Disaster Preparedness Keeps Your Company Running

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With the hurricane and wildfire season already underway, as well as security incidents year-round, it’s never too soon to have a plan in place. Even the briefest power outage can be a problem, with network downtime costing thousands per minute. Read on to learn about the need for a disaster preparedness plan for your business.

 

Cost of Failing to Plan 

 

Natural disasters, as well as man-made cyber attacks, cause downtime, which is costly for your company–in more ways than one. First, it makes you unable to serve customers and perhaps unable to work at all. Who knows how much revenue you might have earned if you could get the network back up and running in a short time? Downtime, whether from an outage or just a decrease in network quality (a “brownout”) can cost an organization an average $600,000. Your company’s reputation can also suffer, if you are not available for business, or because of lost/compromised data. You may be subject to fines for non-compliance with data-protection regulations. How, then, can you afford not to have a clear and tested plan?

 

How to Develop a Plan

 

A Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery (BC/DR) plan is a vital part of protecting your company from the consequences of a disaster, either natural (fire, hurricane or earthquake) or man-made (a security incident such as a ransomware attack). But how to get started, when the process may seem overwhelming? A good first step is to audit your network to discover how it’s doing currently. What network holes need patching up, and where are the bottlenecks? Do you currently have redundancy/failover to keep traffic moving? Also, what hazards and risks are most relevant to your location? Does any on-premise equipment have needed cooling mechanisms? Is every staff member prepared to handle a possible phishing email, a key avenue through which attacks can occur? All these questions, and more, are ones to consider.

 

Testing Your Plan

 

Once you have a plan in place, testing it will show if any weaknesses exist. You can also determine how well the plan works, and discover issues you haven’t anticipated. For example, can you recover backed up data quickly? This makes a difference in ability to comply with data regulations and hence maintain stakeholder trust. 

 

With natural and man-made threats ever present, it’s never too soon or too late to put a BC/DR plan in place. For further assistance, contact your trusted technology advisor today.

The Two Sides of Artificial Intelligence

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No question about it, artificial intelligence (AI) is here to stay. Both generative forms of AI – for content generation, augmentation and automation, are commonly used for productivity. If your company is using AI, you can be sure cyber criminals are, too. Read on to learn about safe and effective use of artificial intelligence, including using it to beat bad actors at their game.

The Two “Sides” of Artificial Intelligence

 

Like most technology and technological tools, AI can be used for legitimate purposes by businesses, or unlawful and harmful aims like injecting malicious code or developing sophisticated social engineering attacks by cyber criminals.

 

On the “good” side, AI is helpful to businesses in content generation and process automation, and sentiment can be positive. According to a recent Telarus article, Gartner predicts that spending on generative AI is expected to top $600 billion in 2025, an increase of more than 75% from last year. The article also cites McKinsey, with that firm expecting more than 92% of executives increasing investment over the next three years. Not only are executives expressing confidence, but 72% of workers see AI bringing value to their work and 70% believing that gaining AI skills will improve marketability. Worries about AI replacing humans have ebbed, but other concerns remain. 

 

Of course, executives and other workers are not the only ones leveraging AI– so are bad actors. Increasingly, cyber attacks involving AI include sophisticated phishing schemes that can trick even vigilant email recipients. Exploiting vulnerabilities in platforms and models to introduce malicious code and attacks such as WormGPT and FraudGPT to steal money and set up fraudulent accounts, are additional dangers, according to a Telarus article about the recent RSAC conference. The same automation capability of artificial intelligence can be used to launch attacks, as well. 

Using Artificial Intelligence to Fight Cyberattacks

 

Interestingly, the very technology cybercriminals use in order to create more sophisticated attacks can also defend against these attacks. Businesses can use AI to help with cybersecurity in these ways:

 

  • Threat Detection and Response: AI can analyze vast amounts of security data in logs and network traffic to identify unusual behavior that might signal an attack.

 

  • Patching endpoints: even small to medium-size businesses have endpoints to protect, and AI can help identify which ones are vulnerable, and automate patching, even stopping incidents before they start.

