Take Home the Gold: 5 Rings of Cybersecurity

Too many SMBs assume that their data and resources will not interest criminals. Unfortunately, they could not be more wrong about their cybersecurity risk.

It is not only the large names, like Colonial Pipeline, that get hit by ransomware attacks. These are just the stories that make the news. We have seen law firms, financial businesses, schools and medical facilities of all sizes hit with breaches that cost tens of thousands of dollars. It takes days to get the business and their information technology back up online.

Criminals have become increasingly sophisticated in their attacks. That means that tech companies in Portland, like yours, need to be one step ahead. You need the Olympic Rings of Cybersecurity.

Introducing: The Olympic Rings of Cybersecurity

When we see the Olympic rings displayed, we know that the athletes about to take the field have achieved unparalleled levels in their sports. When it comes to cybersecurity, that level of protection can mean the difference between tens of thousands of dollars lost in an attack and IT solutions that secure your business and support your growth.

Hackers have become increasingly sophisticated at their craft. We will help you beat them at their own game.

Your Anti-virus Software, Ransomware and Next-generation Firewall

In the first ring, we find your triple-layered security to protect your computers as you access the internet. To keep your business data secure, you need these 3 levels of protection. We have seen countless customers overestimate what their out-of-the-box firewall solution from their internet provider can offer them. 

With internet security, however, you get what you pay for. Cheap, limited support leads to large gaps that criminals can exploit. When people invest in technology like a VPN, they must make sure they have the properly aligned protection to keep them secure. Cybercrime has caused an incredible $4.2 billion in victim losses as these criminals gain access to sensitive systems and steal information. The quality protection in your first ring sets you up for success.

From the ground up: Taking care of critical infrastructure

The infrastructure that supports your business requires careful consideration. In the second ring of cybersecurity, you need to consider the support and upgrade of your different devices.

The threat potential that comes from having unsupported devices is immense.  Devices with outdated protection and unsupported systems can quickly become easy access points for hackers. Your IT support team enhances data security by staying on track with system updates, so that every device accessing your system has the needed security. 

An incredible 1 in 5 small businesses will experience a breach this year. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take right now to better promote your business. We have put together a list of 15 steps to protect your devices and enhance your cybersecurity. 

Staying Secure While Embracing the Cloud

Through the cloud, your business potential skyrockets. Between flexible working, easy collaboration and automatic backups, an increasing number of businesses have made the transition.

However, a successful cloud transition requires planning. Your business will need the reliability of two IPs – that way if one goes down the other can automatically maintain the connection. As a business, you must also recognize that you will not own the infrastructure. Keeping your business compliant with critical regulations amplifies the importance of cybersecurity to protect it. 

Some businesses will turn to their managed IT provider to help them maintain a hybrid system to avoid having everything on the cloud. You need to consider where your business will be better off. Investing in your own servers, including the work of maintaining and updating them, migrating entirely onto the cloud or managing a hybrid system all require their separate security concerns and a financial investment.

Regardless of which path you take (virtualizing systems or maintaining your own infrastructure), protection must be in place to monitor access to data and information.

Locking Down your Internet of Things

Unsecured IoT is asking for trouble. These devices have become increasingly easy to install, but they require careful monitoring. 

• Do you know how to tell if the device has also connected to other things? 
• What else accesses the wireless networks the device uses?
• How are the devices kept secure to prevent those outside the organization from accessing them? 

A simple Alexa in your office should give you reason to pause.

Target fell victim to this exact scenario. An outside HVAC company turned to IoT technology to monitor key parts of the stores. Since those devices were on the same servers as the credit card machines, hackers were able to gain access to sensitive customer information. 

Your information technology partner will help you manage your IoT. From warning you when something poses a threat to your business to helping you monitor and secure your devices, your business will operate more safely with data security from Compass Computing Group.

Making Sure Your Employees are Prepared

Your employees are the final line between the attackers and your data.

Your employees excel in their jobs, and they are intelligent, conscientious thinkers. However, it’s just too easy to think that they would never fall for a phishing email. Unfortunately, these emails have become increasingly sophisticated.

Hackers prey on attentive employees, those who answer their emails too quickly. They have too many things on their plates to give every single email that comes through the recommended due diligence.

Helping your employees prepare and teaching them how to catch these highly effective phishing emails will help keep your business safe.

Cybersecurity to Power Your Future

Emails offer quick, effective communication. The cloud enhances collaboration and efficiency. Your data infrastructure allows you to compete on an entirely new level. As this technology makes it easy for you to seize new opportunities, your cybersecurity needs to keep pace.

At Compass Computing Group, we offer the Olympic Rings of Cybersecurity. Our services enhance your business and provide you with the support you need to power your future.

Reach out to us today to learn more about any of these 5 critical rings and our best-in-class cyber strategies.