What Does Phishing Do to a Business?

Phishing was the most prevalent type of cyberattack in 2020. (PDF, Opens in new tab). It rose from 114,702 incidents to 241,342 in 2019, to the current level. This statistic shows the growing success of these attacks. Phishing is when hackers attempt to trick a person, company, or organization into giving them unauthorized information via text, email, or telephone.

How does phishing impact a business? You can better prepare for phishing attacks by understanding the consequences.

Four ways that phishing can harm your business

Financial losses

According to IBM research, the average cost of data breaches in 2020 was $3.86million. This includes more than just fighting off an attack. It also includes recovery costs, stock valuation depreciation and regulatory fines if regulators discover that your company doesn’t have adequate security measures. While the financial impact of a data breach will vary according to the organization’s size, there is still money that can be used elsewhere in the business to improve customer service, operations, or financial health.

Reputational risk

Trusted brands are more likely to be trusted by customers. A 2020 Edelman study found that trust is the second most important element (PDF). Opens in new tab for a consumer’s purchase decision. It is crucial that consumers have access to their data privacy to establish and maintain trust. If there is a data breach, such as phishing, or any other cyberattack, this can undermine consumers’ faith in the brand. This could cause them to move their business elsewhere.

Loss of proprietary information

Cybercriminals commit cybercrimes as data is highly valuable. These crimes are worth $1.5 trillion per year according to a 2020 study. Cybercriminals can gain access to your company’s proprietary information. This can include trade secrets and information about upcoming product launches or new partnerships and acquisitions. It can impact your market competitiveness.

Disrupted business operations

According to IBM research, it takes companies 280 days to detect and fix a data breach. The business might not be able to function properly during this period, particularly in the first days after a cyberattack. This could have a devastating effect on your business’ ability to process customer orders, communicate with customers promptly, and procure the materials or goods you need to keep your product/service available in the marketplace.

How to protect your company against phishing scams

While phishing attacks are becoming more sophisticated and common, there are steps your company can take to reduce or prevent these types of incidents.

Employee training

Training employees is an effective defense against phishing attacks. Hackers are known to prey on employees. However, training employees to spot suspicious emails, texts, and phone calls can help you avoid these attacks. To increase your employees’ cyber awareness, use company newsletters and other communication channels. You can also offer them virtual, on-demand cybersecurity training they can access whenever they need it. Consider making cybersecurity training an integral part of the onboarding process for new hires. You might also consider making it compulsory for all employees.

Email security and improved threat detection

You can also put in mechanisms to improve email security within your company. You can require two-factor authentication–where employees have to enter their password and then a code or PIN to gain access to systems. Ask employees to change their passwords once a month. Potential threats can be identified using threat detection services or tools that monitor your network 24 hours a day.

Protecting your business against phishing attacks

Although phishing attacks are now a common problem for businesses, it doesn’t mean that your company shouldn’t take steps to safeguard itself. By increasing

• cyber awareness among employees
• applying best practices in email security
• using advanced cybersecurity technologies

you can help reduce the risk to your company and possibly prevent a phishing attack from having a negative impact on your business.

How does phishing impact a business? An organization that cannot answer this question is at serious risk of being cyberattacked. The best way to protect your data is to request a cyber audit of you network from Adtek Advanced Technologies today.  This will give you peace of mind and provide you with the necessary steps to stay protected.

Adtek Advanced Technologies
1702 Hwy 301 North
Dillon, SC 29536
843-627-3079

Home

Rock Hill, SC 29730
(803) 902-3111

Protect Your Fiber Optic Network From Hackers

Here are a few proven ways to protect your fiber optic network from hackers

Fiber optic cables are rapidly replacing copper cables in many applications and are quickly gaining popularity. Future-friendly, these cables offer better security, scalability and speed, as well as better bandwidth capabilities. Does that mean these cables can thwart the efforts of hackers? Perhaps. Fiber optic cables are more secure than copper cables. However, you should take additional security precautions to protect your fiber optic devices. These measures are what?

