Author Archives: dzadmin

01.13.21
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Miami HIPAA IT Services Company Discusses HIPAA Cyber Attacks & Your Practice

HIPAA Cyber Attacks: Risk Assessments, Compliance as a Service, and the Consequences of Violating HIPAA

Did you know 95% of healthcare facilities have fallen victim to a cyber attack?

Since your new patient intake form contains all of the pertinent information to steal an identity, including social security numbers, this information is extremely valuable on the dark web. In fact, the dark web sells health records 8-10x more than credit card information. 

So, what does this mean for you?

A cyber attack violates the Health Insurance Portability and Privacy Act of 1996 (HIPAA). We’re sure you’ve heard of it, but do you know the consequences of a data breach?  When you violate HIPAA, you put your patient’s sensitive information at risk, and you also put your practice at risk of hefty fines, litigation, and even permanent closure.

 

A HIPAA violation will cost you:

  • You’ll face penalties and fees.
  • Your reputation will be damaged. 
  • Your patients will lose trust and leave.
  • Your facility will get shut down during an investigation.*

*On average, a medical facility loses $30,000 each day it is shut down due to a HIPAA violation.

So, how can you protect your patients’ data and your practice?

 

Conduct Regular HIPAA Risk Assessments

In order to remain HIPAA compliant and avoid a six figure fine, your healthcare facility needs an ongoing strategy to protect patient data.  Cyber threats are dynamic, and they can present themselves at any time. For this reason, you need to have 24/7 surveillance over your cybersecurity. Once you have routine risk assessments in place, you will feel more confident about where you stand in regards to HIPAA compliance.

But where do you start?

 

Find a Trusted Partner That Offers Compliance as a Service (CaaS)

Simplify your HIPAA compliance strategy by finding a provider who knows how to protect your patient data at all times. When you invest in Compliance as a Service (CaaS), you will gain peace of mind while saving time so you can focus on your patients and your practice. Plus, you will avoid huge fines that could literally break your business.

Are you ready to secure your HIPAA compliance so you can keep doing what you do best?

 

Team Up With the Consultants at Third Power IT Now!

Don’t fall victim to a cyber attack that can cost you everything you’ve worked so hard to achieve.  Every minute you wait, you are more susceptible to a HIPAA violation. Act now to set up regular risk assessments and protect your healthcare facility now.

Our Miami HIPAA Compliance IT Consultants, use a 3-prong approach to protect your data:

  1. Strategy
  2. Security
  3. Stability

We will help you uncover weaknesses in your data protection strategy and secure your sensitive information before the dark web gets ahold of it.

To start designing your custom cybersecurity plan, contact us at 844-677-3687 or visit www.ThirdPowerIT.com right now.

The post Miami HIPAA IT Services Company Discusses HIPAA Cyber Attacks & Your Practice appeared first on Third Power IT – Managed IT Services.

Courtesy of Miami IHIPAA Compliance IT Company - ThirdPowerIT.com

01.04.21
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Coronavirus and Cybersecurity: How Remote Working Presents New Cyber Threats

Is your business at an increased risk of a cyber attack?

If you’re in business right now, the answer is most likely yes. Due to Covid-19 and changes in the way we do business, cyber threats are at an all-time high. In 2020, we saw a surge in remote working as the coronavirus spread across the globe. What many thought would last just a month or so has turned into nearly a year of remote working to date.

 

Cyber Threats and Remote Working

Remote work poses more cyber threats for your business than ever before.  While cybersecurity has always been a challenge for businesses with sensitive data, now we are facing a whole new array of challenges. 

For instance, if your employees are working from open networks like coffee shops or unprotected hotspots, your sensitive business data is more susceptible to a cyber attack.  From the potential safety of the remote working networks to trivial human errors, there are endless ways in which your IT network could be affected when employees are working remotely.

The most unsettling part is that a single unexpected breach could wipe out all of your hard work: customer data, proprietary information, and much more.

So, how can you prevent this from happening to you?

 

Cyber Threat Prevention

Is your cybersecurity posture strong enough to withstand a potential attack? In order to ensure the security of your data, you need to take a proactive approach to protect it. 

With the sudden transition to remote working, security teams are working around the clock to ensure the safety and security of business data — and with good reason. Once your data is compromised, you may not realize it for months.

According to a study by IBM Security, it takes companies roughly 197 days to detect a breach and 69 days to contain it. How much time and money would this cost your business?

IBM also reports that the average data breach costs a business $3.86 million.

