Essential Workers

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5863

Are You as Secure As You Feel? Why You Should Be Intrusion Testing Your Business Network

As a business owner, you have a vested interest in the security of your network and the integrity of the data it contains. Even a small data loss could mean months of painstaking recovery, and a large data breach could put your firm out of business for good.

You know that the security of your data is one of your key responsibilities as a business owner, and you have done everything you can to lock down the systems and protect the data on your network. You take pains to keep your servers updated, and you follow best practices with your desktops and mobile devices. But are you really as secure as you feel?

If you have not done formal intrusion testing on your business network, you could be relying on blind faith and misplaced confidence. Without a formal plan to probe your network for weaknesses, you could be setting yourself up for some very unpleasant surprises. Here are some reasons why intrusion testing is a must for every business owner.

Intrusion Testing Is about Uncovering Hidden Weaknesses

No matter how secure you think your network is, there may be weaknesses hiding in plain sight. From built into custom pieces of software to old accounts that are still active, each one of these weaknesses presents an entryway into your network.

The companies that conduct intrusion detection testing are experts at finding these hidden weaknesses, and every back door they close will make your business network more secure. So you can rely on your own limited knowledge or hire experts to find dangers you did not know were there.

Intrusion Testing Will Help You Prepare for Emerging Threats

The cybersecurity landscape is always changing, and the bad guys are constantly adapting their methods and fine-tuning their nefarious plans. Armed with an in-depth knowledge of what works and what doesn't, they change their tactics and work hard to overcome the cyber defenses business owners have built.

No matter how good you are at running your business, chances are you are not a cybersecurity expert. By outsourcing this key part of your cyber defenses, you gain access to real expertise, including the detection of emerging threats.

If you want to keep your business network secure, it is not enough to protect yourself against known threats. With the cybersecurity landscape changing so rapidly, identifying and responding to new threats as they emerge is even more vital.

Intrusion Detecting Can Help Your Business Stay Compliant

For businesses in some industries, regular intrusion testing is more than a good idea - it is a regulatory requirement. From pharmaceutical makers and health insurance companies to banks and brokerage firms, many businesses are required to continuously monitor their networks for threats.

Failing to take these threats seriously and respond to them in real time could trigger civil penalties, fines and other serious consequences for the business involved. By conducting regular intrusion testing, firms in those key industries can protect themselves, their customers and the reputations they have worked so hard to build.

Intrusion testing is a key part of keeping your network secure, and one you cannot afford to ignore. If you have not yet conducted intrusion testing on your network, your data may not be as secure as you think it is.

Robert Blake Bit by Bit Computer Consultants

721 North Fielder Suite B, Arlington TX 76012

www.bitxbit.com/texas

877.560.5831 x190

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5831

Coronavirus Phishing Scams Capitalizing on Fear & Urgency

As concern over the Coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads around the globe, hackers are exploiting the  atmosphere of panic and fear created by the pandemic to steal peoples’ personal information. According to a recent report, more than 4,000 Coronavirus-related domains have been registered since the beginning of the year. Experts consider 3% to be outright malicious, and 5% are categorized as suspicious – more than double the usual number. Hackers are likely to target organizations with phishing attacks in an attempt to steer employees toward these malicious sites where they can steal critical data. 

The World Health Organization has already issued a warning about Coronavirus-related phishing attacks that purport to be from to their organization, and CISA has released several warnings about the emerging threat of COVID-19 related phishing scams. Taken together, it’s a reminder that while phishing scam awareness training is an effective defense against cybercrime, security education isn’t a static endeavor. It must always adapt to address today’s shifting threats in order to keep your organization a step ahead of tomorrow’s bad actors. 

https://www.vox.com/recode/2020/3/5/21164745/coronavirus-phishing-email-scams

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5831

Coronavirus Scams - Great advise from the Arlington PD

It has been brought to our attention that scammers have already begun trying to take advantage of people regarding the coronaviris (COVID-19) pandemic. Here is some information to remember and how to avoid coronavirus scams: •Do not click on links on your phone or computer from sources you do not know. They could download viruses onto your computer or device. •Watch for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or experts saying they have information about the virus. For the most up-to-date information about the Coronavirus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). •Ignore online offers for vaccinations. There currently are no vaccines, pills, potions, lotions, lozenges or other prescription or over-the-counter products available to treat or cure Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) — online or in stores. •Do your homework when it comes to donations, whether through charities or crowdfunding sites. Do not let anyone rush you into making a donation. If someone wants donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, do not do it! Stay vigilant everyone!

