Tag Archives: cybersecurity

8 Top Technology Trends for Cybersecurity

Technology Trends for Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity, Technology, , , , ,

Cybersecurity is vital for protecting corporate and personal data from hackers and other cybercriminals. A single breach can cause massive amounts of data and financial loss. It can ultimately lead to the complete downfall of a company and even the destruction of lives. Fortunately, the top technology trends for cybersecurity of recent years provide us with multiple ways to boost cybersecurity. You just need to know which areas you should focus on to guard your business against cyber threats.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence, or AI, plays a vital role in improving cybersecurity. The most prominent use is in threat detection. A platform that uses AI can instantly pinpoint incoming threats and thwart most attacks. Likewise, the same platform can start the corresponding response, like setting off security procedures. This is considered one of the top technology trends for cybersecurity.

Technology Trends for Cybersecurity: Cloud-Based Solutions

Most companies have migrated to the cloud for better business efficiency and growth. Several cloud-based solutions are used to improve detection to protect all cloud-based data, apps, and infrastructure. CASB, SAST, CIEM, CWWP, CSPM, and SASE are popular options available today.

Cybersecurity Solutions

Cybersecurity solutions have evolved in response to changing tech trends. For instance, the top technology trends in 2023 involve cloud computing and mobile devices. So, to stay safe in these situations, you need to focus your cybersecurity efforts in the right places.

Internet of Things

Another area leading technology trends today is the Internet of Things. As the IoT grows, with more devices, machines, and even animals or people now interconnected through the Internet, the risk of hacking and data breaches expands into an entirely new area. Investing in IoT cybersecurity is a smart move for keeping your business safe, but to date, there is still a large amount of risk involved, so we advise users to be extra careful.

Technology Trends for Cybersecurity: Automation

Time is of the essence in dealing with cybersecurity challenges. You can’t waste a second before acting because that second can cost you more damage than you can fathom. With security automation, threats like malware, phishing, and others are easily detected. The system can also execute the response immediately, thus minimizing potential damage.

Vendor Management

Online threats come from all directions, even from business dealings with suppliers. Not that your vendor would purposely infiltrate your data, but there is no shortage of 3rd- or 4th party entities that would take advantage of such transactions to instigate their own cyberattack. For these kinds of problems to happen less often, a safe way to manage vendors should include a thorough risk assessment for each one.

Renewable Energy

The increased usage of renewable energy is good for the environment. But on the downside, switching to renewable energy also creates new cybersecurity risks. That’s why a relatively new area of technology known as “solar cybersecurity” had to be created. There are still a lot of vulnerabilities that need to be addressed, and IT experts around the world are currently working on them.

Technology Trends for Cybersecurity: Quantum Computing

Quantum computing could lead to major leaps forward in AI, medical research, and a lot of other fields. But quantum computers will be so powerful that they will get around the current encryption methods. For our own safety, we should update our cybersecurity systems before quantum computers finally arrive and hackers get their hands on them.

The top technology trends of 2023 bring with them both improvements and new risks in terms of cybersecurity. The key to staying protected is always being aware, and partnering with a trusty managed services provider who can help you stay two steps ahead of hackers. That is what we do here.

Click here to learn more about how we use technology to manage your vendors. Or call us today to schedule a free consultation!

8 Ways Technology Will Grow Your Business in 2023

grow your business in 2023
Manage Service, Security, Technology, , , , ,

Technology continues to play a role in the growth of businesses. But if you can’t keep up with what’s going on in your field, you might fall behind in the competition. Even worse, you might put your business at huge risk in online safety. That is an absolute no-no if you want to grow your business in 2023.

The rapid changes in technology in 2023 might seem scary, but don’t let them overwhelm you. All you need to do is stay on top of whatever technology is available and use it to your advantage. And the first step to achieving this is awareness. Hence, to give you a heads-up, here are 8 ways technology will grow your business in 2023.

Use Artificial Intelligence to Grow Your Business in 2023

Created to replicate the way humans think, artificial intelligence is now found in vast and diverse applications. AI is used a lot in business for online shopping, advertising, web search, digital assistants, stopping fraud, and more. The two most notable benefits of AI are that it saves you time and resources and gives you more detailed insights that will help you improve your business.

