data security Archives - Indianapolis IT Support

Cyber Security Layers & Cyber Security Threats Complete Guide

Cyber attacks are evolving as the technology is improving. Hence, it is essential to protect the data and devices connected to your network with cybersecurity. Without a well-defined cybersecurity program, it is hard for organizations to withstand any types of cyber attacks. This would eventually make your organization an inescapable target for the cyber criminals.

In this article, we, at LEAP Managed IT, are going to share all the necessary information on cybersecurity, different types of cyber attacks and ways to prevent them. Indianapolis cybersecurity experts at LEAP Managed IT are here to help in framing a suitable cybersecurity plan for your organization.

What is CyberSecurity?

Cybersecurity is a practice adopted by organizations and individuals to protect their data and computerized system from unauthorized access. It helps in providing a good security posture that would help in preventing your data from malicious attacks. It is difficult for an organization to survive without the implementation of a cybersecurity plan.

Importance of CyberSecurity

Cybersecurity is on the rise due to evolving cyber threats. It is a proven fact that whether it’s an individual/business, it can no longer entirely rely on security solutions like antivirus software, and firewalls as cybercriminals are getting smarter. Cyber threats can affect any level of organization, hence, it is essential to cover cybersecurity in every aspect. Data leaks could be identity theft, sensitive information, payment information and more. Hence, implementing a powerful cybersecurity plan must be made mandatory to keep your business secure.

CyberSecurity Layers

The International Standard Organization, by realizing the needs for standardization in computer networks, developed the OSI model. The OSI model has 7 layers of cybersecurity that represents the interconnection between various layers on a network.

Mission Critical Assets

This layer would contain the operating system, electronic recorder, software tools, financial records and cloud infrastructure. It is anything that your business would find it difficult to survive without its existence.

Data Security Layer

Data is the ultimate target when it comes to cyber crime. This is the most crucial layer as it contains data that is dependent on your business. It can include information like customer details, payment information, social security numbers, and any other sensitive information. Losing this data disturbs the trust your customers have in your business. It is necessary to keep things safe at this level using regular backups, implementing 2FA, disk encryption and more such secure processes.

Application Layer

This layer is all about the applications and software that are being used by your business. Ensure that the software and applications are always updated to keep things moving securely, and this also helps in fixing the security problems. In addition to this, there are applications with firewalls integrated, usage of sandboxes for browser based applications and also the implementation of restricted policies for software which help in preventing unauthorized access from penetrating your business.

End Point Layer

Any device that is connected to your network is referred to as an endpoint, and there are many. It’s critical to have an effective policy in place to manage and monitor these endpoint devices. At this level, encryption is crucial, to make sure that the devices themselves are operating in secure environments. Another crucial component of endpoint security is mobile device management (MDM). It gives you remote access to devices while also limiting access to specific devices on your network. To stop further damage, this feature can be used to lock down mobile devices and erase all of their data.

Network Layer

This layer is all about who and what devices are connected to your network. It also includes what can be accessed when inside your system. To protect this layer, ensure to provide access to employees and devices only that requires it. This would help in limiting the damage caused by human error and will also reduce the impact on the compromised devices.

Perimeter Layer

This is the outer layer of the network and is all about considering everything that is connected and has access to your data. Get to know how this layer looks and ensure to secure everything that is connected – data and devices and make it a secure zone for an additional layer of protection.

Human Layer

Human error seems to be the driving force behind the majority of cyber attacks that are evolving. Researchers have found that nearly 88% of data breaches have occurred due to employee mistakes. It is the weakest layer, and to secure it, user education is essential. Educating your employees and users on the benefits of well-structured cybersecurity practices can bring in drastic changes to your business.

Different types of CyberSecurity Threats

Some of the most common cyber threats are,

Malware Attacks

One of the most serious cyber threats. Hackers create malware, or malicious software, to encrypt data, steal or delete it, take over a computer’s essential operations, and even monitor user activity. This gets distributed through physical drives, USB external drives and even through internet downloads.

Phishing Attacks

The most frequent and widespread cyberattacks. Here, hackers enter using a fake identity to trick users to give them sensitive and private information, visiting malware pages and downloading malware. Signs of phishing attacks are: odd sense of messaging, unusual request for sensitive information.

Weak Passwords

Another major risk to any business is the use of passwords that are weak and simple to guess. Small and medium-sized businesses typically have multiple accounts for different cloud-based services. Using the same password across several accounts is comparable to making the data vulnerable to hacking. Having weak login credentials would make the cyber criminals penetrate and access data easily.

Insider Threats

This threat occurs due to action caused by members within the organization. Here, these members get access to critical data which can cause harmful effects through ignorance and carelessness. Employees having access to multiple accounts may put the organization at risk, causing financial damage.

Ransomware

Every year, thousands of businesses are victims of ransomware, a profitable type of cyberattack. In this case, the hacker encrypts business files or data and demands a ransom. This attack spreads through phishing emails or by visiting websites with malware.

