Imagine waking up one morning, turning on your computer, and finding that all your important files – everything from customer data to financial records – are locked. Tight.

And then a scary message pops up demanding a ransom fee to unlock them.

That’s ransomware in a nutshell. It’s a type of malicious software that hijacks your data and holds it for ransom.

It usually starts with an innocent-looking email or link. You might get an email that seems legitimate, asking you to click on a link or open an attachment.

This is known as a phishing email, where the sender appears to be genuine but isn’t. Once you click, malicious software is silently installed on your system. From there, the cyber criminals quickly go to work.

They’ll be encrypting your files so you can’t access them. Then, you get that dreaded ransom note, demanding payment in exchange for a decryption key to unlock your files. Paying the ransom is a risky move because there’s no guarantee you’ll get your data back, and it just encourages the attackers to target more victims.

2023 was a particularly bad year for ransomware, with attacks surging after a two-year decline. According to a report, there was a huge increase in ransomware incidents, breaking a six-year record.

One reason for this spike is the rise of something called Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS). This model lets cyber criminals “rent” ransomware tools, making it easier than ever for them to launch attacks.

As a result, more businesses are finding themselves posted on data leak sites, with a 75% increase in the number of victims between 2022 and 2023.

Ouch.

And it gets worse. Attackers are getting smarter. They’re developing new variants of old ransomware, sharing resources, and using legitimate tools for malicious purposes.

They’re also working faster, often deploying ransomware within 48 hours of gaining access to a network. And they tend to strike outside of work hours, such as when you’re tucked up in your bed, so they’re less likely to be noticed.

If your business falls victim to a ransomware attack, the consequences can be devastating. You might face significant financial losses, not just from the ransom itself but also from the cost of downtime and recovery.

There’s also the risk of losing critical data if you can’t decrypt your files.

Your reputation could take a hit if customers find out their information was compromised. Oh, and your business operations could be severely disrupted, affecting your ability to serve your clients.

The most important question then: How can you protect your business from this growing threat?

• Start by educating your team. Make sure everyone knows how to spot phishing emails and avoid suspicious links and attachments
• Regularly back up your critical data and securely store those backups offline
• Keep your software and systems up to date with the latest security patches, and invest in strong security tools
• It’s also important to limit access to your data. Only give employees access to the information they need for their jobs
• Monitor your network for unusual activity and have a plan in place to respond to incidents quickly

If you do get hit by a ransomware attack, don’t panic. Work with cyber security experts (like us) to resolve the issue.

Remember, it’s best not to pay the ransom, as it only fuels the cyber criminals’ activities.

My team and I help businesses take proactive action to protect their data. If we can help you, get in touch.

As a small business owner, you often juggle multiple responsibilities, from managing operations to ensuring customer satisfaction. Amidst this, managing IT infrastructure can be particularly challenging. This is where managed IT services can help as they offer a strategic advantage that can significantly boost your business productivity.

Read on to learn more about managed IT services and how they can improve your business.

Understanding Managed IT Services

Managed IT services involve outsourcing your IT needs to a third-party provider. This provider manages and monitors your IT infrastructure, ensuring that your systems run smoothly and efficiently. Services typically include network management, data backup and recovery, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and helpdesk support.

Adopting managed IT services gives you access to a team of IT professionals with specialized skills and experience. This reduces the burden on your internal staff and ensures your IT environment has optimal performance. Moreover, with a proactive approach to IT management, potential issues are identified and resolved before they can impact your operations.

