Tag Archives: cybersecurity

Cybersecurity, IT Support, Technology

Why Should My Business Use Penetration Testing?

Why Should My Business Use Penetration Testing?

Businesses of all sizes face a variety of security threats that can compromise their sensitive data and cripple their operations. To ensure protection against cyberattacks, organisations must adopt proactive measures. One such measure is penetration testing, a vital component of a comprehensive security strategy.

Why should my business use penetration testing?

In an era where cyberattacks are rampant, it’s crucial to take pre-emptive action to identify vulnerabilities in your systems before malicious actors exploit them. Penetration testing, also known as ethical hacking, allows you to simulate real-world attack scenarios and uncover weaknesses that could be leveraged by cybercriminals. By proactively identifying and patching vulnerabilities, you can prevent costly breaches and protect your valuable business assets.

Benefits of Penetration Testing

Comprehensive Security Assessment

An effective penetration test provides a thorough evaluation of your organisation’s security posture. It goes beyond basic vulnerability scanning and examines the resilience of your network, applications and infrastructure. By emulating the techniques used by real attackers, penetration testing uncovers hidden weaknesses that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Early Detection of Vulnerabilities

Identifying vulnerabilities at an early stage is crucial to mitigating potential risks. Penetration testing allows you to detect weaknesses in your systems before they can be exploited. This enables you to address vulnerabilities promptly, reducing the window of opportunity for attackers and minimising potential damage.

Protection of Customer Data

Businesses have a responsibility to protect the personal information entrusted to them and the large amounts of data they hold. A single data breach can lead to severe reputational damage and legal repercussions. Penetration testing assists in identifying vulnerabilities that could expose sensitive customer data, allowing you to then implement the necessary safeguards and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.

Proactive Approach to Security

Taking a proactive stance towards security is important in the ever-evolving threat landscape. Penetration testing allows you to stay one step ahead of potential attackers. By regularly conducting tests and addressing vulnerabilities, you demonstrate a commitment to strong security practices, giving your customers, partners and stakeholders confidence in your business.

Validation of Security Controls

Implementing security controls and measures is not enough if they are not effectively tested and validated. Penetration testing provides an opportunity to assess the effectiveness of your security controls and determine their vulnerability to various cyber threats. This allows you to fine-tune your defences and ensure they are capable of withstanding real-world threats.

Cost Savings in the Long Run

While investing in penetration testing may seem like an added expense, it is a wise investment that can save your business substantial costs in the long run. By proactively addressing vulnerabilities, you mitigate the risk of data breaches, system downtime, legal fines and loss of customer trust. The cost of remediation and recovery from a breach far outweighs the expenses that come with conducting regular penetration tests.

These days where cyber threats are constantly in the news, businesses must take proactive measures to safeguard their data, systems and reputation. Penetration testing offers a powerful solution to identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors. By conducting regular penetration tests, businesses can enhance their security framework, protect sensitive customer data and demonstrate a commitment to robust security practices.

Investing in penetration testing is an investment in the long-term success and resilience of your business. It allows you to stay one step ahead of potential attackers, detect vulnerabilities early and save costs associated with data breaches and recovery efforts. So, why should your business use penetration testing? The answer is simple: to fortify your defences, protect your valuable assets and ensure the trust and confidence of your customers.

FAQs about Penetration Testing

  • What is penetration testing?

Penetration testing is a proactive security assessment technique that simulates real-world attacks on a company’s network, systems or applications. It aims to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses that could be exploited by malicious actors.

  • How often should penetration testing be conducted?

The frequency of penetration testing depends on various factors, such as the nature of your business, industry regulations and the level of risk you face. Generally, it is recommended to conduct penetration testing at least once a year or whenever significant changes are made to your systems or infrastructure.

  • Can’t we rely on automated vulnerability scanners instead?

While automated vulnerability scanners have their place in a security strategy, they cannot replicate the ingenuity and creativity of human attackers. Penetration testing involves skilled ethical hackers who employ manual techniques to uncover complex vulnerabilities that automated scanners might miss. It provides a more comprehensive assessment of your security systems.

  • Will penetration testing disrupt our business operations?

Penetration testing is carefully planned and executed to minimise disruptions to your business operations. Ethical hackers work closely with your organisation to ensure that testing is conducted at convenient times and in a controlled manner. They prioritise the security of your systems while minimising any potential impact on day-to-day activities.

  • How long does a penetration test typically take?

The duration of a penetration test varies depending on the size and complexity of your systems. It can range from a few days to several weeks. The ethical hacking team will provide you with a clear timeline and keep you informed throughout the process.

  • What happens after the penetration test is completed?

After the penetration test is completed, you will receive a detailed report outlining the vulnerabilities identified, their potential impact and recommended remediation actions. This report serves as a valuable roadmap for improving your security posture. The ethical hacking team can also provide guidance and support in implementing the necessary measures to address the identified vulnerabilities.

Cybersecurity, Technology

What is a firewall and how do they work?

What is a firewall and how do they work?

Firewalls are the digital guardians that stand between our sensitive data and the cybercriminals lurking in the dark corners of the internet. In this article, I’m going to take you on a journey through the fascinating world of firewalls and explain how they work to keep us safe.

What is a firewall?

At its most basic level, a firewall is a piece of software or hardware that monitors and controls the flow of data between a computer or network and the internet. It acts as a barrier, blocking unwanted traffic while allowing authorised traffic to pass through.

Firewalls can be thought of as bouncers at a club. The bouncer’s job is to let in the people who are supposed to be there while keeping out the troublemakers. In the same way, a firewall allows legitimate data to pass through while blocking malicious traffic.

When did firewalls first come about?

As security issues evolved, new preventative measures had to be developed to protect organisations and individuals. In 1989, packet-filtered firewalls came about and then the first commercial firewall, called DEC SEAL, was released in 1992. Stateful firewalls began appearing in 1994.

As investments and technology continued, in 2004, IDC coined the term, UTM, or unified threat management, which involves a single hardware or software that provides multiple security functions, highlighting how this area of security was becoming more complex, with more companies enhancing these technologies. Next-generation firewall, introduced by Gartner, then came about in 2009.

