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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Technology plays a critical role in driving business success in today’s fast-paced digital landscape. However, managing IT infrastructure and systems can be a significant challenge for many organizations.
This is where an IT service provider comes in. But remember that not all IT service providers are created equal.
While a good IT service provider might ensure that your systems are running efficiently, a great IT service provider can elevate your business to new heights.
Top Business Benefits of Partnering with a Great IT Service Provider
Partnering with a great IT service provider such as Databranch can bring numerous benefits to your business, including:
Strategic Alignment
Great IT service providers not only possess a deep understanding of current technologies but also have the foresight to anticipate future trends. They work closely with your business to ensure that every technological solution and service they provide aligns perfectly with your long-term business objectives.
This strategic alignment means that technology becomes a driver of competitive advantage rather than just a support function.
Improved Efficiency
Your business needs an IT service provider that can significantly streamline your operations by optimizing your existing technology infrastructure. This is achieved through the automation of routine tasks, the refinement of business workflows and the integration of various departments to ensure they work cohesively.
Here at Databranch, our automated managed service platforms proactively monitor and support your network and technology infrastructure, keeping your network functioning seamlessly.
Informed Decision-Making
Leveraging the power of cutting-edge technology, a great IT service provider can provide your business with critical insights into your operations and potential vulnerabilities. It’s estimated that about 61% of security vulnerabilities in corporate networks are over 5 years old.
This is because assessing and managing these network weaknesses isn’t always a priority for organizations. However, a great IT provider can assist with your vulnerability management so you know what remediation efforts are needed.
Fostered Innovation
In today’s fast-paced business environment, staying ahead of technological trends is crucial.
Great IT service providers are at the forefront of these trends. They can ensure that your business not only keeps up but also leads in adopting innovative solutions that meet ever-changing market demands. This commitment to innovation can open new opportunities and revenue streams, keeping your business relevant and competitive.
Scalability and Flexibility
Business needs are always evolving, and scalability is key to accommodating growth or contraction.
Great IT service providers offer scalable solutions that can be adjusted according to your business’s current needs. This ensures that your technology infrastructure can easily expand or downsize as required without compromising performance or security.
Enhanced Security and Risk Management
In an age where cyberthreats are increasingly sophisticated, having robust security measures in place is non-negotiable.
Great IT service providers specialize in identifying potential vulnerabilities within your IT infrastructure and implementing advanced security protocols to protect your business from cyberthreats. This proactive approach to risk management is crucial for maintaining your customers’ trust and the integrity of your business.
Databranch believes that implementing a well-thought-out cyber risk management strategy can significantly reduce overall risks and strengthen your cyber defenses.
Continuous System Improvements
Technology is continually evolving, and staying up to date is essential for maintaining operational efficiency and security.
Great IT service providers are committed to improving your IT infrastructure on an ongoing basis. This ensures that your business benefits from the latest technology and industry best practices. This continuous improvement cycle ensures your systems remain cutting-edge, efficient and secure.
Budget Optimization
One of the most significant advantages of partnering with an IT service provider is the potential for optimized technology spending.
Through their expertise, they can identify the most cost-effective solutions for your business, eliminating wasteful expenditures on unnecessary or inefficient technology. This strategic approach to technology investment not only saves money but also ensures that every dollar spent contributes to the achievement of your business objectives.
Partner for Success
Ready to transform your technology management and take your business to the next level? Download our eBook today to discover how Databranch could help you achieve seamless operations and drive business success!
Don’t hesitate. Contact us now at 716-373-4467 option 6, or email us at [email protected].
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Today’s businesses depend heavily on technology for success and growth. However, navigating complex tech issues and ensuring all your systems stay up-to-date can be overwhelming, especially if you have to manage IT on your own.
That’s why you need a strategic ally — such as Databranch — who supports you through thick and thin. In this blog, we’ll show you how an exceptional IT service provider works hard to ensure you achieve your business goals.
Benefits of Having a Great IT Service Provider
Here is how an exceptional IT service provider sets you up for success:
Acts as your Cybersecurity Superhero
Hackers constantly look for ways to exploit any vulnerability they can find in your businesses technology. But what if your IT partner is a superhero ready to go the extra mile? An exceptional service provider is always alert and takes proactive steps to secure your business from the ever-evolving threat of cyberattacks.
Navigate the Compliance Maze with Confidence
It can be easy to get lost in the maze of industry and government regulations. A great IT partner knows the rules inside and out and uses their knowledge and experience to keep you from being on the wrong side of the law.
Works as your IT Guru
Keeping up with the latest trends and innovations can be tedious given how quickly technology develops and transforms. However, a great partner works as your personal IT guru, with access to all the latest tech solutions that could give you a competitive edge.
