In today’s digital age, data is the backbone of businesses, and losing it can be catastrophic. Whether it’s due to a natural disaster, a cyberattack, or human error, data loss can lead to significant financial losses and reputational damage. That’s why it’s crucial for businesses to secure their data with a backup and recovery plan that includes business continuity. What’s more, choosing the right IT company to handle your data and keep it secure is paramount.

We’ll focus on 3 key aspects of data security and how the right IT team can address each issue, ensuring business continuity and peace of mind.

1.   Data backup and recovery

Data backup provides protection against data loss due to a wide range of events, including hardware failure, theft, natural disasters, cyberattacks, accidental deletion, and more. Without a backup, businesses risk losing critical data essential to their operations, which can hurt the bottom line and negatively affect how customers view the organization. The term data recovery refers to the process of restoring that important data so the business can bounce back after an issue has occurred.

How IT can help: A data backup and recovery plan ensures that businesses have recovery options in case of data loss, minimizing the impact on business operations and customer service. With a backup and recovery plan in place, businesses can recover their data quickly and efficiently, reducing the risk of downtime and lost productivity.

Backup and recovery is an essential factor to consider when selecting an IT company for your business. The company should have reliable and efficient data recovery processes in place to restore your data quickly and effectively in case of data loss. They should also have a plan in place to test the recovery process regularly to ensure it is effective. In addition, they should be able to keep your business running while the backup and recovery processes are in action, which leads us to…

2.   Business Continuity Planning

Business continuity refers to the ability of an organization to continue its critical operations in the event of a disruption or disaster. It involves identifying potential risks and developing plans and strategies to minimize the impact of these risks on the organization’s operations and ensure a quick recovery.

How IT can help: The concept of business continuity goes hand-in-hand with data backup and recovery, in that business continuity is the overall strategy to minimize downtime and keep your business running like normal, even during a disaster. An IT company may provide backup and recovery services, but what if it takes them a week to get you back to normal? Even just a day of outage could be costly.

An IT company that has a strong focus on business continuity will have experience and expertise in identifying potential IT-related risks, implementing measures to prevent or mitigate these risks, and developing plans and strategies to ensure a quick recovery in the event of a disruption. They will also have the necessary resources and infrastructure to provide backup and recovery solutions that meet the needs of the business. They may even be able to provide redundant or backup systems that can take over and handle business needs while the emergency is taken care of. Think of it as a “spare tire” that will keep you running until you can get to a garage and change the flat.

When time and data are money in modern business, the name of the game is minimizing downtime of critical systems.

3.   Compliance Management

Many industries are subject to compliance regulations that require data backup and retention, such as healthcare and financial services. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in significant financial penalties and reputational damage. Data backup helps businesses meet compliance requirements and maintain the security and privacy of their customers’ data.

How IT can help: An IT company can provide valuable expertise and support to help a business meet its data compliance requirements, minimize the risk of data breaches, and avoid costly penalties for non-compliance in a number of ways:

• Conducting an assessment to identify the business’s compliance requirements and assess the business’s current level of compliance
• Developing policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and standards
• Providing training to employees to ensure they understand their roles and responsibilities regarding data compliance
• Implementing security measures such as encryption, access controls, and more to protect data and ensure compliance
• Monitoring systems to identify potential compliance issues and provide reports to demonstrate compliance to regulators and auditors
• Providing ongoing support to help the business remain compliant with changing regulations and standards and to address any issues that arise

Compliance issues surrounding data and technology can be complex and challenging, which make this an ideal topic to leave to the professionals.

How to choose the right IT company

It’s critical to understand that choosing the right IT company for data backup is essential for businesses that want to keep their data safe and secure. The first factor businesses should consider when selecting an IT company for data backup, security, and recovery is their expertise and experience. The company should have a proven track record of providing data backup solutions to businesses similar to yours. They should have a deep understanding of the latest backup technologies and techniques to keep your data safe and secure.

In addition to expertise (and reputation), businesses should look for a company with robust security measures, efficient and comprehensive data recovery processes, business continuity planning, and industry-leading support services. By selecting the right IT company, businesses can ensure that their critical data is protected, and their operations can continue even in the face of a disaster.