How do firewalls work?

A firewall analyses networks based on rules, allowing incoming connections that it has been configured to allow through. It allows or blocks specific data packets, which are units of communication sent over digital networks. This way, only trusted IP addresses — these identify computers or sources — are allowed through.

Types of firewalls

You can get both software and hardware firewalls, both serving a different purpose. Hardware firewalls, like hardware, are physical and are stored between your network and gateway, like a broadband router for example. Software firewalls are internal programs on your device that work through port numbers and apps. As businesses transition online, there are now also cloud-based firewalls, known as Firewall as a Service (FaaS) which can grow with your organisation.

There are many types of firewalls based on how they filter traffic, their structure and functionality. Here are just a few:

Packet-filtering firewalls: these examine each packet of data that tries to pass through and compare it to a set of predefined rules. If the packet matches one of the rules, it is allowed to pass through. If it doesn’t match any of the rules, it is blocked. These are basic and are meant for smaller networks as they do have some limitations, like being unable to prevent web-based attacks.

Stateful multi-layer inspection (SMLI) firewalls: these go a step further, not only examining each packet but also keeping track of the state of the connection between the two computers. This allows them to determine whether a particular packet is part of an established connection or if it’s a new connection attempt. This type of firewall is more secure than packet-filtering firewalls because it can detect and block certain types of attacks that packet-filtering firewalls cannot. They are still, however, unable to tell the difference between good and bad web traffic.

Next-generation firewalls (NGFW): these are more sophisticated as they have higher levels of security where they inspect a packet in its entirety, such as its contents and source. These firewalls can block more complex and evolving security threats like advanced malware.

Network address translation (NAT) firewalls: these can assess internet traffic and block unwelcome communications. They only allow inbound web traffic if a device on your network has approved the IP address.

Firewalls can also be configured to block specific types of traffic, such as incoming or outgoing email, instant messaging or peer-to-peer file sharing. This can be useful in preventing data leaks or stopping employees from wasting time on non-work-related activities.

It’s a good idea to have both network-based and host-based firewalls set up. Network firewalls are usually used by businesses to protect large networks of computers, servers and employees, where they filter traffic from the internet to secured local area networks (LAN). A host-based firewall is a software that works somewhat the same but is stored on a single computer or device and can be installed on each server to control traffic and protect the host.

One of the most common uses of firewalls is to protect home networks. Many home routers have built-in firewalls that can be configured to block incoming traffic from the internet while allowing outgoing traffic. This helps to prevent hackers from accessing the computers and devices on your network.

Firewalls are also essential for businesses of all sizes. They protect sensitive data such as customer information, financial records and proprietary information. Without a firewall, a company’s network could be vulnerable to attacks such as viruses, malware and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks like ransomware.

Make sure to constantly update your firewalls as firmware patches come about after any new vulnerabilities are discovered.

Why should I use a firewall?

Being connected to the internet, you should have a firewall in place, especially since threats are constantly evolving. Some risks of not using a firewall include having your networks open for anyone to access, having your data exposed for cybercriminals to delete, steal or demand a ransom from, or could cause attackers to shut down your network, again, often requiring you to pay a ransom to restore. At the very least, not having one can mean a loss of data, time and money.

As much as you continue to tell staff not to click unknown links or to access untrusty websites, people make mistakes, so a firewall is a minimum protection you should be including in your business. Even if you combine this with virus protection, which you should, it’s still the bare minimum in security.

When does a firewall not work?

Firewalls can be great for protecting your networks, but there are many vulnerabilities your business can still face even when using one.

You could be hit by an insider attack, or even a distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack, where your network gets flooded with traffic. You could be hit by malware, which can be incredibly varied and complex which firewalls can find difficult to defend against, or there may be a missed vulnerability in your firewall that hasn’t yet been rectified which can allow threats to access your network.

Not all firewalls prevent employees from accessing malicious websites and they cannot protect against virus-infected files accidentally being downloaded. They don’t prevent issues surrounding passwords and if your system is already infected, a firewall will do nothing.

It is because of this that a firewall should not be the only protection your business implements as its security measure. All your devices need to have the latest operating system and security software. Contact your IT or managed service provider to make sure they are adequately protecting your business and continually monitoring your systems for cyberattacks to stop them in their tracks.

Firewalls are an essential part of computer security. They act as the first line of defence against cybercriminals and can prevent a wide range of attacks. Whether you’re using a home computer or running a business, it’s important to have a firewall in place to protect your data and keep your network secure. So, if you haven’t already, make sure to invest in a good firewall and keep your digital life safe from harm.

Cybersecurity, Data Recovery, MSP

Is my company’s data recovery system fail-proof?

Is my company’s data recovery system fail-proof?

Have you ever lost important data due to a system failure and wondered if your data recovery system is fail-proof? Losing valuable data can be a frustrating and emotional experience, so it’s important to ensure that your data recovery system is reliable and effective.

When a company loses data that can be recreated or easily regathered, then data loss might not be a major issue for your business, but when data critical to your business is lost and unable to be reobtained quickly, this can cause devastating problems for your business, including possible fines.

Some business owners have the idea that they live in an area safe from disasters, or they’ve never had a disaster, so they don’t need to invest in a disaster recovery plan for their business. For those business owners or stakeholders, it’s time to start rethinking what disaster recovery means.

When something goes wrong on one of your or your employees’ devices, or even in your IT system infrastructure, a strong recovery plan can mean the difference between getting back up and running in minutes or struggling to recover your information for days, weeks or ever. 

What Constitutes a Disaster?

A disaster doesn’t just have to be natural, like a fire, flood, cyclone or earthquake. In business, disaster also includes ones caused by human error, like an employee failing to save a document or clicking a phishing link. Data backups and recovery in your business means protecting your business from human error, corrupted files, fraud, ransomware, Cyber Security breaches, IT system failures and power outages.

