Category: IT Security

Business ProductivityCorporate ITDigitalInternetIT for the Medical IndustryIT SecurityManaged ITTechnologyUtah IT Company
Do You Need a Disaster Recovery Plan?

If you suddenly lost access to documents and applications pertinent to your daily work life, how would you cope? Would you know where to go, or who to look to for help? Whether the loss occurs because of a natural disaster, hardware failure, human error, or cyber-crimes, a Disaster Recovery Plan (DR) is essential for businesses of all sizes!


A *2023 survey found that only 54% of businesses had an established company-wide disaster recovery plan in place. That is barely more than half of all businesses. Aside from having the plan in place, it’s also important to regularly review and test your plan to ensure your team knows how to execute the strategy. Ponemon Institute estimates the average cost of downtime at a staggering $9,000 per minute or $500,000 per hour. Being able to restore systems and operations quickly is imperative to recovery from a disaster. Those averages might look high for your small business, but the fact is downtime is expensive. It’s not just the direct financial losses but also the expense of lost productivity, missed opportunities, customer dissatisfaction, and long-term reputational damage.

Though most owners believe they are unlikely to suffer a cyber-attack, small businesses suffer 43% of all data breaches. Do you currently have strategies in place to protect your data? A solid DR plan is crucial as it aims to minimize downtime and data loss, enabling a company to swiftly return to normal operations following a catastrophic event. This guide breaks down the various elements of a disaster recovery plan, highlighting their significance and demonstrating real-world scenarios where such planning proves invaluable.

Understanding Disaster Recovery

At its core, disaster recovery involves preparing for and recovering from events that can significantly disrupt business operations. These events range from natural disasters like earthquakes to man-made challenges such as cyber-attacks. A well-structured DR plan addresses these threats by outlining steps to resume critical operations swiftly and securely.

Key Components of a Disaster Recovery Plan
Risk Assessment and Business Impact Analysis (BIA): This involves understanding a business’s specific risks and potential impact on operations. It helps prioritize the recovery of critical systems and data.

  • Data Backup Strategies: Robust data backup strategies ensure that critical data is regularly backed up to secure, offsite locations, allowing for the restoration of lost data.
  • Recovery Solutions: DR plans must detail the solutions for restoring IT systems, applications, and data, including both on-site and cloud-based options.
  • Communication Plan: A clear plan for notifying employees, customers, and stakeholders during a disaster is vital for maintaining transparency and minimizing panic.
  • Regular Testing and Updates: Regular testing and updates ensure that the plan evolves with the business and remains effective over time.

The Importance of Each Component

Each component of a DR plan plays a critical role in safeguarding business operations. For example, the BIA guides resource allocation during and after a disaster, while data backup strategies prevent catastrophic data loss. Recovery solutions bring data back into action, and the communication plan maintains trust and order. Regular testing guarantees that the plan will work as intended when needed.

Real-World Applications

Consider a business that experiences a severe data breach. With a comprehensive DR plan in place, the company can quickly identify the breach’s extent, revert to recent data backups, and effectively manage customer expectations and regulatory requirements. Regularly tested recovery procedures ensure a swift return to operation, minimizing downtime and financial loss.

The Value of Preparedness

In today’s digital age, disasters are inevitable. The examples above underscore the value of a DR plan, providing a blueprint for action that can mean the difference between a setback and a complete shutdown. Investing in a thorough disaster recovery plan is critical for responsible business management, ensuring resilience, and maintaining trust.

Avoid becoming another cautionary tale of poor planning. Please give us a call. We would be happy to help you implement your disaster recovery plan or review your current plan!

*Statistics are taken from the article “Disaster Recovery Statistics Every Business Should Know.” At https://phoenixnap.com

 

AI TechnologyBusiness ProductivityCorporate ITIT SecuritySoftwareTechnologyUtah IT Company
Why Regular IT Reviews are Critical for Your Business Growth and Management

In today’s business landscape, the role of technology is crucial. Ensuring your IT system operations are seamless is paramount for business success. Regular executive technology review meetings play a key role in detecting and addressing potential issues and fortifying a company’s foundation for future growth. There are five main areas of focus in TEK Utah’s technology review, identifying and addressing risks, evaluating hardware and software efficiencies, investing in employee security training, streamlining operations, and planning for future growth. Proactively responding to items revealed in our review meeting will save a business time, money, resources, and potentially a company’s reputation.