Tips to Protect Fiber Optic Network From Hackers

Copper cables are easier to cut and offer less security. It is possible to see that hackers can easily remove the cable and splice the wires with readily available tools. They can then connect the wires to their computers with the software. Many people believe fiber optic cables can’t be broken easily. This is false. These cables can break when bent, and alarm systems are available to detect intrusions. Here are some additional steps to protect your fiber optic cables.

Advanced Encryption Strategies: Data encryption protects your critical and sensitive data. This provides an additional layer of cybersecurity that hackers are unable to penetrate. Different encryption methods have been created over the years to protect fiber optic networks. One of the most common is optical encryption. The strong and secure fiber optic cables don’t produce electromagnetic interference. The key is used to decrypt the sensitive data as ciphertext. Without the key, hackers cannot gain access to this data. Optic encryption is both encryption and decryption. The key is shared between the receivers and transmitters. The key is shared with authorized users on the network.

Another advanced method of data protection is optical steganography. While optical encryption can protect sensitive data but it cannot hide the channel, it does provide some protection. To hide channels from hackers, optical steganography can be used. These channels are hidden so that only the intended recipient is aware of their existence. The channel’s noise is what buries the channels. These channels are buried using different modulation formats, including OOK, return-tozero (NRZ), and non-return tozero (RZ), etc.

Fiber optic systems can be upgraded with DDoS-enabled DDoS technology to benefit from optical steganography or optical encryption.

Monitor Fiber optic cables and devices in various locations with monitoring systems Users often ignore small power losses, but they could indicate hacking. To detect a power leak in a network, you can place power screening devices or sensors at various points. This will improve the security of your fiber optic network and prevent data loss.

Limit Access to the Network: Fiber optic networks can be used by many users. This is a benefit for fast-growing companies. It can also be a problem for companies that invest in fiber optic networks. Internal hacking can be avoided by restricting network access to authorized users.

These security measures should not be overlooked. You must also invest in fiber optic systems of high quality and build a fiber optic network. Today, you will find lower quality fiber optic devices on the market due to their increasing popularity. These devices are sold at lower prices than normal and, while they look similar to quality products, they can’t compete with the best. Adtek Advanced Technologies has been a leader in fiber optics technology for years.

Contact Adtek today for a complete assessment of you network and recommendations for improvement.

Adtek Advanced Technologies
Dillon, SC 29536
843-627-3079

Home

Rock Hill, SC 29730
(803) 902-3111

Top 5 Most Serious Cyber Security Threats Small Businesses Facing

Cybersecurity threats can be just as dangerous for small businesses as they are for large corporations. Small businesses often believe that security is possible through obscurity. This is a common misconception.

Attackers are automating more attacks and it is easier for them to attack hundreds or even thousands of small businesses simultaneously. Small businesses are often less secure, have a lower awareness of potential threats, and have less resources and time to invest in cybersecurity. Small businesses are often easier targets for hackers than larger organizations.

They are also lucrative targets. Even small businesses can manage large amounts of money or have access huge amounts of customer information that they must protect. Hackers can also use small businesses to target larger companies.

A cyber-attack can be devastating for small businesses. According to a recent study, businesses with fewer than 500 employees are at risk of losing $2.5 million each attack. Small businesses can lose this much money to cyber-attacks.

Small businesses must be aware of these threats and know how to prevent them.

Top five cybersecurity threats that businesses face and how organizations can defend themselves against them.

1) Phishing attacks

Phishing attacks are the biggest and most serious threat to small businesses. They account for 90% of breaches in organizations, have grown by 65% over the past year, and are responsible for more than $12 billion in losses. Phishing is when an attacker pretends that they are a trusted contact and encourages users to click a malicious URL, download a malicious program, or gain access to confidential information or credentials.

In recent years, phishing attacks have become more sophisticated. Attackers are convincingly posing as legitimate business contacts. Business Email Compromise has seen a rise in sophistication. This involves bad actors using phishing campaigns to steal passwords to business email accounts from high-ranking executives and using these accounts to fraudulently ask for payments from employees.

Phishing attacks are very difficult to stop. They employ social engineering to target people within a company, not technological weaknesses. There are technological defenses against phishing attacks.

