Best Small Business Data Strategy

As the threat of cyberattacks grows, protecting sensitive business data is important. For small businesses, the stakes are even higher in some ways than for larger businesses. This is because small businesses often lack the necessity or budget to outfit their company with sophisticated cyber security solutions in the same ways that an enterprise company would. But the truth is, *any* business has the ability to apply a meaningful, cost-effective approach to data protection that can scale as the business’s security needs grow. As with most things in life, it begins by seizing opportunities.

A Mini Guide on Protecting Small Business Data

Utilizing the template below, perform a business analysis that answers two simple questions:

**What data needs protection?**

**What can be done to protect it today *and* tomorrow?**

Step 1 – Identify Areas of Improvement

The first step in any data protection strategy is to analyze the business’s failure points.

*What data needs to be protected?*

*What measures should be put in place to achieve adequate protection for my business?*

*If there are protection methods in place, is it worth it to improve on the current process?*

For example, a small health clinic will have different data protection needs than a well-established Level 1 Trauma Center. Likewise, the small clinic may not need as many protocols in place to achieve an equivalent level of protection relative to the size of the business. Since cyber security scales, it’s always best to identify any weaknesses within since each business is unique and will have its own set of requirements.

Step 2 – Learn and Teach Best Data Practices

For small businesses without a dedicated IT team, there are some fundamental principles that can be applied in order to ensure a great level of data protection. The biggest one, however, is standardization. There are three main components that should be standardized: Employee equipment, software, and network access.

First, limit the total number of devices on the network to employees only. Additionally, create a company-wide policy on mobile devices like smartphones, laptops, and tablets that clearly states what devices are allowed.

To standardize software, simply decide on what software is needed for business operations to flow uninterrupted and cut the rest. If it’s not essential to business, it’s probably not needed on the company machines.

And lastly, standardizing network access is the most fundamental, but arguably, most important step. When we talk about data protection, that will look different for every business. Doubly important is limiting *who* has access to that data since unauthorized network access can quickly produce disastrous results no matter what size a business is. A few best practices to protect network access are multi-factor authentication, a strict password policy, and company-wide limits on outside interaction.

Step 3 – Data Backup

While the failure rate of hardware is far less today than ever before, it can still fail. The largest cause of data loss in a business outside of cyberattacks is human error. In most small businesses, this will default back to employees as the main culprit. On purpose or by accident, employees should be well trained on any company-sanctioned backup practices. And the best way to ensure employee compliance is through the steps above: Standardization.

Creating a standard set of backup principles, for both employees and the business as a whole, will help keep data safe and ready to go in the event of a critical data failure.

NetCov Data Protection Audits

Whether you’re a Fortune 500 company or a smaller e-commerce shop, data should always be top of mind. Network Coverage can help audit your network and backup protocols to provide an excellent data protection strategy for any budget. If you’re ready to stop leaving data protection in the hands of fate, contact us today and let one of our data experts partner with you on creating your company’s own personalized data protection plan.

Cyber Security: Past, Present, and Future

In “technology time”, a few months is the difference between bleeding edge and obsolesce — at least that’s the running joke. Truthfully, technology is advancing at record a feverish pace, and with that rapid innovation comes the need for better protection against technological attacks that maintain that same rate of growth.

But where did it all actually start? Has the breakneck speed of an ever-evolving technology-driven world always been this way?

A Brief History of Cyber Security

While the following timeline is not exhaustive, it should give you a good idea of when cyber security really started and how it evolved into the form we see today.

The 70s

In the 70s, the Advances Research Project Agency Network, or ARPANET, was created. This was one of the first computer networks ever created, and by all counts, would be the foundation for what we now know today as the internet. In 1971, an engineer at BBN Technologies, Bob Thomas, successfully created and deployed what would be the world’s first computer virus — Creeper. Very basic in nature, Creeper could move across the different computers connected to ARPANET and leave a trace reading: “I’M THE CREEPER: CATCH ME IF YOU CAN”. While harmless, it is considered to be the first computer worm. One year later in 1972, Ray Tomlinson would create Reaper, the world’s first antivirus.

The 80s

This is when cyber security and cyberattacks would begin to take center stage as the ever-looming threat to computers. As the Cold War was still underway, many security analysts fear that cyber espionage was the biggest threat the country faced. In 1987, a virus by the name of Vienna was launched. It was malware that would destroy the files of the host computer. Bernd Robert Fix defeated the virus, and so began the creation of antivirus software and, towards the end of the decade, the first real forms of cybersecurity companies.

