Replace Your Antivirus with Next-Generation Endpoint Security

Endpoint Security: The Cutting Edge of Protection

Over the last few decades, we’ve seen technology evolve in leaps and bounds. We rely on it more and more for everyday purposes. However, this advancement has also brought risks. There are more dangers related to technology than ever before. As such, technological security has also been updating. Security software is an absolute must for your connected device. If you’re looking to be on the cutting edge of protection, you must know what you’re looking for. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of endpoint security compared to traditional antivirus software.

 

What is Endpoint Security?

As the name implies, endpoint security focuses on securing endpoints or entry points of end-user devices. End-user devices are any connected devices you may own. This includes desktop computers, laptop computers, tablets, and even smartphones. These devices can be protected from malicious actors and campaigns using endpoint security.

This form of security protects devices on a network or in the cloud. It protects these devices from cybersecurity threats, including malware. Endpoint security is more sophisticated than traditional antivirus software. It needs to be, as it protects your information from being corrupted or stolen for malicious reasons.

 

Built for Organizations of All Sizes

Endpoint security is often seen as the frontline of cybersecurity efforts. When it comes to enterprise networks, it’s often the first place they look to secure. It helps protect organizations and individuals from the threat of security breaches from: 

  • Nation-states
  • Hacktivists
  • Organized crime
  • Insider threats (both malicious and accidental)

Most endpoint security solutions are highly advanced. They quickly detect, analyze, block, and contain threats in progress. These software options collaborate with other technological systems and administrators to move things quickly and effectively.

 

Why is Endpoint Security Necessary?

In both personal and business applications, end-user devices hold a large amount of information. This information, if in the wrong hands, can often be used maliciously. We’ve reached a point where data is one of the most important assets we have. If your end-user devices lack a complex protection system, the data stored on them is vulnerable. Since end-user devices see the highest threats to cybersecurity attacks, it is vital to secure them with endpoint protection software.

 

In Business, Endpoints Grow as the Business Grows

Naturally, as a business grows, so does its amount of endpoints. The more you expand, the more devices you add. While antivirus software may be good for a single computer, it won’t be strong enough to handle several dozen to several hundred computers.

Another aspect of this growth that business has seen recently involves remote work. Remote workers using company devices or personal devices create vulnerability within the company. These end-user devices are not within the physical area for a company to protect. They may even be connected to open networks from time to time, and as such, they need more competent security options. The best security option for remote workers is endpoint security, that the company itself controls. It helps protect whatever device is storing and sending company information.

 

How Does Endpoint Security Work?

Endpoint security works by safeguarding the data and workflows of any end-user devices connected to your network. Endpoint protection platforms, also known as endpoint security programs, examine all files entering the network. Some of these platforms are on-site, contained in servers, while others are cloud-based.

 The platforms contain a database of different known threats. As threats continue to update, so does the database. This is sometimes done via the cloud. Other times it is done by updating the on-site protection software. These updates help to prevent the end-user devices on the network from having to store this data individually. If each end-user device had to store threat information, they wouldn’t have room for much else. New threats are developed every day, making an updated form of security absolutely crucial to your data security.

Another benefit to cloud-based endpoint security is the scalability it provides. Because the data is free-flowing on the cloud, it doesn’t require manual updates to new end-user devices. All actions are available to administrators through a centralized console. This console is installed on a network gateway or a server that lets cybersecurity professionals control device securities remotely.

An endpoint that is set up on the endpoint platform allows administrators to do several things remotely. These things include:

  • Pushing updates to devices (Learn more about the importance of software updates below)
  • Authenticating log-in attempts on each device
  • Administering corporate policies from a single location
  • Blocking or removing applications known to be unsafe or unauthorized
  • Encrypting information that is communicated through devices

 

Endpoint Protection is Fast

Endpoint protection allows companies to detect malware and threats on their devices quickly. It’s much faster than antivirus software, which is primarily passive. Endpoint security tends to be proactive, as it monitors all information sent to the network. In addition to endpoint platforms, there are also endpoint detection and response tools available. These components allow for the detection of more advanced threats. Some of those threats include file-less malware, polymorphic attacks, and zero-day attacks. Endpoint security systems employ continuous monitoring, which is the best way to achieve cybersecurity for your data.

 

Key Components of Endpoint Security Solutions

When choosing an endpoint security solution, most will come with the following key components:

  • Machine-learning capabilities to identify zero-day threats in real time
  • Antivirus and antimalware designed for protection of multiple devices
  • Web browser security add-ons
  • Data loss prevention
  • Data classification
  • An integrated firewall for blocking network attacks
  • Phishing and social engineering protection with email gateways
  • Centralized endpoint management for administrators and cybersecurity professionals
  • Disk, email, and endpoint encryption

These are not the only components that a company may offer, but companies will often provide additional components at an added cost. 

 

What is an Endpoint?

Generally speaking, endpoints are considered to be any connected device. Naturally, this includes desktop computers, laptop computers, tablets, and smartphones. However, it may also include a range of devices you wouldn’t consider: Smartwatches, printers, servers, ATMs, or connected medical devices can also be considered endpoints. While it may be hard to believe, all of these devices can store large amounts of sensitive information that can harm your business if used maliciously.

A considerable threat to companies right now is the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) mentality. With the majority of businesses operating remotely to an extent, BYOD has become far more popular. When a device is allowed to operate on a network, it has to be considered safe. If BYOD is an option for employees, then the devices they’re using will need to have protection software installed on them. Endpoint security makes this easy since it’s a connected form of security.

 

Mobile Devices Have Complicated Things

The flood of connected mobile devices over the last decade has complicated network security. Some individuals may have up to ten different end-user devices. It’s easier to reach than you may think, considering the options that people have. Smartphones, tablets, watches, e-readers, printers, and even medical devices may be able to connect to a network. If the network lacks endpoint security, it can transmit malicious software to other devices. Endpoint security helps to avoid that issue.

 

How is Endpoint Protection Different from Antivirus Software?

When reading through the information provided, you may think that both these options are pretty much the same. The thing that people recognize most often is that antivirus software came first. However, the two are very different from one another. Taking a look at them both in detail, side-by-side, is essential.

 

Antivirus Software: Out with the Old

Antivirus software is the oldest form of computer protection. It’s been on computers for decades at this point, and as such, has become somewhat antiquated. Antivirus is meant to prevent malware. Malware is a blanket term for anything that’s possibly harmful to your computer. It can refer to viruses, spyware, bots, worms, and keyloggers. 

In most cases, antivirus software is installed directly on the end-user device. This allows it to run in the background and scan the device every so often for threats. However, it’s not as advanced as endpoint security. It relies on signature-based detection and prevention. As cybersecurity threats have evolved, they have become signature-less and file-less, specifically to bypass antivirus software.

 

Endpoint Security: In With the New

Endpoint security aims to fix the faults that antivirus software has, as discussed previously. Antivirus software cannot add the layers of protection that endpoint security can. It allows administrators to prevent the addition of another device to their networks. It also consistently updates to have the most protection at any given time. Most endpoint security options are antivirus software as well. As such, it’s the superior option.

 

Data Loss Prevention

Antivirus software doesn’t include any options for data loss prevention, while endpoint security does. By focusing on the data stored in endpoints, endpoint security can keep it safe. Data loss prevention protocols allow data to be monitored on your network. It can block any data from entering or exiting the network and can detect anomalies in data movement, which is ideal for keeping track of sensitive information that moves back and forth on your network. Data loss could be financially devastating and destructive for any business, so preventing this type of disaster is critical.

 

Sandboxing

Some threats are not easily identifiable by antivirus software or endpoint security platforms. They can be installed and begin wreaking havoc before any measures can be taken. Antivirus software has no protection against such threats. On the other hand, endpoint security has a method of handling any ambiguous data or programs being installed on end-user devices: sandboxing.

Before endpoint security allows the installation of a program on an end-user device, it will first isolate it. The endpoint platform will install the program onto a secure digital environment that mimics an end-user device in isolation. Here it will allow the program to run codes and execute files. This allows the platform to analyze the program and its intentions safely. Should the program clear the inspection and be deemed harmless, the endpoint security will allow installation on the end-user device. If anything suspicious occurs, the program is scrutinized, and remediation can occur.

 

Up-to-Date Firewalls

Like everything associated with endpoint security, the firewalls provided alongside it are updated and ready to stop any threats from entering your network. What’s more, is that these firewalls are connected to the platform and updated when need be. This keeps your network as safe as possible. It also allows for real-time analysis of any threats. Antivirus software cannot move as quickly as endpoint security, leaving your firewall exposed to threats.

 

Endpoint Detection and Response

Anomaly detection is the best feature of endpoint security platforms and a feature that no antivirus software can compete with. Endpoint detection and response is a protocol that continuously monitors the endpoints on your network. It can detect any strange happenings on your network. It has a significant advantage over antivirus software: detection. 

Antivirus software can only block known threats. Endpoint protection can detect threats that already exist on any device connected to your network. Doing so allows it to seek threats out and stop them from functioning. Antivirus software cannot identify and block all threats, as it relies on signatures. If something were to make it past the antivirus software, it could not stop the malware from functioning. Endpoint security has a lower chance of letting a malicious program or file from entering a device to begin with. If something were to make it past the program, it could detect, isolate, and eliminate the threat in real-time.

 

Which is Better?

It comes down to your needs. If you have a single device that’s being used for sensitive information, you may be able to get away with antivirus software (Assuming it’s bolstered with other protection programs). However, it is unlikely that only one of your devices has sensitive information. Therefore, endpoint security should be heavily considered by most individuals or organizations. It provides the most safety and allows for continued protection. If you’re looking for the best security option for your data and devices, endpoint security is your best bet.

Want to learn more about your company’s security? To find out how your company is performing and isolate weaknesses in your cyber defenses, schedule a call with us or take our free, self-guided IT Security Risk Assessment . 

How Cyber Liability Insurance Can Protect Your Company From Disaster

Everything You Need To Know About Cyber Liability Insurance

The world today is becoming more and more digital. We communicate, keep records, even buy and sell goods and services online. All that data being stored online means more opportunities than ever for cybercriminals to hack into and access systems they shouldn’t. Cyber security measures are more critical than ever. That includes having cyber liability insurance.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cyber insurance, including what it is, how it works, and what it does and doesn’t cover.