As you can see, a cyber attack can be detrimental to your business, setting you back millions of dollars in revenue. Don’t let this happen to you.

 

Protect Your Business Data Now

Now you know that cyber attacks can go undetected for almost an entire year! 

If you want to make sure your data is safe and protected, don’t wait. Protect your business data now before a cyber attack occurs. 

 

Contact a Cybersecurity Expert Now

 

Not all IT companies are created equal. It’s important to find cybersecurity experts who know how to manage and protect your data 24/7.

Let us do the legwork for you so you can rest easy. Connect with the best IT professionals in South Florida now. 

 

Article curated and used by permission.

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The post Coronavirus and Cybersecurity: How Remote Working Presents New Cyber Threats appeared first on Third Power IT – Managed IT Services.

Courtesy of Miami IHIPAA Compliance IT Company - ThirdPowerIT.com

01.03.21
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High Blood Pressure: Dangers of Leaving High Readings Unregulated

high-blood-pressure-tampa-cardio

A high blood pressure reading at the doctor’s office now and then isn’t necessarily cause for alarm. Some days our pressure may just be higher than others. It can be due to stress, physical exertion, nervousness at a doctor visit (white coat syndrome), or even if you drink a latte on the morning of your visit.

One single reading does not mean you have ongoing high blood pressure. If your readings keep coming up high that is when you need to pay attention and speak with your physician about possible ways to combat it and get your readings back to a normal healthy level.

Hypertension may not sound like a big deal, but when left untreated what it does is this: Think about blowing up a balloon too much or overinflating your tires. That excess air stretches the rubber thinner than it should be making it weak. Over time if you over inflate too much, what happens? They may pop. The same holds true for your vein and artery walls. These small tubes run throughout your entire body and elevated pressure can affect any part of the body where your veins carry blood.

Chronic hypertension (high blood pressure) can cause weakening of your circulatory system. It can ultimately lead to heart attack, heart failure, sexual dysfunction, kidney disease, vision problems including loss, and even stroke.

These are serious medical issues that can threaten your health, wellbeing, and even take your life.

The best protection you have is knowledge. Know your numbers. Get checked regularly. If they remain too high talk with your doctor. There are some lifestyle changes you can make that can help to get them down.

Lifestyle changes to help lower blood pressure include:

  1. exercise regularly
  2. Manage your weight
  3. Stop smoking
  4. Reduce sodium intake
  5. Drop the alcohol
  6. Eat more potassium containing foods (nuts and seeds, beans, oily fish, milk, yogurt, fruits, berries, vegetables).
  7. Reduce stress
  8. Cut back on caffeine
  9. Eat dark chocolate
  10. Get rid of the refined sugar and carbs

If these changes are enough to lower your numbers? Wonderful!
If not your doctor will help you find the proper blood pressure medicine to get you back on track.

Give the doctors at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates a call today at 813-975-2800 or visit online to learn more at WWW.TAMPACARDIO.COM.

01.02.21
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What You Need to Know About Spider Veins

spider veins tampa safety harbor west florida vein center

spider veins tampa safety harbor west florida vein centerSpider veins, while not painful, can be embarrassing and a visual eyesore.

A Closer Look at Spider Veins

Living with spider veins isn’t any fun. This is especially true in Florida. We are after all, the tropics – land of shorts and bathing suits. Hiding your vein issues becomes a hassle and a hot one at that. Thankfully there is no need to hide or cover any longer. Spider veins are completely treatable.

The Causes

Spider veins, much like varicose veins, are rooted in insufficient blood flow. (Venous insufficiency). When veins become frail or weak, they may start to leak collecting or pooling blood. This is what gives the appearance of a spider vein or in the case of more damaged veins, varicose veins.

Are you at risk?

Millions of Americans suffer from spider veins. Factors that contribute include gender, heredity, weight, age, pregnancy, history of deep vein thrombosis, excessive sitting or standing, repeated sun burns, smoking, wearing tight clothes, and excessive heat use (sauna and hot tubs).

Interesting Statistics

  • Close to 50% of women ages 40 to 50 have spider veins
  • About 75% of women ages 60 to 70 have spider veins
  • Around 25% of men age 30 to 40 have spider veins
  • Close to 50% of men over the age of 70 have spider veins

Spider Vein Symptoms

Usually spider veins are visible. They are small veins that remain close to the surface. They may be blue, reddish, or even purple in appearance and look like tiny tree branches or spider webs.

You may also experience restless legs when you are trying to go to sleep or relax, itching in the area of the vein damage, throbbing, aching, cramping or just an over all uncomfortable feeling in your legs.