The 90s

As the internet began to be released to the public, the explosion of viruses and malware changed the very foundation of cyber security. As email became popular with the release of easily accessible services like Hotmail, the spread of computer viruses grew due to user adoption. The Melissa virus, released in 1999, used a hijacked AOL to distribute a text file promising free adult content. Once opened, the virus was released. After much fuss and the virus now under control, this would be the first large push for the framework of how we experience cyber security today.

The 2000s and Beyond

In 2003, the US Department of Homeland Security established the National Cyber Security Division. This was the first government entity dedicated to cyber security. Beyond computers, smartphones were now hitting the market and cyber security teams now had even more points of vulnerability to concern themselves with. As time has advanced, along with accelerated technological development, cyber security concerns continue to grow.

In our modern setting, IoT devices like smart thermostats and personal assistant hubs as now in the same conversations by cyber security experts as a major cause for concern. Cloud computing, no matter how big the company, is vulnerable to attacks.

From Our Phone to Our Homes

As time has progressed, the level of cyberattacks has grown exponentially. Thus, threat mitigation and protection efforts have increased as well. It’s fascinating to get a bird’s eye view of how far the cyber security landscape has come; not solely because of the viruses, but how a seemingly good thing like the evolution of the internet has created so many different avenues for criminals to attack.

As it stands today, protection from cyberattacks is a 24/7 job. But with the rate of technology development showing no signs of slowing down and, in 2018, AI-powered malware was already being injected into neural networks, the question remains:

When is the next big leap in cybersecurity going to happen?

Avoiding Non-Criminal Data Loss

There are lots of things that get lost in life — keys, wallets, top-secret security thumb drives — but aside from that last one, as a business, data loss is the most painful. And while NetCov is a cybersecurity company, we’re also a data protection company; unfortunately, not all data loss is caused by cyberattacks. While nefarious criminals can certainly wreak havoc on sensitive data, we often become victims of our own undoing. One-off accidents or mishaps can quickly turn into large-scale outages should the correct protective measures not be in place.

We don’t want that to happen to you. Here are the top causes of data loss not from hackers and how to avoid them.

The Top Causes for Business Data Loss

1. Equipment Failure

Whether at home or at work we’ve all likely experienced a loss of data due to some sort of hardware mishap. For personal usage, a computer’s hard drive could’ve gone out or a crucial report that was saved to a thumb drive was lost because the drive needed to be formatted. Failing equipment is one of the tougher forms of data loss because there are some scenarios where that data can’t be recovered or the cost associated with recovery efforts may not be worth it. On the higher end, server storage, including the latest and greatest solid-state drives, can bring down entire websites, or in some cases, entire data centers.

There’s this fun term called the bathtub curve which illustrates that most drives fail on a curve that — you guessed it — is shaped like a bathtub. The good news is that storage technology has become more resilient over the years, although they’re still prone to failure.

Best Way to Avoid Drive Crashes?

Off-site backup, plus multiple redundant backup copies across multiple drives

2. Human Error

Billy Joel famously said, “We’re only human, we’re supposed to make mistakes,” but Mr. Joel also wasn’t responsible for critical information systems as a living. That said, human error is indeed one of the biggest causes of data loss not from hackers. But a bad drive swap or manually deactivating backups to troubleshoot an error are both very real errors that can result in data loss. Those, of course, aren’t the only ways that human error can cause data loss.

Best Way to Avoid Human Errors With Data?

You can’t, at least not fully. No matter how many systems and procedures are in place, there’s always the potential for human error, even when humans aren’t directly involved. Relatively autonomous systems still need human interaction, so it’s impossible to fully rule out.

3. Power Failures

Would that surge protector really have made any meaningful difference? We’ll likely never know. But having a backup power source is definitely important, especially when dealing with troves of data like many medium-to-large businesses do. There’s never a good time for power failures, and even the protocols we’ve set up in the event of a power failure aren’t meant to be long-term solutions.

Best Way to Avoid Data Loss From Power Failures?

This one is tough. The obvious answer is backup power sources, but in the event of a natural disaster, offline, off-site, and unconnected backups are likely to be the only ways to be truly immune.

Data Loss Prevention

Data is the lifeblood of your business. From customer records to important company data, we deal with a lot of data vulnerabilities every day. And while the only thing guaranteed in life is death and taxes, there are ways to make sure your data is protected against total loss. Schedule a consult with one of our data experts to see how we can help design the perfect data center with recovery options today!

