How Your Business Can Practice Data Protection
How Your Business Can Practice Data Protection
When was the last time you checked up on your cybersecurity? Most of the time, businesses don’t realize the gaps in their infrastructure until it’s too late. Data protection is a set of tools and policies your business can use to secure your data. It’s key to protect your data in order to guard your network efficiently. If a cybercriminal were to get their hands on your data, they could steal it and sell it on the dark web.
According to BullGuard, 43% of all SMBs have no cybersecurity plan in place to protect themselves, and in the last year IBM reported that SMBs lost an average of over $2.9 million per data breach. As cybercriminals become savvier, it’s important to make sure your business is protected from data theft.
Key Practices You Can Implement to Protect Your Data
We know the idea of being a cyberattack target can be scary. But there are easy steps you can take now to better protect your business data from getting stolen. Here are a few helpful practices to get you started.
1. Educate Your Employees
The majority of data breaches are caused by human error; that’s why it’s crucial that your employees are trained in cybersecurity awareness. When you educate your team on proper cyber hygiene, it can help your business stay secure. Training everyone on how to recognize and respond to cyberattack attempts can help decrease the chances of a data breach caused by human error.
2. Develop a Response Plan for Cyberattacks
Every business is at risk of an attack, so it’s extremely important that you have a plan in place. Something to consider is how your business will restore backups from disastrous scenarios if data theft is a part of the attack. It’s important that you’re testing your backup systems regularly and making sure everything is running smoothly. Practicing ransomware drills or using phishing email simulations is also great tools to see how your employees will act in those situations.
3. Implement Multifactor Authentication Across Your Network
Multifactor authentication (MFA) provides extra layers of security when it comes to logging into your accounts. MFA can help decrease the risk of many types of cyberattacks and help keep these bad actors out of your network. Common examples of MFA include using one-time passwords, pins, and fingerprints.
4. Encrypt Your Data
When you encrypt your data, you translate your data into ciphertext, which makes it unreadable to unauthorized users. Encryption is a great tool to use to protect all your data on your network from being stolen. Encrypting your business files helps keep cybercriminals out of your network.
When you implement these practices in your business, you’re helping your network stay guarded from cybercriminals. While these are great steps in the direction of protecting your business from data theft, it’s difficult to handle this all by yourself. Finding all this intimidating? Partner with an MSP to alleviate some stress.
Here at Global Data Systems in Boston, we’re ready to help keep your organization’s data secure with the latest cybersecurity solutions. Our experts can show you your organization’s current vulnerabilities and offer helpful solutions. If you’re looking for help with your current level of security, contact us today.
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Does Your Business Have Cybersecurity Training Practices in Place?
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has released new information regarding how businesses need to have heightened levels of security due to current global tensions. Every business is vulnerable to cyberattacks, so it’s important to have an updated cybersecurity strategy in place. Are you fully aware of your current cybersecurity practices? Have you implemented a cybersecurity training program? If not, it’s time to do so.
Phishing emails are responsible for about 94% of all malware, and are one of the leading causes of cyberattacks. Every 39 seconds, there is a new attack somewhere on the web. Cybersecurity training is especially important to have because without it, you may not be able to detect an incoming cyberattack.
With everything going on in the world right now, it’s important that your business is fully protected from any potential cyberattacks. In a recent study, it was found that cybercriminals can breach over 90% of company networks. Not only can these cyberattacks disrupt your normal business operations, but they can cause extreme damage to your IT infrastructure that you may not be able to recover from.
Cybersecurity Training: 4 Easy Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Business
You can reduce the chances of being a victim of cyberattack by following simple steps. Here are some easy ways you can get a head start on better guarding your business.
1. Use Two Factor Authentication, 2FA
When you implement 2FA, you’re opting to take an extra step in logging into your accounts to ensure you’re protected. Some common examples are pins, random security questions, confirmation texts, and fingerprints or face ID. When you have an extra step to log in, it makes it more difficult for threats to get into your account.
