly to your device. This means you can enjoy a smooth, seamless experience without frustrating interruptions.

Increased Flexibility

AVD’s remote app streaming feature also provides you with increased flexibility. This feature is not tied to a single device or location. You can easily stream your apps to any device with an internet connection. This means you can use your apps on your phone, tablet, or laptop – wherever you happen to be. You’re not limited to using them just on your AVD device.

Access to More Features

You gain access to more features when you use AVD’s remote app streaming feature. Some remote apps offer limited functionality. With AVD, you can take advantage of the app’s full feature set. This includes using the app’s camera, microphone, and other sensors. You also have access to the app’s file system. This means you can save files locally on your device for offline use.

No Need to Install the App Individually

Another big advantage of AVD’s remote app streaming feature is that you only have to install the app once. With some remote apps, you must install the app on each device you want to use. This can be a hassle, especially if you have multiple devices. With AVD, you can install the app once and use it on any compatible device.

Improved Productivity

AVD’s remote app streaming feature can also help to improve productivity. By allowing users to access their apps from any location, they can get work done more efficiently. This is especially beneficial for users who need to access their apps while away from their desks. With AVD, they can stay productive even when they’re on the go.

Enhanced Security

AVD’s remote app streaming feature also provides enhanced security. This is especially important for users who work with sensitive data or need access to their apps from public Wi-Fi networks. With AVD, they can be sure that their data is safe and secure.

Reduced Costs

AVD’s remote app streaming feature can also help to reduce costs. By streaming apps remotely, users can avoid the need to purchase and install multiple copies of their apps. This is especially beneficial for users who have multiple devices or who travel often. With AVD, they can save money by streaming their apps remotely.

When Should You Opt for AVD Remote App Streaming?

There are many situations where AVD remote app streaming can be beneficial. Here are some examples:

When You Need to Use a Specific App That Is Not Available on Your Current Device

For example, if you’re using a work-issued device, you may not have access to certain apps that you need for your job. In this case, AVD remote app streaming can give you the access you need without switching devices.

When You’re Using a Public Device and Don’t Want to Install Apps

If you’re using a library computer or another public device, you may not want to install apps on that device. AVD remote app streaming can give you the same functionality without installing anything.

When You Want to Save Space on Your Device

If you have limited storage on your device, you may not want to install apps that you don’t use regularly. AVD remote app streaming can allow you to use apps on an as-needed basis without wasting valuable storage space.

The fundamental difference between AVD’s app streaming and other offerings is that AVD doesn’t require the same high-powered hardware at the app streaming destination as is typically needed to run the app natively. Remote app streaming brings you many benefits without the expense of powerful destination hardware.

Wrapping Up

AVD remote app streaming can be a great solution for several different situations. If you need to use a specific app that is unavailable on your current device, if you want to use an app that doesn’t support it, or if you simply want to save battery life, streaming an app can be a great option. As employees continue to work remotely, AVD remote app streaming can help keep everyone connected and productive.

September 8, 2022October 7, 2022

10 Best Practices for Working Remotely

Key Points:

Working remotely is not going anywhere and will become increasingly popular as time goes on.
It is important to know the potential security risks when working remotely and take steps to mitigate those risks.
Maintaining a secure remote working environment begins with the right tools and processes.

The way we work has changed dramatically in the last decade. With the advent of technology, there is no longer a need to be tethered to a physical office space to be productive. Instead, more and more people are finding that they can work remotely, either from home or in various locations. Working remotely has many advantages, including increased flexibility and freedom, but some challenges come with it.

Cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to exploit vulnerabilities, and remote workers can be an easy target. Maintaining a secure remote work environment is vital to protecting your company’s data and keeping your confidential information safe. Before maintaining a secure remote working environment, it is important to understand the potential risks.

Here are 5 of the most common security risks for remote workers:

1. Unsecured Networks

One of the most common risks for remote workers is using unsecured networks. When you connect to an unsecured network, you are giving hackers an easy way to access your data. To mitigate this risk, only connect to networks you trust and ensure your device is up-to-date with the latest security patches.

2. Malware and Phishing Attacks

Another common risk for remote workers is malware or phishing attacks. These attacks can happen when you click on a malicious link or attachment or visit an infected website.

To protect yourself from these attacks, be careful about the links and attachments you click on and only visit websites you trust. If you think you may have been infected, run a virus scan on your device as soon as possible.

3. Unencrypted Devices and Data

If your device is lost or stolen, it’s important to ensure your data is encrypted. Otherwise, anyone who gets their hands on your device can access your data.

4. Weak Passwords

One of the most common security risks is weak passwords. Hackers can easily guess weak passwords, so choosing strong, unique passwords for all your accounts is important.

To create strong passwords, use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessed words like your name or birthdate. Never reuse passwords across different accounts.

5. Lack of Security Awareness

Even if you have all of the right security measures in place, they won’t do you good if you don’t know how to use them. That’s why it’s important to have security awareness training for all remote workers.

10 Best Practices for Working Remotely

Now that you know about some of the most common security risks for remote workers let’s look at 10 best practices for maintaining a secure environment.

1. Keep Your Software Up to Date

It’s important to keep all of the software on your device up-to-date, including your operating system, web browser, and any applications you use. Software updates often include security patches that can help protect you from newly discovered threats.

