blackbottledev, Author at Black Bottle IT

How Do Managed Security Services Work?

by blackbottledev | Jun 21, 2021 | Cybersecurity

Did you know that the average business manages 162.9 TB of data? Because there’s so much sensitive information on an organization’s server, it’s essential to safeguard your server and applications.

Managed security services are the perfect way to ensure that malware stays out of your system. Here, we’re going to talk about what these solutions do and why they’re essential. Read on to begin protecting your business!

What Are Managed Security Services?

Managed security services are IT solutions that protect businesses from security threats. You subscribe to a package from a managed IT security services provider. In turn, this provider develops a unique plan based on your business’s individual situation to secure your digital data.

This process generally means implementing specialized software that integrates seamlessly with your data storage system. It also means building a security expert network that can respond to potential breaches in real-time. Experts, not just tools, make the difference in response time, reporting, and moving your business forward risk-free.

Because these security services are typically fully managed, you don’t need to worry about maintenance and upkeep. Managed security providers handle modifications and upgrades for you. They also implement the latest virus/spam blocking, intrusion detection, firewall, and VPN systems to keep you safe in an ever-changing digital world.

Why Are They Important?

First and foremost, you need high-quality security solutions to protect your business financially. A security breach costs a company an average of almost $9 million. If you’re an SMB, it’s unlikely that you have that kind of money.

Sensitive data theft also can cause untold problems for your employees and clients. You likely have employee SSNs stored somewhere within your system. Customer financial information is also often saved to a server.

When a company experience a data breach, they lose the trust of employees and clients. Not only that, but they will likely have severe concerns about identity theft and future financial problems. This problem isn’t something you want to be responsible for because it leaves you open to lawsuits, shutdown time, and customer loss.

Real-Time Network Security Monitoring: The Basics

Now that you understand the importance of data monitoring, you must choose the appropriate solutions. Real-time network monitoring is ideal for companies of all sizes.

Traditional monitoring uses analytics tools that only look into at-rest data. Since digital information is changing by the second, this becomes quickly outdated. Users won’t be able to notice new threats until it’s too late.

However, real-time network monitoring solutions like Black Bottle IT offers are different. They showcase only current data so that you can see what’s going on in your data system by the second. You, therefore, will get more relevant information and discover what needs to be done to safeguard your data in real-time.

Streamline Your Security Operations Today

Now that you know why managed services for security are the right choice for your organization, it’s time to get started. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about our managed security services.

Our experts are happy to discuss the best ways to keep your specific digital information secure by meeting your unique needs. We also will help you come up with a payment plan that works for you. Since we’re committed to helping your business succeed with secure and safe information, we look forward to hearing from you soon.

How will You Keep Your DOD Contacts?

by blackbottledev | Jun 8, 2021 | Compliance

Prioritizing the security of your company’s network is an essential practice when it comes to remaining as productive as possible. Unfortunately, failure to do so could easily result in a large number of legal complications.

When it comes to firewall security, you may be surprised to learn this type of protection can expire. Let’s take a deeper look at what you need to know.

When Does Firewall Security Expire?

As time goes on, cybercriminals develop more advanced tools to procure sensitive data. As a result, the firewall protection you implement can quickly become outdated if you aren’t regularly updating it.

To clarify, even a firewall defense that uses relatively contemporary safeguards can become highly inefficient as hackers begin to use new types of malware.

In fact, a firewall that looks notably strong on paper may not accomplish its task appropriately.

However, to answer the above question, firewall security can be considered expired when it no longer receives regular patches, updates, and other similar services.

What Are the Risks?

As you might assume, the most significant risk of having your firewall security expire comes from failing to protect sensitive information adequately.

Depending on the industry you work in, this often includes data that should never fall into the wrong hands (such as medical patient info).

Additionally, you run the risk of hackers procuring trade secrets that they can then sell to other companies within your industry. In many scenarios, a situation like this is complicated to recover from for any business.

What Should I Look For in a Provider?

The ideal provider to work with implements a renewal policy. In practice, this will allow you to continually renew your firewall service automatically so that you can ensure you are always protected.

This firewall service often includes frequent threat detection updates and new firmware implementation.

Additionally, the provider you work with should also have some form of continual customer support for your firewall service. This level of customer support means that you should be able to quickly get in touch with your service provider with questions or concerns.

