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How is DNSProtect beneficial for my business?

How is DNSProtect beneficial for my business?

Businesses of all sizes face numerous Cyber Security threats. From malware attacks to phishing scams, cybercriminals are constantly coming up with new techniques to exploit vulnerabilities and compromise sensitive data. As a business owner, it is crucial to prioritise the security of your network and protect your valuable assets.

A strong DNS (Domain Name System) protection solution is key to securing your network. At Pronet Technology, we use something called DNSProtect, which is a powerful tool that provides an additional layer of security for your business, shielding it from various online threats.

DNSProtect is a defensive system that prevents Cyber Security threats. It’s a way for employers to restrict what employees access on the go, when not connected to the network in the office. Essentially, if a website has something potentially dangerous within it, DNS filtering blocks the user from visiting the site. It’s a zero-trust solution that leaves no room for chance.

What is a Domain Name System?

A Domain Name System (DNS) is a service for accessing a networked computer by its name instead of its IP address, kind of like a contact list of the Internet.

Basically, users access information through domain names, like pronet.com.au, but web browsers interact through Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. The DNS then translates these domain names to IP addresses so the browser can load the Internet resource for you to access. The entire process takes milliseconds.

As of 2023, there are over 628.5 million domain names registered.

How is DNSProtect beneficial for my business?

When it comes to safeguarding your business, DNSProtect offers a wide range of benefits that are worth considering.

Enhanced Network Security and Protection

With DNSProtect, your business can fortify its network security and protect it from various cyber threats. By filtering and blocking malicious websites, phishing attempts and malware-infected domains, DNSProtect acts as a proactive shield for your network. It prevents users within your organisation from unknowingly accessing harmful content, gives you insight into the types of threats that might impact your network and ensures a safer online environment.

Prevention of Data Breaches

Data breaches can have devastating consequences for any business, leading to financial loss, reputational damage and legal repercussions. DNSProtect significantly reduces the risk of data breaches by blocking unauthorised access to malicious websites or servers that may attempt to steal sensitive information. By proactively preventing data breaches, you can maintain the trust of your customers and stakeholders.

Mitigation of Downtime and Productivity Loss

Cyberattacks can result in significant downtime, disrupting your business operations and causing productivity loss. DNSProtect plays a crucial role in minimising the impact of such attacks by blocking access to malicious domains that host malware or initiate distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. DNSProtect helps your business maintain productivity and efficiency by ensuring uninterrupted access to legitimate websites and resources by blocking time-waster websites.

Protection against Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks continue to be a prevalent threat to businesses. These attacks typically involve the impersonation of reputable entities to deceive individuals into revealing sensitive information such as login credentials or financial details. While you still might receive phishing emails, if an unaware employee clicks on a malicious link, DNSProtect detects and blocks the known phishing domain, preventing the employee from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes and protecting your business from potential financial losses and compromised data.

Filtering of Inappropriate Content

Inappropriate content can pose risks to your business, affecting employee productivity, tarnishing your brand image and potentially leading to legal issues. DNSProtect enables you to enforce content filtering policies, restricting access to websites that contain explicit or inappropriate content. By creating a safer and more professional online environment, DNSProtect helps you maintain direct control over how your network and devices are used and uphold your company’s values.

Increased Visibility and Control

DNSProtect provides you with increased visibility and control over your network traffic and the types of sites and applications used by employees. By monitoring DNS queries and identifying suspicious activities, it allows you to detect and respond to potential security incidents promptly. With comprehensive reporting and analytics, you can gain insights into your network’s behaviour, identify potential vulnerabilities and make informed decisions to enhance your overall security position.

Cost-Efficiency and Ease of Implementation

Implementing DNSProtect is a cost-effective security measure for your business. It does not require costly hardware investments or extensive training for your IT team. DNSProtect is designed to be easy to implement, with user-friendly interfaces and straightforward configuration options. This means that you can quickly integrate DNSProtect into your existing network infrastructure without significant disruptions or financial burdens.

Protection for Remote Workers

In today’s flexible work environment, where remote work is increasingly common and will continue to be in the future, DNSProtect offers crucial protection for your remote workforce. It ensures that employees connecting to your network from outside the office are safeguarded against online threats, regardless of their location. By extending security measures to remote workers, DNSProtect strengthens your overall Cyber Security and reduces the risk of network breaches.

Compliance with Data Protection Regulations

In an era of stringent data protection regulations, businesses must ensure they meet compliance requirements. DNSProtect contributes to your compliance efforts by providing an additional layer of security that helps protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorised access.

Seamless Scalability

As your business grows, your network requirements evolve accordingly. DNSProtect offers seamless scalability, allowing you to adapt to changing needs without compromising security. Whether you have a small business with a handful of users or a large enterprise with complex network infrastructure, DNSProtect can accommodate your expansion plans and continue to provide reliable protection at any scale.

Ensuring the security of your business is non-negotiable. DNSProtect can help with this as it provides network security, prevents data breaches, protects against phishing attacks and filters inappropriate content. Its ease of set-up, cost-effectiveness, scalability and compatibility with remote work environments makes it a powerful solution for businesses of all sizes.

Don’t wait until a cyberattack compromises your business. Protecting your business is not just about the financial aspect — it’s about safeguarding the livelihoods of your employees, maintaining your reputation and ensuring the trust of your customers.

FAQs about DNSProtect

  • How does DNSProtect work?

DNSProtect works by analysing DNS queries made by users within your network. It compares these queries against a comprehensive database of known malicious domains, phishing websites and other threats. When a user attempts to access a potentially harmful domain, DNSProtect blocks the connection, preventing you from accessing the malicious site.

  • Can DNSProtect slow down my network?

No, DNSProtect is designed to operate efficiently and has minimal impact on network performance. With its optimised algorithms and infrastructure, DNSProtect ensures that DNS resolution occurs swiftly and seamlessly, without causing noticeable delays or disruptions for users.

  • Can DNSProtect prevent all cyber threats?

While DNSProtect provides robust protection against a wide range of cyber threats, it is important to note that no security solution can offer a 100 per cent guarantee. DNSProtect significantly reduces the risk of attacks by blocking access to known malicious domains and implementing proactive security measures.

  • Is DNSProtect suitable for small businesses?

