You might be thinking that you’ve done everything to protect your business from cyberthreats. You have the most advanced security solutions to defend against external threats, but are you equally protected against internal threats?

Knowingly or unknowingly, your employees, your vendors, your partners and even you could pose a threat to your business. That’s why it’s crucial to know how to protect your business from within. In this blog, we’ll discuss various internal threats, how to identify red flags, and most importantly, how to avoid them.

Common Insider Threats

There are various types of insider threats, each with its own set of risks. Here are some common ones:

1. Data Theft

An employee or someone who is part of the organization downloads or leaks sensitive data for personal gain or malicious purposes. Physically stealing company devices containing privileged information or digitally copying them are both considered data theft.  

Example: An employee of a leading healthcare service provider downloads and sells protected patient information on the dark web.

2. Sabotage:

A disgruntled employee, an activist or somebody working for your competitor deliberately damages, disrupts or destroys your organization by deleting important files, infecting an organization’s devices or locking a business out of crucial systems by changing passwords.  

This is another reason why Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) solutions are crucial for a businesses operations. With our BCDR solution, any deleted files will have secondary offsite cloud-based storage locations. 

Example: A disgruntled employee of a coffee shop deliberately tampers with the machine, causing malfunction and loss of business.  

3. Unauthorized Access:

This is essentially a breach of security when malicious actors such as hackers or disgruntled employees gain access to business-critical information. However, individuals can mistakenly access sensitive data unknowingly, too.

Databranch highly recommends that businesses limit their users who have access to local administrative privileges. It’s best to set up a separate administrative account and limit employees to only access information that is pertinent to their job responsibilities. 

Example: A malicious employee uses their login credentials to access privileged information and then leaks it to competitors.  

4. Negligence & Error:

Both negligence and error lead to insider threats that can pose a security risk. While errors can be reduced through training, dealing with negligence would require a stricter level of enforcement.

Example: An employee might click on a malicious link and download malware, or they might misplace a laptop containing sensitive data. In both cases, the company data is compromised.

Databranch’s managed clients receive a layer of protection through our EndPoint Protection and Intrusion Detection software which continuously scan their devices for malware or threats. If a device is lost, our engineers also have the ability to remotely wipe any information, if possible, to help avoid data theft.

While these are beneficial, Employee Cyber Security Awareness training is always your first line of defense to avoid these situations alltogether.

5. Credential Sharing:

Think of credential sharing as handing over the keys to your house to a friend. You can’t predict what they will do with it. They might just take some sugar or they might use your home for hosting a party. Similarly, sharing your confidential password with colleagues or friends throws up a lot of possibilities, including an increased risk of exposing your business to a cyberattack.

Example: An employee uses a friend’s laptop to access their work email. They then forget to sign off and that personal laptop gets hacked. The hacker now has access to the company’s confidential information.

Spot the Red Flags

It’s crucial to identify insider threats early on. Keep an eye out for these tell-tale signs:

Unusual access patterns: An employee suddenly begins accessing confidential company information that is not relevant to their job.

Excessive data transfers: An employee suddenly starts downloading a large volume of customer data and transfers it onto a memory stick.

Authorization requests: Someone repeatedly requests access to business-critical information even though their job role doesn’t require it

Use of unapproved devices: Accessing confidential data using personal laptops or devices.

Disabling security tools: Someone from your organization disables their antivirus or firewall.

Behavioral changes: An employee exhibits abnormal behaviors, such as suddenly missing deadlines or exhibiting signs of extreme stress.

Enhance your Defenses

Here are our five steps to building a comprehensive cybersecurity framework that will ensure your business stays protected:

1. Implement a strong password policy and encourage the use of multi-factor authentication wherever possible.
2. Ensure employees can only access data and systems needed for their roles. Also, regularly review and update access privileges.
3. Educate and train your employees on insider threats and security best practices.
4. Back up your important data regularly to ensure you can recover from a data loss incident.
5. Develop a comprehensive incident response plan that lays out the plan of action on how to respond to insider threat incidents.

Click here to download the fun infographic our team created about insider threats. This can be shared with other employees to help educate them on how they could be an insider threat along with how to be vigilant of others. 

Don’t Fight Internal Threats Alone

Protecting your business from insider threats can feel overwhelming, especially if you have to do it alone. That’s why you need an experienced partner such as Databranch. As an IT service provider we can help you implement comprehensive security measures that fit your unique business needs.

Let us help you safeguard your business from the inside out. Reach out today at 716-373-4467 option 6 or at [email protected] and we’ll show you how we can both monitor for potential threats.

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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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Imagine a workplace where every employee is vigilant against cyberthreats, a place where security isn’t just a protocol but a mindset. In the era of hybrid work, achieving this vision is not just ideal — it’s a necessity.

While implementing security controls and tools is crucial, the true strength lies in empowering your workforce to prioritize security. Without their buy-in, even the most advanced defenses can be rendered ineffective.

Building a security-first culture in a hybrid work environment is a complex but achievable task. It requires a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that not only involves but also empowers your workforce. Let’s explore how to create such a strategy.