2. Use Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication is an extra layer of security that requires you to confirm your identity with two different factors: your password and a code sent to your mobile phone.

3. Implement BYOD Policies

If your company allows employees to bring their own devices (BYOD), it’s important to have policies to secure them. Make sure employees understand the security risks and know how to protect their data.

4. Use a VPN

One of the best ways to protect your data when working remotely is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your data and routes it through a secure tunnel, making it much more difficult for hackers to intercept.

5. Educate Your Employees

As we mentioned before, security awareness training is critical for all employees, especially those who work remotely. Employees should know how to identify security risks and what to do if they suspect their device has been compromised.

6. Migrate to the Cloud

There are many benefits to migrating to the cloud, including increased security. When you store data in the cloud, it’s stored on secure, regularly backed-up servers. You can still access your data from another device if your device is lost or stolen.

7. Use Security Tools

There are a variety of security tools available that can help you protect your data. Some common tools include firewalls, anti-virus software, and intrusion detection systems.

8. Monitor Your Network

If you have a remote network, it’s important to monitor it for suspicious activity. There are a variety of tools available that can help you do this, including network intrusion detection systems and log monitoring tools.

9. Restrict Access to Data

You should only give employees the access they need to do their jobs. For example, if employees don’t need access to certain sensitive data, they shouldn’t have it. This will help reduce the risk of data breaches.

10. Regularly Back Up Your Data

It’s important to regularly back up your data in case of a security breach. You can do this in various ways, including storing data in the cloud or on an external hard drive.

Wrapping Up

Digital transformation has changed how we work, and remote work is here to stay. Given the rise in remote work, it’s important to be aware of the security risks and take steps to protect your data. Remember, security risks can come from anywhere, not just external hackers. Disgruntled employees, for example, could wreak havoc on your company’s systems if they decided to take advantage of their access privileges. So it’s important to have policies and procedures to mitigate employee risks working remotely.

September 7, 2022

What Is Microsoft Purview?

What Is Microsoft Purview? The Ultimate Guide to Data Governance

Key Points:

Microsoft Purview is a cloud-based data governance tool that helps organizations manage and govern their data.
Purview provides a central repository for data assets and role-based access control to manage who can see and use what data.
Purview can help organizations meet compliance requirements, such as GDPR and CCPA, by providing a way to track and manage data.

What Is Microsoft Purview?

Microsoft Purview is a cloud-based data governance tool that helps organizations manage and govern their data more effectively. It provides a central repository for storing and managing data and a set of tools for analyzing and reporting on that data. Purview also includes several features that make collaborating on data governance projects easier, such as workflow and approvals.

Data Governance in Today’s Digital World

Data governance is a critical success factor in any digital transformation. The processes and policies ensure data is accurate, consistent, and compliant with regulations. With the proliferation of data, it is becoming increasingly difficult to manage and govern. There are different types of data that organizations have to deal with, including but not limited to financial data, customer data, employee data, and more

With over 90 percent of organizations using some form of cloud services, it can be challenging to keep track of all the data stored in the cloud. Additionally, many organizations use multiple cloud providers, which complicates things further. In addition to managing a multi-cloud strategy, businesses and organizations must keep up with the latest laws and regulations regarding data privacy and security.

Small, mid-size, and large organizations must comply with the ever-changing regulatory landscape, which can be challenging. Organizations have to ensure that they have a way to collect, process and store all of this data in a way that complies with the law. Organizations also have to be able to access this data when they need to, and they have to be able to protect it from unauthorized access.

Many regulatory requirements around data governance are changing, and organizations must adapt to these changes quickly or be subject to hefty fines. Businesses and organizations need a comprehensive data governance solution that will help them comply with the latest laws and regulations.

Managing Your Risks With Microsoft Purview

Microsoft Purview can help you manage risks by allowing you to see all of your data in one place. By identifying and addressing risks early, you can avoid potential problems later. Additionally, Purview can be used to create reports that show you how your data has changed over time. This can help you to identify trends and potential risks.

Purview can help you manage risk in several ways:

Helps you see all of your data in one place
Helps you understand who has access to your data and what level of access they have
Helps you create reports that show you how your data is being used

Risk management is an important part of any business, and Microsoft Purview can help you take control of your risk exposure.

What Does Microsoft Purview Do for Businesses and Organizations?

Microsoft Purview is a data catalog that helps you discover, understand, and govern your data. It provides a unified view of your data across all your data sources, so you can find the right data quickly and confidently. With Purview, you can do these things:

Discover What Data You Have, Where It’s Located, and How It’s Being Used

Purview helps you discover what data you have, where it’s located, and how it’s being used. You can use Purview to find the data you need and understand how it can be used to improve your business. Purview also provides you with a holistic view of your data to make better decisions about your business.

Governs Your Data to Ensure Compliance and Reduce Risk

Purview helps you govern your data to ensure compliance and reduce risk. You can use Purview to track and manage data to meet compliance requirements. Purview also allows you to control who can see and use your data. This helps you to keep your data safe and secure.

Automatically Classify Data

Purview automatically classifies data so that you can easily find the data you need. You can use Purview to classify data by customer, product, or even by time period.

