Whether you’re a small business or a multinational corporation, your success hinges on the integrity and availability of critical data. Every transaction, customer interaction and strategic decision relies on this precious asset.

As your dependence on data grows, so do the risks. Cyberthreats and data breaches aren’t just potential disruptions when you possess valuable and sensitive data; they’re existential threats that can undermine your business continuity.

Key Considerations for Data Security

Fortunately, ensuring data security is achievable with the right strategies. Here are some steps you should consider taking:

Data Backups:

Regularly back up your data to secure off-site locations. Cloud storage services by reliable providers are a good choice. Consider using external hard drives or network-attached storage (NAS) devices. These backups ensure that even if your primary systems are compromised, you can swiftly recover essential information.

Databranch offers our BCDR solution from Datto, the leader in Total Data Protection. Not only will the Datto backup all your data to the device itself, but it will also backup everything to 2 separate offsite cloud storage locations.

So, in the event that the local device is destroyed, you can still access your information even from a remote location. 

With Datto you will receive daily backup verifications and screen shots of your virtual servers, giving you peace of mind and ensure that your backup data is working and accessible to you when you need it.

Encryption:

Encryption is your digital armor. It protects sensitive data during transmission (when it’s being sent) and at rest (when it’s stored). Implement strong encryption algorithms like Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to render data unreadable to unauthorized individuals. Remember that encryption scrambles data, making it inaccessible to anyone without the decryption key.

Access Control:

Implement strict access controls to limit who can view or modify sensitive information. Role-based access control (RBAC) can effectively assign permissions based on job functions.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security. It requires additional verification steps (such as one-time codes sent to mobile devices) to ensure that only authorized personnel can access critical data.

Remote Work Security:

As scattered work environments become more commonplace, secure remote access is vital. Here’s how you can implement it:

• Virtual private networks (VPNs): Use VPNs to create a secure connection between remote devices and your internal network. This shields data from prying eyes.
• Secure remote desktop protocols: If employees access company systems remotely, ensure they use secure protocols like RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) over encrypted channels.
• Strong password policies: Enforce robust password policies. Encourage passphrase-based authentication for added strength.

Incident Response Plan:

Develop a detailed incident response plan. Consider the following:

• Roles and responsibilities: Clearly define who does what during a data breach or cyberattack.
• Communication protocols: Establish channels to notify stakeholders, including customers, employees and regulatory bodies.
• Recovery procedures: Outline steps to recover affected systems and data promptly.

Continuous Monitoring:

Implement continuous monitoring of your IT systems. Tools like Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) track and analyze security-related data. Proactive threat detection allows swift responses to potential breaches.

Partnering with Databranch means your business will receive our 24 x 7 proactive monitoring and alerting service which allows you to take this off your plate and focus on your business needs.

Employee Training:

Regularly train employees on data security best practices, such as:

• Phishing awareness: Teach them to recognize phishing attempts, such as fraudulent emails or messages that trick users into revealing sensitive information.
• Understanding of social engineering: Educate employees about social engineering tactics used by cybercriminals.
• Device security: Remind them to secure their devices (laptops, smartphones, tablets) with strong passwords and regular updates.

Partner for Success

Worried about where to start?

Our expert team is here to help. Databranch can assess your current data security setup, identify areas for improvement and develop a tailored plan to protect your data and strengthen your business continuity.

Contact us today at 716-373-4467 option 6, [email protected], or complete the form below to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards securing your business’s future.

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Imagine being the owner of the most popular coffee joint on the corner. Your loyal customers line up outside each morning, eager to grab their caffeine fix. But, one day, as your staff hustles to keep up with the orders, a sudden storm knocks out the power, leaving the cafe in the dark. Or worse, a cyberattack targets your billing system, leaving a long line of frustrated customers.

Unexpected chaos can strike any business at any time. One moment, you’re basking in the glory of running a successful establishment; the next, you’re thrown against a wall, staring at a crisis that could disrupt your entire business. Don’t let this be your story.

In this blog, we’ll show you the key steps to create a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) that works for you and ensures your business stays up and running, even in the face of disaster.       

Key Steps to Successful Business Continuity Planning

Here is how you can stay resilient in the face of any challenge:

Find What’s Important for Your Business and Prioritize It

Identify what’s necessary for your business. It’s crucial how you prioritize your business-critical resources. Once you’ve figured that out, try to understand how sudden disruptions can affect these functions.

For example, if you run a coffee shop, brewing coffee and serving customers would be some of the essential functions of your business. You’d need to understand how disruptions can impact your business. Similarly, you must also ensure your kitchen runs efficiently while your coffee supply remains steady.