Identifying and Addressing Risks

A primary goal of regular IT review meetings is to assess and improve data management and security protocols. In an era where cyber threats are prevalent, safeguarding sensitive information is essential. IT reviews provide a platform to examine existing security measures, identify vulnerabilities, and implement solutions. Proactively addressing potential risks helps companies avoid data breaches, protecting their assets and reputation.

Sometimes IT security can be as simple as setting stronger passwords. Recently, a local business encountered a security breach within its email system. An unauthorized individual gained access to the administrator account, primarily due to the absence of multifactor authentication and the use of overly simple passwords. The intruder then created a new user account to impersonate the business owner, attempting to defraud the company financially. The breach was only discovered when a vigilant vendor flagged a suspicious email.

A routine check-up would have helped prevent this security incident. Regular IT reviews are the perfect time to assess security measures and identify potential weaknesses that could lead to substantial financial losses. Outside of regular reviews we offer cyber security products to help ensure your systems are secure. Check out this video where we address three key solutions for your business’s security needs.

Evaluating Hardware and Software Infrastructure

Outdated hardware and software can hinder productivity and expose a company to security risks. Regular IT reviews allow decision-makers to evaluate the current technological landscape, identifying areas that require upgrades or replacements. Investing in the latest hardware and software solutions optimizes performance, reduces downtime, and enhances efficiency.

Not long ago a client suffered severe data loss due to a failed hard drive. The user was not backing up their data externally, and unfortunately, crucial information was lost and unable to be recovered. While this incident did not permanently cripple the business, it highlighted a critical oversight. This issue could have easily been avoided had the user been regularly backing up their data. It’s easy to overlook backend systems because they are not meant to be in the foreground. However, a routine IT review is the perfect time to look in the background at all the systems that we take for granted and make changes where necessary.

Investing in Employee Training

The strength of a company often lies in its employees, but human error can be a vulnerability. “A joint study by Stanford University Professor Jeff Hancock and security firm Tessian found that a whopping 88 percent of data breach incidents are caused by employee mistakes” (https://securitytoday.com/articles/2022/07/30/just-why-are-so-many-cyber-breaches-due-to-human-error). It doesn’t matter how robust your security measures are if your employees are opening the door for attackers. Regular IT review meetings offer an opportunity to assess employee skill sets and identify areas for additional training. Investing in ongoing training programs ensures that staff members are well-equipped to navigate the evolving technological landscape, reducing the likelihood of errors and enhancing overall IT system effectiveness.

Streamlining Operations and Reducing Inefficiencies

Efficiency is crucial for success in any business. Regular reviews enable executives to scrutinize IT processes, identify bottlenecks, and streamline operations. By eliminating inefficiencies, companies can save time and resources, redirecting them towards more strategic endeavors that contribute to overall growth. Whether your business is ready or not, AI is fast becoming the key to increased productivity, and if your business is not equipped, you’ll be leaving profits on the table. But you’re in luck we recently added AI training to our list of services. This training is completely customizable and may be just what your company needs to update and enhance your processes. Read our blog article to Unlock your Business success through AI.

Planning for Future Growth

Businesses are dynamic entities, and their IT infrastructure must align with future growth plans. Regular IT review meetings provide a strategic forum to discuss and plan for future technological requirements. Whether it’s scaling up existing systems, implementing new technologies, or expanding digital capabilities, a proactive approach ensures that IT infrastructure evolves in tandem with the company’s broader objectives.

How can you save time, money, and resources?

The practical significance of regular IT review meetings is undeniable. By addressing critical areas such as data management, security, hardware and software improvements, employee training, and operational inefficiencies, these meetings contribute to significant savings in time, money, and resources. Moreover, they act as a shield for a company’s reputation, preventing potential setbacks caused by data breaches or technological failures.