Share Data With Others

Purview provides you with the ability to share data with others. You can use Purview to create groups and give access to specific data sets.

Integrate Data From Multiple Sources

Purview helps you integrate data from multiple sources. You can use Purview to connect to data sources and combine data from multiple sources into one central location. Additionally, Purview can be used to cleanse and transform data to be ready for analysis.

Understand the Meaning of Your Data

Purview provides you with the ability to understand the meaning of your data. You can use Purview to create models that analyze your data and provide insights into what it means. Additionally, Purview can monitor your data for changes and generate alerts when specific conditions are met.

Summing Up

Today, data is the most valuable asset for any company or organization. It helps businesses understand their customers, figure out what works and doesn’t, and make better decisions. However, its value depends on how quickly and easily it can be found and used. The more data a company has, the more difficult it becomes to find the most important data.

Microsoft Purview helps you gain the insight you need to make decisions about your business. It provides a unified view of all your data, including financial, operational, and customer data. With Purview, you can track performance, identify trends, and predict future business conditions. Purview is a powerful tool to help you run your business more effectively.

September 5, 2022September 29, 2022

Benefits Of Windows 365 For Small And Large Business

Benefits Of Windows 365 For Small And Large Businesses

KEY POINTS FROM THE ARTICLE:

Windows 365 is a cloud-based PC that uses a subscription model to help organizations cost-effectively scale operations.
Windows 365 offers businesses top-tier end-user experience, easy IT administration, seamless health and performance monitoring, reliable security, and compliance with US and international regulations.
Users can log into their PC from any device.
We are a trusted Microsoft partner that can help businesses to get started on Windows 365.

Windows 365 is your PC in the cloud. Users can now stream personalized experiences using any device, anywhere. While individuals and teams work seamlessly, it is easy for IT managers to configure and manage devices. The wholesome experience includes accessing a personal desktop, content, apps, and settings.

Benefits Of Windows 365 To Businesses

Windows 365 is an excellent way for businesses to transition to cloud-based solutions. Organizations can now secure and optimize hybrid work. Let us consider the key benefits of Windows 365 to businesses of all sizes.

Top-tier User Experience

Windows 365 optimizes employee productivity through automation and simplification. Unlike on-premises software, the cloud-based solution offers users automatic upgrades at no extra fees. Businesses can now enjoy the superiority of the latest Microsoft innovations in daily operations. The time and financial costs of manual software upgrades are eliminated.

Users no longer have to carry multiple devices when moving from one place to another. One can access their virtual PC from a website and resume their session where they left off. Individuals can now work faster since the cloud PC is independent of the physical one—users can select preferred features such as optimal processing power and storage. The IT department handles all configurations, freeing up teams to focus on goal attainment. Microsoft also offers faster internet speeds for cloud PCs than for traditional devices. Making workloads easily manageable can improve employee morale and organizational productivity.

Easy Administration

Microsoft uses familiar tools such as Microsoft Endpoint Manager (MEM), eliminating the need for IT professionals to get additional training. MEM is a central device management point for both physical and cloud PCs. Allowing admins on Windows 365 to easily assign PCs complements a company’s onboarding process since new employees can settle fast. IT admins will also easily assign users sufficient processing power, storage space, and apps. Groups on Windows 365 allow the IT department to reuse configuration settings to reduce time when assigning devices to new users. Organizations no longer have to maintain idle devices. Admins have the liberty to add and remove devices to match organizational needs. Organizations can now enjoy new technology tools and more extensive networks with no additional infrastructure.

Performance And Health Monitoring

Windows 365 lets IT managers view system analytics, such as connection speeds. The platform also checks whether users access vital services such as Azure. Microsoft runs continuous diagnostics and alerts admins when problems are detected. The system also generates suggestions on how to fix particular issues. Automatic reporting on key performance metrics enables admins to understand user experience in the organization better. The automated reports also indicate whether the memory and processing power allocations are optimal for employees. Microsoft allows organizations to upgrade their cloud PCs as their needs expand.

Security And Compliance

Windows 365 is compliant with US and international regulations. The platform only features licensed applications from the Microsoft suite.

The primary benefit of cloud PCs is preventing users from downloading corporate data to personal devices. The Zero Trust security model allows businesses to protect data better using tools such as multifactor authentication. Windows 365 uses the least privilege access principles to limit what employees can view based on their role. Defender protects cloud PCs from possible malware attacks. Encryption of both data at rest and in transit protects organizations from losing sensitive information to criminals. Organizations manage their data. Microsoft maintains utmost transparency on how data is stored and used.

Data Management

Accessing data on Windows 365 is as easy as it is secure. The cloud-based solution stores session information to allow users to resume tasks exactly where they left off. Constant data backups to Microsoft cloud facilities allow employees to remain productive regardless of their devices. Information loss is minimized to help businesses to benefit from big data. IT administrators can protect sensitive corporate data by managing users’ permissions. Admin privileges extend to deciding whether users can download specific files to their devices. Businesses can now centralize analysis to get insightful data analytics.