What you can do to rid your legs of spider veins

Lifestyle changes can help alleviate the pain associated with spider veins and reduce new ones from forming but a lifestyle change alone cannot rid you of already existing vein issues.

Sclerotherapy – Sclerotherapy is done via injection of a sclerosant into the damaged veins. It begins a reaction of closing the vein so it can be reabsorbed into the body and the blood flow redirected.

Ultrasound may be used to help guide the placement of the needle into the vein being treated.

Treatment of Spider veins is very effective and virtually painless. The results are permanent. Interested to learn more and see if you are a good candidate?

Give our office a call at The West Florida Vein Center of Safety Harbor, Florida serving the Tampa Bay Florida area as your Vein Specialist. Dr. Mark Zuzga, D.O. would be more than happy to help you get healthy legs that feel good again.  www.westfloridaveincenter.com 727-712-3233.

01.01.21
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Improve your Health and Wellness with NAD+ Supplements from RenovoVita

RenovoVIta NMN NAD+ anti aging cellular renewal
RenovoVIta NMN NAD+ anti aging cellular renewalNAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a critical coenzyme which is found in every cell of the body. It is necessary for the creation of energy as well as regulation of the cellular renewal process.

When we are young, our supplies of NAD+ are boundless. We have as much as we need. Our cells renew quickly and if we find ourselves inured of sick, we usually recover very quickly. We look good, our skin is taught, our cheeks are rosy.

As we age that begins to deplete. The older we get in age the less of it our bodies have in stores.

NAD+ powers two key reactions in the body. 1. To help turn nutrients into energy (metabolism) and 2. As a substrate helper molecule for proteins that become building blocks and regulate other cellular functions. Because of this NAD+ is very important in the aging process and in fact can help decide how we age – slowly or quickly. Aging is simply bodily degeneration. This is the same for humans, yeast, bacteria, and even plants!

NAD+ was discovered in 1906 and our understanding of it has evolved over time. It has become a prized molecule in scientific research because of its role in so many biological functions.

In layman’s terms by adding in NAD+ to your daily regimen by way of supplement what happens is that it essentially switches off the genes that accelerate the aging process.

NAD+ has been shown to benefit you by way of supplementation in the following manners:

  • Boosted energy levels
  • Anti-Aging benefits
  • Boosted immune response
  • Less fogginess – improved clarity of thought and memory
  • Detoxification of cells
  • Faster recovery times from illnesses and hard workouts
  • Feel younger and look more rested

Cellular regeneration is the future of health. Now you don’t have to wait. The future is here with RenovoVita. Learn more. Visit www.RenovoVita.com and get ready to feel the best you have ever felt.

FDA & Legal Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

01.01.21
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Conditions Treated By Chiropractic You Might Not Expect

chiropractic-fort-myers-Dr-Jason-Kaster-Kaster-Chiropractic

chiropractic-fort-myers-Dr-Jason-Kaster-Kaster-ChiropracticMost people tend to think of Chiropractic as care for neck and back pain, but the truth of the matter is that chiropractic treatment can help heal your body as a whole and is not simply for backaches or neck pain.

Chiropractic care can help improve and alleviate a wide range of conditions some of which you might never expect could be treated in such a noninvasive non pharmaceutical related natural way.

Sinus pain: If you experience frequent sinus infections, allergy issues, or nasal pain some of these physical issues can be helped by your chiropractor. There is mounting evidence that this modality of treatment can help with chronic sinusitis. Several sessions along with at home relaxation techniques may be necessary.

Migraines: Headaches are one of top reasons patients seek out chiropractic assistance. Tension headaches and migraine attacks are two of the most physically debilitating painful conditions to deal with. They can be frequent and become chronic. This leaves many dependent on medications to help stop the events. These medications when taken all the time can cause your body to become toxic as well as cause you to build up a non-wanted tolerance, making it harder and harder to get relief.  Chiropractic care has been shown to help treat these types of headaches initially reducing frequency and, in many cases, leading to overall stoppage of the symptoms all together.

Bell’s Palsy – This is a condition where the facial muscles, jaw muscles, and even the muscles in the face that connect to your ear are involved. It is an involuntary drooping of the facial muscles on one side that cannot be controlled by the patient. Chiropractic help depends on the severity of the condition. Overall, it can help managing the pain, boosting movement and motion, and can help with nerve related causes.

Ear Issues: Tinnitus, hearing loss, and vertigo. Chiropractic care has effectively improved vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss in certain patients, showing signs of healing within just a few months of treatment.