A strong Email Security Gateway such as a firewall can stop phishing emails reaching employees’ inboxes. For your business to be protected from phishing attacks, you will also need Post-Delivery Security. These solutions allow users and admins to report phishing email, and then administrators can delete them from all user mailboxes.

Security Awareness Training is the final layer of security that protects emails from phishing attacks. These solutions can be used to protect your employees. They can be trained to recognize phishing attacks, and then reported them.

2) Malware Attacks

Small businesses are also at risk from malware. It includes trojans, viruses, and other cyber threats. Malicious code is code hackers use to access networks and steal or destroy computer data. Malware is usually spread via malicious website downloads, spam email attachments or by connecting to infected devices or machines.

Small businesses are especially vulnerable to these attacks, as they can cause devices to be disabled. This requires costly repairs or replacements. These attacks can also open up a way for attackers to gain access to data, which could put employees and customers at risk. Because it saves time and costs, small businesses are more inclined to hire employees who use their own devices to work. However, this increases the risk of a malware attack as personal devices are more susceptible to malicious downloads.

Strong technological defenses can help businesses prevent malware attacks. Endpoint Protection provides protection against malware downloads, and admins have a central control panel that allows them to manage all devices and make sure security is maintained. Web Security is important as it prevents users from downloading malicious software and visiting malicious websites.

Expert Insights allows you to read user reviews about the best Endpoint Protection and Web Security vendors.

3) Ransomware

Ransomware is a cyber-attack that affects thousands of businesses each year. Ransomware has become more popular in recent years, since they are one the most lucrative types of cyber-attacks. Ransomware encrypts company data so it can’t be accessed or used. The ransom is then paid by the company to unlock the data. Businesses are faced with two options: pay ransom or risk losing large amounts of money and/or crippling their services due to data loss.

These types of attacks are particularly dangerous for small businesses. With an average ransom demand for $116,000., 71% of ransomware attacks on small businesses occurred in 2020. Smaller businesses are more likely to pay ransom because their data is not always backed up. They need to get back to normal as soon as possible. This type of attack is especially damaging to the healthcare sector, which can lock patient records and appointment times, leading to businesses having to close down if a ransom is not paid.

A cloud backup solution should be considered by businesses. These solutions protect company data in the cloud and help to prevent data loss. There are many options for data backup available, so it is important to find the best one for your company.

Implementing data backup and recovery means that organizations can recover their data quickly without the need to pay ransoms or lose productivity in the event of ransomware attacks. This is a significant step in improving cyber-resilience.

4) Weak Passwords

Small businesses are also at risk from employees who use weak passwords or can be easily guess. Many small businesses use several cloud-based services that require different accounts. These services can often contain financial and sensitive information. This data can be compromised if passwords are easily guessable or used for multiple accounts.

Because employees use weak passwords, small businesses are more at risk of being compromised. According to a recent study, 19% of enterprise professionals share passwords between accounts and use passwords that are easily guessable.

Business Password Management can be used to ensure employees use strong passwords. These platforms allow employees to manage all of their passwords, which can be difficult to crack. Multi-Factor authentication technologies should be considered by businesses. Multi-Factor authentication technologies allow users to access business accounts with more than a password. Multiple verification steps are required, including a mobile passcode. Even if an attacker correctly guesses a password, these security controls prevent them from accessing company accounts.

5) Insider Threats

The insider threat is the last major threat to small businesses. Insider threats are risks to small businesses that are caused by employees, former employees or business contractors. These actors have access to critical information about your company and can cause harm through greed, malice, ignorance, or carelessness. According to a 2017 Verizon report, 25% of 2017 breaches were caused by insider threats.

This is a growing problem that can pose a risk to customers and employees, and cause financial loss for the company. Insider threats in small businesses are increasing as more employees have access multiple accounts that contain more data. Research shows that 62% have access to accounts they don’t really need.

Small businesses must have strong security awareness in order to prevent insider threats. This will prevent insider threats from being caused by ignorance and allow employees to recognize when an attacker is trying to compromise company data.

Summary

Small businesses are facing a variety of threats at the moment. Businesses can protect themselves against these threats by having a complete set of security tools. Security Awareness Training is also a great way to make sure that employees are well-informed about security threats and how they can be avoided.