Effective Communication

Users can collaborate quickly on Windows 365 using Microsoft communication tools such as Outlook. Great applications such as Microsoft Teams allow businesses to schedule and have meetings conveniently. The app aims to eliminate disruptions since teams can remotely participate in collective projects while communicating well. Features such as instant messaging enable users to coordinate daily activities. Microsoft OneNote is available in the cloud-based suite to ease idea sharing. Communication is also easier on Windows 365 due to automation in recording details for future reference. Shared mailboxes and calendars help to align employees’ actions to particular objectives. IT admins should avail necessary communication tools to specific employees. Improved access to information could make companies more innovative.

Easy To Scale Business Operations

Windows 365 is a great way to scale operations. Firstly, eliminating the need to buy new devices makes it possible to handle more operations cost-effectively. Window 365’s subscription package includes license fees for particular applications. Secondly, businesses can easily manage IT services even with a small workforce. Microsoft Endpoint Management enables enterprises to control devices through extensive automation easily. Admins can easily add applications to devices and use predefined groups to configure them. Reusing configuration files enables organizations to maximize productivity even with new individuals and teams. Thirdly, the Windows 365 suite includes all applications available for physical PCs. The feature allows users to access necessary data and applications from anywhere.

September 2, 2022September 6, 2022

How Microsoft Sentinel Uses Threat Intelligence to Stay Ahead of Cybersecurity

Key Points:

Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated and widespread, making data your best friend
Data analytics is critical for security, but it’s only part of the puzzle – people and processes are also important
Threat Intelligence continues to be a top priority for organizations, as it allows you to identify and respond to emerging threats quickly
Microsoft Sentinel is a solution that addresses the need for comprehensive data analytics

The Threat Intelligence Value Chain

Digital transformation is resulting in more business opportunities but also more cyber threats. Cyberattacks, social media hacks, and data breaches have become headline news. Companies need to do more to protect themselves, starting with understanding the evolving cybersecurity landscape. As digital transformation accelerates, so do the opportunities for criminals. Data is now being generated and shared at an unprecedented rate, creating new vulnerabilities for businesses.

Threat Intelligence (TI) is a critical part of an effective security strategy, providing the latest information on threats and how to protect against them. We expect the threat intelligence value proposition to expand in scope and depth to help organizations keep pace with the ever-changing threat landscape. According to the latest research reports, the threat intelligence market is expected to grow to $15.8 billion by 2026, up from $11.6 billion in 2021. Given the rapid increase in cyber threats, it is clear that businesses need to invest in threat intelligence if they want to stay ahead of the curve.

Through AI, businesses can better understand their cybersecurity posture and threats. AI can help identify patterns in data that would otherwise be undetectable and provide insights into potential threats. Additionally, AI can automate the response to attacks, helping to contain the damage and minimize the disruption to business operations.

Microsoft Sentinel: A Solution That Protects Your Business With Threat Intelligence

Microsoft Sentinel is a cloud-native security information and event management (SIEM) solution that ingests stores. It analyzes data from various sources to give you a unified view of your organization’s security posture. It uses advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques to detect, investigate, and respond to threats in real time. Microsoft Sentinel is Microsoft’s latest offering in the threat intelligence space, providing a comprehensive solution for businesses of all sizes.

Microsoft Sentinel includes several features that make it an effective solution for protecting your business:

Machine Learning: Microsoft Sentinel uses machine learning to detect and respond to threats in real-time. Machine learning algorithms are constantly being updated as new threats are identified, making Microsoft Sentinel a highly effective solution for protecting your business.
Big Data Analytics: Microsoft Sentinel uses big data analytics to help you identify trends and patterns in your data. This information can improve your security posture and effectively investigate and respond to threats.
Threat Intelligence: Microsoft Sentinel provides the latest information on threats to stay ahead of the curve. Additionally, Microsoft Sentinel’s threat intelligence team is constantly monitoring the latest threats and providing updates to the system, so you can be sure you’re always up-to-date.

What Is Threat Intelligence?

Threat Intelligence is the process of gathering, analyzing, and making use of information about threats. It can improve an organization’s security posture and investigate and respond to threats more effectively.

Threat Intelligence can be divided into several categories:

Business Threat Intelligence: This type of threat intelligence focuses on the business impact of threats. It can be used to assess the risks posed by threats and to make decisions about how to respond to them. Business threat intelligence can also support decision-making, risk management, and security operations. This type of intelligence can also be used to help a business recover from an attack.
Technical Threat Intelligence: This type of threat intelligence focuses on the technical aspects of threats, such as the methods and techniques used by attackers. Technical threat intelligence can improve an organization’s defenses by providing information on how to detect and prevent attacks. Technical threat intelligence can investigate attacks that have already occurred and determine the incident’s root cause.
Strategic Threat Intelligence: Strategic threat intelligence focuses on the bigger picture, such as the motivations and objectives of attackers. It can be used to understand the threat landscape and to develop strategies for dealing with threats. Strategic threat intelligence can also assess an attack’s impact and develop plans for dealing with the aftermath.

Why Is Threat Intelligence Important?

In the business world, intelligence gathering is nothing new. It’s a critical part of any company’s competitive strategy. However, the rise of digital threats has made threat intelligence a necessity for all businesses, not just those in highly competitive industries. Digital threats come in many forms, including viruses, malware, phishing attacks, and ransomware.

