Worth Reading

5 Ways Managed IT and Security Services Help During an Economic Downturn

August 11th, 2022 by admin

A man in black in white holding a bright red umbrella as white arrows come towards and bounce off of the umbrella top.

With inflation rising and the economy still reeling from the aftermath of coronavirus, many organizations have started thinking about ways to stay competitive and maintain their profitability going forward. The overall cost of doing business that...

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Posted in: Cyber Security

Why Firewalls and Antivirus Alone Aren’t Always Enough

March 15th, 2022 by admin

Blue and Red Computer Code Intersecting on a Dark Background, Data and Cyber Security Concept

Antivirus and firewalls are still the foundational backbone of any security program. While these traditional solutions can’t stop every attack, they still play a critical role in defending against multi-step attacks. A big reason for this...

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Posted in: Cyber Security

No MFA? No Cyber Insurance!

February 7th, 2022 by admin

A close up of a red lock icon  over the top part of a a dollar bill, with browers and coding imagry interposed over parts of it to represent Cyber Insurance.

It seems insurers are tired of paying claims for ransomware attacks and data breaches and have toughened their requirements for coverage. And with good reason. Given that some of the biggest cyber incidents of the past decade resulted from a single...

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Posted in: Security, Cyber Security, Business Tools, Small Businesses

Top Things to Know About Endpoint Security

June 17th, 2021 by admin

Endpoint security with fingerprint and binary background

Although every endpoint represents a potential target for cybercriminals, those containing sensitive data pose the biggest threat. With more users now working remotely and more information stored on local machines, the threat has increased exponentially....

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Posted in: Security, Cyber Security, Managed Services

Take Ransomware Seriously

June 10th, 2021 by admin

A skull and crossbones over binary covering a red map of the world with the text 'Ransomware Attack' above it and 'Your Files are Encrypted' below it

According to former top U.S. cybersecurity official Chris Krebs, “we are on the cusp of the next global pandemic." What he's describing isn't biological. It's ransomware—a cyber threat that's increasingly common, and highly disruptive. There is no...

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Posted in: Cyber Security

Zero Trust Helps Secure a Remote Workforce

June 8th, 2021 by admin

The words 'Zero Trust' in 3D colored metalic-red resting on a red backgroundthat has lock icons,both open and locked, on it

Zero trust has become one of cybersecurity’s latest buzzwords. So, it’s important to understand what Zero Trust is and how it can be used to improve your security stance. Why Zero Trust? Today, many company IT assets and devices reside off the corporate...

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Posted in: Cyber Security

Five Major IT Challenges Facing Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

March 23rd, 2021 by admin

Hand reaching out to select red color security icon from a cloud of choices

Those who own or manage a small or medium-sized businesses might be tempted to think that the number of IT challenges should be commensurate with the size of the business. But those in the know will be quick to correct that assumption. In...

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Posted in: IT Support, Managed Services, Small Businesses

Top Signs You need Managed IT Service

December 1st, 2020 by admin

Frustrated person

If you've researched methods of taking care of your IT needs, you've probably come across the term "managed services," "managed IT" or "managed network services." What is it - and do you need it? Managed Network Services can be generally defined as...

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Posted in: IT Support, Managed Services

Why Vulnerability Assessments Are Important

September 8th, 2020 by admin

Lit match burning binary code illustrating poor internet security

Vulnerability assessment refers to the process of identifying risks and vulnerabilities in computer networks, systems, hardware, applications, and other parts of the IT ecosystem. Vulnerability assessments provide your IT team and organizational management...

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Posted in: Security, Cyber Security, Managed Services

6 Ways to Save Money and Boost Your IT with Managed Services

September 1st, 2020 by admin

Illustrated person holding a poor, fair, good and great icons

This article details six ways our Virginia Managed IT Services Program can save your organization money. If you're seeking a Managed IT Service provider in Virginia or southern West Virginia, please contact us to learn more! There are certain times...

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Posted in: Managed Services

5 Signs You Need to Upgrade Your Phone System

August 8th, 2020 by admin

Upgrade phone system infographic

1. Do You Lack Common Features? Organizations everywhere have sent their employees home to work remotely amidst the pandemic. To ensure business continuity and productivity, organizations invested billions of dollars in web conferencing software and...

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Posted in: Managed Services, Business Tools

[Infographic] Lessons Learned From the COVID-19 Crisis (and Next Steps You Should Consider)

July 22nd, 2020 by admin

[Infographic] Lessons Learned From the COVID-19 Crisis (and Next Steps You Should Consider)

The COVID-19 pandemic has turned our home and work lives upside down. Many organizations were caught off guard and unprepared for the business disruptions it caused, including the shift to a remote workforce. As a result, things like securing network...

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Posted in: Business Advice, Cyber Security

The 2 Biggest Cyber Risks of Working From Home

March 30th, 2020 by admin

The 2 Biggest Cyber Risks of Working From Home

As a result of the Coronavirus outbreak, many organizations have their entire workforce working from home. For organizations that haven’t incorporated remote working before, getting up to speed haphazardly poses a serious security risk. Working...