Chiropractic has been shown to help with many conditions above and beyond the ones we listed above including sciatica, arthritis, fibromyalgia, car accident injuries, carpal tunnel, pregnancy pain, pinched nerves, bone pain, depression and mood issues,  digestive issues, fatigue, golfer/tennis elbow, high blood pressure, joint problems,  osteoporosis, poor posture, repetitive stress injuries, tendonitis, stress management, Stiffness, sprains, shoulder and arm pain, scoliosis, neck pain, , TMJ back pain, plantar fasciitis, menstrual cramps, hip and leg pain, ankle pain, and even on the job work injuries and wellness care.

If you have an issue and are wondering if we can help – the simplest answer is just to give us a call and ask. We are always happy to talk with you and see if we are a good match and can help you heal.

The office of Kaster Chiropractic and Associates is reachable by dialing 239-332-2555. You can also visit us online to learn more about us by going to www.kasterchirorpractic.com.

12.31.20
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Top 5 Cyber Threats For Businesses In 2020

Did you know that cyber attacks were 400 percent higher in 2020 than the attacks reported before the onset of the coronavirus? The COVID-19 pandemic changed life, business, and cybersecurity as we know it. Unfortunately, as we step into a new year, these cyberthreats are still very real and should be top of mind for you as a business owner. 

First, you should know what a cyber threat is and how it can affect your business. 

 

What is a Cyber Threat?

 A cyber threat is a breach in the protection of your sensitive data.

Cyberthreats come in different shapes and forms. From a simple spyware monitoring your network transactions to a full-fledged ransomware attack that holds all your critical data for a ransom, there are multiple ways your IT network could be compromised. 

When you know the potential risks surrounding your IT infrastructure, you can build a resilient cybersecurity strategy that enhances your IT environment and keeps vulnerabilities at bay.

 Don’t let the top 5 most common cyberthreats happen to you.

 

The Top 5 Most Common Cyber Threats for Businesses

 

#1. Phishing Scams

Phishing emails still pose a major threat to the digital landscape of many business organizations across the globe. COVID-19 communications have provided the perfect cover for these emails to lure unsuspecting users. 

By creating a sense of urgency, these emails might persuade your employees to click on malware links that could steal sensitive data or install malicious viruses inside a computer.

 

#2. Ransomware

Targeted ransomware attacks are increasing every day. It is estimated that a ransomware attack will happen every 11 seconds in 2021. Ransomware attacks hold an organization’s critical data for ransom, and millions of dollars are paid to hackers every year as corporations do not want to risk losing their sensitive data. 

However, there is no guarantee that your files will be secure even after you pay the ransom.

 

#3. Cloud Jacking 

With the cloud becoming a more sophisticated way of storing data, incidents of cloud jacking have become a serious threat. These attacks are mainly executed in two forms:

  1. Injecting malicious code into third-party cloud libraries
  2. Injecting codes directly to the cloud platforms

As estimated by the 2020 Forcepoint Cybersecurity Predictions, a public cloud vendor is responsible for providing the infrastructure while most of the responsibility concerning data security rests with the users. 

So, bear in mind, you are mostly responsible for your data security even when it is on the cloud.

 

#4. Man-in-the-Middle Attack

Did you know hackers can insert themselves in a two-party transaction when it happens on a public network? Once they get access, they can filter and steal your data. 

If your remote working employees use public networks to carry out their official tasks, they are vulnerable to these attacks.

 

#5. Distributed Denial-of-Service Attack

This attack happens when hackers manipulate your normal web traffic and flood the system with resources and traffic that exhaust the bandwidth. As a result, users will not be able to perform their legitimate tasks. 

Once the network is clogged, the attacker will be able to send various botnets to the network and manipulate it.

 

Why You Should Protect Your Business from Cyber Threats

 As you can see, cyber threats are not going away, and an attack can be very costly. It can even cause irreparable damage to your business.

A cyber attack can:

  • Compromise your sensitive data
  • Decrease your brand’s value
  • Lose the trust of your customers
  • Result in hefty fines and penalties 
  • Cause your business to close for good

Don’t let this happen to you. Stop a cyber attack before it starts.

 

Protect Your Data With the Cybersecurity Experts at Third Power IT

The Best Managed IT Services in Miami and South Florida

Every business needs a data protection strategy in order to survive in today’s digital economy. Not only is it recommended, but in many countries, it’s the law. 

Are you ready to ensure your business is protected and compliant?