Your IT Partner Offers Reliable Support
Tech troubles can strike at any time. That is why an exceptional IT service provider offers reliable support, so you can focus on running your business without worrying about IT problems.
As a Managed Services client, Databranch provides your company with the security of knowing that your network is being monitored and maintained on a 24/7 basis.
Unleash Your Business’s Full Potential
Technology should empower your business, not hold it back. A great partner optimizes your IT to deliver maximum efficiency and gives back your valuable time to focus on growing your business.
Level up Your Business
Ready to take your business to new heights? Partner with a reliable IT service provider like Databranch. We can help you secure your data, effortlessly navigate complex industry regulations and make the most out of your tech solutions.
Reach out today at 716-373-4467 option 6, or [email protected] for a free consultation and discover how we can transform your business tech into a powerful asset for growth and innovation.
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Managing a business on your own is challenging enough without worrying about cyberattacks. However, there is cause for alarm as hackers are using artificial intelligence (AI) to launch sophisticated cyberattacks to steal your data and disrupt business operations.
The good news is there are steps you can take to protect your business. This blog will explain how AI is being used in cybercrime and how you can safeguard your business.
How Hackers Use AI
Here are some of the ways cybercriminals are exploiting AI:
Deepfakes:
Hackers use AI to create highly realistic fake videos or audio recordings to impersonate someone you know, like your boss or a trusted friend. These deepfakes can be used to trick you into sending money or sharing sensitive information.
How to spot it: Closely look for details like unnatural facial movements or sloppy voice synchronization.
AI-Powered Password Cracking:
With the help of AI, cybercriminals can effortlessly crack common and easy passwords. Hackers with access to advanced computation offered by AI can automate the breaching process, so they can try millions of combinations to guess your password.
How to fight back: Always use unique passwords. Consider reaching out to Databranch to start the process of using a password manager.
AI-Assisted Hacking:
Hackers no longer have to spend hours looking for vulnerabilities. Instead, with the help of AI, they can create automated programs that not only identify weaknesses in your system but also create new types of malware.
How to stay ahead: Keep your security systems and software updated. Also, a mandate should be set up to scan for vulnerabilities routinely.
Supply Chain Attacks:
Threat actors use AI to insert malicious code into legitimate vendor products, which eventually will compromise your system as well. In a Business Email Compromise (BEC) instance, a hacker can also insert malicious content into reply chain emails coming from vendors vendors and suppliers
How to protect yourself: Only download software from trusted sources. Always be vigilant with updates, patches, and any email links.
Boost Your Defenses
AI-powered cybercrime is a growing threat. That’s why having Databranch by your side can be the ultimate weapon in your arsenal. Partner with us to leverage advanced technology to fortify your defenses. Download our checklist today to get started.
Reach out to us today at 716-373-4467 option 6, or [email protected] for a free consultation and learn how our team can secure your business against evolving cyber risks.
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AI has become a buzzword that often evokes a mix of awe, doubt, and even fear. Especially when it comes to cybersecurity. However, the fact is that if used effectively AI can revolutionize the way businesses like yours operate.
That’s why you must cut through the noise and separate fact from fiction if you want to leverage AI effectively. In this blog, we’ll debunk some common misconceptions about AI in cybersecurity.
Let’s dive in.
AI in Cybersecurity: Fact from Fiction
There’s a lot of misinformation surrounding AI in cybersecurity. Let’s dispel some of these common AI myths:
Myth: AI is the Cybersecurity Silver Bullet
Fact: AI isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for cybersecurity. While it can efficiently analyze data and detect threats, it’s not an easy fix for everything. You can use AI security solutions as part of a multi-pronged cybersecurity strategy to automate tasks and pinpoint complex threats.
Myth: AI Makes Your Business Invincible
Fact: Cybercriminals are always finding new ways to exploit your IT systems, and it’s only a matter of time before they discover ways to breach AI solutions as well. AI alone can’t protect your business. Think of AI as a top-notch security system that is made better through regular vulnerability updates and staff education.
Databranch believes that investing in employee security awareness can transform your workforce into a formidable line of defense, safeguarding your business from cybercriminals and ensuring a more resilient future. Visit us here to learn more.
Myth: AI is a Perfect Tool and Always Knows what it’s Doing
Fact: Don’t trust all the marketing gimmicks around AI. Yes, AI security is indeed a “super cool” tool. But keep in mind that AI is still an evolving technology, and there’s much to be perfected. Some companies make loud claims about their AI security tools. An honest vendor, however, will tell you that AI is not magic. If you give it time, AI can learn and adapt on its own.