Adtek Advanced Technologies has the tools and experts to keep you small business safe from cyber attacks. Contact us today for s complete analysis of your vulnerability.

Adtek Advanced Technologies
Rock Hill, SC 29730
(803) 902-3111

Dillon, SC 29536
843-627-3079
https://adtekitservices.com

Why a Firewall is the First Line of Defense Against Cyber Attacks

Every day we read about another company that was compromised because of a data breach. Adtek Advanced Technologies can protect your company’s network with firewall installation and management. 

A firewall can be used to provide protection an in depth defense and visibility protection by blocking malicious traffic and allowing it to be stopped before it enters the network perimeter. 

Why a modern, intelligent firewall is the best line of defense against cyberattacks 

Blocking Inbound Threats

 Although firewalls can be placed at many points in the corporate network, it is most commonly located at the network perimeter. A firewall placed at the network perimeter creates and enforces a boundary between the internal network protected and the public Internet. 

The network firewall can also take advantage of the fact all traffic entering or leaving the corporate network flows through one point of connection to the public Internet. This location allows for complete visibility of data flows across the network boundary. 

Proactive protection against cyber threats is possible with a perimeter-based firewall. Next-generation firewalls with threat prevention capabilities can detect and block attempted attacks before they reach the corporate network. This significantly reduces the potential damage these attacks could cause to an organization as well as the cyber risk for employees and managers. 

Protecting Defense in Depth

Firewalls installed by Adtek can provide an in depth defense for threats that cross the network boundary. Your organization can use network firewalls to segregate the network to gain greater visibility into its internal traffic and make it harder for malicious insiders or attackers to move laterally within the organization’s network. 

A next-generation firewall installed within a corporate network is not only capable of protecting against core threats but also benefits from identity-based inspection and application control. Application control allows a firewall to identify which application is causing a flow of network traffic. This allows the firewall enforce application-specific security policies, which reduce risk associated with unsecure applications, and enable organizations to block unauthorized apps from their network.

An identity-based inspection adds context to an analysis of network flows. A firewall installed by a local IT Services company can identify the user who is performing a specific action and enforce access controls based on employee job roles or permissions. It is crucial to have visibility over the actions of these accounts as 74% of data breaches are caused by privileged accounts being misused.

Meeting Unique Security Needs 

Next-generation firewalls installed by our IT Services team can also be used to secure an organization’s entire network infrastructure. Corporate networks evolve and include a variety of endpoints. These can include traditional workstations and servers as well as mobile devices and cloud-based infrastructure and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. It can be very difficult to secure a heterogeneous network that is growing quickly. 

Because it protects all devices within an organization, a firewall works at the network level rather than the endpoint. An Adtek managed firewall is a next-generation firewall that integrates all security data within one console. This is crucial because many companies are having difficulty finding enough cybersecurity talent to staff their security departments. 

A next-generation firewall can also be deployed as a virtual appliance in the cloud. This allows organizations to deploy security wherever they are needed, and take advantage of cloud-based infrastructure’s scalability. Cloud firewalls are able to grow with the organization’s security needs, unlike hardware-based security appliances that require additional hardware to scale. 

Provide Individualized Security 

Different sizes of companies have different security needs. While traditional firewalls were “one-size fits all” in the past. Modern firewalls can be tailored to fit an organization’s security requirements. We match the needs of your business to your level of security during our consultation with your staff. 

Organizations that operate critical infrastructure and industrial facilities face different threats. They also have different operating environments. Choosing an commercial firewall capable of operating in extreme environments will ensure that cybersecurity is not compromised. 

A Strong First Line of Defense

It can be hard to choose a firewall because there are so many options and not all firewalls are the same. Firewalls can be small gateways or large-scale network security solutions. There are many differences between traditional firewalls as well as next-generation firewalls. Understanding these differences and their importance is an important step in the procurement process. 

To learn more about how firewalls can help your company defend against cyber threats, you are welcome to request a demo and to contact us.

Adtek Advanced Technologies
Rock Hill, SC 29730
(803) 902-3111

Dillon, SC 29536
843-627-3079
www.adtekitservices.com

It Services For Small Business

Is Your Small Business Struggling with IT?