 

  • Email Security: Machine learning algorithms can find suspicious emails that signal possible phishing schemes. 

 

Artificial intelligence is growing more popular with businesses and bad actors alike. To learn how to develop a plan for using AI in cybersecurity efforts, contact your trusted technology advisor today. 

Getting Ready for Artificial Intelligence

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Data feeds artificial intelligence, and your company’s data will feed the artificial intelligence that you use for automation, content generation, and other tasks. How do you know if your data is ready to train artificial intelligence models, and how will you prepare it for that goal? Read on to learn more about preparing your data for AI’s use, making sure it’s as error- and bias-free as possible, and that your infrastructure is ready, too.

 

The Importance of Data Quality for AI Initiatives

 

Since data is the “lifeblood” of artificial intelligence, it’s vital to have the best-quality data for your company’s AI initiatives. First, data needs to be reviewed to make sure it’s consistent, free of duplicates, and as bias-free as possible. Consistency of the data, beyond its training of the models to produce accurate results, also supports team collaboration; the ability to adapt and expand AI as your company’s needs grow (scalability); making auditing and reporting easier for the purpose of regulatory compliance; and overall trust in AI’s role in business decision-making. Duplicate data can cause certain data to be given too much importance, resulting in bias. This duplication could even undermine the ability of the models to learn patterns. And errors in data could produce incorrect results, or hallucinations. 

 

Other Components of Data Readiness

 

Security of your data is a starting point. Has your company performed a data audit, searching for confidential, personal or private information, so it is safe and secure? In terms of governance, what are your underlying policies for determining how secure your data is for use by employees with AI models? Part of governance is data confidentiality and the access to data, ensuring the data doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. Managing the data is yet another component, and involves having the tools and architecture to handle the volume of data and how fast it is generated.

 

Consulting with a Technology Advisor

 

The next step could be a consultation with your technology advisor. One question to consider is your business goals and how the benefits of artificial intelligence can support these goals. You’ll also need to consider your infrastructure and if it has enough bandwidth for the demands of AI. Along with increased bandwidth, latency needs to be decreased. Also, will you keep your data on-premises, go with colocation, or with managed hosting? These options have pros and cons to consider.

 

Using artificial intelligence, while helping reach business goals, also requires much thought and planning. For help, contact your trusted technology advisor today.

Where Artificial Intelligence Meets Cybersecurity

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While artificial intelligence can be misused by bad actors to create more sophisticated attacks, it can also help organizations defend against these attacks. How? Read on to learn about the dual nature of artificial intelligence, and how it can be used for good in your organization to enhance your cybersecurity posture.

 

Artificial Intelligence Changes Threat Landscape

 

With all of AI’s potential, it can be used for good or for ill. Threats can become more sophisticated, including:

 

  • Phishing: AI can be used to design highly sophisticated phishing schemes, causing an email to appear to be from a CEO authorizing actions that can result in fraud. Moreover, the usual tell-tale signs of a phishing email (like grammar and typographical errors) are eliminated, making the email seem legitimate.

 

  • Deep Fakes: Artificial intelligence can be used to construct fake videos from audio and video clips, making a person appear to say something they never said. Your company could experience reputational damage as a result.

 

  • Employees may unintentionally leak private or confidential information through rogue AI.

 

How Artificial Intelligence Can Enhance Your  Cybersecurity Posture

 

Even with this daunting picture, artificial intelligence also has potential for good, by bolstering cybersecurity. Since its models are trained on vast amounts of data, it automatically scans for threats with an efficiency that surpasses mere human effort. By analyzing data quickly, It can detect threats early, and keep a small abnormality from becoming a security incident. Should an attack occur, IT staff can mitigate the damage quickly.

 

Employee Education and Training Still Needed

 

According to an article by CompTIA, data collection and AI algorithms are becoming a cornerstone of cybersecurity. Even with AI’s immense power, human intervention and education are still necessary. For instance, workers will still need to know how to recognize a phishing email and follow procedures to prevent its consequences. Human oversight is still needed on the part of IT professionals who can evaluate AI’s results. Every employee still needs training in cybersecurity, since many security incidents result from human error. 