Develop a Comprehensive Plan

Provide your team with clear, step-by-step instructions on the actions to take during a disruption. One goal is to minimize downtime, so assigning team members tasks to help manage disruptions efficiently is critical. With an effective incident response plan in place, you can handle any incident with confidence.

For example, say you own a bakery, and your oven fails. You should have a plan that helps your team manage orders and communicate the delay to your customers. You should allocate specific roles to members to handle the repair work or the communication.

Leverage the Latest Tools to Protect Business Data

Some tools and solutions can take data backups automatically. The data is then saved in the cloud and can be retrieved when you need it. Similarly, you can utilize failover systems to switch to backup systems in a disaster. 

Databranch offers our BCDR solution from Datto, the leader in Total Data Protection. Not only will the Datto backup all your data to the device itself, but it will also backup everything to 2 separate offsite cloud storage locations.

So, in the event that the local device is destroyed, you can still access your information even from a remote location. 

With Datto you will receive daily backup verifications and screen shots of your virtual servers, giving you peace of mind and ensure that your backup data is working and accessible to you when you need it.

For example, if you run a gym, you can regularly back up and save your membership records on the cloud. The copies of all critical information can be accessed anytime and retrieved in case of a disruption. Additionally, you could keep an extra Point of Sale (POS) device in case your other payment options fail.

Train Your Staff and Test for Preparedness

Regularly train your staff to improve team preparedness by simulating mock scenarios. This will help you test both your business continuity plan and your team’s efficiency. You can update and enhance your BCP per your business needs based on the training and testing.

Databranch offers our Breach Prevention Platform and Security Awareness Training with simulated phishing tests that engages your team and strengthens your organization’s defenses against evolving cyberthreats.

For example, restaurant staff should have ample instruction on how to handle kitchen fires. Similarly, the waitstaff must be prepared to handle backup billing machines and manage customer orders.

Involve Key Stakeholders

Consider the opinions and feedback from your managers and key staff members. For the success of your BCP, it’s crucial to keep everyone in the loop as you update and make changes.

For example, your cafe staff can share valuable information that could be important while building your BCP. It’s vital to keep them updated on changes to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Continuous Monitoring and Improvement

Technical problems can come up at any time. Make it a standard practice to regularly look for potential system issues early. After a disruption, consider gathering information from your staff and customers to improve your continuity plan.

Partnering with Databranch means your business will receive our 24 x 7 proactive monitoring and alerting service which allows you to take this off your plate and focus on your business needs.

For example, coffee and customer billing machines are the business-critical systems for a cafe. It’s crucial for you to check these types of equipment regularly for any issues. Use any disruption as an opportunity to improve. Take feedback from customers and your employees.

Simplify Continuity Planning

It can be overwhelming to implement business continuity planning, especially while managing your business independently. That’s where an experienced IT service provider, such as Databranch, can step in. From helping you identify critical business functions to implementing failover systems and conducting regular tests, we can guide you through every step of the way.

Our experts will ensure that your BCP is effective and tailored to your unique business needs. Contact us today at 716-373-4467 option 6 or at [email protected] and let’s make continuity planning stress-free for you.

You can also download our checklist today to get started.

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Annual Channel Futures MSP 501 Identifies Best of the Best in the Managed Services Industry

Databranch has been named as one of the world’s top-performing managed service providers in the prestigious 2024 Channel Futures MSP 501 rankings for the 3rd year in a row. The Channel Futures MSP 501 list, a technology industry benchmark, ranks companies based on their growth, profitability and innovation.

For the past 17 years, managed service providers around the globe have submitted applications for inclusion on this prestigious and definitive listing. It is a milestone achievement for any managed services organization to be included on the list. The Channel Futures MSP 501 survey uses a quantitative methodology to rank companies based on their annual revenue, profitability measured by EBITDA, and recurring revenue. The methodology has been developed by a Who’s-Who in the managed services industry.

MSPs that qualify for the list must also pass a rigorous review conducted by the Channel Futures research team and editors. Channel Futures ranks applicants using a unique methodology that weighs financial performance according to long-term health and viability, commitment to recurring revenue and operational efficiency.

Channel Futures is pleased to name Databranch to the 2024 MSP 501.

This year’s list is one of the most competitive in the survey’s history. Winners will be recognized on the Channel Futures website and honored during a special ceremony at MSP Summit, Sept 16-19, 2024 in Atlanta, GA.

The MSP 501 represents the best in the technology services industry delivering outstanding vendor and platform neutral advice and value to small, midsized and enterprise customers. This year, the MSP 501 generated aggregate revenue of nearly $25 billion with average growth or recurring revenue of 19%. These are truly the best of the best. Many of their services and technology offerings focus on customer needs in the areas of AI, cloud, security, collaboration, networking, help desk and remote monitoring and management.