Team up with a trusted MSP partner who can continuously monitor and secure your IT infrastructure. Reach out to the experts at Third Power IT to discover how you can safeguard your data right now.

Visit www.ThirdPowerIT.com to learn more and connect with us now.

 

Article curated and used by permission.

Data Sources: 

The post Top 5 Cyber Threats For Businesses In 2020 appeared first on Third Power IT – Managed IT Services.

Courtesy of Miami IHIPAA Compliance IT Company - ThirdPowerIT.com

12.30.20
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Data Protection Regulations: The ‘New Normal’ For All Businesses

Do you know which asset is most wanted by today’s cybercriminals?  You guessed it, “Data”.  Do you know what data protection measures are in place in your organization?

In today’s global information economy, your business data is the golden goose chased by cybercriminals. Given how this data is constantly evolving, who can ensure that it isn’t exploited for unsavory gains? Well, governments worldwide have stepped up to the plate. The majority of countries across the globe are helping protect sensitive data by implementing laws and regulations that make it more difficult for cyber theft to take place.

This global wave of changes started with the implementation of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in 2018 by the European Union (EU). This new law holds businesses accountable for protection of data and privacy. Today, 132 out of 194 countries have put in place legislation to ensure protection of data and privacy, as per the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

Wondering how is this related to compliance and moreover, your organization?

 

Any business in the world, including yours, must comply with at least one data protection and privacy regulation.

Whether you are a local or a global business, you must understand that ignoring this global consensus can leave your business’s future in limbo.

 

Consequences of Ignoring Data Protection and Privacy Regulations:

  • Compromised information
  • Legal ramifications
  • Loss of consumer trust
  • Revenue loss

Don’t let this happen to you. It’s time for you to be smart about compliance.

Let us help you understand the difference between protecting your data and privacy, the prevalent global awakening and how compliance affects you and your business.

Let’s hit the ground running!

 

Data Protection Versus Data Privacy: Related But Not The Same

While protecting data is about securing data from unauthorized access, data privacy is related to how an authorized access is defined (who can access the data and the ways in which he/she can manage it).

Your business must understand this distinction and the fact that the existence of one doesn’t eliminate the need for the other.

While you might have the right technology to build a robust data protection posture, it still might not ensure the privacy of personal data. Even authorized individuals who can access the data could also exploit it.

Simply put, you must deploy the right technology and the right policies to ensure every bit of data you store and process remains secure and private.

It’s time to quit stalling and start moving forward with proper security and privacy standards.

 

A Global Awakening: Data Protection And Privacy Standards

Are you late to the data protection and privacy party?

UNCTAD data showcases how 66 percent of countries already hold legislation on data protection and privacy, while 10 percent have drafted one, and the remaining countries are likely to follow suit.

Do not ignore this global consensus! Even if it doesn’t seem like it now, it certainly can and will impact your business. It won’t be long (if not already) before your state or national government decides to take the plunge.

Here’s just a glimpse at where data regulation is in place or will be eventually implemented:

 

Australia: The Privacy Act (1988)

Brazil: Protection of Personal Data Bill (2011)

Canada: Personal Information and Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)

China: Personal Information Security Specification (2018)

The European Union (EU):  (GDPR)

Japan: Act on the Protection of Personal Information (2007)

Kenya: Bill focused on the protection of data (drafting in progress)

Nigeria: Protection Regulation (2019)

Russia: Federal Law Regarding Personal Data (2006)

Singapore: Personal Protection of Data Act (2012)

South Africa: Protection of Personal Information Act (2013)

South Korea: Personal Information Protection Act (2011)

Uganda: The Data Protection and Privacy Bill (2015)

Uruguay: Law on the Protection of Personal Data and Habeas Data (2008)

 

Countries currently deliberating a regulation include Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, Switzerland, USA (a federal legislation) and more. That’s 50 countries already! Could this phenomenon be any more global?

 

Be Smart. Don’t Wait. Start Now!

Even if it seems complex or unfair, compliance is smart business. Therefore, keeping it on the backburner is just an open invitation to trouble.

How much do you value the reputation and integrity of your business?

Please remember that your failure to demonstrate compliance with just one regulation standard alone can take your business straight into a dark phase of uncertainty.

 

You can suffer losses in the form of:

  • License cancellations
  • Hefty fine(s)
  • Damage to reputation
  • Expensive lawsuits
  • Loss of business

Now is the time to get ahead and take your first steps towards protecting your data and privacy compliance.