Cloud-Based Solutions

Cloud-based solutions are among the most significant technologies to help grow your business in 2023. Instead of limiting your business to the limited physical resources you have, cloud solutions give you a lot of ways to grow your business. Aside from the web-based services readily available, there are business-focused cloud solutions like SaaS, IaaS, PaaS, and many more.

Cybersecurity Solutions

As technology grows, so do the capabilities of hackers. This threat means the need for reliable cybersecurity measures is more critical now than ever. Fortunately, there are many ways that you can use modern technology to boost your defenses. Always stay a few steps ahead of cybercriminals by equipping your system with the latest cybersecurity tools and solutions. Simple things like multi-factor authentication or phishing simulations can go a long way.

Internet of Things

The Internet of Things, or IoT, refers to the network of objects, devices, and data systems that connect through sensors and software applications. Because practically everything is located online, the IoT plays a role in keeping your business in line with current technology trends. Through IoT, you can eliminate some of your business’ overhead costs and boost efficiency by a large margin. This will help reduce business finances and help grow your business in 2023.

Automation to Grow Your Business in 2023

Time is a precious resource, and with time management, automation is a godsend. Automation technology is very advanced. It is now easy to automate processes in lead generation, sales, e-commerce, and even customer service. Take advantage of the simplification that it brings and watch your business grow at a much faster rate.

Vendor Management

For a smaller business, vendor management is a relatively simple process that is done manually. But as your business grows and you add more suppliers, you can use a more effective way to keep costs down, get the most out of each one, and reduce risks. It’s time to upgrade to a more modern and capable VMS or vendor management system, for your operations.

Renewable Energy

Using renewable energy was not so popular back in the day when fossil fuels and other traditional energy sources were more popular. But with technology in 2023, not only is it much more affordable to use renewable energy today, but it saves millions of dollars for many industries.

Quantum Computing to Grow Your Business in 2023

Quantum computing is one area of technology that businesses should keep an eye on in 2023, even though it isn’t as common as the other examples. Research in quantum technology is moving forward quickly. This new technology will make improvements to both software and hardware, which is great for business growth.

As we said, technology can be daunting but empowering at the same time. If you are ready to benefit from the latest IT advances but a bit of hesitation is holding you back, we are right here! From explaining the need for a reliable managed service provider to being your partner in using technology to grow your business, SystemsNet has got your back.

To download our Free Infographic on why you need Vendor Management, click here. Call us today for a free consultation!

IT Compliance and Why It Is Important for Your Business

Compliance
Cybersecurity, Security, , , , , , , ,

In running a business, there are a lot of important matters that need to be taken care of. Even if they are not really in line with the core competencies of the business. One such matter is IT compliance. In the last few weeks, we have been talking about compliance and how it is important to your business.

What Is IT Compliance?

One of our recent blogs gives a brief but enlightening overview of what IT compliance is all about. In a nutshell, it is the process of complying with the rules, regulations and requirements set by a third party, which aim to reduce the risk for your organization and allow you to operate within the location or industry under their jurisdiction.

IT Security

How Is IT Compliance Different from IT Security?

IT security is another term that we are all familiar with, especially these days when online fraud, data breaches and other kinds of cyberattacks are so prevalent. In another recent blog, we list the differences between IT security and compliance, and also how they are similar in some ways.

The Similarities

IT Compliance and security can be quite confusing to a lot of people, with many mistakenly thinking that they are the same concept. This is understandable as both do have to do with the protection of your organization amidst the threat-filled online environment. That is, both reduce the risk for your business and let you operate more smoothly.

Also, both compliance and security are vital for gaining and maintaining the trust of your clients. By showing that your system is secure and fully compliant with all industry and legal standards, you can attract customers and build a positive reputation much more easily.

The Differences

One of the primary differences between IT compliance and IT security is that the former is only to fulfill the requirements set by a third party, while the latter is done for the actual protection of one’s business or company. As such, IT security usually involves much more stringent safety measures and protocols that aim to keep your system as safe as possible.