 

With artificial intelligence becoming central in cybersecurity, its potential is exciting. Yet, companies need to consider how big a role it will have in their business. For further guidance, contact your trusted technology advisor today.

Is Your Business Ready for the Generative AI Revolution?

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Generative AI is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s rapidly transforming how businesses operate. For businesses, understanding and preparing for this technology is crucial for staying competitive. But where do you start?

What is Generative AI?

 

Simply put, Generative AI uses machine learning models to create new content, be it text, images, code, or even audio. As CompTIA explains in their article, “What is AI?” (https://www.comptia.org/content/research/what-is-ai), AI encompasses a broad range of technologies, with Generative AI being a powerful subset focused on content creation. It’s not just about chatbots; it’s about automating tasks, boosting creativity, and unlocking new levels of efficiency.

Practical Use Cases for Your Business

 

Imagine automating customer service responses, generating marketing content tailored to your audience, or even creating personalized product descriptions. Generative AI can streamline workflows in numerous areas, including:

 

Marketing: Generating social media posts, email campaigns, and blog content.

Customer Service: Providing instant support through AI-powered chatbots.

Sales: Creating personalized sales pitches and product recommendations.

Operations: Automating data entry, report generation, and other repetitive tasks.

Software Development: Assisting with code generation and debugging.

 

Preparing Your Business: A Step-by-Step Approach:

 

Generative AI thrives on data. Before implementing any AI solutions, you need a clear understanding of your data landscape. Conduct a readiness assessment, focusing on data classification. This is critical for protecting sensitive or confidential information.

Data Classification and Security: Ensure your data is properly classified and secured. AI models can inadvertently expose sensitive data if not handled correctly. This is where your MSP’s expertise becomes invaluable.

 

Choose Commercial Licensed AI: While free GPT services might seem appealing, they often lack the security, control, and support needed for business applications. Commercial licensed AI solutions provide robust security features, data privacy guarantees, and dedicated support. They are designed for business use, ensuring compliance and data protection.

Implementation and Training 

 

Strategic Implementation: Don’t jump into AI blindly. Start with pilot projects to test and refine your approach. Focus on areas where AI can deliver the most significant impact.

 

Employee Training: Equip your team with the skills and knowledge to effectively use AI tools. This includes understanding the technology’s capabilities and limitations.

 

Partner with a Trusted Technology Advisor: Your technology service provider can guide you through the AI landscape, helping you select the right solutions and ensure seamless integration. They can also perform crucial readiness assessments and implement security measures.

 

Embracing Generative AI can give your business a significant competitive advantage. However, it’s essential to approach this technology strategically and with a focus on data security. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your trusted technology advisor for guidance and support. They can help you navigate the AI revolution and unlock its full potential for your business.

Software as a Service Backup Guards Your Data and Your Business

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How do you protect the Cloud data your company uses, transmits and stores every hour of every business day? With Cloud services comes shared responsibility. Popular services including Microsoft M365, Google workplace, Quickbooks Online and Salesforce.com may need added protection, such as Software as a Service (SaaS) backup.  Read on to learn more about SaaS backup and how it can benefit your business.

 

What Software as a Service Backup is and Why You Need It

 

Any business – no matter the size – generates, transmits and stores high volumes of data every day. How will your business protect that data from theft or corruption, and your mission-critical applications from misuse? Software as a Service (SaaS) Backup is a cloud-based way to guard SaaS applications data against data leaks, cyber attack and natural disasters. Cyber threats abound, from business email compromise including ransomware that can steal your data, to bad actors stealing or corrupting data through employee error, or even accidental or unintended deletion. How can SaaS Backup help?

 

Key Features and Use Cases of Software as a Service (SaaS) Backup

SaaS Protection offers a variety of services to safeguard your data and applications, including:

 

  • Compliance Management, to assure that SaaS applications and data meet relevant compliance regulations.

 

  • Strong Security Posture: an overall and ongoing process of assessing the security of data and processes, and managing that security.

