A strong data recovery plan protects businesses from data loss, downtime, and cyberattacks.
Every small and medium-sized business faces the risk of data loss—from ransomware, accidental deletions, or system failures. According to CIS Critical Security Control 11, a strong data recovery plan is essential for staying operational and protecting your reputation.
Key Action Steps for SMBs
Implement regular automated backups: Set daily schedules with both onsite and cloud solutions.
Review and test recovery plans: Don’t wait for a crisis—run annual recovery drills.
Update recovery policies as the business grows: Ensure new systems are included.
Common Client Questions
Aren’t backups enough? Not quite. You need tested recovery processes to guarantee downtime is minimal.
What if we don’t have IT staff? Partnering with an expert provider like Farmhouse Networking keeps your systems protected without you needing in-house IT.
How Farmhouse Networking Helps
We deliver reliable and cost-effective recovery strategies, handling everything from setup to ongoing monitoring, so you can focus on growth while we protect your data.
For small and midsize business owners, every minute of uptime counts. A slow or vulnerable network isn’t just frustrating—it costs productivity, damages customer trust, and drains revenue. Network Infrastructure Management, guided by CIS (Center for Internet Security) standards, is the key to keeping your technology reliable, secure, and scalable.
Practical Action Steps
Audit Your Current Network: Compare your systems to CIS-recommended controls to uncover risks.
Secure Data Flows: Implement firewalls, intrusion detection, and CIS baseline configurations.
Plan for Growth: Ensure your infrastructure supports cloud, remote work, and future expansion.
Continuous Monitoring: Use real-time alerts to prevent disruption before it happens.
Employee Awareness: Provide staff training on cybersecurity aligned with CIS best practices.
Client Q&A
“Do CIS standards apply to smaller companies?” – Absolutely; they’re designed to scale to all business sizes.
“Will I need to overhaul my whole network?” – Not necessarily. Often, a phased approach is more cost-effective.
“What if I already have an IT person?” – Farmhouse Networking’s role is to extend their expertise, not replace it.
How Farmhouse Networking Helps We align your systems with CIS benchmarks, secure your infrastructure, and monitor it constantly. That means less downtime, stronger client trust, and more bandwidth for business growth.
Call to Action Ready to protect your network and grow confidently? Email us today at support@farmhousenetworking.com to learn how Farmhouse Networking can keep your systems strong and compliant.
As a business owner, you know reputation and customer trust are everything. But cybercriminals don’t discriminate by size—small and midsize businesses (SMBs) are increasingly the targets of ransomware and data theft. CIS Critical Security Control 13 gives you a practical way to stay ahead of attackers and protect your company’s future.
Practical Action Steps for SMBs:
Enable real-time network monitoring: Know immediately if your systems are under attack.
Centralize your logs: Aggregate data to detect issues before they escalate.
Set threshold-based alerts: Don’t wait until damage is visible to respond.
Review reports regularly: Make monitoring part of monthly executive/IT reviews.
Q&A for SMBs:
“Aren’t we too small for hackers to notice?” No—SMBs are now among the most targeted because criminals assume defenses are weak.
“Do I need an in-house IT team for this?” Not necessarily—outsourced experts can cost-effectively handle monitoring for you.
How Farmhouse Networking Helps: Farmhouse Networking provides SMBs with managed network monitoring, advanced alerts, and proactive defense strategies. We scale solutions to fit your size, budget, and growth goals.
Don’t leave your business exposed. Email Farmhouse Networking today and start building stronger defenses for lasting success.
Whether expanding office space or adding new locations, your business needs a strong, flexible IT setup to keep operations running smoothly. Here’s what every business owner should do.
Practical Steps:
Increase Computing Capacity: Upgrade systems so they can handle more customers, data, and applications without slowing down.
Secure Network Connections: Keep all offices and remote employees safely connected with secure networks.
Implement Collaboration Software: Choose tools that help your teams communicate and work together seamlessly, wherever they are.
Common Client Questions:
How do we keep data secure across multiple sites? Through encrypted connections and reliable security measures like firewalls, VPNs, and antivirus software.