2. Always Update Your Software
If your devices aren’t updated, it gives holes for cybercriminals to hack into your software. To prevent that from happening, it’s a great idea to turn on automatic updates on all your software. That way, whenever a new update is available, your systems will update automatically. This way, you won't have to remember to update your software all the time.
3. Think Before You Click
Email security has never been more important than it is today. If you see a link or attachment that doesn't look familiar to you, it's best that you avoid it. Most likely when you get sent email links asking for personal information it’s a phishing scam. If you click on these attachments, it gives hackers access to your devices, and they can steal your information.
4. Create Strong Passwords
Did you know the most common used password is “123456”? If that applies to you, it’s time for you to level up your password strength. Some tips for strengthening your password are using at least 15 characters, mixing up letters and numbers, and making sure it’s unique. Using a password manager is a great way to help generate random passwords and securely store them somewhere safe.
Reality is, while these are all great steps to take, you’ll need more help to make sure your business is protected and secure from all angles. When you’re not fully protected, you make your business more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Especially with recent global cyberthreats, now is the perfect time to double check your cybersecurity practices.
Questions you may be asking yourself are if your software is safe or if your backup system is reliable. Don’t be overwhelmed by all the stress, the first step you should take is partnering with an MSP to help you get started.
Here at Global Data Systems in Boston, we can help your business by implementing the best security practices, offering your employees cybersecurity training, and supporting all your other IT needs.
If you’re concerned about your level of security, schedule an assessment with us.
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How Digital Cleaning Can Improve Your Business Technology
You want your devices to run smoothly and quickly. You want minimal downtime, increased productivity, and decreased costs. One effective way to ensure your technology is aligned with your goals is to conduct a digital cleaning to see where you might be falling short.
If you’re using outdated technology, you risk:
- Increased downtime
- Heightened costs
- Decreased productivity
- Security gaps
A digital cleanup is an opportunity to evaluate your security and find out where your software needs to be updated or enhanced. It illuminates any technology issues you may have been neglecting.
A digital cleaning acts as your alert system, a way for you to find out how you can get your devices running better and determine what you can do to optimize and improve your IT infrastructure.
Here are some digital cleanup items you can check off to improve your business technology.
√ Organize Your Digital Files
Free up space by eliminating files that you don’t need while holding onto the ones you still use.
√ Update Your Software
Check to see that you have the most current version of your software to maintain performance and keep your data secure.
√ Delete Old Accounts
Consider deactivating accounts you no longer use.
√ Use a Password Manager
How many passwords do you have? According to NordPass, you probably have around 100 of them. A password manager stores them on secure servers that aren’t accessible to hackers.
√ Evaluate Your Hardware
Run a diagnostic on your hardware to ensure its functionality and learn about out any issues that need to be addressed.
√ Run Updates
When you get a notification on your device that an update is available, don’t ignore it. Updating to its latest operating system ensures it runs as efficiently as possible.
√ Back Up Your Data
All your devices should be backed up to the cloud every 24 hours.
√ Protect Your Device
By using antivirus and antimalware software, you keep your device safe from phishing scams and other hacking ploys.
√ Clear Your Cache
When you eliminate the cookies that keep track of your browsing history, your devices run faster.
√ Partner with an MSP
If you don’t have the time or manpower to regularly clean your tech, consider partnering with an MSP. Partnering with an MSP means you can hand over your checklist for them to do the work. An MSP makes valuable suggestions and gets you on track with your technology and business goals.
Global Data Systems is a team of professional technology experts who can run diagnostic tests and provide customized IT solutions that suit your unique business needs.
We know your goal is to improve your technology so that your business continues to grow. It’s our goal, too. Let us shed light on how your technology is running and make recommendations on technology solutions that help you achieve the utmost levels of efficiency and productivity.
Leave your digital cleaning checklist to the experts. You won’t believe the results.
Schedule your digital clean up assessment today.
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Cybersecurity Benefits of Checking Your Tech in Boston
It’s one thing to have cybersecurity — it’s another thing, however, to have modern, effective cybersecurity that can withstand any kind of breach or cyberattack.
The best way to ensure you are reaping the cybersecurity benefits your software has to offer is by doing regular security checkups. A robust checkup includes making sure your employees are adequately trained, that your sensitive data is properly stored and that you have a plan in place to get you up and running should a breach occur.