 

  • Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery: Setting plans in place to back up and recover data due to employee error or data exfiltration.

 

Cloud backup vendors offer services for various use cases. For instance, for the many users of MS Office Suite applications like Email, OneDrive and others, vendors can provide the additional backup such applications need. For instance, how will your company restore a deleted mailbox? With OneDrive, additional protection is needed, including independent backup and recovery capabilities. Some services include automation of backup. You will need to confer with your vendor about features you need the most. 

 

What to Consider in Adopting SaaS Protection 

 

When seeking a SaaS vendor, it’s vital to know what is your responsibility versus the SaaS provider’s responsibility. While the SaaS provider furnishes and handles the infrastructure, your company needs to know what data is mission-critical, and what data regulations you need to follow. Not only that, you need clear and well-enforced policies for data retention and management.

 

SaaS Backup offers data safeguards that your business needs. To learn more, contact your trusted technology advisor today.

Boost Your Telecommunications Functionality and Security with 5G

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Five years after the release of fifth generation (5G) wireless technology, its growth steadily continues and is expected to increase. Read on to learn about how your company can harness this technology’s advantages for a positive user experience.

 

A Brief History of 5G Technology

 

In 2020, the fifth generation of Internet technology arrived and has been growing ever since. By April of that year, some providers had expanded to more than 7000 cities. A few years later, 5G mobile subscriptions were expected to increase to 2.3 billion; subscriptions are expected to more than double by 2030. Some forecasts are more ambitious than others, but your company will need to look past the hype and consider what advantages 5G can bring to your telecommunications. 

 

Advantages of 5G for Telecommunications

 

Business telecommunications require strong connectivity to run without interruption. Wireless 5G offers enhanced bandwidth hand-in-hand with low latency to provide a seamless telecommunications experience. Files can be shared easily, supporting file sharing which in turn can facilitate collaboration in the office and remotely. Scalability allows companies to add more devices and bandwidth as business needs grow. Private 5G in particular can provide security by using encryption to keep data safe. 

 

5G and SD-WAN Together

 

According to a CompTIA article, the combination of the 5G technology and Software-Defined Wide Area Networking can provide speed (5G) and reliability at the same time, reducing costs while maximizing uptime. Companies can simply pay for 5G coverage and use the provider’s circuits. Network slicing enhances security by isolating cyberthreats from the rest of the network. 

 

The newest generation of Internet connectivity has great applications for telecommunications and other applications. For further guidance, contact your trusted technology advisor today. 

 

Don’t Get Hooked by Phishing Schemes

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Social engineering is one of the biggest threats to business computer networks, since it gets in via the weakest security link – human error. Read on to learn about the dangers of social engineering schemes (especially phishing and its variants) and how to protect against this threat.

 

Phishing and its Dangers

 

Phishing is a subset of social engineering attacks, and is a form of manipulation whose object is to falsely obtain personal information, inject malware into a computer network, or both. A bad actor can use an email to trick an unsuspecting victim into responding to appeals to fear, or even wanting to be helpful. Variants of phishing include vishing (voice phishing), or smishing (via text message) or even via social media sites. Whatever the medium, the objective is the same–stealing data or distributing malware on a company’s network. Any social engineering attempt can cause a security incident resulting in identity theft or financial and reputational loss to your business. 

 

How to Recognize a Phishing Attack

 

What does one do with an unsolicited email, or phone call, or text, that looks like it’s from a legitimate entity? The very fact it is unsolicited is a clue, and if it contains an urgent appeal for action, that’s a tip-off that it isn’t what it seems. Such urgent action could be addressing a password issue or updating an account. Irregularities in graphic images as well as grammatical errors are also signs. Even though artificial intelligence can now be used to generate emails not containing these errors, the urgent calls to action remain the same.  Other signs include:

 

  • Requests for money or sensitive information
  • Files and attachments not requested by the receiver
  • Generic messages rather than ones with specific details

 

Protecting Your Business from The Dangers of Social Engineering

 

Organizations can use technology to prevent ransomware and security incidents, but one of the best ways to prevent such attacks is employee training. Do workers know what to do and not to do with a suspicious email, text or phone call? Do they understand the dangers posed by social engineering attacks, and what to look for? One way to check a message’s legitimacy is to contact the supposed sender by a different method, to verify if the message is legitimate or not.