Got questions? We got answers. To set up your free consultation, contact amshot at consult@amshot.com.

LastPass is a well-known and widely used password manager. It offers a range of features, including password storage, automatic password filling, and the ability to share passwords with others. It also includes a password generator to help you create strong, unique passwords. On June 15, 2021, LastPass announced that it had discovered and promptly fixed a security breach that had occurred on their network. According to the company, the breach was limited to a single, isolated server and the attackers did not gain access to any sensitive data.

While the full details of the breach are still not publicly known, it is believed that the attackers may have gained access to some user email addresses, password reminders, and authentication hashes. LastPass has stated that no passwords, credit card information, or personal identification documents were accessed during the breach.

In response to the breach, LastPass has implemented additional security measures to further protect user data and is working with law enforcement to investigate the incident. The company has also reset the master passwords for all affected accounts and is urging users to change their passwords as a precautionary measure.

It is always important to use strong, unique passwords for all of your online accounts and to use a password manager to help keep track of them. While no system is completely foolproof, using a password manager can help to reduce the risk of your password being compromised. If you are a LastPass user and have not yet changed your password, it is recommended that you do so as soon as possible.

In the wake of the LastPass security breach, it is also a good reminder to regularly review and update your online security practices. This includes using two-factor authentication whenever possible, avoiding reusing passwords across multiple accounts, and being cautious of phishing attacks and other types of online scams. By taking these simple steps, you can help to protect yourself and your personal information online.

If you are looking to switch from LastPass, or perhaps you don’t yet have a password manager and would like to consider other options, there are many password managers available, and the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. All password managers listed below include at least password storage, automatic password filling, and a password generator. It is available on a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. Some popular password manager options include:

1. Password

In addition to storing and generating passwords, 1Password also has other features to help keep your online accounts secure. For example, it can alert you if any of your stored passwords have been leaked in a data breach, and it can also help you securely share passwords with other people.

1Password is available as a desktop app, a mobile app, and as a browser extension, and it can be used on multiple devices and platforms. You can use 1Password for free, or you can upgrade to a paid subscription to access additional features and support.

2. Dashlane

One of the key features of Dashlane is its security dashboard, which helps users to identify and improve their online security practices. It includes a password strength checker, alerts for compromised passwords, and the ability to identify and change weak passwords.

In addition to its core password management features, Dashlane also offers a number of additional features, such as the ability to store sensitive documents and credit card information, and support for two-factor authentication.

Dashlane is available in both a free version and a premium version with additional features. The free version includes password storage, automatic password filling, and a password generator, while the premium version includes additional features such as unlimited password storage and priority support.

3. KeePass

KeePass is a free, open-source password manager with a  strong focus on security. It uses advanced encryption techniques to protect user data, and the source code is publicly available, allowing it to be reviewed by anyone. It also includes a variety of security-enhancing features, such as the ability to use a key file in addition to a master password for added protection.

In addition to its core password management features, KeePass also offers a number of additional features, such as the ability to store sensitive documents and credit card information, and support for multiple languages.

4. Bitwarden

Bitwarden offers both a free version and a premium version with additional features. The free version includes password storage, automatic password filling, and a password generator, while the premium version includes additional features such as 1GB of secure file storage and priority support. It also includes two-factor authentication and the ability to store sensitive documents and credit card information.

One of the key features of Bitwarden is that it is open source, which means that the source code is publicly available and can be reviewed by anyone. This can be a positive for those who are concerned about the security and privacy of their password manager.

When choosing a password manager, it is important to consider factors such as the level of security offered, the range of features, and the cost. It is also a good idea to read reviews and do your own research to find the best option for your needs.

If the thought of managing all this information for your business makes your head spin, the experts at amshot have got you covered. To set up your free consultation, contact amshot at consult@amshot.com.

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A website you use has suffered a data breach. Now what?

How safe are your online accounts? In July, Twitter experienced a data breach that affected more than 5 million users.1 A recent U-Haul hack exposed customers’ driver’s licenses.2 Marriot will continue to go on into the foreseeable future.