Importance of a Disaster Recovery Plan

Other than protecting your business and its long-term operations, having a disaster recovery plan is important for many other reasons, including:

  • Protecting your business’ data
  • Protecting sensitive information of customers
  • Protecting your business’ reputation
  • Removing longevity worries and allowing your business to focus on more important matters
  • Cost-effective as it reduces possible financial loss and business disruption

The 3-2-1 Backup Rule

If you are not relying on an external provider to look after your systems and data recovery, businesses should use the 3-2-1 rule. All precious data should be stored 3 times, once on the original data storage place, like your computer, and then on two other different technologies, like on disks and the cloud.

Why do backups fail?

  • Your backup software didn’t work
  • There’s not enough space on the storage device for the backup
  • The backup didn’t cover the entire device
  • Backups are done manually, not automatically
  • The computer or storage device was not on when the automatic backup was scheduled
  • Files were lost before the backup was created

Backup tips

Here are some tips to determine whether your data recovery system is fail-proof.

Firstly, consider the type of data recovery system you have in place. If you’re relying on a basic backup system like an external hard drive or USB drive, it may not be enough to protect against all types of data loss. These systems can also fail, so it’s important to have a backup of your backup or consider using a more sophisticated data recovery system.

Secondly, consider how often you’re backing up. If you’re only backing up your data occasionally, such as once a week or once a month, you may be at risk of losing important data that was created or modified since your last backup, so if you received a large amount of customer data or analytics during that time, it’s all gone. Ensure your backup system runs automatically regularly so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to back up your data.

Thirdly, test your data recovery system regularly. It’s important to ensure that your data recovery system is actually working and can recover your data in the event of a system failure. Test your backup and recovery processes regularly and ensure you can restore all of your important data.

Fourthly, consider using cloud-based backup and recovery systems. These systems are designed to be highly reliable and secure and can protect against all types of data loss, including natural disasters, theft and cyberattacks. They also allow you to access your data from anywhere, at any time, making it easy to recover your data in the event of a system failure.

How an MSP helps

Your managed service provider should offer data continuity as a service and it is a service you should most certainly be using. The MSP will regularly back up your data and test these backups to ensure your business will be back up and running no matter what happens.

Pronet Technology’s disaster recovery solution provides several layers of redundancy to ensure that your essential data is backed up and recoverable. Our backup systems are also regularly ‘stress tested’ so that we can ensure your backups are ready and able to function in a real situation.

Ensuring that your data recovery system is fail-proof is essential for protecting your valuable data. Consider the type of backup system you’re using, the frequency and reliability of your backups, regularly test your data recovery system and consider using a cloud-based backup and recovery system. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your data is safe and secure and that you won’t have to worry about losing important data due to a system failure.

Businesses are full of data and while this data may not be 100 per cent safe from threats and losses, as long as you’re prepared for such emergencies, you will be able to pick up and keep business moving.

Like anything in the IT industry, risks and solutions are constantly changing, so keep up to date with different strategies to incorporate into your data recovery plan. Contact your MSP to see how they are adequately keeping your data safe and to see if there is anything else your business can do to keep itself safe.

Cybersecurity, Essential Eight, IT Support, Managed IT Services, MSP

Questions to ask your current IT service provider

5 Questions to ask your current IT service provider

If you’re satisfied with the service you are receiving from your current MSP and see no room for improvement, here are five things you can ask them to make sure they are looking after your business.

As a business owner, it’s essential that you’re satisfied with your IT provider’s services and capabilities. Many businesses we’ve contacted are happy with their relationship and service from their IT service provider but when we ask them if there’s any room for improvement, there’s always something. Or, they simply don’t know if there’s anything they should be asking their provider as they’re not technically inclined or up-to-date with regulations and new technologies.

If that’s you, here are some questions to ask your current IT provider to just make sure everything is on the right track, and why they’re important:

What recommendations can you give me to improve my IT infrastructure?

An MSP should be helping support the growth of your business so they should be helping your business to achieve its goals by looking at security, technology, the customer’s perspective and workplace transformation effects. You might even be on track and already have a lot of the latest tech, or might simply not find value in anything new, so they may have barely anything to recommend. As long as they’re open and transparent with you about this, you know you’re with an MSP who has your best interests at heart.

How are you implementing the Essential Eight Cyber Security strategies into my business?

Data breaches can be devastating for businesses, not just for owners but also for customers and staff. Essential Eight is currently a framework recommended by ACSC (Australia Cyber Security Centre) for your business to get started with when implementing Cyber Security strategies to protect your businesses. As it’s likely to become mandated in the future, ask your MSP how they are implementing the strategies and how your business ranks in Cyber Security maturity. You may not need to fully implement all the strategies either as you might not deal with data that is deemed ‘high risk’, but you should not be at Maturity Level Zero, so make sure the MSP is helping you improve.

How often are you backing up my data?

Backing up your data is critical to ensure you can quickly recover in the event of data loss or system failure. Losing that data can be a devastating blow, potentially crippling your business and erasing years of hard work. That’s why it’s so important to have a solid data backup and recovery plan in place. Understanding your provider’s backup and disaster recovery solutions can help you evaluate their ability to restore your data and minimise downtime. Backup is important, but restoring is equally, if not more, important. Make sure your MSP conducts regular restoration tests so that nothing is corrupt and you’re rest assured that your business will be back up and running in the event of a disaster.

What happens if my infrastructure goes down?

It’s one thing to know your MSP is backup up your data regularly but another to know what happens if infrastructure goes down. This is a key concern for stakeholders in any business as this affects production and trade, and enables potential data breaches. The consequences can be disastrous. Therefore, your business needs to know exactly the processes the MSP has in place for an attack or outage, such as remotely accessing data to restore systems and bringing you back online. 

How are you staying up to date with the latest technology trends and best practices, and can you give me some examples?

Technology is constantly evolving, so you want to make sure you’re partnering with an MSP that is constantly educating itself and staying current with the latest trends and best practices. Ask them if they’ve implemented any new technology into your business or if there have been any new solutions that could improve your business’s overall IT strategy.

Communication is also key in any relationship, so don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have, whenever you have them, no matter how dumb they may seem. Your IT provider is meant to work alongside you in your growth and since you’re their client who they’re making money off, they should be doing everything they can to ensure the longevity of your business.