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Posted in: Cyber Security

Mobile Device Security: What You Need to Know

February 10th, 2020 by admin

Mobile Device Security: What You Need to Know

Compared to desktops and laptops, mobile devices have unique behaviors that increase their security risks to your organization. Here are the top five mobile device risks: 1. They are almost always on and usually connected to the internet. Without any...

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Posted in: Business Advice, Mobility, Cyber Security

10 Myths that Contribute to Cyberattacks

January 10th, 2020 by admin

10 Myths that Contribute to Cyberattacks

Some organizations handle their cybersecurity based on an array of myths stemming from a combination of mistrust, misunderstanding, and lack of information. These myths are at the root of common errors made by organizations of all sizes when safeguarding...

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Posted in: Business Advice, Cyber Security, Small Businesses

How Strong Cybersecurity Helps with Business Growth

November 13th, 2019 by admin

How Strong Cybersecurity Helps with Business Growth

It’s a fact: when digital is everywhere, the need for cybersecurity is also everywhere. And, as everyone’s lives become more digital, so has the acute awareness of the need for strong cybersecurity. This applies to IT professionals and private...

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Posted in: Business Advice, Cyber Security, Small Businesses

Cybersecurity’s Dirty Dozen: The 12 Most Neglected Data Security Best Practices

November 12th, 2019 by admin

Cybersecurity’s Dirty Dozen: The 12 Most Neglected Data Security Best Practices

There are more security solutions available to small and mid-sized organizations than ever before. Yet, preventable cyber-attacks continue to happen every day. A big part of the reason is simple-many organizations struggle with cybersecurity. Most IT...

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Posted in: Business Advice, Cyber Security, IT Support

Why Every Organization Should “Phish” Their Employees

August 22nd, 2019 by admin

Why Every Organization Should “Phish” Employees

There’s certainly no shortage of cybersecurity solutions available to IT managers to combat cyberattacks. But to truly achieve a stronger cybersecurity position, organizations have to go beyond implementing new products and services to include...

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Posted in: Business Advice, Cyber Security, Managed Services, Business Tools

Understanding Zero-Day Threats and Their Importance in Security Strategy

August 19th, 2019 by admin

Understanding Zero-Day Threats and Their Importance in Security Strategy

Cybersecurity has never been simple. But, over the last decade, keeping up with the volume and severity of potential threats has become an overwhelming task for most organizations. Antivirus software and other traditional security solutions are effective...

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Posted in: Security, Cyber Security, Business Tools, Small Businesses

Cyber Threats That Create Big Challenges for Small Organizations

July 16th, 2019 by admin

Cyber Threats That Create Big Challenges for Small Organizations

Small organizations frequently underestimate the threat of cyberattacks, often believing they're not at risk. Many hold this belief because they feel they "don't have anything worth stealing.” If you’re one of them - operating under...

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Posted in: Business Advice, Cyber Security, Managed Services, Small Businesses

10 Cybersecurity Tips for Small to Mid-sized Organizations

March 22nd, 2019 by admin

10 Cybersecurity Tips for Small to Mid-sized Organizations

For most people, cybersecurity can be a complicated and intimidating topic. Many times, it involves overcoming negative perceptions like feeling overwhelmed by all the jargon and not knowing where to even start. For that reason, addressing it often gets...

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Posted in: Business Advice, Cyber Security, Managed Services, Small Businesses

Why Do Smaller Organizations Overlook Cybersecurity?

February 19th, 2019 by admin

Why Do Smaller Organizations Overlook Cybersecurity?

Any way you look at them, the numbers are pretty sobering: according to its 2019 Identity Breach Report, the cybersecurity firm, 4iQ, states that targeted attacks on small businesses by cybercriminals grew at an inordinate rate in 2018 - up nearly 425%...

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Posted in: Compliance, Business Advice, Cyber Security, Small Businesses

Vulnerability Scan vs. Pen Test: What’s the Difference?

January 22nd, 2019 by admin

Vulnerability Scan vs. Pen Test: What’s the Difference?

Why Security Testing is Important Each day, organizations of every size are being attacked from a multitude of angles and from all parts of the world. Many believe their network is safe because they have basic defenses, like a firewall and antivirus...

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Posted in: Security, Business Advice, Business Tools

What Is Cybersecurity?

December 14th, 2018 by admin

What Is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from attacks; typically referred to as “cyberattacks.” The goal of a cyberattack is usually to access, remove or destroy sensitive information, extort money, or interrupt...

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Posted in: Business Advice, Cyber Security, Managed Services

How to Evaluate a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP)

November 19th, 2018 by admin

How to Evaluate a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP)

Hiring a managed security service provider (MSSP) to manage your cybersecurity (sometimes also called Security-as-a-Service or SaaS) is a sound business move for organizations that have: limited IT resources, lack internal security expertise, struggle...