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5863

Ever wonder what I am doing when I am not helping my clients with technology?

Taking pictures for River Legacy when when they are reading a 105 pound alligator snapping turtle. This male was not the largest caught the area.

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5863

BBB Newsletter: Bit by Bit's Commitment to You During COVID-19

No images? Click here   Bit by Bit's Commitment to You During COVID-19 I’d like to take a moment to touch base with you during these uncertain times and hope that you are safe and well. The rapidly progressing [...] Read more   Five Signs You Need to Outsource Your IT Department One of the most effective ways to improve efficiency in the workplace is to partner with a managed service provider (MSP) for all your IT needs. A... Read more   The Date is Looming! Are You SHIELD Compliant? March 21, 2020.  Are you compliant?  If not, there will be fiscal penalties, so here's what you need to know to meet the upcoming SHIELD Act... Read more     Questions? Get in touch with us today!     CONTACT US   SUPPORT CENTER   www.bitxbit.com   ©2020 Bit by Bit. All Rights Reserved.   Share    Tweet    Share    Forward

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5863

Upcoming Webinars

Join us for these informative webinars:

MARCH 26 – Global Channel Influencers Webinar 
REGISTER >> 

MARCH 31 – World Backup Day: Threats, Opportunities, and Strategies for MSP Success
REGISTER >>

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5863

Cyber Events

Where in the World is ID Agent

Mar 10 Kaseya Connect IT Local – Vianen, Netherlands
Mar 11  ID Agent Roadshow – Houston, TX
Mar 11  Kaseya Connect IT Local – Dusseldorf, Germany
Mar 11  Kaseya Connect IT Local – Columbia, SC
Mar 11-13  CharTec Quarterly – Bakersfield, CA 
Mar 19  ChannelSec – London, UK 
Mar 25-26  ASCII City Tour – Houston, TX 
Mar 31 Kaseya Connect IT Local – Philadelphia, PA

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5831

Free Coronavirus Cybersecurity Support Resources!

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to disrupt the normal flow of business. We know that this is causing challenges for our Partners and clients, and we’re committed to doing everything that we can to support you. We’ve put together some resources that address cybersecurity threats during this difficult time, and we’ll keep providing you with news and tips about protecting data and systems during this crisis to read and share in our blog.   

• Take These 3 Steps to Protect Your Data from Coronavirus (COVID-19) Scams 
• Remote Work Poses Data Breach Dangers During Coronavirus Lockdown 
• New Phishing Attack Threat: Coronavirus Maps, Messages, and Attachments  

We’re on top of staying responsive to this rapidly evolving threat environment and monitoring the Dark Web. If we can be of service don’t hesitate to contact us – we’re still working to stay one step ahead of the bad guys.  

Check out CISA Insights here.

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5863

https://info.bitxbit.com/blog/our-response-to-you-during-covid-19

Bit by Bit's Commitment to You During COVID-19

 March 18th, 2020  Bruce Steinfeld

I’d like to take a moment to touch base with you during these uncertain times and hope that you are safe and well. The rapidly progressing COVID-19 pandemic has upended our lives and unleashed an unprecedented paradigm shift in business, affecting us all. We want to reassure you that while we embark into new territory, we remain a reliable, steady, and committed resource.

In keeping with the recommendations of the CDC, most of our staff is working from home during this crisis. But, we’re still here for you. Our account reps, technicians, and help desk are on high alert, ready to provide you with the exemplary levels of service that you have come to expect from Bit by Bit.  

Your safety and our safety drive our actions right now. And, we have developed temporary protocols for services whether it’s fax, managed services or other.

For Our Fax Clients:

We offer you a silver lining in all this chaos. The disruption will be minimal. As most of our fax support is remote, we will continue to service your fax needs with our customary high standards.

For Our Managed Services, Application Development & Other Clients:

We have implemented specific guidelines for servicing your IT. We will only deploy our technicians to a site if you are facing a mission-critical crisis. However, we will be ever vigilant and continue to remotely work closely with you to manage your day-to-day IT operations and concerns.