These threats can significantly impact an organization, causing financial damage, data loss, and reputational damage. Threat Intelligence can help organizations mitigate the risks posed by digital threats. By gathering information about threats, analyzing it, and using it, businesses can make more informed decisions about how to protect themselves. Additionally, threat intelligence can help businesses respond more effectively to attacks.

How Can Microsoft Sentinel and Its Threat Intelligence Feature Help Your Business?

Helps You Identify Vulnerabilities in Your Systems

Microsoft Sentinel’s big data analytics capabilities help you make sense of the vast amounts of data your organization collects. By identifying trends and patterns, you can gain insights that can help you investigate and respond to threats more effectively. Identifying threats early on can help you avoid costly damages and disruptions down the road.

Helps You Gain a Better Understanding of the Attack Landscape

Data is your best friend when safeguarding your organization from cyberattacks. Collecting and analyzing data from various sources gives you a more comprehensive understanding of the attack landscape. This, in turn, will help you develop a more effective cybersecurity strategy. A more comprehensive strategy will help you better protect your organization from the ever-evolving threat landscape.

Helps You Detect and Investigate Suspicious Activity

Sentinel’s machine learning capabilities can be used to detect and investigate suspicious activity. The platform’s machine learning algorithms are constantly improving, making it more and more effective at identifying potential threats. This can help you nip suspicious activities in the bud before they have a chance to do any damage. Security events are quickly identified and investigated, helping you avoid costly disruptions.

Gives You Better Visibility Into Your Applications, Data, and Infrastructure

Sentinel’s comprehensive platform can help you keep your finger on the pulse of your organization’s applications, data, and infrastructure. The platform’s real-time monitoring capabilities give you visibility into what’s happening across your entire IT environment.

Helps You Strengthen Your Cybersecurity Posture

In today’s increasingly interconnected world, having a strong cybersecurity posture is more important than ever. Sentinel can help you achieve this by providing the tools and insights you need to identify and respond to threats quickly and effectively. You can help keep your organization safe and secure by staying one step ahead of the attackers.

Microsoft Sentinel’s powerful capabilities can help you better protect your business against a wide range of cyber threats. As the threat intelligence market rapidly expands, it’s more important than ever to have a platform like Microsoft Sentinel in your corner.

August 31, 2022September 1, 2022

What Is Smishing?

Phishing attacks have been on the rise recently, as criminals increasingly target unsuspecting victims through email and other online platforms.

A new phishing attack is emerging using mobile phones as the platform. Smishing is a form of phishing that uses text messages or SMS as the delivery method. The criminal executes the attack with the intent to gather personal information, including social insurance and/or credit card numbers.

Because smishing attacks are delivered via text message, they can be difficult to spot. However, there are some tell-tale signs that you may be the target of a smishing attack.

Be on the lookout for text messages that contain misspellings or grammatical errors, as well as messages that seem to come from unexpected or unknown sources.

Do not reply or click on any links if you receive a suspicious text message. Instead, report the message to your cell phone carrier and delete it from your device. By being aware of the dangers of smishing, you can help protect yourself and your personal information from this increasingly common attack.

Smishing

Smishing attacks are phishing attacks that use short message service (SMS), more commonly known as text messages, to deliver fraudulent messages. This form of attack has become increasingly popular in recent years because people are generally more trusting of a message that comes through a messaging app on their phone than one delivered via email.

Smishing attacks often trick the victim into divulging sensitive information or clicking on a malicious link. You can do a few things to protect yourself from smishing attacks, such as being suspicious of any unsolicited messages you receive and not clicking on links or attachments from unknown senders.

You should also report any suspicious texts to your carrier so they can investigate and take appropriate action.

These simple precautions can help protect yourself from becoming a victim of smishing.

Although many victims don’t equate phishing scams with personal text messages, the truth is that it is easier for threat actors to find your phone number than your email. There is a finite number of options with phone numbers – in the U.S, a phone number is 10 digits.

However, there are millions of potential email combinations. This makes it much easier for scammers to target potential victims through text message phishing (smishing). In addition, many people are more likely to respond to a text message than an email, as they assume it is from a friend or family member.

This makes smishing even more effective. To protect yourself from smishing scams, only open text messages from people you know and trust. If you’re unsure about a message, call the person who sent it to confirm it’s legitimate before responding.

Don’t click on any links or attachments in the message, as these may contain malware or lead you to a fake website designed to steal your personal information.

Text Phishing

Most people know the dangers of clicking on links in email messages from unknown senders, but many are less familiar with the risks of text messages. Hackers can use text messages to steal personal information or cause financial damage.

For example, they may pose as a representative from your bank and try to get you to click on a link in the text message that will take you to a webpage where you will be asked to enter personal details or to confirm a recent transaction.

They may also include a customer service number in the text message, asking you to call them about a suspicious charge or a compromised account. By being aware of these tricks, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud.

Hackers often use sympathetic measures to gather sensitive information from unsuspecting victims. For instance, they may send messages purporting to be from a charity organization asking for donations to help with hurricane relief efforts. The message will include a link that, when clicked, takes the victim to a page where they are asked to enter their credit card information, address, and social insurance number.