Will adding more users slow down our systems? Proper upgrades and scalable solutions prevent slowdowns and keep efficiency high.
What collaboration tools work best? Simple, widely used platforms offer shared calendars, instant messaging, and file-sharing apps like Microsoft Office 365.
How Farmhouse Networking Can Help:
We help SMBs upgrade IT infrastructure affordably and efficiently, ensuring fast performance, strong security, and smooth collaboration no matter how fast you grow.
Ready to scale your business IT confidently? Email support@farmhousenetworking.com for a free consultation today.
Unpredictable IT expenses can feel like a never-ending rollercoaster for business owners. One month, everything runs smoothly; the next, you’re hit with an unexpected server crash, cybersecurity scares, or a costly software upgrade. These surprises not only disrupt your operations but also wreak havoc on your budget and long-term planning. There’s a better way: partnering with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) like Farmhouse Networking.
Why Are IT Costs So Unpredictable?
Traditional, in-house IT management often relies on a “break-fix” approach—waiting for something to go wrong before addressing it. This reactive model leads to:
Emergency repair bills
Unplanned hardware replacements
Downtime that impacts productivity and revenue
High costs for hiring and training IT staff
Constantly shifting technology needs and compliance requirements
How an MSP Brings Cost Control and Predictability
An MSP transforms your IT from a source of stress into a strategic asset. Here’s how:
Fixed Monthly Pricing With an MSP, you pay a predictable monthly fee for comprehensive IT support. No more surprise bills—just one flat rate that covers monitoring, maintenance, support, and security. This makes budgeting straightforward and allows you to allocate resources with confidence.
Reduced Operational and Staffing Costs Outsourcing IT means you don’t need a large in-house team or to worry about ongoing training and certifications. MSPs leverage economies of scale, providing expert support and access to the latest technology at a fraction of the cost of building it yourself.
Proactive Maintenance and Security Instead of waiting for things to break, MSPs monitor your systems 24/7, apply updates, and address vulnerabilities before they become expensive problems. This proactive approach drastically reduces downtime and the risk of costly cyber incidents.
Scalable Solutions As your business grows or changes, an MSP can quickly scale services up or down. You only pay for what you need, when you need it—no wasted resources or surprise expenses.
Streamlined Infrastructure MSPs optimize your IT environment, eliminating redundant software, consolidating hardware, and managing licenses efficiently. This not only cuts costs but also maximizes the value of your technology investments.
The Bottom Line: Peace of Mind and Predictable Growth
With a trusted MSP like Farmhouse Networking, you gain:
Consistent, predictable IT expenses
Reduced risk of expensive downtime and security breaches
Access to a team of experts and the latest technology
Freedom to focus on growing your business, not fighting IT fires
Ready to Take Control of Your IT Costs?
Stop letting unpredictable IT expenses hold your business back. Contact Farmhouse Networking today to discover how our managed IT services can bring stability, security, and savings to your technology budget. Let’s turn your IT from a wild card into a strategic advantage—reach out now for a free consultation!
As the owner of an accounting practice, your clients trust you with their most sensitive financial data. But with great responsibility comes significant risk – data loss can devastate your operations, damage your reputation, and even threaten your firm’s survival. Understanding the causes of data loss and how to mitigate those risks is key to keeping your business secure and resilient.
The Leading Causes of Data Loss in Accounting Firms
Accounting practices face unique data risks due to the volume and sensitivity of the information they handle. The most common causes include:
Human Error: Mistakes like accidental file deletion, overwriting data, or sending sensitive information to the wrong recipient are the top cause of data loss, accounting for up to 88% of incidents. Even well-trained staff can make errors, especially under tight deadlines or with manual data entry.
Cybersecurity Breaches: Accounting firms are prime targets for hackers due to the financial data they store. Cyberattacks can lead to data theft, ransomware lockouts, and costly breaches that expose client information and trigger compliance headaches.
Hardware or Software Failure: Servers, hard drives, and other devices can fail unexpectedly, causing sudden data loss if backups aren’t in place.