While it isn’t always practical to assume that your provider will offer 24/7 customer service, many provide round-the-clock service 365 days a year.

You should also take a look at their past reviews. You’ll gain insight into whether or not you can expect to receive the level of service you are looking for for your business.

Maintaining Proper Firewall Security Is Crucial

You must take the necessary steps to maintain firewall security properly. From here, you’ll have no issue ensuring that your firewall security is as protective as possible over the sensitive data in your organization.

Want to learn more about what Black Bottle IT has to offer your business? Feel free to reach out to us today and see how we can help.

When Firewall Security Expires

by blackbottledev | May 31, 2021 | Cybersecurity

Prioritizing the security of your company’s network is an essential practice when it comes to remaining as productive as possible. Unfortunately, failure to do so could easily result in a large number of legal complications.

When it comes to firewall security, you may be surprised to learn this type of protection can expire. Let’s take a deeper look at what you need to know.

When Does Firewall Security Expire?

As time goes on, cybercriminals develop more advanced tools to procure sensitive data. As a result, the firewall protection you implement can quickly become outdated if you aren’t regularly updating it.

To clarify, even a firewall defense that uses relatively contemporary safeguards can become highly inefficient as hackers begin to use new types of malware.

In fact, a firewall that looks notably strong on paper may not accomplish its task appropriately.

However, to answer the above question, firewall security can be considered expired when it no longer receives regular patches, updates, and other similar services.

What Are the Risks?

As you might assume, the most significant risk of having your firewall security expire comes from failing to protect sensitive information adequately.

Depending on the industry you work in, this often includes data that should never fall into the wrong hands (such as medical patient info).

Additionally, you run the risk of hackers procuring trade secrets that they can then sell to other companies within your industry. In many scenarios, a situation like this is complicated to recover from for any business.

What Should I Look For in a Provider?

The ideal provider to work with implements a renewal policy. In practice, this will allow you to continually renew your firewall service automatically so that you can ensure you are always protected.

This firewall service often includes frequent threat detection updates and new firmware implementation.

Additionally, the provider you work with should also have some form of continual customer support for your firewall service. This level of customer support means that you should be able to quickly get in touch with your service provider with questions or concerns.

While it isn’t always practical to assume that your provider will offer 24/7 customer service, many provide round-the-clock service 365 days a year.

You should also take a look at their past reviews. You’ll gain insight into whether or not you can expect to receive the level of service you are looking for for your business.

Maintaining Proper Firewall Security Is Crucial

You must take the necessary steps to maintain firewall security properly. From here, you’ll have no issue ensuring that your firewall security is as protective as possible over the sensitive data in your organization.

Want to learn more about what Black Bottle IT has to offer your business? Feel free to reach out to us today and see how we can help.

The Importance of Cybersecurity Awareness and Training for Employees

by blackbottledev | Apr 21, 2021 | Cybersecurity Awareness

The average cost of a data breach is a massive $8.19 million in the US. This cost means a data breach can spell disaster for any business, making cybersecurity a significant concern for businesses.

Assimilation of your staff in good cybersecurity practices is a must for any company in the modern era. Yet, what are the specific benefits of cybersecurity awareness?

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why cybersecurity training is of the utmost importance. Are you ready to learn more?

Then read on.

1. A Cost-Effective Solution to an Expensive Problem

As we’ve discussed, a data breach is expensive. There are a few different ways that you can try to prevent them, but the most cost-effective way to avoid them is by training your employees.

A well-trained workforce will be able to recognize cyberattacks and social engineering attacks that they may otherwise not. The training is the most effective way to prevent a data breach and all its subsequent costs.

A well-trained workforce is a protected one. Think of training costs as a small investment today to prevent a more significant problem further down the road.

2. Ensure Compliance With Data Security Regulations

Data breaches aren’t the only issue that you need to worry about these days. Your customer’s data may fall under various regulations that you need to adhere to on their behalf. These may include HIPAA and GDPR, depending on your industry.

Failure to comply with these regulations can have severe consequences, including fines. As these regulations are very complex, a thorough training regime is required to ensure compliance, and combining it with cybersecurity awareness is very cost-effective.

3. Enhance Your Business’ Reputation

Investing in cybersecurity can offer a significant boost to your company’s reputation. Demonstrating that you value your customers’ security is a valuable trait in today’s world.