Enhancing Network Management with Cisco Meraki

A thorough and reliable network is the backbone of any business operation. Cisco Meraki, a leader in cloud-managed IT, offers a comprehensive suite of networking solutions designed to simplify and optimize network management. With Cisco Meraki, you benefit from:

• Simplified Network Management: The Meraki dashboard provides a user-friendly interface for managing your entire network from a single platform. This centralized control makes it easier to monitor network performance, configure devices, and troubleshoot issues in real time.
• Scalability: As your business grows, your network needs will evolve. Cisco Meraki’s solutions are highly scalable, enabling you to add new devices and expand your network without significant disruptions or additional infrastructure costs.
• Enhanced Security: Security is a top priority for any business. Cisco Meraki offers strong security features, including advanced threat detection, automated firmware updates, and integrated security appliances.
• Remote Access and Mobility: With more businesses embracing remote work, providing secure access to your network is important. Cisco Meraki’s cloud-based solutions enable your employees to securely connect to the network from anywhere, ensuring uninterrupted productivity.

How Managed IT Services Help

Managed IT services help by providing expert management and monitoring of your IT infrastructure. This enhances security, allowing you to focus on your core business activities.

Boosting Productivity through Proactive IT Management

Instead of waiting for problems to arise, managed service providers (MSPs) continuously monitor your systems to detect and address potential issues before they escalate. This proactive approach reduces the risk of data loss and ensures that your IT infrastructure remains reliable and efficient.

Reducing Downtime and Increasing Efficiency

Downtime can have a significant impact on your business’s productivity and bottom line. Every minute your systems are down translates to lost revenue, reduced employee productivity, and potential damage to your reputation. Managed IT services help minimize downtime through:

• 24/7 Monitoring and Support: With round-the-clock monitoring, MSPs can quickly identify and resolve issues, often before you even realize a problem. This ensures that your systems are always up and running, allowing you to focus on your business operations without interruptions.
• Regular Maintenance and Updates: Keep your IT infrastructure up to date for optimal performance and security. Managed IT services include regular maintenance, software updates, and patches to ensure your systems run smoothly and securely.
• Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity: A robust disaster recovery plan, such as a cyberattack or natural calamity, is essential in a disaster. Managed IT services provide comprehensive backup and recovery solutions, ensuring your data is safe and your business can quickly resume operations.

Cost-Effective IT Management

Managing your IT infrastructure can be costly, especially for small businesses with limited budgets. Investing in hardware, software, and skilled IT personnel requires significant capital expenditures. Managed IT services offer a cost-effective alternative by providing access to the latest technology and expertise at a fraction of the cost. By partnering with an MSP, you can benefit from:

• Predictable Costs: Managed IT services are typically run on a subscription service, allowing you to budget for your IT needs with predictable monthly costs. This eliminates the need for large upfront investments and provides better financial control.
• Reduced Overhead: Outsourcing your IT management reduces the need for in-house IT staff, saving you on salaries, benefits, and training costs. Additionally, MSPs leverage economies of scale, passing on cost savings to you.
• Access to Expertise: Managed IT service providers employ skilled professionals with specialized knowledge and experience. This ensures that experts who stay updated with the latest industry trends and best practices manage your IT infrastructure.

Focusing on Core Business Activities

As a small business owner, you should spend your time and resources on activities that drive growth and profitability. Managing IT infrastructure can be time-consuming and distracting, taking you away from your core business functions. By leveraging managed IT services, you can:

• Delegate IT Responsibilities: With an MSP handling your IT needs, you can delegate day-to-day IT management tasks and focus on strategic initiatives that drive your business forward.
• Improve Employee Productivity: Employees can work more efficiently without disruptions when your IT systems run smoothly. This leads to higher productivity, better customer service, and increased employee satisfaction.
• Innovate and Grow: With the burden of IT management lifted, you can concentrate on innovation and business development. Whether launching new products, expanding into new markets, or improving customer experiences, managed IT services provide the support you need to achieve your goals.

Cisco Meraki’s Security Solutions

Cisco Meraki provides advanced security features that safeguard your network and data:

Next-Generation Firewalls

Meraki’s security appliances offer powerful firewalls that protect against external threats, including malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.

Intrusion Detection and Prevention

Meraki’s security solutions include intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) that monitor network traffic for suspicious activity and block potential threats.

Secure Wi-Fi

With Meraki’s secure Wi-Fi solutions, you can provide safe and reliable wireless access for employees and guests, ensuring that sensitive data remains protected.