DCIM Software Implementation Best Practices

Building a data center is a very involved process. From building materials to air management, there are a lot of physical comments that need to be managed. Beyond that, all of those pieces of technology — servers, firewalls, networking cables, and other supporting infrastructure — all have to be managed.

But manually managing these assets, especially individually, is a near-impossible task. And doing so without the assistance of some sort of software to help could severely limit a data center’s potential to grow. There is an answer, though, and it’s called data center infrastructure management.

What Is Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) Software?

DCIM software is used to handle the status of IT equipment and infrastructure within a data center. It allows IT teams to manage the interactions and functions of the various pieces that make up a data center in the cloud or on-premises. Additionally, DCIM software provides an easy way to measure and calibrate data center performance while monitoring data center health.

Benefits of DCIM Software

DCIM software is so beneficial to data center operators because it allows a holistic look at the health of a data center. When planning for data center upgrades, knowing exactly where specific bottlenecks are will allow for more efficient equipment and system upgrades.

IT teams will also gain many remote monitoring tools, allowing for single teams to monitor multiple data centers no matter how far they’re distributed. Imagine an overall increase in IT productivity with the ability to proactively manage and mitigate incidents in real time.

In addition to the visibility benefits, DCIM software can help increase overall uptime thanks to the enormous amount of information it can provide. For example, the most important thing for a rapidly growing data center is capacity. As more users are added to the mix, IT teams are able to monitor the data center’s overall performance or the performance of specific parts and systems.

Improving DCIM Software

While DCIM software has much potential, there are areas where additional improvements could be had.

To start, let’s look at what is arguably the most important thing in maintaining anything that’s connected to the internet — security. Because DCIM software ties multiple systems together, this also increases the number of vulnerabilities IT teams face within the data center.

Data centers also need to consider external monitoring tools that cover environmental factors like heat, energy use, and power consumption. To rectify this, data centers may need to invest in the necessary monitoring tools or replace outdated, non-compatible hardware.

The Structure of DCIM

DCIM intuitively brings many different data center systems and components together under one monitoring ‘umbrella’. While DCIM software can certainly monitor for abnormalities, it’s also incredibly proficient in mapping out critical upgrade paths or providing critical data center-wide reporting. A few of these benefits include:

The Ability to Plan Capacity

Easily construct data-backed models of future data center expansion based on adjustable parameter limitations.

Better Analysis

Because data is collected for each individual data center system, IT teams can deeply analyze specific systems for performance metrics, potential hazards, and more.

Planning for Hardware Changes

When calculating downtime risks due, DCIM software can create a documented journey for necessary hardware changes. If a newly added piece of equipment begins to affect the performance of the data center, IT teams can easily check the center’s logs to see when and where that performance change happened.

In the Cloud or On the Ground

Data centers require constant monitoring and support. Handling these functions without DCIM software can severely hinder an IT team’s productivity. If you’re ready to take full control of your data center and free up skilled labor with a better way to manage critical data center systems, reach out to our data center experts for a consultation.

Reduce Vulnerabilities With Patch Management

Ask any IT team what the fastest way to a critical system failure is and the answers will vary. “We need protection against cyberattacks,” or, ”Firewall vulnerabilities present the biggest dangers.” And they’re all correct. But despite these different answers, a likely “duh” that everyone will share is software updates. Organizations that utilize several different software solutions simultaneously know the process of updates. And it’s not just the software, but the computer or device’s operating systems as well. This is the same no matter if a company uses Windows, macOS, or some sort of Linux distribution.

What is Patch Management?

Patch management is a system of coordinating and applying software updates to an organization’s users’ devices along with infrastructures such as network routers and firewalls. Each piece of software has an update process, and managing those manually can be a real challenge, especially when companies have massive employee pools. For example, a small company of 10 employees won’t be nearly as daunting of a task to perform updates for a company of 10,000. And if we were talking about manually updating each device or piece of software for each user — well, you can imagine how incredibly inefficient that would be.

Benefits of Patch Management

Enter patch management. This process is usually controlled by an organization’s IT team or an outside vendor in conjunction with the IT team. Because there are so many devices with potential updates that occur at different times, IT teams can coordinate them all at once with the goal of minimizing user and system downtime.

But as great as patch management is, there’s still one fundamental flaw that must be rectified to take full advantage of efficiency at scale. And that flaw is different user devices.

What is Device Standardization?