It may also help you market your company: if you make a point of your company’s data security approach, clients will be more likely to trust you with their data.

4. Your Employees Will Gain New Skills

Cross-training your employees comes with some fantastic benefits. When your employees understand cybersecurity to a greater level, they will solve the more simple and common problems that arise in day-to-day work.

This cross-training means that you may save money on your IT costs, too. If your staff understand cybersecurity best practices, they will feel more empowered and confident when working with sensitive information.

5. You Can Minimize Human Error

Human error is a big problem in cybersecurity, with human error accounting for a large proportion of data breaches. There is no need to be malicious intent by a third party: human error can lead to sensitive data being exposed or leaked without anyone else being involved.

Cybersecurity awareness minimizes human error, which cuts out a great deal of potential data breaches.

Cybersecurity Awareness Is Vital

Why should companies increase cybersecurity awareness among their employees? There is a vast range of benefits, including better security, a better reputation for your business, and a better skill set for your employees.

Cybersecurity awareness and training are of vital importance in today’s world. If you want to train your employees, we’re here to help. For more information and to discuss our services, get in touch with us today.

Computer Forensics: Stopping Malicious Malware in Its Tracks

by blackbottledev | Mar 16, 2021 | Computer Forensics, Malware

Cyberattacks are currently rated as the fastest growing area of crime. They unleash protected data, harm reputations, and create monetary crises.

The Information Systems Audit and Control Association issued a financial impact report. They project that global cybercrime will cost $6 trillion during 2021.

Using computer forensics measures can save your business. Keep reading to find out more about fighting cyberattacks.

Overview of Computer Forensics

Computer forensics uses scientific methods and knowledge to find and analyze evidence. Experts identify “crime scenes”, block criminal activity, and look for perpetrators. It combines computer science and law to collect evidence for court.

In the past, cyber forensics used “dead-box” analysis. Today, new methods have emerged using “live-box” examination. This collects vital evidence from the RAM or volatile memory.

How Digital Forensics Fights Cyberattacks

There are few things that bring a business to a standstill faster than a security breach. The disconcerting truth is that, on average, the company doesn’t discover a problem for 197 days. Then it takes about 69 days to contain the threat.

Computer forensics works to defend against, identify, and stop computer hackers. The following describes each part of the process.

Malware Detection

When there’s suspicion of malware, an analyst starts by write-protecting the drive. They examine the data as an image that’s loaded into forensics software. The goal is to find evidence of malicious activity and/or detect malware.

Often, they first check download folders, document folders, and the desktop. They’re looking for unauthorized executable files stored in these areas. The analyst also searches for DLLs in Windows systems and browsing histories.

High-threat actors often camouflage themselves. This means that investigators must dig deeper into registry keys.

They also look at other global and application-specific settings. Hackers may load injected libraries, redirect DNS queries, and load binary images to the “pointer”.

Malware Blocking

Computer forensic analysts use a “write-blocker” device when they’re examining drives. This only allows them to read commands but block writing any commands. The purpose is to preserve the drive content’s evidence.

If the analyst accidentally changed the image, the evidence becomes dismissible in court. The legal term describing this situation is “spoliation”.

Sandboxing

Often, digital forensic analysts use a method called sandboxing. This looks at the malware’s behavior, finds outbound connections, and registry changes. hey check for processes running in the background and the download of other payloads.

Powerful sandbox systems limit system failures and the spread of software vulnerabilities. This is done while watching how the software behaves.

Once found, the forensic team can use the sandbox to “explode” the malware. They can also run the malware inside an isolated environment. This lets them document evidence of its behavior and identifies the specific malware.

The sandboxing process generates a detailed report describing the malware’s operation. It includes suspicious indicators, network traffic analysis, and screenshots showing the malware running. The investigator can then develop further leads to pursue.

Are You Concerned About Your Business’s Cybersecurity?

Today, every business must take action to protect itself against cyberattacks. Computer forensics is providing vital data to fight these criminals.

At Black Bottle IT, we believe in excellence, transparency, innovation, and commitment. We know that each business has unique needs. Thus, we approach every new client with fresh energy and inspiration.

Our goal is to provide you with the best comprehensive security and IT services. We offer solutions for remote, hybrid, and full-time work environments.

Click here today to connect with us or to get help if you’re experiencing a breach.