Of course, you don’t want a breach to occur in the first place — IBM found the global average of a data breach is just shy of $4 million. And performing regular checks of the efficacy of your cybersecurity is a great first step toward stopping disaster.
There are many positives to doing regular tech checks of your cybersecurity such as:
Educating employees — It is imperative to ensure your employees can identify and sidestep attempts at phishing, ransomware and other attacks hackers have up their sleeves, especially since more than 90% of breaches occur because of human error. Your MSP should be able to provide your staff with ample training, whether it’s videos, posters or phishing simulations that won’t just educate your employees but will also make them your company’s strongest line of defense against a possible attack.
Keeping within budget — Effective cybersecurity isn’t always cheap, but it is far less expensive than the financial wallop packed by a breach or an attack. According to Small Business Trends, the average cost of breach to a small business is more than $25,000. TechChannel reports that one hour of downtime caused by a breach costs a business more than $300,000. Those are resources that should be devoted to running your business and growing your company — not mitigating the effects of a potentially disastrous breach. Worse yet, TechRepublic also found that small- and medium-sized companies that fall prey to an attack or breach shut down for good within six months of the incident. Check your tech and you can better protect yourself from becoming a statistic.
Maintaining good standing — As an entrepreneur, you’re not just building a business — you’re building a brand your customers can lean on and trust. Falling victim to a breach will erode that trust. Whether you’re in finance or the medical industry, clients are going to hesitate trusting you with their sensitive data if you can’t keep your own data secure. Security.org found that one in four Americans stop doing business with a company once it has been hacked. Imagine a quarter of your clientele up and leaving, taking their business — and their money — to a competitor while giving your company negative reviews to anyone who asks. Internally, being a company renowned for weak security and the high frequency at which it's attacked will put a dent in company morale while driving away talented employees and negatively impacting your ability to hire new ones.
Cybersecurity isn’t necessarily a set-it-and-forget-it part of your business. It needs to be updated, maintained and above all, checked. Your cybersecurity benefits will go a long way toward the success and sustainability of your business — if you handle it the right way. If you have any questions or need assistance with putting together your security checklist, please reach out to our team.
Global Data Systems in Boston has security services and solutions that help you keep up with and stay protected against the latest threats. Trust our expert team to provide services that are scalable, cost-efficient and customizable so they fit the specific needs of your industry and budget. Let us protect your business like it’s our business. Reach out to us today and we can assist you in creating an effective checklist that ensures your security has everything it needs to safeguard your network.
Put your money and focus where they belong — toward the growth of your business.
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3 Productivity Tools Revolutionizing Small Business in Boston
3 Productivity Tools Revolutionizing Small Business in Boston
At Global Data Systems, we know productivity tools for Boston's small businesses. As technology evolves to better support today’s modern workforce, we’re excited to share what we know and love. If you’re interested in learning about the tools helping businesses work better and smarter, keep reading.
#1. Cloud Computing Solutions
The cloud is redefining modern business, transforming how, when and where things get done. The benefits are numerous, and they all lead to increased productivity and efficiency. Cloud-based solutions provide the flexibility, reliability and security today’s business demands.
Cloud Computing Solutions Support:
- Collaboration: Cloud-based tools help teams work faster, smarter and together.
- Business continuity: Cloud computing stores information in the cloud so it’s easy to backup and recover.
- Flexibility: Quickly scale storage and bandwidth resources up or down as your business needs change.
- Innovation: Enjoy state-of-the-art tools without the costly, upfront fees.
Small businesses from all industries report increased productivity, improved security and cost savings after implementing a cloud solution. These service-based platforms offer a wide range of business advantages — all at one predictable monthly fee. For help choosing the right deployment model, implementation and routine management, consult with a local managed services provider experienced in cloud solutions.
#2. Microsoft 365 Applications
Microsoft 365 is a cloud-based solution featuring popular productivity tools like Teams, Word, PowerPoint, Excel and much more. Whether your team is in the office, remote or hybrid, Microsoft 365 keeps your staff connected to each other and working efficiently.