Compliance

Managed IT services help you stay compliant with industry regulations, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS, by implementing necessary security controls and providing regular audits and reports.

By outsourcing your IT needs to our experts at DEVsource Technology Solutions, you can focus on what you do best: growing your business. Contact us or book a web consultation today.

Getting your team to report security issues quickly is something that’s important for your business… but maybe something that might not have crossed your mind before.

You might think that with so many security tech tools, you’re covered. But guess what? Your employees are your first line of defense, and they’re irreplaceable when it comes to spotting and reporting security threats.

Imagine this: One of your employees receives a fishy-looking email that appears to be from a trusted supplier. It’s a classic phishing attempt (that’s where a cyber criminal sends an email and pretends to be someone else to steal your data).

If the employee brushes it off or thinks someone else will handle it, that innocent-looking email could lead to a massive data breach, potentially costing your company big bucks.

The truth is, less than 10% of employees report phishing emails to their security teams. That’s shockingly low. Why? Well:

• They might not realize how important it is
• They’re scared of getting into trouble if they’re wrong
• Or they think it’s someone else’s job

Plus, if they’ve been shamed for security mistakes before, they’re even less likely to speak up.

One of the biggest reasons employees don’t report security issues is that they just don’t get it. They might not know what a security threat looks like or why reporting it is crucial. This is where education comes in, but not the boring, jargon-filled kind.

Think of cyber security training as an engaging and interactive experience. Use real-life examples and scenarios to show how a small issue can snowball into a major problem if not reported.

Simulate phishing attacks and demonstrate the potential fallout. Make it clear that everyone has a vital role in keeping the company safe. When employees understand their actions can prevent a disaster, they’ll be more motivated to report anything suspicious.

Even if your employees want to report an issue, a complicated reporting process can stop them in their tracks. Make sure your reporting process is as simple and straightforward as possible. Think easy-access buttons or quick links on your company’s intranet.

Make sure everyone knows how to report an issue. Regular reminders and clear instructions can go a long way. And when someone does report something, give them immediate feedback. A simple thank you or acknowledgment can reinforce their behavior and show them that their efforts matter.

It’s all about creating a culture where reporting security issues is seen as a positive action. If employees feel they’ll be judged or punished, they’ll keep quiet. Leaders in your company need to set the tone by being open about their own experiences with reporting issues. When the big boss talks openly about security, it encourages everyone else to do the same.

You could even consider appointing security champions within different departments. These are your go-to people for their peers, offering support and making the reporting process less intimidating. Keep security a regular topic of conversation so it stays fresh in everyone’s minds.

Also, celebrate the learning opportunities that come from reported incidents. Share success stories where reporting helped avoid a disaster. This not only educates but also motivates your team to keep their eyes open and speak up.

By making it easy and rewarding for your employees to report security issues, you’re not just protecting your business; you’re also building a more engaged and proactive workforce.

Encourage open communication, continuous learning, and avoid shaming anyone for their mistakes. The faster issues are reported, the easier and cheaper they are to fix, keeping your business secure and thriving. This is something we regularly help businesses with. If we can help you too, get in touch

Have you heard about Team Copilot yet? It’s the latest addition to Microsoft’s suite of AI tools and should be available later this year.

Think of Team Copilot as an advanced, AI-powered assistant designed to help your team work better together. While Microsoft’s 365 Copilot has been a personal assistant for individual tasks like drafting emails or recapping missed meetings, Team Copilot takes it to the next level by focusing on group activities.

There are three main ways Team Copilot can help your team:

1. Meeting facilitator

During a Teams video call, Team Copilot can take notes that everyone in the meeting can see and edit. It can also create follow-up tasks, track time for each agenda item, and assist with in-person or hybrid meetings when used with Teams Rooms.

2. Group text chat assistant

In group text chats within Teams, Copilot can summarize lengthy conversations to highlight the most important information. It can also answer questions from the group, making it easier to stay on track and informed without wading through pages (and pages and pages) of chat history.

