Tag Archives: IT Data

05.21.21
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Secure, Reliable Protection for Your Microsoft 365 SaaS Application Data

The growth of cloud infrastructure in recent years has led to a surge in popularity of Software as a Service (SaaS) packages such as Microsoft Office 365. This popularity stems from a variety of factors, including ease of use, reduced costs, and automatic updates.  In fact, we are seeing more and more the following:

  • Time spent in Microsoft Teams meetings has more than doubled globally, increasing 148%.
  • The average Teams user is sending 45% more chats per week.
  • The number of emails delivered to Microsoft 365® customers went up by 40.6 billion between Feb. 2020 and Feb. 2021.¹
  • There was a 66% increase in the number of people working on Microsoft 365 documents in the past 12 months.

So in short, we know that hybrid working is here to stay.  Recent survey showed that 73% of employees want flexible remote options to stay/be permanent and 66% of business decision-makers are thinking about redesigning physical spaces and IT networks to better accommodate hybrid work environments.  Keeping that in mind, businesses are now poised to have increase exposure and risk if the proper steps are not taken to secure this on-demand data that is being shared across many users within the network.  As a result of this surge, 77% of companies that use SaaS applications suffered a data loss incident over a 12-month period.

What oversights are commonly seen that result in this type of data loss?

Below are some real work examples of how each of these pillars can happen:

  • Employees inevitably delete the wrong email, contacts, or critical configurations.
  • Microsoft will honor your deletion request without question. They have no way of knowing if it’s a hasty (or malicious) request and they are not – responsible for any unexpected results.​  In short, Microsoft is not responsible for your data loss.  You are!
  • These powerful tools designed to streamline business processes can ruin critical data in a flash — with no undo if no measures are put in place such as automatic back ups, etc.
  • Employee action is involved in up to 23% of all electronic crime events
  • Rogue software can spread mayhem with programmatic efficiency without an active attack from a hacker. Many malware programs and viruses emerge from existing code after hibernation, making them especially hard to defend against.​

Now knowing human error and malicious attacks are major causes, who is really responsible for your data then?  You or Microsoft?

In short, its a shared responsibility.

The fact is Microsoft is only responsible for Hardware and Software failure along with any outages within their network & infrastructure.  Any other factors such as human mistakes, programmatic errors, malicious insider activity, external hackers and access & permissions control issues all come under the business’s responsibility.  As they say, read the fine print in Microsoft’s service level agreement which states:

So what steps can you do to ensure you data is always protected?

Well first and formeost is to have a robust cybersecurity IT strategy and plan in place where IT professionals, like ThirdPowerIT, can put technologies and best practices in place to prevent as much breach and human error as possible.  Secondly is to have a back up disaster plan in place that automates your back ups with a quick recovery.

Here at ThirdpowerIT, We Can Help Protect All Your Microsoft 365 Account Data With:

  • Automated Backup s
  • On-demand Data Restore & Recovery
  • Granular Point-in-time Recovery​
  • Ability To Reestore Flexibility for Admins, Users and Devices
  • Provide Transparent Reporting (Audit Logs)
  • Ensure Your Data Centers Are Located Globally

Also, depending on your industry regulations and the type of data you store, we ensure you are compliance in all aspects HIPAA, PCI, NIST & more.

How Secure Is Your Data?

Not sure?  Getting started is easy.  Give us a call or click on the button below to schedule your FREE 30 minute consultation and learn how we can put in a strategy that protects your data the way it needs to be.

Schedule Your FREE 30 Minute Consultation

The post Secure, Reliable Protection for Your Microsoft 365 SaaS Application Data appeared first on Third Power IT – Managed IT Services.

Courtesy of Miami IHIPAA Compliance IT Company - ThirdPowerIT.com

03.12.21
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Supply Chain Compliance: Prevent A Supply Chain Cyber Attack from Happening To You

Did you hear about the recent supply chain cyber attack on multiple major airlines?

 

When an IT vendor’s passenger service system (PSS) was hacked, cyber criminals gained access to the frequent flyer data of customers all over the United States.

Now 90% of the world’s airlines are facing potential penalties for compromised customer data.

Even though the data breach was caused by a third party vendor, the airlines are still liable for this major cybersecurity mishap.

Don’t let something like this happen to you!

 

Prevent A Supply Chain Data Breach

Are you familiar with the regulations and standards governing your supply chain management obligations?

Whether your supply chain is a big or small operation, you must ensure that it isn’t the reason your business is non-compliant with the necessary regulations and standards.

Staying on top of your supply chain cybersecurity involves a great deal of continued effort, but it’s worth it.

If your business has compliance risks thriving within your supply chain, you could find yourself facing:

 

  • Financial losses
  • Loss of reputation
  • Expensive lawsuits

 

And the list goes on.

No regulator will cut you any slack for “not being aware” of prevailing or imminent risks. You will just be considered negligent.

Fulfilling your supply chain management obligations begins with being aware of the regulations and standards that govern it.

Over the next few minutes, you will understand:

  • What supply chain compliance is
  • The various forms it can take
  • How you can start protecting your supply chain now

First let’s talk about what supply chain compliance is and the many forms it can take.