Once the hacker obtains this information, they can use it to make monthly charges on the victim’s credit card without raising suspicion. This type of attack is becoming increasingly common, so it is important to be aware of it and take steps to protect yourself.

If you receive a message like this, do not click on any links or provide personal information. Instead, contact the purported sender directly to verify the request.

Cellphone Phishing

One common smishing tactic is to send an offer for a discount on a service or phone upgrade. The message typically urges you to click on a link to activate the deal. However, this link will take you to a fake website that looks like your provider’s.

Once on this website, you may be asked to confirm your credit card number, address, and social insurance number. It is important to remember that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Don’t let yourself be caught in a smishing scam – always be vigilant about the links you click and the information you share online.

Instant Messaging Phishing

While phishing can be carried out via various methods, one increasingly common approach is to use instant messenger freeware, such as Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp. The hacker will send a message masquerading as a legitimate entity, such as a bank or government agency. The message will often contain a link that leads to a fraudulent website designed to collect the victim’s personal information.

This type of phishing is especially dangerous because it exploits users’ growing comfort level by opening messages from and responding to strangers through social media platforms. Instant messenger phishing can be very difficult to detect, so it is important to be vigilant when interacting with unfamiliar people online.

If you receive a suspicious message, do not click on any links and immediately report it to the platform.

August 30, 2022September 6, 2022

What Small Businesses Need To Consider When Outsourcing The Security Of Their Business Network

What Small Businesses Need To Consider When Outsourcing The Security Of Their Business Network

Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, but they face unique challenges regarding cybersecurity.

Unlike large corporations, small businesses often lack the resources and expertise to defend themselves effectively against increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks. As a result, small businesses are disproportionately affected by data breaches and other cybersecurity threats.

According to a recent study, 43% of cyber attacks target small businesses. This statistic is particularly alarming given that 60% of small businesses that suffer a cyber attack are forced to shut down within six months.

These numbers highlight the importance of cybersecurity for small businesses. While there is no silver bullet for preventing all cyber attacks, there are steps that small businesses can take to reduce their risk. For example, small businesses should invest in robust security software and create comprehensive cybersecurity policies.

In addition, small businesses should partner with an IT outsourcing firm that can best provide expert guidance on how to protect their networks. By taking these measures, small businesses can increase their chances of surviving and thriving in the face of growing cybersecurity threats.

Is Outsourcing Your Cybersecurity The Right Answer?

Outsourcing is often a sound decision regarding the security of your business network. As mentioned above, many small businesses lack the internal resources to defend adequately against even the smallest cybersecurity event.

Having an outsourced cybersecurity partner you can trust is a very wise decision.

Your outsourced partner will have the experience and the manpower to quickly identify and mitigate security threats. In addition, they will be able to provide you with regular reports on the state of your network security, so you can be confident that your business is protected. Deciding to outsource your network security is important in protecting your business. With the right partner, you can be confident that your business is safe from potential threats.

Here are just some of the services your outsourced cybersecurity partner must provide.

Cybersecurity Training

Cybersecurity risks constantly evolve, and businesses must keep up-to-date with the latest threats. One way to do this is through cybersecurity training. Businesses can reduce the risk of a successful attack by ensuring that staff and leadership are properly trained to identify and respond to cyber threats.

Cybersecurity training can cover many topics, from basic security measures to more advanced responses to sophisticated attacks. By making sure that all staff members are aware of the importance of cybersecurity and the steps they can take to protect themselves, businesses can create a strong first line of defense against any potential threat.

Regarding cybersecurity, training is essential to keeping your business safe.

Managed Detection & Response

In today’s business world, data security is more important than ever. With hackers becoming more sophisticated and cyber attacks becoming more common, it is no longer enough to monitor your network for threats simply. Instead, you need a comprehensive cybersecurity solution that includes both detection and response.

Fortunately, many companies offer these services. By working with a partner that specializes in cybersecurity, you can rest assured that your data is safe from both external and internal threats.

In addition, a good cybersecurity partner can help you recover from an attack quickly and efficiently, minimizing downtime and disruption to your business. In today’s climate, having a reliable cybersecurity partner is essential to protecting your business.

Trained Cybersecurity Professionals

In today’s IT community, cybersecurity services are a hot topic. Like cloud and backup/recovery were in the previous years, everyone today is a cybersecurity expert. However, very few people carry the credentials to protect you, your business, and your livelihood properly. that’s where we come in.

At our IT company, we offer trained and certified cybersecurity professionals who can help you secure your data and prevent future attacks.

We understand the importance of keeping your data safe and sound, and we’ll work tirelessly to ensure your business is protected. Contact us today to learn more about our cybersecurity services and how we can help you safeguard your business.

Cyber Risk Insurance

As a small business owner, you know that cyber risk is a big concern. You also know that your IT company can’t offer you cyber risk or liability insurance.

However, they must know what to look for to ensure your small business has the right coverage and that all the answers on your cyber liability insurance questionnaire are properly answered so that a future claim is never denied.

Here are four tips to help your company make sure you have the right coverage:

Assess your risks. This will help you determine what coverage you need and how much.
Make sure all the cyber liability insurance questionnaire questions are answered correctly. If any of the answers are incorrect, it could lead to a denial of a future claim.
Review your policy regularly. Cyber risk constantly evolves, so it’s important to keep your policy up-to-date.
Work with a reputable broker who specializes in cyber liability insurance. They will be able to help you find the right coverage for your business at the best price.

