Cyberattack Target Alert: 6 Industries at Risk of an Attack
There is no industry safe from cyberattacks; in fact, anyone can be a cyberattack target. In the past year, the world has seen many types of cyberattacks. Just in 2021, we saw the largest pipeline in the U.S. and one of the biggest car manufacturers in the world impacted by a major cyberattack. Your small business is also a big target for hackers, Accenture reported 43% of cybercriminals go after SMBs.
These attacks are definitely not cheap. According to IBM, ransomware was the most popular attack of 2021 with an average cost of $4.6 million. With these big attacks comes a hefty amount of money your business can lose. The FBI found that business email compromise victims lost over $1.8 billion last year.
Where Does Your Industry Rank?
Any business that has sensitive information is a common target of hackers. Each industry has unique cyberattacks deployed by cybercriminals. Here are the six main industries that are the most targeted by cybercriminals.
1. Manufacturing
Taking the first-place spot, the manufacturing industry accounted for 23% of cyberattacks globally in the last year. Ransomware was the most common cyberattack the manufacturing industry experienced. Other common cyberattacks in this industry included server access attacks, business email compromise and data theft. In a survey by Deloitte, 38% of manufacturers surveyed had losses between $1 and $10 million.
2. Finance & Insurance
The finance and insurance industry accounted for 22% of all global cyberattacks. Of the businesses impacted, 70% were banks, 16% were insurance organizations, and 14% were other miscellaneous financial organizations. IBM reported the average total cost of a data breach in this industry was $5.72 million in 2021.
3. Business Services
Business services such as office administration, human resources, security services and more accounted for about 13% of attacks. Of the businesses attacked, 76% were professional service firms, 29% were IT-focused service providers and 24% were other business firms.
4. Energy
Energy makes up 8% of the cyberattacks seen in 2021. The most common attack against this industry was ransomware, followed by distributed denial of service, business email compromises, and more. Distributed denial of service occurs when a hacker floods a network with traffic, leading it to crash. In 2020, the energy industry had an average data breach cost of $6.39 million.
5. Retail & Wholesale
The retail and wholesale industry accounted for 7% of cyberattacks in 2021, with an average data breach cost of $3.37 million. Of these businesses, 65% were wholesale while 35% were retail. Top attacks seen in this sector included business email compromise, server access, data theft and credential harvesting.
6. Healthcare
The last industry impacted by cyberattacks is the healthcare sector at 5%. Of the attacks seen, 38% were ransomware — which is a higher percentage compared to other industries. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, the healthcare industry is expected to spend $125 billion on cybersecurity by 2025.
Overall, no matter what industry you’re in, your business can be a target of hackers. It’s important that you have a cybersecurity plan in place in order to protect your assets and defend yourself against any potential cyberattacks. If you’re looking to improve your current cybersecurity, consider partnering with an MSP.
Sentry Tech Solutions in Orlando is here to help keep your business protected with top-line cybersecurity. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions related to cybersecurity.
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Why Your Business Should Enhance Its Phishing Training Methods
With the current geopolitical crisis, you may be rethinking your current cybersecurity strategy. Now more than ever is a good time to implement new and updated security measures and phishing training courses. It’s important that you make protecting your Orlando business a priority. This is a bigger issue now given what’s going on.
In a recent global survey, 49% of organizations say keeping up with security challenges is harder than it was two years ago. To account for these new challenges, 88% of organizations say that they’re increasing security spending. Considering these trends, it’s important that you evaluate what you’re doing to stay up to date on security measures.
For example, is your business fully protected? According to Accenture, 43% of cyberattacks are aimed at small businesses, with only 14% of those prepared for an attack. And trust us, these attacks are not cheap if cyberthreats steal your data. More than half of all cyberattacks cost over $500,000 in financial damages. This also includes lost revenue, customers, opportunities, and any out-of-pocket costs. Are you ready to take the first step towards protecting your business?
Phishing Training: Email Security Has Never Been More Important
If you’re ready to bolster your email security, a great place to start is with phishing training. Teach your employees how to detect any sort of attack with regular cybersecurity training activities. There are many ways to determine if an email is malicious, so it’s important that you’re able see all the signs. Showing your employees the characteristics of a phishing email is great to help them detect what’s verified and what’s a scam. Let’s discuss four ways you can detect a phishing email.