In the fast-paced world of business, staying ahead requires a vigilant eye on the technological pulse. Executive IT review meetings serve as a practical measure and empower companies to thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Prevention is key, and in the realm of IT, it translates to sustained success and growth.

Click here to schedule your executive technology review meeting.

Not a client yet? Click to schedule your free assessment and consultation!

 

IT SecurityUncategorized
MFA Protection

 

In our current digital landscape, safeguarding your business’s vital online accounts is paramount. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a crucial fortification in this ongoing battle. It’s not just an additional security measure; it’s a necessary shield in today’s interconnected world.

TEK Utah has recently witnessed the consequences of inadequate security measures firsthand. We have observed cases where email accounts were hacked, which could have resulted in significant financial and reputational damage to the business and their clients. Incidents like this remind us of the vital importance of securing all of our critical systems with tools like MFA.

Examples of Critical Systems for MFA Implementation:

1. Email Accounts: Protecting email accounts is non-negotiable, given the sensitive information they often contain. MFA ensures that even if a password is compromised, unauthorized access is still blocked.
2. Banking and Financial Platforms: Any system that handles financial transactions or sensitive financial data must be doubly secured with MFA to prevent substantial monetary losses.
3. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems: CRMs are treasure troves of customer data. Securing them with MFA helps protect your customers’ privacy and your business’s reputation.
4. Cloud Storage and File Sharing Services: Services like Dropbox or Google Drive often contain sensitive business documents. MFA can prevent unauthorized access to these critical files.
5. Remote Access Tools: With the rise of remote working, securing remote desktop protocols and VPNs with MFA is essential to prevent unauthorized access to your internal network.

MFA requires additional verification methods beyond just a password – like a phone call, text message, or biometric check – making it nearly impossible for hackers to gain unauthorized access.

Yet, if uncertainty still looms over whether your accounts are secure, TEK Utah offers a vital service: the Dark Web ID Scan. This service probes the dark web for compromised credentials, offering businesses insights into potential vulnerabilities and the necessary steps to address them. Learn more and schedule this service on our website: https://www.shop.tekutah.com/product-page/dark-web-id-scan.

While MFA does introduce an extra step in the login process, this minor inconvenience pales in comparison to the robust protection it provides. Implementing MFA across these critical systems can be the difference between a secure business and a vulnerable one.

MFA is not just an added security feature; it’s an essential layer of defense for the critical systems that keep your business running. Embracing multi-factor authentication (MFA) is committing to the security and longevity of your business in the digital age.

 

 

Business ProductivityDigitalInternetIT SecurityUtah IT Company
Beware the Ghosts and Ghouls Haunting your Digital Space

It’s that time of year when the air is thick with spooky tales and ghostly whispers. But in this digital age spookiness isn’t confined to lurkers and hauntings; it extends to the virtual realm. Just as you wouldn’t go wandering alone in a haunted forest without a flashlight, don’t navigate the digital realm unprepared. In this Halloween-themed guide, we’ll arm you with the knowledge and tools to ward off the menacing malware and other online threats, ensuring your online experience remains as delightful as a bag full of treats.

**1. ** Ghosts in the Machine: Protecting Your Digital Haunt
Ghosts in the form of malware, viruses, and spyware can haunt your system, slowing it down and compromising your personal information. To keep them at bay, invest in reliable antivirus software. Treat your computer to regular scans to ensure no lurking spirits are waiting to cause mischief.

**2. ** Spells and Charms: Install a Robust Firewall
A firewall acts as a protective charm, keeping out malicious entities from your digital realm. Ensure your operating system’s firewall is activated and consider installing additional firewall software for extra protection. Just like magical barriers shield Hogwarts from dark forces, your firewall will shield your computer from online threats.

**3. ** Update Your Spells: Ensure your Software is Current
Developers release software updates to patch vulnerabilities in their systems. Regularly updating your operating system, antivirus software, and applications will ensure you have the latest security spells protecting your digital realm.

**4. ** Goblins in Disguise: Watch Out for Spamware
Spamware, the mischievous goblins of the internet, can infiltrate your system through seemingly harmless downloads or attachments. Avoid downloading files from dubious sources and always verify the authenticity of software before installation. Just as you wouldn’t accept candy from a stranger, don’t accept files from unfamiliar websites.

