What Computer Usage Procedures Should Be Mandatory for Your Company?

 Computer procedures are the steps that companies establish for their employees to follow in a variety of situations. There are procedures for management, IT staff, employees, and many overlaps between these groups. For example, if there’s a procedure for reporting a lost device, it will most likely be the same for all groups. Whereas, a disaster recovery procedure would only apply to IT staff. Just like the employee computer policies we have discussed prior, procedures should be reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis to meet the specific needs of your organization. In this article, our IT support team in NJ will go over the standard computer procedures every company should have, and provide recommendations on how to make these procedures “airtight” for your employees. 

User account procedure provides IT technicians with a detailed scope of work in identifying who may request an action, what must be done to add a new user, disable a user, terminate a user’s account, and who must be notified. The larger the organization, it’s even more crucial that all steps are performed in a specified order and in a timely manner. For example, after terminating a user account, the technician may be required to take custody of the user’s company-issued laptop and mobile phone, and to notify security to have the employee’s name removed from the card access systems, front desk access, and vendor lists.

Configuration management procedure provides IT staff with a process to manage change in a network. It can include configuration modifications across all devices and updates to operating systems to maintain consistency throughout the enterprise. The process and protocols are unique to each network and the company’s specific needs. 

Data back up and offsite storage procedure provides IT staff with details on what needs to be backed up, how it is backed up, where the archived data is stored in the network, and how it’s transported offsite. All of this must be identified in case of a malware infection, network, intrusion, or other disasters. You don’t want to risk putting your company in a predicament where the only backups are stored on a network that becomes encrypted or destroyed by water or fire. We highly recommend having multiple offsite backups that are managed by IT professionals.

Disaster recovery procedure. While data back up an offsite storage is a component of disaster. Recovery, it’s only a small fraction of it. Disaster recovery is utilized when a disaster strikes and equipment is ruined, a building is destroyed, or a company, for one reason or another, must’ve been in their current facility and reestablish their network quickly at another location. This procedure should cover where they might relocate to, what equipment needs to be moved, or purchased, what software needs to be purchased, and other logistics that must be identified before a disaster happens. The goal is to get operations up and running quickly at the new location, without encountering any delays.

Incident handling procedure. Many procedures fall under this category, and it’s for multiple groups. For example, if a network intrusion occurs, what steps should technicians take? If a ransomware infection is identified on the network, what is the procedure for network technicians? If an employee clicks on an attachment, and their computer starts acting strange, what do they do? An overview of potential incidence should be identified, and the procedure to follow for each scenario must be developed. For example, the employee whose computer is acting strange, the procedure may be to immediately pull the plug on the computer, powering it off. If you power it down, using the power button, the malware might stop or delay this shut down, causing additional harm. Manually pulling the plug stops the damage to the computers data, as well as the network.

Incident reporting procedure is not only for internal reporting purposes, but for external reporting as well. For example, if an employee’s laptop is lost or stolen, what steps do they take, and whom do they notify? If an intrusion leads to the release of PII and HIPAA data, what procedures should the network technicians follow, and whom do they notify ? There may also be reporting requirements, mandated by state and federal laws. This procedure should clearly state that IT technicians should notify their superior and the company’s legal team immediately.

Incident escalation procedure identifies when and who is contacted after specific incidents occur that have not been resolved, or may continue to cause harm without the assistance of upper management. While some of these procedures can be lengthy, others may provide a number to call, like the network provider support line, and a back up phone number if there is no answer when calling the first number.

Update Corporate Computer Procedures with Professional IT Technicians in NJ 

We have provided you with a list of the bare minimum procedures that every company should have. But this list does not reflect all the computer procedures companies must have for their network. For instance, there are others that should cover encryption for traveling devices (laptops, tablets, and cell phones); prohibiting third-party computer repair shops from working on company devices that contain confidential, PII or HIPAA data; requiring virus mitigation on all devices; and the prohibition of personal devices at work and for work-related activities at any location. Remember that policies, procedures, and reviewing the management of the network are unique to each organization, which is why the legal and technical teams need to plan and work together. 

If you need help amending the procedures above, or to create new procedures all together, please give the IT technicians at NSGI a call today or visit us at:  https://www.nsgi.com/

*This article includes excerpts from “Pocket Guide for Investigating Ransomware and Network Intrusions” written by John Lucich, the Founder and CEO of Network Security Group, Inc and eForensix. 