Cybersecurity Training: 4 Ways You Can Detect a Phishing Email
1. Check the Sender and Email Address
Double check who sent you the email. Don’t look at just the sender's name, check the email address too. Usually when we see a sender’s name we recognize, we don’t look at the address. Cybercriminals will use bogus email addresses that don’t even match the sender's name. Does the email address have a domain name? If it has a public domain, it’s most likely a scam.
2. Look For Spelling and Grammar Errors
Although phishing emails are getting harder to detect, they are normally going to have at least a few spelling or grammar mistakes. Most large businesses will hire copywriters to write their emails, and they use spell check and autocorrect. Any email from a reputable company is going to look professional. Some of these spelling errors are caused from inaccurate translations from another language, or they can be deliberate to attempt to evade filters that try to block these kinds of attacks.
3. What Type of Attachment They Use
The most common types of attachments phishing emails use are .zip, .exe, and .scr. Also, any attachment files like Windows executables, script files, and Office documents are likely to be malicious. If you don’t recognize the type of file, it’s best that you don’t open the attachment.
4. Look At the Company Name
Some reputable companies that are commonly imitated are Google, Dropbox, YouTube, Facebook, Amazon, and Apple. Check the logo in the email, does it look off? Do you have a similar email from the same company you can look at and compare and contrast? Phishing emails can use knock off logos that look close to the real thing, but little differences like font, color, and spacing could determine whether it’s real or not.
With the current global events going on right now, it’s important that you make sure your business is fully secure. You should implement the best security practices, including two-factor authentication and password managers. You also need to educate your team on cybersecurity, including email security.
As cybercriminals become more skilled, it will continue to become harder to spot a phishing email. At Sentry Technology Solutions in Orlando, we’re here to help in the fight against cybercrime. From reviewing your cybersecurity strategy, email security services, data protection and more, our experts are ready to help your business.
Schedule a security assessment with one of our experts today.
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How to Dodge Pitfalls when Digital Cleaning
When you think about how often you straighten your desk and tidy your office, it’s similar to how technology types like us think about digital cleaning. That’s where we discover what technology needs updating, enhancing, or eliminating.
We all know that updated technology improves productivity, efficiencies, and profit. Updated and new technology improves your workflow because employees work better with more modern equipment. Yet, 70% of digital transformation projects fall short, according to Forbes.
There are many things you can do to get your technology up to par, starting with a digital deep clean. Besides checking for unused apps and learning where security can be bolstered, an all-encompassing digital cleaning evaluates your equipment to make sure it’s working properly. It points out what updates are needed.
Eventually, businesses that engage in regular digital cleanups discover that their technology is outdated. That can be fixed. But updating technology isn’t a particularly popular idea on the front end with your employees. Despite eventually becoming more productive with modern technology, employees like the status quo and are sometimes frustrated and annoyed at changes to technology.
At Sentry IT Solutions, we can help you navigate around the common pitfalls businesses encounter when they discover they need to make technology updates.
Here are 4 things to avoid when updating your business technology:
1. Layering new onto old
When you implement new technology, it’s tempting to hold onto old processes without first examining the compatibility with existing devices and applications. Instead of trying to use new technology to compensate for broken processes, integrating new technology that complements your systems better enables a seamless transition in which your technology is working in concert with your processes.
2. Forcing it
People have a hard time with change. They prefer things to stay the same. When they’re faced with a new technology, they might resist it. It’s crucial that they understand its benefits. The key to get them to embrace it is to align your team with the transformation and how it’s a necessary step for growth. Remind them that implementing modern technology will help boost their productivity and grow the business, a win-win.
3. Miscommunicating
When the migration to new technology is imminent, your goals should already be in place and communicated to the team. This way, when it’s time to measure the improvements against what was needed, the updated technology is properly credited as the right solution. Once your employees see the positive effect of the new technology, they should give you their full cooperation.
4. Setting unrealistic expectations
When your digital cleaning efforts require an update in your technology, it's tempting to believe it’ll solve all of your problems immediately. It takes a reality check on what the benefits are. Leadership should provide a realistic message about what the cleanup will accomplish and the importance of having patience.
Migrate with an MSP
Sentry IT Solutions understands the task at hand when you choose to take on the technology updates that result from a digital clean up. We outline the expectations to make sure they align with reality — and your goals. And we make sure the technology you want to hang on to is compatible with your upgrades.