Device standardization is the process of eliminating as many differences in the user systems of an organization as possible. Let’s run through a quick example of what a fragmented user inventory may potentially look like:

There are 50 users in the marketing department that use MacBooks. 25 more users are on Windows laptops, and of those 25, 10 are on HP, five are on Lenovo, and another 10 are on Dell.

Splitting the biggest difference down the middle, 50% of our marketing department is on a Windows operating system while the other 50% are on a Mac operating system. On the Windows side, there are three different brands with three different sets of hardware. This gives us 4 total differences in potential device vulnerabilities that need to be managed.

The simplest way to eliminate this efficiency issue is through device standardization. If all 100 members of the marketing department were on the same system, our security risks are greatly reduced because the vulnerability on one system is the same for all, and thus, can be handled easier with less time managing conflicting hardware and software patching.

Patching IT Systems

Device standardization also works similarly for IT infrastructure. But IT systems can be a bit tricky to standardize, especially if a firewall manufacturer doesn’t produce a complimentary server or if some older equipment because obsolete and needs to be replaced.

The solution to this is to try and get as much matching equipment as possible to reduce the total number of potential bugs and vulnerabilities. This will also reduce the amount of time IT teams have to spend managing individual components, resulting in a more efficient and secure network.

Efficiency is Critical

This is just a small sample of the potential issues relating to patch management efficiencies as well as ways to mitigate these potential security risks. If you need help or advice on device standardization or creating an effective patch management system, contact us today to speak to one of our expert implementation pros.

How to Secure Your VoIP

Over the last decade or so, VoIP phones have almost completely replaced the landlines of old, mainly due to ease of access, vast feature sets, and usually a [much lower overall cost]. And with the rise of mobile smart devices, there’s certainly no shortage of devices that are capable of utilizing VoIP technology. With that being said, since they are digital devices, there are security concerns as with other connected technologies.

The 5 Biggest VoIP Security Risks

For most people, the benefits and cost-savings VoIP offers over traditional landlines are worth the extra effort of protection. VoIP’s mass adoption — especially in remote working situations — can leave companies susceptible to cyberattacks if a business isn’t diligent in its cybersecurity efforts. And despite the funny names of VoIP security threats you’re about to see, it’s no laughing matter.

Security Risk #1 – VOMIT

Starting off the list at number one is VOMIT, which stands for Voice over Misconfigured Internet Telephones. VOMIT, in the VoIP world, is a practice in which attackers convert a digital phone conversation into an easily transferrable file that can be shared on the dark web or through other criminal networks. Through this method, cybercriminals can gain the originating location of the call which can later be used for eavesdropping, along with other secured data such as usernames and passwords. VOMIT occurs when a softphone or digital hardware phone isn’t encrypted.

Best VoIP VOMIT Prevention?

To avoid VOMIT, it’s recommended to use either a VoIP service that’s based in the cloud that also encrypts calling data or an encryption-capable soft or hardware-based phone.

Security Risk #2 – DDoS Attacks

DDoS attacks, pronounced “DEE-doss”, are sophisticated attacks on a company’s servers. Botnets flood servers with bogus traffic in order to overwhelm them and render them useless until the traffic is halted. If a business has VoIP servers, this could completely shut down internet access and cease all outside connections. This means no phones and no internet.

Best VoIP DDoS Prevention?

The best way to prevent DDoS attacks from taking down a VoIP server is to have the VoIP on its own network connection. VLANs, or Virtual Local Area Networks, can help mitigate this through their sophisticated traffic recognition protocols.

Security Risk #3 – SPIT

Another VoIP security risk with a funny name, SPIT is commonly referred to as the digital phone equivalent of e-mail phishing attacks. Criminals use this every day on American citizens, and it’s likely that anyone reading this has had a SPIT attack attempted on their phone number. Commonly referred to as ‘robocalls’, SPIT attacks can be especially dangerous to VoIP systems as they can sometimes carry malware or viruses through the robocaller’s message.

Best VoIP SPIT Prevention?

While not as fancy as the other methods, the best method of prevention is to not answer calls that aren’t recognized or show suspicious details on the caller ID.

Security Risk #4 – Packet Loading

This attack type isn’t as nefarious as some others, at least on the surface, but should still be avoided when possible. Packet loading a VoIP call will generally result in poor or garbled voice quality for users. Strong enough packet loading could completely disconnect a call or cause such an interruption that users have little choice but to disconnect.

Best VoIP Packet Loading Prevention?