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Posted in: Security, Cyber Security, Managed Services

Talking to Management about Better Cybersecurity

October 26th, 2018 by admin

Talking to Management about Better Cybersecurity

News of cyberattacks continue to dominate the headlines; and there’s no reprieve in sight. Despite this fact, many IT professionals still struggle to get their message across during conversations with non-technical company leaders at the executive...

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Posted in: Cyber Security, Business Tools, Small Businesses

The Value of Cyber Risk Assessments

September 20th, 2018 by admin

The Value of Cyber Risk Assessments

The key to effectively minimizing cybersecurity threats and their impact on your organization is achieving and maintaining the right security level. For most small to mid-size organizations, figuring out what the right security level actually is, can...

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Posted in: Business Advice, Cyber Security, Business Tools

What Are Managed Security Services?

August 16th, 2018 by admin

What Are Managed Security Services?

For Small and Mid-Sized Organizations Implementing a managed security program can provide your organization with a variety of benefits, but the primary advantage is to transfer the management and expense of an in-house cybersecurity team to a third-party...

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Posted in: Security, Cyber Security, Managed Services, Small Businesses

What is SIEM, and How Does It Improve Security?

July 12th, 2018 by admin

What is SIEM, and How Does It Improve Security?

I recently came across a PowerPoint presentation entitled, “SIEM for Beginners: Everything You Wanted to Know, But Were Afraid to Ask.*” I want to share it here (in a re-formatted version), because it’s one of the best explanations...

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Posted in: Security, Cyber Security, Managed Services

Why systems patching matters

June 12th, 2018 by admin

Why systems patching matters

Patch management is the process for identifying, acquiring, installing, and verifying patches for products and systems. Patches correct security and functionality problems in operating systems, application software and firmware. Although patches can...

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Posted in: Cyber Security, Managed Services, Business Tools

Cyber Insurance: Worth the Price?

May 10th, 2018 by admin

Cyber Insurance: Worth the Price?

Unless you’ve been living under a rock somewhere, it’s hard to miss the almost daily stream of media reports about cyberattacks and data breaches. Government agencies, healthcare providers, financial institutions, corporations, and, yes,...

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Posted in: Business Advice, Cyber Security, Business Tools, Small Businesses

What Is a Cyber Attack?

April 28th, 2018 by admin

What Is a Cyber Attack?

Today, security is everyone’s job—from consumers, to system administrators, to executives. If you’re doing business, you need to elevate the priority of security across your organization. Over the years, cybercriminals have gotten a...

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Posted in: Security, Cyber Security, Managed Services, Small Businesses

Strategies and Tips to Help Protect Your Personal Data

April 3rd, 2018 by admin

Strategies and Tips to Help Protect Your Personal Data

When you shop online, watch YouTube, post on social media, and check your email, keep this one important thing in mind: when you don’t pay with cash, you pay with your personal information. A quote posted back in 2010 by an unhappy MetaFilter user...

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Posted in: Business Advice, Cyber Security

Why Cybercriminals Love Small Businesses

March 22nd, 2018 by admin

Why Cybercriminals Love Small Businesses

Small businesses are in the crosshairs of an increasingly complex and sophisticated array of cybersecurity threats. Although major hacks of large corporations are now regularly headlining the news, small businesses are actually being attacked more regularly...

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Posted in: Business Advice, Cyber Security, Small Businesses

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Reduces Risk of Account Compromise

March 6th, 2018 by admin

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Reduces Risk of Account Compromise

Authentication is the process of confirming that an individual is who he or she claims to be. It can involve providing information - like a username and password. Users can authenticate with an ATM card and PIN, a device that can generate or receive...

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Posted in: Security, Business Advice

Reducing IT Threats with Security Awareness

February 21st, 2018 by admin

Reducing IT Threats with Security Awareness

As good as many of our IT solutions have become at thwarting security threats, some incidents can’t be 100% prevented by the technology. The threats from social engineering are one of them. Within the realm of IT security, social engineering is...

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Posted in: Business Advice, Cyber Security, IT Support

Tips for Creating an Acceptable Use Policy

February 7th, 2018 by admin

Tips for Creating an Acceptable Use Policy

Organizations of all sizes need to worry about what their employees are doing with company computer equipment and internet connections. It's no longer just a matter of the cost of extra network bandwidth or tracking wasted time that should be spent...

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Posted in: Compliance, Security, Business Advice, Cyber Security

The Case for Building a Cyber Incident Response Plan

January 26th, 2018 by admin

The Case for Building a Cyber Incident Response Plan

A strong defense is critical to fighting the battle against cybercrime. But having a plan to deal with a cyber incident - should one occur - is equally as important. Why? Because when it comes to preventing a cyber-attack, there is no such thing as guaranteed...

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Posted in: Business Advice, Cyber Security

Why Being Compliant Is Not the Same as Being Secure

January 15th, 2018 by admin

Why Being Compliant Is Not the Same as Being Secure

There is a dangerous misperception that often comes up, regardless of which regulatory standard we talk about (PCI, HIPAA, etc.).  The misperception is that compliance equals security. Sometimes organizations think they’re the same thing;...

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Posted in: Compliance, Cyber Security