With how often these large-scale data breaches happen, you might be wondering if your personal or sensitive information has ever been compromised—or even worse, your business. Luckily, there are a few easy-to-use tools that can help you determine if any of your accounts have ever been involved in a data breach, but first, let’s dive into what’s at stake.

Why are data breaches a big deal in the first place?

If a data breach involves credit card or social security numbers, the potential impact of identity theft can be devastating and immediate. However, not all cyber attacks rise to that level of catastrophic impact, so it might be natural to wonder why it matters if Facebook or whoever accidentally leaks your account details. Worst-case scenario, you get locked out of social media and have to reset your password, right? Wrong.

Because the vast majority of people reuse passwords and don’t enable two-factor authentication, any hack can mean dire consequences for the average person. If one of your logins is compromised due to a data breach on one site, reusing passwords can allow attackers to get into your accounts on other sites as well. That means any site that has financial information or is tied to a credit card or bank account is then at risk. For example, if you use the same login credentials across multiple sites, having your TacoBell.com account hacked could result in a cybercriminal wiring money from your bank account or buying things for themselves on PayPal.

One of the worst-case scenarios with reusing passwords is an attacker gaining access to your primary email account. That’s because password reset emails are generally sent to your inbox. Therefore, if someone gets access to your primary email account, they can change your password on any site they want.

To summarize the risk, a data breach could lead to identity theft or online accounts becoming compromised. To minimize the headache, it’s better to know sooner, rather than later, if one of the websites you use has been part of a data breach.

How to find out if you have been involved in a data breach

Luckily, there are a few online tools that can quickly tell you if your email address or phone number have been involved in a data breach. These sites will then provide you with more information about the breach and even provide guidance about next steps. In the interest of not playing favorites, here are 3 popular sites that will get the job done (and are essentially identical).

1. haveibeenpwned?
2. FireFox Monitor
3. Google Password Checkup (only if you use Google/Chrome’s password manager)

My email address has been involved in a data breach, what do I do? First, don’t panic! Or maybe choose the appropriate level of panic. Either way, immediately change your password on the affected site, as well as any other site that shares the same login credentials.

A best practice for this would be to generate a secure password using a password manager, and continue using the password manager here on out if you’re not already. Chrome and FireFox have built-in solutions. If you want something that works beyond the web browser, there are password managers from established names such as LastPass, Nord, and Bitwarden.
These utilities can take the headache out of remembering passwords, while ensuring each password you do use is secure.

Second, enable 2-factor authentication everywhere you can. Any financial entity like a bank or payment app is almost guaranteed to have this feature. Your primary email accounts are also just as important to secure, and the biggest names you know and likely use also support 2-factor authentication. It doesn’t hurt to check on your other accounts, too, the next time you login. Every website will be a tiny bit different in enabling two-factor authentication, but they always have simple instructions you can follow.

Running a business? You might need a little more protection than a password manager and two-factor authentication. That’s where amshot comes in. Schedule a free consultation today to see how amshot’s managed IT solutions can help prevent your business from being the target of a cyberattack.

References

1. Twitter data breach affects 5.4 million users
(https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2022/08/twitter-confirmed-july-2022-data-bre
ach-affecting-5.4m-users)
2. U-Haul discloses data breach exposing customer driver licenses
(https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/u-haul-discloses-data-breach-exposin
g-customer-driver-licenses/)
3. Marriott data breach exposes PII, credit cards
(https://www.darkreading.com/attacks-breaches/marriott-data-breach-pii-credit-cards)

Your business is a well-oiled machine. Unfortunately, IT issues can throw a wrench in the gears.

A recent study found that 95% of workers face disruptive IT issues that hurt productivity and decrease morale. If you’ve ever worked from home, you probably found yourself asking, “Who are the other 5%? Have they ever even tried working remotely?” More than half of survey respondents said they have to contend with software-related IT disruptions daily or multiple times per week.

On top of that, 75% of workers now expect their technology troubles to be fixed preemptively, before they are even aware a problem has occurred. And perhaps most tellingly, 81% of respondents said businesses that don’t make their employees’ “digital experience” a top-level priority will soon fall behind competitors.