Absolutely! DNSProtect is an ideal solution for businesses of all sizes, including small and medium-sized enterprises. Its ease of implementation, cost-effectiveness and scalability make it a great choice for organisations with limited resources seeking powerful network security measures.

  • Can DNSProtect be used in conjunction with other security solutions?

Yes, DNSProtect can be seamlessly integrated with other security solutions to create a layered defence strategy. By combining DNSProtect with firewall systems, antivirus software and intrusion detection systems, you can enhance your overall security framework and ensure comprehensive protection against diverse cyber threats.

  • Is DNSProtect suitable for industries with strict compliance requirements?

Yes, DNSProtect’s ability to block malicious domains and protect sensitive data makes it an excellent choice for industries with strict compliance requirements, such as healthcare, finance and e-commerce. It also contributes to complying with regulations like The Privacy Act.

Why a Quarterly Business Review is important

Why a Quarterly Business Review is important

In our rapidly evolving business landscape, staying ahead of the competition requires constant adaptation and optimisation. As a business owner, you need to regularly assess your operations, identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to drive growth. This is where a QBR (Quarterly Business Review) from an MSP (Managed Service Provider) comes into play

What is a QBR?

A QBR is a comprehensive review conducted by an MSP, usually every quarter, to evaluate the performance, progress and alignment of your business objectives with the implemented IT strategies. It goes beyond simply analysing data and metrics; it is an opportunity to discuss challenges, uncover opportunities and strengthen the relationship between you and your MSP. Smaller businesses may only receive a QBR once or twice a year but ask your MSP what their processes are around this.

A QBR is not just a mundane business review; it holds significant emotional weight. It evokes feelings of security, reassurance and confidence in the path your business is taking. Knowing that experts are analysing your performance, identifying areas of improvement and providing guidance instils a sense of trust and peace of mind.

The QBR experience is an opportunity to have open, honest conversations about challenges, fears and aspirations. It allows you to express your concerns and receive personalised recommendations tailored to your specific circumstances. The empathetic approach of the MSP, coupled with active listening and understanding, creates an emotional connection that transcends the usual business-client relationship.

Components of a QBR

  • Infrastructure Assessment: The MSP assesses the client’s network, hardware, software and other technology infrastructure components. This evaluation helps identify any potential vulnerabilities, outdated systems or areas that require optimisation.
  • Performance Analysis: The MSP reviews the client’s technology performance metrics, such as network uptime, response times and system utilisation. This analysis helps identify bottlenecks, areas of improvement or potential risks.
  • Security Evaluation: The MSP examines the client’s security posture, including Cyber Security measures, data protection practices and compliance adherence. This assessment helps identify any vulnerabilities or areas where security can be enhanced.
  • Service Level Agreement (SLA) Review: The MSP reviews the SLA with the client, ensuring that the agreed-upon service levels are being met. This includes evaluating response times, issue resolution and overall customer satisfaction.
  • Future Planning and Recommendations: Based on the assessment findings, the MSP provides recommendations and strategic guidance to the client. This may include suggestions for technology upgrades, process improvements, security enhancements or cost optimisation measures.

The Importance of a QBR from an MSP

A QBR from an MSP holds significant importance for businesses of all sizes. Let’s delve into some key reasons why a QBR is crucial:

Gaining a Holistic View of Your Business

A quarterly business review provides you with a comprehensive overview of your company’s performance during a specific period. It does this by analysing various aspects, including financial performance, operational efficiency, customer satisfaction and employee productivity. By assessing these critical areas, you can identify strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement. It allows you to identify what areas of your business are excelling and which ones require attention. By recognising your strengths, you can leverage them to gain a competitive advantage. Additionally, addressing weaknesses helps you minimise risks and enhance overall performance.

Uncovering Growth Opportunities

Through a QBR, an MSP can identify untapped growth opportunities that may have gone unnoticed. Analysing market trends, customer feedback and industry benchmarks can provide valuable insights into new markets, product enhancements and innovative strategies to drive business growth.

Enhancing Collaboration and Alignment

A QBR fosters collaboration and alignment within your organisation. By involving key stakeholders, such as department heads and senior management, in the review process, you can ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding goals, challenges and strategies. This collaborative approach promotes a unified vision and encourages teamwork.

Optimising Operational Efficiency

Identifying inefficiencies in your operations is vital for streamlining processes and maximising productivity. An MSP conducting a QBR can analyse your workflows, technology infrastructure and resource allocation to pinpoint areas where improvements can be made. By optimising operational efficiency, you can reduce costs, enhance customer service and achieve better overall performance.

Strengthening IT Infrastructure

A robust IT infrastructure is essential for business success in today’s digital age. A QBR from an MSP can evaluate your current IT systems, Cyber Security measures and data management practices. They can identify vulnerabilities and recommend solutions to enhance your IT infrastructure’s reliability, security and scalability.

Strategic Planning and Risk Mitigation

A QBR enables you to develop effective strategic plans and mitigate potential risks. By examining market trends, competitive landscape and emerging technologies, an MSP can help you formulate strategies that align with your business goals. Additionally, they can identify risks and provide proactive measures to minimise their impact.

Strengthens the Relationship with your MSP

A QBR serves as a bridge between you and your MSP. It fosters open communication, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of your unique business needs. This strengthened partnership allows the MSP to provide tailored solutions and support, ensuring your business thrives. When your MSP invests time and effort in conducting a QBR, it also demonstrates its commitment to your success. The personalised attention, proactive approach and customised recommendations leave you feeling valued and supported, leading to higher client satisfaction and long-term loyalty.

Learning your Business’ Technology Score

When an MSP completes a QBR for your business, oftentimes, you will receive a technology score. The concept of a technology score can vary depending on the specific MSP or service provider you are working with. It is not a universally standardised metric, but rather a subjective evaluation conducted by the MSP based on various factors related to your business’s technology infrastructure and performance.