This blog was originally published at https://www.nsgi.com/what-computer-usage-procedures-should-be-mandatory-for-your-company/

Is Your Corporate Network Being Properly Managed?

 Whether your network is under a cybercrime investigation or not, it’s important to take the time to properly assess the management of your network. At a base level, this is done by reviewing the network diagrams to see if it’s current and accurately reflects the network layout and interconnections. It also includes reviewing the configuration of computers, and how they’re connected to the network, how and where servers are installed, configured and maintained, and how Wi-Fi is deployed and configured. In this article, our team of IT professionals in NJ will go over in more detail how to assess the management of your corporate network. 

Review Network Diagrams 

Network diagrams are critical in assisting IT technicians during network outages, emergencies, and disasters. These diagrams also keep IT staff updated on the size, growth and location of the network. Non-existent or inaccurate network diagrams can cause technicians to miss critical portions of their IT infrastructure, especially when new devices are implemented. Proper documentation for network diagrams should include the layout of the entire network, location of all devices, identification of all the VLANs, and IP address schemes across the entire infrastructure. It should also list the Internet providers names, IP address configurations for external networks, and or contact information, so your IT team can quickly contact the telecom providers and technical support team when needed.

Server and WiFi Configuration and Use

It’s essential to review the installation, configuration and maintenance of the computers and installed software products. How IT technicians deploy and use their computers can tell you a lot about the management of your network. If wires are strewn along the floor and not wired through walls; if virus mitigation is not installed or kept updated; if operating system updates are not performed on a specific schedule; these might be indications that their work ethic, confidence and professionalism are lacking. When we see computers deployed with no regard for their configuration on the network, it’s often a sign of inadequate security knowledge or diligence. Remember, computers and end users are often the initial targets of ransomware or network intrusions because they are the weak links! 

On top of server management, it’s also important to check if there are any Wi-Fi devices installed and configured on the network. These devices are often used to extend the network to locations in a building that are difficult or impossible to wire. It’s often used to provide guests with free Wi-Fi, but how the Wi-Fi is deployed needs to be reviewed. In short, corporate Wi-Fi must be on the inside corporate network, locked down with strong encryption, and protected with a complex password. The free public Wi-Fi, on the other hand, must be on its own external network or VLAN and not deployed on your internal network. If the public Wi-Fi is deployed on the internal portion of your corporate network, which we see many times, this would allow hackers to sit outside your building, access the public Wi-Fi and gain access to the internal, sensitive parts of your company network, bypassing the firewall.

Properly Manage Your Corporate Network with Competent IT Support in NJ

Reviewing all these areas can provide an overview of how your network is deployed, secured, and managed. Without proper documentation to rely on, an IT team cannot react appropriately and timely to network delays, outages, and other serious cybersecurity issues like a hacker trying to dismantle your business! If you need a thorough assessment of how your network is managed, and to perhaps create new documentation to ensure everyone is using their corporate devices appropriately, please give Network Security Group a call today. Our IT support team can review and make expert recommendations to your current network diagrams or create brand new documentation that ensures your company network is operating efficiently and safely. 

To learn more about our managed IT services for corporate businesses in NJ, please visit us at: 

https://www.nsgi.com

*This article includes excerpts from “Pocket Guide for Investigating Ransomware and Network Intrusions” written by John Lucich, the Founder and CEO of Network Security Group, Inc and eForensix. 

This blog was originally  published at https://www.nsgi.com/is-your-corporate-network-being-properly-managed/

What Computer Policies are Essential for my Employees?

 Policies are rules set forth by your company on what your people can do and what they are absolutely prohibited from doing in the workplace. Policies are made for all areas of corporate life, but they are especially important for identifying how your employees can use your company’s technology, including your corporate network and computers. There are computer policies that are standard for each company, but there are also different policies based on a company’s unique and specific needs. Which means we don’t recommend having your HR Director just download a set of generic policies from the internet and implement them the following day. Yes, NSGi will give you a solid place to start, However, we highly recommend you review and update the policies below to better suit your network security needs. 