 

Let A Trusted Partner Help You With Your Data Protection

Team Up With the Miami IT Experts at Third Power IT

It takes special skills and tools to look ‘under the skin’ of your network to ensure it is both secure and compliant. It helps having a trusted partner that has managed both cybersecurity and compliance for businesses before.

Rest easy knowing your data is protected and compliant.

 

Trust Your Data With Third Power IT

Miami’s Best IT Data Security Professionals

You are just one step away from assessing your compliance needs and implementing data compliance & protection the right way. Let’s talk compliance!

Call us at 844-677-3687 to start crafting your unique protection strategy plan now.

 

Article curated and used by permission.

http://www.kaseya.com

The post Data Protection Regulations: The ‘New Normal’ For All Businesses appeared first on Third Power IT – Managed IT Services.

Courtesy of Miami IHIPAA Compliance IT Company - ThirdPowerIT.com

12.29.20
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Your Data Protection: A Closer Look At Data Privacy And Data Security – And Why You Need Both

Do you have processes in place to keep your data safe and compliant?

The importance of data privacy and data security has grown exponentially as organizations today collect and store more information than ever before.

Having a robust data protection strategy is critical to safeguard confidential information and to ensure smooth functioning of your business. But before we move on, let’s take a step back to understand the key concepts of data privacy and data security.

The terms data privacy and data security are often misunderstood and are being used interchangeably. However, they are two separate concepts.

Now let’s take a closer look at the difference between the two.

 

The Difference Between Data Privacy And Data Security

Does your business require data privacy, or does it need data security?

The answer: It probably needs both.

While data privacy focuses on how information is handled, stored and used, data security is concerned with protecting your organization’s assets.

  • Data Privacy: the process of safely handling and storing sensitive data
  • Data Security: the strategy to protect data from cyberthreats

As you can see, your business most likely needs both processes in order to remain protected and compliant.

Now let’s take a closer look at how each operates.

 

Understanding Data Privacy & Why You Need It

Data privacy deals with the regulations and practices to ensure data is responsibly handled. It includes how information is collected, processed, stored and disseminated.

Any organization that collects and stores data or does business across the globe should comply with several privacy regulations, such as:

  • General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
  • California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
  • Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
  • Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)
  • Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)

In addition to the privacy regulations named above, your business should also comply with other relevant privacy laws.

The aim of these regulations is to protect and enhance consumer and personal privacy. These rules give individuals the right to know what information is collected, why it’s collected and how it’s processed.

As data privacy regulations are growing globally and becoming more complex, privacy requirements are also changing. Non-compliance to these laws could cost your business dearly.

 

Did you know? In 2019, Google was fined $57 million under the European Union’s GDPR law.

 

The Importance of Data Privacy

Data privacy is an individual’s right to control who has access to personal information and how it should be used. This also protects personal information from being sold or redistributed to third parties.

When organizations collect customer data, it is the organization’s responsibility to protect and preserve their clients’ sensitive information. Not having a privacy policy in place or failure to complywith privacy laws can lead to serious consequences, apart from legal actions and financial loss.

Now that you understand data privacy, let’s dive deeper into what data security is and why it’s also important to your business.

 

Understanding Data Security & Why You Need It

Data security is the process of protecting information from unauthorized access, data corruption and data loss. A data security process includes various techniques, data management practices, and technologies that act as defense mechanisms to protect data from internal and external threats.

Data security is concerned with what an organization does with the data collected, where and how the data is stored, and regulates who can access the information.

 

A comprehensive data security strategy will:

  • Help prevent data breaches
  • Ensure business continuity
  • Keep your company’s data safe from cyberthreats

 

Did you know? It is estimated that organizational spending on cybersecurity will reach $123 billion in 2020. 

 

Importance of Data Security

Have you heard the expression, “Data is the new oil”?

Coined by Clive Robert Humby in 2006, this term stands true in today’s competitive business environment. Data security is critical for the smooth functioning of day-to-day operations and running a business successfully.

Failure to protect your organization’s confidential data can:

  • Damage your brand’s value
  • Result in regulatory penalties
  • Shut down your business for good

The alarming rate at which cyberattacks are growing has forced organizations of all sizes to consider data security as a top priority.

Depending upon the purpose, type of industry, or geographical location, your business can implement security compliance frameworks and international standards, such as:

  • The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
  • The International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
  • Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)

These compliance frameworks provide guidance and best practices for information security. Each of the standards above were designed to help you:

  • Assess your IT security measures
  • Manage cyber risks and threats
  • Respond to security incidents
  • Improve your information security management system

Now that you’re familiar with both terms, let’s take an even closer look at the key differences between the two.