Asking these questions can help you evaluate your current IT provider’s services, identify areas for improvement and ensure that you’re getting the most out of your IT investment.

Essential Eight, MSP

How does The Privacy Act affect my business?

How does The Privacy Act affect my business?

If you run a business in Australia, you’ve probably heard about the Australian Privacy Act. It’s a law that sets out how businesses must handle personal information, but what does it mean for you and your business?

What is Personal Information?

Personal information is any information that can be used to identify an individual. This includes things like names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses and even IP addresses. The Australian Privacy Act applies to all personal information that is collected, used or disclosed by businesses.

Key requirements of The Privacy Act

So, what are the requirements of the Australian Privacy Act? There are several key requirements that businesses must meet to comply with the law:

  1. Open and transparent management of personal information: Businesses must have a clear and transparent policy for how they manage personal information.
  2. Anonymity and pseudonymity: Wherever possible, businesses must allow individuals to remain anonymous or use a pseudonym.
  3. Collection of solicited personal information: Businesses must only collect personal information that is necessary for their business activities.
  4. Dealing with unsolicited personal information: Businesses must destroy or de-identify unsolicited personal information that they receive.
  5. Notification of the collection of personal information: Businesses must notify individuals about the collection of their personal information.
  6. Use or disclosure of personal information: Businesses must only use or disclose personal information for the purposes for which it was collected unless an exception applies.
  7. Direct marketing: Businesses must provide an opt-out option for direct marketing.
  8. Cross-border disclosure of personal information: Businesses must take reasonable steps to ensure that personal information is protected if it is disclosed to an overseas recipient.
  9. Data quality: Businesses must take reasonable steps to ensure that personal information is accurate, up-to-date, and complete.
  10. Data security: Businesses must take reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, interference, loss and unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.
  11. Access and correction: Individuals have the right to access and correct their personal information.
  12. Complaints: Businesses must have a process for individuals to make complaints about how their personal information is being handled.

How does The Privacy Act directly affect your business?

The Australian Privacy Act applies to all businesses that collect, use or disclose personal information. This means that if your business collects personal information from customers, clients or employees, you must comply with the law.

If you don’t comply with the Australian Privacy Act, you could face fines and legal action. This could damage your reputation and hurt your business. So, it’s important to take the law seriously and make sure that your business is compliant.

To comply with the Australian Privacy Act, you’ll need to take steps to protect the personal information that your business collects, uses or discloses. This could include implementing data security measures, creating a privacy policy and providing training to employees about how to handle personal information.

The Privacy Act and Cyber Security

As technology continues to evolve and become more integrated into our daily lives, the need for Cyber Security measures has become increasingly important. In Australia, The Privacy Act is a legal framework that governs the collection, use and disclosure of personal information by businesses, however, in today’s digital age, Cyber Security breaches can pose a significant threat to The Privacy Act, and ultimately, to the privacy of Australian citizens.

Cyber Security refers to the measures taken to protect digital information and systems from unauthorised access, use or damage. Cyber Security breaches can come in many forms, including phishing attacks, malware infections and hacking attempts, and the consequences of a successful cyberattack can be severe, ranging from the loss of sensitive information to financial damages, and even reputational harm.

For businesses, Cyber Security is closely tied to The Privacy Act. Under the Act, businesses are required to protect the personal information they collect and hold, and must take reasonable steps to ensure that this information is kept secure. This means implementing appropriate Cyber Security measures to prevent unauthorised access or disclosure of personal information.

Despite the legal requirements set out in The Privacy Act, many businesses still fall short when it comes to Cyber Security. A lack of investment in Cyber Security measures, combined with a growing sophistication of cyberattacks, has left many businesses vulnerable to breaches. This not only puts personal information at risk but also undermines the trust of customers and stakeholders who rely on these businesses to safeguard their data. Customers need to feel confident that their personal information is being handled securely, and when businesses fail to protect this information, it can have devastating consequences.

Another issue is the cost of cybercrime to businesses. Recovering from a cyberattack can be incredibly expensive, both in terms of financial costs and lost productivity. Small businesses, in particular, may struggle to recover from a serious cyberattack, which can put them out of business altogether.

Cybercrime is having a significant impact on The Privacy Act for Australian businesses. While the government is taking steps to address these issues, including introducing the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme where an organisation must notify affected individuals and the government when a data breach is likely to result in serious harm to those whose personal information has been affected, as well as Essential Eight, it’s up to businesses themselves to take proactive steps to protect their customers’ personal information. This means investing in robust Cyber Security measures, implementing strong data protection policies and educating employees about the importance of Cyber Security. By taking these steps, businesses can help prevent cybercrime from undermining The Privacy Act and damaging their reputation.

In summary, the Australian Privacy Act is a law that sets out how businesses must handle personal information. If your business collects personal information from customers, clients or employees, you must comply with the law. This means taking steps to protect personal information and ensuring that your business is compliant with the law. By doing so, you can protect your business and your customers’ privacy.

Cybersecurity, IT Support, MSP, vulnerability scan

Can IT issues cause a drop in my employees’ and my company’s productivity?

Can IT issues cause a drop in my employees’ and my company’s productivity?

Information technology (IT) is an essential part of any modern business, and IT issues can cause significant problems that can affect employee and company productivity.

Employee productivity generally means either doing more work in less time or taking fewer hours to complete tasks. Increased employee engagement also improves morale which eventually reduces employee burnout.

Low productivity also results in poor performance by employees, affecting the quality of work and deliverables and, ultimately, your company’s profitability will decrease. It’s important to snub the low productivity issue at the core, which, oftentimes, comes from IT-related issues.

What are some IT-related issues in the workplace?