1. An “Acceptable use” policy provides the criteria for giving an employee the use of a computer and informing them of its acceptable uses. The policy must be clear that employees are provided access to a computer, and this resource has to be used for their employment duties.
2. Internet use policy provides the criteria for giving an employee access to the Internet, and should clearly state that corporate technology must not be used for personal reasons, such as shopping, social media, browsing inappropriate sites and more. Some companies allow and state in their policy that a certain percentage of the employees time during work hours may be used for personal online interests. We believe that this is a slippery slope and can create unintended consequences. How do you prove or disprove the time spent on personal Internet usage, as it may be subjective? Additionally, employees increase the risk of infection and intrusion through this type of non-work related activity.
3. Email account policy provides the criteria for giving an employee an email account; identifying the limitations and use of the account; precautions they must take to ensure they don’t send confidential information or click on potential malware and ransomware; as well as notices of account monitoring by management.
4. User account policy provides the criteria for giving an employee a network account and identifying the limitations and use of their account. Your HR Director should have a direct line of communication with your dedicated IT support team to request new accounts and the disabling or termination of past user accounts.
5. Remote access policy provides the criteria for offering an employee remote access to the network, which enables them to work from home, and while traveling. This policy must also state the process for requesting remote access, who is authorized to approve each request, and the process and security protocols required to implement the remote access securely.
6. Information protection policy defines confidential data, HIPAA data, and PII (personally identifiable information), depending on your industry. This policy needs to stress that each type of data has its own requirements and legal consequences for violations.
7. Firewall management policy is specific to network technicians. It identifies who suggests and approves the rules configured in the firewall, and the process they must follow to implement the firewall rules. Many IT technicians are told by third-party vendors that they must open ports on the firewall to allow access to the vendor’s on site server. That’s why there must be a clause within this policy to identify and weigh the security risks and ramifications.

Protect Your Corporate Network with Our IT Support Company in NJ

We cannot stress this enough: computer policies should be exclusive to each company and must be well thought out. Yes, there are many policies that other corporations use, which may also be useful for yours, but they should be reviewed and updated as needed. If you need help reviewing and implementing new computer policies for your team, please give Network Security Group a call today. One of the first things we do for new clients is perform a comprehensive assessment of your network, in order to make the best security recommendations possible. This often includes instilling new computer policies and end user awareness training for all of your employees, thus ensuring everyone is using company computers, safely and securely.

To learn more about NSGi’s managed IT services and how our user awareness training can help protect your business network, visit our website at https://www.nsgi.com/

This blog was originally published at: https://www.nsgi.com/what-computer-policies-are-essential-for-my-employees/

Steps to Conducting a Cybercrime Investigation

We’ve simplified the process in this article, but make no mistake – there is no cookie-cutter approach to cybercrime investigations. As cybercrime investigators, we must plan out each investigation based on the events of the intrusion.

As we move into the future, new technologies will emerge, new devices will be deployed, and new methodologies will be put into place. This is an ever-changing field, where you must constantly stay current. Ultimately, it is you, the client, who has the biggest impact on the outcome of the investigation. 

This should give companies considering a cybercrime investigation some idea of the steps taken when conducting an investigation, such as that provided by our sister company, eForensix in New Jersey. 

As a victim company hiring cybercrime investigators, it is important to understand what you need to expect from the individuals conducting the investigation for you.  

Step 1: You will be advised on the need for a timely engagement.

Because of the volatile nature of potential evidence stored on some devices, evidence must be preserved or collected immediately. It’s also possible that the hacker is still accessing the network, ransomware is still encrypting data on computers, or the infection could spread to other third-parties, making you potentially liable. Therefore you should expect that your forensics team would like the project to start immediately due to the threat of these issues.

Step 2: You will be asked to identify all resources assigned to the response. 

Prior to going onsite, the digital forensics company will want to know who else you have retained, and who will be working with their company. This allows them to identify the chain of command, as there can only be one leader. For example, if you have retained a cyber attorney, then the attorney should take the lead. They may look to the digital forensics firm for technical guidance, but the cyber attorney will make all the strategic and legal decisions.

Step 3: Digital forensics team will request all network documentation from you.

This includes, but is not limited to: network diagrams, inventory sheets identifying the number of workstations, the number of servers both physical and virtual, identification of all resources in-house or at a colocation facility, intrusion detection system (IDS) or intrusion prevention system (IPS) software, and virus mitigation.

Step 4: First day onsite.