The Channel Futures MSP 501 is responsible for keeping their global customers safe, connected and efficient.

“The 2024 Channel Futures MSP 501 winners survived a challenging market and emerged as the highest performing and most innovative IT providers in the industry today,” said Dave Raffo, MSP editor and MSP 501 project manager. “The most impressive thing about the MSP 501 winners is they deliver for their customers every day. These are the most innovative, driven, and successful MSPs in a fiercely competitive industry.

“For a managed service provider to attain a spot on the Channel Futures MSP 501 everything must be operating at peak performance. This list represents the most productive, profitable, fastest-growing, organizations in the technology industry focused on driving their customers to new heights.” said Bob DeMarzo, VP Content, Informa Channels.

“These are the best of the best in the managed services industry as defined by Channel Futures’ extensive research. The MSP 501 companies are the most sought after by peers who want to understand today’s best practices and by technology suppliers who want to partner with these organizations,” DeMarzo stated. “At their core, these are vendor and platform neutral partners focused on doing what is right for their customers.”

The Channel Futures media organization, owned and operated by Informa, is the only channel-centric events, media and research company that can provide such insight into the managed services market.

The data collected by the annual MSP 501 helps every company on the list and every provider with a managed services practice, benchmark their performance and uncover new ways to grow.

Background

The 2024 MSP 501 list is based on confidential data collected and analyzed by the Channel Futures research and editorial teams. Data was collected online from February to May, 2024. The MSP 501 list recognizes top managed service providers based on metrics including recurring revenue, profit margin and other factors.

About Channel Futures

Channel Futures is a media and events destination for the information technology and communications industry. We provide information, perspective, and connection for the entire channel ecosystem, including solution providers (SPs), managed service providers (MSPs), managed security service providers (MSSPs), cloud service providers (CSPs), value-added resellers (VARs) and distributors, technology solutions brokerages, subagent and agents, as well as leading technology vendor partners and communication providers.

Channel Futures is where the world meets the channel; we are leading Channel Partners forward. Our properties include awards programs such as the Channel Futures MSP 501, a list of the most influential and fastest-growing providers of managed services in the technology industry; Channel Partners events, which delivers unparalleled in-person events including Channel Partners Conference & Expo and MSP Summit. More information is available at channelfutures.com.

Channel Futures is part of Informa Tech, a leading provider of market insight and market access to the global business technology community. Through in-depth expertise and an engaged audience community, Informa Tech helps business professionals make better technology decisions and marketers reach the most powerful tech buyers and influencers in the world. Across its portfolio of over 100+ trusted brands, Informa Tech has over 1000 industry experts, including over 400 research analysts and consultants in global research group Omdia, and a monthly audience reach of over 125 million. Informa Tech is a division of FTSE 100 company Informa plc.

About Databranch

Databranch is an IT consulting and outsourcing provider serving local, national and international businesses in Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania since 1985. We help our clients use information technology to cut costs, increase efficiencies and enhance customer service across 5 main areas:

1. Managed Technical Services
2. Networking
3. Security
4. Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
5. and Hosted VoIP

The Databranch staff is made up of highly skilled, experienced, and certified professionals. Our clients look to us to provide technology solutions that work. We offer consulting services that provide organizations with the best possible solutions for the most affordable price that are executed with a personal touch. Contact us today to see what we can do for you.

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We live in a world where possibilities are endless. From automated cars ferrying passengers to AI systems carrying out surgeries, tech innovations are quickly taking over our lives. The world of business is no different. Machine learning, AI, robotics and automation tools promise an unparalleled level of business efficiency.

Many businesses are rushing to embrace these innovations because they fear being left behind. However, the critical question is: Do you fully understand the technology, including its potential negative consequences?

All evolving technologies come with underlying risks. In this blog, we’ll discuss the dangers of rapid tech acceleration. We’ll also show you how to develop a strategic approach to ensure your technology investments push your business forward while minimizing the associated risks.              

Potential Risks of Tech Acceleration

Here are some of the potential risks associated with rapid tech acceleration:

Security vulnerabilities: Advanced technologies are still nascent and often come with several undetected security flaws. Hackers can exploit these weaknesses to steal your data or launch a cyberattack.

Pro tip: Make security assessments a standard practice before implementing a new IT solution.

Operational disruptions: Hastily implementing new technology can affect your day-to-day operations. Issues like system malfunction, data loss and employees struggling to adapt to new solutions can adversely impact your productivity and efficiency.

Pro tip:  It would be prudent to implement tech upgrades in phases. Testing it first within a small team will help you identify and fix issues without disrupting daily operations. Also, have a strong Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery plan will help ensure you data remains protected if something were to happen.