Ready to learn more about cyber insurance and whether it’s right for you or your business?

Let’s dive in. 

 

What Is Cyber Liability Insurance?

Cyber insurance is usually offered to businesses rather than private individuals, though in some cases, it may have value for individuals as well. The primary purpose of cyber liability insurance is that the plan helps your business recover from the effects of a cyber security breach, including helping provide resources to track down and isolate the breach and paying out for lost income because of a breach. Many policies also help cover the costs of legal fees or lawsuits against your company that happen because of a cybersecurity breach.

Some cyber insurance companies also offer additional services to their customers, such as cyber security consultations or monitoring. Usually, those services are separate from the policy itself and come at an additional cost to the consumer. However, since they can help prevent the damages caused by a breach, these cybersecurity services are worth considering.

Good cyber insurance will cover just about any liability you incur from a cyber breach, no matter how big or small, but it’s important to read the fine print to make sure there aren’t rules about when your policy kicks in or ways you can accidentally breach the terms and conditions. 

 

What Does a Cyber Liability Insurance Policy Cover?

Cyber liability is a protection for businesses when their data and records are breached. That includes a wide range of possible liability, costs, and damages resulting from a cyber-attack. It’s different from general liability insurance since, unlike most other insurance policies, this kind of policy protects your digital data and resources instead of your physical property.

Here are a few of the additional actions cyber insurance companies may offer as a part of their insurance plans: 

  • Inform your company when a cyber breach occurs
  • Help recover identity information for anyone affected by the breach
  • Protect/repair affected computer systems
  • Help to recover the affected data
  • Cover the cost of legal liability from security breaches
  • Help close cybersecurity vulnerabilities

Every company and every policy is different, but these are some of the most common coverages.

Of course, you still need a sound cybersecurity plan in place if you want to succeed. 

 

What Does Cyber Insurance Not Cover?

While many business cyber security offerings are reasonably comprehensive, they don’t cover everything. Here are some of the costs you can’t expect your cyber insurance company to cover in the aftermath of a security breach:

 

Ongoing profit loss

Many insurance policies cover lost profits if your data or systems are non-accessible during an attack but won’t cover your losses after the attack is dealt with. That means that if you lose customers in the weeks or months after a breach, your insurance won’t cover that lost income. 

 

Intellectual Property

Intellectual property compromised in a cybersecurity breach can often be a severe loss for your company. Unfortunately, this is one area cybersecurity insurance doesn’t tend to cover. If your business secrets or intellectual property are compromised in the attack, you’ll have to deal with that on your own. 

 

Third-Party Mistakes

If you work with a 3rd party cybersecurity company, your insurance policy probably won’t cover their mistakes. That can be a huge problem if your security company fails to push an update or leaves a known vulnerability unprotected since your insurance may use those mistakes to invalidate your claim. That is why choosing a cybersecurity partner you can trust is so important. 

Are you looking to partner with a cybersecurity company you can trust? Contact Edge Networks today.

 

Hardware Costs

If your company is the victim of a breach that damages your physical hardware, damaging hard drives, for instance, the insurance company usually won’t cover the physical costs of the repair. They may cover the cost of recovering your data from damaged hardware, but you’re on your own for replacement. 

 

Reputation Damage

While a business’s reputation is widely recognized as a part of its value in the market, most cyber insurance companies don’t cover lost value because of reputation damage.

Like any other kind of insurance policy, it’s important to know everything that is and is not covered in your policy. These are just some of the most common examples. Some insurance policies may cover these kinds of situations, while others may have other policies that aren’t covered that we haven’t mentioned.

It’s often worth paying for an upgraded insurance policy if you need something that isn’t included in a more basic version of the policy. 

 

Cyber Liability Insurance Requirements

A good cyber insurance policy should have certain coverage areas and meet specific requirements before you consider it.

Here are some of the requirements of a good cyber insurance policy and what you should look for when you’re comparing plans:

 

Business Interruption

Other than helping pay for the costs of a breach itself, this is one of the most basic kinds of protection you can get from cyber insurance. This kind of coverage helps cover the cost of lost profits from a business interruption, so your company won’t be as heavily impacted by the hacking attempt.

Some policies cover ongoing business interruptions, while others only kick in for any time your business is unable to operate. That means that you may only get partial reimbursement for lost profits if some aspects of your business are still functioning as usual.

 

Legal Liability

Personal data breaches are taken very seriously and are often respected in the courts. That means that businesses that suffer a breach may also be held liable for any personal information about employees, clients, or customers involved in the leak.

Cyber insurance companies usually help cover the costs of these lawsuits, regardless of the suit’s outcome. Some companies may also offer legal assistance or help your business find qualified representation to help handle legal cases resulting from a breach. 

 

Social Engineering Protection

Social engineering is a way of getting login information or other personal details out of people without hacking into any systems or exploiting software vulnerabilities. A skilled social engineer can learn everything they need to log in legitimately in just a few exchanges.

A good cyber insurance policy covers breaches caused by social engineering and may also provide social engineering prevention changes to help make an attack less likely. 

Electronic Media Liability

Electronic media liability is increasingly becoming another way bad actors online can affect a company, even without data breaches or other more direct actions against them. Advertisements and other electronic media that present your business in an untrue way, to the detriment of your company, can be covered under this policy.

This kind of protection is almost like protecting against the damage from online libel. It’s rare for this kind of liability to come into play, but it can be important protection when you need it.

This policy helps companies deal with the problem media and cover the costs of pursuing action against the people causing the problem. 

 

Cyber Liability Insurance Claims Examples

Cyber attacks come in a wide range of circumstances. Since many people don’t know what a cyber attack looks like, here are some theoretical examples to help. 

 

Cyber Liability Insurance Claims Example #1:

Company A has an internal IT team, a good firewall, and other protections on their system. They think they are safe but can’t push an operating system update immediately because it may compromise some of the data and programs they use every day.

Unfortunately, Company A is hit with a virus that locks employees out of the system and may be causing other harm in the background. They are told that their data is being held ransom until they make a payment, under specific circumstances, to get access to their computers again.

Thankfully, Company A has cyber insurance and can recoup the costs of the attack. While they have to pay the ransom to prevent their data from being erased, they can isolate and eliminate the virus from their systems and implement preventive measures to avoid future attacks. 

 

Cyber Liability Insurance Claims Example #2:

Company B is a small family business that’s thriving in the suburbs. Profits are up, and they are thinking about expanding their business or buying a bigger space. As part of their search for locations, the business owners do a lot of searching for bigger retail spaces in their area and come to the attention of a social engineer.

The engineer calls their business, pretending to be a realtor asking if they’d like to do business together and offering to help them find the perfect new location. Over the course of the conversation, the social engineer manages to get the personal information they need to reset the business owner’s passwords and guess their username.

The social engineer logs in and posts personal customer information online for sale, and several customers are hit with false charges on their credit cards before the problem is discovered.

Company B changed usernames and passwords but is still recovering from its damaged reputation and the financial loss of several customers after the breach made the local news. 

 

Cyber Liability Insurance Claims Example #3:

Company C was the victim of a cyber security attack that was successful about a year ago. While they were able to get the attack cleaned up fairly quickly, some customer and employee information was leaked, and several people were at risk of identity theft and credit card fraud.

Company C has an extensive cyber security policy because their company is a frequent target for cybercriminals, and the policy covered this attack. They were able to recoup the costs of the attack, and the insurance helped pay for identity theft protection for the affected individuals. Because they helped pay identity theft protection, Company C avoided several lawsuits over the breach and hasn’t suffered much reputation damage. 

 

Discussing Cyber Liability Insurance

Why Should Invest in Buy Cyber Liability Insurance?

Many people recognize that cyber insurance is important for big companies with a lot of digital information to protect but are surprised to learn its importance for smaller companies.

Cyber insurance becomes essential whenever you have personal information stored in your business databanks, but it can be important even before that. Here are some basic ways to tell if you need cyber insurance and what level of protection is necessary. 

 

Your Business Stores Important Information Digitally:

Even if you also have hardcover backups, your business may need cyber insurance if you store critical business or personal information on the cloud. The more information you store, the more crucial cyber insurance becomes. 

 

Personal Information Is Protected In Your Industry:

Healthcare, educational, and legal companies all have higher standards of protection required for information. If you work in one of those industries or have other information protection requirements, it is a good idea to have a good cyber insurance plan. 

 

You Don’t Have A Cyber Attack Plan: 

Some companies can provide their own protection and understand cyber security well enough that cyber insurance is less important. But if you don’t have a plan for what your business would do if you had a cyber-attack today, you should probably consider cyber insurance. 

Want to get started on planning your company’s incident response? Check out our guide (including a FREE Incident Reponse Plan Template).

 

You Don’t Know How To Protect Your Business Information: 

You may be aware that your business’s data needs protection, but knowing what level of protection you need is a different matter. Having a good cyber insurance policy can help cover any accidental gaps left in your cyber insurance plan. 

 

You Don’t Have The Finances To Cover A Breach:

One way to decide if you need cyber insurance is to think about the realistic costs of a cyber breach. Cyberattacks have targeted as many as 50% of small businesses in the U.S., and this number is only increasing. If your business wouldn’t survive the full cost of a successful cyber attack, cyber insurance was designed for you. 

 

Conclusion

If you’re still on the fence, you should talk with your business’s cyber security team and see if they think cyber liability insurance would be an excellent addition to your cybersecurity plan. Do they think you are relatively safe against a cyber attack?

Contacting an insurance agent is another good idea. They’ll be able to evaluate your need, risk factors, and current setup to see if cyber insurance is a good option for you.

You may find that you want to prevent a data breach before disaster strikes. In that case, many 3rd party cyber security firms, like Edge Networks, offer evaluation services and can rate your current security strengths, needs, and weaknesses. To learn more about the health of your business’s cybersecurity, take our free, self-guided IT security risk assessment today, or contact us to schedule a free 30 minute consultation.

The Savvy Business Owner’s Guide to Cybersecurity Consulting

Everything you need to know about Cybersecurity Consulting Services

In today’s world, cybersecurity has become incredibly important. News of major ransomware attacks and other kinds of hacking has revealed how vulnerable many businesses and even government networks really are. All it takes is one piece of code getting where it shouldn’t, and all of your business’s digital data and records are at risk. That’s where cybersecurity consulting comes in.