The first day onsite is paramount to the investigation. Aside from digital forensics experts, those who need to be present include the cyber attorney if retained, IT personnel, and top company executives. If you have contracted with third-party support, make sure you have the IT support technicians onsite and not over the phone. The digital forensics team will then document all responses and identify the name of the person responding. A good intrusion consultant verifies everything they are told and we will certainly do that, taking nothing for granted.. 

Step 5: Identification of all network devices.

Networks can grow rapidly, and technicians are not always good at keeping their documentation up to date. Digital Forensics will not accept network diagrams and other documentation at face value. They must physically review the network and its resources, noting any corrections on the documentation.

Step 6: Digital forensics team will initiate the collection of evidence.

The collection of volatile evidence should be done immediately, preferably by the IT staff before someone from digital forensics arrives on site. Once the collection of evidence is initiated, they will start first with the most volatile devices, such as the firewalls and routers, then move to other devices, such as workstations and servers. Then, they will thoroughly assess the security level of each device, and export a full report and all of the public and private IP addresses to a CSV file for further review.

Step 7: Evidence review. 

The company you hire will then review all the logs taken from the various sources and attempt to identify external and internal IP addresses that fit into the timeframe of the intrusion/infection. Next, they will place a timeline together that documents the initial point of entry and subsequent access/infection of other computers. After careful consideration, you may want them to forensically image the drives, and analyze the evidence for malware or hackerware. 

Step 8: The Digital forensics team will conduct interviews of your employees and IT staff.

Employee interviews are one of the last stages of the investigation, just before digital forensics issues a report of their findings. It’s essential they have all the facts surrounding the intrusion/infection before interviewing your staff, so they know what questions must be asked. Talking with your employees and any outsourced IT company will not only yield new information, but will also provide new perspectives on the investigation.

Step 9: The final report.

The final stage of the investigation is for the digital forensics team to issue a report based on the services rendered to you. The report should be broken down into three broad sections. First, the reason you engaged that company’s services. Second, what services and activities they performed. And third, what the findings were.

If you need to consult with a digital forensics expert regarding a cybercrime investigation that is impacting the state of your business, contact eForensix today. If you are not the target for a cyber intrusion and would like to keep it that way with a secure IT support, please give Network Security Group, Inc. a call or visit our website for more information: https://www.nsgi.com/

*This article includes excerpts from “Pocket Guide for Investigating Ransomware and Network Intrusions” written by John Lucich, the Founder and CEO of Network Security Group, Inc and eForensix. 

This blog was originally published at:https://www.nsgi.com/steps-to-conducting-a-cybercrime-investigation/

Humans are the Problem!

Did you know that most studies show that over 80% of network and computer intrusions are due to user error? You can write software and implement sophisticated technology to make your network more secure, but how do you fix people? That’s where user awareness training comes in. Making this small investment now can help prevent your business from losing thousands of dollars later! Ransomware attacks are on the rise and constantly evolving, which means your team needs to stay educated on best practices to be vigilant in this fight. In this article, our IT outsourcing company in NJ will go over the basics of user awareness training and why it’s so beneficial for ALL businesses to take part in. 

Understanding the Human Element in Cybersecurity

The internet is overflowing with threats. From phishing attacks to ransomware, cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their tactics. While investing in cutting-edge technology and robust security systems is crucial, it’s equally important to acknowledge the human element in the cybersecurity equation. People are the ones who click on malicious links accidentally, fall for phishing emails, or use weak passwords. No matter how advanced your cybersecurity infrastructure is, it’s only as strong as its weakest link – the users.

The Role of User Awareness Training

User awareness training is a proactive security approach to addressing the human factor in cyber situations. It involves educating your employees about the various threats they may encounter while using company platforms and providing them with the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to these threats effectively. Here are some reasons why user awareness training should be a priority for businesses:

Preventing Costly Incidents. As we mentioned before, ransomware attacks are on the rise   and their financial impact can be devastating for all businesses – especially small businesses. User awareness training equips your employees with the tools to identify and avoid ransomware threats, potentially saving your business from paying hefty ransoms or suffering data breaches.

Protecting Sensitive Data. Small businesses often handle sensitive customer information. User awareness training helps employees understand the importance of data security and how to safeguard this critical asset.