Once your technology improvements are implemented, your team will enjoy that their devices run smoothly and quickly. They’ll find more energy to complete their projects and grow more productive. In a nutshell, we make the results of your digital cleaning something your team can celebrate, not dread.
Sentry IT Solutions in Orlando can provide you with the digital cleaning your business deserves. Put your trust in our digital deep cleaning solutions, and we’ll help your business improve its technology in a way that aligns with your goals now — and in the future.
Schedule your digital cleanup today!
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Cybersecurity Benefits for Those Who Check Their Tech in Orlando
Cybersecurity benefits are boundless. But unless you’re checking your tech regularly, you really don’t know how sturdy your cybersecurity really is. And if you’re running your business on old, outdated security, you’re living on borrowed time — especially if your sensitive data or your clients’ sensitive data makes its way on to the dark web, where it can be sold and bought by the highest bidder.
Leaving your network open to data breaches can cause irreparable financial harm, destroying everything you and your staff have spent years trying to build. But by routinely updating and evaluating the state of your security, you can prevent your business from being waylaid by these potentially crippling scenarios:
High costs — Even a minor data breach has the power to bring your business to a standstill, especially if you haven’t partnered with an MSP who can help put an effective disaster and recovery plan in place. Downtime can be costly: TechChannel found that 91 percent of businesses said one hour of downtime can amount to losses of more than $300,000. And just one percent said hourly downtime costs less than $100,000. The US National Cyber Security Alliance found that small businesses must pay upwards of $690,000 to recover from an attack or breach. That’s a lot of money that should be going toward serving your customers and growing your business. Working with modern, up-to-date security is a great way to avoid such exorbitant costs.
Harm to your reputation — Very few people and companies want to hire someone they don’t trust. After all, when a breach occurs, it’s not just your data that’s compromised — it’s your customers’ data as well. And damage to your reputation often results in damage to your bottom line. In fact, Forbes found that companies that fall victim to a cyberattack see the price of their shares fall by seven percent. Regaining someone’s trust is hard, so the best way to keep your customer base intact is by doing regular security checks that help prevent breaches before they become a problem.
Closing your doors for good — There are many cybersecurity benefits to routinely checking your tech, but none more than the survival of your business. Cyberattacks and data breaches can be fatal to small businesses — TechRepublic reported that 66 percent of all small- and medium-sized businesses go out of business completely or are forced to close for at least one day after suffering an attack. Cybercriminals often target small businesses because they don’t believe those companies have the manpower and resources to defend themselves as well as the larger, richer companies. Regularly checking your tech goes a long way toward making sure your business stays out of a hacker’s crosshairs.
Just having cybersecurity isn’t enough. In order for your security to be effective, it needs to be up-to-date and able to keep up with the ever-growing audacity of today’s cybercriminals. If you have any questions or are unsure how to do a tech check of your security, reach out to our team today. Don’t wait for a breach to start effectively safeguarding your network.
Appalachian Network Services in North Carolina provides security solutions that help you keep up with and stay protected against the latest threats. Our expert team offers services that are scalable, cost-efficient and can be customized to protect any business in any industry. Let us protect your business like it’s our business. Call us today and we will work with you on creating an effective checklist that ensures your security is up to date and up to standards.
Put your money and focus where they belong — toward the growth of your business.
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Productivity Tools Revolutionizing the Modern Workforce
How to Maximize Business Efficiencies in Orlando
At Sentry IT Solutions, we’re passionate about productivity tools for local small businesses. Cutting-edge technology is no longer reserved for large corporations alone. Today’s innovative tools are redefining how small businesses streamline operations, keep hybrid teams connected and boost productivity. Let’s take a look at some of the technologies, applications and strategies driving digitization, strengthening security and increasing efficiencies.
Keep Remote and Onsite Staff Connected with Cloud Computing Solutions
More and more businesses are leaving slow, rigid legacy hardware behind and embracing the flexibility, reliability and security of cloud services. These service-based platforms offer a multitude of modern business advantages at one predictable monthly fee.
Do you think your employees have access to what they need when they need it? If you’re not sure, consider cloud computing solutions to boost communication, decrease downtime and ramp up resources on demand.