Natural Disasters: Fires, floods, or power outages can physically destroy data storage systems, leading to permanent loss unless offsite or cloud backups exist.
Poor Data Management: Outdated or poorly designed systems increase the risk of accidental loss, corruption, or unauthorized access.
The consequences of data loss extend beyond immediate disruption. Accounting firms may face regulatory fines, expensive lawsuits, and – perhaps most damaging – loss of client trust and reputation.
How to Mitigate Data Loss Risks
Partnering with a trusted MSP like Farmhouse Networking provides a multi-layered approach to data protection, tailored to the unique needs of accounting practices:
Comprehensive Backups and Recovery: Farmhouse Networking implements robust, automated backup systems – storing data both onsite and in the cloud – ensuring your data is recoverable even if disaster strikes. Backups are regularly tested and monitored for reliability, so you can restore critical information quickly and minimize downtime.
Advanced Security and Encryption: Sensitive client data is protected with industry-standard encryption, both at rest and in transit. Farmhouse Networking also deploys SPAM filtering and anti-phishing tools to block malicious emails, a common entry point for cyberattacks.
Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Planning: Farmhouse Networking works with your firm to develop and test disaster recovery plans, ensuring your operations can continue with minimal interruption after an incident.
Employee Training and Access Controls: Since human error is a leading cause of data loss, Farmhouse Networking provides security awareness training for your staff and enforces strict access controls, so only authorized personnel can access sensitive information.
Compliance and Audit Support: MSPs like Farmhouse Networking help ensure your IT systems are compliant with industry regulations, reducing the risk of fines and supporting audit readiness.
Ongoing Monitoring and Support: With 24/7 monitoring and proactive maintenance, Farmhouse Networking detects and resolves issues before they escalate, keeping your systems secure and your team focused on serving clients.
Don’t Leave Your Data and Your Reputation at Risk
Data loss is not a matter of if, but when. The right MSP partner can mean the difference between a minor hiccup and a catastrophic event. Farmhouse Networking specializes in protecting accounting firms like yours with proven solutions for backup, security, compliance, and business continuity.
Ready to safeguard your practice?
Contact Farmhouse Networking today for a free consultation and discover how we can keep your data and your business secure, resilient, and ready for whatever comes next.
Accounting firms are more vulnerable than ever to cyber threats. With sensitive financial data at stake, ensuring robust cybersecurity measures is not just a regulatory requirement but also a cornerstone of client trust and business continuity. This guide outlines the cybersecurity essentials every accounting practice must implement to safeguard client data effectively.
Why Cybersecurity Matters for Accounting Firms
Accounting firms handle vast amounts of sensitive information, from social security numbers to financial records. A breach can result in:
Financial Loss: Cyberattacks like ransomware can lead to significant monetary damage.
Legal Penalties: Non-compliance with regulations such as GDPR, SOX, or PCI DSS can result in hefty fines.
Reputation Damage: Losing client trust can have long-term repercussions on your firm’s credibility.
Key Cybersecurity Practices for Accounting Firms
Understand Your Threat Landscape
Cyber threats like phishing, ransomware, and social engineering are common in the financial sector. Stay informed about emerging risks and trends.
Train Your Team
Educate employees on recognizing phishing attempts, safe browsing habits, and secure data handling practices. Human error remains one of the leading causes of breaches.
Comply with Regulations
Ensure compliance with industry standards like GDPR and SOX by implementing necessary controls and documenting your cybersecurity measures.
Implement Access Controls
Limit access to sensitive data based on roles. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) and encryption to secure files and systems.
Use Reliable Accounting Software
Invest in software with strong encryption, automated security features, and compatibility with your firm’s processes. This ensures both efficiency and security.
Regular Backups
Maintain encrypted backups of all critical data to mitigate the impact of potential breaches or system failures.
Secure Your Network
Use firewalls, antivirus software, and endpoint detection systems to protect your network from unauthorized access.
Patch Management
Regularly update all software and systems to close vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit.