The technology score typically reflects the MSP’s assessment of your business’s overall technology health, efficiency and alignment with industry best practices. It may consider factors such as:

  • Infrastructure: The MSP evaluates the robustness and scalability of your network, servers, storage and other hardware components. They assess whether your infrastructure meets the requirements of your business operations and future growth.
  • Security: The MSP examines your Cyber Security measures, including firewalls, antivirus software, data encryption, access controls and employee training. They look for potential vulnerabilities and weaknesses in your security posture.
  • Software and Applications: The MSP reviews the software and applications you use, assessing their relevance, performance and integration capabilities. They may consider factors such as licencing compliance, software updates and utilisation efficiency.
  • Performance and Reliability: The MSP evaluates the performance and reliability of your technology systems, including network uptime, response times and system availability. They may analyse historical data and metrics to identify areas for improvement.
  • IT Governance and Processes: The MSP assesses your IT governance structure, policies and processes. This includes evaluating IT documentation, change management practices, backup and disaster recovery plans, and adherence to industry standards.

Based on these factors, the MSP assigns a technology score to provide you with an indication of how well your business’s technology environment is performing and where improvements can be made. The score may be presented as a numerical value, a rating scale or a qualitative assessment, depending on the MSP’s methodology.

A QBR from an MSP is a critical component for achieving business success. It provides a holistic view of your organisation, uncovers growth opportunities, enhances collaboration, optimises operational efficiency, strengthens IT infrastructure and facilitates strategic planning and risk mitigation. By regularly conducting QBRs, you can stay ahead of the competition, adapt to market changes and drive growth. Remember to involve key stakeholders, seek a reliable MSP and embrace the insights and recommendations provided through the QBR process.

It’s important to note that each MSP may have its own methodology for calculating the technology score, so the specific details may vary. It’s best to consult with your MSP directly to understand how they determine and interpret the technology score for your business.

FAQs about QBRs

  • What is the purpose of a QBR?

A QBR aims to evaluate your business performance, identify improvement areas and develop growth strategies. It provides a comprehensive analysis of your operations and fosters collaboration within your organisation.

  • How often should QBRs be conducted?

Quarterly QBRs are typically recommended, as they provide a balanced frequency for evaluation and allow for timely adjustments. However, the frequency can be adjusted based on your business needs and industry dynamics.

  • Who should be involved in the QBR process?

A QBR should involve key stakeholders from different departments within your organisation. This includes senior management, department heads and individuals responsible for key areas such as finance, operations, marketing, HR and IT. By involving a diverse range of perspectives, you can ensure comprehensive insights and foster collaboration.

  • How long does a QBR typically take?

The duration of a QBR can vary depending on the size and complexity of your business. Generally, it can range from a few hours to a full day. It is important to allocate sufficient time to thoroughly discuss each aspect of the review and develop actionable plans.

  • What outcomes can I expect from a QBR?

A QBR can deliver several valuable outcomes for your business. These include a clear understanding of your business performance, identified growth opportunities, actionable recommendations for improvement, enhanced collaboration and aligned strategic plans. It also provides an opportunity to address any concerns or challenges faced by your organisation.

Why you should implement Application Control within your business

Why you should implement Application Control within your business

In today’s digital world, businesses of all sizes are increasingly reliant on software applications to streamline their operations, enhance productivity and interact with customers. This dependence on so many applications, however, also exposes organisations to various Cyber Security risks.

To help mitigate these risks, a powerful tool to protect businesses from cyber threats is application control. This provides direct control over the applications running on an organisation’s networks.

What is Application Control?

Application Control is only allowing approved applications to run on systems to prevent malicious software from running. Unlike traditional antivirus software which focuses on identifying and blocking malware, application control software takes a proactive approach by explicitly only allowing authorised applications to run. By enforcing strict control policies, this software ensures that only approved applications can be executed, reducing the possibility of attacks and minimising the risk of unauthorised access, data breaches and malware infections.

Essential Eight is a list of eight security strategies that the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) believes will provide a strong foundation for Cyber Security, and the framework is highly recommended by the government for businesses to implement. The first measure listed in Essential Eight is application control, showing just how effective it can be in protecting your business from cyberattacks. Keep in mind, though, that application control should not be the only Essential Eight strategy your business implements, and along those lines, Essential Eight should not be used in isolation to protect your organisation.

Key Benefits for Businesses

Preventing Unauthorised Software

One of the primary advantages of application control is its ability to prevent unauthorised software from being installed and used. By creating whitelists of approved applications, businesses can restrict employees from running potentially harmful or unverified software. This proactive approach reduced the risk of introducing malware or malicious code into the network, safeguarding sensitive data and intellectual property.

Minimising Vulnerabilities

Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated or unpatched applications to gain unauthorised access to systems. Application control software can help businesses by monitoring and managing application versions and updates. By ensuring that all applications are up to date, businesses can reduce the likelihood of successful attacks through known vulnerabilities.

Enhancing Compliance

In highly regulated industries, like finance and healthcare, compliance with industry standards and data protection regulation is critical. Application control helps businesses meet these requirements by enforcing security policies and restricting the use of non-compliant applications. By maintaining a secure and compliant software environment, organisations can avoid hefty fines, legal implications and reputational damage.

Streamlining Incident Response

In the event of a security incident or breach, application control plays a vital role in incident response. By controlling the software environment, organisations can quickly identify and isolate compromised applications, limiting the impact of the incident and preventing its movement within the network. The ability to enforce restrictions and block unauthorised applications aids in containing the breach and restoring normal operations promptly.

Challenges of Implementing Application Control

While application control software offers several benefits for enhancing Cyber Security, there are some potential inconveniences associated with its implementation. It is important to consider these factors to ensure that businesses can strike a balance between security and operational efficiency.

Administrative Burden: Implementing application control software requires significant effort and ongoing maintenance. Creating and managing whitelists of approved applications can be time-consuming, especially for large organisations with a wide range of software dependencies. Regular updates and adjustments to application control policies may also require extensive coordination among IT teams and various business departments.

Compatibility and Integration Challenges: The software used for application control must be compatible with the diverse range of applications used within an organisation. Ensuring seamless integration with existing systems and workflows can be complex, particularly when dealing with legacy applications or custom-built software. Compatibility issues may require additional configuration or customisation, leading to delays and potential disruptions.

False Positives and False Negatives: Application control software relies on accurate identification and classification of applications to determine their status (allowed or blocked). However, false positives (legitimate applications mistakenly identified as unauthorised) and false negatives (potentially malicious applications not identified) can occur. False positives can disrupt operations, while false negatives may lead to security breaches. Regular monitoring and fine-tuning of application control policies are necessary to minimise these issues.