Skill gaps: Using a new IT tool requires new skills. But if your team isn’t well trained, they won’t be able to leverage the latest technology effectively. Untrained teams are bound to make more mistakes, which could reduce overall productivity.

Pro tip: Investing in employee training modules will ensure they have the knowledge and skills to leverage the new IT tool effectively.

Vendor lock-in: The tech industry is constantly innovating. Committing to a vendor who doesn’t keep up with the changing times could prevent your business from achieving growth and success.

Pro tip: Databranch can help you choose scalable solutions that seamlessly integrate with your current infrastructure.

Ethical dilemmas: Evolving technologies such as AI or robotics can give your business a competitive edge, but do you understand the ethical risks surrounding these innovations? Ignoring the ethical use of AI can have a far-reaching impact on data privacy and business transparency.

Pro tip: Develop guidelines for the ethical use of technologies. An internal ethical committee can help promote a culture of responsible technology use.

Regulatory challenges: It’s critical to ensure your business isn’t breaking any laws while implementing a new IT solution. With new technologies, it can get tricky as there might not be a proper regulation in place, but you still could unknowingly end up attracting fines or penalties.

Pro tip: Legal experts can help you better understand your responsibilities surrounding the new technology. Additionally, you can seek the help of Databranch, who will always work hard to point you in the right direction.

Strategic misalignment: It’s easy to fall for the latest tech that’s creating buzz. But if your new IT solution doesn’t align with your goals, you would be wasting your time and money on something that holds your business back instead of propelling it forward.

Pro tip: Choose a solution that empowers your team and creates efficiency. Have a well-defined goal and clear success metrics. Also, regularly monitor and evaluate to see if the new IT solution delivers the desired results. Make further adjustments as necessary.

Unleash your Growth Potential

Technology can help you take your business to new heights. However, not all IT solutions are created equal and can expose your business to security or financial risks. On the other hand, a trusted IT service provider, such as Databranch, can help you navigate the complexities effortlessly.

Contact us today at 716-373-4467 option 6, or at [email protected] and learn how we can guide you through the new tech implementation while minimizing disruptions and maximizing results.

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Even on a good day, being a business owner is challenging. Apart from dealing with and effectively solving multiple problems, you also need the foresight to arm your business with the right tools and solutions to tackle any issues that might arise later.

One issue you should always prioritize is data loss/data corruption and business disruption that cause downtime and productivity dips. Remember that data loss/data corruption and business disruption could happen due to various reasons, such as:

• Natural calamity
• Hardware failure
• Human error
• Software corruption
• Computer viruses

Adopting a comprehensive backup and business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR) strategy is the best way to tackle this problem.

What is a comprehensive backup and BCDR strategy?

A comprehensive backup and BCDR strategy emphasizes the need for various technologies working together to deliver uptime. It even highlights technologies associated with cybersecurity. A robust strategy:

Protects All Systems, Devices and Workloads

Managing all systems, devices and workloads efficiently, securely and consistently can be challenging. Mistakes, errors, mishaps and outright failures across backup and recovery systems could happen at any time, leading to severe downtime or other costly business consequences.

That’s why it’s essential to have a reliable and secure solution to back up and protect business data as well as business systems, devices and workloads.

Ensures the Integrity, Availability and Accessibility of Data

The complexity of IT, network and data environments that include multiple sites — cloud, on-premises and remote — makes monitoring and protection difficult. It negatively affects the integrity, availability and accessibility of information and all IT network assets. That’s why it’s a best practice to simultaneously deploy tools or systems that cover all IT and network infrastructure (remote, cloud and on-site) with the same level of protection and security.

Enables Business Resilience and Continuity

A comprehensive and realistically achievable backup and BCDR strategy prioritizes, facilitates and ensures the continuity of business operations. It represents a business’ resiliency against downtime or data loss incidents. 

Prioritizes Critical Protection and Security Requirements Against Internal and External Risks

No backup or BCDR solution can be effective if your business does not proactively identify and mitigate internal and external risks. You need tools that focus on internal and external threats through constant monitoring, alerting and tactical defense to empower your backup and BCDR strategy.

Databranch offers a suite of cost-effective computer managed services that proactively monitor and support your network and Technology infrastructure. 

Optimizes and Reduces Storage Needs and Costs Through Deduplication

With the amount of data skyrocketing day after day, it poses serious storage and budgetary challenges for businesses. What makes things worse is the existence of multiple unnecessary copies of the same files.

Therefore, adopting the deduplication process can identify data repetition and ensure that no similar data is stored unnecessarily.