 

Social engineering attacks are among the many threats to your company’s cybersecurity. Now is the time to review your response plan. For further assistance, contact your trusted technology advisor today.

The Importance of Security in Telecommunications

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Numerous platforms are available today for business telecommunications, enabling businesses to seamlessly interact with customers. With data constantly transferred from servers to devices, data security remains a crucial concern. Read on to learn about communicating and collaborating while keeping data secure.

 

Security in Telecommunications

 

Various platforms are available for business telecommunications, with varying security protocols. One of the most important, if not the most important, is data encryption. For some platforms, this can be activated manually, though it’s even better for encryption to be by default. Without encryption, as well as other defenses like firewalls and virus scanning, in place, your data remains at risk and hence your reputation.

 

Threats to Guard Against

 

The same threats that can attack your network can also impact telecommunications tools. Distributed Denial of Service attacks can bombard your system, including telecommunications, with fake traffic and slow the system down or even bring it to a halt, impacting uptime. A bad actor can “eavesdrop” by gaining access to a data path and reading employee conversations. Another threat, ID spoofing, involves an attacker identifying and then using the IP address of a network or attached device to pretend to be a legitimate participant. Add to this viruses and worms that can replicate malicious code with or without a host, and the threat landscape is widened. 

 

Protecting Your Business Telecommunications

 

Thankfully, numerous mechanisms can protect your telecommunications from attack. One key defense is encryption, and another is authentication. Transport Layer Security (TLS) provides both as a protocol that defends telecommunications from attack by authenticating all parties and encrypting the data passing between them. Authentication via certificates can prevent spoofing, for instance, by depriving bad actors of information used to pretend to be a legitimate party. Other mechanisms include firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems.   

 

Employing Best Practices is Important

 

Not only are tools important, but training workers in best practices can keep telecommunications safe. Recognition of phishing emails and other security threats via awareness training is necessary for workers to help stop attacks on telecommunications platforms. 

 

Use of telecommunications platforms involves data transmission and storage, and protection of the data is crucial. For additional guidance, contact your trusted technology advisor today.

Understanding SaaS Data Protection

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Software as a Service (SaaS), a platform supporting office work through applications available from MS 365 and other software, enables companies to communicate, collaborate and drive business outcomes. Companies using SaaS applications need to backup critical workload to ensure comprehensive data protection. Read on to learn what SaaS Backup has to offer to protect your valuable data.

 

The Need for SaaS Backup

 

With expansion of the availability of Software as a Service (SaaS) cloud computing model and its business applications, comes an expansion of the amount of data generated and needing protection. Threats to data include accidental deletion, data leaks due to insider threats or compromise from cyber attacks. The very cloud model that powers business applications and keeps companies running also provides backup of data via SaaS Backup. Data needs to be protected for the sake of customers and other stakeholders as well as to help companies comply with data-handling regulations such as HIPAA and GDPR. Data mishandling can result in fines as well as the loss of customer trust.

 

The Benefits of SaaS Data Protection

 

Software as a Service, along with making work more efficient, creates a shared responsibility between your company and the SaaS provider. It is important to consider if your SaaS provider capability is in line with data protection strategy. Email, user data, financial records, customer data and more may reside in the cloud and be managed by your SaaS provider. You may need longer periods of data retention to comply with your industry regulations and your business requirements. SaaS data backup protects files, email, website and more to fill the gaps.

 

Considerations in Use of SaaS Backup

 

When discussing needs with a cloud service provider, it’s smart to have some questions answered ahead of time. What is the mission-critical data that needs to be backed up first? How frequently do you need to back up this data? What data-handling regulations do you have to follow, and how will your provider help you do this? 

 

With the use of cloud-based Software as a Service, data protection is critical to avoid fines and penalties as well as maintain customer trust. For further guidance, contact your trusted technology advisor today.