Social Engineering

Here, the leakage of confidential information is, due to human error. This is the biggest security threat today. Through this attack, hackers manipulate users into breaking standard security procedures. This attack is mostly carried out in the form of email phishing.

Accidental Sharing

Accidental sharing is always a threat, and it happens whenever information sharing takes place accidentally. It’s not due to malware or hackers. This occurs due to human error. Hence, this can happen through any medium. Any data shared accidentally when misused would create a negative impact on your business.

Tips to Prevent Cyber Attacks

Create strong passwords
Ensure to use a proper password management would help in handling passwords efficiently
Implement two-factor or multifactor authentication
Use spam filters and beware of email attachments
Beware of suspicious links
Keep your software updated
Make use of secure Wi-Fi connections
Keep your software and applications always updated
Train your employees on social engineering attacker
Create cybersecurity awareness through user education
Secure mobile devices
Have a backup and disaster plan
Do not share passwords, access codes, or any digital data with someone you never know
Never share confidential data through emails

Get Secured Today

Every day, businesses of all sizes are exposed to a variety of threats. The best thing a company can do to defend against threats is to put in place thorough security measures and to educate its employees about cybersecurity. This would guarantee that everyone connected to your company works with a consciousness about security threats and respective defense strategies.
To know more about cybersecurity from our experts in Leap, click here.

Are you looking for expert guidance on cybersecurity threats and their prevention methods? Visit our website, Leap Managed IT. We can help you with the best solutions by understanding your requirements. In the same way, we handle Managed I.T, phone, Process Automation, and more. Like us on Facebook and get more Ridiculously Helpful tips for your business.

To learn more about LEAP Managed IT, check out this video.

Tips for Working Remotely by LEAP

Is Working Remotely Safe ?

As companies are scrambling in setting up for business continuity, workers around the world are adapting to the new normal, dubbed as working remotely. One question that always pop up is, is it safe? How can we keep business information protected in a remote set up? Although working remotely has many benefits, it has also become an attraction for cyber criminals to take advantage to find a weak spot. Is safe remote work possible?

First of all, when setting up for a remote work, always remember that not all your employees have the same security measures in place on their home Wi-Fi networks as they do in the office. Because of this, the risk for data breach is higher. Attackers are also taking advantage, as more and more people are working from home. Opportunistic cyber criminals are taking this chance, knowing that business operations are becoming vulnerable. Assisting your remote workforce adapt and comply with security measures is necessary. By these steps, you are able to protect sensitive company data from online threats and hackers. With Cyber Security best practices, you and your employees are one step ahead.

Remote Work Tips

When working remotely, however, choose to work from home with a secure network rather than using public WiFi’s. When employees work remotely in public places, it is better to use a personal hotspot or an encrypt web connection.
Protect devices with antivirus solutions. This range of measures protect computers from malware and other unwanted visitors that can post threat to your stored work documents.
Make sure that programs and operating systems are up to date. Oftentimes, you can find vulnerabilities in apps and operating systems. Cyber criminals can infiltrate this way on people’s devices.
Remind the team to be vigilant about phishing attacks, most especially those that carry a Covid-19 or pandemic theme. Hackers are using these schemes to penetrate and launch cyber security threats.
Secure the corporate perimeter by using VPN. Tie it to an active directory and enable multi factor authentication to make sure the right people have access to networks, apps and data.
Even government organizations fall victim – the Texas Department of Transportation.

Business Continuity by Working Remotely

Businesses should also mandate the use of VPN when public WiFi is in use to avoid opening emails and clicking URL’s from unknown senders.
Remind employees to change router login and password. Some use default passwords that are easily searchable and accessed.
When stepping way from your desk, lock devices. Someone might catch a glimpse on your work correspondence.
When working remotely, it is easier to neglect and be misled by fake requests from people you may know. Train your team on how to spot signs and verify request first. This measure is to avoid spear phishing.
Carry security protocols over to home offices when necessary. Aside from business continuity, it is critical that as users move to working remotely, security team has a plan in place to carry call policies over to ensure home users to be secure like they were in the corporate office.

Securing What Belongs to You

Working remotely or work-from-home has its many perks, looking at it on the brighter side. There is less time spent commuting, higher productivity performance for employees and making better use of technology that we have, just to name a few. However, remote work can also be risky when the setup is taken for granted. Cyber security wise, company network, data and important files are compromised when employees are not careful. Setup may be vulnerable to theft, malware and other cyber threats.\

Lastly, let LEAP Managed IT assist you and your work from home setup to ensure online safety. Transitioning can be stressful, most especially when you are preoccupied in finding ways to improve business continuity plans. Contact LEAP Managed IT today and let us handle the IT side of your business.