Manages Visibility and Unauthorized Access and Fulfills Data Retention Requirements

Your business data must never be visible to every employee in the same way. There must be policies and tools to ensure that an employee accesses only data essential to completing their tasks. Click here to reach more on the risks associated with Administrative Privileges. 

Also, unauthorized access must be identified and blocked immediately. This is crucial not only for the success of backups and BCDR but also for maintaining compliance with all regulatory mandates related to data protection and retention.

Comprehensive Backup and BCDR for Your Business

By now, it must be clear to you that adopting a comprehensive backup and BCDR strategy is not an option but a necessity. An occasional, severe data loss incident or disruption could even open the gates for your competitors to eat into your profits and customer base.

You must do everything possible to bring all the right tools and strategies together so your business can operate seamlessly, even in the face of chaos.

Databranch offers our BCDR solution from Datto, the leader in Total Data Protection. Not only will the Datto backup all your data to the device itself, but it will also backup everything to 2 separate offsite cloud storage locations.

So, in the event that the local device is destroyed, you can still access your information even from a remote location. 

With Datto you will receive daily backup verifications and screen shots of your virtual servers, giving you peace of mind and ensure that your backup data is working and accessible to you when you need it.

Are you ready to approach the concept of comprehensive backup and BCDR practically? It isn’t as difficult as you might think.

Databranch has the knowledge and experience to take care of your backup and BCDR needs. Get in touch with us today at 716-373-4467 option 6, [email protected], or click here to learn more.

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Your business, in all likelihood, already faces numerous challenges in today’s tech-driven world. However, the aftermath of an unexpected disaster can push your organization to its breaking point. This unintentionally creates opportunities for cybercriminals to launch devastating attacks, amplifying the chaos caused by such events.

Disaster preparedness should be a top priority for your business — not only for physical resilience but also for fortifying your digital defenses. By understanding how disasters fuel cyberattacks, you can proactively safeguard your business against these deceptive threats.

Understanding How Disasters Amplify Cyberthreats

Let’s look at four major ways disasters amplify cyberthreats and what strategies you can utilize to bolster your cybersecurity posture in the face of adversity.

1. Leveraging Diverted Attention and Resources

When a disaster strikes, the immediate focus shifts toward safety and recovery. Unfortunately, this diverts attention and resources away from maintaining and protecting your IT systems and networks.

With a reduced emphasis on cybersecurity measures, essential updates and monitoring may be overlooked, leaving your networks vulnerable to intrusion. Cybercriminals seize this opportunity to infiltrate your systems, compromise sensitive data and disrupt your operations.

To tackle this situation, establish a dedicated team responsible for monitoring and maintaining cybersecurity, even during times of crisis. For our managed clients, Databranch takes this one step further by implementing automated security systems to scan for vulnerabilities and apply necessary patches continuously.

By ensuring cybersecurity remains a priority, even in challenging times, you can minimize the risk of cyberattacks

2. Exploiting Fear, Urgency, Chaos and Uncertainty

Disasters create an environment of fear, urgency, chaos and uncertainty — prime conditions for cybercriminals to thrive in. They launch targeted attacks, such as deceptive emails or fraudulent websites, capitalizing on the sense of urgency and the need for quick solutions. By manipulating individuals into disclosing sensitive information, cybercriminals gain unauthorized access to critical systems. They could also sell this sensitive data on the dark web.

To combat this, educate your employees about the tactics used in phishing attacks and social engineering scams. Train them to recognize warning signs, such as suspicious emails or requests for sensitive information. Encourage a culture of skepticism and verification, where employees double-check the authenticity of requests before sharing confidential data.

By fostering a vigilant and informed workforce, you can fortify your defense against cybercriminals seeking to exploit fear and uncertainty. Visit us here to download our cybersecurity culture checklist.

3. Damaging Critical Infrastructure

Disasters can cause severe damage to your critical infrastructure, compromising components integral to your cybersecurity measures. Destruction of servers, routers or firewalls can weaken your defense mechanisms, allowing cybercriminals to exploit security gaps.

To address this challenge, ensure your critical infrastructure has backup and disaster recovery in place. Regularly back up your data, store it securely off-site or in the cloud, and test the restoration process to ensure it functions smoothly. Implement robust disaster recovery and business continuity plans, including provisions for cybersecurity.

By maintaining resilient infrastructure and regularly testing your backup and recovery processes, you can mitigate the impact of infrastructure damage on your cybersecurity.

4. Impersonation and Deception

In the wake of a disaster, cybercriminals often exploit the trust associated with relief organizations and government agencies. By impersonating these trusted sources, they deceive victims through phishing emails, messages or calls, tricking them into divulging sensitive information or engaging in fraudulent transactions. 