  • Software malfunctions
  • Freezing computers
  • Scanner or printer issues
  • Old computer systems
  • Annoying pop-ups
  • Internet connectivity issues
  • Viruses and malware
  • Learning to navigate new updates

How IT issues can cause a drop in productivity

  1. Downtime: IT issues can lead to downtime, which is the period when IT systems are not functioning correctly. Downtime can be caused by hardware failures, software crashes or network connectivity issues. Downtime can lead to a loss of productivity as employees are unable to perform their work, leading to delays in projects and missed deadlines. Network issues can also cause employees to miss online calendar alerts for meetings, events, calls and time-crucial emails, impacting sales, customer relationships and company reputation.
  2. Slow systems: Slow systems can be caused by a lack of memory, outdated software or hardware issues which can lead to a decrease in productivity as employees are unable to complete their work as quickly as they would like. Slow systems can also lead to frustration, leading to a decrease in employee morale.
  3. Data loss: IT issues can lead to data loss, which is the accidental or intentional loss of data. Data loss can be caused by hardware failures, software crashes or human error and can lead to a significant loss of productivity as employees are unable to access the necessary data to complete their work. Data loss can also lead to a loss of trust from customers and stakeholders, which can have long-lasting effects on the company’s reputation.
  4. Cyber Security breaches: Cyber Security breaches can be caused by a lack of security measures, outdated software or human error. Cyber Security breaches can lead to a loss of productivity as employees are unable to access the necessary systems or data, as well as a loss of trust from customers and stakeholders, leading to a significant impact on the company’s reputation.
  5. Support tickets: IT issues can lead to an increase in support tickets, which are requests for IT support from employees. An increase in support tickets can lead to a decrease in productivity as employees are unable to complete their work while waiting for IT support. An increase in support tickets can also lead to frustration, leading to a decrease in employee morale. Not only that, waiting for issues to be fixed can prevent employees from supporting your customers, resulting in company productivity.

How can managed IT services boost productivity?

Increased Uptime: Ensure your IT systems are up and running when you need them as MSPs use a proactive approach to fixing issues by constantly monitoring and fixing issues remotely.

Reduced need for IT support: Less need for in-house IT support as the MSP takes control and responsibility for the management of your systems to prevent issues from arising. When problems do occur, the majority of the time they are resolved quickly and efficiently.

Improved Employee Satisfaction: When employees don’t need to worry about whether or not their systems are working, they become more satisfied with their jobs and will be able to perform at their best.

More time for strategic tasks: By outsourcing your company’s IT systems, there is no need for employees to spend time on troubleshooting, that is, figuring out what is wrong and trying different solutions, or handling system updates. Employees can instead, focus on their jobs.

Better use of technology: MSPs can help your business get the most out of its technology as they’re able to teach you how to fully use your existing systems as well as keep your systems up-to-date with new updates that can help employees. As software continuously becomes more complex, underutilising features can mean missed opportunities for your business.

Reduced IT costs: Your business will no longer need to invest in expensive hardware and software updates and it will be easier to predict and manage your IT budget. This way, you can utilise your spending on other areas of business that will help your employees.

Increased competitiveness: Using an MSP ensures your business’ IT systems are on the same level as others. This software and hardware are usually included in your MSP’s cost. Something as simple as upgraded hard drives can make computers run faster and improve employee productivity.  

It might be helpful to ask your IT service provider for some tips on preventive measures for common IT problems which you can then share around your workplace to avoid unnecessary delays in the future as employees can fix issues themselves. This will also prevent many support tickets from being submitted. Most of us are more tech-savvy than we were a few years ago, so it’s a great idea to utilise your staff for smaller IT issues, even if it’s for something as minor as changing a printer ink cartridge.

Continuous training and performance support are crucial for staff, either about how to fix issues or about learning to navigate modern software applications. As reported in a 2019 study by Deloitte, comprehensive training leads to a 218 per cent higher revenue per employee, so don’t skimp on your investments in technological solutions that allow for staff training. Each time a staff member is hired, give them a lesson on the programs they will be using as well as a checklist of IT issues that your team has learned how to fix over the years. That way, they don’t have to then ask another employee and interrupt their momentum when a minor issue arises. Low productivity of one employee often has a domino effect on the entire team.

IT issues can cause significant problems that can affect employee and company productivity. These issues can lead to downtime, slow systems, data loss, Cyber Security breaches and an increase in support tickets. Companies should take steps to prevent IT issues by investing in modern IT infrastructure, regularly updating software and hardware, implementing Cyber Security measures and providing IT support to employees. By taking these steps, companies can ensure that their employees can work effectively, leading to increased productivity and success for the company.

Cybersecurity, Essential Eight

Why was Essential Eight introduced?

Why was Essential Eight introduced?

In the world of Cyber Security, Essential Eight is a term that is frequently heard. It’s a set of security strategies that businesses can implement to protect themselves against cyber threats. But have you ever wondered why Essential Eight was created in the first place?

Essential Eight was created by the Australian Cyber Security Centre, also known as the ACSC, in response to the increasing frequency and severity of cyberattacks on Australian businesses. The ACSC recognised that the majority of cyberattacks could have been prevented or mitigated if businesses had implemented basic security measures.

Essential Eight was originally developed to give Australian governmental agencies, departments, councils and other businesses in the public sector a framework to increase their security and operational practices. These strategies are now highly recommended for all private businesses as a foundation for their Cyber Security controls so that Australian businesses are protected against cybercrime as cybercriminals develop and improve their attacks.

At the moment, with the current rate of cyberattacks, businesses should aim at getting the security basics right. After analysing factors like the incident response of some of the early victims of cyberattacks, the ACSC released a revised 2023 version of its Essential Eight Strategies to Mitigate Cyber Security Incidents, originally released in 2017.

Essential Eight is a list of eight security strategies that ACSC believes will provide a strong foundation for Cyber Security. The strategies are based on ACSC’s experience and expertise in dealing with cyber threats and are designed to be effective against a range of cyberattacks, and they cover three key areas, prevention, limitation and recovery, and these are ranked by the business’ maturity level.

The strategies are not meant to be a one-size-fits-all solution, but rather a set of guidelines that businesses can use to tailor their security approach based on their specific needs and risk profile. By implementing Essential Eight, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks and protect their sensitive information and assets.

