Crypto and Cyber Security - Be Protected Online
- By Michael Baird
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- 25 Jan, 2019
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Working with our clients over the past twelve months we’ve seen a massive increase in cyber-attacks on our customers. Sadly, most of these attacks could have been averted. In regional NSW alone, over the last couple of months, we’ve witnessed a massive spike in credit card fraud, and business owners entirely locked out of their company records, some with over eight years’ worth of data lost. With an increase in technology, comes an increase in risk. As a business owner, it’s imperative you spend time and money investing against crypto- and cybersecurity risks. You have a duty of care to protect not only your confidential information but that of your customers. Credit card fraud, identity theft, and other forms of cybercrime are more prevalent than you might think. In fact, cybercrime happens daily, and it’s essential you know how to protect yourself against it. We’ve put together a simple guideline to help you stay safe online.
What is Cybercrime?
Cybercrime is essentially any form of crime that occurs online. Criminals will target networks as well as specific devices and invade privacy, commit identity theft, and more. Common forms of cybercrime include cyberstalking, various forms of harassment, exploitation, and more. Luckily, there are several things you can do to keep yourself safely out of reach of cybercriminals.
Conduct an I.T. Audit / Risk Assessment
Too often, small businesses grow organically over the years. Therefore, the previous way of doing business yesterday… isn’t the best way for today! Annually you should do a RISK Analysis and review your I.T. Infrastructure, systems and processes. Has something changed that has opened a back door into your business? Have you accidentally stored confidential information and credit card details where they shouldn’t be and or forgotten to delete them? Have you checked the expiration date on anti-virus software? One mistake we commonly see business owners make is a blasé and a “She’ll be right” approach to software licenses. You need to track the expiry dates if your running standalone PCs or BYOD devices. Don’t think it’s a cheaper alternative to scrimp on hardware and software systems. What you pay for is what you get. Consider if your information was compromised what would be the impact in running your business, not to mention the stress levels managing the problem. The brand damage is irreparable when it gets into the public domain and lasts far longer than the actual incident!
Strong Passwords
Manage Social Media
Talk to the Kids
Don’t Click the Links
Be Careful With Your Credit Card Online
Only enter your credit card details into secure websites. Double check the URL to ensure these websites start with ‘https://’ and are 100% legitimate (without spelling errors or grammatical issues in the URL bar). To further complicate issues …mobile phone purchases and banking has now exceeded PCs. Therefore, policing and checking URL’s is even harder, as the screen size is smaller and you're usually in a hurry. We’re seeing cyber criminals build websites that emulate trusted brand names, however, in the URL, they include a tiny spelling mistake to redirect your private information. At first sight, this is almost impossible to pick up. If you are unsure about a website, it’s always better to err on the side of caution, you can purchase AV software that will run on mobile phones, such as Trend Micro, however, always do some research before entering your credit card details. If you suspect a site don’t make a purchase.
In today's fast-paced business landscape, organizations are increasingly turning to Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to streamline their operations, enhance their IT infrastructure, and drive growth. Let's dive into the world of MSPs and explore the array of benefits they bring to the table.
1. Focus on Core Competencies
By partnering with an MSP, companies can offload the burden of managing complex IT tasks and technologies. This allows internal teams to concentrate on what they do best – innovating, strategizing, and focusing on core business functions. The result? Enhanced efficiency and a sharper competitive edge.
2. Cost Efficiency
Opting for an MSP eliminates the need to invest heavily in building and maintaining in-house IT infrastructure. MSPs often offer flexible pricing models, ensuring you pay only for the services you need, when you need them. This cost-effective approach translates to reduced overhead, predictable budgeting, and improved financial planning.
3. Access to Expertise
MSPs are armed with a pool of highly skilled professionals well-versed in diverse areas of technology. Leveraging their expertise, you gain access to the latest industry trends, best practices, and innovative solutions that can propel your business forward. This ensures that your technology decisions are based on informed insights.
4. 24/7 Monitoring
Downtime and disruptions can spell disaster for any business. MSPs provide round-the-clock monitoring and support, proactively identifying and resolving issues before they impact your operations. This not only minimizes downtime but also boosts reliability and customer satisfaction.
5. Scalability and Flexibility
As your business grows, your IT requirements evolve too. MSPs offer scalable solutions that can seamlessly accommodate changes in demand. Whether you're expanding, launching new initiatives, or experiencing seasonal spikes, MSPs ensure your IT infrastructure remains agile and responsive.
6. Enhanced Security
Cybersecurity threats are ever-present and constantly evolving. MSPs specialize in keeping your digital assets safe and secure. They implement robust security measures, conduct regular audits, and stay ahead of emerging threats, providing you with peace of mind and safeguarding your sensitive data.
7. Compliance and Regulations
Navigating the complex landscape of regulations and compliance can be a daunting task. MSPs are well-versed in industry-specific regulations and can ensure that your technology practices adhere to these standards. This not only minimizes the risk of legal issues but also boosts customer trust.
8. Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity
Unforeseen events can disrupt operations. MSPs develop comprehensive disaster recovery and business continuity plans to ensure your data is backed up, recoverable, and your business can continue running even in the face of adversity.
9. Strategic IT Planning
MSPs don't just solve immediate problems; they contribute to your long-term IT strategy. They align technology solutions with your business goals, providing recommendations for future investments and innovations that can drive growth.
In conclusion, Managed Service Providers offer a plethora of benefits that empower businesses to thrive in a technology-driven world. From cost efficiency and expert support to enhanced security and scalability, the partnership with an MSP can be a pivotal step toward achieving operational excellence and staying ahead in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
Building great brand awareness is the key to success in the modern world of business. The rise of technology has changed the way that businesses function and operate, particularly when it comes to creating a brand and bringing awareness to it. At Wagga TBC, we’re a team of experts who improve productivity and reduce operational expenditure by leveraging the latest technologies to help your business and website succeed. Through a series of strategies and techniques, we are able to help build excellent brand awareness for your business that will achieve success in the present and the future.
How do we do this? What are the fundamental steps to building great brand awareness? That’s what we’re here to explore.