User Experience and Productivity Impact: Overly restrictive application control policies can result in reduced user productivity and frustration. If legitimate applications are mistakenly blocked or unauthorised applications are allowed to run, employees may encounter obstacles in performing their tasks efficiently. Striking a balance between security controls and user experience is crucial to maintain productivity while ensuring a secure security posture.

Impact on Innovation and Flexibility: Application control may sometimes get in the way of trialling new or emerging technologies within an organisation. Strict control policies may limit the ability to experiment with new applications or tools, potentially hindering innovation and agility.

Increased Dependency on Updates and Patching: Application control software relies on accurate information about application versions and updates to maintain security. Businesses need to stay vigilant in ensuring that they promptly apply patches and updates to both the application control software itself and the applications it monitors. Not doing this can introduce vulnerabilities or can prevent the control measures from functioning properly.

Sandboxing

One of the biggest concerns with application control is the need to test any updates or new applications through what is called, sandboxing, before it can be installed on the organisation’s systems. This generally takes about 24 to 48 hours, but you might find that some enterprise organisations, like banks, sandbox for up to a month to test for any threats before verifying the application.

Sandboxing each new application and update before using them in a business environment, while inconvenient for both staff and your managed service provider that needs to do this, is a critical practice that offers several benefits in terms of security, stability and risk mitigation.

Security Testing: Sandboxing allows you to test applications and updates in a controlled environment before installing them on your production systems. By isolating the software in a sandbox, you can observe its behaviour for potential security risks without putting your network and sensitive data at immediate risk. This helps identify and mitigate any vulnerabilities, malware or malicious activities associated with the application or update.

Risk Mitigation: Applications and updates can introduce unforeseen issues or conflicts with existing software or configurations. By sandboxing, you can assess the impact of these changes without jeopardising the stability and performance of your systems. Sandboxing enables you to identify and resolve compatibility issues, system conflicts or unexpected behaviour before implementing the software.

Protection against Malware: Malicious software, such as viruses, ransomware or Trojans, can infiltrate your network through compromised applications or updates. By sandboxing, you can run these potentially malicious software packages in an isolated environment, preventing them from infecting your actual systems.

Testing Application Performance: Sandboxing allows you to assess the performance and resource requirements of applications and updates. By monitoring their behaviour in an isolated environment, you can determine the impact on system resources, such as CPU, memory or disk usage. This evaluation helps you understand the application’s performance characteristics and ensure that it meets your business requirements without negatively impacting your production systems.

Compliance and Regulatory Requirements: Many industries have specific compliance and regulatory requirements that require thorough testing and validation of applications and updates. By sandboxing and evaluating software in a controlled environment, you can ensure that it meets the necessary security and compliance standards before introducing it into your production systems. This helps maintain data privacy, protect sensitive information and adhere to industry regulations.

What is ThreatLocker?

At Pronet, a software we implement within our clients’ systems to whitelist applications is ThreatLocker. It offers advanced features and capabilities to help organisations effectively manage and control the applications running on their networks. As a base, it employs a strong application whitelisting approach, allowing businesses to create a list of approved applications.

It also follows a zero-trust security model, meaning that it treats all applications as potentially untrusted until they are explicitly approved. This approach enhances security by ensuring that every application is thoroughly evaluated and authorised before execution, mitigating the risk of introducing malicious or unauthorised software.

ThreatLocker provides granular control over how applications interact with other areas of your IT systems, such as networks, files, folders and registries. This level of control allows businesses to fine-tune their security policies based on specific requirements. It allows organisations to enforce different access permissions and restrictions for different user groups or departments, enhancing security without impacting productivity.

The software also offers comprehensive reporting and auditing capabilities, providing visibility into application usage and security events. It allows businesses to generate detailed reports on application activities, policy violations and security incidents. ThreatLocker can integrate with other security solutions, such as antivirus software, firewalls and intrusion detection systems, to provide a layered defence strategy. This integration enables organisations to leverage multiple security measures and strengthen their overall Cyber Security framework.

Since ThreatLocker is a software Pronet uses, we know just how powerful it is and therefore, can recommend it.

In an era where cyber threats are a constant concern, businesses must prioritise Cyber Security measures to protect their assets, data and reputation. Application control software serves as a critical component in the overall Cyber Security strategy of businesses by allowing direct control over the software applications running on the network. By preventing unauthorised or potentially malicious applications from running, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks, data breaches and operational disruptions.

Which Essential Eight maturity level should my business be at?

Which Essential Eight maturity level should my business be at?

You know what Essential Eight is and that the Australian Government highly recommends implementing it, but does that mean your business must be at the highest maturity level?

As cyberattacks continue to rise in frequency and sophistication, businesses of all sizes must take proactive steps to protect their sensitive information and assets. Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has developed the Essential Eight, a set of mitigation strategies that businesses can implement to significantly reduce the risk of a successful cyberattack.

The ACSC has defined four maturity levels to help organisations identify where exactly they’re at when it comes to their Cyber Security. These maturity levels aim to help businesses implement Essential Eight, originally introduced in 2017 and updated in 2023 after the increase in cyberattacks on Australian organisations. However, many business owners may wonder which maturity level they should be at when implementing the Essential Eight.

What are the maturity levels?

Maturity Level Zero: Indicates that your business has significant weaknesses in its overall Cyber Security and would be easy to exploit by attackers. If you’re at this level, any potentially confidential data or the availability of your systems and data are at risk of being compromised.

Maturity Level One: Organisations sitting in this level have some sort of processes to protect themselves from opportunistic attackers looking to infiltrate the masses, rather than individual businesses.

Maturity Level Two: These businesses have reasonable defences in place to defend themselves against cybercriminals specifically targeting their organisation. Criminals attacking these businesses are happy to invest more time and effort into bypassing security controls, such as by using targeted social engineering techniques when using phishing, but are also wary of spending too much time and money trying to compromise their victims. Businesses at this level introduce shorter timelines for action, ensure high-risk activities are logged and start thinking more broadly about potential threats.