To protect yourself from such scams:

• Encourage your employees to verify the authenticity of any communication received during a disaster.
• Advise them to independently contact the organization or agency through known, trusted channels to confirm the legitimacy of any requests.
• Establish robust security awareness training programs that educate employees about common impersonation tactics and teach them how to report them effectively.

By promoting a culture of caution and verification, you can defend against impersonation and deception tactics used by cybercriminals. Our phishing infographic is a great educational resource that can be shared with your workforce to prepare them for real life threats.

Act Now to Safeguard Your Business

Now that we know how cybercriminals can target your business during a disaster, prioritizing disaster preparedness and implementing the above-highlighted measures are important to navigate today’s ever-evolving technology landscape.

If you need expert guidance, Databranch is here to help fortify your disaster preparedness and cybersecurity efforts. Together, let’s ensure a resilient and secure future for your business. Contact us today at 716-373-4467 x6 or [email protected] to proactively safeguard what you’ve worked so hard to build.

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A disaster preparedness plan helps businesses withstand any calamity. However, many businesses are unaware that a cybersecurity strategy is also crucial for building a robust disaster preparedness plan.

By incorporating cybersecurity into your emergency preparedness plan, you can better protect your business during critical incidents and minimize the impact of cyberthreats. This will help you enhance your business’s resilience, ensuring you’re better equipped to function in the face of unexpected challenges.

Best Practices for Effective Disaster Preparedness Planning in IT Security

Here are some practical tips for improving your organization’s disaster preparedness planning:

1. Protect Your IT infrastructure and Data

Your data is a gold mine for cybercriminals, and they’ll do anything to get their hands on it. That’s why it’s important to strengthen your IT infrastructure to withstand any disaster. Failing to implement adequate measures to protect your data could also attract fines and lawsuits.

Pro tip

• Firewalls, intrusion detection systems and encryptions can strengthen your IT security.
• Implementing a process to fix and update software patches regularly will help you avoid security vulnerabilities.

2. Back up Critical Data

Data loss can occur for many reasons, including cyberattacks and natural disasters. If your organization has not correctly backed up its data, recovery can be costly, time-consuming and seemingly impossible. Visit Databranch here to utilize out Recovery Time Calculator and see just how costly a disaster can be for your company.

If you want your business to survive, your disaster preparedness plan must ensure that your data remains clean, available and restorable.

Pro tip

• Regularly back up critical data.
• Back up your data off-site or in the cloud.
• Test backups regularly to verify their integrity.

Here at Databranch, our disaster recovery solution not only ensures that your data is restored to its former state, but restored quickly, with little to no downtime or interruption to your business. 

3. Improve Employee Awareness

Your employees are your weakest link only if they don’t have proper training. By conducting regular security awareness training, you can improve their knowledge. It also increases your employees’ ability and willingness to follow security protocols during an emergency.

Pro tip

• Train your employees to identify phishing attempts, report suspicious activities and follow security protocols.
• Promote a culture of preparedness.
• Routinely test employee preparedness through simulated scenarios or drills.

Databranch offers ongoing and interactive training to help you stay secure and keep up with cybercriminals and their ever-changing tactics. Our Breach Prevention Platform and Security Awareness Training will give your employees the resources they need to spot real world phishing attempts.

4. Review Insurance Policies

Insurance plays a critical role in promoting disaster resilience and can help speed up your recovery after an incident. It’s a good idea to have property insurance, business interruption insurance, and cybersecurity insurance to cover all bases.

Pro tip  

• Routinely review insurance policies to ensure you have proper coverage for potential risks and disasters.
• Maintain records of your assets, inventory and financial transactions to facilitate insurance claims and recovery efforts.
• Take the help of an insurance expert to understand current coverage and determine if additional coverage is required.

5. Evaluate Vendor and Supplier Preparedness

Disasters come unannounced and any weak link in your supply chain will only increase your vulnerability. Knowing if your vendor has a disaster preparedness plan is crucial for protecting your customers and overall business operations.

Pro tip

• Ensure your vendors’ or suppliers’ disaster preparedness practices align with your plans.
• Ask your vendor to share their disaster communication plan with you.
• Recommend that your suppliers test their disaster plan at least once a year.
• Guide them to an experienced service provider such as Databranch if they express needing assistance 

6. Review and Revise Your Preparedness Strategies

It’s essential to test your preparedness plan for weaknesses and shortcomings regularly. By testing, you can fix the gaps and strengthen your strategy. A thoroughly tested plan will protect your data and help you avoid revenue loss during an outage, cyberattack or natural disaster.

Pro tip

• Extensively document changes in the organization, including people, processes and resources.
• Conduct mock tests to gauge the preparedness of your plan and employees.
• Take the help of an IT service provider to enhance your plan. They can also carry out timely audits to test the effectiveness of your program.