**5. ** The Magic Potion: Use Strong, Unique Passwords
A strong, unique password is your best defense against hackers. Create passwords that are a potent mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or pet names. For an extra layer of protection, consider using a password manager – your very own magic potion to keep your accounts secure.

**6. ** Back Up Your Broomstick: Safely Store Your Data
Just as you keep a spare broomstick in case the first one breaks, regularly back up your important files. Ransomware can be a wicked curse, but having your files backed up ensures you won’t fall victim to it. Use external hard drives or cloud services for secure storage.

**7. ** Stay Wary of Social Media Ghosts: Check Your Privacy Settings
Ghosts of the digital world can haunt you on social media if your privacy settings are not secure. Regularly review your privacy settings on social platforms to control who can see your information and posts. Be mindful of the information you share, keeping personal details hidden from prying eyes.

In the spirit of Halloween, let’s approach our digital lives with the same caution we use to navigate haunted houses and spooky forests. By following these simple guidelines, you can keep your computer safe from the digital spooks lurking in the shadows of the internet. Stay vigilant, update your knowledge, and enjoy the online world without the fear of malicious threats. Don’t know where to start or need help finding the right tools? Reach out to us at TEK Utah, we will be happy to help keep your digital adventures spook-free!

 

Business ProductivityIT Security
Top four reasons to use Dark Web Monitoring and Employee Phishing Training

Top four reasons to use Dark Web Monitoring and Employee Phishing Training

 

Did you know that your employees can be your most powerful allies in the fight against cyber threats? In today’s rapidly changing digital landscape, it is crucial to equip your workforce with the necessary tools and knowledge to protect your organization from email scams and phishing attempts. That’s why we are excited to introduce our powerful Dark Web Monitoring and Employee Phishing Training service.

 

Dark Web Monitoring:

Our state-of-the-art Dark Web Monitoring service keeps a watchful eye on the hidden corners of the internet where compromised credentials and sensitive information are traded. By proactively scanning the dark web, we detect any signs of compromised data associated with your organization in real time. Dark Web Monitoring allows us to stay ahead of cyber criminals and take immediate action to protect your business.

 

Employee Phishing Training:

Human error remains a leading cause of cybersecurity breaches. Our comprehensive Employee Phishing Training empowers your team to recognize and respond effectively to phishing attempts. Through engaging training sessions, we equip your employees with the skills to identify suspicious emails, avoid clicking on malicious links, and teach them to report potential threats promptly. By fostering a culture of vigilance, you fortify your organization’s security defenses.

 

 

There are many benefits to using these services, they include:

 

  1. Real-time Protection: Stay one step ahead of cybercriminals with our Dark Web Monitoring service, receiving immediate alerts if compromised information is detected.

 

  1. Empowered Workforce: Our Employee Phishing Training equips your employees to become proactive defenders against phishing attempts.

 

  1. Reduced Risk: Enhance your employees’ cybersecurity awareness and best practices, significantly reducing the risk of falling victim to email scams and data breaches.

 

  1. Customized Approach: Our services are tailored to your specific needs, aligning your cybersecurity strategy with your business objectives.

 

What are you currently doing to protect your organization from cyber threats? Could you benefit from strengthened defenses with our Dark Web Monitoring and Employee Phishing Training service? We want to empower your employees to become the first line of defense against phishing attempts. If you are interested in learning more about our services, give us a call at 801-503-9044.

 

Safeguard your future – start today!

 

Keywords: Dark Web, Phishing, Employee Training, Cyber Security

IT Security
Ransomware Attacks, The Do’s and Don’ts to protect you and your company

It’s a typical day in the office where dedicated employees are processing routine tasks. Yet, this time a right-click to access an important file turns into a heart-racing screen message – “Will it be your money or your company’s life?” Unfortunately, the opportunity to proactively avoid ransomware attacks was missed.

