IT Security Solutions For Proactive Computer Maintenance

Monica Morris • Nov 14, 2019

Recently it was discovered the email system for the City of San Marcos was shut down due to a cyber attack. As a local company who provides San Diego IT services and IT security solutions across North County San Diego we found this to be pretty huge since this attack hit so close to home. After all we are based in San Marcos also.

This attack on the City of San Marcos did in fact cause some down time and loss of productivity. There was a period of time employees of the city were not able to communicate with a portion of the public. Thankfully the communication between emergency services in San Marcos were not affected. However, we did learn members of the San Marcos community who normally solved certain matters by email needed to go to the City of San Marcos office and receive help in person. This is just one example of how a cyber attack can cause an interruption in a system and put a halt to day to day productivity.

Unfortunately cyber crimes are a very common attack on several business systems. Proper computer maintenance can lead to a lesser chance of becoming a victim of these types of attacks.

Here are some IT security solutions to help stay proactive when it comes to computer maintenance and fighting off potential hackers:

Daily Monitoring of Computer Systems

Who is keeping a close eye on your most sensitive data? Daily monitoring is important and contributes to proactive computer maintenance. Daily monitoring can include running anti-virus software, malware protection, daily backups and managed firewall protection.

 

Email Protection

Another proactive IT security tool is email protection. Take a moment to think about – what are you doing to make sure your email is the most safe it can be. Moreover, what is the message you are sending to your staff. Are you providing them with the tools to identify if an email is safe to open or not.

Email security and spam filtering is a necessity to stay safe. Make sure your email security is set at the highest level. In addition, phish testing for employees is another helpful IT security tool. This type of testing is used to help monitor the level of cyber security awareness among your staff.

 

Backing Up Your Cloud

It is common to ponder since Office 365 and Google G suite are in the cloud that they are simply already being backed up. Unfortunately this is not the case. Your files that you and your team members are uploading to the cloud are not automatically being backed up.

For example, if you were to be hacked and your cloud program is not backed up, data may be lost or most likely not retrievable. An important IT security solution to consider is backing up the data saved in Office 365 or Google G suite. A managed IT service provider can help provide the proper cloud security backup service for these programs.

 

Cybersecurity Training For Your Staff

Help your staff learn how to identify when an email does not look safe. By providing cyber security training for your staff, this can help gain awareness for signs of a suspicious email. Provide your staff with the support and resources to learn how to identify a phishing email. Employees should know the signs of something phishy. Any type of security threat needs to be reported to your managed IT service provider or outsourced IT support company immediately.

 

Dark Web Monitoring

The Dark Web is a location on the internet that is not indexed regularly by search engines. It is a hidden network that cannot be found through normal browsers. If your company is hacked and data is stolen – this data could end up on the dark web.  It could become part of a trade for further criminal engagements. Monitoring the dark web is a form of proactive computer maintenance.

By monitoring the dark web, you can learn if any information is being shared about your company. Furthermore, you can discover potential targets or hacking strategies by sophisticated cyber attackers. You may be able to eavesdrop on such conversations. And possibly put together strategies to defend your business and keep it safe before a hacker can attack.

 

Being proactive and using the IT security solutions mentioned above can be useful tools to help fight off hackers. Having a fully managed, security firewall or helping your staff learn how to spot fake harmful emails contributes to a strong IT security program. To learn more about how to keep your most sensitive information safe please contact us today.

 