Cloud Computing Solutions:
- Enhance collaboration. Keep remote and onsite staff connected to important documents and each other — anytime, anywhere.
- Provide business continuity. Most cloud computing and storage options use a multi-pronged approach and store data off-site in multiple locations. That’s important when it comes to backup and recovery. Most cloud computing services provide uptime guarantees as well.
- Scale easily. It’s easy to scale storage and bandwidth resources up or down as business needs change.
For help deciding on a deployment model, implementation and management, speak with a local managed services provider experienced in cloud computing solutions.
Drive Team Collaboration with Microsoft 365 Applications
Popular apps like Teams, Word, PowerPoint and Excel offer all the productivity tools your team needs to stay connected and work efficiently. At home, on the road or in the office, this cloud-based solution gives staff anytime/anywhere access to company documents so business gets done.
Do your technology solutions help your employees do their job from wherever they work? If you’re hesitating, consider Microsoft 365 applications to boost team collaboration and support anytime, anywhere productivity.
Microsoft 365 Applications Provide:
- Real-time document-sharing video conferencing
- Anytime, anywhere access to important apps and documents
- Award-winning, user-friendly apps
- Automated workflows
Before you choose a Microsoft 365 solution, consider consulting with a local managed services provider. They can help you choose the right subscription, migrate data and provide ongoing tech support.
Tablet as a Tool
If you think tablets are just for gaming and scrolling through various social media pages, you’re wrong.
Tablets are affordable, easy to use and easy to carry. They also come in handy during meetings, whether you are taking or recording notes, presenting or suddenly need to send an email. And as more companies shift toward a remote environment, tablets allow employees to access files, update blogs and/or websites, and receive and send messages from anywhere that has an internet connection — and don’t require as much space as a laptop.
All tablets feature touchscreens but also work with keyboards, allowing employees to mimic an office-like workspace whether they’re sitting under an umbrella at the beach or finishing up a report before hopping on a flight.
Get an Expert Consultation
You take your car to an expert for routine maintenance and unexpected issues. Why would your business tech infrastructure be any different?
If you’re looking for new technology to support, streamline and optimize your operations, consult with a professional. A managed services provider is experienced with building personalized tech solutions aligned with your unique business objectives. That includes transforming your business with the latest and greatest productivity tools available.
Sentry IT Solutions Knows Productivity Tools for Small Businesses
Sentry IT Solutions, Orlando's leader in innovative tech solutions, specializes in helping local businesses make the most of their technology. For other tech industry trends, read more of our informative blogs, or contact our team to learn what we can do for your business.
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Now Is the Perfect Time to Create an Emerging Technology Strategy in Orlando
Are you bringing up emerging technology in your Orlando business' quarterly budget meetings? If not, you should! It drives revenue growth, and who doesn’t want that?
The good news: companies that use innovative technology increased their annual revenue by 58%, according to Oracle. Further, companies that use new technology innovations grow their annual net income by the rate of 80% compared to those businesses that don’t.
Gartner thinks investing in innovative technology is worth the investment, too. In fact, Gartner recommends that, at minimum, 1.5 to 3.5% of your revenue be invested in IT infrastructure.
New Technology Means Happy Employees, Greater Productivity, Revenue
Your team’s work attitude takes a nosedive when they’re forced to use antiquated technology.
Nearly 6 in 10 IT personnel believe that using old-fashioned technology can cause employee morale to plummet, according to Spiceworks. By the same rate, using old technology has a negative effect on productivity.
New technology resources such as decision intelligence, AI-based cybersecurity and productivity tools have the reverse effect on your team, increasing productivity, improving workflow, and increasing employee satisfaction.
Build a Solid IT Infrastructure
You should seriously consider undergoing a real-time technology checklist to see where your infrastructure stands right now. You can find out if your technology is bulletproof against hackers, if it eases your decision making, and if it allows collaboration, for some examples.
The bad news is that you’ll likely discover some areas for improvement, such as with updates. With a tech checklist, you’ll know where you stand, and that’s gold when it comes to peace of mind.
When planning improvements and updates to your IT infrastructure, it’s easier than you think to get it wrong.
Top 3 mistakes businesses make include:
- Underestimating risk: 94% of businesses have at least one computer with no, weak, dated, or expired antivirus software, according to Inc.
- Not taking security seriously: Ignoring security means you risk business interruption, a tarnished reputation, and financial security.
- Ignoring audits: IT-related protocols should be a continual and ongoing process.
Your technology checklist identifies where your business can:
- Optimize and transform IT
- Increase productivity
- Discover areas for improvement
- Enhance operations
- Bolster security
Now’s the Time
With a customized technology checklist, our experts in IT lifecycle management guide you on areas like cost and transition, allowing you to stay up to date with advancements, while offering you peace of mind for your business.
Our team takes the reins on your integration and trains your employees on how to use the new solutions. Lastly, we ensure your IT remains optimized with 24/7 maintenance, while delivering a smooth retirement of your previous solutions.
Once we’ve identified the solution that’s right for you, our team gets to work building your complete strategic package. We’ll provide an effortless transition experience to your new system along with the seamless retirement of your prior solutions.
Now is the ideal time to update with emerging technology for your Orlando business. The experts at Sentry Technology Solutions keep your business competitive and deliver solutions that propel your business into the future.
If you are ready to take advantage of emerging technology, schedule a time to speak with our experts. We can help take your business to the next level.
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How Two-Factor Authentication Can Protect Companies in Orlando
You’re driving around Orlando and realize you need some cash. You pull up to an ATM. Before you can access the money in your bank account, however, you must use a card and enter a personal identification number (PIN). Or you head to an e-commerce site to buy some presents. You enter your password — but your cellphone buzzes. The site has texted you a code you need to log in to start shopping. These are examples of two-factor authentication or 2FA. This is a form of security that requires users to show at least two — and on occasion three — forms of identity to log on or access a network.
What Is 2FA?
It’s a newer, more modern form of cybersecurity. Google conducted a study and found that adding a phone number recovery to accounts, and then sending text messages to that account whenever someone logs in, blocked 100% of automated bots, 96% of bulk phishing attacks, and 76% of targeted attacks.
When it comes to securing data online, passwords can be ineffective, especially if people use similar ones across multiple accounts or use birthdays and any other personal information that can be accessed online.
As its name implies, two-factor authentication includes another layer of protection against cybercriminals.
Here are the three factors of authentication that make life tough for anyone trying to compromise your data:
1. Knowledge
This is something only you would know, such as a PIN number, password or in some instances, a passphrase. This is the easiest one to steal, which is why other factors are required.
2. Possession
It’s rare that a hacker can steal your password and something like a bank card or key fob, which is what makes this factor so important. Other examples include an app on your phone or a software token.
3. Inheritance
Otherwise known as what you are, this is probably the hardest factor to compromise. This is verified by anything unique to you physically, such as a retinal scan, fingerprint, or voice/facial recognition.
4. Mix it Up
Authentication is effective only when using two different factors rather than multifactors. For example, requiring users to present both a fingerprint and a key fob ensures far more security than asking them to enter two passwords.
Partnering With Strong Security
Two-factor authentication is the sophisticated security businesses need to stave off cybercriminals, who are becoming more and more audacious by the day. Old, cookie-cutter forms of security won’t cut it anymore. The more layers, the better. And requiring users to add various forms of identification is a big step toward propelling your security forward. Reach out to us today to learn more about the cybersecurity we offer and book a no-risk, no-cost security assessment. We’ll evaluate the state of your security and work with you on how to fix it.
Book a call with our team of experts.
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Ransomware Attacks in Orlando Are Imminent
The FBI and Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recently announced a public service warning of ransomware attacks looming on the horizon. With attacks on the rise, particularly surrounding holidays and weekends, Sentry IT Solutions urges Orlando-based businesses of all sizes to remain vigilant throughout the rest of the year.
This year is on track to being one of the darkest for cybercrime. In fact, the first six months of this calendar year saw a 151% increase in attacks compared to the same time last year.
While your business is at higher risk of encountering ransomware, the Sentry IT Solutions team is proactively working to keep our community safe and provide 360-degree ransomware protection. As your local cybersecurity experts, we understand our civic duty in protecting your business and staying ahead of the latest threats.
How Cyberthreats Infiltrate Businesses
Cybercriminals today are masters of deception and social engineering. They use believable phishing emails disguised as trusted brands to manipulate people into revealing their sensitive information.
These messages alert you of supposed purchases made to your account or potential compromises to your account, urging you to click a link or download an attachment. At first glance, they appear legitimate, and one wrong click in less than a second’s time can provide a floodgate of trouble for your business.