Myth: AI Does Everything on its Own
Fact: AI doesn’t fly solo! While AI is great at sniffing out suspicious activities, it still requires human intervention. You can set the goals for AI, analyze what it finds and make the final call on security decisions. There are also times when AI can sound the alarm for no reason; that’s when you need the expertise of your security team to say, “False alarm!”
Databranch utilizes an Managed Detection and Response (MDR) solution for M365 that has an integration into your Cloud environment where the MDR application begins collecting user, tenant and application data.
If the software detects unusual behavior within your tenant, it sends an alert to a 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC) which is comprised of experts who analyze and interpret these threats in real time. An MDR employee will then review your threat detection, provide an incident report, and will deliver actionable remediations to help you resolve the issue.
Having a balance between computer automations plus employee reviews are important in cybersecurity.
Myth: AI is for Big Companies with Deep Pockets
Fact: AI security solutions are now within reach for businesses of all sizes as they are becoming more affordable and easier to use. Moreover, the availability of cloud-based AI solutions means that businesses, regardless of their size, can leverage AI without breaking the bank.
Empower your cybersecurity
Fortify your business with the help of AI-powered cybersecurity solutions. Don’t do it alone. Get some expert help by partnering with an experienced IT service provider like Databranch. Our IT experts can assist you in understanding your security needs, finding the perfect solutions for your business and ensuring they’re implemented effectively.
Contact us today at 716-373-4467 option 6, [email protected] or visit us here for a free consultation and learn how we can keep your business safe in the digital age.
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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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Keeping sensitive data and critical tech safe from cyberattacks is crucial for businesses like yours. Your survival and growth depend on how well your organization can withstand cyberthreats. That’s where cyber risk management comes into play.
Businesses with solid cyber risk management strategies can build formidable cyber defenses and reduce risks without compromising business growth. Besides enhancing security, it also ensures your business stays compliant.
In this blog, we’ll share the core principles of cyber risk management and show you how integrating it with a simple but effective security framework can help you achieve strategic success.
Key Characteristics of Risk-Based Cybersecurity
Risk-based cybersecurity helps organizations focus their efforts and resources on the most critical risks. This approach aims to reduce vulnerabilities, safeguard what matters most to you and ensure you make informed decisions.
Here are the key characteristics of risk-based cybersecurity:
Risk reduction: By proactively identifying and neutralizing threats, you can reduce and minimize the potential impact of a cyber incident.
Prioritized investment: By identifying and assessing risks, you can concentrate your investment efforts on areas that need your attention most.
Addressing critical risks: Dealing with the most severe vulnerabilities first can help you strengthen your business security. That is why it is important to conduct vulnerability assessments regularly, at least every quarter if not more frequently.
All Databranch Comprehensive Care and Foundation Security clients have scheduled automatic patching and Windows updates on their devices to assist with vulnerability management. Visit us here to learn how we can help take this off your IT plate.
Cyber Risk Management Frameworks
Cybersecurity risk frameworks act as a guide that helps businesses achieve the full potential of a risk-based approach. Here are several ways frameworks can help you enhance your current cybersecurity posture:
- Takes away the guesswork and give businesses a structured way to assess their current cybersecurity posture.
- Helps organizations systematically focus their investments on addressing the most critical and relevant risks.
- Provides organizations with the right guidance that helps build security, which is crucial for building customer trust.
- Are built using controls that have been tried and tested. They essentially help businesses implement effective security controls.
- Designed to help organizations achieve compliance with government and industry regulations.
NIST Cybersecurity Framework
The National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF) is a popular, user-friendly framework that empowers business leaders like you to boost organizational cybersecurity. Think of it as a valuable tool created by top security experts to help you protect and secure your digital assets.
Here’s how the NIST CSF supports a risk-based approach:
- It helps you understand your risk by identifying what is most valuable to you.
- It gives you a high view of people, processes, technology, information and other business-critical aspects that need to be secured from threats so your business can operate successfully.
- It helps you prioritize your risks based on their impact on your business.
- It helps you allocate your resources where they matter most and ensures you maximize your investment.
- It promotes continuous monitoring and helps you adapt to evolving threats.
Secure your Future
Safeguarding your business from cyberthreats is critical for the survival and growth of your business. Don’t leave your business security to chance. Partnering with Databranch as your managed IT provider, means your business will have the security of knowing that your network is being monitored and maintained on a 24/7 basis.
Download our infographic, “Assess Your Cyber-Risks in 7 Critical Steps,” and strengthen your defenses against lurking cyber dangers.
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We live in an era where organizations are increasingly aware of the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape. Despite billions of dollars invested worldwide to fend off cyberthreats, cybercriminals still manage to penetrate even the strongest security defenses.