Fort Wayne Indiana downtown
05 Jan, 2024
In an era where digital transformation is at its peak, businesses are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats in Fort Wayne, Indiana. With cybercriminals becoming more sophisticated, local companies must avoid these threats to safeguard their digital assets. As cybersecurity experts, SDTEK is dedicated to helping Fort Wayne businesses fortify their defenses against these ever-evolving threats. Understanding the Cyber Threat Landscape in Fort Wayne Like many thriving urban areas, Fort Wayne is home to a diverse range of businesses. The variety of enterprises here makes the city a vibrant economic hub, from bustling tech startups to established manufacturing companies. However, this diversity also makes the area a target for cybercriminals. The most common threats include phishing attacks, ransomware, data breaches, and malware. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are particularly vulnerable, often due to limited IT security resources. Recognizing these threats is the first step in building an effective defense strategy. Why Cybersecurity Matters More Than Ever for Local Businesses The consequences of cyber attacks can be devastating. They can lead to financial loss, damage to reputation, and legal implications if customer data is compromised. In today's interconnected world, the fallout from a security breach can extend far beyond the immediate damage, impacting customer trust and business continuity. Tailored Cybersecurity Strategies for Fort Wayne Businesses At SDTEK, we understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to cybersecurity. This is why we offer customized security strategies that cater to the specific needs of Fort Wayne businesses. Our approach includes: Risk Assessment: Evaluate your business's particular risks, considering factors unique to your industry and operational model. Employee Training: Empowering your staff with knowledge and best practices to recognize and prevent potential cyber threats. Implementing Robust Security Measures: This includes firewalls, anti-virus software, and secure Wi-Fi networks tailored to your business's specific needs. Regular Monitoring and Updates: Continuously monitor for threats and keep your security systems up-to-date to combat new and emerging threats. Best Practices for Cyber Hygiene In addition to tailored strategies, there are general best practices that every business in Fort Wayne can implement: Regularly update software and systems to patch vulnerabilities. Use strong, unique passwords and consider multi-factor authentication. Regularly back up data and store it securely. Establish a clear policy for handling sensitive data. Collaboration and Continuous Learning Cybersecurity is not a one-time effort but a continuous process. Collaboration between businesses and cybersecurity experts like SDTEK is crucial. We encourage Fort Wayne businesses to engage in local cybersecurity forums and workshops to stay informed about the latest threats and defenses. Conclusion In Fort Wayne, staying ahead of cyber threats is essential for the longevity and success of your business. By understanding the risks, implementing tailored strategies, and practicing good cyber hygiene, local businesses can significantly reduce their vulnerability to cyber-attacks. At SDTEK, we are committed to partnering with you in this journey, providing the expertise and support you need to protect your digital assets and thrive in a digital-first world. For more insights and assistance on cybersecurity solutions tailored for your Fort Wayne business, contact SDTEK . Your digital safety is our priority.
06 Dec, 2023
In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity is paramount to protect sensitive business information from falling into the wrong hands. As a business owner, you understand the value of securing your data and safeguarding your reputation. That's where dark web monitoring comes into play. What is Dark Web Monitoring? The dark web is a hidden part of the internet where illegal activities often take place, including the buying and selling of stolen data. Dark web monitoring involves scanning the dark web to identify any instances of your business's compromised information being traded or sold. By monitoring these underground networks, you gain valuable insights and can take immediate action to mitigate potential risks. Key Features and Benefits Real-time Alerts: Dark web monitoring provides real-time alerts, notifying you the moment your business's data appears on the dark web. This allows you to respond swiftly and take the necessary steps to protect your sensitive information. Comprehensive Coverage: Dark web monitoring casts a wide net across various dark web platforms, ensuring comprehensive coverage. It searches for mentions of your business, compromised credentials, financial information, and other sensitive data that may have been exposed. Access to an Expert Support Team: With dark web monitoring, you're not alone in the fight against cyber threats. You have access to an expert support team that can guide you through the process, answer your questions, and provide recommendations to strengthen your cybersecurity posture. Addressing Misconceptions Misconception 1: Dark web monitoring is only necessary for large businesses. Cybercriminals do not discriminate based on business size. Any organization, regardless of its scale, can become a target. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable as they often lack the robust security infrastructure that larger enterprises may have. Dark web monitoring is essential for all businesses, regardless of their size, to proactively protect their data. Misconception 2: Dark web monitoring is too technical to understand. While dark web monitoring may involve technical processes, the service providers are equipped to simplify the complexities for you. They will guide you through the setup, explain the monitoring process, and provide actionable insights in a user-friendly manner. You don't need to be a cybersecurity expert to benefit from dark web monitoring. Misconception 3: Dark web monitoring is expensive. The cost of dark web monitoring is a fraction of the potential financial and reputational damage that a data breach can cause. It's an investment in the security and longevity of your business. Additionally, many service providers offer flexible pricing options to suit different business needs, making it an affordable solution for businesses of all sizes. Conclusion As a business owner, the protection of your data is essential for the continuity and success of your organization. Dark web monitoring offers a proactive approach to cybersecurity, enabling you to identify and respond to potential threats swiftly. By leveraging real-time alerts, comprehensive coverage, and the support of experts, you can safeguard your sensitive information, maintain customer trust, and protect your business from reputational damage. Don't wait until it's too late. Invest in dark web monitoring to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and gain the peace of mind you deserve. Your business's security is worth it.
Share by: