Monthly Archives: August 2024

An MSP can help you prepare your business for tomorrow’s market

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An MSP can help you prepare your business for tomorrow’s market

Many small businesses tend to view an MSP as the local fire truck. Available when an emergency happens, they rush in, put out whatever tech fires broke out, and then leave. This is also known as the “break-fix” approach to technical support. However, an MSP can bring many types of value to a small business. In particular, an MSP can function as a strategic partner for a small business. Technology needs to be part of your long-term strategic planning. MSPs have the ability to devote energy to understanding emerging trends that can help your organization develop a “technology roadmap.” This is a long-term strategy document that outlines how and what technology should be used going forward. The roadmap takes a proactive view of technology as a strategic tool for the long-term growth of the business. Individual parts of a technology road map will address specific aspects of the company’s “technology” such as software development, infrastructure upgrades, digital transformation, and product innovation. A technology roadmap that includes product innovation is especially important. Questions to ask in this context would be “can technology improve the delivery of products and services, or improve qualitatively the nature of the product or service itself?” The roadmap may also include research and development initiatives. As part of C-suite plans to stay competitive and thrive in the market, leadership needs to understand what new technologies are available for future innovation.

Here are just a few examples of how an MSP’s specialized staff with expertise can help.

Software Development – Strategic IT should be evaluating the present software applications and addressing improvements and re-designs that will address potential customer demands.

Infrastructure Upgrades as the Business Grows – There are many examples, but a simple one is redundancy. As a business grows, it becomes increasingly important to address redundancy. The larger the business, the more complex the infrastructure becomes. It is important that businesses look throughout the infrastructure and identify the single points of failure that need to be addressed and developing real-time work arounds and disaster recovery plans is an increasingly complex task that requires significant resources and attention.

Digital Transformation – Digital transformation refers to taking tasks and using digital tools to improve efficiency and response. This can mean anything from moving from in-house servers to the cloud, using SaaS, creating online portals for sales and marketing, to just about anything you can imagine. A new example is the use of AI, especially machine learning which can be used to develop more effective inventory planning and offer more precise marketing responses to individual prospects.

Security Roadmaps – A security roadmap is similar to a technology roadmap, but with a very tight focus. Ensuring your data remains safe from cybercriminals, internal error, and software or hardware breakdowns is the goal of a security roadmap. Your data is critical to your business. It is proprietary and it is also very vulnerable to theft. A data breach can be a real threat to the viability of your business. The legal and reputational consequences can take down a small business. A security roadmap can include:

  • Determining what regulations govern your data (HIPAA, GDPR, FERPA, etc.)
  • Developing access protocols
  • Training employees about human vulnerabilities to cybercrimes, such a phishing
  • Creating effective backup procedures, which are particularly important defense against ransomware attacks

Data Management: Everyone knows that data is valuable. The basic business model of some of the largest IT companies hinges partly on the value of data for advertising. But for even the smallest business, significant amounts of data can now be collected. An MSP can help an SMB use that data to tighten inventory, for example. Three ways data helps your business succeed.

Marketing – Data tells you who is interested, when they’re interested, and in what they are interested. Data can tell you where each individual prospect sits in the sales funnel, so your marketing messages reach them exactly where they are. It can also track the performance of your online marketing initiatives.

Forecasting and Sales – Customer Relationship Management applications exist because of the data that can now be collected. They monitor sales efforts, nurture leads, and work to improve customer engagement.

In-house and Operations – Data can track all manner of things in your production of goods or services, identifying where resources are being spent in each step of the process. Data can also be used in scheduling and pricing, although these tools can have human resource and customer relations implications that need to be carefully considered.

In short, there are a lot of areas where technology can be used to not only run your business today but can propel your business forward. Technology that is viewed strategically, not just as a tool to get things done today, can drive revenues and help a SMB remain competitive as the market changes. An MSP has the deep experience and resources to understand your business and contribute to your strategic planning at the C-suite level without requiring the resources necessary to build it up from within.

Recent Cyber-Attacks Highlight the Urgency of Strong Cybersecurity for All Businesses

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Imagine if the software your organization relies on to close deals and pay employees suddenly went down, and you had no idea when it would be fixed. Could you continue doing business? How much money would you lose? Unfortunately, in June, this scenario became a reality for over 15,000 US- and Canada-based car dealerships when two cyber-attacks targeted the popular industry software provider, CDK Global.

These attacks shut down sales, financing, and payroll systems for thousands of dealers, forcing them to either halt business or revert to old-fashioned pen-and-paper methods. This incident is a wake-up call for all small business owners, emphasizing the importance of robust cybersecurity measures.

What Happened?

The initial attack occurred on the evening of Tuesday, June 18. Once it was detected, CDK Global immediately took the system offline to investigate the issue. The system was back up and running the following day until a second incident occurred, leading the company to take the system offline again. It’s believed the system was brought back online prematurely, before all compromised areas were discovered, resulting in the second attack. Cybersecurity experts predict it could be weeks before the system is fully operational again.

While some businesses reverted to manual processes, this incident highlights the vulnerabilities that come with relying on digital systems. In our ever-advancing digital world, where most transactions are just a few clicks away, significant issues arise when systems go offline. Critical parts of the business process, such as completing transactions, managing payroll, and interacting with financial institutions, can come to a standstill. Until the systems are back online, many business operations cannot be fully completed, leading to delays and potential financial losses. Business owners know that there is no sale until the check clears the bank!

So, What’s Next?

CDK Global didn’t disclose the exact cause of the attack. Whether that was intentional or they are still unsure remains to be seen. Their security team will need to meticulously comb over every area of the business to determine exactly what was compromised. It’s often difficult for large companies to get the details about cyber-attacks 100% correct after the first review because they may not be able to determine the extent of an attack’s network penetration if there are multiple points of vulnerability.

In the meantime, businesses need to take a hard look at their systems for selling and operational continuity. Will they be prepared to continue doing business if and when this happens again?

This incident should serve as a wake-up call for all business leaders. If you don’t have a business recovery and continuity plan in place, you’re putting yourself at risk. And if you do, you need to ask yourself if it is high-quality, tested often, and able to handle a large-scale attack where multiple operational systems are disabled. If the answer is no, it’s time to do something about it.

What You Can Do

We offer a FREE Security Risk Assessment that will achieve two important things:

Analyze Your Network for Vulnerabilities: We’ll show you if and where an attack can occur, and offer solutions to patch vulnerabilities so you’re not setting yourself up to be the next cyber-attack victim.

Determine a Continuity or Recovery Plan: Cybersecurity is an essential and necessary element of doing business, but even the most robust security solutions are not 100% foolproof. This means you must have a plan to bounce back and continue doing business if something should happen to your network or to a third-party piece of software you rely on, like CDK.

To get started, call our office at 214-550-0550 or click here to book your FREE Security Risk Assessment now.

Vacation Travel Scams Are Up 900%

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Summer is a popular time for vacation travel. If you’re looking to squeeze in any last-minute trips, there is a scam circulating that you need to be aware of. As costs for everything from food to travel continue to increase, the logical step is to search for the best deals online to book a memorable trip without breaking your budget. According to Booking.com, cybercriminals have decided to capitalize on this need and are now using one scarily convincing, AI-generated phishing e-mail that can cost victims way more than their vacation fund. Booking.com’s CISO, Marnie Wilking, shared that the organization has seen a 500% to 900% increase in travel-related scams in the past 18 months using this malicious tactic.

How Are These Scammers Doing It?

Phishing e-mails have existed since the dawn of the Internet, but AI tools like ChatGPT are making it increasingly easy to create realistic and professional scam e-mails that are more likely to trick readers. In the past, phishing e-mails were riddled with red flags such as spelling and grammatical errors. With the rise of AI, it’s easier for cybercriminals to pump out dozens of seemingly legitimate e-mails that often go undetected by software and readers.

Here’s how they work:

Scammers will use sites like Booking.com or Airbnb.com that allow people to list their places as short-term rentals. The scammers send out e-mails offering incredible rates or time-sensitive deals on nonexistent properties. After someone pays, the cybercriminals will either disappear with the money, leaving the renter without a place to stay, or use follow-up e-mails to collect additional “fees” or “charges” before vanishing.

To be clear, these vacation-focused phishing scams are NOT new. The problem now is that, with AI, more people are falling for them because these e-mails are becoming more convincing.

What Can You Do?

Vacationers can take several key steps to ensure they’re not being duped.

  1. Use Two-Factor or Multifactor Authentication: Having a confirmation code sent to your phone every time you log in will help prevent phishing attacks and credential theft.
  2. Avoid Clicking on E-mail Links: If you receive an e-mail promoting a too-good-to-be-true deal, remember, it is likely too good to be true! Go to the website and search for the special. If you can’t find it, there is a chance you will avoid a scam.
  3. Verify Contact Information and Reviews: Before booking ANY property online, make sure contact information and reviews are readily available. Have other verified users stayed at the property? If so, it’s less likely to be a scam.
  4. Use Credit Cards for Online Purchases: Using debit cards that are linked directly to your bank account is dangerous. When theft occurs from your debit card, it is difficult to get your money back – if you get it back at all. Using a credit card provides an additional layer of protection.

The most important thing is to stay vigilant. Analyze every e-mail offer you receive and follow cybersecurity best practices. Standard security software can help detect some of these scam e-mails, but often not all of them, so it’s important to be cautious and look for red flags.

Personal scams may ruin a vacation, but business breaches can cost you and your family their livelihood. To keep your network secure, call us at 214-550-0550 or click here to book a FREE 10-minute discovery call with our cybersecurity experts, who can help you create a plan that protects you. We are here to help! Enjoy a well-deserved break this summer and remember to be cybersmart.

Cybercriminals Are Faking Data Breaches: How AI Is Fueling This New Scam

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Just when you think cybercriminals will run out of new ideas for how to scam people, they find a way to get creative and surprise you. Now they’re faking data breaches, hoping to steal money from unsuspecting business owners and dark web data buyers alike.

Earlier this year, Europcar, an international car rental company from France, discovered a cybercriminal selling private information about its 50 million+ customers on the dark web. The car rental company immediately launched a formal investigation, only to find that the data being sold was fake. The information was falsified, most likely done with the help of generative AI.

How Did They Do It?

With AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, it’s easy for cybercriminals to generate realistic-looking data sets quickly. Smart cybercriminals do their research and design data sets that look complete, with correctly formatted names, addresses, and emails, and can even include local phone numbers to match. They will also leverage online data generators that can quickly create large, fake data sets designed for software-testing purposes to develop authentic-looking data sets. Once they have these, hackers choose the target they claim to have stolen the data from and post the information on the dark web.

Why Are They Doing It?

Why would a hacker fake a data breach? There are a couple of reasons, besides reaping the same benefits without the work of hacking a network’s security system.

  1. Creating Distractions: One of the best ways to get a company to let down its defenses is to focus on something else, like finding a breach in its system. The company will be so intent on finding where a hacker was already able to get into its network that it will likely miss an attack from a different angle.
  2. Bolstering Their Reputation: Reputation is highly valued within the hacker community. Targeting a well-known brand publicly is a way for them to earn notoriety and get noticed by other hacker groups.
  3. Manipulating Stock Prices: For publicly traded companies, a data breach can cause a rapid 3% to 5% (or more) drop in the stock. This can cause widespread panic, allowing cybercriminals to manipulate stocks for financial gain.
  4. Learning Security Systems: Faking a data breach can allow cybercriminals to gain insight into the company’s security processes to prevent, detect, and resolve attacks. Knowing threat response time and security capabilities can help them fine-tune their attack strategy.

Why Is This Bad For Businesses If The Data Is Fake?

By the time the public is made aware that the information is fake, the damage is already done. For example, in September 2023, Sony was targeted by a ransomware group that announced it had breached the company’s network and acquired its data. The breach was all over the news, where reporters repeatedly dragged Sony’s brand through the dirt, and by the time the investigation concluded that the hacker’s claim was false, irreparable damage had been done to their name.

What Can You Do To Prevent Fake Data Breaches?

If you want to avoid being the victim of a fake data breach, these are good steps to follow:

  1. Actively Monitor The Dark Web: You or your cybersecurity team should routinely monitor the dark web. If you encounter an attacker selling your data, investigate the claim immediately to prevent extensive damage.
  2. Have A Disaster Recovery Plan In Place: Don’t let your team wonder what they should say if a data breach occurs. This communication plan needs to be developed in advance and fine-tuned if or when a breach occurs.
  3. Work With A Qualified Professional: You are in business to do what you love to do, not deal with IT-related issues. Working with a cybersecurity expert who knows what to look for, how to resolve issues, and how to prevent breaches takes tasks off your plate and gives you peace of mind. They will ensure #1 and #2 are taken care of.

Data breaches can create enormous problems for your organization. Get ahead of the issue and have someone proactively monitor your network and the dark web to keep you secure. If you want a no-obligation, third-party opinion on whether or not your network is vulnerable to an attack or properly secured, we’re happy to provide one for FREE. Call us at 214-550-0550 or click here to book your FREE Security Risk Assessment with one of our cybersecurity experts.

MSPs can focus on issues you don’t have time for

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MSPs can focus on issues you don’t have time for

Every business relies on technology to function. From simple things like email, VoIP, and the internet, all the way to predictive analytics for inventory and sales, digital technology is at the root of every business. Unfortunately, no matter how much small- to medium-sized businesses may rely on their IT infrastructure to operate, they often try to “get by” with their in-house IT staff to keep things running. In this blog, we will discuss the value a Managed Service Provider brings to an SMB: a value that cannot be replicated in-house.

First, it is important for a business owner to realize that an IT infrastructure is not a static entity. Nothing is “plug-and-play” in today’s business environment. There is no “build it and forget it.” Because everyone relies on technology that must be running 24/7, businesses need to be proactively monitoring the performance and availability of critical infrastructure, such as servers and networks. There are just so many things a business has to worry about. Cyber criminals are always coming up with new threats, so anti-virus software isn’t enough. Consequently, active endpoint monitoring needs to be happening around the clock.

So, why is an SMB limited in its ability to meet all of its technology needs in-house? One reason is management focus. Business owners need to focus on core competencies. They need to focus on running the business and producing revenue-driving goods or services in their area of expertise. Diverting focus to managing an IT team in-house may not be an ideal use of their time. It may also not be an ideal use of their skills. Additionally, resources are limited, and an SMB loses the advantages of economies of scale when it tries to do everything in-house. In a smaller operation, IT staff often need to focus on day-to-day functions, including putting out fires. This limits their time to think strategically and determine ways that technology can innovate and keep the business competitive in the longer run.

So what can an MSP offer that the in-house IT staff cannot?

A Managed Service Provider is staffed by IT practitioners whose sole focus is technology. Many focus only on specific industries. This means that your MSP organization is composed of individuals who have specialized experience and training in one specific area of technology such as cyber security, cloud computing or network infrastructure. MSPs also have the resources to invest in continuous training and professional development. That means keeping up with the latest developments in technology and emerging trends. If focused on one industry, they analyze competitive changes in that industry and how technology can provide strategic advantages for their clients. MSPs also can set aside time for attending conferences, webinars, and networking events to share knowledge and stay ahead in their field. They are also more likely to have the resources to provide their consultants with access to professional publications and newsletters.

Why is this so important? First, analyzing present problems and performing routine maintenance tasks isn’t necessarily “routine.” New threats and changes can create disruption in existing configurations. (Anyone who has downloaded a new software upgrade is aware of that!) Secondly, in-house tech staff, except for those in the largest organizations, are more task focused than strategic. This isn’t due to a lack of awareness of the value of planning and development. It is primarily a resource problem that is inherent to SMBs. Unfortunately, the result is that in-house staff may not be able to contribute at a strategic level, thus limiting the ability of the organization’s leadership to incorporate new technology into long term plans.

Outdated Technology Is Costing Your Organization Money

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Is your organization currently bleeding money due to its reliance on outdated technology? The answer is likely yes. A recent survey by Deloitte revealed that a staggering 82% of companies failed to meet their cost-reduction targets last year, with an inefficient technology infrastructure being the primary culprit.

The 2024 poll of nearly 300 business leaders on business margin improvement and technology transformation efforts revealed that challenges with their technology infrastructure are the biggest barrier to organizations seeking to improve margins by cutting costs. This same study found that over 50% of the respondents reported that leveraging data and generative AI strategies for improving margins would be their focus for 2024.

What does this tell us? Organizations are looking to adopt new, automated, AI-powered ways of doing business to save money and improve efficiency but are held back by antiquated technology.

Why Should Businesses Upgrade Their Technology?

Legacy systems, typically categorized as technology that’s at least a decade old, can quickly become expensive to maintain. They are slower, need constant updates and patches, and don’t leverage new features as they’re developed. As a result, businesses struggle to keep up with their tech-savvy competitors in every area of the organization, from scaling and cloud usage to human resources and customer service operations.

But that’s not the only issue. Outdated technology increases your risk of cyber-attacks. Old technology typically cannot keep up with the rapidly changing world of cyber security. As new, more malicious threats emerge, older technology eventually becomes incapable of keeping up with the latest updates required to keep your network secure.

So, why do business owners put off updating technology when the data clearly shows that it will positively impact productivity and the bottom line? There are a couple of reasons, the main one being sticker shock. Seeing the price of updating technology infrastructure can feel overwhelming. Smart business leaders run through risk-related questions like “What if something breaks?” or “What if it doesn’t work like they say it will?” However, the data shows that maintaining old technology could be more costly. A separate Deloitte study of CIOs in 2023 found that respondents spent an average of 55% of their technology budget on maintaining their existing systems.

There’s also the cost of switching. What will bringing systems down and transitioning to a new system cost? What will the cost be to train employees to use the software? These are all questions your IT team can help you answer BEFORE you start upgrading your technology. An experienced technician will help you analyze your system to see what needs to be updated and when, and map out a plan to upgrade your system in the most efficient way possible. It’s easier than most business leaders think and pays off in increased productivity and profitability.

If you’re looking to upgrade your technology or are just tired of slow, outdated tech and want to see what the next step could look like, we’ll do a FREE Network Assessment. Our techs will dig into your system and determine what you need to get technology that helps you run your business better. To book your assessment, call us at 214-550-0550 or click here to schedule now.

Dangers of LinkedIn: 4 Security Features to Use TODAY

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A recent report from Check Point Research revealed a shocking statistic: the Microsoft-owned business platform LinkedIn is impersonated in nearly half of all phishing attacks globally.

The Threat Landscape on LinkedIn

One common tactic scammers use is targeting individuals seeking new job opportunities. Emails like “You have 1 new invitation” or “Your profile has been viewed by 63 people” can appear authentic but must be scrutinized. Always verify the sender’s email address to ensure it’s genuinely from LinkedIn. Impersonators send emails that look identical to real ones, with links to fake LinkedIn pages designed to steal your information once you enter it.

Another tactic involves cybercriminals creating fake profiles to message users about job opportunities. Once engaged, they may ask for an upfront payment to process your application (which you’ll never see again) or direct you to a form that is actually a phishing link in disguise.

LinkedIn’s Security Features

LinkedIn is aware of these issues and is developing advanced security features to protect its users. Here are four current security features you should use:

  1. Suspicious Message Warnings: LinkedIn’s technology can detect messages that attempt to take you off the platform or are potentially inappropriate, sending you a warning notification.
  2. Profile Verification: This feature allows you to verify your profile’s authenticity by submitting an additional form of ID, earning a verification badge on your profile. This badge helps others know you are who you say you are, making it harder for scammers who frequently shut down fake profiles to stay hidden.
  3. Profile Information: This feature helps you assess the credibility of a person’s profile before responding to messages, accepting connection requests, or trusting offers. By clicking “More” on a profile and selecting “About this profile,” you can see details such as:
    • When the profile was created
    • When it was last updated
    • Whether the member has verified a phone number
    • Whether the member has a work email associated with their account
  4. AI-Generated Profile Picture Detection: Scammers use AI to generate realistic profile pictures for fake profiles. LinkedIn’s research showed users generally couldn’t distinguish between real and synthetically generated faces. To combat this, LinkedIn partnered with academia to develop and deploy advanced detection features that identify and shut down profiles using AI-generated images before they cause harm.

Stay Secure on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is an excellent resource for finding jobs, employees, and clients, but it’s important to stay secure. LinkedIn’s security features are just the first line of defense. If someone in your organization falls for a scam and clicks a malicious link, would your internal security solutions be robust enough to protect your network?

We can help you find out. We offer a FREE Security Risk Assessment to help you determine if your network is vulnerable to any type of attack. To book yours, call us at 214-550-0550 or click here to book now.

Travel Smart: Essential Cybersecurity Practices for a Hack-Free Vacation

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Summer is a popular time for business owners and employees to step out of the office and enjoy a well-deserved vacation. Despite setting their “out of office” email responder, many people still check in on work while traveling. Unfortunately, studies show that working outside the office, whether it’s a quick check-in on vacation, connecting to the Internet at a local coffee shop, or business travelers on work trips, can lead to significant cybersecurity issues. If you or your employees plan to answer urgent emails from the airport or access network documents in a hotel lobby, it’s crucial to maintain strong cybersecurity practices to avoid exposing the company’s network to nearby hackers.

In this blog post, we’ll cover essential cybersecurity best practices to follow before and during any trip to keep your network secure from hackers.

Why Cybersecurity Matters While Traveling

Cybersecurity might not be at the top of your vacation checklist, but ignoring it can turn your dream getaway into a nightmare. Cybercriminals know summer is prime time to attack because people are more likely to let their guard down while on vacation. Most vacationers focus on enjoying their time off rather than following cybersecurity best practices, making them easy targets for hackers.

To minimize the risk of a cyberattack while traveling, here are a few best practices to cover with anyone on your team who might connect to the Internet while on vacation.

Before You Go:

  1. Back Up Your Data: If your device gets lost or damaged, you’ll want a copy of your data available to restore.
  2. Update Your Software: Ensure your operating system, web browsers, and apps are updated to the latest versions. Outdated software can compromise your device’s defense against malware.
  3. Protect Your Devices: Always lock your device using a PIN, passcode, fingerprint, or facial recognition. If you leave your device unattended and someone tries to access it, they will have full access to your private information if it’s not locked.
  4. Enable “Find My Phone”: This feature allows you to locate your device if you lose it and remotely wipe data or disable the device if it falls into the wrong hands.

While Traveling:

  1. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN encrypts your Internet connection, ensuring your data is secure even when using public WiFi networks. Set up a VPN on your devices before you leave and use it whenever you access the Internet.
  2. Avoid Public WiFi: Public WiFi can be a hotspot for cybercriminal activity. Avoid unprotected networks whenever possible. (Yes, that means no checking your email on the beach unless you have a VPN!)
  3. Manage Location Services: Location tools are useful for navigation but can also expose your location to criminals. Turn off location services when not in use and limit how you share your location on social media.
  4. Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second verification form, such as a text message code, authenticator code, or fingerprint scan. Enable this feature for all accounts containing sensitive information before leaving home.
  5. Disable Auto-Connect Features: Some devices automatically seek and connect to available wireless networks. These features can give cybercriminals access to your devices if you connect to the wrong network. Disable this option so you only connect to wireless and Bluetooth networks you know and trust.

Conclusion

You should be able to relax on vacation. Taking these simple precautions can help keep your devices secure so you can enjoy your time off without worrying about cyber issues when you return to work.

However, these steps aren’t foolproof. To truly ensure your company’s cybersecurity measures are up to standard, it’s important to work with a professional IT team that can monitor your network 24/7, patch vulnerabilities as they arise, and alert you if something seems suspicious.

To help you prepare for your vacation and have peace of mind knowing your business is secure while you or your employees work remotely, call us at 214-550-0550 or click here to schedule a FREE IT Security Risk Assessment with our cybersecurity experts today. We’ll evaluate your current cybersecurity solutions, identify potential vulnerabilities, and help you implement a strategic security plan to keep your company safe.

Massive Layoffs in 2024 Pose a Serious Cybersecurity Threat

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The massive wave of layoffs in 2024 brings a cybersecurity threat that many business owners overlook: offboarding employees. Even large, well-known brands with advanced cybersecurity systems often fail to protect themselves adequately from insider threats. For instance, last August marked a year since two disgruntled Tesla employees, after being let go, exposed the personal information of over 75,000 people, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and Social Security numbers.

The issue is expected to worsen. According to NerdWallet, as of May 24, 2024, 298 US-based tech companies have laid off 84,600 workers. This includes major layoffs at companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, as well as smaller tech start-ups. In total, around 257,254 jobs were eliminated in the first quarter of 2024 alone.

Whether or not you’ll need to downsize your team this year, having a proper offboarding process in place is essential for every business, big or small. Offboarding is more than a routine administrative task – it’s a critical security precaution. Failing to revoke access for former employees can lead to serious business and legal implications.

Some potential issues include:

  • Theft of Intellectual Property: Employees can steal your company’s files, client data, and confidential information stored on personal devices. They may also retain access to cloud-based applications, such as social media sites and file-sharing platforms (e.g., Dropbox, OneDrive), that your IT department might overlook. A study by Osterman Research revealed that 69% of businesses experience data loss due to employee turnover, and 87% of employees who leave take data with them. This information can be sold to competitors, used by them when hired by a competitor, or used by the former employee to become a competitor themselves.
  • Compliance Violations: Failing to revoke access privileges and remove employees from authorized user lists can render you noncompliant in heavily regulated industries. This simple mistake can result in large fines, hefty penalties, and legal consequences.
  • Data Deletion: If an employee feels unfairly laid off and retains access to their accounts, they could easily delete all their emails and any critical files they can access. If that data isn’t backed up, it will be lost forever.
  • Data Breach: This could be the most terrifying of all. Unhappy employees who feel wronged can make your company the next headline for a devastating data breach, leading to costly lawsuits. A single click can result in downloading, exposing, or modifying your clients’ or employees’ private information, financial records, or trade secrets.

Do you have an airtight offboarding process to mitigate these risks? Chances are, you don’t. A 2024 study by Wing revealed that one out of five organizations has indications that some former users were not properly offboarded. These are the organizations that were astute enough to detect it.

How do you properly offboard an employee?

  • Implement the Principle of Least Privilege: Successful offboarding starts with proper onboarding. New employees should only be given access to the files and programs they need to do their jobs. This should be meticulously documented to make offboarding easier.
  • Leverage Automation: Your IT team can use automation to streamline the process of revoking access to multiple software applications simultaneously, saving time and resources while reducing the likelihood of manual errors.
  • Implement Continuous Monitoring: You can use software that tracks who is doing what and where on the company network. This can help identify suspicious behavior by an unauthorized user and determine if a former employee retains access to private accounts.

These are just a few ways your IT team can improve your offboarding process to make it more efficient and secure. Insider threats can be devastating, and if you think this can’t happen to you, think again. You must be proactive in protecting your organization.

To find out if any gaps in your offboarding process expose you to theft or a data breach, our team offers a free, in-depth risk assessment to help you resolve it. Call us at 214-550-0550 or click here to book now.

Frustrated with piece of Technology and need Help? You’re Not Alone

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A recent stream of Reddit comments detailed a series of poor customer service experiences with tech support. While I usually steer clear of Reddit and its chorus of chronic complainers, I browsed a few comments for research purposes, given my industry involvement. Some complaints were so outlandish – like the lady who claimed the technician took a bathroom break in her attic – that they seemed unbelievable. However, other more common issues resonated with my own experiences, and to be candid, they were frustrating!

When you face a tech emergency – be it a broken printer, hardware malfunctions, Internet connectivity issues, login troubles, or similar problems – note being able to solve the issue quickly only worsens the irritation. It leaves you with frustrated employees who can’t efficiently get their jobs done because they’re troubleshooting their tech and on hold while you are “looking into it,” and irritated customers who just want a smooth process when dealing with your organization.

This can result in losing customers and A-player employees to competitors that don’t have these same daily issues. At first, it might seem dramatic that a few unresolved “tech issues” could cause such a stir, but as these problems continue to repeat themselves with no solution in sight, resentment grows and will eventually result in people seeking organizations that don’t have to deal with such headaches.

How Co-Managed IT Can Solve These Issues

One way to get ahead of these problems is by leveraging a co-managed IT approach. Co-managed IT services provide a partnership between your internal IT team and an external IT support provider, ensuring you receive the best of both worlds. This setup allows for seamless support and rapid issue resolution, preventing the frustrations associated with tech issues you don’t work on very often.

Polling Your Employees

To assess whether your current IT support is up to par, start by polling your employees. Ask questions that will help you “grade” your current IT company and see if they’re dealing with your team as efficiently as they should. Here are a few questions to ask:

  1. Do you experience any recurring technical problems that haven’t been fully resolved? If so, what are they?
  2. How would you rate the response time of the IT support team when you encounter a technical issue?
  3. Have you found the IT support team to be knowledgeable and helpful in resolving your issues?
  4. Do you feel that the IT support team communicates effectively and keeps you informed about the status of your requests?
  5. How would you describe your overall satisfaction with the support provided by your IT team?

These questions take only a few minutes to answer and can help you gain valuable insight into whether or not your current IT team is properly handling issues or if there is trouble brewing within your organization that you weren’t aware of.

Experience the Difference with Our Co-Managed IT Services

If you want to see what excellent IT support looks like, we’ll provide TWO FREE hours of support for your organization. Here are some ways you can use your time with us:

  • Diagnose any computer network problem you are experiencing.
  • Check your network’s security against hacker attacks and viruses.
  • Scan and review spyware.
  • Check your network backup system to make sure it is working properly.
  • Diagnose slow, unstable PCs.
  • Conduct our proprietary 57-point IT Systems Security and Performance Assessment.
  • Discuss a project or upgrade you are considering, or get a second opinion on a quote you received.

To get started, give our team a call at 214-550-0550 or click here to book your call now.

Experience the benefits of co-managed IT and eliminate the frustrations of tech by yourself for good.