The Essential Eight strategies include:

  1. Application control: Allowing only approved applications to run on systems, preventing the execution of unauthorised software.
  2. Patching applications: Keeping all software up to date with the latest security patches to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.
  3. Configuring Microsoft Office macro settings: Blocking macros from the internet and allowing only approved macros to run on specific systems.
  4. User application hardening: Configuring web browsers to block malicious content and implementing security features such as two-factor authentication.
  5. Restricting administrative privileges: Limiting the number of accounts with administrative privileges to minimise the risk of privilege misuse.
  6. Patching operating systems: Keeping operating systems up to date with the latest security patches to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.
  7. Multi-factor authentication: Requiring additional forms of authentication, such as a security token or biometric authentication, to access sensitive information.
  8. Daily backups: Conducting daily backups of important data to ensure that in the event of a cyberattack, data can be restored to a previous state.

Implementing these strategies can seem daunting, but businesses need to protect themselves from cyber threats. Not only can a cyberattack cause significant financial damage, but it can also damage a business’s reputation and erode customer trust.

Do businesses need to report security breaches?

All Australian businesses with an annual revenue of $3 million are required to report data breaches both to impacted customers and to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) within 72 hours. Since it’s difficult to gauge the impact of each breach, it’s best to report all breaches to be safe.

All health service providers, credit reporting bodies, credit providers that process credit eligibility information, Tax File Number recipients and all entities regulated under The Privacy Act 1988 must comply with this law, known as the Notifiable Data Breach Scheme (NDB).

This is required regardless of whether a business has implemented Essential Eight. The Essential Eight strategies simply provide a framework for businesses to prevent breaches and a way to protect themselves when one does occur.

Failure to report breaches The Privacy Act and can result in enforcement action. Businesses face a maximum fine of $1,800,000 for serious or repeated interference with an individual’s privacy.

Businesses need to ensure they have planned adequately for any potential data breaches, such as by reviewing their existing processes around data and Cyber Security and improving these by implementing Essential Eight. They also need to review their contracts with key suppliers to learn about how information is to be handled, as well as educate their staff on data breach laws and security practices, create data breach management strategies and consider Cyber Insurance to protect themselves against financial loss.

Essential Eight was created to provide a framework for businesses to protect themselves from cyber threats. By implementing these strategies, businesses can significantly reduce their risk of a successful cyberattack and safeguard their sensitive information and assets. Businesses need to understand the importance of Essential Eight and take steps to implement these strategies as part of their overall Cyber Security approach.

Cybersecurity, IT Support, Managed IT Services

What type of security does my business need?

What type of security does my business need?

Let’s explore the differences between Information Security, Network Security and Cyber Security and why they are all important for your business’ safety.

As more companies digitalise their assets, they turn to security measures to protect themselves, and as the cybercrime landscape continues to evolve, so do these security measures.

IT Security is a broad term that encompasses different areas and is often used interchangeably with Cyber Security. The two are actually quite different. While these terms all focus on protecting your personal or business’ valuable assets, they approach the task from different angles.

Information Security

Information security is about protecting both physical and digital data from unauthorised access, use, modification, recording, disclosure or destruction. Information security is where your company should start when protecting itself and aims to keep all your company’s data secure. Network Security and Cyber Security are part of this that look at protecting only your digital data.

Broadly, Information Security risks include access, destruction and availability of data.

Network Security

Network Security protects the usability and integrity of your network and data using different hardware and software. This targets a variety of threats and stops them from entering or spreading on your network, typically by using virus protection and a firewall. It also secures data that is travelling across the network by terminals.

Network threats include viruses, worms and trojans, denial of service attacks and zero-day attacks.

Cyber Security

Cyber Security is the area of Information Security that deals with protecting your company’s digital assets on the cloud, networks, computers, mobile devices and the Internet of Things (IoT), as well as any other digital data your company has, from unauthorised access, attack or damage from digital attacks. Businesses can do this through a range of defence processes, technologies and practices. Cyber Security also encompasses incident response plans so you can contain the threat as quickly as possible and minimise any damage because, let’s face it, no security is perfect, especially with how fast attacks can occur and how complex they can be.

Cyberthreats include ransomware, social engineering, malware and phishing.

Where does your business stand?

Pretty much all businesses have Network Security, which is a great start, but unfortunately, it is no longer enough. If your business has data that cybercriminals want, they will get it and all it takes is one accidental click of a phishing link for your systems to be taken over.

Even if you believe your business will never be hit by a security breach, you must ensure your IT infrastructure is secured at all times as, according to Astra, nearly 43 per cent of cyberattacks are targeted at small to medium-sized enterprises. Of this, only 14 per cent are prepared to face an attack. From a business perspective, an attack exposes your company to fines, data losses and damage to your reputation.

With more and more of our lives moving online, we are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks that can compromise our personal information or even our financial security. It’s important to recognise that Network Security is just one part of a comprehensive Information Security and Cyber Security strategy, meaning you cannot simply rely on firewall and virus protection for your business as they aren’t enough to stop hackers from breaching your business.

Cyber Security is crucial to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for several reasons:

  • Limited resources: SMEs often have limited resources to devote to Cyber Security, making them more vulnerable to attacks. They may not have dedicated IT staff or the budget to invest in robust security measures.
  • High risk: SMEs are a prime target for cyberattacks because they often hold valuable customer data and financial information. Hackers know that SMEs may have weaker security measures in place, making them an easier target.
  • Reputational damage: A cyberattack can have a devastating impact on your business’ reputation. If sensitive customer data is compromised, it can erode trust and lead to a loss of business.
  • Legal and financial implications: SMEs may face legal and financial consequences if they are found to violate data privacy laws or regulations. They may also be subject to fines or legal action if they fail to adequately protect customer data.
  • Supply chain risks: SMEs may be part of a larger supply chain, and a breach at any point in the chain can have ripple effects throughout the network.
  • Continuous threats: Cyber threats are constantly evolving and small and medium-sized businesses may not have the resources to keep up with the latest security measures or invest in new technology.

It’s also important to recognise that Cyber Security is a constantly evolving field. As new technologies emerge and cyber threats become more sophisticated, staying up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in Cyber Security is important. This might involve investing in training and education for your staff, as well as partnering with trusted Cyber Security experts to help you stay on top of emerging threats.