3 Minutes to a Stronger Dental Practice

Dental Practice IT Support

Step foot into any dental practice and you will immediately notice the high tech digital advances dentists have put in place. Everything from digital check-in, patient appointment settings, 3D scanning technology to oral x-rays are done digitally. With all of this technology, it is no surprise that having a reliable dental practice IT support is critical to the day to day operations of a dental office.

Keeping your Practice Safe

Dental practice cyber security has become a hot topic. Dental practices have become targets for cyber criminals. These offices hold a vast amount of data including names, addresses, birth dates, health histories and social security numbers. This information can be used in several kinds of cyber crime like as fraud, hacking, online scams and even identity theft. Keeping your practice safe from cyber criminals is a must.

To save you from all the trouble, you need an experienced IT manager or outsourced IT support for dental practice that can evaluate your current IT structure. Through solutions like adding a strong encryption for data transfer and storage. Install firewalls and antivirus that fits with your existing dental practice system. They will provide layers of protection that will keep your data safe. Starting with a strong IT foundation will not only protect vital information. It will help your practice run smoothly and with greater efficiency.

The 3-Minute Guide

LEAP Managed IT offers Dental Practice Managed IT services is solely focused on assisting your practice from the IT side. From hardware integration to HIPAA compliance and data security our experts help aid the successes of your dental practice. We have developed a 3-minute guide to a Stronger Dental Practice to further help you understand and grow your dental practice. In 3 minutes, you will be able to identify strengths and weaknesses within your practice and know what questions to ask of your current provider. Our goal is to help make your practice more efficient through technology.

For more information, visit leapmanagedit.com

5 Cybersecurity Challenges Facing Indiana Municipalities

State and local government networks generate and operate with a wide array of sensitive information, such as:

citizen records including bank information
information about government organizations & processes
municipal employee records

That makes them an attractive target for cybercriminals who profit from stealing and exploiting that data.

The cybersecurity challenges facing local governments are more prominent than ever. Here are five of the most prevalent ones:

1. Attacks Becoming Increasingly More Sophisticated

Cyber attackers continually expand their knowledge and their arsenal.

We’ve seen how their tactics have evolved and adapted to exploit any vulnerability. And there’s no sign pointing to cyber criminals suddenly taking a break.

In fact, we’ve seen examples of them working together to plan coordinated, complex attacks against a common target.

What happens when local governments misperceive the potential complexity of a cyber-attack? Sensitive data becomes vulnerable.

2. Lack of Financial Resources to Tackle Cybersecurity Challenges

Just like a business, local governments have to work within limits imposed by their available budget.

Cyber-attacks have increased not only in frequency but also in terms of sophistication. Still, municipalities’ efforts to fight against them are severely underfunded.

The average state or local government agency spends less than 5% of its IT budget on cybersecurity.

Compared to large enterprises, local governments spend significantly less on protecting their data. But face the same kind of risks. You can see why this is a major problem.

The lack of budget often comes with a lack of skills, a topic we’ll discuss more in-depth in the following lines.

3. Handle the Problem of Insufficient and Untrained Staff

A major cybersecurity issue local governments face is finding the brainpower needed to protect data.

The human factor is often misperceived and minimized as importance when in reality it’s a crucial element.

Data security starts with the people handling sensitive data.

Someone who doesn’t have appropriate security skills can unintentionally create vulnerabilities within a network. And thus make it much easier for a hacker to access data.

Training requires additional costs, something that doesn’t fair well with a limited budget.

An alternative to in-house staff and training is hiring a cyber security professional that can offer an all-around solution.

4. Recovering after a Data Breach

Safeguarding sensitive data is one of the main challenges municipalities have to face.

When cities and counties fail to secure sensitive data, citizens suffer direct harm.

It’s not a coincidence that The 2016 Cybersecurity Survey by NASCIO lists security as the number one priority for government CIOs (State Chief Information Security Officers).

But it’s not only important to know how to prevent a cyber-attack. Organizations need to be able to expect an attack and think about the best ways to recover from it.

And this can be quite a challenge.

It’s better to assume an attack is going to happen and prepare for the eventuality than be caught off-guard.

5. Adapting to an Ever-Changing Security Landscape

Maybe one of the biggest cybersecurity challenges concerns the basic nature of cyberspace. This environment is constantly evolving. And with change comes a new set of challenges.

When it comes to cybersecurity, municipalities can’t actually see the enemy. But the threat is real, and it often shifts its form.

So how can municipalities turn these cybersecurity challenges into progress?

By improving their cyber-supported infrastructures, as well as the associated internal processes. That, combined with increased awareness gives them the best chances to fight against today’s obstacles.

However, assuming required technical and procedural safeguards may be a challenge in itself. We can make the entire process a lot easier. Get in touch with us today and learn more about the municipal cyber-defense services we provide.

Do you think the focus points of this article are relevant for describing today’s cybersecurity hurdles? Make sure to share the information with others.

Tag: data security