3. Project manager

Team Copilot can help manage projects by creating tasks and goals within Microsoft’s Planner app. It can assign these tasks to team members and even complete some tasks itself, like drafting a blog post. It will notify team members when their input is needed.

You know that productivity isn’t just about individual work. It’s also about effective teamwork. So, by helping with group-oriented tasks, Team Copilot can make big improvements to your overall productivity.

It’s important to note that while Team Copilot is incredibly helpful, it doesn’t replace the role of a human meeting facilitator. It won’t lead meetings or ensure inclusivity, but it will create agendas, track time, take notes, and share files.

It’s more of a business insights assistant, helping with group interactions and meetings rather than censoring comments or keeping people in line. But hey, who knows what’s to come in future!

Team Copilot will be available in preview later this year for Microsoft 365 customers with a Copilot subscription. While it’s a work in progress, the potential it has to transform team productivity is huge.

Keep an eye out for its release and think about how it could fit into your workflow to boost your team’s productivity.

If you have any questions or need further assistance in understanding how Copilot can benefit your business, get in touch.

More and more businesses are making the smart decision to be proactive and invest in their cyber security defenses. This is fantastic news, especially since stats show that about half of SMBs still have no cyber security measures at all.

If your business falls into that category, it’s time to change.

Cyber security might sound complex, but it starts with a few simple steps. Let’s talk about some basics you can put in place right away.

First, think about encryption and multi-factor authentication (MFA). Encryption is like putting your data in a secure vault. It ensures that even if someone intercepts your information, they can’t read it without the encryption key.

MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to verify your identity using a second device, like your phone, whenever you log in. It’s a bit like needing two keys to open a lock instead of just one.

Another easy step is using a password manager. These generate long, random passwords for every account and remember them for you. Password managers make life easier and your business more secure in one package. Amazing.

Advanced monitoring tools are another great way to protect your business. They’re a little like security cameras for your digital space, always on the lookout for anything suspicious. These tools help detect unusual activity in your systems, giving you a heads-up if something’s not right.

And let’s not forget about protecting your business from phishing scams. These are attempts by criminals to trick you into giving away personal information by pretending to be someone you trust, like a supplier or a bank. Educating your team on how to spot these scams is crucial. If something feels off, it probably is.

Why is investing in cyber security so important?

• It protects your data
• Avoids financial loss
• And builds trust with your customers and partners

Your business data is valuable, and protecting it means safeguarding your business’s operations and reputation.

Cyber attacks can be costly, not just in terms of money but also time and resources. Prevention is ALWAYS cheaper than dealing with the aftermath of a breach. Plus, showing that you take security seriously helps build trust with your customers and partners. They need to know that their information is safe with you.

Investing in cyber security doesn’t have to be daunting. We’re the experts in this field and would love to help you secure your business. Whether you need advice on getting started or want a comprehensive security plan, get in touch.

We all know how important it is to keep our data safe, whether it’s our business secrets or just personal info. Passwords used to be the number one way to keep things under wraps.

But are they still cutting it today?

According to a recent report, it seems many people are sticking to their guns when it comes to passwords, with only a small fraction opting for biometrics like fingerprints. But why the hesitation? It seems like everyone’s got data privacy and security on their minds, and that’s totally fair.

So, what exactly are biometrics, and why should we consider them as a more secure alternative to passwords?

Biometrics are all about using your unique physical or behavioral traits – like your fingerprints, face, or even your eye scan – to prove it’s really you. Unlike passwords, which can be forgotten, stolen, or cracked, biometrics bring a whole new level of security to the table.

Sure, there’s still some worry about biometric data getting into the wrong hands. But don’t worry too much. It’s rare and takes a lot of effort and know-how.

Biometrics are still a solid weapon in the fight against cyber threats. They’re not only harder to copy than passwords but also offer unparalleled convenience. No more struggling to remember a jumbled mess of letters and numbers… just a quick scan of your fingerprint or face, and you’re good to go.