Microsoft 365 Applications Support:
- Collaboration: Host real-time video conferences with internal team members and clients, easily and securely.
- Anytime, anywhere access: View, manage and update important applications and documents from any internet-ready device.
- Communication: Chat, video, call and instant message team members from one shared workspace.
- Automation: Automate manual tasks and workflows for reduced errors and increased efficiencies.
Microsoft 365 is one of leading platforms for productivity tools. Manage email, build spreadsheets, organize documents and more with one integrated solution. If you’re considering migrating to Microsoft 365, consult with a local managed service provider first. An experienced partner can ensure you get the most from your subscription, provide a seamless transition and offer 24/7 management and support.
#3. Meeting Pods
Meeting pods are a great way to give your employees more space to collaborate and meet without giving you any of the costs associated with a large renovation or the hassle and headaches of moving locations.
And because they come in a variety of types and colors, meeting pods can make your office more aesthetically pleasing while also increasing efficiency and productivity. From a tech perspective, meeting pods can be outfitted with smart TVs, USB ports, lighting/audio features and other electronic devices and interfaces that create the ultimate virtual conference experience.
Other benefits of meeting pods:
- Room to collaborate: Meeting pods will give your employees additional space to collaborate without you having to finance the construction, furnishing and set up of a new boardroom.
- Increased privacy: While pods will increase collaboration, they can also be a haven for employees looking to avoid audio and visual distractions or those who are participating in an online meeting or conference call.
- Less background noise: Most meeting pods are soundproof, which will allow employees to conduct their business or give an online presentation no matter how loud the office gets.
- Confidentiality: If an employee is dealing with very sensitive client information, they can get their work done in the privacy of a pod rather than exposing the info out in the open.
Productivity Tools for Small Businesses
Global Data System, Boston’s leader in personalized tech solutions, specializes in helping local businesses optimize their technology. For more tech news and trends, be sure to read our other informative industry blogs, or contact our team to continue the conversation.
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Your Business Health Depends on Your Adoption of Emerging Technology
With businesses on a large scale deploying a wide realm of innovative technology solutions, such as artificial intelligence, adoption is crucial to retaining a competitive edge. Technology has always been necessary on a functional level — for tasks, communications, security, and so on. But these days, it can make or break your business. The ready adoption of emerging technology is simply a necessity for business growth and success.
The implementation of new digital technology can help accelerate progress toward business goals, such as financials, workforce diversity, and environmental targets by more than 20%.
And companies that incorporate new technology discover 80% more annual net income than their competitors, according to Oracle.
Top 5 Things a Tech Check Catches
From outdated solutions to cybersecurity that’s not up to the task, there are plenty of convincing reasons to discover where improvements could be made to your IT. A technology assessment will reveal:
- Aging Solutions: If you haven’t updated in 6-12 months, you’re probably using at least one outmoded solution.
- Decision-Making Lags: 75% of companies that use AI experienced an improvement in decision-making.
- Old Equipment: New technology improves productivity, enhancing workflows.
- Weak Security: Strong security is a must to avert cyberattacks, which average about $200,000.
- Technological Deficits: A technology audit can identify areas that hold your team back.
Agility Matters
When it comes to your IT infrastructure, ask yourself if your technology enhances your ability to make data-driven decisions and if it provides value for your clients. Is it scalable? Do your employees have all of the tools they need to do their jobs successfully?
More than nine in 10 of executive managers believe agility is important to the success of their businesses.
Agility is how prepared you are to adopt available technology innovations. To attain optimal agility, Forbes suggests you have a strategy with objectives, broad agreement on technology path, IT processes in place, and adaptable personnel who appreciate what new technology brings to the table.
While the vast majority of executive managers believe agility to be important to their success, less than a third of executive managers consider their companies to fit the profile, according to Project Management Institute.
Discover the Benefits of Tech Health
The GDS team is asking all of our clients whether the superior technology of AI, cloud, or decision intelligence are options they’d like to explore.
