Month: July 2023

Why SMBs Need Managed Service Providers (MSPs)

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) face numerous challenges when it comes to managing their IT. Limited resources (both human and money), lack of expertise, and the need to focus on core business operations often make it difficult for SMBs to understand and manage technology needs. This is where Managed Service Providers (MSPs) come in. In this blog article, we will explore the reasons why SMBs should consider partnering with MSPs to enhance their IT capabilities and drive business growth.

Cost-Effective IT Solutions:

One of the primary reasons why SMBs need MSPs is the cost-effectiveness they offer. By outsourcing their IT needs to MSPs, SMBs can avoid the high costs associated with hiring and training an in-house IT team. MSPs provide a range of services, including network monitoring, data backup and recovery, cybersecurity, and software updates, all at a predictable monthly cost. This allows SMBs to allocate their resources more efficiently and focus on their core business.

Access to Expertise and Advanced Technology:

MSPs are experts in providing IT services and have a team of highly skilled professionals with expertise in variety of technology. By partnering with MSPs, SMBs gain access to the depth of knowledge and experience from IT experts who can handle complex tasks and provide strategic guidance. Additionally, MSPs stay up-to-date with the latest technology trends and can recommend and implement solutions that can help SMBs stay competitive in the market and safe from hackers.

Proactive IT Support and Maintenance:

MSPs offer proactive IT support and maintenance, which is crucial for SMBs. They monitor networks, identify potential issues, and take preventive measures to avoid downtime and disruptions. MSPs also provide regular software updates, security patches, and system maintenance, ensuring that SMBs’ IT remains secure and up-to-date. This proactive approach helps SMBs minimize the risk of costly IT failures and ensures smooth business operations.

Enhanced Data Security:

Data breaches and cyberattacks pose a significant threat to SMBs. MSPs play a vital role in safeguarding SMBs’ sensitive data and protecting them from potential security breaches. They implement robust cybersecurity measures, such as firewalls, antivirus software, and encryption, to ensure data confidentiality and integrity. MSPs can also conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and address any potential weaknesses in the IT infrastructure.

Scalability and Flexibility:

As SMBs grow, their IT needs evolve. MSPs offer scalable solutions that can adapt to changing business requirements. Whether it’s adding new users, expanding storage capacity, or integrating new software, MSPs can quickly and efficiently accommodate these changes. This scalability and flexibility allow SMBs to focus on their growth without worrying about the limitations of their IT infrastructure.

If your company could use the cost-effective solutions, access to expertise, proactive support, enhanced data security, and scalability that come from using a MSP, then contact us for assistance.

Why 2FA is Necessary for Business

Businesses are face an increasing number of cyber threats. To protect sensitive data and prevent hackers from gaining access, implementing stronger security measures is crucial. One such measure is 2-factor authentication (2FA). Let’s look at the importance and security benefits of 2FA for businesses.

Enhanced Account Security:

2FA adds an extra layer of security to the traditional username and password login process. By requiring users to provide a second form of authentication, such as a unique code sent to their mobile device, it significantly reduces the risk of hackers from gaining access. Even if a hacker manages to obtain a user’s password, they would still need the second factor to gain access.

Mitigation of Password-related Risks:

Passwords are often the weakest link in security systems. Many users tend to reuse passwords across multiple accounts or choose weak and easily guessable ones or re-use the same password while incrementally changing a digit or two. With 2FA, even if a password is compromised, the additional authentication factor acts as a safeguard, making it significantly harder for attackers to gain access.

Protection Against Phishing Attacks:

Phishing attacks, where attackers trick users into revealing their login credentials, are a common threat to businesses. 2FA provides an additional layer of defense against such attacks. Even if a user unknowingly falls victim to a phishing attempt and enters their credentials on a fake website, the second authentication factor would prevent the attacker from accessing the account.

Compliance with Industry Regulations:

Many industries, such as finance, healthcare, government contractors, and e-commerce, are subject to strict data protection regulations. Implementing 2FA helps businesses meet compliance requirements and avoid potential penalties. It demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding sensitive customer information and builds trust with clients.

Cost-Effective Security Measure:

Implementing 2FA does not require significant financial investment. Many 2FA solutions are readily available and can be easily integrated into existing systems. Considering the potential financial and brand reputation damage caused by a security breach, the cost of implementing 2FA is minimal compared to the benefits it provides.

In an era where cyber threats are constantly evolving, businesses must prioritize security measures to protect their valuable data. 2-factor authentication offers a simple yet effective way to do so.

If your company is interested in implementing 2FA across the entire organization, then contact us for assistance.