Maturity Level Three: This is the highest level a business can be at where businesses are actively mitigating threats from adversaries that are constantly adapting their techniques and who are very focused on targeting specific, high-value organisations. These adversaries exploit any opportunities in weaknesses in the Cyber Security of the organisation and are willing to invest time and effort into understanding the organisation, their security control and their staff to gain access and evade detection.  

What maturity level should my business be at?

Businesses start off being at level zero, but it’s time to understand that this must be changed and you need to increase the Cyber Security strategies in your business.

The first four of the Essential Eight strategies, known as the baseline maturity level, are considered to be the minimum requirement for all businesses. The remaining four strategies are part of the advanced maturity level and offer additional protection against cyber threats.

While implementing Essential Eight can help significantly reduce your risk of a cyberattack, it’s important to remember that it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Your business may require additional mitigation strategies beyond Essential Eight, and your business must conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to identify any gaps in your security. That is the first step in implementing Essential Eight. Focus on achieving a maturity level that makes sense for your business as the nature of your data might not be as sensitive as another business’ and Maturity Level Three might not correlate to your risk management evaluation.

So, which maturity level should your business be at? It ultimately depends on the size and complexity of your business, as well as the level of risk you are willing to tolerate. However, the baseline maturity level should be the starting point for all businesses, regardless of size or industry.

The baseline strategies include:

  • Application control: This involves only allowing approved applications to run on your systems, which can help prevent malware and other malicious software from executing.
  • Patching applications: Regularly updating applications with the latest security patches can help prevent cyber attackers from exploiting vulnerabilities in your systems.
  • Patching operating systems: Like patching applications, regularly updating your operating systems with the latest security patches can help prevent cyber attackers from exploiting vulnerabilities.
  • Restricting administrative privileges: Limiting the number of people who have administrative access to your systems can help reduce the risk of a successful cyberattack.
  • Configure Microsoft Office macro settings: Cybercriminals often use Microsoft Office macros to deliver malware, so configuring the macro settings in Microsoft Office can help your business prevent this type of attack.

Once this level has been achieved, for businesses with higher risk levels, implementing the advanced maturity level strategies can provide additional protection. These strategies include:

  • Multi-factor authentication: Requiring more than one form of authentication, such as a password and a security token, can help prevent unauthorised access to your systems.
  • User application hardening: Configuring user applications to prevent malicious content from executing can help reduce the risk of a successful cyberattack.
  • Daily backups: Regularly backing up your data can help ensure that you can recover quickly in the event of a successful cyberattack.
  • Incident response: Developing and implementing an incident response plan can help minimise the impact of a successful cyberattack on your business.

Each mitigation strategy needs to be lifted to a higher level until the target maturity level is achieved as your business’ overall maturity is based on the lowest score of any of the strategies. This will not change unless all eight mitigation strategies are lifted to the specific target level. In the original iteration of Essential Eight, it aimed for all organisations to reach Maturity Level Three, but with the latest release, it aims for organisations to reach a homogenous maturity level across the strategies before then moving up to the next level.

Improving your business’ Cyber Security strategies can be an expensive process and achieving any maturity level of the Essential Eight strategies requires time. Start with the baseline, then work your way up to help reduce the costs in the beginning. While it can be a slow process, your business must ensure it’s beginning to improve its maturity level as cyberattacks become increasingly common, especially so among small to medium-sized businesses. What’s more, there’s a high chance that Essential Eight will be mandated in the near future for some, if not all, industries due to just how common these cyberattacks are occurring.

In summary, all businesses should start with the baseline maturity level of Essential Eight, regardless of size or industry. From there, businesses with higher risk levels may need to implement advanced maturity-level strategies for additional protection. It’s important to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to identify any additional mitigation strategies that may be necessary for your business.

Does my business need to implement every aspect of Essential Eight?

Does my business need to implement every aspect of Essential Eight?

Essential Eight aims to get organisations to achieve a varied Cyber Security framework that spans the eight strategies so that they can improve their maturity of whichever strategy they are lagging. It’s an initiative that helps businesses understand the importance of Cyber Security within their organisation and gives them a framework on how to improve.

As the strategies are varied and quite specific, a business will not reach the maturity level it needs without any dedicated effort. We understand it can be a struggle to navigate the challenges of Cyber Security, especially since the higher the maturity level you reach, the more costs involved and the inconvenience it can be on yourself and your staff. It’s necessary though, as any cyberattack that occurs can be detrimental to your business, including unproductive staff, downtime, data breaches, ransom attacks, lost customer trust and reputation, high expenses plus any legal fees that may occur, and potentially could even see the closure of your company.

Does my business need to implement all eight strategies?

If you’re unsure what the eight strategies are, read this article here to learn.

Originally when Essential Eight was introduced by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), now part of the Australian Signals Directorate (ADS), it suggested all organisations should aim to reach Maturity Level three. Businesses had to implement only four of the strategies — application control, patch applications, restrict administrative privileges and configure Microsoft Office macro settings — with the remainder being optional, and they were also able to self-assess their compliance.

With the updated version released in 2023, it aims for businesses to reach the same maturity level across the strategies before moving up to the next. What this means is that each of the eight strategies needs to be improved and lifted to your needed level. If seven of the strategies are at Level Two and one is at Level One, then your organisation’s Maturity Level is One. The newer version also introduces audits to check proper compliance.

For that reason, yes, your business needs to implement every strategy in Essential Eight. It’s the target level that determines how intensely you then implement these strategies.

Your business may not need to reach Level Three. This will be determined in your initial risk audit and assessments that you complete alongside a Cyber Security audit. Business owners and stakeholders must understand the risks that your business faces, as well as the costs associated with these and the consequences if they happen.

Is Essential Eight enough to protect my business?

Other than Essential Eight, your business should also have other Cyber Security practices in effect, including proactive monitoring of your networks and devices for malicious activity and regularly testing data recovery solutions so that when a cyberattack occurs, you can get your business back up and running. Essential Eight also doesn’t approach the task of the initial risk assessment that your business must undergo before implementing any Cyber Security strategy.

Essential Eight is simply a starting point for businesses to protect their digital assets. At current, the framework is about to become compulsory for all non-corporate Commonwealth Entities (NCCEs) so that Australia conducts business securely in the future to protect the country and its citizens. Now that so much of our lives and information is online, action needs to take place to protect this information. The government will be auditing NCCEs for compliance and, as part of their contracts, the NCCEs may require businesses they work with to also comply, meaning businesses may lose opportunities if they do not comply.

