The Datamax Thinking Blog

As you plan for 2023, we invite you to consider what’s worked for you before, what might not be working moving forward, and then consider these advanced IT security layers of protection.

Business trends come and go, along with blog spaces just like this that purport to know the ones we should be watching for in the coming year. Here’s a safe bet, though. One trend that stands immune to whatever else comes our way in 2023 (inflation, staffing issues, remote work, etc.) and won’t be going anywhere anytime soon? Security vigilance.

While 43% of cyber attacks are aimed at small businesses, only 14% are considered prepared, aware, and capable of defending their networks and data.

In football, a blitz is a tactic used by defenses to disrupt the quarterback by sending a higher than the usual number of players his way. It's called often out of a sense of urgency to proactively change the momentum of the offensive attack. 

If you're using yesterday's tools for today's cyber security storm, you're frankly not prepared. 

Philosopher Marshall McLuhan once said, “Our Age of Anxiety is, in great part, the result of trying to do today's job with yesterday's tools and yesterday's concepts.”

These six coaching tips will help develop the peace of mind that comes with a solid IT security strategy.

Vince Lombardi once said “hope is not a strategy.”

From his relentless coverage of the fundamentals to implementing his infamous “Packers Sweep,” the legendary football coach relied on preparation, practice, and developing a proper game plan for his team. It worked. He won five NFL championships, including Super Bowls I and II, and compiled a remarkable 89-29-4 regular-season record.

When evaluating potential managed service providers, it’s important to look at both the hard metrics as well as the humanistic qualities of the company you will entrust with your technology landscape.

As security concerns take center stage and IT becomes increasingly complex, small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) continue to seek the help of a managed IT services provider.

Having a stout, multi-layered cyber security plan has never been more important than it is now. Not only are costs rising, but attacks are getting more sophisticated.

Figuring the true cost of downtime from a cyber security incident can be a lot like guessing the number of marbles in a glass jar: Anyone’s guess, really.

So shoulders shrug and business moves on as usual – perhaps dangerously so.

While attacks declined slightly this year, phishing attacks remained the most successful attack vector, followed by a number of other employee errors that could be mitigated with better security training.

The front line, in military terminology, is the position(s) closest to the area of conflict of an armed force's personnel and equipment. It's a vulnerable position on the battlefield, but also in the office.

Employee cyber security education is an essential piece of any effective ransomware protection strategy. But as SMBs keep taking the phishing bait, their front lines — their own employees — are exposed as a weak link in their defense plan. 

From offering timely onsite and remote support, to the ability to avoid buzzwords and communicate clearly to your end users, you should expect more for your organization.

With overall small to medium-sized business spending on managed services growing at 15% per year (According to Datto’s 2020 State of the MSP Report), it’s no surprise that most Managed Service Providers are growing.

But what might a COVID-19 phishing email scam look like? We looked in our own inbox, and accessed a valuable cybersecurity resource, to show you things to be looking for.

Two basic qualities that cybercriminals prey on are vulnerability and desperation. With so many on high alert with COVID-19 information and updates, phishing season is in full swing.

With the likely increase in remote work, companies will have to prepare in various ways to avoid cybersecurity risks or interruptions to business.

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread uncertainty regarding routine business operations, employee safety stands as a top concern for employers ... as does network management and IT security.