Many small businesses struggle to find, train and retain the right IT talent in order to keep their technology current. Our services are available to small and growing business owners, who may not want to manage IT services.

We can assist small businesses with IT services:

Take IT out of your hands, and we’ll deliver a monthly cost that you can afford so you can concentrate on your business. You can reduce disruptions in your business by updating old technology and moving away form the “break/fix” support model. A single point of contact to provide faster IT support, consistent responses and quicker resolution times

• Your data and systems are protected and backed-up
• Use cloud infrastructure and apps to improve your business’s efficiency
• You can save time that would otherwise be spent on managing multiple vendors, hiring and training them
• IT Outsourcing Solutions for Small Businesses

It may not be economically feasible to hire a full-time IT staff for small businesses. However, you might still need urgent IT services.

Scalable Support and Services

Outsourcing IT allows you to get the support that you need, when and where you need it. This is without having to pay salaries for internal resources. You don’t pay for more than you need. We can scale up and down services according to your needs.

Predictable Budgeting

You can have predictable monthly costs with Service Level Agreements or a Managed Services partnership and be confident in the support levels that meet your business needs.

Cloud for Small Business

We can help you whether you’re looking to migrate certain functions to the cloud, or if you want to discover new cloud apps and features that you can use.

• Cloud Assessment and Migration
• We can evaluate your company, current technology and requirements to determine if the cloud is right for you.
• Office365 Suite for Small Business
• Cloud Support and Backups

IT Security for Small Businesses

It can be hard to protect small businesses from cyber threats. It requires a solid knowledge of IT security best practices, as well as the ability to train and update users about what to do.

Assess your Risk Level

To identify security holes in your environment, we can perform a flat-rate vulnerability assessment. We will scan your entire infrastructure, including all websites, devices and firewall configurations, for potential vulnerabilities.

Security Awareness Training

Your team can receive security awareness training to help them identify and avoid ransomware, phishing attempts and other cyber threats.

Stop IT issues preventing your business from growing. Get a 30-minute consultation with an IT expert in your industry. Contact Adtek Advanced Technologies today.

Adtek Advanced Technologies
Dillon, SC 29536
843-627-3079

Rock Hill, SC 29730
(803) 902-3111

Network Installation and Management

Adtek Advanced Technologies can handle network management and installation for any size small to medium business. Today's network engineers face the challenge of ensuring that their network designs provide the reliability and speed for Network Installation and Management for today and the future.

 

Adtek Advanced Technologies will take the risk out of network design. Proper design and implementation will ensure infrastructure reliability, performance, growth, and sustainability.

 

Adtek Advanced Technologies offers structured cabling services for data, voice, security and audio.

 

What is Network Installation and Management?

 

Your computer network is the backbone of your business. It must be reliable, secure, and manageable. Adtek Advanced Technologies offers network installation and management services throughout North and South Carolina. We can either upgrade or design and build a new network.

 

Understanding your business goals and short- and long-term plans is the first step to network installation and management. After we have a clear understanding of your business, we can help you select and configure the computers, servers, and devices that you need to achieve your goals. We can help you choose the right equipment, such as switches, routers or firewalls. We will create and implement a custom network installation and management plan to fit your budget and business goals. Once your IT network has been configured to meet your business goals, you will see significant improvements in your bottom line.

 

Adtek offers network management and installation services, including the following:

 

·         Installation and maintenance of computer networks

·         Support and services for wireless networks

·         Support for mobile devices server installation and support

·         Network security

·         Services for network integration

·         Computer cabling

·         Software and hardware purchase and installation

 

Our expert networking design and configuration services will ensure that your network processes data as efficiently and quickly as possible. We will also check if you have adequate security. Adtek’s IT certified technicians will help you identify and deploy the right systems to safeguard your data. Our goal is to create high-performance networks that will allow you to efficiently manage and grow your business.

 

Network Cabling Installation Guide

 

Cat6 and Cat5E Ethernet cables, coaxial cables and twisted pair cables are all required for network cabling installations. There are many factors that will influence the type of cable you choose, such as your data transmission speed and distance between devices connected to the network.