For Our Clients Utilizing Remote Access:

As our clients have begun to advise staff to work from home, we have begun transitioning many of you over to remote access. We will continue to do so. Please keep the following in mind and contact us before making any changes to employee guidance:  

1.  Employees may require remote access to workstations.  We partner with LogMeIn to securely provide this capability to our customers. This is the recommended solution wherever possible.

2.  Some organizations continue to rely on VPN access (FortiClient or other SSL VPN.) This should be tested and evaluated for security risk prior to expanded use.  Adding VPN users also causes a performance impact which must be considered if an unprecedented number of users are connecting. 

We don’t know how long this will last. But we do know that we are on this journey with you. We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you updated. If you have any questions, or if you have emergencies that require immediate attention, please call our direct support line 212.616.3080.

Thank you for your business.

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5863

60% of UK Consumers Impacted By a Data Breach in 2019

As expected, 2019 was a devastating year for data breach victims. As more year-end studies are completed and released, we’re learning more about who was effected the most. According to a recent report, nearly 60% of UK consumers were impacted by a data breach last year, a staggering total that underscores the personal implications of the more than 7,000 data breaches that affected UK companies in 2019.

The report noted the potential consequences of such an extensive breach environment, including cybercriminals using the sensitive personal and financial information that they collected from users as a gateway to deploy other cyberattack tactics like spear phishing that can compromise sensitive information, data, and systems even more severely. 

Although the number of breaches hasn’t increased significantly, the amount of compromised records has escalated. The number of records that have been compromised has tripled since 2018, surpassing 15 billion this year. This 300% year-over-year increase should encourage companies to seek solutions that can monitor the Dark Web for their data to preempt further hacking attempts. At the same time, training employees to identify and neutralize increasingly sophisticated spear phishing campaigns is an absolute prerequisite for a capable defensive posture in 2020. https://securityboulevard.com/2020/02/almost-60-of-uk-consumers-affected-by-data-breaches-in-2019/

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5831

20 Ways to Block Mobile attacks

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5863

Social Engineering Red flags

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5863

Webinars on Cyber Security

Upcoming Webinars

Join us for these excellent webinars in the next few weeks:

MARCH 26 – Global Channel Influencers Webinar 
REGISTER >> 

MARCH 31 – World Backup Day: Threats, Opportunities, and Strategies for MSP Success
REGISTER >>

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5863

Dark Web Trends

• Top Source Hits: ID Theft Forums
• Top Compromise Type: Domain
• Top Industry: Media & Entertainment
• Top Employee Count: 251 – 500

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5831

Human Error is a Top Cause of Data Breaches

Companies face cybersecurity threats on many fronts every day, but human error may be the most pervasive – and the most preventable. A 2019 study analyzing data from the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office found that human error played a role in 90% of data breaches last year. This represents a significant increase from just two years ago, when only 61% of breaches were attributed to human error.

The study concluded that phishing scams were the primary cause of breaches with unauthorized access to systems ranking a close second. However, the study’s authors were also quick to point out that while employees represent a noteworthy data privacy risk, they can also serve as a critical defense against cybercriminals. When equipped with the right tools, like phishing scam awareness training, employees can be transformed from a potential weak point into a crucial asset in the fight against cybercriminals and fraud.

https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/90-data-breaches-human-error/

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5831

Covid 19 Announcement

I’d like to take a moment to touch base with you during these uncertain times and hope that you are safe and well. The rapidly progressing COVID-19 pandemic has upended our lives and unleashed an unprecedented paradigm shift in business, affecting us all. We want to reassure you that while we embark into new territory, we remain a reliable, steady, and committed resource. In keeping with the recommendations of the CDC, most of our staff is working from home during this crisis. But, we’re still here for you. Our account reps, technicians, and help desk are on high alert, ready to provide you with the exemplary levels of service that you have come to expect from Bit by Bit.   Your safety and our safety drive our actions right now. And, we have developed temporary protocols for services whether it’s fax, managed services or other.    For Our Fax Clients: We offer you a silver lining in all this chaos. The disruption will be minimal. As most of our fax support is remote, we will continue to service your fax needs with our customary high standards. For Our Managed Services, Application Development & Other Clients: We have implemented specific guidelines for servicing your IT. We will only deploy our technicians to a site if you are facing a mission-critical crisis. However, we will be ever vigilant and continue to remotely work closely with you to manage your day-to-day IT operations and concerns. For Our Clients Utilizing Remote Access: As our clients have begun to advise staff to work from home, we have begun transitioning many of you over to remote access. We will continue to do so. Please keep the following in mind and contact us before making any changes to employee guidance:   1. Employees may require remote access to workstations.  We partner with LogMeIn to securely provide this capability to our customers. This is the recommended solution wherever possible. 2. Some organizations continue to rely on VPN access (FortiClient or other SSL VPN.) This should be tested and evaluated for security risk prior to expanded use.  Adding VPN users also causes a performance impact which must be considered if an unprecedented number of users are connecting.  We don’t know how long this will last. But we do know that we are on this journey with you. We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you updated. If you have any questions, or if you have emergencies that require immediate attention, please call our direct support line 212.616.3080. Thank you for your business.