Packet loading is usually easy to avoid on end-to-end crypt VoIP systems, especially ones that utilize TLS to verify data packets.

Security Risk # 5 – Unsecured Wifi Networks

While not an attack directly, using VoIP over an unsecured wifi connection is almost always a bad idea. Because proper protective protocols aren’t in place, using unsecured wireless connections invites just about every possible security concern at once to a user’s device. This includes malware, viruses, and digital eavesdropping.

Best Unsecured Wifi Network Prevention?

This one is super easy — don’t use public wifi for anything business-related, especially when VoIP is involved!

NetCov + VoIP = Total Protection

VoIP systems offer so much more than standard hardwired landlines. They allow remote workers instant connections back to the home office and provide many utilitarian aspects that are often too cumbersome and too expensive to achieve with an equivalent landline. Thinking about switching to a VoIP phone system or want to see how your system stacks up against criminal threats? Schedule a call with one of our VoIP experts to learn about all of your options!

Understanding The NIST Cybersecurity Framework

During the past three decades, since the advent of the internet, our technological evolution has witnessed dramatic development. This shift has permanently altered the landscape of our communication, economies, and business operations. Across this changing environment, businesses have consistently encountered cybersecurity threats.

And in this past year, with the COVID-19 pandemic, these cybersecurity threats have morphed once again. Much of the global focus has been on the biological threat of the virus. Still, businesses around the world have also been exposed to a heightened cybersecurity threat.

Our technological advancements have allowed us to respond to the challenges of the pandemic in ways never seen. Communication, business, and individual interactions have been able to move to digital alternatives, foregoing many of the negative impacts of the pandemic. However, these same transitions online have also presented newly found threats to our cybersecurity. It is a reality many experts have identified as a “cyber pandemic.” The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a 500% increase in cyberattacks in late April 2020 alone. Cybercriminals have been able to exploit the extraordinary shifts of people and processes to online resources.

In short, the need to prepare and respond to the advancing threats in the cyber world is pressing. Understanding the ongoing threats to your business has rarely been more critical. A step in the right direction is to assess better your business’s preparedness and ability to manage and reduce threats.

This article covers a vital resource for responding to cyber threats. We discuss an understanding of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and its role for your business.

What is the NIST Cybersecurity Framework?

NIST is an acronym for the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Developed at the US Department of Commerce, this framework was designed to help public and private organizations better assess, manage, and minimize the risk of cybersecurity threats—protecting data and networks. The framework is a set of guidelines that assist organizations in determining how their focus is best suited and where to invest in protection for cybersecurity. Ultimately, the NIST Cybersecurity Framework supports organizations in making proactive strategies to mitigate risk.

The purpose of the NIST framework

The US Congress passed the framework in 2014, and numerous organizations use it. Prominent corporations using the framework include Intel, Microsoft, and Boeing. Originally a US-based initiative, the use of the NIST framework is also gradually being adopted by international organizations to address cybersecurity threats that remain a global issue.

Regardless of where it is applied, the framework has a few common goals in mind. For one, it is intended to provide an integration of industry standards and best practices that assist various types of organizations in managing the risks associated with cybersecurity. Secondly, the framework is intended to offer a common language to promote general understanding amongst staff members. Third, NIST strives to provide a guide on diminishing cyber risks. And lastly, the framework aims to provide education on responding, recovering, and learning from a wide array of cyber occurrences.

Primary functions

To achieve its intended purposes, the NIST Cybersecurity Framework sets out five primary functions that the developers identify as the Framework Core. Each of these functions is proposed to co-occur, and they represent an overall cycle for security efforts. The five primary functions are labeled: identify, protect, detect, respond, and recover.

Below are further explanations on each of the Framework Core’s areas of emphasis:

• Identify: This first function of NIST is to take inventory of vital facets within an organization that could be at risk. Essential to this first step is recognizing current risks, existing digital assets, and critical roles within the organization. The primary function of this phase is to examine essential functions and management of sensitive information and capabilities, including risks to systems, assets, and data.
• Protect: This second function is meant to define relevant safeguards for developing strategic structures. Following the identification phase, an organization can institute structures of priority to assign the correct efforts. Overall, the effort is to minimize any potential impact from a cybersecurity occurrence.
• Detect: NIST’s third function is the implementation of monitoring protocols. An organization will monitor computers for unauthorized access, company devices, and active software. The detection phase also involves a deep dive into any suspicious activity on the network and ensuring the network is clear of unauthorized users or connections.
• Respond: The fourth function of NIST is to implement response strategies once cyber concerns are detected. Organizations will want to develop various plans for the response phase. Methods may include notifying customers, employees, and others with data at risk. Further responses may involve contacting law enforcement or other authorities while investigating the attack and containing it. And any response should concern itself with maintaining business operations during the assessment and response to a security incident.
• Recover: As an extension of the Response phase, organizations should develop a strategy for restoring compromised operational capacities or data. Critical to this recovery phase is implementing improvements that can occur because of the education and review that is made following a cyber incident.