Small Business Cybersecurity Is Paramount

Small businesses are increasingly becoming targets for cyberattacks. This is because small businesses often lack the robust cybersecurity measures that larger businesses have in place.

Hackers, scammers, and organized crime groups always look for new ways to attack small businesses. This is why it is essential for small businesses to have the right cybersecurity solutions in place. There are various cybersecurity solutions available, so choosing the ones that are right for your business is important.

Ensure you have a firewall, an anti-virus program, and malware protection. In addition, it is important to educate your employees about cybersecurity risks to be vigilant about protecting your business.

Taking these steps can help ensure that your small business is protected from cyberattacks.

July 28, 2022September 14, 2022

Small Business Guide To Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop

The business world is becoming increasingly digital. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, many companies have moved into work-from-home situations, which has made remote and hybrid working environments more desirable and commonplace for workers across the country. The modern workforce is more flexible and mobile than ever, and businesses need the right digital environment to keep up.

Workplace digitization can help to improve collaboration and communication, streamline processes, and increase efficiency. Additionally, it can help businesses to facilitate a more flexible working environment that can accommodate the needs of today’s workers. As the business world continues to evolve, it is clear that digitization will play an essential role in its future.

Virtual desktops are the answer to keeping connected to your employees and business information from any location or device. Azure Virtual Desktop is the most cost-effective, easy-to-use, and robust virtual desktop solution. Azure Virtual Desktop provides a secure, remote desktop experience optimized for performance and flexibility.

With Azure Virtual Desktop, you can access your applications and data anywhere, on any device. And because Azure Virtual Desktop is hosted in the cloud, you can scale up or down as your needs change.

Azure Virtual Desktop is the perfect solution for businesses of all sizes who need to provide their employees remote access to business applications and data. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get started with Azure Virtual Desktop.

What Is Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop

Azure Virtual Desktop, previously known as Windows Virtual Desktop, is a cloud-based desktop and app virtualization service that makes it easy to access your Windows applications and data from any device.

With AVD, you can switch between devices seamlessly without worrying about syncing changes or saving files. This makes it an ideal solution for people who work with multiple devices. AVD also provides a cost-effective way to deliver virtual desktops and apps to your users, eliminating the need for expensive hardware and software.

In addition, AVD is backed by the security and reliability of Azure, which means you can rest assured that your data is safe and available when needed.

An Azure Active Directory (AD) can provide admins with a complete virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solution, going beyond the traditional VDI offerings. Azure AD delivers resources to users in conjunction with the Azure portal.

It gives users access to Azure virtual machines, templates, cloud services, and more. Azure AD also offers an extensive set of features and capabilities that admins can leverage to deliver a complete VDI solution.

These features and capabilities include delivered resources in conjunction with the Azure portal, provision and manage Azure virtual machines, templates, cloud services, integration with on-premises Active Directory domain controllers, and more. With these features and capabilities, Azure AD can provide admins with a complete VDI solution that meets their needs and requirements.

Microsoft designed Azure Virtual Desktop to provide organizations and individuals with remote access to their desktops, applications, and data. With this centralized experience, users can securely access all their files and Microsoft apps and communicate effectively. Azure Virtual Desktop can be used to support on-premises or cloud-based deployments and offers a variety of customization and configuration options to meet your organization’s needs. Azure Virtual Desktop is a cost-effective solution that can help you improve your productivity and reduce your IT costs.

What Are The Benefits Of Azure Virtual Desktop?

Flexibility: The ability to create virtual networks is one of the primary advantages of desktop virtualization. With traditional desktop models, each computer has its own separate domain, which can make managing many computers difficult. Virtual desktops allow you to create a single, unified network in which all of the computers can communicate with each other. This can be a major advantage for businesses with many computers that want to keep everything on the same network. In addition, virtual networks can be customized to meet the specific needs of your business. For example, you can create a virtual network that includes only the computers used for certain tasks or installed software. This can help improve productivity by ensuring employees have the resources they need to do their jobs.

Management: With a traditional desktop computer, you must set up a machine for each user. That can be expensive and take up a lot of space. It can also be difficult to manage users who are not in the same office or home as you are. With a virtual desktop, you only have to set up one computer. You can easily manage the virtual desktop from any computer in the same network. The user doesn’t have to be in your office or home, and you can give them access to the virtual desktop from any computer. Virtual desktops are easier to manage and more flexible than traditional desktops.

Cost Control: Azure Virtual Desktop is a cost-effective solution for businesses that need to provide their employees with desktop access. With AVD, you have less need for expensive physical servers. You can host the virtual desktop on a server only used by the members of the virtual network. This will significantly reduce the total cost of ownership and make the virtual desktop more manageable. In addition, AVD provides flexibility and scalability that are impossible with traditional desktop solutions. With AVD, you can easily add or remove users from the system as needed and scale up or down the number of virtual desktops based on your changing needs. As a result, AVD is an ideal solution for businesses that want to provide their employees with desktop access while reducing costs.