The takeaway here is that employees everywhere are having trouble with IT, they expect it to be handled better in today’s work-from-home revolution, and companies that do take care of it well will leave their competition behind.

The hybrid work-from-home model is here to stay

The COVID-19 pandemic forced everyone’s hand in establishing a remote or hybrid solution just to stay afloat. And now, 77% of those surveyed said they expect remote and hybrid models going forward.

Throw in the fact that younger generations are only becoming more digitally connected in their daily lives and it’s clear that there’s no going back. Workplace norms have shifted and will only continue to evolve in the future. With the “Great Resignation” and ongoing staffing shortages in many industries, businesses that invest in a flexible remote option that meets the expectations of modern workers will stand to benefit.

IT staff is overworked

The statistics mentioned so far demonstrate that the vast majority of us are struggling with technology. To make matters worse, IT professionals are struggling to keep up. 98% of IT teams said that improving the situation has been held back due to being overburdened and having to deal with outdated technology, all while trying to keep up with the rapid changes in the workplace.

In this transitional period of shifting norms and expectations, getting the technology right is more important than ever for your business. Simply put, now’s not the time to under-invest in IT.

Next steps

The employer-employee relationship is entering a new normal. Workers rely on technology more than ever, and they need support for an increasing amount of remote work. Since employees are relying on technology to such a degree, any disruptions to the business’ technology directly impact productivity and the bottom line.

Now is the time to invest in rock solid IT services. Contact amshot today to set up a consultation and learn how you can ensure your technology isn’t hampering your employees.

As technology gets more sophisticated, so do cybercriminals, and the arms race between IT security and hackers continues to escalate. 2021 was a record-setting year for cyberattacks, with data breaches increasing by 68% over 2020. With a third of 2022 in the books, the rate of attacks doesn’t seem to be showing any signs of slowing down. While cybercriminals keep their foot on the gas pedal, the best defense against a costly intrusion is still a well-informed, well-prepared human being.

That’s why it’s vital to understand the risks and stay informed of the dangers of being defenseless against cyberattacks. Here are the worst cyberattacks of 2022 (so far) and the businesses that are learning that lesson the hard way:

January

• A cyberattack targeting the Ukrainian government, suspected to be Russian in origin, took down more than 70 government websites. The attack claimed to leak personal information and replaced text on the websites with the threat “be afraid and wait for the worst.”
• Hackers breached the International Committee of the Red Cross. The attackers stole data on 500,000 people and disrupted the organization’s services worldwide.
• An attack on a German firm caused Shell to reroute its oil supplies after its IT and supply chain systems were affected.

February

• Hackers infiltrated the networks of the UK Foreign Office, causing a “serious cyber incident,” the details of which remain confidential.
• Two groups backed by the North Korean government waged cyberattacks against numerous members of the media, financial, and software sectors. The group used phishing emails, fake job posts, and a security vulnerability in Google Chrome to spread its malware.
• Russia-affiliated hackers accessed multiple US defense contractors between January 2020 and February 2022. The group stole emails and sensitive data related to products and interactions with foreign governments.

March

• The FBI claims the North Korean government was responsible for stealing $600 million in an attack on a cryptocurrency exchange.
• A report in February discovered that the Chinese government had gained access to the networks of at least 6 U.S. state governments. The attack was made possible through a vulnerability known as “Log4j” as well as vulnerable web applications.
• A DDoS attack targeting a telecom company shut down the internet on the Marshall Islands for over a week.

Ignoring the threat is not an option

While the hacking of governments and multinational corporations make the headlines, small and medium-sized businesses are just as at risk for a cyberattack. In fact, 43% of attacks target small businesses and 60% of those that fall victim go out of business within 6 months.

It’s more important than ever to protect your small business against the ever-looming threat of cybercrime and data breaches. Schedule a free consultation with amshot today to learn how employee training and IT security can help save your business from facing a devastating attack. The best way to beat cybercrime is to make sure you’re never a victim of it in the first place.