Databranch Can Help You Outlast Disasters

It can be challenging to build a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan that is robust and includes a thorough cybersecurity strategy on your own. By partnering with Databranch, your business can become resilient and outlast any disaster.

Contact us today at 716-373-4467 x6 or [email protected] to see how we can help your business build a solid disaster preparedness plan. You can also download our disaster preparedness eBook by filling out the form below.

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In today’s fast-paced and digitally driven world, the demands placed on the IT infrastructure of businesses like yours are ever-increasing. To meet these challenges head-on, embracing outsourced IT services and entrusting your technological needs to an experts, such as Databranch, is the best option. By partnering with our team, you can tap into a wealth of knowledge, experience and cutting-edge technologies that might otherwise be challenging to obtain in-house.

Outsourced IT acts as a beacon of relief, enabling you to offload the burdensome responsibilities of managing IT. With dedicated professionals and advanced tools at their disposal, outsourced IT providers can implement robust security measures, ensure seamless data backups and monitor systems 24/7, all while adhering to industry best practices and compliance standards.

However, amid the promise and potential of outsourced IT, lingering myths can hold you back from embracing this transformative approach. In this blog, we’ll dispel the popular myths and shed light on the truths related to outsourced IT.

Debunking Common Outsourced IT Myths

Myth #1: It only focuses on technical issues.

Contrary to popular belief, outsourced IT encompasses much more than just technical support. It goes beyond resolving everyday glitches and delves into critical areas that drive business success.

Leading IT service providers offer comprehensive and advanced solutions, including robust cybersecurity measures, reliable backup and recovery systems, and efficient cloud computing services.

By partnering with Databranch, you gain a strategic ally who aligns technology with your unique needs, boosts productivity and offers proactive support.

Myth #2: It’s only for large enterprise companies.

The truth is that businesses of all sizes and across industries can benefit immensely from outsourcing their IT needs. Even smaller organizations, often constrained by limited resources, can gain a lot.

Databranch is a committed IT service provider capable of handling diverse technological demands, meaning you can tap into our resource pool rather than struggling to build and maintain an in-house IT team. This allows you to gain an edge over the competition.

Myth #3: It’s too expensive for my budget and resources.

Cost considerations often fuel doubts about outsourced IT. However, when carefully evaluated, outsourcing proves to be a cost-effective solution.

Investing in an internal IT department entails substantial expenses, ranging from recruitment and training to salaries and benefits. On top of that, the ever-evolving technology landscape demands constant investments in infrastructure upgrades and software licenses.

That’s why Databranch provides access to specialized expertise and eliminates the financial burden of maintaining an internal team. With economies of scale at play, you can access cutting-edge infrastructure and security measures at a fraction of the cost.

Databranch offers two main service programs for you budget, both designed for full network coverage: Proactive and Comprehensive Care. Visit our website here to learn more about each one and to contact us with any questions.

Myth #4: It leads to a loss of control over IT operations.

A common fear associated with outsourced IT is the perceived loss of control. However, the reality couldn’t be further from the truth. By partnering with the Databranch team, you gain enhanced visibility into your IT operations, leading to better decision-making and outcomes.

Detailed reports, analytics and performance metrics offer valuable insights that empower you to align your IT strategies with your objectives. Moreover, we aim for a collaborative relationship that fosters transparency, open communication and meaningful decision-making.

Partner for success

Ready to revolutionize your business with the remarkable benefits of outsourcing your IT operations? Look no further! Get in touch with us today at 716-373-4467  x115 or [email protected] to embark on a transformative journey toward streamlined efficiency and accelerated growth.

We know managing your IT infrastructure can be complex and time-consuming, diverting your attention away from your core business objectives. That’s where our expertise comes into play — armed with extensive experience and cutting-edge solutions to seamlessly handle all your IT needs.

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Once upon a time, our most precious assets were confidently protected behind layers of security defenses. Cash was neatly stacked in a cast metal safe which was bolted to the floor of the building. Customer lists and bank records were locked in a filing cabinet and only accessible to the person who had the key. Human Resource records were protected by the shelter of the impenetrable HR office door.

Then, digital electronics revolutionized the typical business office. Instead of accessing records from a locked filing cabinet, employees now used computers to navigate a digital file system which contained an abundance of information – much of it considered to be confidential. The sensitive documents that were once tangible and secured behind a physical lock and key were now accessible in digital format and stored in the data network for end users to access.

Security controls such as passwords and file permissions were established to protect the confidential information in its new digital format. This was a time however, when computing devices were stationary and did not typically leave the confines of the physical office. Employees would report to the office for work, log onto their computer, and only then – be granted with access to confidential information. The data that companies treasured most rarely – if ever – left the building.