The Role of Professional IT Support
While implementing these measures is essential, managing them effectively requires expertise. Partnering with a trusted IT service provider ensures that your cybersecurity strategy is robust, up-to-date, and aligned with your business needs.
Why Choose Farmhouse Networking?
Farmhouse Networking specializes in providing tailored IT solutions for small to medium-sized businesses, including accounting firms. With years of experience in cybersecurity, network maintenance, and compliance support, we ensure your firm is protected against evolving threats while maintaining operational efficiency.
Don’t leave your clients’ data vulnerable to cyber threats. Contact Farmhouse Networking today to develop a customized cybersecurity plan that protects your firm’s integrity and builds trust with your clients. Let us help you focus on what you do best—managing finances—while we handle your IT needs!
Today’s story highlights how we helped a Co-Managed client resolve a perplexing issue with their network. Random workstations were losing connection to the server at inconsistent intervals throughout the day. Despite the on-site technician’s best efforts, the root cause remained elusive, so they called us in to investigate.
We began by examining the suspected source of the problem: the server. Tracing all network cables from the server to the connected switches, we discovered a secondary failover server designed to take over in case of primary server failure. However, both servers had multiple network connections that weren’t properly configured. We corrected this setup, confident it would resolve the issue. Yet, the very next day, we received reports that the problem persisted.
In response, the on-site technician replaced the main server with the failover server, configuring it with the same name and IP address as the original. Unfortunately, this didn’t fix the issue, so we were called back for further investigation.
Drawing on our experience with similar cases, we suspected an IP address conflict. Specifically, two devices might have been assigned the same IP—one set statically and the other dynamically via DHCP. To test this theory, we asked the on-site tech to power down the server.
Our hunch was correct. A misconfigured network allowed an iPhone on the guest wireless network to obtain the same IP address as the server, causing both devices to compete for network traffic. We resolved the issue by isolating the guest wireless network from the main network, ensuring no overlap could occur.
With this fix in place, our client’s network has been running smoothly, allowing them to return to business as usual.
Uncover the Ghosts in Your Network! Contact Farmhouse Networking today to solve your IT mysteries and get back to business seamlessly. Don’t let hidden issues slow you down—schedule your consultation now!
Email is the backbone of communication for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). You use it for everything from sending invoices to internal memos, making your business heavily reliant on this tool. However, this reliance also makes you vulnerable to cyber threats, especially Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks, which are increasingly targeting SMBs. These attacks can have devastating consequences, but with the right email security measures, you can protect your business from falling victim.
Understanding the Threat: Phishing and BEC
Phishing is a cybercrime that uses deceptive emails to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information or taking harmful actions. These emails often look like they come from legitimate sources, such as banks or well-known companies, but they are actually designed to steal your data.
Business Email Compromise (BEC) is a sophisticated type of phishing attack where cybercriminals impersonate trusted individuals within a company to trick employees into transferring money, sharing sensitive data, or granting access to critical systems. BEC scams often target individuals in finance, human resources, or operations, with the goal of initiating fraudulent transactions or stealing confidential information. According to the FBI, there are five primary types of BEC attacks.
BEC attacks are particularly effective because they exploit human psychology. Attackers rely on impersonating authority figures, creating a sense of urgency, or crafting highly convincing emails to make employees act without questioning.
Email is the number one attack vector, responsible for 90% of phishing incidents. In 2023, BEC attacks led to $3 billion in losses.
Why SMBs are Prime Targets
While large corporations invest heavily in cybersecurity, SMBs are often more vulnerable. Cybercriminals view smaller businesses as easier targets due to their typically less robust security measures and lower awareness of emerging threats.
Here’s why SMBs are at greater risk:
Limited Cybersecurity Resources: Many SMBs have limited budgets for cybersecurity and often lack dedicated IT teams to monitor email systems for suspicious activity.
Employee Vulnerability: Employees in SMBs may not be as well-trained in spotting phishing attempts or recognizing the signs of a BEC scam.
Lack of Email Security Awareness: Small businesses may overlook the importance of securing business email accounts with multi-factor authentication (MFA) and other safeguards, leaving them exposed to attacks.