Cybersecurity consultants help businesses beat the threat of hacking long before a hacker tries to breach your security. We’ll cover everything you need to know about cybersecurity consulting, from what consultants do to when your business needs one. We’ll also cover the benefits of qualified outside cybersecurity consulting, so you know what to expect. 

Let’s dive in. 

 

What Is Cybersecurity Consulting?

Cybersecurity refers to the integrity of digital systems and networks from outside attacks. A secure system is difficult to access and is protected against the most recent innovations in hacking and digital spying. 

Cybersecurity consultants help both businesses and private individuals keep their information and data systems as safe as possible. They expose and fix weaknesses, maintain system integrity, and may even help detect malware and other security breaches before they can cause severe damage.

Here’s how they do it: 

 

How Cybersecurity Consulting Benefits You

Since cybersecurity consultants often work behind the scenes, it’s common for businesses and individuals not to know what their consultant is doing. Here are some of the most common tasks a cybersecurity consultant is performing and how they help.

Now, some consultants only recommend action without taking it. It all depends on what kind of consultant you’re working with. Always check to see if your consultant will be able to implement changes and perform maintenance to keep your system safe, or if they are strictly offering advice. 

 

Staying Up To Date On Current Cyber Threats

Since there are always new viruses and new vulnerabilities in any digital system, it’s important to keep your cybersecurity measures as up-to-date as possible.

That’s part of where consultants come in. Cybersecurity consultants stay up to date on current risks and are aware of the vulnerabilities in common operating systems and data structures. That way, they can address potential threats and help push necessary updates to close any vulnerabilities. 

 

Install and Maintain Firewall Protections

In addition to maintaining awareness of the current threats, cybersecurity consultants can install firewalls and other protections to keep your data safe. Firewalls work in conjunction with the defenses in your operating system to help prevent any incoming attack from reaching your data. 

 

Password Authentication and Maintenance

A good cybersecurity consultant can also help ensure that all passwords used to access your data are secure and up to date. They can help with purging old passwords, as well as suggesting password protection upgrades to help keep your business’s information secure. 

 

Helping Meet Compliance Standards

While the United States doesn’t have any enforced cybersecurity standards, it’s still a good idea to ensure your cybersecurity measures are compliant with current industry standards. Since the EU does have cybersecurity standards for business, those are the most common benchmark for good cybersecurity practices.

A cybersecurity consultant can make sure all standards are being met and that your business consistently scores well on compliance checks.

This isn’t just a great way to make sure your information is secure; it’s also good reassurance for investors and stockholders. Meeting high cybersecurity standards is the best way to convince stockholders and customers that their information is safe with your business. 

 

Testing Vulnerabilities

Most cybersecurity experts have some idea of how to exploit cybersecurity weaknesses and how to hack into data systems. That’s important because it means that they know what hackers are looking for and what the most common vulnerabilities will be.

Testing a system’s vulnerabilities is one of the best ways to see how well protected your data is, and many cybersecurity consultants offer testing services for precisely that reason. Periodic testing is an excellent way to stay on top of any new vulnerabilities and improve the strength of your firewall and other safety measures. 

 

Maintain Email Security

One of the most essential forms of communication for many businesses is email. Unfortunately, unsecured email can also be one of the most vulnerable parts of your business’s data network (and an easy point of entry for hackers).

Cybersecurity consultants can recommend the appropriate level of encryption, as well as password and verification standards, to help keep your network safe. That way, you can email as often as you need to, without worrying about a breach. 

 

Mobile Security Planning

As more and more businesses rely on mobile devices and on-the-go communication, those devices are introducing another layer of necessary security. Most mobile devices are still relatively secure, with only a few known weaknesses and breaches to worry about. However, the relative security of mobile devices is changing and changing fast.

Getting ahead of possible security problems with a mobile device security plan is essential, and most cybersecurity consultants can help. 

 

Other Security Tasks

It’s not practical to list all the benefits of having a cybersecurity consultant, or what they can do to help ensure your business’s long-term security. Don’t be surprised if your cybersecurity consultant recommends other changes (or if you see additional benefits to the ones we’ve listed here). 

 

When Is It Time To Get A Cybersecurity Consultant?

The truth is, most people and businesses don’t know when it’s time to get a cybersecurity consultant on their side. Many businesses assume that hackers are only going to be going after the biggest companies and the most important competitors in any niche, but that isn’t true.

(Source: Mars Technology, 2019)

 

Hackers target small companies 43% of the time, according to Mars Technology. That may be because small companies tend to have less robust security systems, making them easier to target.

If you want to avoid becoming a target for hackers, you have to understand when your data might be valuable to them, and how to protect your data before hackers realize you’re a good target.

Here are some ways to tell when it’s time to hire a cybersecurity consultant. 

 

What Kind of Business Do You Run?

Businesses often assume they have to reach a certain size before hiring a cybersecurity consultant, but the truth is that the industry they work in can be just as important.

For instance, healthcare companies should always have a cybersecurity consultant because of the kinds of information they collect from patients and clients. Similarly, law enforcement agents should always have a cybersecurity consultant or expert on staff since they also handle sensitive personal information and identification.

The more sensitive the information your business collects, the more important it is to have a cybersecurity expert available to help protect that data. One common benchmark for hiring a cybersecurity expert is if your business collects clients’ or customers’ addresses, social security numbers, or other risky personal information. 

 

How Many People Access Your Data Network?

Another good way to tell if you need a cybersecurity consultant is how many people work with your data each day. The more people logging into your network, communicating on your email servers, or otherwise accessing your network, the more important it is to have a good consultant.

 

How Damaging Would A Data Breach Be?

Small businesses specifically often struggle after a data breach, whether or not their data was stolen or used maliciously. Investors and customers lose confidence in businesses after data breaches, and small businesses often struggle to raise the resources they need to recover.

The more potentially damaging a data breach would be, the more likely it is you need a cybersecurity consultant in the worst-case scenario. 

 

Do You Know What Technologies Are Safe?

Another good sign that you might need a cybersecurity consultant is not knowing what programs and technologies are safe to use and how to secure the tools you already use.

Cybersecurity consultants can be brought in for ongoing or one-time consultations to help you choose the kind of security measures that work best with your business and help you use the most secure options.

For instance, a cybersecurity consultant might recommend what email service to use for official correspondence, or help you set up a business email server to help keep your communication safe. If you collect and store client information, they can help you choose what program and security system you need for that information.

Even if you don’t work with your cybersecurity consultant long-term, these services can help keep your business safe. 

 

What To Look For In A Good Cybersecurity Consultant

Choosing a cybersecurity consultant can be difficult. You need someone who not only understands the finer points of cybersecurity, but also communicates them well and can gauge the needs of your business.

Other than just professional qualifications, here are a few things to look for in a good cybersecurity consultant. 

 

They’ve Worked In Your Industry

One good sign for any cybersecurity professional is if they’ve already had experience working in your industry. Some kinds of businesses need stricter protections, while others can use mild protection effectively.

If your cybersecurity consultant has worked in your industry before, the odds are good that they’ll know what protections you need and which are good value for the industry.

It’s also a good bet if your cybersecurity professional has worked in similar industries. For instance, healthcare needs strict protections, but a consultant that has experience working with primary care doctors can likely work well with chiropractors, hospitals, and other healthcare businesses.

 

Reviews

Business consultants of all kinds rely on testimonials about their services, so it should be relatively easy to find reviews for any cybersecurity consultants you’re considering.

 

Read several of the reviews to get an idea of where this consultant excels. Reviews might tell you things like what industries they’ve worked with, what areas of specialty they have, and how well this consultant communicates with clients.

Bad reviews can also tell you a lot about a consultant. For instance, did they recommend solutions that were outside the business’s budget? Did they recommend solutions that weren’t compliant with cybersecurity standards or exceeded standards for no reason? 

 

Do They Implement Suggestions?

Some cybersecurity consultants look over your systems, recommend improvements, and leave it to the business to implement these changes. These consultants are great if you have an established cybersecurity or IT team, since you won’t be paying the consultant for tasks your regular employees can perform.

However, suppose you don’t have your own cybersecurity team. In that case, it’s usually better to look for a full-service consultant or someone who can take your existing security measures, suggest improvements, and implement the changes after getting your approval.

You can usually tell the difference between these types of consultants by looking at the services offered on their website. 

 

What Certifications Do They Hold?

Cybersecurity consultants typically carry several certifications to prove that they are qualified to do what they are doing. Looking for these certifications is a good litmus test to ensure your consultant can handle making security improvements.

Here are a couple of the more important and most common certifications for cybersecurity professionals. 

 

CEH – Certified Ethical Hacker

This certification proves that your consultant knows how to hack and knows what weaknesses to look for. Holders of this certification often offer security testing services where they attempt to hack your system to look for vulnerabilities and make recommendations. 

 

CISM – Certified Information Systems Manager

This certification is one of the most common requirements for cybersecurity professionals. Not all cybersecurity professionals hold it, but many businesses look for this credential when they’re hiring. This certification covers information systems security, security maintenance, incident management, and other critical cybersecurity skills. 

 

CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional

Issued by the ICP, this is another critical security certification that can prove your consultant has the skills to evaluate and implement a high-quality security system.

This certification is all about the design, implementation, and maintenance of top-notch cybersecurity systems. It’s an excellent qualification to look for you if you’re looking for a custom-created cybersecurity system, but not necessary for implementing basic firewalls and encryption. 

Are you ready to take the next steps in ensuring your business’s cybersecurity? Edge Networks is here to help. Get started with an IT Risk Assessment, or contact us today for a free 30 minute consultation.

Everything You Need To Know About PCI Compliance For Your Business

PCI Compliance Doesn’t Need to Be an Impossible Task

For the longest time, businesses on the internet were susceptible to credit card fraud. Credit card handlers and companies alike were unsure of how to protect data stored on the internet. That’s where PCI compliance comes in. Founded in 2006, the PCI Security Standards Council sets restrictions for how business online is done. PCI compliance keeps companies, cardholders, and banks safe. Here, we’ll discuss all things PCI Compliance for you and your business. From the required standards to questionnaires, you should have a solid grasp of all that makes up this safety standard by the time you finish reading. Understanding PCI compliance does not need to be an impossible task.