The Cybersecurity Framework is also comprised of Implementation Tiers and a Framework Profile. Implementation Tiers represent the degree to which an organization’s security practices are exhibited in the Framework Core. And the Framework Profile represents Categories and Subcategories within the core functions of the Framework. For in-depth reading on the Framework, you can visit NIST website.

Resources

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework has developed into a viable asset for numerous types and sizes of public and private organizations. However, it can be a complex system to understand or integrate into your operations.

Also, there are many factors to consider for the security and protection of your company’s data. An organization must determine what security measures will be optimally designed for your specific needs.

Network Coverage understands the reality and challenges facing today’s most vulnerable industries. This is why Network Coverage has assembled a set of technology and business solutions to support your organization in maneuvering through this complex and critical environment.

Set up a consultation with Network Coverage for experienced advice and support.

 

What is a Virtual Private Network – (VPN)?

A VPN, Virtual Private Network, is a service added to your internet that lets you access the web privately and safely. It routes your connection through a server and hides your online actions.

From a user perspective, once the VPN is started, the software encrypts data before your internet service provider or WIFI sees it. The online destination sees your data coming from the VPN server and its location instead of your computer and location.

Without the VPN, your connection is open to anyone who wants to view your data. As a business, this can be detrimental to your information. Anything from financial reports to clients or customers and more.

The internet is made up of many servers responsible for storing websites and their information. When you connect to a site, your server is in communication with their server, and data is shared. This allows you to browse a page and make purchases or gather information.

Where Privacy Gets Lost

This is where privacy is lost, as you are allowing several sources onto your server to have access to any and all information. As one site explains, this is like taking a commercial airline flight in that there are many people responsible for routing your destination from one location to another. Everyone from ticket agents to baggage handlers has your information handy to make sure you get where you are going with everything intact.

While you may not care that the ticket agent has your personal credit card information, as you needed to share that to purchase your ticket, the baggage handler has no need to have that information at their disposal. It could lead to information being stolen and used for other types of purchases. Some that you didn’t intend to make.

Using a type of security system to protect personal data is important to keep everything safe for future use, and to keep prying eyes from getting the information they have no reason to use.

How Does a VPN Work?

In using a VPN, there is a barrier between you and the internet. So, when you start going online, your computer system is connected to this safe hub and from there the connection is made to the internet. This allows the internet to see only what the barrier sends out or receives to be seen by anyone who has ulterior motives. This also protects your viewing privacy.

Information that is sent from your computer to the VPN is encrypted, keeping personal information contained. No one can pry and have access to your information. It is much more difficult to hack into that system and add or change any files on your computer to allow them access to sensitive data.

Your identity is also hidden as sites see the VPN server as the traffic origin, not your home or business location. They also only see the encrypted information so they would need a way to decipher any information they obtained.

Encryption works by:

• Starting with plain data
• Applying a key (secret code) to transform the data
• Ending with encrypted data

The encrypted data is only readable by someone with the original key used to encrypt the data.

Your VPN can be secure, but the connection protocol the encryption mechanism used to handle your information determines that strength.

What Are Some Common Protocols?

According to The Beginner’s Guide to Understanding VPNs protocols define how the service handles data transmission over a VPN.

Here is a brief overview of the most common protocols:

• PPTP (Point-To-Point Tunneling Protocol). This is one of the oldest protocols in use, originally designed by Microsoft. This system works mostly on old computers, is a part of the Windows operating system, and it’s easy to set up. However, by today’s standards, it is not very secure. This protocol should be avoided if possible.
• L2TP/IPsec (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol). This is a combination of PPTP and Cisco’s L2F protocol. The concept of this protocol is sound, but the execution isn’t very safe. The addition of the IPsec protocol improves security a bit, but there are reports of the NSA’s alleged ability to break this protocol and see what’s being transmitted. Since there is debate about this type, it is best to avoid this as well.
• SSTP (Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol). Built by Microsoft, the connection is established with some SSL/TLS encryption. Their strength is built on symmetric-key cryptography; a setup in which only the two parties involved in the transfer can decode the data within. Overall, SSTP is a very secure solution.
• IKEv2 (Internet Key Exchange, Version 2). This is an iteration of Microsoft’s previous protocols and a much more secure one at that. It provides you with some of the best security.
• This takes what’s best in the above protocols and does away with most of the flaws. It’s based on SSL/TLS and it’s an open-source project, which means that it’s constantly being improved by hundreds of developers. It secures the connection by using keys that are known only by the two participating parties on either end of the transmission. Overall, it’s the most versatile and secure protocol out there.

Most VPNs allow you to select the protocol you use. The more secure protocol you connect through (OpenVPN, IKEv2), the more secure your entire session will be.

As with any internet service or security feature, there are laws that pertain to the types of programs and services you can use depending on the country where you live or do business with. When choosing a VPN service, it is always a good idea to do your homework and decide what is best for you and your customers. The protocols are safe to use in the US, Canada, the UK, and the rest of Western Europe.

For more information on how we can help set up a secure server for your company, contact us today! We are here to help set your business up for success while ensuring your security and safety.

Creating an Effective IT Strategy

Effective IT strategy begins with a deep look into business strategy. Most companies see IT as a necessity for performing operations. However, the right IT strategy doesn’t only support your daily to-dos; it also helps you more effectively achieve your business goals.

When you are designing an effective IT business strategy, you shouldn’t approach it with only the idea of solving immediate needs, but also with the intent to progress your business strategy. This means approaching your IT strategy with the mindset of “what business goals do we plan to achieve now and in the future, and how can our IT best support that?”

Think of Your IT Strategy as an Assessment of Changes Needed to Achieve Business Goals

IT strategy used to consist of a list of costs for the IT technology a company wanted to implement. This strategy was typically not necessarily aligned with business goals but more likely responding to immediate or perceived operational needs.

In many cases, this mindset decreases the company’s ability to prioritize changes that achieve greater long-term benefits.

By having a business-forward focus with your IT strategy, you can ensure your IT strategy aligns with business strategy to save time, and money, increase productivity, and—most importantly—support your business goals.

By using the following tips, you can begin designing a more effective IT strategy.

1. Review your Business Goals

What are your long- and short-term business goals, and what are your company’s current challenges to achieving these goals?

Consider process bottlenecks, lack of integration, systems that cannot handle the current (or future) volume, outdated or poorly functioning systems, underutilized resources (such as servers), etc.

After you determine the challenges currently impeding your business goals, you can design IT strategies that can help better support them.

2. Analyze Current Security Threats

Although you may not immediately associate cybersecurity with business goals, a threat or data loss can have a significant negative impact on your business. It should be part of your IT strategy to ensure you have cybersecurity systems in place as well as an automatic data backup and recovery system conducive to your company’s current stage of growth.

3. Include KPIs

As you’re designing your IT strategy, be sure to include KPIs in your plan. Instead of focusing on inputs and outputs, focus these metrics on actual business impact. The purpose of the KPIs isn’t to prove the IT is doing “something,” but rather to measure whether the technology is providing real, measurable outcomes for the business. Look for KPIs such as cutting costs, decreasing delivery time, improving productivity or output, reducing downtime, etc.

4. Tie Your Strategy to Business Outcomes

Each segment should be tied to business outcomes in a business-forward IT strategy. For instance, your IT strategy may include overhauling outdated systems—how will this provide real, measurable business outcomes? In the case of outdated systems, it may reduce delivery times, improve productivity, or strengthen customer satisfaction scores.

5. Doesn’t Overshoot or Undershoot

Two mistakes companies make in their IT strategy is to choose systems that will satisfy their needs only for a short period of time or that look too far into the future and far exceed their needs.

It’s important to find the right balance of fulfilling your company’s existing needs while leaving room for growth. The best option in these cases is to look for systems that can scale with you as you grow.

Would you Like Help Designing the Right IT Strategy for Your Company?

Network Coverage is an award-winning IT services company providing managed IT services, IT consulting, and more for companies of all sizes across the United States. Our solutions are affordable, scalable, and—most importantly—designed with a business-forward approach to help you achieve your goals. Reach out today to talk to an IT expert about your IT strategy.

 

How do you Access Sage Remotely?