AI — Three out of four companies that have implemented AI experienced an improvement in their decision making
Cloud — The cloud provides an agile platform to develop solutions quicker with no capital expenditure, according to Forbes.
Decision Intelligence — Organizations that are data-driven are 23 times more likely to covert leads. They’re 6 times more likely to retain those leads. And they’re 19 times more likely to improve their ROI, according to Advance 2000.
At Global Data Systems in Boston, we build your IT infrastructure specific to your business. We provide everything you need to optimize your operations, while addressing your budget, existing security, current technology solutions, and equipment inventory.
We learn about your business to get you poised for success now, and in the future. Our customized evaluation identifies areas where you can improve, grow, and thrive.
Don’t endure the fallout of operating on outmoded technology. Don’t let your competitors gain an edge. Take your business to the next level with our support. Contact us today.
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Three Ways AI Cybersecurity Can Benefit Your Business in Boston
The days of solely using passwords to secure your network and data are over. And your IT team may be comprised of some of the best tech experts you know — but in today’s digital landscape, and with the ever-evolving skill of cybercriminals, it may not be enough to give your Boston-based business the protection it needs.
The answer may be found in AI cybersecurity, which is artificial intelligence that picks up where your team leaves off. Implementing AI doesn’t mean you have to fire your IT staff. Rather, it will enhance their work through constant network monitoring and lighten their burden, freeing up members of your team to spruce up your website or carry out other duties to help grow your business.
Here are some other ways AI cybersecurity can make you safer than you have been before:
It Quickly Detects Intruders
AI can teach itself all about your network and quickly familiarizes itself with who is permitted to access to it — and more importantly, who isn’t. Whether through passwords, retinal scans or multiple layers of authentication, AI acts as your company’s ultimate gatekeeper. Unlike humans, who need to carefully vet everyone requesting access and decide on each one, AI cybersecurity does so quickly and without compromising quality, preventing employees and customers from having to sit through long wait times while waiting for access.
It Never Gets Tired
Wouldn’t it be great if hackers had the decency to stick to a schedule? Or how about if they called ahead to let you know what time they planned to infect your network with ransomware? Of course, that isn’t the case. The truth is your company needs network monitoring 24/7/365 — but you and your employees are human and need to rest. AI cybersecurity, however, never drops its guard. Whether it’s 3 a.m. on a Sunday or while the turkey is getting carved on Thanksgiving, you will have the peace of mind in knowing your network is getting effective and efficient cybersecurity. No matter when a cybercriminal intends to strike, AI is ready to detect and resolve the incident long before it starts.
It’s Consistent
Even your best, most reliable employees miss a day of work on occasion. Sometimes it’s sickness, other days it’s car trouble — or they have some well-deserved time off coming their way. AI cybersecurity is always there. It never needs a sick day or arrives late because of a blown tire. You know what to expect, when to expect it. And knowing that AI has your cybersecurity covered no matter the time, day or holiday means you can allow your staff up to serve your customers and enhance your business.
Get the Protection Your Business Needs
Equipping your network with AI cybersecurity is essential. If you decide to outsource your cybersecurity to an MSP in Boston, make sure it is one that offers the most modern, innovative and up-to-date protection available. It needs to provide your business with round-the-clock monitoring designed to protect your data throughout all hours of the night. Using old, cookie-cutter cybersecurity is your way of inviting smart, sophisticated hackers into your network. Contact our team to learn more about our cybersecurity services and schedule a no-risk, no-cost security assessment.
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The FBI Warns of Ransomware Attacks in Boston
Ransomware attacks have become commonplace as part of national security discourse. Awareness of cybersecurity issues has been raised by the White House, FBI and several corporate giants as a result of increasing risk to businesses of all sizes across the nation.
Ransomware attacks are one of the fastest growing and most dangerous cybercrimes in today’s digital landscape. A world record was set this year for the largest ransomware payout, according to Business Insider, with the attacked insurance company shelling out $40 million to recover their data. Additionally, ransom fees are skyrocketing according to the National Security Institute, averaging a 3,900% increase from 2018 to 2020.
So, what can you do to protect your Boston-based business? Continue reading to find out the risks posed by ransomware and the steps you can take to protect your business now.