But what if you’re not sold on biometrics just yet?

There’s an alternative: Passkeys.

These clever authentication methods offer another option to the old-school password. Passkeys use special codes unique to each person and are tough to phish (that’s when someone tries to trick you into giving away your login credentials).

By mixing biometrics with passkeys, you can make a big enhancement to your business’s security without making your staff’s lives harder (in fact most people find biometrics and passkeys easier).

Passwords may have served us well in the past, but it’s time to embrace new, safer methods of authentication.

Need a hand implementing biometrics or passkeys? We can help – get in touch.

Organizations of all scales constantly encounter a changing landscape of digital threats. From phishing schemes to ransomware assaults, businesses are susceptible to these harmful attacks. That is why solid cybersecurity measures are necessary for managing businesses. DNS-layer protection is among the most important aspects of security, and Cisco Umbrella is one of the top solutions that offers comprehensive protection from cyber threats.

Read on to understand the power of Cisco Umbrella.

What Is a Cisco Umbrella?

Cisco Umbrella is a cloud-based DNS-layer security platform that safeguards users and devices connected to the Internet. Unlike conventional security systems dependent on perimeter-based defenses, Umbrella checks DNS requests and halts malicious traffic before reaching the network or endpoints. This proactive method of security guarantees that organizations are constantly shielded against emerging threats.

Key Features of Cisco Umbrella

Cisco Umbrella offers a range of features designed to enhance security for organizations. Here are the key features:

Secure DNS

The cloud-delivered service secures DNS requests by filtering them through Cisco’s global network of data centers. This allows Umbrella to detect and block malicious domains in real-time, thus preventing users from accessing harmful content.

Secure Web Gateway

This feature provides real-time content filtering and web traffic inspection, blocking harmful websites, enforcing acceptable use policies, and preventing data leaks.

Cloud-Delivered Firewall

Cisco Umbrella extends firewall protection to remote users and branch offices, maintaining consistent security policies across the organization.

Remote Browser Isolation (RBI)

Remote browser isolation allows users to safely access risky websites without compromising security. It isolates web traffic from the user device and potential threats, providing an extra layer of protection for the secure web gateway.

Benefits of Cisco Umbrella

With faster and easier deployment, Cisco Umbrella offers a range of benefits that can significantly enhance your cybersecurity posture.

Enhanced Security Posture

With its DNS-layer security, Cisco Umbrella provides a rapid and straightforward method to fortify defenses. It boosts visibility into potential threats, identifies compromised systems, and shields users on and off the network. Detecting threats across all ports and protocols prevents malicious entities from attacking your network.

Improved Performance

In addition to enhancing security, the cloud security platform optimizes DNS traffic routing to improve browsing and application performance. By reducing latency and improving response times, Umbrella ensures a seamless and uninterrupted user experience.

Simplified Management

As a cloud-delivered service, Umbrella offers easy deployment and centralized management, eliminating the need for complex hardware installations and manual updates. This saves time and resources and allows IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives rather than routine maintenance tasks. It also eliminates the need for upfront hardware and software investments, potentially leading to cost savings for your organization.

Broadened Coverage

With Umbrella, organizations can extend security protection to users and devices on any network, regardless of location. Whether employees work from home, travel, or access the internet from a public network, Umbrella ensures consistent protection across all environments.

Comprehensive Web Traffic Analysis

The secure web gateway feature of Cisco Umbrella meticulously inspects and monitors web traffic, offering complete visibility into user activities. It gives administrators granular control over URLs and applications while providing robust protection against malware. Organizations can smoothly direct traffic to the cloud-based proxy by utilizing IPsec tunnels, PAC files, or proxy chaining. This allows them to enforce acceptable usage policies and effectively combat advanced threats.

Efficient Firewall Functionality

Cisco Umbrella’s firewall capability logs all network activities and effectively blocks unwanted traffic based on IP, port, and protocol rules. Setting up traffic forwarding is streamlined, requiring only the configuration of an IPsec tunnel from any network device. Furthermore, the automatic application of policies to newly established tunnels ensures effortless setup and consistent enforcement across the network.