Staying Ahead of Evolving Threats. Cyber threats are constantly changing to reel more people in. User awareness training keeps your team updated on the latest scams and tactics used by cybercriminals, ensuring that your “frontline” remains effective.

Fostering a Culture of Security. Regular training will begin to naturally foster a culture of cybersecurity within your organization. When employees are aware of the risks and their role in mitigating them, they become active participants in protecting your business.

NSGi User Awareness Training for Small NJ Businesses

At Network Security Group Inc. (NSGi), we understand the significance of user awareness training in bolstering your cybersecurity defenses. We offer comprehensive user awareness training programs tailored to the specific needs of your business. When you opt for our IT support, it comes with free user awareness training on a quarterly basis, ensuring that your team is consistently informed about the latest cyber threats and best practices.

Our training covers a wide range of topics, including identifying phishing attempts, creating strong passwords, recognizing suspicious online behavior and how to best respond to active threats. By investing in our managed IT services and user awareness training, you’re not only safeguarding your business – but also empowering your employees to be proactive in the fight against cybercriminals.

Humans can definitely be a problem when it comes to cybersecurity, but they can also be your first line of defense. To learn more about how NSGi can help protect your business through user awareness training and other IT support services, give us a call and visit our website at: https://www.nsgi.com/

This blog was originally published at https://www.nsgi.com/humans-are-the-problem/

Why Your Small Business Needs More Than Just Backups

Data is the lifeblood of small businesses. Whether it’s customer records, financial data, or critical documents, the loss of this information can be absolutely devastating! This is why backups have become a standard practice for businesses of all sizes. Backups are like insurance policies, ensuring that your data can be recovered in case of accidental deletion, corruption, viruses or system failures. However, relying solely on one system-wide backup may not be enough. Especially if your business deals with sensitive client information. In this article, we’ll explore why your small business needs more than just backups and how an IT support company like Network Security Group Inc. (NSGi) can help safeguard your data.

The Limitations of a Single Backup

While having a backup system in place is undoubtedly a smart move, depending on a single backup comes with limitations. Here are some reasons why:

Single Point of Failure: If your one backup system fails, whether due to hardware issues, software errors or other unforeseen circumstances, your data recovery plan crumbles along with it. Having no back-up plan can lead to significant downtime and potential data loss.

Data Overload: As your business grows, so does the volume of data you generate and manage. A single backup solution may not be able to handle the increasing data load efficiently, potentially causing performance issues and even slower recovery times.

Security Risks: If your one backup is stored on-site or in the same network as your primary data, it becomes susceptible to the same security risks. In the event of a cyberattack, both your primary data and backup could be compromised in the blink of an eye. 

Limited Accessibility: As the admin of your entire business network, you don’t want to limit your accessibility to critical data. In the event of a disaster affecting your single backup location, you may find yourself unable to access your data when you need it the most.

The Need for a Comprehensive IT Strategy

To address these limitations and ensure secure data protection, your small business needs a comprehensive IT strategy that encompasses more than just backups. Here’s what a standard IT strategy should include:

Multiple Off-Site Backups: Diversify your backup locations by storing copies of your data in multiple off-site locations. This ensures that even if one location is compromised, your data remains safe and accessible elsewhere.

Regular Backups: Implement a regular backup schedule to ensure that your data is always up-to-date. Automated backups can simplify this process and reduce the risk of human error.

Disaster Recovery Plan: Develop a disaster recovery plan that outlines the steps to take in case of unexpected data loss or system failures. This plan should include procedures for data restoration, system recovery, and communication with key stakeholders.

Security Measures: Implement enhanced security measures to protect both your primary data and backups. This can include encryption, access controls, and regular security audits.

Our Managed IT Services in NJ Can Handle All Aspects of Data Storage and Recovery 

Protecting your small business’s data is a top priority, and relying solely on backups is not nearly sufficient. To ensure comprehensive data protection and disaster recovery, consider partnering with us.

At NSGi, we specialize in managed IT backup services and disaster recovery planning. With our expertise, you can benefit from multiple off-site data backups, reducing the risk of data loss and downtime. Our IT support team can also help you construct a solid disaster recovery plan to ensure your business can quickly bounce back from unexpected events like power outages, accidental deletions and even ransomware attacks. 