Key Components of a Good Cybersecurity Strategy

Here are the critical components that can take your cybersecurity strategy to the next level:

Perimeter-Less Technology

In a hybrid work model, employees work from various locations and collaborate online. This means upgrading your security systems to match the demands of this environment type.

Invest in cloud-based SaaS applications that are accessible from anywhere. Ensure your applications support Zero-Trust architecture, a security concept centered on the belief that organizations should not automatically trust anything inside or outside their perimeters. Instead, they must verify anything and everything trying to connect to their systems before granting access.

Documented Policies and Procedures

Clearly document your security policies and procedures to ensure enforcement. Without documentation, staff may not understand the purpose or steps involved, leading to a lack of buy-in.

Identify critical IT policies and procedures, document them, and share them with the relevant teams and staff. Keep the files up-to-date and accessible. Review policies periodically and make changes as needed.

Our Incident Response Planning blog will walk you through the common mistakes, myths and misconceptions that can stop you from building a strong response plan. We’ll also share simple solutions that will help you safely navigate cyber challenges.

Security Awareness Training Programs

Make your employees the first line of defense against cyberattacks. Set up interactive training programs to defend against phishing, ransomware, brute-force password attacks and social engineering.

Create training videos and a comprehensive repository dedicated to security protocols and SOPs. Reinforce learning with routine tests and simulations.

Communication and Support Channels

Define communication and support channels to handle threats effectively. Ensure every staff member knows how to raise an alarm, whom to contact and what to do after reporting it.

Outline approved tools for communication and collaboration, discouraging personal apps for official use.

Friction-Free Systems and Strategies

When devising new security strategies or evaluating systems, prioritize user experience and efficiency. Ensure that security measures and policies don’t feel like extra work or employees may abandon security best practices. Align security systems and strategies with workflows for a seamless experience.

Next Steps

Building a security-first culture is challenging, especially in a hybrid work environment. To succeed, you need skilled staff, 24/7 support and specialized tools.

But you don’t have to navigate this alone.

Databranch can guide you through implementing and managing the necessary IT/cybersecurity and data security controls. Don’t wait for a breach to happen — proactively secure your business.

Fill out the form below to set up a no-obligation consultation and take the first step towards a secure future.

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Are you prepared to face a cybersecurity breach, a natural disaster or a system failure? Such disruptive events can strike at any moment, causing chaos and confusion.

But don’t worry. With an effective incident response plan in place, you can handle any incident with confidence.

This blog is intended to help you enhance your plan simply and straightforwardly. So, let’s dive in and make sure you’re ready for whatever comes your way.

Best Practices for Effective Incident Response Planning

To be well-prepared for any incident, it’s important to follow the steps below:

1. Identify and Prioritize Critical Data and Assets

Knowing precisely what resources you have helps you allocate them efficiently during an incident, saving time and minimizing overall damage. Threat modeling is a process used in cybersecurity that is beneficial in this regard. It involves identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities to an organization’s assets and systems.

2. Establish a Dedicated Team

A cohesive and well-trained team with clearly defined roles can work together to ensure an efficient and effective response.

3. Conduct Regular Trainings

Regular training helps keep your team informed of the latest techniques and threats, ensuring they can handle any situation with confidence. Our Breach Prevention Platform and Security Awareness Training that comes with simulated phishing tests that will train your employees in spotting real world threats.

4. Implement Continuous Monitoring 

Continuous monitoring systems can detect incidents early and take action before they escalate, potentially saving your organization from significant damage.

It is critical for any business to survive and thrive in today’s cybersecurity environment which is why Databranch provides a 24 x 7 proactive monitoring and alerting service for our managed clients. Visit us here to learn more and get started.

5. Establish Clear Communication Channels 

Clear communication channels within your team and with external stakeholders ensure that everyone is on the same page during the response, minimizing confusion and errors.

6. Develop a System to Categorize Incidents

Categorizing incidents based on their severity and impact ensures that you can respond appropriately to each incident, minimizing long-term damage to your organization.

How we can Help

All businesses today must have a solid incident response plan against ever-evolving cybersecurity threats. That’s where Databranch can be your strategic partner and your first line of defense against cyberstorms.

If you’re uncertain about how to approach incident response planning, we can help you in the following ways:

• We’ll customize an incident response plan that aligns with your goals and challenges.
• We’ll identify vulnerabilities and rank incident response planning through risk assessments.
• We’ll help you build a fully equipped incident response team with clear roles.
• We’ll suggest and apply advanced security technologies to boost your detection and responsibilities.
• We’ll establish continuous monitoring to detect and respond to potential security incidents quickly.
• We’ll ensure that your incident response plan complies with legal and regulatory requirements.
• We’ll assist with post-incident analysis to refine response plans based on lessons learned.

Take Control of your Incident Response Plan

Don’t wait for a security breach to happen. Our team has years of experience and expertise to ensure the safety of your data. Take charge of your incident response plan now by contacting us at 716-373-4467 option 6, or [email protected] to schedule a no-obligation consultation with our team of experts.

You can also download our infographic to review the 4 stages of an incident response plan.

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