A great guideline to follow is the CIA Triad of Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability. These are crucial components of information security.

  • C – Confidentiality: ensuring information is inaccessible to unauthorised people, usually through encryption, IDs and passwords, two-factor authentication and other defence strategies.
  • I – Integrity: safeguarding information and systems from being modified by unauthorised people to make sure the protected data is accurate and trustworthy.
  • A – Availability: ensuring that authorised people have access to the information when needed, which means maintaining all systems, keeping them updated, and ensuring they’re regularly being backed to safeguard against disruptions or data loss.

When you start your company’s security plan, you’ll also want to create it alongside any governance frameworks established, such as Essential Eight defined by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC).

Your company must adopt a more holistic and integrated approach to security to encompass network, cloud and endpoint — detection and response — security. All these processes become quite complex and confusing, so it might be best to start outsourcing your IT systems and security to an external team, keeping in mind that many managed service providers are not specialised in Cyber Security, so you may have to use two separate companies or look for one that is both.

If you have one, ask your Managed Service Provider (MSP) if there are implementing any Cyber Security practices to protect your business, such as the Essential Eight framework recommended by the Australian Government. A proactive approach allows for early warning of potential threats and attacks which then allows the MSP to respond quickly to stop the attack before they cause any trouble.

How does Pronet help?

Pronet Technology is an MSP specialising in Cyber Security, which is one area that differentiates us from other managed service providers. Oftentimes, you find that these are two separate businesses, an MSP and Cyber Security specialist, and while these days MSPs might incorporate some Cyber Security practices in your business like two-factor authentication, our difference is that this field is something we have been working in for years.

We have the experience and knowledge to recommend your business tailored suggestions to improve your Cyber Security, without being ‘over-serviced’ with products and strategies you don’t need. As one of our new clients said about their Cyber Security:

“I think it’s something that without a doubt, it’s important, but for a company like ours, do we need to go to the extreme? No.”

Unfortunately, we have found that most companies are not well equipped for cyberattacks and are still not convinced of the importance of doing so. While they are aware of cybercrime, they are simply not prepared, with 90 per cent of attacks still being successful due to human error, according to My Business. With Pronet, you can be rest assured that you’re well protected for when a cyberattack happens, because let’s face it, they do, and no MSP should be promising that it won’t, and that your business operations are either unaffected or minimally affected when something occurs.

Being both an MSP and a Cyber Security company allows for seamless management of IT systems and means there is no unaccountability or miscommunication between two separate companies. Pronet ensures the problems get 100 per cent fixed as we’re dedicated to finding and eliminating the problem at the core. Due to the nature of Cyber Security, we also constantly monitor your systems so that threats are picked up before they happen.

It is incredibly important to recognise the difference between the different types of Information Security and the roles they play in protecting valuable assets. While Network Security is important, it’s just one part of a comprehensive Cyber Security strategy that encompasses all digital assets. By understanding the different types of security measures and how they work together, you can help ensure that your assets are protected from both physical and digital threats. So, take your Cyber Security seriously and invest in the necessary measures to keep your assets and information safe.

Cybersecurity, Essential Eight

Does Essential Eight Impact my Business?

Does Essential Eight Impact my Business?

As a business owner or IT professional, you may have heard about Essential Eight, a set of Cyber Security strategies introduced by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) to help organisations protect themselves against cyberattacks. But you might be wondering, does the government’s recommendation of implementing Essential Eight affect my business? In this blog post, we will explore what Essential Eight is and whether it is relevant to your business.

What is Essential Eight?

Essential Eight is a set of eight Cyber Security strategies that the ACSC has identified as essential for organisations to protect themselves against cyberattacks. It was developed to help companies comply with Cyber Security laws, legislations and regulations. The strategies cover a range of security controls that should be implemented to mitigate against the most common cyber threats. Essential Eight is not a prescriptive set of rules, but rather a framework that organisations can use to identify and prioritise their security needs.

The eight strategies are:

  1. Application control
  2. Patching applications
  3. Configure Microsoft Office macro settings
  4. User application hardening
  5. Restricting administrative privileges
  6. Patch operating systems
  7. Multi-factor authentication
  8. Daily backups

Each strategy is designed to address a different aspect of Cyber Security and should be implemented according to the specific needs of your organisation.

By assessing your business against Essential Eight, your compliance with the strategies is measured in terms of its ‘Maturity Level,’ which ranges from zero to three.

Will Essential Eight impact my business?

Currently, Essential Eight is simply recommended guidelines for businesses to measure their Cyber Security maturity against and to give them steps to take to improve their position. We believe this recommendation will soon turn into a mandate, hence why it is something we push our new clients to adopt when we begin working with them. As an MSP that specialises in Cyber Security, these types of strategies are ones we implement anyway, but since they are now strongly recommended by the government, we try to show our clients, and any potential clients, the importance of seriously taking the time to invest in Cyber Security and to educate their staff about security methods.

For now, will Essential Eight affect your business? The short answer is yes. Even though it is only recommended, it’s recommended for a reason. With harsh penalties for businesses that fall victim to cyberattacks, it would be illogical not to start bringing Cyber Security measures into your company. The framework is centred around preventing attacks, limiting the impact of attacks and data availability, which are issues all businesses should be concerned about.

Insurance companies are now starting to mandate certain security measures, which are part of the Essential Eight, and without these measures, your insurance company will not pay you when a claim is made. Or, the insurance company will not renew your Cyber Security coverage. What we also notice is that many small businesses fill out their insurance questionnaire without consulting the right IT people, which often leads to incorrectly stated responses to some of the Cyber Security questions. In cases like these, while a Cyber Security policy is taken out, in the unfortunate event when the small business is attacked and compromised, the insurance company will not honour the covers.

Implementing Essential Eight will require time and resources from your organisation, however, the long-term benefits of implementing these strategies can far outweigh the initial investment.