 

The Difference Between Data Privacy and Data Security

In simple terms, data privacy and data security are two sides of the same coin. They are separate concepts but are closely related.

Achieving data security doesn’t ensure data privacy and vice versa, but both are required to establish a comprehensive data protection strategy.

 

Knowing the difference between these terms will help you:

  • Strategize more effectively
  • Prevent data breaches
  • Stay legally compliant

Let’s distinguish the two concepts with a hypothetical example.

Assume you own a laptop, where you store personal information. To avoid people from accessing those files, you pasted a sticker on the cover that reads “Do Not Touch.” But in order to add an extra layer of privacy, in case people don’t read or ignore the sticker, you locked the computer with a secure password.

 

Do you know which is data privacy and which is data security?

There are two things to note here:

  1. The ‘Do Not Touch’ sticker tells people to keep away from your laptop, thereby authorizing your privacy.
  2. The password ensures no one can access your data, thereby protecting your data from unauthorized access.

As a result, the sticker represents your data privacy, while the password resembles your data security.

Are you ready to put both processes in place so your data is ultra-protected?

 

How to Achieve Data Privacy and Security While Being Legally Compliant

Achieving data privacy and data security and complying with several laws have their own set of challenges. Even large organizations struggle to understand and implement the right security management and compliance measures.

But that doesn’t need to be the case for your business.

Read on to find out how you can keep your data safe and compliant starting right now.

 

Team Up With IT Experts To Keep Your Data Safe & Compliant

While you may have a better understanding of data privacy and data security, it’s still best to team up with an IT expert. That way, you will ensure you’re protected and compliant.

Are you ready to join countless other businesses who are adapting to keep their data private and secure?

 

Improve Your Data Security With Third Power IT

Miami’s Most Trusted Managed IT Services

 

At Third Power IT, we have a robust team of IT Compliance & security experts you can trust to help you implement both of these important practices.

As the most trusted provider of managed IT services in South Florida, we are confident we can help you protect your data and remain compliant.

We know one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to cybersecurity, which is why we are happy to build custom packages to fit your unique needs.

Connect with us now at 844-677-3687 to start building your custom IT compliance & security package now.

Article curated and used by permission.

Data Sources:

The post Your Data Protection: A Closer Look At Data Privacy And Data Security – And Why You Need Both appeared first on Third Power IT – Managed IT Services.

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12.28.20
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IT Security: Why You Should Make Risk Management An Ongoing Operational Standard

Are you making IT security a top priority?

No business today is 100 percent secure from cyberthreats, and more businesses are waking up to this reality now than ever before.

It’s no wonder cybersecurity investment in 2020 is pegged to grow by 5.6 percent to reach nearly $43.1 billion in value.1 

With cyberattacks surging due to widespread remote work and increased online interactions during the pandemic, it seems likely that this trend will only continue to grow.

While 58 percent of IT leaders and practitioners consider improving IT security their topmost priority, nearly 53 percent of them find cybersecurity and data protection to be among their biggest challenges as well.2 

 

That’s primarily because cybersecurity is not a one-and-done exercise. 

While your business might be safe right now, it could be at risk the very next minute.

Are you doing enough to ensure your IT security?

Securing your business’s critical data and the data of your invaluable clients/customers requires undeterred effort sustained over a long period of time.

Although there are several pieces to this puzzle, the most important one, considering today’s threat landscape, is ongoing risk management.

Through the course of this blog, you will understand the definition of a cybersecurity risk assessment and why you must conduct and monitor them regularly.

Cybersecurity risk assessments will help you:

  • Understand the risks threatening your IT security
  • Take action to keep your cybersecurity strong
  • Steer clear of ever-evolving cyber threats
  • Prevent loss of data, productivity, and revenue

By the end of this article, we hope you realize how installing cybersecurity solutions alone isn’t enough to counter cyberattacks — unless you make ongoing risk management an operational standard for your business.

Keep reading to start understanding the importance of cybersecurity risk assessments right now.

 

Understanding The Importance Of Cybersecurity Risk Assessments

In general, a cybersecurity risk assessment refers to the act of understanding, managing, controlling and mitigating cybersecurity risks across your business’s infrastructure.

In its Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) states that the purpose of cybersecurity risk assessments is to “identify, estimate and prioritize risk to organizational operations, assets, individuals, other organizations and the Nation, resulting from the operation and use of information systems.”