The framework is also highly recommended by the Australian Government for all other businesses, but we believe this will change soon to become mandated. Cyber Security attacks are growing, both in number and complexity. Criminals are using social engineering to trick staff into believing they are legitimate actors which then leads to disaster for businesses. Your business needs to aim to decrease as many of these opportunities, plus other complex threats, from reaching your staff, which Essential Eight can help achieve.

The ACSC themselves mention that:

While no single mitigation strategy is guaranteed to prevent Cyber Security incidents, organisations are recommended to implement eight essential mitigation strategies as a baseline. This baseline, known as the essential eight, makes it much harder for adversaries to compromise systems.”

What now?

Implementing Essential Eight is something we, as an MSP specialising in Cyber Security, have been working with our clients to do and is something we do with every new client we take on board. Cyber Security can ruin businesses, so it’s something that must be applied.

The maturity level your business requires depends on your business and circumstances, so during the assessment, make sure to ask questions like ‘What is the risk of an attack’ and ‘What does my business have to lose.’ Once you’ve determined the level, it’s then time to achieve this through implementation, reviewing and monitoring.

If you’re unsure where to go from here, we can help you along the journey. In addition, Pronet Technology can also help with broader and stronger Cyber Security strategies and offer services with advanced threat protection and detection.

Contact Pronet Technology today to learn how prepared your business is for Essential Eight and how we can improve your Cyber Security.

What would be the true cost of disaster to my business if my IT failed?

What would be the true cost of disaster to my business if my IT failed?

As a business owner myself, I know the importance of keeping my business’ IT systems running smoothly, which I’m sure you are also aware of in your own company, but have you ever thought about the true cost of a disaster if your IT systems fail? The truth is that it can be catastrophic.

Imagine your business losing all of its data or being unable to access critical systems for a prolonged period. The impact on your business can be devastating, resulting in lost revenue, damage to your reputation and even the closure of your business.

So, what is the true cost of a disaster for your business if your IT fails? Measuring the cost of failure is complicated as there are so many different areas that factor into this, like direct costs and indirect costs.

Direct costs include costs of repairs or replacements of damaged hardware and software, as well as any business interruption. There is a range of indirect costs that IT system failures can create that can actually be higher than the direct costs. Let’s take a look at some of these:

Lost Revenue

The first factor people generally think of when they think of costs is lost revenue. Lost revenue occurs when a business is unable to continue normal business operations which can be incredibly devastating for businesses who heavily rely on technology. If your IT systems are down, your business may not be able to operate at full capacity, resulting in lost revenue.

Downtime also creates impatient customers and if other stores are selling similar products, customers will go there instead, to which they may find they like that store better, and therefore may continue using their products or services instead. Businesses need to understand the lifetime value of lost customers and when IT failures can cause your business to seem unreliable, this can tarnish the business’ reputation and therefore, lose customers.

The exact lost revenue from unplanned system outages depends on the type of outage and the size of your business. For a small independent store, an IT outage could result in no card payments for a few hours, leaving you relying only on cash — which not many people have on them these days. This is even more devastating for businesses that rely on every sale to stay afloat.

To calculate potential annual lost revenue, you can use a simple formula:

Lost Revenue = (G/T) x I x H

G = gross annual revenue

T = total annual business hours

I = percentage of revenue lost during an outage

H = number of annual outage hours

Reputation Damage

An indirect cost that occurs if your business experiences a significant IT failure can be a damaged reputation. Reputational damage occurs when customers and other stakeholders lose confidence in the organisation’s ability to effectively manage risks and protect their interests. Suppliers may also be hesitant to work with a business that has suffered a data breach, leading to potential supply chain disruptions and delays. If you’ve noticed the business’ reputation has been damaged, an entire marketing campaign may be needed to repair this, further incurring your business costs.

Customers may lose trust in your ability to provide reliable services or products, resulting in lost sales, and, as mentioned, lost customers occur when customers become frustrated with the disruption that occurs to businesses to which they then switch to a competitor, resulting in lost revenue.

Recovery Costs

Another direct cost associated with IT failures is the cost associated with fixing the issues. In the event of a disaster, you may need to hire IT professionals to restore your systems. This can be a costly process, especially if you need to pay for emergency services or if you don’t have a managed service provider.

Part of this also includes recovering or repurchasing hardware and software or services, which can differ in their severity. For example, a company’s email server not working is less severe than customers being unable to place orders. In this way, it’s the exact nature of the loss or outage that will determine the costs.

A factor that many people don’t think of are the costs surrounding overtime to catch up on missed work during downtime. Not only that, but IT failures may have forced your staff to keep paper records of transactions or notes during a system outage, which then need to be manually input when systems go online again, leading to overtime and other labour costs.

IT failures can also cause your staff to miss deadlines or follow through on contractual obligations with projects, meaning more money will be spent on projects that should have already been finished or you will have to reimburse customers.

Data Loss

Direct losses also include losing data, which has an even bigger impact on your business than the loss of an application or service. Data loss can be permanent and can have financial and legal implications beyond the direct losses on your company. The costs surrounding data loss can even lead to the closure of a business. Data loss ties into every other factor on this list and has a direct link to cyber threats like phishing, malware and ransomware. If your IT systems failed and cybercriminals had easy access to your network and data, this can also lead to ransom demands or costs related to recovering lost data.   

Legal Costs

Depending on your industry, you may be subject to legal or regulatory requirements that mandate the protection of sensitive data. SMEs that suffer a data breach can face lawsuits and government fines, especially if they’re not in compliance with data protection laws. These legal battles can be expensive and time-consuming, and can also cause damage to your reputation.

Time and Productivity Loss

If your IT systems are down, your employees may not be able to work as efficiently. This can result in lost productivity and increased costs.

A Dunn & Bradstreet survey found that 59 per cent of Fortune 500 companies experience 1.6 hours of downtime per week or more. If this is a company-wide failure that prevents all employees from working and that company has 5,000 employees, with an average labour cost of $30 per hour, the labour downtime for that week is $240,000 in lost productivity. Per year, that’s $12,480,000. Even if you had one-thousandth of that amount, that’s still $12,480 per year just for outages.