Ransomware attacks are becoming more common every day, it is estimated that one company will fall victim every 11 seconds. These attacks can lead to the loss of important data or files and the disruption of critical services. They are often hard to detect and stop. Meaning that cybercriminals can cause damage to entire systems before the attacks are identified, controlled, and stopped. With an average cost of around $812,360, a ransomware attack would cause a significant financial impact. Is your company ready to pay that amount of money? Can you afford the loss of critical data?

No one ever expects to be a victim of a ransomware attack, but unfortunately, it can happen in an instant. 

So how do ransomware attacks work? 

Cybercriminals get into systems, networks, and servers through phishing emails, malware, or exploiting vulnerable software and operating systems. Once inside, they encrypt your information and demand payment for its release. In essence – They hold your data hostage!

The attack generally starts by infecting a system through a security loophole, such as an outdated antivirus program or a phishing email. 

The attacker will encrypt your data and then demand a ransom in exchange for a decryption key. Paying the ransom does not guarantee access to the decryption key. And in some cases, these malicious actors may publish the stolen data on the dark web. Making ransomware attacks dangerous!

How do you protect yourself from these attacks?

  • Backup critical data regularly – Good habits can prevent injuries! Make several copies of your local backup, and maintain daily data backups. Verify that you have isolated copies stored outside your network.
  • Be careful with emails! – Emails are the most common technique used to perpetuate ransomware. Make sure to only open emails from trusted sources and never click on suspicious links or attachments.
  • Contact your IT provider and ask them to check your system for potential security breaches and to perform necessary protection upgrades. Additionally, ask them to configure firewalls and security protocols, such as user authentication, data encryption, and essential antivirus software, to ensure the highest possible level of protection.

What to do if you are attacked?

If you do fall victim to a ransomware attack, do not panic. Instead, contact your trusted cybersecurity professional immediately for help. Next, consider taking these steps.

  • Disconnect your systems and keep infected computers isolated.- The ransomware will search for debilities in your network and opportunities to spread out. Look for infected computers, and isolate and disconnect them as fast as possible!
  • Never do backups during an attack. You could amplify the infection, putting other backups at risk. Make sure to turn off any automatic backup system in place.
  • Don’t pay for the ransomware unless you have exhausted all other options. You can’t be 100% sure the attackers will give you cipher keys to decrypt your data. Paying the ransom will only encourage attackers to launch additional attacks and develop more sophisticated ways to trick others. And it may be possible to recover the encrypted files without paying a ransom. That’s where your experienced IT professional comes in.

Fortunately, there are advanced measures businesses can take to reduce becoming victimized. 

TEK Utah is proud to introduce our new ransomware detection service! Our licensed add-on service can actively monitor and detect ransomware activity and protect your managed Window operating devices, especially for critical systems like servers and c-level executives. Should an attack happen, we can even reactively stop it before it spreads. By analyzing the behavior of your files, our proprietary technology can isolate affected machines from your network to prevent further damage.

We have the tools to help you monitor and detect ransomware activity before it is too late. By providing around-the-clock suspicious activity detection, we’ll ensure that your operating systems and software are up-to-date, secure your network connections, and provide tips for you and your employees on avoiding phishing emails and other scams. If you fall victim to a ransomware attack, do not hesitate to call us immediately. We have expert Level 3 Technicians who can go on-site and help you stop the spread of this invasion and set up safeguards to prevent it. 

Protect your business from the devastating effects of ransomware – secure your comprehensive no-cost IT assessment and consultation here!

IT Security
October is Cyber Security Awareness Month

Unfortunately, threats to technology and confidential data have become more commonplace. Cybersecurity may seem like a complex subject, but ultimately, it’s really all about people. Do you know what it takes to keep yourself safe online? You don’t need an in-depth knowledge of coding to know that October is cyber security awareness month and that it takes a constant effort to make intelligent decisions online. Your conscious efforts to steer clear of hackers are important whether on the job, at home, or at school.

 

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DigitalIT SecurityRemote Access
The Importance of Reliable Backups

Protecting your data is essential to securing business success, enhancing productivity, and preventing costly consequences. Data backups have several benefits, and when aligned with the right solution, they can ensure your peace of mind. But for most, determining best practices can feel daunting. So let’s explore three key points to remember when considering the importance of data backups.

 

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