They relentlessly exploit vulnerabilities with one primary target in mind — employees. Cybercriminals perceive employees as the weakest link in an organization’s cybersecurity perimeter. However, you can address and shore up this vulnerability through proper training.
Strengthening employee security awareness is paramount in safeguarding your business. In this blog, we’ll look at why employees are prime targets for cybercriminals and explore the critical significance of enhancing their security awareness. By recognizing vulnerabilities, we can proactively mitigate risks and empower your workforce to actively defend against cyberattacks.
The Vulnerabilities Within
Is your organization dealing with any of the following?
Lack of Awareness
One of the key reasons employees fall prey to cybercriminals is their limited knowledge of common cybersecurity threats, techniques and best practices. Cybercriminals can launch phishing attacks, malware infections and social engineering ploys by exploiting this knowledge gap among your employees.
Privileged Access
Employees often hold privileged access to critical systems, sensitive data or administrative privileges that cybercriminals crave. By compromising your employees’ accounts, cybercriminals can gain unauthorized access to valuable assets, wreaking havoc within your organization.
Social Engineering Tactics
Cybercriminals are masters of manipulation, leveraging social engineering tactics to deceive employees into disclosing sensitive information, sharing login credentials or unwittingly compromising security measures. These tactics can exploit human emotions, trust and curiosity, making your employees unintentional accomplices in cybercrime.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Trend
The rising trend of BYOD can expose your organization to additional risks. Employees accessing business information and systems from personal devices that often lack the robust security controls of company-issued devices create vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit.
Remote/Hybrid Work Challenges
The shift towards remote and hybrid work arrangements introduces new security challenges for businesses like yours. Unsecured home networks, shared devices and distractions can divert employee focus from cybersecurity best practices, increasing their susceptibility to attacks.
Best Practices for Developing an Engaging Employee Security Training Program
To fortify your organization’s security, implement an engaging employee security training program using these best practices:
Assess Cybersecurity Needs
Understand the specific cybersecurity risks and requirements your organization faces. Identify areas where employees may be particularly vulnerable.
Define Clear Objectives
Set concrete goals for your training program, outlining the desired outcomes and essential skills employees should acquire.
Develop Engaging Content
Create interactive and easily digestible training materials for your employees. Use real-life examples and scenarios to make the content relatable and memorable.
Tailor Targeted Content
Customize the training to address your organization’s unique challenges and risks. Make it relevant to employees’ roles and responsibilities.
Deliver Consistent, Continuous Training
Establish a regular training schedule to reinforce cybersecurity awareness and foster a culture of ongoing learning. Keep your employees up to date with the latest threats and preventive measures.
Measure Effectiveness and Gather Feedback
Continuously evaluate your training program’s effectiveness through assessments and feedback mechanisms. Use the data to refine and improve the program.
Foster a Cybersecurity Culture
Encourage employees to take an active role in cybersecurity by promoting open communication, incident reporting and shared responsibility for protecting company assets.
Collaborate for Success
Investing in employee security awareness can transform your workforce into a formidable line of defense, safeguarding your business from cybercriminals and ensuring a more resilient future.
Ready to empower your employees as cybercrime fighters but unsure where to start?
Contact Databranch today at 716-373-4467 x6 or [email protected]. We can discuss 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.
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What is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts data on a computer or network into an unreadable format until a sum of money, or ransom, is paid.
How does Ransomware Work?
When run, ransomware will scan the file storage disk for files to encrypt – typically documents, spreadsheets, etc. The files are encrypted with a key that only the attackers know, thus preventing your access to the files. Then, threat actors hold you files hostage, demanding a ransom to be paid for you to get your access back.
How do Hackers Sneak into an Environment?
Hackers are stealthy and can sneak in using many different approaches. Here are a few of the most popular ways that hackers gain access:
- Phishing: This is when a threat actor tricks someone into handling over their sensitive, personal information, such as a credit card or Social Security number. The victim believe they’re handing over their information to a trustworthy resource when in reality, they’re giving their information to threat actors.
- Public-Facing Vulnerabilities: Threat actors scour the internet looking for systems with known vulnerabilities. Then, they exploit them to gain access to the environment.
- Drive-By Downloads: This is when someone navigated to a malicious webpage and unknowingly downloads malicious code to their computer – all by visiting the webpage.
- Purchased Access: There’s a marketplace for everything these days, and cyberattacks are no exception. The dark web is a treasure trove of hackers for hire and deployable ransomware for download.
Ransomware Prevention
- Keep your computer updated and patched.
- Verify, then trust.