Your data becomes encrypted, the ransom alert and timer are set, and pressure is put on your business from all angles. Long gone are the days when a ransomware attack focused solely on your business. Now, they reach out to your clients and investors, sharing that their data is compromised as a result and increase pressure exponentially to have you pay out fast and big.
That's when you’ll really feel your back is up against a wall.
The Latest Ransomware Tools
The techniques and tools behind ransomware attacks are becoming more sophisticated alongside their social savviness. Here are just a few of the latest ransomware tools in circulation.
- CryptoWall — infiltrates operating systems with an email and fake downloads
- Locky — Microsoft Word document that’s sent through email and contains malicious macros
- TorrentLocker — targets Microsoft Windows and uses malware to encrypt the victim’s files before demanding ransom
- CTB-Locker — encrypts files on a hard disk and demands ransom; known for high infection rates
- CrypVault — renames a file extension to “.vault” to make it seem like it’s already quarantined by anti-malware
Keeping track of these and thousands of other methods isn’t realistic for the everyday businessman or woman. However, Sentry IT Solutions is well-versed in the most advanced ransomware attack strategies and ransomware prevention methods in today’s market. We use sophisticated, zero trust methods to keep your data locked down, yet still accessible and intuitive for those who should be accessing it.
A Cost Beyond Dollar Figures
According to research by the National Security Institute, the average ransomware demand is a steep $200,000 and can be tempting to pay out and try to recover over time. After all, it’s a worthwhile price to pay to get your business and client’s critical data back, right?
But the costs go far beyond the initial ransom request.
If you pay, you’re increasing the risk of your business being flagged for retargeting, and potentially won’t get your data back despite following the ransom instructions. In fact, more than nine out of 10 victims of ransomware never get their data back.
Additionally, they are beginning to reach out to those you do business with, breeding a cloud of mistrust and potentially lost business and reputational damage that lingers for years to come. This creates a cycle of decreased ROI, increased risk and, for many, the end to their business altogether.
The overwhelming consensus: save your business by investing in preventative measures, rather than paying the ultimate price when it’s too late.
What Does Ransomware Protection Look Like?
Although the problem can feel insurmountable and overwhelming, there are many strategies we can help implement to defend your business. Here are just a few of our suggestions:
- Train Your Team: Cybersecurity training is a must. Forbes notes that human error accounts for 95 percent of cybersecurity breaches. So, investing in all the right tools may be useless if your employee’s digital behavior is your weakest link. However, with frequent and proper training, they can become your first line of defense and greatest asset in cybersecurity efforts.
- Update Your Software as Soon as You’re Prompted: While having to restart your computer can feel like a pain during your midday activities, it’s critical to the health of your business. Software updates seal the cracks where attackers could potentially let themselves into your systems. However, expert managed security partners can work with your team to create an automated updates schedule that minimizes interruptions to your operations.
- Adjust Your Security to Factor in Remote Workers: Nearly 70 percent of organizations have experienced a compromise because of a remote office or roaming user. Yet, most users don’t use the proper VPNs to account for travelling or remote employees. With the right VPN in place, you can disguise your network and secure your data against external threats.
It’s Time to Partner with an MSP
There’s never been a more pressing time to seek out expert cybersecurity support, and the expertise at Sentry IT Solutions goes well beyond ransomware prevention. We assess your current technology infrastructure and arm your business with a comprehensive strategy required to defend your data. In addition to increased security, we offer a wide spectrum of services that equip your business to operate more efficiently and intuitively.
There will always be risks in operating a business, but with Sentry IT Solutions, you can rest assured knowing you’re in good hands.
To request a security assessment and gauge your risk of a ransomware attack in Orlando, reach out to one of our experts today.
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4 Painless Ways to Integrate Cybersecurity Training in Orlando
Your employees get a ton of emails each day. They are faced continually with messages from vendors asking them to click on a link to, say, avoid their beloved binge-show channel getting canceled due to nonpayment.
They click. They get redirected to a fraudulent site (which looks a lot like the trusted one). They give out their login info.
That’s all it takes for a cybercriminal to access their account and any information stored there, perhaps to sell on the dark web.
With 95% of cybersecurity breaches caused by human error, according to IBM, maybe it’s time to think about more proactive ways to defend your business, such as implementing cybersecurity training.
Employees are the most common targets for cybercriminals, according to Entrepreneur, despite firewalls and security software.
But with cybersecurity solutions, your employees can graduate to become your biggest defender.
Here are the top four ways you can get your team up to speed:
- Make it easy on them — Give your employees paid time to watch videos, read guides and talk with IT professionals. Help them understand the threats that lurk and can cause data breaches, from phishing scams to ransomware attacks. Consider rewards as incentives once they pass security quizzes and tests.
- Hold everyone to the same standard — Just because she’s been CEO for five years doesn’t mean she’s any more able to prevent a data breach than the new guy who’s still figuring out the coffee machine. Trust everyone equally and put all your employees on a level landscape when it comes to security.
- Keep it fun — Some companies give out prizes for the employees who successfully thwart a phishing scam, even though it’s a simulation. Remember when your favorite teacher made geography a fun subject? When your employees treat cybersecurity training as an exciting and competitive game, they learn in the process, and your business is better protected.
- Outsource training to your MSP — As a business owner, you may not have the time to provide your staff with adequate training. You may also not know best security practices, and that’s okay because you can still get proactive with cybersecurity solutions. At Sentry IT Solutions, we know exactly how to teach your employees to protect your sensitive data, leaving you to concentrate on your business.
While cybercriminals are busy thinking of new ways to seize your data and sell it on the dark web, you can outwit them using your most valuable asset: your employees.
With data breaches increasing in intensity and frequency and cybercrimes getting more and more complex, it’s time to arm your team.
Give your employees the knowledge they need to protect your business. At Sentry IT Solutions, we teach all your employees, from the top of the rung to the new hires, how to improve their cybersecurity awareness. We give everyone on your team the instruction they need to engage in best practice policies that are sure to thwart the bad guys.
Interested in learning more about cybersecurity training in location? Consult the experts at Sentry IT Solutions.
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Dark Web Cybersecurity in Orlando – 4 Ways to Stay Proactive and Secure
At Sentry IT Solutions, we see all too frequently hardworking businesses just like yours halted in their tracks due to cybersecurity breaches stemming from the dark web. Cybercrimes are surging, as a result of our technological advancements and the digital era we live in. On average, Ponemon found that hackers and cybercriminals cost organizations $607,745 per incident. And as if that’s not bad enough, nearly 60 percent of small businesses must close within six months of a cyberattack due to financial and reputational strains.
But the threat doesn’t end with your company. Oftentimes, data and credentials find their way into the dark web, a complex network cloaked in unidentifiable VPNs where anonymity facilitates a playground for criminal activity.
Experian compiled a list of what your data sells for on the black market. Nonfinancial login credentials go for as low as $1. Payment service logins, like PayPal, can fetch criminals up to $200. And for those dealing with medical records — those can sell for up to $1,000!
So, what can you do to fight back against these malicious acts? Here are four ways to maintain dark web protection in the Orlando area and keep your data safe and sound.
1. Use Threat Monitoring and Response Tools:
These specialized scanners identify and monitor at-risk credentials and send alerts when hackers try to access your sensitive information. They notify you as to which information is compromised, giving you time to respond and secure your identity and accounts. Threat scanning helps you react quickly so you can mitigate your risks.
2. Dark Web Education:
You can train your employees to act and react with company security in mind. Through security awareness and phishing simulations, your staff can learn how to better protect and defend your data. Regular cybersecurity trainings can also help ensure that everyone understands the newest cybersecurity threats and prevention methods.
3. Security Tools:
There's a wide variety of security tools that can be deployed to secure your networks, such as multifactor authentication, single sign-on and secure password vaults. You can also install automated software that continually keeps your passwords fresh and your networks secure.
4. Invest in Quality IT Services:
Manage service providers, like our team, are ready to take 24/7 monitoring and worry off your hands. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to technology solutions, and having an expert understand your unique infrastructure, needs, demands and goals can help ensure you have all the right tools you need, and nothing that you don’t.
Don't Face the Dark Web Alone
With the right technology partner by your side, you can align cybersecurity and dark web protection with your business priorities. At Sentry IT Solutions, we’ll deploy forward-thinking managed services that identify your company’s vulnerabilities and keeps your business operating smoothly. To learn more about our services, reach out to us today!