By implementing Essential Eight, you can:

  1. Improve your Cyber Security posture: Implementing the Essential Eight can help improve your organisation’s Cyber Security posture, making it more difficult for cybercriminals to breach your network.
  2. Reduce the likelihood of a data breach: The Essential Eight strategies are designed to protect against the most common cyber threats, reducing the likelihood of a successful attack.
  3. Save money in the long run: The cost of a data breach can be significant, both in terms of financial costs and damage to your organisation’s reputation. By implementing Essential Eight, you can reduce the likelihood of a data breach, potentially saving your organisation significant costs in the long run.
  4. Privileged Access Management (PAM): By implementing Essential Eight, you thereby place administrative restrictions on applications, operating systems and devices on a user-by-user basis which allows for increased data security, increased control over operations, reduced risks stemming from human error, reduced cost due no more over expenditure on materials and resources and greater insight into how applications, systems and devices are used.
  5. Meet compliance requirements: Many regulatory requirements, such as the Australian Privacy Act 1988, require organisations to implement reasonable measures to protect personal information. Implementing Essential Eight can help your organisation meet these compliance requirements.

Challenges to implementing Essential Eight

While implementing Essential Eight can provide significant benefits, it is not without its challenges. Some of these include:

  1. Lack of resources: Implementing Essential Eight can require significant time and resources, which can be a challenge for small and medium-sized organisations.
  2. Complexity: Some of the Essential Eight strategies, such as application whitelisting and multi-factor authentication, can be complex to implement and manage.
  3. Resistance to change: Introducing new security measures can sometimes be met with resistance from employees who may see the measures as an inconvenience.
  4. Lack of understanding: Some organisations may not fully understand the risks posed by cyber threats and may not see the need for implementing Essential Eight.

Essential Eight is a set of Cyber Security strategies designed to help organisations protect themselves against cyberattacks. While implementing Essential Eight can require time and resources, the long-term benefits of improved Cyber Security posture and reduced likelihood of data breaches can far outweigh the initial investment. By implementing Essential Eight, businesses can better protect themselves against the most common cyber threats and meet regulatory compliance requirements. However, challenges such as lack of resources, complexity, resistance to change and lack of understanding can make implementing Essential Eight a challenge for some organisations.

IT Support

The Top IT Concerns of SMEs

The Top IT Concerns of SMEs

Have you ever asked yourself, ‘What are the top IT concerns I should be worried about for my business?’ Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face a variety of IT concerns that can impact their operations, productivity and longevity of the company. If you’re growing your business or are at the stage of risk reduction planning, here are some of the top IT concerns we have found that SMEs face.

Cyber Security

If you watch the news or have heard about the data breaches of Optus, Latitude, Medibank, Crown and Meriton, you should understand why Cyber Security is such an issue you need to start becoming proactive about. Cyberattacks can be devastating for your business, resulting in data breaches, financial losses and damage to your reputation. If future customers find out your company has had a security breach, and then you handled it poorly, quite frankly, why would they choose your business over another? SMEs must have a comprehensive Cyber Security strategy that includes employee training, firewalls, antivirus software, data encryption, regular backups and an array of cybersecurity measures.

Data Management

Small and medium-sized businesses generate and handle large amounts of data, which can be difficult to manage and secure. Ensuring the integrity and availability of data is crucial to maintaining business operations. Data loss can occur due to a variety of reasons, such as natural disasters, hardware failure or cyberattacks. SMEs should have a reliable data backup and disaster recovery plan in place to minimise downtime and data loss.

Cloud Computing

Many businesses are turning to cloud computing to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Moving data to the cloud can also introduce new security risks and challenges. Cloud computing can provide SMEs with greater flexibility, scalability and cost savings, however, it’s essential to choose a reputable cloud provider and implement strong security measures to protect sensitive data. So, if you’re company has this in the plans, make sure to choose an IT service provider who is knowledgeable in moving your business to the cloud.

IT Infrastructure

SMEs may not have the resources to invest in robust IT infrastructure, which can lead to slow systems, downtime and lost productivity. Your company needs to ensure your IT infrastructure is up to date and can support your business needs. This includes hardware such as servers and routers as well as software such as operating systems, productivity tools and Cyber Security solutions.

Bring Your Own Device

Many companies allow employees to use their personal devices for work, which can increase productivity but also pose security risks. SMEs should have a clear personal device policy that includes security measures such as device management, data encryption and access controls. If devices are needed in your business, consider purchasing work-specific devices to monitor what is accessed and to reduce the risk of malware infecting your business.

IT Support

Like most small to medium-sized companies, your business may not have dedicated IT staff, which can make it difficult to provide adequate support and troubleshooting for technical issues. You might even have a full-time employee but are finding they don’t have the knowledge to fix the issue at hand.

One of our clients described an issue they had like:

“It was almost like an insurmountable mountain we had and nobody could even work their way around how we were going to work our way out of it.”

As a business owner, you’re an expert in your field and just want to get on with your business. There’s a high chance you have no idea how your IT and computers function but you just want them to work, so having the added stress of IT issues without adequate support is a major concern that you need to address.

Compliance

SMEs must comply with a variety of regulations, including data privacy laws and industry-specific requirements and meeting these standards can be challenging without proper resources and expertise.

SMEs need to comply with regulations, both national and international in our globalised world, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) and The Privacy Act. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in huge fines and can damage the business’ reputation.

Remote Work

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the trend of remote work, requiring businesses to provide secure remote access to their systems and data. This includes implementing secure virtual private networks (VPNs), two-factor authentication and other security measures. Without proper knowledge and support, this can be incredibly confusing to set up and issues can, and do, quickly arise.

Technology Obsolescence

Technology evolves rapidly and your business may struggle to keep up with the latest advancements. Outdated technology can lead to compatibility issues, security vulnerabilities and reduced productivity working with slower, clunky tech. A key concern might surround learning how new applications and software work, but if you were guaranteed that it would boost your company’s output, you would switch in a heartbeat.

Overall, as a business owner, manager or stakeholder in a business, it has become crucial to prioritise IT concerns to ensure the security, efficiency and success of your business operations. Seeking expert advice and investing in robust technology solutions can help you overcome these challenges and stay ahead of the curve. Working with a reputable and knowledgeable Managed Service Provider (MSP) can give you the peace of mind that these concerns are well taken care of.