 

What is PCI Compliance?

It was determined a long time ago that credit cards on the internet needed some form of protection. Without protection, these methods of payment are susceptible to fraud and theft. PCI compliance exists to ensure that a platform is safe for customers to plug in their private information. It assures your clients and customers that their data is safe with your business.

To be considered PCI compliant, your business site must pass a set of standards. These standards include:

  • Shopping cart page regulations where credit cards are used
  • Checks on any card readers that are attached to your computer
  • Username/password systems that protect a client’s information

 

Do You Need PCI Compliance?

The short answer is yes. For any site that accepts payment, PCI compliance is a must. Without it, fees and risks rise exponentially. If your site or business takes credit cards on the internet, you need to go through the process for the sake of your future. It is of the utmost importance, and it is also a legal requirement for your safety.

There are a few different levels of PCI compliance. A business must first determine what level they fall under before proceeding. From there, they can go about securing their network. We will discuss this a little later in the article.

 

Common Acronyms Used in PCI Compliance

When you look into the process of becoming PCI compliant, you’ll see that there are a bunch of different steps that you need to complete. Three items are labeled with acronyms that might be confusing at first glance. You will need to know all of them so that you know what to expect when you see them.

The three items you will need to know the differences between include:

  1. PCI DSS Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ)
  2. Attestation of Compliance (AoC)
  3. Report on Compliance (RoC)

We’ll go over each of these so that you know what they are and when they come into play. Each has a part in ensuring that your method of accepting payment is secure for your clients. They are all critical to your business.

 

1. PCI DSS Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ)

This item is a form that will help you determine which compliance regulations apply to your organization. There are nine different versions of the document, and they all depend on how your business processes, handles, and stores the information that cardholders provide.

The nine types include:

  • SAQ A
  • SAQ A-EP
  • SAQ B
  • SAQ B-IP
  • SAQ C-VT
  • SAQ C
  • SAQ P2PE-HW
  • SAQ D for Merchants
  • SAQ D for Service Providers

You will need to determine which is best for you to use based on how you handle business. Having this form is a crucial part of becoming PCI compliant. It will keep you from taking unnecessary measures for your business as you go about this process.

 

2. Attestation of Compliance (AoC)

The Attestation of Compliance is an action completed by a QSA, otherwise known as a Qualified Security Assessor. They will create documented evidence that informs the council that your business upholds solid security practices. They will ensure that you have completed your SAQ and meet all the required standards.

There are a few different versions of the AoC, just as with the SAQ. You’ll need to pick the one that corresponds with the SAQ you filled out based on your business. That way, you can get a proper attestation completed.

 

3. Report on Compliance (RoC)

The RoC, or Report on Compliance, is a report on everything a business does to ensure the best protection for cardholders. Another Qualified Security Assessor will examine and perform an audit of your controls. They will also summarize and document their findings, which turn into this final report. 

The RoC reports on items such as:

  • The security posture
  • The overall environment
  • The systems in use
  • The methods utilized to protect data

This report is necessary because it will allow your clients to understand what your security is. They will know if their card information is safe on your site. They will also know if there are any risks they will be taking in providing you with personal information. This report is one of the final steps when you are determining if you are compliant or not.

 

How Do You Become PCI Compliant?

There are six steps that you must take on to become PCI compliant. By following each of them carefully, you can ensure that your site is safe and protected. This process varies depending on the size of your business and how many transactions occur on your site. Different standards apply to varying organizations.

The six key steps include:

  1. Determining your PCI level
  2. Acknowledging potential consequences for failing to be PCI Compliant
  3. Completing a Self-Compliance Questionnaire
  4. Creating a secure network
  5. Filling out an Attestation of Compliance
  6. File paperwork

We will go over each of these carefully so that you can understand the process. It probably seems complicated, but it’s not. With careful reading, you will be able to make your site PCI compliant in no time at all.

 

1. Determining Your PCI Level

The first step when making your business PCI compliant is to determine what PCI level you are. There are four of them, all based on a few different factors.

The PCI Levels include:

  • LevelOne: This applies to you if your business processes over six million transactions annually, no matter what channel is being used.
  • LevelTwo: This applies to you if your business processes between one million and six million transactions annually, Level Three: This applies to you if your business processes 20,000 to one million eCommerce transactions annually.
  • LevelFour: This applies to you if your business processes less than 20,000 eCommerce transactions annually, or less than one million no matter what channel is used.

Based on the transactions that your business makes, you can decide what your PCI level is. This label will assist you in determining what standards you will need to use to make your business PCI compliant.

 

2. Note Consequences

Any store or business that stores credit card information is required to be PCI compliant. Failing to do so can result in fees, fines, and even larger consequences down the road. You’re putting your business and customers at risk by avoiding the process.

Some of the events that could occur as a result of failing to become PCI compliant include:

  • Loss of business reputation
  • Credit card breaches
  • Lawsuits
  • Fees and fines

You should note the potential consequences for your particular PCI level. You should be prepared to face them if you fail to make your business PCI compliant.

 

3. Complete a PCI RSS Self-Assessment Questionnaire

Next, you will need to fill out a Self-Assessment Questionnaire. These are the forms we discussed above. You will fill out the one that corresponds to your business and the online transactions that occur within your fiscal year.

The form is as simple as they come. It goes over each of the PCI Data Security Standard Requirements, to which you will answer yes or no in response. A yes means that your company security follows that standard. A no means that you may have some gaps that you need to address.

The PCI RSS Self-Assessment Questionnaire will help you figure out what you need to tackle before auditing your PCI compliance. You should be able to answer yes to every question if you are fully functional in protecting your clients’ cards.

 

4.  Create a Secure Network

Once you know what areas your security is lacking, you can address them. You should adhere to the twelve guidelines that fit your business. If the changes are simple, you can do them yourself. If you’re not sure how to address them, you can seek outside help to make the alterations.

Some fixes made at this point could include:

  • Adding a firewall to protect data
  • Restricting access to cardholder data
  • Authenticating access to the system
  • Creating a policy for personnel to follow for security

Once you have addressed each of your security problems, you will be ready to move on to the final steps of becoming PCI compliant. Make sure you have covered all of your bases before proceeding.

 

5. Fill Out an Attestation of Compliance

Once you feel that you’re ready, you can fill out an Attestation of Compliance. This decision means that you are positive that your business fits with all of the required guidelines. A Qualified Security Assessor will come and scope out the situation, filing a report in the process.

When they are done, they will have completed a Report on Compliance. This report will inform the council whether or not you have adhered to the guidelines. If you succeed with filing your attestation, you are ready to move on to the final step.

 

6. File Paperwork

The final step in becoming PCI compliant is to fill out paperwork. You will need to do this with banks, credit card companies, and every other company you may be working with. Some papers that you might need to submit:

  • The SAQ
  • The AoC
  • An external vulnerability scan

Once the paperwork goes through, you should be good to go. Your business can proudly declare that it is safe for cardholders to access their information. If you need help during the process, there are companies out there that can assist you. Ask for help if you are stuck. It’s better to get help than to fall short of becoming PCI compliant.

 

How to Become Compliant on Various Platforms

Many platforms can be used to collect credit card information. On most of them, you will need to become PCI compliant for the safety of your business and clients.

We will discuss two popular platforms that you may need to become PCI compliant on. If you run any form of credit card transactions through these, you will need to go through the PCI compliance process.

PCI Compliance on Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is a platform that is often used in the workspace. If you capture or record credit card information at any time in this space, you will need to make your platform PCI compliant. If you are using calls to contact your customers, you should use an add-on agency to ensure that the calls are private.

To become PCI compliant, you can follow the same process as stated above. Your situation will only apply to phone calls. The security efforts you make will be based on making sure that every call you make is as private as possible.

 

PCI Compliance on WordPress

WordPress is a website maker that many use for their businesses. This means that goods and services are often purchased through this online format. While the internet is a great place for an up-and-coming business, it can be dangerous. Anyone taking credit card payments on WordPress should take action to make their site PCI compliant.

To make your WordPress site fit this standard, you will need to:

  • Find your merchant level
  • Fill out the SAQ
  • Figure out necessary security patches
  • Use proper plugins and tools to take in the information
  • Fill out the appropriate paperwork

Once you are PCI compliant on WordPress, your customers can feel safe giving you their information. This completion can help a small business get on its feet much faster.

Eventually, you will understand the security measures like the back of your hand. PCI compliance might seem annoying, but it is a great item that protects you, your customers, and even the banks from falling prey to fraud online.

 

The Path to PCI Compliance

This is just one of the most important regulations you may come across in your organization. It’s a good idea to examine your compliance procedures at least once a year, and more frequently if the regulations change.

We recommend consulting with legal counsel if your organization lacks in-house staff with the detailed understanding required to assure compliance.

You should contact a skilled compliance and technology partner, such asEdge Networks, to help you with the technical and operational parts of your compliance journey. Your investment will begin to pay for itself immediately, and remember, you can’t put a price on your peace of mind. Contact us today for a free 30 minute consultation.

Social Engineering: Common Methods, Examples, and Preventative Measures

What is Social Engineering?

Social engineering is a strategy that has invaded much of our world today. Around 98% of cyber-attacks rely on social engineering to get them their information. So how does social engineering work? Thieves and criminals attempt to use manipulation to trick individuals out of information, because it is easier to exploit a human’s ability to trust another than teaching themselves how to hack software. Knowing the techniques they use, how they use them, and how to prevent these attacks can come in handy.

 

Keep on reading to learn more about this sneaky strategy that many manipulators use. By the end, you should be much more prepared to take on one of these attacks if it should happen to you. With any luck, you will be able to avoid the many ways that a hacker may attempt to push themselves into your system.

 

Common Methods Used in Social Engineering

Those who use the social engineering tactic have a lot of methods that they can choose from. The way they try to get information from people spans across all platforms, from text messages to websites. Practically every industry on the market has been breached in some way by social engineering.

There are six main methods that social engineers will use to pry information from people. Knowing these could help you from falling victim to an elaborate plan. You should become familiar with them as best as you can.