How Do You Get Started With Azure Virtual Desktop?

AVD is a Microsoft Azure service that enables you to set up and manage a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) in your Azure subscription. AVD offers many benefits over traditional on-premises VDI solutions, including the ability to scale up or down as needed, pay only for what you use, and access Windows 10 and 11 desktops and apps from any device location. The Azure portal allows you to easily provision and manage your AVD environment. In addition, AVD integrates with other Azure services such as Azure Active Directory, making it easier to secure and manage your virtual desktop infrastructure.

To use Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), you need to meet the following requirements: You must be an Azure AD tenant, have an Azure AD account with global permissions, and have an Azure subscription with owner permissions. If you do not have an Azure AD account, you can create one by signing up for a free trial. To create an Azure AD account, you must provide your name, email address, and password. Once you have created your account, you will need to add a subscription. To do this, click on the “Add Subscription” button and select the subscription that you would like to add. Finally, click on the “Confirm” button. Your subscription will now be added to your account.

All user accounts must reside within the same Azure AD infrastructure as the virtual machines they will be accessing. This ensures greater security and an authentication framework. If your user’s accounts are external to the infrastructure, they will be unable to access the AVD resources. Consequently, it is essential that all user accounts are created within the Azure AD infrastructure. This will ensure that your users can access the AVD resources and that your system is secure.

As a team leader, you can manage your AVD environment to assign users, create app groups, publish resources, and much more. The Getting Started feature will help you, as an admin, to launch AVD, assign and create user groups, and manage your domain. You can also use the Admin Console to view system information and usage statistics, configure global settings, and administrate user accounts. Furthermore, the Admin SDK allows you to access many of the admin console’s features programmatically. With the Admin SDK, you can build custom tools to help you manage your AVD environment more effectively. Whether you’re just starting with AVD or a seasoned administrator, the Getting Started feature, and the Admin SDK will help you get the most out of your AVD experience.

Azure Virtual Desktop Allows You To Work From Anywhere

The traditional workplace is evolving. In the past, employees were expected to work nine-to-five in an office. However, with the advent of technology, it is now possible for employees to work remotely. This trend has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, as many businesses have been forced to allow their employees to work from home. There are several benefits to this new way of working.

First, it allows businesses to access a wider pool of talent, as they are no longer restricted to hiring people who live near their offices.

Second, it can bring greater satisfaction to employees, as they can choose to work from home if they wish.

Finally, it can help to reduce workplace expenses, as businesses no longer need to maintain office space.

In the future, we expect that more and more businesses will adopt remote and hybrid working models. This will allow them to stay competitive in the global marketplace and attract the best talent.

Azure Virtual Desktop is a cloud-based desktop virtualization service managed by Microsoft. It provides users access to their files, applications, and personal settings in a way similar to using a physical desktop computer.

Azure Virtual Desktop can be used to create virtual machines that can be accessed from anywhere in the world, making it an ideal solution for businesses with employees who telecommute or work remotely. Additionally, Azure Virtual Desktop offers enhanced security features, such as multi-factor authentication and data encryption, which help to protect corporate data. Overall, Azure Virtual Desktop is a flexible and secure solution for businesses of all sizes.

Azure Virtual Desktop is a cloud-based desktop virtualization service allowing businesses to provide their employees remote access to workstations and applications. Businesses can effectively manage their employees’ workflows from a central location by assigning users to groups and restricting access to certain files and information. Azure Virtual Desktop also includes several security features, such as multi-factor authentication and data encryption, that help to protect businesses’ data from unauthorized access. As a result, Azure Virtual Desktop is an essential tool for businesses that need to provide their employees remote access to workstations and applications.

Azure Virtual Desktop Allows Simple Security Management

AVD helps your business to secure and control its data by integrating with Microsoft 365’s security features. This integration allows organizations to take advantage of Microsoft’s proactive security measures, which can help to reduce the chance of data breaches or other security flaws. By reducing the amount of data they lose, organizations can also reduce the likelihood that they will be tricked into a cyberattack.

In addition, AVD provides several other benefits, such as tracking and managing data usage and creating customized reports. As a result, AVD can help your business to improve its data security posture and to protect its information assets better.

Azure Virtual Desktop security management includes data encryption at rest and in transit, role-based access control for data, secure remote access to the virtual desktop with multi-factor authentication, and secure provisioning of VDI resources using OAuth tokens.

Data encryption ensures your data is protected from unauthorized access, even if the Azure Virtual Desktop infrastructure is compromised.

Role-based access control lets you granularly control who has access to your data, ensuring that only authorized users can view or modify sensitive information.

Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to confirm their identity using two or more independent factors, such as a password and a security code.

OAuth tokens provide a secure way to provision virtual desktop resources, ensuring that only authorized users can access the virtual machines.

By implementing these security measures, you can be sure that your Azure Virtual Desktop environment is protected from unauthorized access.

Speak With Your Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop Professionals

AVD provides your employees with flexible access to their data and business applications from any device.

With Microsoft 365, IT pros can manage your environment and protect sensitive data. AVD offers an extensive range of products designed to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. With AVD, businesses can remotely and securely access their data from any device, anywhere. AVD’s products are reliable, easy to use, and backed by world-class customer support.