Another difference is that IT security is an ongoing process that needs to be maintained 24/7 while compliance is done as soon as the requesting party is satisfied. The requirements for compliance remain more or less the same for a very long time, while security needs can change very often as it needs to address the continually evolving strategies used by hackers day in and day out.

Achieving Compliance

Why Compliance Should Be a Team Effort

Compliance is considered by many as routine work that only requires the minimum requirements set by a third party. With that only one individual is working on compliance for the company. But compliance is actually a much more significant and much larger task than that. In yet another blog, we discuss the reasons why compliance should be a team effort for any organization.

Among these reasons is that there are plenty of discussions that need to take place before full compliance is complete. Some of the most crucial issues to talk about our email encryption, data encryption, firewalls, backups, data availability, and storage. If you don’t work on these matters, it can lead to fines and penalties for your company. Worse, it could leave gaps in your security system that hackers can easily get through.

We have a 10-step guideline that you can follow if you think there is a hacker in this infographic.

But of course, we don’t want things to go that far. To minimize the risk of that happening, you need to put due effort into compliance. It won’t be practical or wise to expect just one person to complete this sensitive work. We highly recommend delegating the work to a team of experts who can guarantee that all requirements are complete. This will let your organization be fully compliant in no time at all.

To find out more about how we can help, just call us today and we will schedule a free consultation!

Achieving Compliance as a Team

Achieving Compliance
Cybersecurity, Data Backup, Security, , , , , , ,

Before your company can fully comply with all the requirements set by third parties like regulatory bodies and clients, there are dozens upon dozens of tasks that need to be completed. These tasks are spread across different areas of the company and are impossible for just one individual to accomplish. The process of achieving compliance would require a fast and thorough team of compliance specialists.

Vital Matters to Discuss when achieving compliance

In most cases achieving compliance failures can be attributed to a lack of planning and communication. To avoid these problems, bring your compliance team together right from the start and discuss all the crucial matters.

Email Encryption

Daily, hundreds of emails can go back and forth in your company. You need a reliable encryption system to protect all emails and keep all data away from these hackers.

Data Encryption

Customer data, credit card information, and other data must all pass through a secure collection system to avoid theft or exposure to unauthorized parties. This method is crucial when achieving compliance.

Firewalls

Skilled hackers can easily override some firewalls. If you are still using an older firewall try upgrading to a multi-level system for a much better defense against unwanted intruders.

Backups

Data backups are your lifeline of a system failure or cyberattack and are crucial when achieving compliance. It is crucial to create backups regularly and store them in a safe location in a system that complies with client and government requirements.

Data Availability and Storage when achieving compliance

Sensitive information within your business must only be accessible to authorized individuals. There should be a surefire method of restricting access to sensitive information to minimize data breaches.

Physical Access

Maximizing digital security is critical, but you must not take physical safety measures for granted. Every employee should shut down their computers properly after use. Screen filters might be necessary when achieving compliance for some workstations with sensitive data.

Responsibilities of the Internal Compliance Officer to achieving compliance

In addition to choosing a highly skilled IT compliance team, you also need an internal compliance officer on your payroll when achieving compliance. Their primary duty would be to monitor the staff and ensure that each one abides by compliance procedures—locking their systems when they leave their workstations, practicing caution when using credit card information and private company data, and so on.

Regular cybersecurity training is also part of the responsibilities of the internal compliance officer. Quarterly training is ideal for keeping employees aware of the pervasive dangers online. When new employees join the team, they should receive training on compliance policies as well.

Finally, it is also the internal compliance officer who maintains compliance-related documentation such as communication standards and backup plans.

Delegating Compliance to an MSP

Even businesses that are not in the IT industry will need to comply with several IT regulations when achieving compliance. If you do not have an in-house tech team and if your staff does not have the expertise or experience to handle the task, there’s no need to worry. MSPs, or managed services providers, can take these technical matters off your hands.

If you partner with us, we will assign your company a team of compliance experts who will ensure that you meet all relevant requirements. Whether you need to fulfill requirements for HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR, NIST, or any other regulatory authority, we will take care of it to completion. Give us a call, our team will also coordinate closely with your organization to ensure we meet all requirements. You can also check out our Free Cybersecurity Infographic if you’re looking for great advice to keep your business safe in the meantime.