Computer access has evolved a great deal over the years. It used to be that the only manner of operating a computer was to interact with the physical device directly. However, in recent years, with the development of internet technologies and software, computers can now be accessed and operated from seemingly limitless locations.

Remote access software offers many benefits. These advantages promote more efficient troubleshooting management and distance work for employees. Value may also be wrought from increasing workers’ ability to cooperate or access resources unavailable on an individual device.

Expansion of access to computers can commonly be rife with new and more extensive issues with security. Yet, remote access software has developed efficiently to mitigate security issues or provide new security features. Innovations to cloud-based technologies and virtual private networks (VPN) offer an enhanced capacity to provide protection when accessing devices from a distance.

Modern business operations now depend on these advanced and flexible resources to discover a competitive advantage. This article examines an understanding of remote access, the Sage company and software solutions, and the elements involved when accessing Sage remotely.

What is remote access?

Remote access software is a tool that permits a connection between computers from a distance.

Such remote access permits connection and operation from any location, assuming a reliable internet resource. This access can be used with any personal device or network. However, remote access is mainly implemented and designed for broader use in larger organizations. The software is especially useful for support technicians and employees in accessing their professional computers, networks, or documents remotely.

For example, suppose an employee does not possess needed documents on their personal computer. In that case, remote access allows the individual to connect with another work computer from any location to access the files available on that hard drive. A user can use the keyboard and mouse for navigation on the remotely accessed device. This remote software essentially turns the physical computer into the operational functions of the distant computer.

In most cases, remote access remains governed by the same permissions required to use any software. With permissions granted, a user can initiate numerous actions on the remotely accessed device. These actions may include accessing emails, browsers, fixing or installing software, or manipulating files. The benefits of such access are broad, but they are exceptionally viable for support technicians. A technician is not required to be in the same location as the device to manage issues, permitting the technician access from limitless locations globally.

What is Sage?

Sage is a company and industry leader in the provision of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. They are a global company servicing over 6 million businesses around the world. Originally designed to focus on accounting services, Sage now develops software specially designed to support business ventures with an extensive range of products. These products primarily encompass accounting, payroll, and human resource management. The company has also expanded beyond software to incorporate services that provide payment support and business management.

The software solutions from Sage can be a useful resource for various types of businesses. For one, a company experiencing an expansion of operations or volume may well be suited to Sage’s solutions. Software from Sage is well-designed to handle growth, adapting to changes in size and procedure that often accompany this process. Furthermore, Sage’s payroll services can be viable for retailers, contractors, suppliers, and numerous other industries that require prompt payment for products or services. Sage is also amply designed to support Human Resource processes if a company has expanded to need a department of this nature or to reduce administrative procedures.

How to access Sage remotely

Sage software is capable of being accessed remotely. This remote access traditionally refers to connecting with the Sage software between one computer and another from separate locations. Conventional ways to gain this remote access include terminal services, remote desktop connections, or a virtual private network (VPN).

Remotely accessing Sage software works in approximately the same manner as remote access in general. A computer can use remote access software to establish a connection with a distant device, and Sage’s software is compatible for use in this method. Nonetheless, Sage recommends considering the following factors when accessing their software remotely.

Sage suggests keeping in mind that performance may be affected when connecting to their software remotely. Accounts may run slower using the remote method. Additionally, to integrate Sage Accounts with other Sage software, each computer must have the Sage software installed on the same computer using Sage Accounts. Furthermore, integration with Microsoft Office necessitates installing the program on the same computer that is using Sage Accounts. In other words, both computers must have Microsoft Office installed for integration with Sage. This same principle applies to operating e-banking options. Even more, Sage points out that telephony auto-dial options are not available through the remotely connected computer. Further requirements for email and website usage should also be taken into consideration for remotely accessing Sage software.

It is also advised by Sage that a user does not require a new software license agreement to run their software solutions remotely. Even more, single-user copies of Sage Accounts can be run, but operations are limited to one person using the account at the same time. Likewise, multi-user versions of Sage Accounts can be accessed remotely; however, the same limitation of one user at a time also applies in this context.

Full details are available from Sage on their website.

Resources

The benefits of remotely accessing Sage can be critically beneficial. A company or enterprise stands to improve productivity, increase security, and ensure critical data is accessible.

Implementing and maintaining remote access tools for your business can be complicated and require support. Specialists at Network Coverage can assist in this essential and ongoing process.

For experienced advice and support on implementing and managing effective remote access tools, you can explore expert technology solutions for business strategy by setting up a consultation with Network Coverage.