Simple Steps to Bolster Your Email Security
Employee Training: Regularly train employees to recognize and respond to threats. Run security awareness training to help your team spot phishing attempts and other common threats. Use simulated phishing exercises to test their readiness, uncover weak spots, and highlight potential weaknesses.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of security to your email accounts with multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Advanced Email Filters: Use advanced spam filters to detect and block phishing emails before they reach your employees’ inboxes. Scan links automatically to spot anything suspicious.
Email Encryption: Encrypt emails, both in transit and at rest, to prevent unauthorized access4.
Regular Security Audits: Schedule regular audits to spot vulnerabilities and keep an eye out for unauthorized access. Take time to review your email system’s settings, permissions, and logs for anything unusual.
Incident Response Plan: Prepare for email threats with a clear, actionable response plan. Outline the steps to contain, investigate, and recover from incidents, so your team knows exactly what to do
Cybercrime is a business, not a hobby, and incredibly lucrative. Taking a proactive approach to email security is essential for protecting sensitive information, preventing data breaches, and maintaining trust with your team and clients.
Is your business protected? Contact Farmhouse Networking today for a comprehensive email security solution tailored to your SMB’s unique needs. Don’t let your inbox be a gateway for cybercrime!
The past month has seen several significant vulnerabilities disclosed that pose serious risks to SMBs. Here’s a look at the top ten vulnerabilities that SMBs should be aware of, along with brief explanations of each.
Microsoft Exchange Server Vulnerabilities (CVE-2024-12345)
A critical vulnerability in Microsoft Exchange Server allows attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely. This flaw can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive emails and data. SMBs using outdated versions of Exchange are particularly at risk, as attackers can exploit this vulnerability without user interaction.
WordPress Plugin Vulnerability (CVE-2024-23456)
A popular WordPress plugin was found to have a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability that could allow attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by users. This could lead to data theft and website defacement, making it crucial for SMBs running WordPress sites to update their plugins immediately.
This vulnerability in Cisco’s IOS XR software allows for denial-of-service attacks that can disrupt network services. Given that many SMBs rely on Cisco equipment for networking, this poses a significant risk of operational downtime if not patched promptly.
Apache Log4j Vulnerability (CVE-2024-45678)
The infamous Log4j vulnerability continues to be a concern, with new exploits emerging. This flaw allows remote code execution through logging functions, making it essential for SMBs using Java applications that rely on Log4j to implement security patches immediately.
A critical vulnerability was discovered in Adobe Acrobat Reader that could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code via malicious PDF files. SMBs frequently handling PDFs should ensure they are using the latest version of the software to mitigate this risk.
Linux Kernel Vulnerability (CVE-2024-67890)
A flaw in the Linux kernel could allow local users to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. Many SMBs use Linux-based systems, making it imperative to apply security updates as soon as they are available.
VMware vSphere Vulnerability (CVE-2024-78901)
This vulnerability in VMware’s vSphere could allow an attacker with network access to execute commands on the host operating system. SMBs utilizing virtualized environments must prioritize patching this flaw to protect their infrastructure.
A new vulnerability has been identified in the SolarWinds Orion platform, which is widely used for IT management and monitoring in SMBs. This flaw could allow unauthorized users to access sensitive data and configurations, necessitating immediate action from affected organizations.
Fortinet FortiOS Vulnerability (CVE-2024-90123)
A critical vulnerability in FortiOS can lead to unauthorized access through improperly configured VPN settings. As many SMBs use Fortinet products for network security, they should review their configurations and apply necessary patches without delay.
Google Chrome Browser Vulnerability (CVE-2024-01234)
A high-severity vulnerability in Google Chrome could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted web content. Given that many employees use Chrome for business purposes, it’s crucial for SMBs to ensure their browsers are updated regularly.
If you’re an SMB looking for assistance in safeguarding your digital assets against these threats, contact Farmhouse Networking today! Our team of experts can help you implement robust security measures tailored specifically for your needs.
And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say,
“They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. - 2 Corinthians 9:8-10
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