Don’t leave your company’s data security to chance! Give us a call or visit our website to learn more about how we can keep your business running smoothly, even in the face of unforeseen challenges:  https://www.nsgi.com/

This blog was originally published at https://www.nsgi.com/why-your-small-business-needs-more-than-just-backups/

Managed IT Services Can Help Your Small Business Grow, Here’s How

Small businesses face a unique set of challenges in today’s highly digital world. They need to stay competitive, protect their data and scale efficiently—all while operating on a limited budget. Reputable IT companies, like Network Security Group, Inc. (NSGi), understand these challenges and offer tailored solutions that can help small businesses achieve their full growth potential. Managed IT service providers (MSPs) like NSGi provide invaluable IT expertise that can save time and money, increase employee productivity and even drive revenue growth. In this article, we will go over some of the ways our managed IT services in NJ can help your small business take off.

Cost Savings

One of the primary advantages of partnering with an MSP are the cost savings that come along with it. Small businesses often struggle with the high costs of maintaining a whole in-house IT department, including salaries, benefits and equipment expenses. With managed IT services, you can outsource a team of highly responsive professionals for a predictable monthly fee. NSGi’s services can help you avoid unexpected IT expenses, ensuring that your budget stays on track.

Improved Security

Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, and small businesses are not immune to these attacks. Our managed IT services include robust measures to protect your data and sensitive information. With advanced security solutions such as firewall management, antivirus software, and regular security audits, NSGi can safeguard your business from potential breaches and data loss that could negatively impact your clients. 

Increased Productivity

Internet downtime can be a significant drain on small businesses. NSGi’s proactive monitoring and maintenance services ensure that your systems not only remain up, but continue to run smoothly. This translates to increased employee productivity, as they can focus on their tasks instead of dealing with IT issues. With our 24/7 IT support, you can rest assured that technical problems will be addressed promptly, minimizing disruptions to your daily operations.

Easy Scalability

As your small business grows, so do your technology needs. Fortunately, we can tailor services to match your evolving requirements. Whether you need to add more users, expand your network or integrate new software, our managed IT services can adapt, ensuring that your technology infrastructure supports your business growth.

Compliance Assistance

Many small businesses must adhere to industry-specific regulations and compliance standards. We specialize in helping businesses in New Jersey meet these requirements, ensuring that you avoid costly penalties and reputational damage. NSGi can assist with data encryption, secure file storage and compliance audits to keep your business in good standing – no matter what. 

NJ Managed IT Services Ensure Business Continuity

Unforeseen disasters can strike at any time, but with managed IT services, you can rest easy knowing that your data is backed up and can be easily recovered. We provide disaster recovery planning and backup solutions to ensure that your business can continue operating even in the face of unexpected challenges like power outages and phishing scams. 

Small businesses need every advantage they can get to thrive and keep moving forward. By partnering with NSGi, your small business can harness the power of expert IT support and technology solutions to grow beyond your current expectations. For more information on the types of managed IT services that Network Security Group, Inc. (NSGi) provides to small businesses across New Jersey, please visit our website: https://www.nsgi.com/

This blog was originally published at https://www.nsgi.com/managed-it-services-can-help-your-small-business-grow-heres-how/

How to Protect Your Employees Against Cyber Scams

Scammers are getting more creative by the minute. One accidental click and you could be putting sensitive client data in the wrong hands! Your employees are on the front lines of this battle, and their actions can either strengthen or weaken your company’s cybersecurity defenses. Fortunately, there are ways to ensure your employees stay up to date with the latest cybersecurity measures. In this article, our IT experts at Network Security Group, Inc. (NSGi) will go over easy ways to avoid cyber scams and why our NSGI End-user Awareness training is absolutely worth it for your small business in NJ.

Invest in End-User Awareness Training: One of the most effective ways to protect your employees against cyber scams is by providing them with proper training. NSGi offers comprehensive end-user awareness training designed to educate your employees about the latest cyber threats and scams. This training covers topics such as phishing emails, malware, social engineering, and best practices for secure online behavior. By investing in this training, you empower your employees to recognize and respond to cyber threats effectively.

Keep Software and Systems Updated: Outdated software and operating systems are prime targets for cybercriminals. Ensure that your employees keep their computers and devices up to date with the latest security patches and system updates. This simple step can prevent many vulnerabilities that scammers try first to exploit.

Use Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication: Encourage your employees to create strong, unique passwords for their accounts and devices. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide multiple forms of verification before granting access, making it much more challenging for scammers to gain unauthorized access.