How Ransomware Works
Ransomware works by utilizing social engineering tactics, such as phishing, to lure users into revealing sensitive information or providing access to otherwise secure networks and systems. Once the malicious actor gets access, they encrypt the data and hold it for ransom in order to decrypt it. However, the mayhem no longer stops there.
As time has passed and ransomware-wielding criminals have become savvier, exposing the data breach to critical people, like investors and customers of the business they hack, increasing pressure on all sides to have the affected business pay out and pay out fast.
These ransoms are typically held to a time limit and request cryptocurrency as the form of payment, as it is nearly impossible to trace by law enforcement. And considering many forms of ransomware originate under the anonymity of the dark web, only about three out of every 1,000 cybercrimes are arrested and prosecuted, according to Third Way Think Tank.
The Overwhelming Majority of Experts Advise NOT to Pay
Ransomware is on track to cost its victims about $265 billion annually by 2031, with an attack happening as often as every two seconds, according to Cybersecurity Ventures.
But if it happens to you, keep your wallet shut.
The FBI advises never to pay the ransom. By paying the ransom and not reporting the crime, it makes the attacker harder to trace and exposes your business as a prime target, then causing future retargeting efforts to be focused your way. Many businesses run themselves into the ground trying to recover from ransomware attacks on their businesses.
And even if you do decide to pay as an attempt to keep the situation concise and quiet, Forbes estimates that nearly 92% of ransomware victims end up losing their data for good regardless of meeting the demands.
How to Recover from a Ransomware Attack
If you don’t invest in ransomware prevention, you could experience extensive downtime, reputational damage, loss of potential future business, expensive compliance penalties and more if you were to be attacked. It’s the unfortunate reality that over half of SMBs who experience a cyberattack end up having to close their doors.
Here are the recommended steps to take after a ransomware attack occurs:
- Notify your cybersecurity team and authorities immediately.
- Remove all affected devices from the network.
- Disable cloud-based accounts and auto syncing.
- Change all passwords across the network.
- Do a complete wipe and restore across all devices.
- Restore lost files from your last backup onto clean devices.
- Re-enable cloud accounts.
We’ve seen too many businesses allow it to get to this point, rather than investing in long-term, comprehensive protection from the start. We have reached the point where cybersecurity is no longer an option. Much like auto or home insurance, we need cybersecurity to protect us from potential threats that could lead to a catastrophe before it happens. Otherwise, the burden of recovery rests fully on your shoulders.
Proactive Protection: Partner with Global Data Systems
At Global Data Systems, we understand our responsibility as Boston's leading experts in ransomware prevention, cybersecurity and managed IT services. Our number one priority is to stay ahead of the current state of cybersecurity to provide a zero trust, comprehensive environment for you to work productively and with ease. Regardless of the size of your business, industry or current objectives, a partnership with our experts can provide the peace of mind you need and the tools you deserve to get your jobs done well.
To request a security assessment with one of our experts, reach out to us today. Together, we’ll identify your weaknesses and fortify your business for today’s threats and tomorrow’s possibilities.
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Arm Your Employees with Cybersecurity Training in Boston
At Global Data Systems, we know cybersecurity training is an excellent way to teach your employees how to spot a scam. But that doesn’t quite capture the urgency of making sure your team knows how to defend your business.
Hackers attack every 39 seconds, according to the University of Maryland. With cybercrimes increasing in frequency and criminals growing increasingly sophisticated with their techniques, training your team is no longer an option; it’s a necessity.
With a data breach that is all but certain to cause expensive downtime, compliance fines and reputational damage, it’s time you armed your team with a comprehensive array of cybersecurity solutions. From identifying spam and malware to social engineering and phishing, it’s not as complicated as you might think to get each team member on board with protecting your data — and your company.
A Solid Way to Defend Your Business
Professional cybersecurity training teaches the basics, such as how multi-authentication passwords are the first line of defense to protect your sensitive data from hackers. Your employees can be trained to never use the same password for their accounts. They can be taught to use strong passwords that use a mix of symbols, letters and numbers, so no one will come close to guessing it.