In 2004, Gartner led a survey that found the average hourly cost of downtime for a mid-sized company was $42,000. They conducted the survey again in 2014 and this number had risen to $300,000 per hour. If they do the survey again next year, who knows how high this figure will have increased.

Keep in mind that this varies by industry, with financial organisations losing the highest amounts for every hour of downtime and these averages are heavily skewed by large organisations. In a recent survey of IT managers, only 20 per cent of companies had costs higher than $12,000 per hour.

Emotional Toll

Continued downtime, while affecting employee productivity, also affects morale, as when overtime is needed, this means more time away from families and their hobbies, and if this happens too often, staff will start looking for a new job. 

IT failures and data loss also cause immense stress and anxiety for both business owners and employees. Cyberattacks that cause important business information to be lost, like customer details, financial information and inventory records can feel like a personal attack, especially when you’ve put so much time and effort into building your business. Disaster carries with it an emotional toll that takes a long time to recover from.

How to reduce the costs of a disaster to your business’ IT systems

So, what can you do to mitigate the risks of a disaster and protect your business? The answer is to invest in a comprehensive IT support plan that includes disaster recovery and business continuity. This type of plan can help ensure that your critical systems are backed up and can be restored quickly in the event of a disaster, and will help you and stakeholders understand how affected your business will be if anything occurs and also give you a path forward for how to reduce these risks.

In addition to disaster recovery, your IT support plan should include regular system maintenance, security updates and proactive monitoring to prevent issues before they occur. Partnering with an IT service provider that specialises in data security can also be a wise investment. These providers can help identify vulnerabilities in your system and implement security measures to protect your business from data loss. They can also provide ongoing support and monitoring to ensure that your systems are secure and up-to-date.

It’s also important to educate your employees about data security and implement security measures such as firewalls, antivirus software and multi-factor authentication, as well as by implementing the Australian Government’s recommended Essential Eight Cyber Security measures. By investing in a comprehensive IT support plan, you can help minimise the risk of a disaster and protect your business from the potentially catastrophic costs of an IT failure.

There’s no point in pretending your IT systems will never fail. Over the years of using a personal computer, we all know that’s not possible, and this is the same for IT systems in business landscapes. No organisation will experience no downtime, but as long as practices are followed that keep downtime to a minimum, then you can feel reassured that everything will be okay in the long run.

An IT service provider can be monumental in helping with preventing risks from occurring within your business. Your business probably already has one, but make sure you’re constantly keeping in communication with them to ensure they’re properly looking after your business’ interests.

If your business is not with a provider or you’re looking to switch, give us at Pronet a call to see if we’re the right fit for you.

How to Restrict Who Accesses Certain Folders or Programs in Your Business

How to Restrict Who Accesses Certain Folders or Programs in Your Business

If you’re concerned about the security of your business’ data and want to restrict access to certain folders or programs in your organisation, keep reading.

As businesses become more digital, the need for data security has increased. It is crucial to prevent unauthorised access to sensitive information and protect it from potential cyberattacks. Restricting access to certain folders or programs is an effective way to secure your data as it allows you to control who has access to what data and ensures that only authorised personnel can access sensitive information.

Certain users or teams within your business may need a higher level of access than others, as giving someone access to change permissions and install updates to apps and the device is necessary, but when someone within or outside your business gets access to this, they can accidentally or intentionally cause immense damage.

By restricting who has access, it makes it difficult for malicious users to affect certain applications, obtain sensitive information or change privileges to prevent staff from being able to work effectively.

Restricting administrative privileges is also one of the Australian Cyber Security Centre’s (ACSC) Essential Eight mitigation strategies against cyber threats, so if you’re currently looking at implementing this framework, keep reading to learn about how to do this.

How to Restrict Who Accesses Certain Folders or Programs in Your Business

To restrict who accesses certain folders or programs in your business, you can follow these steps:

  • Identify Tasks: Start by identifying the tasks that require administrative privileges, then work out which staff members are required and authorised to carry out these tasks as part of their roles.
  • Create User Accounts: Create user accounts for each employee in your organisation. Each employee should have a unique username and password to access the system.
  • Assign Access Rights: Assign access rights to each user account. You can set permissions to read, write or execute files in specific folders or programs. Make sure users have the least amount of privileges needed to carry out their roles.
  • Use Encryption: Use encryption to protect sensitive data from unauthorised access. Encryption ensures that only authorised personnel can access the data, even if it falls into the wrong hands.
  • Implement Access Control Policies: Implement access control policies to restrict access to certain folders or programs. You can set policies based on job roles, departments or projects.
  • Monitor Access Logs: Monitor access logs to identify any unauthorised attempts to access sensitive data. This can help you identify security breaches and take corrective measures to prevent future incidents. Make sure to revalidate staff requirements to have a privileged account frequently so that when their role changes or they leave the business, you can remove these privileges.

What is Not Effective?

The ACSC advises that there are a number of approaches that do not qualify as restricting administrative privileges and which can actually increase the risk to an organisation.

  • Only minimising the total number of privileged accounts
  • Allowing for shared non-attributable privileged accounts
  • Allocating administrative privileges to users temporarily
  • Placing non-admin users in groups with users that have administrative privileges

Benefits of Restricting Access to Certain Folders or Programs in Your Business

Restricting access to certain folders or programs in your business can provide several benefits, including:

  • Improved Data Security: Restricting access to sensitive information can improve data security and prevent data breaches.
  • Compliance with Regulations: Restricting access to certain folders or programs can help you comply with regulations and standards, such as The Privacy Act and Essential Eight.
  • Reduced Risk of Cyber Attacks: Restricting access to sensitive data can reduce the risk of cyberattacks and protect your business from potential threats.
  • Increased Control: Restricting access to certain folders or programs can give you increased control over who has access to what data.

Restricting access to certain folders or programs in your business is a crucial step in ensuring the security of your data. By creating user accounts, assigning access rights, using encryption, implementing access control policies and monitoring access logs, you can prevent unauthorised access to sensitive information and protect your business from potential cyberattacks. Don’t neglect this important aspect of your business security, act today and protect your data!

