Now Media interviews Roland Parker from Impress Computers and covers all your questions and concerns?

 

Your Tech Your Biz with Roland Parker from Impress Computers

1. SHOULD I TRAIN EMPLOYEES IN SECURITY PRINCIPLES?
2. HOW DO I PROTECT INFORMATION, COMPUTERS, AND NETWORKS FROM CYBER ATTACKS?
3. IS A FIREWALL SECURITY FOR YOUR INTERNET CONNECTION NECESSARY?
4. HOW DO I CREATE A MOBILE DEVICE ACTION PLAN?
5. WHAT ABOUT BACKUP COPIES OF IMPORTANT BUSINESS DATA AND INFORMATION?
6. DO YOU RECOMEND TO CREATE USER ACCOUNTS FOR EACH EMPLOYEE?
7. HOW DO I SECURE MY WI-FI NETWORKS?
8. WHAT ABOUT PASSWORDS AND AUTHENTICATION?

1. Train employees in security principles
Establish basic security practices and policies for employees, such as requiring strong passwords, and establish appropriate Internet use guidelines that detail penalties for violating company cybersecurity policies. Establish rules of behavior describing how to handle and protect customer information and other vital data. We use a program called Bullphish which does employee training and simulated phishing

2. Protect information, computers, and networks from cyber attacks
Keep clean machines: having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system are the best defenses against viruses, malware, and other online threats. Set antivirus software to run a scan after each update. Install other key software updates as soon as they are available. We use a multi layered approach with Zero Trust from Threatlocker, and Next Gen Anti Virus with EDR and a 24/7 SOC

3. Provide firewall security for your Internet connection
A firewall is a set of related programs that prevent outsiders from accessing data on a private network. Make sure the operating system’s firewall is enabled or install free firewall software available online. If employees work from home, ensure that their home system(s) are protected by a firewall. We use Sonicwall Firewalls with an active subscription

4. Create a mobile device action plan
Mobile devices can create significant security and management challenges, especially if they hold confidential information or can access the corporate network. Require users to password-protect their devices, encrypt their data, and install security apps to prevent criminals from stealing information while the phone is on public networks. Be sure to set reporting procedures for lost or stolen equipment.

5. Make backup copies of important business data and information
Regularly backup the data on all computers. Critical data includes word processing documents, electronic spreadsheets, databases, financial files, human resources files, and accounts receivable/payable files. Backup data automatically if possible, or at least weekly and store the copies either offsite or in the cloud. We have found that Acronis is a great offsite and local backup program that we can monitor remotely and keep multi layered, image based backups that can be restored quickly

6. Control physical access to your computers and create user accounts for each employee
Prevent access or use of business computers by unauthorized individuals. Laptops can be particularly easy targets for theft or can be lost, so lock them up when unattended. Make sure a separate user account is created for each employee and require strong passwords. Administrative privileges should only be given to trusted IT staff and key personnel.

7. Secure your Wi-Fi networks
If you have a Wi-Fi network for your workplace, make sure it is secure, encrypted, and hidden. To hide your Wi-Fi network, set up your wireless access point or router, so it does not broadcast the network name, known as the Service Set Identifier (SSID). Password protect access to the router.

8. Employ best practices on payment cards
Work with banks or processors to ensure the most trusted and validated tools and anti-fraud services are being used. You may also have additional security obligations pursuant to agreements with your bank or processor. Isolate payment systems from other, less secure programs and don’t use the same computer to process payments and surf the Internet.

9. Limit employee access to data and information, limit authority to install software
Do not provide any one employee with access to all data systems. Employees should only be given access to the specific data systems that they need for their jobs, and should not be able to install any software without permission.

10. Passwords and authentication
Require employees to use unique passwords and change passwords every three months. Consider implementing multi-factor authentication that requires additional information beyond a password to gain entry. Check with your vendors that handle sensitive data, especially financial institutions, to see if they offer multi-factor authentication for your account.

1. Should Employees be trained for cyber security? Absolutely – employee training and simulated phishing attempts
2. How do you protect networks against cyber attacks? – Zero Trust, Next Gen Anti Virus with EDR and 24/7 SOC
3. Is a firewall necessary? Yes, you need a good firewall like Sonicwall with an active subscription
4. MDM – Mobile Device Management – how should this be handled by companies? Employees should only access data via a company issues, locked down device
5. How do company’s backup their data and make sure its protected? You need a multilayered backup process that detects ransomware and viruses and is imaged based so you can restore the server as an image or spin up a VM in the cloud.
6. Wifi Protection
7. Multi Factor Authentication

Firewalls
Zero Trust – Threatlocker
NextGen AV – SentinelOne with EDR and a 24/7 SOC
Acronis – Image Based Offsite Backups

https://www.impresscomputers.com/sit…

Are You A “Sitting Duck”?

Small businesses are under attack. Right now, extremely dangerous and well-funded cybercrime rings in China, Russia and the Ukraine are using sophisticated software systems to hack into thousands of small businesses to steal credit cards and client information, and swindle money directly out of your bank account. Some are even being funded by their own government to attack small, virtually defenseless businesses.

Impress Computers

21733 Provincial Blvd
Ste 110
Katy TX 77450
281-647-9977
https://www.impresscomputers.com/dat…