Bit by Bit, 115 West 29th Street, 4th floor, New York, NY 10001

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5831

Coming Cyber Security Events

What in the World

Feb 27  MSP Growth Summit 2020
Feb 27 – 28  TAG MTSP West
Mar 1 – 3  CRN Xchange
Mar 4  Kaseya Connect IT Local
Mar 5  ChannelPro SMBForum
Mar 10  Kaseya Connect IT Local
Mar 11  ID Agent Roadshow
Mar 11  Kaseya Connect IT Local
Mar 11  Kaseya Connect IT Local
Mar 11 – 13  CharTec Quarterly

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5831

3 GDPR-Covered Countries Experience 100,000 Breaches

It’s been nearly two years since GDPR changed the data privacy landscape by bringing regulatory oversight to the digital Wild West. According to the latest reports, more than 160,000 data breaches have been reported in that span. Incredibly three countries account for 100,00 breaches – The Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

These numbers reflect both the undeniable value of stealing sensitive personal data and the difficulty that many organizations experience when trying to protect that information. As a result, GDPR fines are becoming increasingly common for companies under the regulations’ purview. The ten most significant GDPR breaches have resulted in hefty financial penalties totaling an eye-popping sum of nearly $500 million.

Europe isn’t the only country implementing regulatory standards for data security. In the US, California’s Consumer Privacy Act and New York’s SHIELD Act both reinforce and extend GDPR’s expectations. At ID Agent, our comprehensive Compliance Manager is ready to help your organization achieve, maintain, and document compliance.

https://irishtechnews.ie/top-3-countries-hit-100000-gdpr-data-breaches/

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5831

Coronavirus Survival Guide for Small Businesses

Great Blog article by a business partner, Bryan Acosta at Avent Trinity Marketing

Avent Trinity Blog

As the pandemic hits the United States a lot of businesses are being affected negatively. So, how does one save their business from tanking in this crisis? Luckily we have developed some strategies that will help small business owners using technology to manage and market their business using the internet.

1. Web Meetings: How are companies supposed to do business? Virtually is the best way to operate the business. Team meetings from home via Zoom, Google Hangouts, Skype, etc. Find the best platform for you and your team. Does this mean that networking is out of the picture? Absolutely not! Set up online networking meetings to keep the relationships going. 

2. Social Networking: We must continue to network on the internet. Go onto Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. and start referring businesses for services and products. The economy is taking a huge hit. That means we must work harder to support one another and refer to business virtually. 

3. Streaming: We aren’t going to be able to present in person. Unfortunately, everyone is seeing a drop in attendance at networking groups and people just aren’t showing up in person at storefronts. Start setting up webinars to give presentations, watch parties on Facebook, go Live on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. There are many ways to continue presenting services and products. 

4. Go Virtual: If you haven’t already, now would be the perfect time to make sure your business can conduct business virtually. We are not saying all of it but, you must have a website with customer support tools on it such as chat boxes and ticket software, you are on social media, and that your business can be found through search engines. Many businesses are being forced to work from home. Do you know what that means? More people to market and service through online means. 

5. CONTINUE DOING BUSINESS: People are scared to be judged because they are still operating a business. If you are a small business and are still open I applaud you. You are helping the economy by not allowing it to completely crash. It is more important now than ever to support your local small businesses. Continue eating at restaurants, going to get massages, etc. Do not allow this to force a drastic number of unemployment and force businesses to close down. 

In conclusion, everyone needs to start adapting and taking the right actions to help our economy stabilize in this time of need

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5831