5 Things you need to know about IT Data Security

5 Things You Need To Know About Data IT Security

June 9, 2017

Over the past year, 4,149 data breaches compromised more than 4.2 billion records, shattering the previous all-time high of about 1 billion exposed records. This assessment comes from the 2016 Year End Data Breach QuickView Report.

Too many companies are failing to implement basic data IT security controls

Its extremely important that companies follow the basic data security needs. It doesn’t take a genius to realize that there remains a disconnect between the realities of the breach threat and the practicalities of defending against it. Businesses must understand the risks, and how to best protect themselves and their clients against a potential breach.

At the end of the day a Ransomware outbreak or data breach will strain the relationship between you and your clients, so you need to focus on delivering consistent, quality service and limiting the possibility of a breach.

Here are five things you definitely need to think about when it comes to IT Data Security:

Always make sure your data is stored properly in an encrypted database.
Develop an organization-wide data security plan
Remove unnecessary data from your electronic devices and keep tabs on what data remains.
Hire professionals to completely clear all electronics of unnecessary sensitive data.
When upgrading or disposing of devices with sensitive data, contact a professional for physical destruction of the data-containing component of the device. Deleting files from your hard drive isn’t enough. Data can still be recovered if not correctly destroyed.

Furthermore, dealing with breaches will never be an easy task and that’s why you must protect yourself before they become an issue. Understand what data can be compromised and how. Search the internet for tips, documents and case studies. If you still feel like your business is “at-risk” call the managed IT professionals, SecurityRI.com.

Also, we can assess your network at no charge. If you need additional information regarding why to outsource your IT department, please check out our white paper on improving your security technology today.

Email Safety Tips Using Office 365

May 16, 2017

Office 365

Office 365 is Creating a Safer Email Process

Microsoft has created a platform to help protect you and your business. The new Office 365 works well against spam, phishing and malware prevention. Today it has become difficult to determine if an email is an attack or legitimate source. This is why businesses must invest in a secure solution.

Below you will find some great security features. Also, understand that Office 365 is much more than a safer solution, it can eliminate unnecessary tasks, increase workflow and organize your entire email system.

The top safety tip Office 365 has invested in, is the color coded safety tip message feature. Office 365 will WARN you about potentially harmful messages. Most messages in your inbox won’t have a safety tip. You’ll only see them when EOP and Office 365 has information you need to help prevent spam, phishing, and malware attacks. If safety tips do show up on in your inbox, you can use the following examples to learn more about each type of safety tip. – Microsoft

We will provide additional information regarding Office 365, and appropriate email safety in our future blog postings. In closing, note that it’s unlikely for outside sources to harm Office 365. It’s more likely breaches will occur due to improper configurations or human error.

As always, be safe and aware at all times!

SecurityRI

High Alert! Ransomware is locking down local businesses

May 8, 2017

ransomware, Uncategorized

BE AWARE! Ransomware is on the rise and is shutting down businesses in our local community.

If you’re unsure what Ransomware is, it’s a computer malware that installs covertly on a victim’s device (computer, smartphone, wearable devices, etc.). The malware holds the victim’s data hostage, or exposes the victim’s data until the ransom is paid.

Think about how crippling Ransomware is, your entire business is shut down until the ransom is paid. Business transactions cannot be made, disgruntled customers, and negative exposure.

Our company has recently noticed an article from the Providence Journal regarding a Ransomware shutdown of a prominent Providence law firm. The article talks about how the Providence law firm was held captive for months by encrypting its files and then demanding $25,000 in ransom paid in cyber currency to restore access. During the seizure, the firm claims they were left unproductive and unable to operate, resulting in $700,000 lost billing. Not only did they lose $700,000, the insurance company refused to pay their claim.

As a “Complete Security Solution” company, we want to warn our community and inform that cyber threats are no joke. Prevention should not be taken lightly, and you must implement prevention instead of reaction. Listed below are a few prevention tips:

Start with a well-rounded antivirus with active monitoring
- The software must include anti-malware and anti-ransomware programs.
Next, create secure backups of your data on a regular basis
- You can purchase USBs, external hard drive or cloud storage.
Stay Informed
- Read about current events, follow cyber security blogs, search the web, educate yourself.
Outsource
- When all fails or you simply do not want to deal with the cyber drama, you can outsource to the professionals.

In closing, be safe. Complete your due-diligence, understand the different types of cyber threats. Protect yourself, business, employees and customers.

Top Social Media Security Risks for Businesses & How to Avoid Them!

April 27, 2017

Social Media

Top Social Media Security Risks for Businesses & How to Avoid

We live in a world today that everyone and most businesses use social media. Although, social media is great we need to ensure safety when using it. For instance, only 28% of the social network users update their privacy settings. Not updating your privacy setting or careless actions may lead to security breaches.

Here you will find the TOP social media security risks for businesses and how you may avoid them:

Human Error – Human error is the most common social media security threat. Disgruntled employees airing their dirty laundry or sharing inappropriate photos can put your company at risk, along with harming your reputation.
Social Scams & Phishing Attacks – Phishing attempts are up this year by 150%. Scammers are focusing on accounts because they can target hundreds of thousands of people at once, but also blend in with the crowd.
Malicious Apps – The internet is filled with malicious software and it’s only getting worse. Spyware, for example, is any software that collects personal information or sends spam ads without your consent.
Malware Attacks & Hacks
Not Paying Attention on Social Media – Not being aware of your followers, receiving spam emails, etc.

Tips on How to Avoid

Create a Social Media Policy for your business: Consider including guidelines on how to:
- Create a secure password
- Avoid spam, phishing attacks, and human error
- Share on-brand and approved content
- Engage properly on behalf of the brand
- Avoid social media platforms’ default privacy and security settings
- Proceed in the event of an attack
Limit Social Media Access – Only give publishing access to employees who have been fully trained in the social policy, procedures, and technologies that protect your brand.
Establish Training – Reinforce your social media policy with in-depth training. This will bring any potential issues or gaps in security to light.
Put Someone in Charge or Outsource – Social media is a full time job. At least one person should be fully trained and educated in social media best practices or you can outsource to a reputable company.
Invest in Secure Technology – With policy and education behind you, technology is the final piece of armor against social media security threats. Arm yourself with security software that automatically checks for malware, worms, viruses, and other cyber risks. Secure login information using passwords stronger than ‘Password1234’

In closing, social media opens a world of opportunity for your business to grow and connect with customers. Arm yourself against threats and go forward knowing you’ve done everything in your power to protect your business.

Be Safe!