 

1. The Whaling Attack

The whaling attack centers its target on a very specific group of people. It’s a sophisticated attack that works against those who have special access to systems that tend to be at a higher level than others. Someone who might experience a whaling attack would have a large sum of money hidden behind an intricate system.

When conducting a whaling attack, the criminal will typically do the following things:

  • Find a messaging platform that is often accessed by the user, such as an email
  • Craft a compelling message that entices the viewer to click it
  • Draw the user in and grab their information

Once the link or mail is clicked, that’s all that it takes. Most often, the message will seem urgent, and the user might want to respond immediately. It is critical to check where the item is coming from before following through.

 

2. The Watering Hole

The watering hole attack takes inspiration from the drinking spots where animals go to get hydrated for the day. Like this spot, the hacker will place harmful code on a popular website, targeting the types of people that they assume will visit that site. This leaves them vulnerable whenever they go to that particular site.

The attacker using this method will likely:

  • Wait until a particular moment to use this attack
  • Launch on a website or a software
  • Be quick and efficient

The watering hole technique is used when these attackers want access to a specific group of people. It could be anyone, from entrepreneurs to financial advisors. This one is a little harder to prevent since you cannot see it coming.

 

3. The Pretexting Method

The pretexting method targets those who fall victim to others telling them that they need assistance. The attacker might message the victim to let them know that they need their personal information to fix a problem on one of their accounts. This can be done through messaging or calling.

Often, someone using the pretexting method will:

  • Text without further notice, asking right away for information
  • Use that information, should they get it, to access the victim’s accounts

The damage is done when the victim gives up all of their passwords and usernames to these attackers. If you do not give it to them, it is harder for them to get it. They rely on human nature to provide a helpful response in a time of uncertainly.

 

4. The Baiting Attack

The baiting attack is perhaps one of the most common forms of attack. Through this, a link disguised as being helpful is sent out to a victim to manipulate them. However, it often contains malicious and aggressive software that will do them harm.

Often, these attackers will send out the link through:

  • Text messages
  • A messaging platform on social media
  • An email

These links are usually pretty obvious. However, some can be trickier than others. Any random link in an unexpected email should not be clicked for safety purposes. You could risk the entire security system of your computer or phone.

 

5. The Quid Pro Quo Attack

The quid pro quo attack is a lot like the baiting attack. However, there are a few things that set them apart from each other. This attack involves the baiter giving tasks to the victim, often pretending to be someone to help them with their device. These instructions will leave the device vulnerable for the attacker to swoop in.

This one is particularly tricky because the victim must perform the steps themselves. It is critical to avoid any instructions or advice that come from a source you are not anticipating. Being cautious can prevent your private information from slipping into the wrong hands.

 

6. The Phishing Attack

The phishing attack is seen most often. The phishing attack uses a variety of items to try to get a person’s attention. These often have emotional ties and pretend to be trustworthy individuals that the victim could trust. They also use companies and sources that seem legitimate to anyone who glances at them.

The individual using the phishing attack will:

  • Take on an identity tied to the victim
  • Send a message to get the victim’s attention with urgency
  • Wait for the victim to click
  • Gather their information

It’s all too easy for someone to fall victim to this trick. The phishing attack is especially dangerous because it targets people’s emotions. Emotions are a powerful thing, something that could take anyone down in an instant.

These malicious messages make up most cases of social engineering cyberattacks. Around 65% of these attacks utilize a form of phishing as the way that they gain access. The phishing attack is a simple way for hackers to claw their way into a system.

Examples of Social Engineering in Action

For many, it can be hard to understand this concept without putting it into action. We’ll dive into a few examples of social engineering, showing examples of attacks in specific locations where they might happen.

Not all attacks are created equal. Knowing what a few might look like can help you pick one out, no matter how different it looks from others that we have shown.

 

1. Examples of Whaling Attacks in Social Engineering

As the whaling attack is intended to target one particular type of person, there are very specific situations in which an act is carried out. We will go over a few examples to fully understand how this method of social engineering works.

The attacker essentially goes for the “whale” of a company, organization, or network. They will wait patiently and then will strike someone such as:

  • A prominent hedge fund founder over a network like Zoom
  • A small business owner through email
  • A firm CEO over a cyberattack

All of these are examples of whaling attacks in action. The hacker will wait until the moment is right. Then, they spring on the leader and attempt to pull as much money and access as possible from the person they have attacked.

 

2. Examples of Watering Hole Attacks in Social Engineering

As we have discussed, a watering hole attack targets a group of people involved in the same kind of industry or profession. The attacker will probe the website for a weakness that could allow them to infiltrate the website and those that make use of it.

Some examples of watering hole attacks include:

All these items targeted a website and those that visited it regularly. The attacks occurred once they had infiltrated the site and gained access to the hundreds of thousands of people who visited it every day.

 

3. Examples of the Pretexting Method in Social Engineering

Pretexting is the method of attack in which an attacker will contact an individual with an informational request. The individual will then respond with their personal information that the attacker can then use to gain access to more private information.

Pretexting can occur in a variety of formats. Some of them include:

  • An attacker posing as the CEO of a company and requesting personal information from employees
  • A social engineer acting as the leader of a bank and requesting personal information to assist a customer with an account
  • Someone working as a customer assistance rep and requesting access to a certain account to help

The pretexting method can sneak up on people rather unexpectedly. If you receive a message requesting any personal information, it is critical to double-check the source. Pretexting can happen to anyone who is not paying attention.

Never give out your personal information through a text message or email. This is a rare way to exchange this kind of critical information about your life. Unless you have had a verbal, in-person agreement, you should not be handing yourself out on the internet. It doesn’t matter how trustworthy they seem to be in the space.

 

4. Examples of the Baiting Attack in Social Engineering

Often, a baiting attack happens in the real world. A criminal might leave a hard drive or a link that, when clicked or entered, will lead the victim straight to harmful malware. From there, the attacker can get what they want.

Baiting can also involve advertisement online. These can be tempting for a user to click, with enticing images and headlines. When the victim clicks, they download the malware onto their computer or phone.

Malware can take many forms, such as viruses, ransomware, spyware, spam, and more. The first step to avoid all types of malware is staying educated on how they happen, where they come from, and what they can change into. Read the blog post below to discover 6 ransomware trends you should watch for in 2021.

 

5. Examples of the Quid Pro Quo Attack in Social Engineering

A quid pro quo is a high-level format of attack. The hacker asks for access to a company or a large organization in a method that sounds simple, easy, and harmless. From there, they can take control and finish whatever they have set out to do.

A quid pro quo attack might involve:

  • Someone offering assistance if an individual disables their security
  • A free fix for the cost of some personal information

Both of these offer to give something away, but for the victim to receive that thing, they must also give something in return. It sounds too good to be true, and often that’s because it is.

 

6. Examples of the Phishing Attack in Social Engineering

The phishing attack is a format of aggressive baiting. There are many different subcategories of the act, but the main point of it is to get ahold of personal information that the victim hands out.

A phishing attack can happen:

  • On a fake website
  • Through a faulty link
  • In an email or a mass text message

The phishing attack is the simplest, and yet it is also the most powerful. There is a large group of people who fall for this trick every single day.

 

Ways to Prevent Social Engineering

Standing up against social engineering is a critical part of existing in our society today. Everywhere, hackers make use of social engineering in an attempt to gain valuable information that could win them all of your money. How do you take a stand against such an aggressive and dangerous type of individual?

There are quite a few things that you can consider when trying to prevent social engineering from happening to you. Some of the best include:

  • Staying cautious at all times, no matter how trustworthy the coerce seems to be
  • Never giving out personal information unless you are confident of the situation that you are in
  • Using services to keep track of who is calling you and double-checking phone numbers or emails that you are suspicious of
  • Deleting requests for personal information before you can get involved
  • Giving a second thought to everything before you click on it
  • Ignoring offers and prizes, which are oftentimes fake when sent to you in a mailbox on the internet or in your physical mailbox

By staying on top of the game, you can prevent yourself and your assets from being corrupted by criminals using social engineering.

Are you concerned about the cybersecurity of your business? Edge Networks can help! Take our free, self-guided IT Security Risk Assessment, or contact us today for a free, 30-minute consultation.

Security Measures to Consider as Employees Return to the Office

Best Cybersecurity Practices for Your Employees as They Return to the Office during COVID-19

At long last, the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be slowing down, at least in the USA. Although millions of more people still need to be vaccinated, and there is a chance that the coronavirus will mutate and become dangerous once again, the next few months will likely continue to see a gradual lifting of pandemic restrictions. Some companies are already starting to ask their workers to return to the office. Even though many people are eager to get back to the way things were before the pandemic, office administrators and company executives need to consider several significant security measures as their workers return.

There are two primary security measures to keep in mind: digital security measures and pandemic security policies.

 

Security Measure #1: Remote Work and Digital Security Challenges

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a wide range of changes to the greater economy, but the most widespread of all was the sudden (and largely required) shift to remote work. According to  Mimecast Limited , 71% of employees are currently working from home.

 

 

Although remote work will no longer be strictly necessary once the pandemic is fully over, many companies are considering allowing certain segments of their workforce to continue to work from home, at least on a part-time basis. But while remote work can be convenient and even more productive for certain employees, it also introduces unique security challenges.

 

VPNs and Antivirus

One of the top cybersecurity recommendations we have is that organizations should look into upgrading or establishing VPN and antivirus software and policies for their workforces if they haven’t yet already. VPNs or virtual private networks help to mask IP addresses and prevent hackers or other cybercriminals from infiltrating your organization. Antivirus prevents malware and other digital threats from attacking your company’s data or systems.
VPNs can be beneficial for remote workers, especially if they like to do some of their work in public places on local Wi-Fi networks (such as coffee shops, etc.). Companies looking to maximize security should make VPN usage a requirement and educate their employees about how to use these new digital tools correctly and safely.
While VPNs can be very helpful for maximizing company security, it’s also important to remember that they aren’t foolproof. A VPN doesn’t prevent an employee’s computer from being hacked, so they still need to practice good digital hygiene to prevent compromising their company’s security as they work from afar.