The same statement cannot be made today. Mobile computing devices are very popular and can be found in most corporate computing devices. Employees are no longer forced to work on a computer that is tethered to the floor beneath their office desk. Laptops and tablets have provided employees with the freedom and flexibility to work from just about anywhere. Mobile devices have also changed the corresponding security landscape too.

The Customer Lists, HR records and Bank Statements are now leaving the building.

The 2 Significant Risks Associated with Mobile Computing Devices:

People lose them and people steal them.

The most common item stolen by thieves is cash, the second is electronic devices. So, what happens when the hotel maid swipes your work laptop or tablet? Or, what if it’s accidentally left at a train station or airport?

The answer to both questions is simple: Someone now has a device that contains sensitive and confidential business information. Chances are that “Someone” is not a trusted entity at all. Many data breaches start with a stolen work device. The stolen property is then compromised, and the thief has the ability to use or sell the stolen data.

There is no doubt that mobile computing devices pose a real security challenge. We have grown accustomed to the elasticity they provide and it is unreasonable to think we will revert back to using the stationary computer we once used at our desk. Laptops and tablets are here to stay.

Human beings will continue to lose these devices and criminals will continue to steal them. Although we can fight to minimize these occurrences through effective awareness training, the reality is that we will not be able to prevent them all together. 

However, there are security controls you can put in place to help minimize your businesses risk when it comes to laptops and tablets.

Use a VPN

Free Wi-Fi may be a welcome site when you’re on the road, but it can also be dangerous. You don’t know who else is using that Wi-Fi. A hacker hanging out on the connection can easily steal your data if you’re not protected.

It’s better to use either your mobile carrier connection or a virtual private network (VPN) app. VPN plans are inexpensive and will keep your data encrypted, even if you’re on public Wi-Fi. It is highly recommended that VPNs are secured using Multi-Factor Authentication, this provides an additional layer of security against threat actors.

Visit our website here to learn more about VPNs and what factors to consider when choosing a plan.

Backup Your Data

Don’t lose all your work data with the device! Back up your devices to the cloud or local storage before you travel. This ensures that you won’t lose the valuable information on your device. 

Need help with a Data Backup and Recovery plan for your business? Contact us today or visit our website to learn more.

Restrict Privileges 

Local Admin Privileges allow employees to make adjustments to their work computers without the need for IT interference. This means that they can download programs, connect to printers, and modify software already installed on their computer.

This can be convenient, but poses a major cybersecurity risk.

If a device is stolen and the thief were to gain access to an account with local admin privileges, the damage could be endless. This is especially true for a business that is not utilizing security measures such as Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) or Password Managers. 

Once a hacker has breached your computer they could download malware, spyware, or even ransomware. Resulting in computer files being locked, credentials being stolen, or even a virus spreading throughout your entire network.

Visit our website here to learn more about Local Admin Privileges.

Databranch Can Help

There are key digital solutions we can put in place to keep your business safer from online threats. Contact us today at at 716-373-4467 x115 or [email protected] to schedule a chat about mobile security.

Content provided curtesy of Cyberstone.

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March 31st is World Backup Day, an annual date celebrated by the tech industry to highlight the importance of protecting your data and keeping your systems secure. Yet, many businesses don’t have backup and recovery solutions in place for their critical business data.

It is common for organizations to invest in preventative cybersecurity defenses. In fact, most organizations have technologies such as firewalls and anti-virus software that are designed to stop a cyber-attack.

These controls certainly serve a purpose in fighting the war against cybercrime and should not be discounted but the reality is, defending your business from cyber-attacks is an incredibly hard task to do.

Hackers are anonymous, perimeters are not physical, attacks are sophisticated, and the volume of cyber assaults launched every day is astounding. Defending cyber-attacks is a little like entering a cage fight blindfolded with one arm tied behind your back.

Despite the best defensive efforts, you will get hit.

If you do not regularly backup critical data and systems, then you must start doing so immediately. 

With Datto, your company can be up and running in just seconds after a disaster.

Instant virtualization combined with the ability to backup as frequently as every 5 minutes means that with the click of a button, your Datto device recreates your computers and servers so your business can resume as if nothing had ever happened.

Our Datto devices utilize a reliable data backup redundancy solution by storing your critical business data onto your local Datto device as well as 2 offsite cloud storages. Datto even includes ransomware detection by running analytics to compare the two most recent backup snapshots to identify ransomware footprints.

Have you updated your backup process for today’s threats? Contact us today at 716-373-4467 x115 or [email protected] to schedule a chat about data backup and protection.

You can also visit our website here to learn more about our data backup and recovery solutions.

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