Insightful Cloud Access Monitoring

Through its cloud access security broker (CASB), Cisco Umbrella illuminates shadow IT by identifying and reporting on cloud applications used within the organization. Administrators can assess the risks associated with them and take appropriate action, such as blocking or regulating their usage. This capability facilitates better management of cloud resources and reduces associated risks.

Real-time Threat Intelligence

With its distinctive online position, the cloud-delivered service provides exceptional visibility into malicious domains, IPs, and URLs. Umbrella Investigate delivers instant context on diverse threats like malware, phishing attacks, botnets, and trojans through a user-friendly console and API. This capability empowers organizations to conduct quicker incident investigations and respond promptly to emerging threats.

Seamless Integration With SD-WAN

Cisco Umbrella seamlessly integrates with Cisco SD-WAN, expanding robust cloud security throughout the network. This helps protect branch users, connected devices, and application usage during direct internet access, streamlining security management and strengthening overall network resilience.

How Cisco Umbrella Works

Cisco Umbrella operates on a simple yet powerful workflow:

• DNS Request Forwarding:/ When a user or device requests a DNS, Cisco Umbrella forwards this request to its DNS resolvers.
• Request Analysis: Cisco Umbrella analyzes the request against its threat intelligence database to identify potential risks.
• Decision Making: Based on the analysis, Cisco Umbrella decides whether to allow or block the request.
• Threat Prevention: If the request is deemed safe, it proceeds as usual. Cisco Umbrella blocks the connection if it is identified as a threat, preventing access to malicious sites.
• Direct IP Connection Management: For direct IP connections, Cisco Umbrella uses roaming clients to provide protection, ensuring threats are mitigated even without DNS.
• Continuous Monitoring: Cisco Umbrella continuously monitors and updates its threat intelligence to provide up-to-date protection.

Cisco Umbrella offers unparalleled security, performance, and ease of management for organizations seeking to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses. Using DNS-layer security and threat intelligence, Umbrella proactively protects against cyber threats. Whether securing remote workers, protecting branch offices, or enhancing cloud security, the platform offers a comprehensive solution that meets the evolving needs of today’s organizations.

DEVsource Technology Solutions offers expertise integrating Cisco Umbrella to protect your business assets. Schedule a web consultation now to tailor the solution to your specific requirements!

Imagine this: You’re on an important video call with a client, nailing your presentation on the latest project updates. Suddenly, a notification pops up on your screen from your significant other, reminding you (not so subtly) about the chaos your child caused during their morning tantrum. Or, even worse, a message from your gym reminding you of your long absence.

Talk about embarrassing, right?

We’ve all been there—trying to keep things professional during video calls while secretly dreading those unexpected pop-ups that can steal the spotlight. Well, good news! Microsoft is reportedly working on a feature that could save us all from these cringe-worthy moments.

Imagine being able to hide specific apps entirely while you’re on a Teams call. No more worrying about intrusive notifications messing up your flow. You can kiss those awkward interruptions from messaging apps or reminders you’d rather keep private goodbye.

So, how does it work? According to reports, this new feature from Microsoft won’t just minimize apps to the taskbar like the current workaround. Instead, it’ll completely hide them from sight, sparing you any unexpected surprises (and blushes).

And here’s the best part: it’s not just about saving face. This feature could also boost your device’s performance. By keeping those apps in the background, you free up valuable computing power and resources.

If you’ve ever found yourself frantically closing apps and browser windows to ensure a smooth video stream, this could be a game-changer. With the new feature, you can focus on what truly matters during your calls without worrying about technical hiccups or embarrassing distractions.

While we’re super excited about the potential of this new feature, we’ll have to wait and see if it becomes a reality. We’re keeping a close eye on the official Microsoft 365 roadmap for any updates and will definitely keep you informed.

In the meantime, if we can help make your business’s video calls run more smoothly, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to help!