Remote Log-In Protocols

By the same token, companies should endeavor to educate their employees about secure remote login protocols. Here are just a couple of ideas:
  • Never leave a work laptop or computer unattended
  • Never share workplace login info with anyone
  • Don’t use public Wi-Fi with a work computer (even with a VPN)
  • And so on.
By establishing remote login protocols now, any remote employees who continue working for your company from home won’t compromise your organizational security or allow bad actors into your systems.

These guidelines might seem like common sense for your responsible employees, but making them into companywide policies can protect your company in the event of legal trouble and help you to crack down on compliance if necessary.

Educating employees is essential for security; be sure to stay on top of current trends to help you avoid cyberattacks.

Have Cyber Hygiene Training Ready for Employees that Return to the Office

Beyond these remote work-specific tips, it’s never a bad idea to have “cyber-hygiene” seminars and quarterly meetings, especially for your in-person employees.
Digital hygiene is surprisingly relaxed in many organizations across America. If you want your workplace to be as secure as possible, you have to teach employees how to practice good digital hygiene, such as not leaving ID badges or other identifying information around, never sharing workplace passwords with anyone else, and more.
Cyber-hygiene training seminars allow everyone to get back on the same page as they re-acclimate to working in an office environment. Many employees have likely lessened their security practices during the pandemic, as many of them have primarily been working from home, but it’s time to get back to work and strive to keep the workplace secure in our modern, digital-focused environment.

Security Measure #2: COVID-19 Concerns – How to Keep Employees Safe

The other significant aspect of security as your workforce returns to the office focuses on pandemic concerns. Even though many companies are now allowing their employees to return to the office, we’re still in the midst of a pandemic. Even with increased vaccination rates throughout the country, it will likely still be some months before everyone is immune to the virus.
To that end, you should keep these strategies in mind to keep your employees safe as they return to the office.

Update Everyone on New Policies – Including Security Protocols – As They Return to the Office

Any office targeting 100% security and health compliance should update their current employees about new policies they might have implemented during the pandemic, especially the policies developed specifically for returning to work in the office.
Many of your employees might have even forgotten the standard security protocols in place before the pandemic. For both of these reasons, consider sending out a security protocol packet or email to employees before their first scheduled day of work back in the office.
For example, your office might consider installing a new security checkpoint before employees can enter your building. You can take the temperatures of ingoing and outgoing employees at this checkpoint, ask for ID badges to scan people in, and more. Still, this new security measure will go over a lot more smoothly with your employees if you alert them to it before they arrive.

Vaccination Requirements and Regular Tests

Your company might also consider adopting vaccination requirements, especially if you plan to bring your workers back into the office in waves. Vaccination requirements help ensure the lowest possible likelihood of COVID-19 transmission and bring peace of mind to all the employees already in the office.
If everyone at your physical workplace has been vaccinated, the chance of a coronavirus outbreak in your office is near zero.
Additionally, regular COVID-19 tests can help to bolster peace of mind and reinforce a sense of security and efficiency at your workplace. Tests should be used if vaccination is not yet available for everyone in your area or in the weeks and months leading up to 100% vaccination for your workforce.
Of course, these measures aren’t possible for every company, and some organizations may need all hands on deck ASAP. Still, if it’s at all possible to mandate vaccination before a return to office work, you’ll do any returning employees a big favor, maximizing their security to the best of your ability.

Social Distancing and Physical Barriers as Employees Return to the Office

As you enforce regular COVID-19 tests for your employees, you should still mandate some social distancing and physical barrier rules, particularly in crowded areas. Masks are always a good idea, especially as employees will still pass one another closely even while they generally adhere to social distancing restrictions.
Physical barriers, such as enclosed office cubicles, can help to bring privacy back to the workplace and prevent the spread of micro-droplets if employees want to take their masks off while seated at their desks.
These measures may seem a little restrictive, but they can help lower the likelihood of a COVID-19 flare-up. Even better, you can reassure your employees that these measures are only temporary until everyone in your office has been vaccinated or until the risk of COVID-19 subsides.

Keep Health and Disinfectant Supplies Readily Available

Lastly, you’ll want to keep lots of health supplies – such as hand sanitizer, soap and water, and antibacterial wipes – on hand and within easy access for your employees. Even once they get vaccinated, many employees may want to maintain top-tier hygiene to protect people they have back home.
Giving them the tools to stay healthy and to keep their workplaces clean will show your employees that you care about the safety of them and their families and will help facilitate an environment of safety and trust.

Find the Right Balance Between Productivity and Security as Your Employees Return to the Office

All of these security tips are crucial, but it’s important as an office administrator or executive to strike a balance between productivity and security. The point of bringing everyone back to the office is to bring collaboration back, as well as make everyone feel like they’re part of a team once again.
With this in mind, consider asking your employees what security measures or restrictions they feel would best suit them and their needs. An open-door policy (and establishing an ongoing dialogue between yourself and your workforce) is the best way to make sure you can keep your organization safe and secure, plus make your employees feel heard.
For instance, your office employees might not feel that masks are necessary if you have a vaccination requirement. Alternatively, several people who work for you might still feel strongly about social distancing and maintaining health protocols over the next couple of months because they have an immunocompromised family member at home. Regardless, having these discussions can help you calibrate your security response, at least regarding COVID-19 policies.
If your company is still working partially or fully remote, check out the blog post below for tips on how to maintain the cybersecurity of your remote employees.

COVID-19 has been challenging for us all, but things are starting to look up again. As we stick to secure practices and finish strong, we can reach the second half of 2021 healthier and more productive than ever before. 

If you’d like to find out where you company stands in terms of cybersecurity, schedule a call with us or take our free, self-guided IT Security Risk Assessment. 

Centennial School District Compromised by Ransomware

On the News: Edge Networks Discusses the Centennial School District Cyber Attack

Recently, KATU News went on air to talk about a ransomware attack at Centennial School District in Multnomah County, Oregon, and asked Edge Networks’ Founder and CEO, Mark Tishenko, to share his thoughts. Mark warned that ransomware attacks are a growing threat, and anyone can be at risk. If you are the target of a ransomware attack, having a ransomware incident response plan is critical to recovery. When ransomware hits your business and you feel panicked, an incident response plan will give you a roadmap. 

Watch the news clip and read the article by KATU News here.
 

The Jump to Digital Learning

March 2020 was a time when many students across the United States learned they’d be getting an extra week or two of Spring Break. Excitement was the primary emotion as students prepared for their extended break, but no one foresaw what followed – COVID-19 sweeping the nation (and the world), forcing schools to shut down. The result? Digital learning. 

The jump to digital learning was quick and led to many problems rising to the surface, like a lack of accessibility to devices and internet connection from home and teachers having little time to restructure their curriculums and adapt to new technologies alongside their students. In fact, Statista Research Department found that there was a 1,087% increase in Education app downloads solely between March 2nd-16th, 2020, a figure that’s hard to envision. 

Additionally, Business of Apps found that over 90,000 schools across the United States used Zoom as their primary virtual learning platform at the height of the pandemic, which is a lot of unexpected usage for a single app. In April 2020 , news broke out that hackers had stolen over half a million passwords from Zoom. Sure, a password may not seem like a big deal, but a 2019 Google / Harris Poll study found that only 35% of people use a different password for every account, meaning 65% of people reuse the same password for multiple or all accounts. This means that it’s likely the majority of those stolen Zoom passwords were attached to other accounts, which puts more sensitive data at risk.

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The thought of an app as heavily used and popular as Zoom being the target of an attack should raise concern. With people all across the nation moving to online learning, and the rapid increase of unfamiliar technologies and time spent online, many were left confused, burnt out, and more vulnerable than ever. 

An empty classroom

 

The Centennial School District Cyberattack

In late April 2021 , the Centennial School District of Multnomah County, Oregon was the target of a ransomware attack and decided to shut schools down for a week. You might think shutting schools down for a week because of ransomware is an overreaction, but cybercrime shouldn’t be taken lightheartedly.

It was confirmed that the attackers stole, encrypted, and published data from the systems to the dark web, putting the sensitive information of the district’s faculty, staff, and over 6,000 students at risk. 

Since the attack, Centennial School District officials were able to bring some systems back online but were ultimately tasked with shifting their learning resources to paper packets to replace the digital technology temporarily. 

Let’s Back it Up – What’s the Deal with Ransomware?

Ransomware is an ever-evolving type of malware (malicious software) that encrypts important files and systems, holding them “hostage” until a ransom payment is made. Hackers will often threaten to destroy, leak, or sell the stolen data to receive their payment, which can range from a few hundred dollars to a few million.
 
In July 2020, a U.S. travel management firm, CWT, was attacked by hackers that demanded $10 million. The hackers argued that the price would be much lower than lawsuit expenses and reputation loss by leaking information, but the ransom was negotiated down to $4.3 million, still an extremely significant loss.
 
However, ransomware’s perils extend beyond financial loss. According to the Sophos State of Ransomware 2021 research, the percentage of businesses choosing to pay a ransom has climbed to 32% in 2021, up from 26% last year. Only 8% of those who paid the ransom received all of their data returned, while nearly a third, 29%, could not recover more than half of the encrypted data. In short, paying a ransom doesn’t guarantee a safe return of your data, which is why we recommend regular backups.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Where Do We Go From Here?

Though it may seem unlikely, the truth is: anyone with a device that holds important data and access to the internet is at risk of a ransomware attack, not just large organizations. The ransomware attack at CWT or the attack on Zoom may seem far in the distance, but local attacks happen too, like the one within the Centennial School District. These attacks, though unfortunate, offer crucial reminders for people to review their cybersecurity health. 

When asked how to best mitigate against ransomware, CEO and Founder of Edge Networks, Mark Tishenko, shared that network hygiene, vulnerability management, and backup and disaster recovery are essential and that trusting your SaaS or cloud provider just isn’t enough anymore. Additionally, employee awareness training is paramount to preventing ransomware.

 

Taking Steps in the Right Direction

Cyberattacks are constantly evolving, and it’s essential to implement preventative practices and build up a solid defense against them. If you are unsure where to go from here, we recommend taking our free, self-guided IT risk assessment to discover your vulnerabilities and receive tips on how to improve your cybersecurity, or  schedule a call with us for a free 30-minute consultation. 

Staying educated on ransomware trends can also help you stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. 