 

The primary purpose of a cybersecurity risk assessment is to help key decision-makers tackle prevalent and imminent risks. 

Ideally, an assessment must answer the following questions:

IT Security Risk Assessment Questions

  • What are your business’s key IT assets?
  • What type of data breach would have a major impact on your business?
  • What are the relevant threats to your business and their sources?
  • What are the internal and external security vulnerabilities?
  • What would be the impact if any of the vulnerabilities were exploited?
  • What is the probability of a vulnerability being exploited?
  • What cyberattacks or security threats could impact your business’ ability to function?

The answers to these questions will help you keep track of security risks and mitigate them before disaster strikes.

Now, imagine periodically if you had the answers to these questions whenever you sat down to make key business decisions. If you’re wondering how it would benefit you, keep reading.

 

Why Make Ongoing Risk Management An Operational Standard?

Making ongoing risk management an operational standard is vital, especially in today’s cyberthreat landscape, where even a single threat can break your business.

In one assessment, your business might seem on the right track but in the next one, certain factors could show weaknesses in your cybersecurity framework.

That’s precisely why having an ongoing risk management strategy is now an integral part of standard operations for most successful businesses.

Are you ready to prioritize your cybersecurity and keep your business safe from cyber threats?

Here are seven reasons why you just can’t keep this key business decision on the backburner anymore:

 

7 Reasons To Make Risk Management An Operational Standard

Reason 1: Keep Threats At Bay

Most importantly, an ongoing risk management strategy will help you keep threats, both prevalent and imminent, at a safe distance from your business; especially ones you usually do not monitor regularly.

Reason 2: Prevent Data Loss

Theft or loss of business-critical data can set your business back a long way, leading you to lose business to your competitors. Ongoing risk management can help you remain vigilant of any possible attempts at compromising your business data.

Reason 3: Enhance Operational Efficiency And Reduce Workforce Frustration

As a business owner or key decision-maker of your organization, you would be amazed how consistently staying on top of potential cybersecurity threats can reduce the risk of unplanned downtime. The assurance that hard work will not vanish into thin air will keep the morale of your employees high, thereby reflecting positively on their productivity.

Reason 4: Reduce Long-Term Costs

Identifying potential vulnerabilities and mitigating them in time can help you prevent or reduce security incidents. This can save your business a significant amount of time, money and/or potential reputational damage.

Reason 5: Set The Right Tone And Plan For The Future

You must not assume that there should only be one fixed template for all your future cybersecurity risk assessments. However, in order to update them continuously, you need to conduct one in the first place. Hence, the first few assessments will set the right tone for future assessments as part of your ongoing risk management strategy.

Reason 6: Improve Organizational Knowledge

Knowing security vulnerabilities across the business will help you keep a keen eye on important aspects that your business must improve on.

Reason 7: Avoid Regulatory Compliance Issues

By ensuring that you put up a formidable defense against cyberthreats, you will automatically avoid hassles with respect to complying with regulatory standards such as HIPAA, GDPR, PCI DSS, etc.

Now that you know why risk management is an important operational standard, it’s time to start putting it in place — and fast.

Did you know? The Oxford Academic Journal of Cybersecurity estimates the costs of cyber events to total roughly $8.5 billion per year. 

 

Prevent Cyber Attacks Now – Join Hands With ThirdPower IT

The Best Cybersecurity Firm In South Florida

As you now know, cyber threats are increasing every day. Don’t get hit hard by a cyber attack. Ensure your cybersecurity now so your business can keep growing.

Don’t wait for a problem to take place — prevent hacks from happening by partnering with the most trusted IT firm in South Florida.

At ThirdPower IT, we’ll help you gauge every single cybersecurity risk your business is exposed to and protect your business continuously for a prolonged period of time.

 

Protect Your Business Now – Connect With ThirdPowerIT, a Miami Cybersecurity Company, Today

Connect with us today to find out how you can prevent cybersecurity problems from happening before they start.

 

Call us now at 844-677-3687, or visit ThirdPowerIT.com and learn more about how our IT Security services and chat with an IT security expert today.

 

Article curated and used by permission.

Data Sources:

  1. Global Cybersecurity 2020 Forecast Canalys
  2. 2020 State of IT Operations Survey, Kaseya
  3. Oxford Academic Journal of Cybersecurity

 

The post IT Security: Why You Should Make Risk Management An Ongoing Operational Standard appeared first on Third Power IT – Managed IT Services.

Courtesy of Miami IHIPAA Compliance IT Company - ThirdPowerIT.com