- Make sure your connection to a site is secure before submitting any personal information.
- Stay up-to-date on the latest cybersecurity education.
Ransomware Detection
Prevention is only part of the puzzle. Some attacks are virtually impossible to prevent. It all comes down to fast detection and response times, which help you combat tomorrow’s threats that may not be detectable today.
The most efficient way to detect ransomware is to leverage the tools in your security stay.
Secure your business with a cybersecurity platform that secure your business and detects hackers. To protect our managed clients, we deploy a suite of cybersecurity tools that are backed by a 24/7 Threat Operations Center that worked to protect your assets and evict malicious actors.
Reach out to Databranch today at 716-373-4467 x115 or [email protected] to learn more.
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Companies both large and small share this one cybersecurity problem. They have computers that are still running older operating systems. Staff might use these devices only occasionally or the company may be running customized software that won’t run on newer OS versions.
The problem is that when the OS becomes outdated, the system is open to cyberattacks. When Microsoft or another developer retires an OS, it means that it is no longer supported. No more feature updates and no more security patches for newly found vulnerabilities.
The latest operating system to lose all support is Windows 8.1. Microsoft released the OS in 2013, and it was officially retired on January 10, 2023. Microsoft issued the following warning for companies:
“Continuing to use Windows 8.1 after January 10, 2023 may increase an organization’s exposure to security risks or impact its ability to meet compliance obligations.”
Here are a few facts you should know about what this retirement of Windows 8.1 means.
The OS Will Still Technically Work
When an operating system reaches its end of life, it doesn’t just stop working. Thus, many companies go on using it without realizing the security risk. Technically, the OS will work as it did the day before retirement. But it’s a lot less safe due to the loss of support.
Your System Will No Longer Receive Security Patches
Software and OS vulnerabilities are sought out and exploited all the time. This is what hackers do for a living. The vulnerability cycle usually begins with hackers finding a software “loophole.” They then write code to exploit it that allows them some type of system access.
The software developer learns of this, usually once hackers start breaching systems. They write code to fix that vulnerability. Developers then send the fix to users via an update that they install. This protects the device from one or more hacker exploits.
When an OS reaches its end of life, these fixes are no longer made. The developer has moved on to focus on its newer products. So, the vulnerability remains. It leaves a device vulnerable to hacks for days, months, or years afterward.
Approximately 61% of security vulnerabilities in corporate networks are over five years old.
Visit us here to learn more about penetration testing and how it helps identify the vulnerabilities in your business.
Options for Upgrading
If you have a computer that is still running Windows 8.1, you have two options for upgrading. You can opt for Windows 10 or Windows 11. If the computer is running such an old OS, there is a chance your system may not meet the requirements for one or both. In this case, you may need to buy a new device altogether.
Microsoft states that there is no free option to upgrade from 8.1 to Windows 10 or 11. Some of the advantages you gain when upgrading include:
- Better built-in security
- Faster processing
- Capability for more modern features (like facial recognition)
- Improved accessibility features
- Updated productivity tools (like snap layouts in Windows 11)
What Happens If I Don’t Upgrade?
Security & Compliance Issues
Your data security is at risk if you stay on Windows 8.1. Without any security updates, any vulnerabilities will stay unpatched. This leaves your system highly vulnerable to a breach. One hacked system on a network can also cause the breach or malware infection to spread to newer devices.
If you have to comply with a data privacy regulation, like HIPAA, you’ll also run into issues. Data privacy rules dictate making reasonable efforts to protect data. Using a device with an outdated OS jeopardizes meeting compliance.
Slowed Productivity
The older a system gets, the slower it will get. Staff that must work on outdated software often complain that it hurts productivity. 77% of surveyed employees were frustrated with outdated tech. Employees dealing with outmoded systems may also quit. They are 450% more likely to want to leave and work elsewhere.
An outdated operating system can hold your staff back. They miss out on modern time-saving features. They can also run into problems with bugs that will no longer get fixed.
Incompatibility With Newer Tools
Software and hardware developers aren’t looking back. Once Microsoft retires an OS, they aren’t prioritizing its compatibility. In fact, some may not want their product to be compatible with it because of the liability.
When you have issues using modern software and hardware it hurts your business. You become less competitive and begin to fall behind. Staying on an outmoded OS keeps you stuck in the past.
Get Help With Your Windows Upgrades
All Databranch Comprehensive Care and Foundation Security clients have scheduled automatic patching and Windows updates on their devices. To learn more about how we can help take this off your IT plate or help your organization upgrade to a system with a supported operating system, call 716-373-4467 x 115, email [email protected] or visit us here to learn more.
Article used with permission from The Technology Press.
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