How to Maintain the Cybersecurity of Your Remote Workers

The Sudden Jump to Remote Work: The Need For the Cybersecurity of Your Remote Workers

In August 2020,  Malwarebytes (PDF)  released a report including data from a survey conducted with 200 IT and cybersecurity professionals examining the impact of COVID-19 in the security world. They found that over 50% of IT employers stated their biggest work from home (WFH) challenge was training remote workers to work at home most securely and compliantly.
 
This daunting challenge is shared by many, from IT professionals to small-business owners.  You can’t escape the cybersecurity risks of working from home because there are always security issues with working remotely. However, with the quick jump from working in an office space to working remotely, many employees were undoubtedly left even more vulnerable to cyberattacks than before.
 
Although there is no way to ensure your team is 100% secure, we want to share a few working from home cyber security best practices and remote employee security tips to help you and your team stay protected.

Work from Home Security Tip #1: Educate Your Employees

Working remotely places more responsibility on individual employees to ensure security, but you should never assume they know the slightest thing about cybersecurity. Creating a plan to focus on cybersecurity for remote workers will help you in the long run. In an ideal world, security would be everyone’s responsibility, but that’s not the case when employees feel they are already overwhelmed with their current responsibilities. 

 

Set and Communicate Expectations 

Add that to the chaos of working from a distraction-filled home, where there may be children running around, a dog that needs walking, or a quick chore that needs to get done. It’s difficult for anyone to keep cybersecurity at the forefront of their mind with the endless distractions when working from home.
This is where you come in to provide helpful resources and clear expectations to ensure your company’s security in the form of education and a solid work from home security policy.
Setting clear expectations for remote employees doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as sending an email or as detailed as a remote working security policy they’re required to sign. Just remember, it should be easily accessible and clearly outline the company’s expectations as they work from home, including security guidelines, plans, and policies.

Phishing and Malware

Many people think cybersecurity attacks aren’t a real threat to them until it’s too late. Cybercriminals adapt along with the world’s current events and will take any opportunity to get what they want. A more recent example of this is with COVID-19.
When the second round of stimulus checks was approved, the IRS warned that scammers may reach out through text messages, social media, phone calls, and emails to disclose personal or bank information. These scammers would often use words such as “stimulus” and “coronavirus” and offer opportunities to invest in companies producing COVID-19 vaccines.
This serves as a great example to remind your employees to avoid phishing scams and malware, which are as high a risk as ever when working from home. Remember that there are many affordable resources available to help you manage IT security problems like phishing and ransomware attacks, such as KnowB4 or Proofpoint, and the cost is worth your peace of mind.

Password Management

Did you know that in 2019, compromised passwords were responsible for 81% of hacking-related breaches? Good password management practices can save you a lot of money, time, and heartache in the long run. Always train your employees to practice good password management.
A secure password includes:  
8-Character minimum length
Both upper and lowercase letters
At least one number
At least one special character
When possible, enable multi-factor authentication for an extra step of security. Schedule an annual password audit, never reuse old passwords, and don’t post your password in an unsecured location (such as in your device’s “notes” app, programmed as a device contact, or in an unsecured excel file). A great way to ensure cybersecurity for remote workers is to ensure your passwords are secure is by using a password manager, such as Dashlane, Last Pass, or 1Password, to keep your passwords in one place and create unique passwords for every account.
Remember that your employees have a lot going on outside of work, and you can’t expect them to become cybersecurity professionals overnight.

Work from Home Security Tip #2: Ensure Device Security

The good news is that many employers were able to supply their staff with devices to work remotely. The bad news is that not many employees were trained in caring for and ensuring the security of these devices. One of the most critical things you can do as an employer is to encourage your employees to have good work from home security awareness and to keep their devices secure through updated software, regulated personal devices, and avoiding unsecured networks.

Up-to-Date Software

Software updates can seem like a nuisance at times. It’s easy to click “Remind Me Later” when prompted to update but doing so can leave you vulnerable to attacks. Cyber threats are continually changing, which means operating system providers need regular updates to combat and keep on top of them. When you update your software regularly, you are less vulnerable to compromise the data on your devices.
One of the best ways to ensure your software is updated is by enabling automatic updates when possible. This takes the stress of manually updating off you and allows the system to update on its’ own, usually late at night when you most likely won’t be using it. If automatic updates aren’t possible, you can set a reminder to do it when you’re home from work or about to get in bed, so it can be updated by the time you need your device again.

Personal Device Use

 Another critical factor in the security of your devices is understanding and regulating personal device use. Personal devices can be easily compromised, which is why it’s startling that 48% of workers use the same passwords in both their personal and work accounts. Workers also seem to be prioritizing the security of their personal accounts over their work accounts, according to LastPass’ Psychology of Passwords global report (PDF).
What this means for you is that your employees’ flawed security behaviors or complacency with password management can likely extend into your business. Make sure you take the time to create a remote working security policy for company devices and educate your employees about how they should use them. One should only use their work-issued laptop for work-related business and avoid similarities in their personal and professional passwords, which can quickly lead to a company data breach, creating more security issues with working remotely.

Avoid unsecured Wi-Fi Networks

According to the 2019 State of Remote Work report from Buffer, the second most common location employees work from is coffee shops and cafes at 37%, with the first being working from home. While coffee shops and cafes can be a great environment for productivity with a change of scenery and great coffee a few feet away, it’s important to remember cybersecurity risks can be even more prominent with unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
Never trust networks that are not password-protected. If the network does request a password, you should still remain vigilant. It’s not difficult for someone to find out the network password at a local coffee shop and create a fake connection with the same password to steal personal user data. If possible, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which means cyber criminals can’t read your data, even if they gain access to them.
VPNs are great, but many of them have been put through recent stress with more and more remote workers using the network, slowing it down. If your policy allows it, and if you’re confident the network you’re using is secure, consider unloading the VPN and only using it when necessary.

Work from Home Security Tip #3: Support Your Team

The final way to ensure your employees are secure at home is by supporting your team. You can’t expect your team to know the ins and outs of cybersecurity (or even the basics) without learning how to maintain security for remote employees yourself. After that, you can provide support, education, and resources for your team.

IT Support

Even if you make every employee go through cybersecurity training or sign a policy, cyberattacks can still occur. You should provide vigilant IT support and make sure your company is prepared to respond to a data breach or security incident at any time.
Additionally, you should also consider investing in a cloud-based service and secure collaboration and communication channels for your team to help keep work things in one place for everyone.

Adjust Your Expectations

The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a curveball at us all. Many people have had to give up things they love because of it. Whatever it may be, it’s essential to adjust your expectations and understand that many people are struggling right now.
According to the Mental Health Index: U.S. Worker Edition, between November and December 2020, there was a 48% increase in the risk of depression, and employees’ focus dropped 62% – a record low since the start of the research in February 2020.

 

Remember that now more than ever before, and that your role requires you to listen, be patient, and expect changes in employee performance during this time.   

The COVID-19 pandemic has required businesses to reevaluate how they approach many things, including cybersecurity. Cybersecurity in itself is a difficult topic to tackle, and even more so when you consider how to maintain security when employees work remotely. The best way you can help ensure your team’s security at home is by educating your team, ensuring device security, and providing support for your employees. 

Are you concerned about the cybersecurity of your company’s remote environment? Edge Networks can help! Take our free, self-guided IT Security Risk Assessment, or contact us today for a free, 30-minute consultation.

8 Good Cyber Hygiene Tactics to Keep Your IT Humming

Keep Your IT Humming with These Cyber Hygiene Tactics

Maintaining a healthy and secure IT environment is crucial for any organization. Just like practicing good personal hygiene keeps us healthy, adopting strong cyber hygiene tactics ensures the smooth functioning of your IT infrastructure. Whether you’re a small business owner or part of a large enterprise, implementing these eight essential cyber hygiene tactics will help keep your IT humming and safeguard your valuable digital assets.

Server and Network Management Basics

Server and network management can be a daunting task for many, regardless of administrative experience. 

There are a few key baseline areas to focus on as you mature through IT progression. 

 

First Things First

The management of your devices should begin as soon as they hit the loading dock. It all starts with asset management.

 

Asset Management

Asset management should be at the core of your management strategy. Asset management documentation should contain, at a minimum: 

– Location of the device 

– Device manufacturer 

– Serial number of the device 

– Warranty information 

– System owner contact information 

– System administrator contact information 

Other good items to include: 

– Base Operating system version 

– Hardware installed such as CPU, RAM and port capacities, installed and available 

– ROM or BIOS version and configuration 

This data can assist in planning device lifecycles and when doing financial allocation and depreciation. It can be held in something as simple as a spreadsheet or as complex as an asset management system. 

 

cyber hygiene tactics

Configuration Management 

Configuration management is just what you might think. It is the collection of the past and present configuration of a device. This data is typically managed with a configuration management database or system. It contains items such as: 

– Operating system version and patch levels 

– Third-party applications and plug-ins and version 

– Hardware configuration including RAM, CPU, Network Interface Cards (NIC) and other installed components. 

– IP addresses 

– Connected devices

– Switch port speeds and duplex 

The list of items tracked, known as Configuration Items (CI), should include everything so that you can effectively and efficiently manage your devices. 

Why is this data important? It is important because it helps you ensure your systems are up to date.  It can help troubleshoot a problem caused by a recent change or assist during a disaster when you need to replace and recover a failed component.

 

Change Management 

Change is the addition, modification or removal of anything that could affect your IT devices and services. Change management is the process (the rules) that governs how change happens. 

The scope of change management should include all IT services, CI’s, technical processes and related documentation. This data is stored in a change management database (CMDB). 

Any changes made in the environment should start with a Request for Change (RFC). An RFC is a formal proposal for a change to be made in change management. An RFC includes all the details of a proposed change and can be recorded by either paper or electronic means. More mature organizations use software tools to track and manage these requests. 

 

Types of Change

There are three main types of change in change management: Standard Change, Normal Change, and Emergency Change.

Standard Change

A standard change is a pre-approved change that is low risk, relatively common and follows a defined procedure or work instructions. For instance, the password change of a user every three months is a good practice. It is common, and when the user follows the instructions, they can change the password easily. 

Standard changes do not require an RFC to be submitted. Standard changes are logged and tracked using different mechanisms within the change management process. These changes are typically logged as a service request and are managed by the service desk. 