 

High-speed transmission is possible with Cat5 or Cat6 cables. These cables can be used to provide power and network connections to security devices. They are typically run through walls to connect with a server (or network video recorder) (NVR).

 

Fiber optic cables allow for faster connections over longer distances. Fiber optic cables are made from glass and not copper. They communicate with light rather than electrical currents which gives them extra speed.

 

Data and voice cables can be used to connect devices with telephones or server rooms. They are used to connect all cubicles and rooms in offices by running through the ceilings and walls.

 

Are you unsure of your network needs? Adtek Advanced Technologies offers a System Assessment. An assessment can identify potential issues before they become costly. Adtek Advanced Technologies can help you with complete networking installation and management.

 

Call us today for a no obligation assessment of your current network and future growth needs. You may reach us at <a href="tel: 843-627-3079"> (843)-627-3079</a>.

Adtek Advanced Technologies

1702 Hwy 301 North

Dillon, SC 29536

843-627-3079

https://adtekitservices.com

 

Our Managed IT Services

 

Complex IT management can be very difficult. It takes a lot more effort and time than many small- and mid-sized business owners realize. A great IT team is worth its weight in gold, from selecting the right platforms and tools to integrate products and services across departments to supporting every device and scrap data.

The most important decision for your business’ health is to hire the right partner. The best-managed IT service firms are prepared for anything. Companies that had chosen an IT partner before the COVID-19 crisis struck were able seamlessly to transition their operations and people to the new work-from-home world.

IT Management Challenges Small and Medium-Sized Businesses Face Today

It is not easy to run a small business or a mid-sized one. Leaders of today’s businesses face new challenges, such as COVID-19 restrictions and protests, strikes, and navigating constantly changing government regulations. Your current problems make managing cash flow and employee retention seem almost routine,

IT Support is becoming more and more crucial in these times of constant change. Many companies consider their technology platforms their “office”. They operate mostly or partially online. Many employees work from home for many months, if not years. Managers and executives need to ensure that their teams have all the tools and techniques they need to succeed and help keep their company moving forward.

It is crucial to find the right partner for IT management services. It’s almost impossible for small and mid-sized businesses, regardless of their size, to manage all the security and technology issues that arise in today’s world. It is costly and time-consuming to build an internal IT team. This is where managed IT services from Adtek Advanced Technologies can help.

Adtek Advanced Technologies offers managed IT services and cyber security solutions for top-performing companies primarily in the Southeast, with a focus on North and South Carolina as well as Georgia.

Why do companies choose managed IT services over employing internally?

Most small and mid-sized businesses are faced with the decision of whether to create an IT department internally or partner with an external firm that offers IT management services (also known as IT consulting or outsourcing).

It is not an easy task to build an internal team. Building an internal IT department can take up to a year. To be effective, internal IT departments must have at least three distinct skills:

1. IT Director or Manager – To provide leadership, strategic direction, and oversight for the rest of your team.

2. System Administrator/Engineer – To design and manage more complex IT systems such as servers, networks, security, and cloud services.

3. Field Technician or Help Desk – To provide routine remote and hands-on IT support services to your team.

You will find highly skilled trades in the construction and building industry (i.e. each IT role is unique, just as you can find highly skilled trades in the building and construction industry (i.e. electrician, plumber, finish carpenter). A single IT generalist is unlikely to bring a positive outcome for a company. This is because no one person has the necessary skills to perform all the IT functions that a growing company requires. It is not a good idea to hire internal IT specialists if your IT operating budget exceeds $300,000. This includes labor-only costs. This is the minimum amount required to cover the salary, benefits, and employer-side taxes of the three positions listed above.

A managed IT service provider can help you harness the skills and efficiency of an entire IT department for a fraction of the cost of one employee.

Adtek Advanced Technologies is here to help you in every stage of your IT growth. We’ll help you keep your work on track, from security services to strategic planning to back-up and recovery.

This is not a quick fix. This managed IT is tailored to your business’s needs.

Let’s get started. Adtek Advanced Technologies can help you lay the foundation for your company’s IT success.

Adtek Advanced Technologies
1702 Hwy 301 North
Dillon, SC 29536
843-627-3079
https://adtekitservices.com