Implement Email Security Measures: Email is a common vector for cyber scams, and just happens to be something that businesses use every single day. Implement email security measures, such as email filtering and spam detection, to reduce the likelihood of phishing emails reaching your employees’ inboxes. Train your employees to recognize phishing attempts, including suspicious email addresses and requests for personal information.

Regularly Back Up Data: Data backup is critical in case of a cyberattack or data breach. Ensure that your employees regularly back up their work-related data to secure, offline storage. This practice can help you recover lost data without paying a ransom if you fall victim to ransomware.

Monitor Network Traffic: Employ network monitoring tools to detect unusual or suspicious network activity. This can help you identify potential security breaches early, allowing for a rapid response to mitigate damage. Better yet, you could outsource IT services that include regular network monitoring that is consistently managed by a team of professionals who know what to look out for.  

Create an Incident Response Plan: Develop a comprehensive disaster recovery plan that outlines the steps to take in the event of a cyberattack. Ensure your employees are familiar with this plan and know who they have to contact in case of an emergency.

Successful Cybersecurity Training for Businesses in New Jersey

Cyber threats are constantly evolving. Encourage your employees to stay informed about the latest cyberthreats. Your employees’ cybersecurity knowledge could be the difference between a successful defense or a costly security breach. Don’t wait until it’s too late – take proactive steps to secure your business and safeguard your clients’ data now.

For more information on our end-user awareness training for small businesses across New Jersey, visit our website at https://www.nsgi.com/

This blog was originally published at https://www.nsgi.com/how-to-protect-your-employees-against-cyber-scams/

Tips for Upgrading Your Network

 Many small businesses have a vague sense that something is off with the way their network is set up or performing, but with the daily focus on sales and operations, this doesn’t typically get the attention it deserves – until something bad happens.

Something bad can include anything from increasing slowness across the network, loss of shared data, backup problems, computer viruses, hacking, mobile access issues, even data theft and ransomware in extreme cases.

At NSGI, we’re in the business of getting small company networks under control. As such, you’ll have to forgive us if we have a bias here but we’ve seen too much not to. For companies of 5 employees or more, who require mobile or VPN style access to their data from both on-site and virtual employees, a professional assessment and upgrade of your home-grown network is an absolute necessity and the best time to do it is before you are in a crisis.

Here’s a few tips for upgrading your IT network that can make this process smooth, future proof, and affordable. From the experts at NSGI.

Start with a Network Assessment

A Network Assessment done right, is actually a formal process that starts with an analysis of business goals and your company teams and workflow. Many IT companies cut right to technologies and start implementing firewalls and software solutions just because that’s what they know how to do. But honestly if your needs for shared data involve high bandwidth CAD file sharing and not just word docs, how does this help you? Are hardware firewall solutions more appropriate for you? Is network performance a consideration at every turn? Does everyone have access to shared data including employees and management because network segments are not set up properly?  Are you still using “cloud” backup solutions instead of truly secure ones dedicated to you?

A Network Assessment by NSGI doesn’t cost a fortune, and will lay out exactly what your current issues are, and recommend solutions that are designed to carry you many years into the future. Network Performance, security, and user experience are the key elements of this study and cost option tradeoffs are presented. The network Assessment lays the groundwork for the next phase of the upgrade: The Network Upgrade Proposal

Access the Cost/Benefits of a Network Upgrade Proposal

For small companies, cash flow is king. The urgency of network upgrades and security will depend on how you perceive the need inside your company. Certainly companies with multiple employees handling sensitive financial data will need and want a more comprehensive solution than a local restaurant. With the help and assistance of an expert, recommendations for upgrades are a natural extension of your Network Assessment. Critical flaws and upgrades should naturally be prioritized first. Tradeoffs can sometimes be made between hardware and software solutions or features to save money. At the end of the day nothing recommended in the Network Assessment is required, it is entirely up to the business owner what they want and how much they are willing to spend on upgrades.