Normal Change

Normal change is every change that is not classified as a standard or emergency change. If a new feature has been introduced for a new service or existing service has been updated, this is an example of a normal change. For instance, a software update or addition is an example of normal change classified in change management. 

Emergency Change

The third type of change is emergency change. Instead of extending an existing service or introducing a new service, emergency changes are initiated generally to solve a major incident or implement a security patch. Emergency changes must be introduced as soon as possible. For example, if a security exploit has been identified that can harm the company, customer data, or reputation due to data loss or leakage, this is a critical issue and must be fixed immediately. 

The change management process will normally have a specific procedure for handling emergency changes. Normal change procedure can be more bureaucratic and can take time to get all approvals to implement them, but because since emergency changes must be implemented as soon as possible, there can be faster and specific procedures or checklists for handling emergency changes.

 

Catch a CAB

The Change Advisory Board (CAB) is a group of people that advises the Change Manager in the assessment, prioritization, and scheduling of changes during the change management process.
 
The change manager is the ultimate responsible person for coordinating, organizing, prioritizing, and managing changes in an IT service provider. However, several departments, stakeholders, and organizations interact with IT Services in service delivery. 
 
 So, when managing and implementing changes in the IT services, representatives of these departments or organizations advise the change manager. For example, a department using a service can advise the change manager on what happens if the change does not happen successfully. The CAB usually consists of representatives from IT Services, Business, Suppliers, and Partners. 
 
The Emergency Change Advisory Board (ECAB) is a sub-set of the change advisory board who make decisions about high impact emergency changes. Let’s consider the example we gave previously. Suppose you have been notified that there is a security leakage in the system.  
 
After developing the security fix for this issue, and to implement this change, an immediate meeting is organized to get the stakeholders’ opinion about this emergency change. 
 
Membership of the ECAB depends on the nature of the emergency change and may be decided when a meeting is called. Only the relevant stakeholders are called to the mee ting to notify the change. However, in normal changes, the change advisory board comes together regularly to advise the change manager appropriately. 

Good Cyber Hygiene Tactics to Implement

Last, but certainly not least, it is important to remember to take care of small housekeeping details to keep your devices humming. Here are some critical but easy ones. 

1. Review logs – Check logs on your devices to ensure that the system and security are not providing obvious red flags. Having an event monitoring tool makes this task easy and provides granularity on important events occurring. 

2. Archive logs – Logging takes up a lot of space. Ensure that you save these logs to long-term storage regularly so you can still review them if needed. 

3. Maintain separate admin accounts – Do not give administrative privilege to an administrator’s daily account. Assign complex passwords and controls to these accounts. On devices, create accounts specific to that device for both reporting and administrative functions. 

4. Service accounts – Create separate service accounts on servers that are members of the domain and not local. Ensure a complex password is used, and proper controls to the accounts are followed. 

5. Antivirus/AntiMalware – If possible, use centralized management and reporting for this software. Aside from real-time protection, make sure to schedule a routine task to do a deep scan. 

6. Service packs, patches and updates – Threats are evolving on an hourly basis. Have a process or use a tool that keeps your devices in sync with the latest critical updates. 

7. Device monitoring – Use the manufacturer’s tools or consolidated monitoring to know when devices are down, have heavy RAM or CPU use, run out of storage space, or experience network flooding. 

8. Backup critical data – Perform regular backups of your data and system states. Keep local and offsite/cloud-based copies of this data in the event you may need to restore. 

 

As you have read, both documentation and good operational discipline are mainstays to a more reliable and predictable IT environment. It is never too late to start implementing good cyber hygiene tactics, and the process is continuous. 

We at Edge Networks know that when managing your IT, there can be a lot of moving parts and potential pitfalls Remove the burden of managing your IT with our flat-fee IT managed services program. Contact us to schedule a free, 30-minute consultation today.

Breaking Down the Cloud: Picking the Right Cloud Management Platform

Aim for the Sky with Application and Cloud Management

Over the past decade, we have witnessed a steady shift of computing to the cloud. This year, there has been an unprecedented amount of growth in the cloud. As companies look to rein in costs, leverage emerging computing platforms, and adjust to new working arrangements, the cloud has offered the flexibility and scale to support this shift. However, getting there is only half the battle. How do you securely manage your data and applications once you have made the change? Before we dive into cloud management, let’s spend some time defining commonly utilized cloud services. 

 

What is the Cloud?

The term cloud most often refers to Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) or Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). At a very high level, these services build upon the preceding service with IaaS as the base, then layered by PaaS and SaaS at the top.

 

Woman on cell phone cloud

Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)

With IaaS, a cloud service provider typically owns and manages the infrastructure. This includes the servers, networking and storage. Your company is responsible for purchasing, installing, configuring and managing software owned such as operating systems, middleware and applications.  

 

There are three main types of IaaS; public, private and hybrid. 

1. Public Cloud

When most discuss the cloud, they are speaking of public clouds. Public cloud is the most prevalent type of cloud computing service available. Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) are the most popular public cloud service providers. These services are open to the public, and companies can purchase their storage and computing capacity on-demand. 

 

2. Private Cloud

Private cloud infrastructure is operated solely for a single company. They usually connect within a private network and are accessed remotely using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or a dedicated circuit or tunnel from corporate locations. These platforms offer wide flexibility in computing power and storage capacity. Organizations that have specialized computing needs or want to have total control of their data often leverage these services. As a result, these services are typically more expensive than their public counterparts. It should be noted that some companies choose to build and run their own private clouds. 

 

3. Hybrid Cloud

Hybrid cloud environments are a combination of public and private cloud services. Companies may choose to use private cloud servers for privacy reasons while leveraging the lower costs of public cloud servers for less sensitive compute needs. When the environments are interconnected, this is a hybrid cloud environment. 

 

Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)

This computing model was made for companies that want to focus on developing applications, for either internal or external consumption, without the challenges of managing the underlying infrastructure.

 

Like IaaS, PaaS includes infrastructure but adds middleware, development tools, business intelligence (BI) services, Database Management Systems (DBMS), and more. PaaS is designed to support the complete web-based application lifecycle: building, testing, deploying, managing, and updating. 

PaaS allows you to avoid the expenses and complexities of buying and managing software licenses, the underlying application infrastructure and middleware, container orchestrators such as Kubernetes or Docker Swarm, or the development tools and other required resources. You manage the applications and services you develop, and the cloud service provider typically manages everything else. 

Major PaaS providers include Microsoft Azure, AWS, GCP, IBM and Oracle. 

 

Phone with applications

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)

SaaS allows users to connect to and use cloud-based applications over the internet. All of the underlying infrastructure, middleware, application software, and application data is located in the cloud service provider’s data center. The cloud service provider manages the hardware and software.  

They are responsible for maintaining the availability and the security of the application and the data housed by the application. SaaS is typically favored by companies that need to quickly ramp up the productivity of an application such as email, calendar, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). 

Examples include Gmail, Salesforce, Microsoft 365, and many more. 

 

Taming the Beast

The proliferation of cloud technologies in the business environment has changed how CIOs and IT managers must approach the management of IT costs, compliance, security, and asset management. According to an  IBM survey , 85 percent of companies utilizing cloud services have multiple providers. Every provider has strengths and weaknesses, but this lack of standardization places most traditional IT organizations in unfamiliar territory.

 

Cloud Management

What about the management of the platforms themselves? 

Many companies turn to Managed Service Providers (MSP), who specialize in cloud management, or leverage Cloud Management Platform (CMP) tools. 

There are a range of cloud management tools available. Cloud management tools can be used to perform various functions, including asset inventory management, self-healing and workflow automation, security and compliance activities, monitoring and metering, access control, provisioning and orchestration, cost optimization, and more.

 

People writing in notebook

Data Analytics

Cloud management tools are purpose-built to extract massive volumes of data from your application stack using automatically generated computer logs. Log files contain information about every event that happens in your cloud environment, and analysis of those files can yield information about errors, security vulnerabilities and compliance.  

 

Compliance

Organizations without cloud management tools can spend hundreds of working hours each month collecting, normalizing, and analyzing data to understand cloud-based infrastructure and applications’ performance and compliance status. With a cloud management platform, your IT department can log aggregate and performance data from multiple cloud service providers into a single platform, monitor in real-time, and even generate customized reports.  

 

Security Integration

All cloud platforms have their own flavor of security approaches and tools. This complexity creates challenges for IT departments as they strive to enforce a single set of policies across disparate clouds. It is important to select a cloud management tool that integrates seamlessly with security tools on all platforms in use. This will ensure policy enforcement and consistent security are applied as desired. Most cloud management tools have the ability to aggregate security events, much like a traditional Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), to identify threats across all clouds in use.   

Effective cybersecurity should be a top consideration for businesses operating in multiple clouds. The increasing use of cloud services has caused a rise in Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks that can impact the performance of cloud-based applications. A multi-cloud approach can lessen this impact by providing a greater level of resiliency. If one cloud provider is hit with an attack, IT departments can instantly shift the workload to another cloud environment using a cloud management tool.   

 

lightbulb in cloud

Understanding & Optimizing Cloud Costs

With all the cloud options available to companies and the ease of consumption, it is critically important to keep track of your spending. There is a dizzying array of performance levels, storage tiers and service levels available that affect costs. Most providers provide optimization tools or services that should be used alongside your cloud management tool to ensure you are using the appropriate technology mix. For example, if you have a database with low transaction volume, but you are paying for a much higher tier of service, cost optimization can catch this and assist with the decision to move to a more appropriate tier. 

Companies should also have policies and procedures in place that cover the evaluation criterion for selecting cloud service providers. The type of services authorized and who is authorized to purchase them should be detailed as well. Annual reviews of pricing structures and spend between providers should also be performed.

As spending is evaluated, it may be discovered that the breakpoint has been reached on public cloud cost optimization. If this is the case, consider moving the application or service into a private cloud or SaaS environment. 

With a cloud management tool in place, these decisions can be quickly determined and implemented without the large project expenditures seen with on-premises migrations. 

Are you thinking about implementing a cloud management tool for your company? Often, companies turn to Managed Service Providers like Edge Networks who specialize in cloud management. Learn more about how Edge Networks can simplify your workflow by helping you migrate to the cloud, or contact us today to schedule a free, 30-minute consultation.