Monday, March 30, 2020

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
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

Thursday, March 26, 2020

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. 

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


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

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

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

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

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