 

Understanding Supply Chain Compliance

 

What is Supply Chain Compliance?

Fundamentally, supply chain compliance refers to an organization’s adherence to the established guidelines and requirements to manage supply chain risks. In addition, it pertains to your ability to meet or exceed the expectations of stakeholders.

Supply chain compliance guidelines and requirements come in many forms.

 

Forms of Supply Chain Compliance Guidelines and Requirements:

  • National, state/provincial and local or border/international regulatory requirements
  • Industry standards (e.g. ASTM & HIPAA)
  • Contractual obligations or requirements
  • Customer and non-governmental organization (NGO) expectations

Achieving, demonstrating and maintaining compliance with these multiple standards requires comprehensive collaboration with your third-party partners.

Are you ready to get started?

 

Protect Your Supply Chain With Third Power IT

Supply chain protection is a 24/7 operation. Make sure you’re fully compliant by teaming up with a trusted IT consultant that understands the ins and outs of supply chain compliance.

When you work with Third Power IT, you will get a custom cybersecurity package that fits your needs. We have experience working closely with:

  • Healthcare facilities regarding HIPAA compliance
  • Banks and investment firms regarding financial compliance
  • Schools and colleges regarding FERPA compliance

And much more

Ensure your compliance today. Visit www.ThirdPowerIT.com to get started now.

The post Supply Chain Compliance: Prevent A Supply Chain Cyber Attack from Happening To You appeared first on Third Power IT – Managed IT Services.

Courtesy of Miami IHIPAA Compliance IT Company - ThirdPowerIT.com

02.11.21
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Top Warning Signs & How to Prevent an Internal Data Breach

Is your business one misstep away from a cyber-attack due to an insider threat?

 

If you’ve been following our blog, then you already know what insider threats are and how they affect your business.

 

As a reminder, insider threats are security risks that originate from within an organization. Essentially, an insider threat involves someone who is a part of your business network or has access to it.

 

An insider threat can present itself in two different ways:

  1. A malicious insider — someone who intentionally steals or compromises your data
  2. A negligent insider — someone who unknowingly puts your network at risk

 

So, how can you identify insider threats before they become a bigger problem?

 

Although accurately identifying insider threats can be tricky, there are some early warning signs you can watch out for to prevent a cyber-attack.

 

Keep a keen eye out for these signs so you can recognize unusual patterns early on.

 

First let’s look at the main types of warning signs and what you should look out for.

 

There are two main types of warning signs:

  1. Behavioral
  2. Digital

 

First, we’ll look at behavioral warning signs of an insider threat.

 

Behavioral Warning Signs of An Insider Threat

 

An employee or a stakeholder could be a potential insider threat if he/she exhibits any of the following behavioral patterns.

 

  • Attempting to bypass security controls and safeguards
  • Frequently and unnecessarily spending time in the office during off-hours
  • Displaying disgruntled behavior against co-workers and the company
  • Violating corporate policies deliberately
  • Discussing new opportunities and/or the possibility of resigning

 

Now let’s take a closer look at the digital warning signs of an insider threat.

 

Digital Warning Signs of An Insider Threat

 

Some of the digital actions mentioned below are telltale signs of an insider threat.

 

  • Accessing or downloading substantial amounts of data
  • Attempting to access data and/or resources unrelated to his/her job function
  • Using unauthorized devices to access, manage or store data
  • Browsing for sensitive data unnecessarily
  • Copying data from sensitive folders
  • Sharing sensitive data outside the business
  • Behaving differently from their usual behavior profile

 

If you notice any behavioral or digital warning signs, don’t ignore them. You might be at risk of an internal data breach.

 

How to Prevent an Internal Data Breach

 

While some cyber attacks are inevitable, the government expects you to do everything in your power to prevent them. If not, you will face regulatory action.

 

In the event of a data breach, you will be audited for compliance. At this time, you will need to present documented evidence of the preventive and corrective measures you took to protect your business’s sensitive data from insider threats.

 

Here’s what you can do to protect your data now and steer clear of potential penalties in the future:

 

  • Identify, document, and o troll access to your sensitive data
  • Define data privileges for employees and stakeholders based on their needs
  • Build suitable infrastructure that monitors abnormal behavior and raises timely alerts
  • Add insider threat parameters to your regular risk assessment
  • Introduce a robust security awareness training program for all stakeholders
  • Devise a strategy to investigate a breach caused due to insider threats

 

If you take these steps, they will go a long way towards significantly securing your business from insider threats. Plus, they will show regulators that you are committed to ensuring data protection.

 

Make Data Protection a Priority Now

 

Cyber threats are at an all-time high, and you simply cannot ignore the risks.

 

Make data protection a priority and rest knowing your network is secure. Every minute you wait is another minute you risk a cyber attack. Don’t wait to set up your cybersecurity strategy.

 

Connect with the cybersecurity consultants at Third Power IT to safeguard your network now. Visit www.ThirdPowerIT.com to get started.

 

The post Top Warning Signs & How to Prevent an Internal Data Breach 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.

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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.

Courtesy of Miami IHIPAA Compliance IT Company - ThirdPowerIT.com