Your employees can’t be expected to walk in the door on their first day and know how to identify cybersecurity threats. But one of the downfalls with security awareness is that some employers only employ training as an onboarding event. Unfortunately, your team will be faced with threats continually — not just on their first day or week on the job.
When confronted with cyberthreats, most people can’t tell the difference between a legitimate link and a malicious one. This is probably why 95% of cybersecurity breaches are caused by human error, according to IBM.
Cybersecurity training mimics the latest threats and teaches employees how to separate legitimate and questionable emails.
As a business owner, you can institute policies that ingrain bulletproof cyber hygiene habits, such as instructions for emails, the internet and social media platforms. But be sure to make the training consistent and a regular calendar event.
How We Help
The team at Global Data Systems gives you pertinent guidelines that keep your data safe with regularly scheduled training on how to avert the most up-to-date scams. It’s important that your employees stay fresh in their knowledge and on guard against cyberthreats. Once they’re in the throes of their roles, it might not be top of mind to safeguard your data. But frequent and continual training throughout the lifetime of their roles ensures that the skills they develop remain relevant and applicable to the most modern threats.
With more companies succumbing to cyberattacks, it’s crucial that 100% of your team is on deck to stave off lurking threats with cybersecurity solutions. If your long-term goal is to grow your business and succeed — we know it is! — training your employees to recognize malware and phishing or any of the other lurking dangers is a necessity.
If given a chance, your employees want to help you dodge cybersecurity threats. Give them the shared responsibility of acting as your defender, and they’ll gladly comply — they want your business to thrive, too. They just need the tools and knowledge on how to do it.
Cybercrimes are becoming more sophisticated, and data breaches are rapidly increasing. Arm your employees with the knowledge they need to improve their cybersecurity procedures, policies and best practices. Help them help you.
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Dark Web Protection in Boston – Four Strategies to Shield Your Business
Global Data Systems has years of experience countering attacks in the Boston area that stem from the dark web, and it can create quite the mess for your business. Cybersecurity and dark web protection go hand in hand, with many forms of ransomware, malware and phishing originating from this anonymous online underground. And once you’ve been targeted, it can be hard to recover.
Data breaches result in downtime, which can cost a company on average $5,600 per minute. And if you don’t have a professional business continuity solution with 24/7 support, productivity can completely collapse during the recovery stage. In the worst-case scenario, your business could end up closing like sixty percent of small businesses that experience a data breach.
But cybersecurity and dark web risks don’t have to be inevitable for your business. Here are four ways you can reinforce your cybersecurity and dark web protection starting today.
1. Install Dark Web Scanning
Dark web protection and scanning can defend your data by continually monitoring your systems for suspicious activity, attempted breaches and security weaknesses. Automated software can then send alerts to let you know what data is potentially compromised, allowing you to act faster and stay secure.
2. Take a Proactive Approach
Don’t wait until you’re the victim of a cyberattack to react. The number one thing cybercriminals want you to do is not notice what happened until afterward. By then, they’ve likely already started sharing and selling your data on the dark web. With cybercrime on the rise, it’s smart to incorporate technology to monitor your network before — not after — you experience an attack on your business.
3. Employ Training and Security
Cybercriminals won’t discriminate. They want your personal and business data, educational information, medical records and everything in between. Once it hits the dark web, odds are, it will sell. Protect your assets from the frontlines by training your employees to spot a phishing attempt and teach them what to do in the event of a possible security breach. Simulations are another aspect of cybersecurity training that tests your staff’s security knowledge and can be incorporated into a fun and educational team bonding challenge.
4. Partner with a Professional
Managed service providers monitor your data for security breaches, install and patch software to defend against ongoing threats and train your employees to keep your business data safe and secure. Not only will you feel safer, but your team will regain the capacity to focus on your business objectives with ongoing IT support and consulting services available when you need them.
When you partner with Global Data Systems for any and all of your technology and cybersecurity needs, we outfit your business with affordable technology that leaves you feeling protected, supported and empowered. To find out if your business is at risk or to learn more about our services, contact us today for your custom assessment.
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