Setup Synology LDAP Server & Certificates

This is the forth in a series that documents the Tier 3 / Co-Managed IT work we did to setup a wireless test bed for a Linux based scientific device. The testing environment included two different wireless network hardware types (Ubiquiti and Cisco). There was also a Synology device used for various purposes including hosting the Ubiquiti controller inside a Kubernetes container, providing certificate services, providing LDAP authentication, and providing RADIUS authentication. Each article will detail a separate piece of the project. This article shows the setup Synology LDAP server & certificates.

Setup LDAP Server

Login to Synology
Open Package Center
Install LDAP Server app
Open LDAP Server package
- Enable LDAP Server
- Create FQDN (something like Test.local)
- Create password
- Change Connection Settings
  1. Disallow anonymous binds
  1. Force clients to use encrypted connections
  1. Change timeout to 10 minutes
  2. Click OK
- Click Apply
- Click on Manage Groups
  - Click on Create
  - Give the Group a name
  - Click Next
  - Click Done
- Click on Manage Users
  - Click on Create
  - Give the User a name
  - Add user email if appropriate
  - Create password
  - Click Next
  - Check mark next to new group previously created
  - Click Next x2
  - Click Done

Connect Synology to LDAP Server

Open Control Panel
Click on Domain / LDAP on left hand side
Click Join
- Enter IP address of Synology
- Enter Admin username / password
- Choose STARTTLS encryption
- Copy Base DN from LDAP Server app Settings tab
- Click Next
- Connection parameters will be check (fix any issues)

Configure LDAP Certificates

Open Control Panel
Click on External Access
Click on DDNS tab
Click Add
- Choose Synology as service provider
- Add hostname
- Click Test Connection
- Click OK
Click on Security on left hand side
Click on the Certificate tab
Click on Add
- Add new certificate
- Click Next
- Create description
- Get a certificate from Let’s Encrypt
- Click Next
- Add needed certificate information
- Click Done
Click Settings button and choose appropriate LDAP server certificate

If your company has highly customized setup requirements that you need consulting for, then contact us for assistance.

The Importance of Cyber Security Training

In today’s digital age, where technology has become an essential part of our lives, ensuring the security of our online information has become more crucial than ever before. With cyber threats and attacks on the rise, it is vital for individuals and organizations to invest in comprehensive cyber security training. In this blog article, we will explore the importance of cyber security training and why it should be a top priority for everyone.

Protecting Confidential Information

One of the main reasons why cyber security training is essential is to protect confidential information. In our increasingly connected world, we store sensitive data, such as financial information, personal details, and business data, online. Without proper training, individuals become vulnerable to malicious attacks, such as phishing scams, data breaches, and identity theft. Cyber security training equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and prevent such threats, ensuring the protection of confidential information.

Mitigating Financial Losses

Cyber attacks can have devastating financial consequences for individuals and organizations. The cost of recovering from a cyber attack, including restoring compromised systems, investigating the breach, and compensating affected parties, can be significant. By investing in cyber security training, individuals and organizations can minimize the risk of falling victim to cyber attacks, thereby avoiding potentially crippling financial losses.

Safeguarding Reputations

In today’s hyper-connected world, reputation is everything. A cyber attack not only compromises the security of your information but also tarnishes your reputation. News of a data breach or cyber attack can spread like wildfire, damaging the trust that customers, clients, and partners have in you. By taking proactive measures and investing in cyber security training, individuals and organizations can safeguard their reputations and maintain the trust of those they interact with.

Staying Ahead of Evolving Threats

Cyber threats are constantly evolving, with hackers employing new techniques and strategies to breach systems and access sensitive information. Cyber security training ensures that individuals and organizations stay up to date with the latest cyber security practices, emerging trends, and new vulnerabilities. By staying ahead of evolving threats, individuals can better defend themselves against attacks and organizations can maintain a robust cyber security posture.

Building a Culture of Cyber Awareness

Cyber security is not just the responsibility of IT professionals; it is everyone’s responsibility. By promoting cyber security training, organizations can build a culture of cyber awareness among their employees. Ensuring that employees are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to identify and report potential threats reduces the attack surface and strengthens the overall security posture of the organization.

Conclusion

In a world increasingly reliant on technology and interconnectedness, the importance of cyber security training cannot be overstated. From protecting confidential information to mitigating financial losses and safeguarding reputations, cyber security training is crucial for individuals and organizations alike. By investing in comprehensive training programs, we can enhance our ability to identify and prevent cyber threats, ultimately creating a safer digital environment for all.

If your company is one of the 47% of companies that plan to add or change their cybersecurity solution this year, then contact us for assistance.

Month: July 2023