Remember, the security of your business data is essential to your success and you must take all necessary measures to protect it from unauthorised access. With the right security measures in place, you can rest assured that your data is safe and your business is protected.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the best way to restrict access to certain folders or programs in my business?

The best way to restrict access to certain folders or programs in your business is to create user accounts, assign access rights, use encryption, implement access control policies and monitor access logs.

  • What are the benefits of restricting access to certain folders or programs in my business?

The benefits of restricting access to certain folders or programs in your business include improved data security, compliance with regulations, reduced risk of cyberattacks and increased control over who has access to what data.

  • Can I restrict access to certain folders or programs based on job roles or departments?

Yes, you can restrict access to certain folders or programs based on job roles or departments by implementing access control policies.

  • How can I monitor access logs to identify unauthorised attempts to access sensitive data?

You can monitor access logs to identify unauthorised attempts to access sensitive data by using software tools that track user activity and notify you of any suspicious activity. This can help you identify security breaches and take corrective measures to prevent future incidents.

  • What are the consequences of not restricting access to sensitive data in my business?

Not restricting access to sensitive data in your business can result in data breaches, cyberattacks, financial losses, legal liabilities and damage to your business’ reputation.

10 ways to Include QR Codes in your marketing plan

10 ways to Include QR Codes in your marketing plan

Did you know that the use of QR codes skyrocketed in 2020, reaching a market size of $916.7 million? This is expected to grow an additional 5.6 per cent by 2026, which will exceed $1 billion!

QR (Quick Response) codes are two-dimensional barcodes that can be scanned by a smartphone camera to access digital content such as a website, video or social media page.

When using QR codes in your marketing plan, it’s important to make sure the code is easily scannable and that the landing page or content it directs to is optimised for mobile devices.

Additionally, providing clear instructions on how to scan the code can increase the chances of customers using it.

How to incorporate QR codes into your business

  • Business cards

Adding a QR code to your business card is a quick and easy way for customers to access your website, a video or your social media account, or even for them to take an action, such as calling a business number, sending an email or filling out an online form. You can print different versions of the business card with different QR codes linking to whichever form you’re after at that moment in time.

  • Special Offers

When scanned, the QR code can direct customers to a landing page with a coupon or promotional code to redeem the offer.

  • Ask for reviews or to conduct customer surveys

Businesses can gather customer feedback through QR codes as when a customer scans it, they can be directed to a survey or feedback form, where they can provide their thoughts on the product or service.

  • Improve customer experience

QR codes can allow customers to move through experiences at their own pace and interact with your brand in various ways. They let you provide more positive and memorable touchpoints without necessarily requiring more staff or an increased marketing budget.

Many museums and attractions place QR codes throughout venues that link to audio and video files, text and maps, among other things. You can also use QR codes to engage customers in interactive games, such as a scavenger hunt.

  • Payments

Incorporate QR codes into your mobile POS system. Customers can scan the QR code to make a payment or use a discount. Restaurants often do this with their ordering systems, linking QR codes to their menu and ordering page, allowing customers to order directly from their tables.

  • Information

QR codes can be printed on product packaging to provide customers with more information about the product, such as ingredients, video demos, detailed product descriptions, reviews or customer testimonials. You can even try adding QR codes to your direct mail marketing campaigns to give consumers your business’ contact data or direct them to your website’s landing page.

  • Products, giveaways and apps

Share a QR code via social media or through a printed code to download your app on the App Store or Play Store. You can also place QR codes on giveaways like T-shirts and pens to spread the word about your business. 

  • Wi-Fi

Cafes, libraries and public spaces can have customers scan a QR code to access Wi-Fi instead of having them enter a password. 

  • Events, social accounts and website

Market your events, such as concerts, trade shows or conferences, via a QR code on your social media account. When scanned, the QR code can direct customers to a landing page with event details, ticket information and registration forms. When scanned, QR codes can direct customers to your company’s social media page, where they can follow or like the page to stay up to date on your company’s news and promotions.

  • Job listings

Use QR codes in job listings so applicants can read the job description, understand the qualifications needed and apply. 

Benefits

Ease of use: QR codes can be scanned using a smartphone camera or a QR code reader app, making it a simple and quick way for users to access information without the need for typing in URLs or searching for information.

Versatility: QR codes can be used in a variety of ways, from product packaging to event tickets, business cards and customer self-service, providing a convenient way to share information and connect with and serve customers.

Cost-effectiveness: It’s relatively cheap for businesses to print QR codes, making them an affordable way to incorporate digital marketing strategies into your operations. They’re an easy way to connect offline and online media to diversify your business’ presence.

Data tracking: QR codes can be used to track user engagement and collect valuable data on consumer behaviour, allowing businesses to adjust their marketing strategies accordingly.

Enhanced user experience: By providing quick access to relevant information, QR codes can improve the user experience, leading to higher customer satisfaction and engagement.

Security Risks

While QR codes are a convenient tool for accessing digital content quickly, they can also pose security risks if used improperly.

Here are some security risks associated with QR codes:

Malware: Scanning a QR code can redirect the user to a website or download a file that contains malware. Hackers can use QR codes to deliver malware to unsuspecting users.

Phishing: QR codes can be used to direct users to a phishing site designed to steal personal or financial information. Users may not be able to tell if the site is legitimate, as the QR code may be used to mask the true URL.

Social engineering: Hackers can use QR codes to manipulate users into disclosing sensitive information. For example, a QR code could direct a user to a fake login page that captures their login credentials.

Unauthorised access: QR codes can be used to grant unauthorised access to sensitive information or locations. For example, a QR code could be used to bypass a security checkpoint or grant access to a restricted area.

Privacy violations: QR codes can be used to track user behaviour and collect personal information without their consent. This can lead to privacy violations and identity theft.

To mitigate the risks associated with QR codes, it’s important to take the following steps:

  • Only scan QR codes from trusted sources.
  • Verify the URL before entering sensitive information.
  • Use a mobile security app to scan QR codes for malware and phishing attempts.
  • Limit the personal information shared via QR codes.
  • Avoid using QR codes to access sensitive information or grant access to restricted areas.

Small and medium-sized businesses should ensure they are telling staff to check that QR codes haven’t been covered by another as QR codes cannot be hacked, only the destination of the QR codes.

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