Years ago, NSGI did a network assessment for a large casino. We generated a long, heavy report on security and performance issues inside their network and quoted them a price for some badly needed upgrades. The management team there agreed to “take it under advisement.”  A couple years later lawyers from the company contacted us. The Casino had been the victim of a massive hack. The resultant theft and downtime had cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars and the lawyers wanted to know why our recommendations hadn’t stopped it. We had to explain to them that while we can diagnose problems with your network, we can’t make you fix them. The Casino had never hired us, or anyone to do the recommended improvements. In this case, they had paid a dear price as our upgrades would have cost far less and almost certainly prevented or mitigated the impact of their issue.

“The Price of Liberty, is Eternal Vigilance”

While this quote is attributed to Ben Franklin, it works pretty well for Network Security too. Once your new, fast and secure network is implemented, constant monitoring, updates, and user education are the key. No network is or will ever be 100% secure that has human beings interacting with it and so addressing this through User Awareness Training is key. NSGI has conducted user awareness training courses all over the USA and is at the forefront of communicating essential security strategies and awareness to both technical and non-technical employee audiences.

Data Security for Everyone

The techniques used by NSGI are scalable with your business. Start small, and let us grow with you. We can help your team succeed.  

Call NSGI Today and let’s find out what you need.  
https://nsgi.com 

This blog was originally published at https://www.nsgi.com/tips-for-upgrading-your-network/

How to Better Manage Your Remote Teams

 With more and more businesses permitting remote working opportunities for their employees, it’s important to have set guidelines in place. While the flexibility can significantly boost employee satisfaction and productivity, remote work also brings forth potential risks, especially concerning data access and network security. Humans are the weak link in any network and if a remote employee clicks the wrong shared file or email attachment, it could potentially invite hackers into your business network. No matter how large or small your company, you have to be smart about what tools and resources you provide remote workers to enforce data security. Here’s how the New Jersey IT specialists at NSGi can help you do just that. 

1. Implement Strong Cyber Security Protocols

Securing your company’s data should be at the forefront of your remote work strategy. Establishing cybersecurity protocols for everyone to follow can shield your network from potential breaches and safeguard sensitive information. Our IT experts can implement multi-layered security measures, such as secure remote access, hardware firewalls, VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), and encryption. We also ensure all devices connected to the company network have best-in-class antivirus and malware removal software that is constantly updated.

2. Utilize Secure Collaboration Tools

Effective communication is vital for teams who are working out of the office. Invest in reputable and secure collaboration tools that offer strong authentication features like different passcodes to enter each call. Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Zoom, when properly configured and used, can enhance team collaboration without compromising data security. NSGi can guide you in choosing the right tools for your specific business needs and ensure their proper setup and configuration.

3. Conduct Regular Employee Training

Educating your remote workforce on cybersecurity best practices is essential to build a security-conscious culture. Conduct regular training sessions to raise awareness about phishing attacks and other common cyber threats. Empower your employees to identify potential risks and respond appropriately. If you don’t have the time or the bandwidth to conduct your own training sessions, NSGi offers end user awareness training to your company on a quarterly basis. 

4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Implementing 2FA adds an extra layer of security to your remote team’s login process. It requires users to provide an additional piece of information, such as a one-time code sent to their smartphones, in addition to their password. By doing so, even if passwords get compromised, unauthorized access becomes significantly more challenging. NSGi can integrate 2FA into your existing systems or recommend platforms that support this security feature.

6. Back Up Data Regularly

Data loss can be disastrous for any business. Ensure your remote team’s data is frequently backed up to secure servers. Many businesses think a cloud backup is best but actually cloud servers get hacked all the time! Your best option for backup is a private server in a secure data center with dedicated access for your company. Another advantage is that in case of a security breach, virus, or hardware failure, having reliable backups can expedite data recovery and minimize business downtime. 

NSGi offers secure and automated data backup solutions to protect your critical information with a team to back it up 24/7.

Remote Working Made Easy with Affordable IT Support in NJ

Proactive monitoring of your network helps detect suspicious behavior early on. Analyzing network activity regularly enables quick response and minimizes the damage caused by potential cyberattacks. Remote work is here to stay, and with the right IT support in place, businesses can harness its potential while maintaining strong data security. NSGi’s managed IT services include 24/7 network monitoring, ensuring any anomalies are promptly addressed – while providing the necessary IT support and feedback to your remote teams. 

To learn more about NSGi’s managed IT services and how our IT support can help your business, visit our website at https://www.nsgi.com/

This blog was originally published at https://www.nsgi.com/how-to-better-manage-your-remote-teams/