Essential Principles Behind ISO 27001: A Guide for Business Leaders

By |2024-09-04T18:47:42-04:00September 4th, 2024|article, Blog Archive, Cyber-Security|

Last year, the average total cost of a data breach in the United States rose well above $9 million. These breaches exposed the personal data of millions of individuals, disrupted business operations, and continue to threaten information integrity. In this dangerous digital wilderness, the principles behind ISO 27001 provide an essential framework for managing sensitive data. ISO 27001 refers to an international standard outlining requirements for an information security management system (ISMS). Rather than merely a technology initiative, the ISMS involves a business-led approach to keeping a company’s information safe and effectively managing risk. Organizations that achieve ISO 27001 certification

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Understanding Access Control: The Keystone of Data Security

By |2024-08-26T14:41:43-04:00July 31st, 2024|article, Blog Archive, Cyber-Security, Safety and Cyber Security|

Last year saw a record number of data breaches, with millions of individuals and businesses affected. Hackers continually evolve their attack methods, while organizations struggle to keep pace with their data security strategies. Companies must pay particular attention to understanding access control if they are to safeguard valuable data assets. Fundamental to any successful cyber security strategy, access control determines who can access data and other digital resources and under what conditions. When implemented properly, it both reduces the likelihood of costly data breaches and helps the organization comply with strict data privacy standards. Types of Access Control Access control

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6-Step Plan for Data Incident Management Critical for Business Success

By |2024-07-24T18:33:21-04:00July 24th, 2024|article, Blog Archive, Cyber-Security, Safety and Cyber Security|

Cyber incidents will happen, even in highly secure organizations. Just ask the Department of Homeland Security and the Pentagon, which were both compromised in the SolarWinds attack in 2020. And in an increasingly regulated digital environment, the stakes keep getting higher. Plan for data incident management now and save headaches later. These steps will help. But first, know the signs that indicate a potential data incident, as early detection is key. These signs can include: Anomalies – Check out any unusual system activity, such as a surge in login attempts, system access from an unrecognized location, accounts locked or passwords

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Your Business Checklist for SOX 404 Compliance: A Guide for Information Technology Leaders

By |2024-05-24T17:02:25-04:00May 15th, 2024|article, Cyber-Security, Data Compliance|

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) of 2002 applies to all publicly traded companies and mandates strict controls around financial data. Section 404 of SOX can prove particularly complex, and in today’s digital landscape, addressing these requirements necessitates substantial IT involvement. This business checklist for SOX 404 compliance will help ease the process. SOX requires that companies establish internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR). However, it stops short of outlining specific practices. Thus, several frameworks have emerged over time to help companies organize their compliance efforts. These frameworks tend to include several key elements of particular importance to IT efforts: Risk assessment

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What is the Role of Cyber Security in Protecting Personal Data?

By |2024-04-03T09:13:21-04:00March 19th, 2024|article, Blog Archive, Cyber-Security, Data Compliance|

Businesses and public organizations depend on big data to provide personalized services, to innovate, and to guide business strategy. But they also have a legal and ethical responsibility to keep sensitive data safe. Business leaders cannot afford to underestimate or under-resource the role of cyber security in protecting personal data. The average business or municipal organization manages an astonishing amount of personal data. This includes health, financial, and employment data, of course. It also includes names, biometrics, Social Security numbers, contact information, and other identifiers. While individuals surrender personal information as a matter of course when transacting business, they expect

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Business Email Security Updates Critical to Keep Pace with Emerging Threats

By |2024-04-03T09:20:20-04:00February 21st, 2024|article, Blog Archive, Cyber-Security, Email Management Tips, Email security|

Cyber criminals love email. Everyone uses it. Businesses depend on it. And threat actors successfully use email as an attack vector over and over again. In fact, over 90 percent of malware arrives via email. Hackers have upped their cyber attack strategies, but business email security often lags behind. Organizations must modernize their security practices. Business Email Security Predictions for 2024 To build an effective defense, security teams need to know the nature of the dangers they face. Experts have identified several key email threats for 2024, including the following: More sophisticated phishing attacks – Phishing attacks continue to evolve.

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Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Delivers Powerful, Integrated Email Security

By |2024-04-03T10:48:19-04:00January 31st, 2024|Cyber-Security, Email Management Tips, Microsoft 365, Office 365 and Migration|

The modern workplace continues to depend on email for essential business communication. However, this versatile tool also exposes organizations to dangerous cyber threats. Microsoft Defender for Office 365 includes the tools necessary to prevent, detect, and respond to attacks on email and collaboration tools. Utilizing AI and machine learning, Defender for Office 365 analyzes billions of signals and detects even highly sophisticated cyber threats. It also integrates with other Microsoft security solutions, including Microsoft Defender XDR and Microsoft Sentinel. This unified security operations platform provides protection across the organization’s digital landscape. Prevent and Detect Attacks More than 90 percent of

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Data-driven Business Cultures Spark Innovation and Power Decision Making

By |2024-04-03T10:59:01-04:00November 8th, 2023|Cyber-Security, Data Compliance, Information Governance and Management|

Successful businesses leverage data to create competitive advantage, inform decisions, optimize processes, and build customer satisfaction. But data-driven business cultures do not happen by chance. Data-driven cultures require both data democratization and data literacy. Data democratization involves the process of making data available to everyone in the organization, regardless of technical skills or roles. Data literacy, on the other hand, refers to the ability of those employees to understand, communicate, and use data effectively. Potential Roadblocks to Building Data-driven Business Cultures Despite having more data available than ever before, uncovering data value can prove difficult. For instance, because of data

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Data Quality and Security in Manufacturing Essential to Unlocking Industry 4.0 Benefits

By |2024-04-03T10:54:23-04:00October 18th, 2023|Cyber-Security, Information Governance and Management|

Industry 4.0 has transformed manufacturing, reshaping the competitive landscape and powering innovation. By leveraging disruptive technologies such as AI and 3D printing, factories increase productivity while quickly adapting to customer demands. At the same time, the changing landscape underscores the importance of data quality and security in manufacturing. For example, a smart factory might use 3D printing to create complex customized products on demand. Additionally, smart sensors constantly monitor for minute changes in machine health, optimizing maintenance and minimizing downtime. These improved tools and processes both require and generate huge amounts of data that must be carefully managed and protected.

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4 Key Information Governance Topics to Inform Business Leaders

By |2023-10-06T10:20:47-04:00August 30th, 2023|Cyber-Security, Information Governance and Management, Safety and Cyber Security|

Information governance (IG) encompasses the policies, processes, and technologies that enable organizations to manage information effectively. Compliance and risk management aside, IG works best when maximizing the value and usability of information for business purposes. Below, we explore four key information governance topics and why business leaders should take note. Data Governance vs. Information Governance One of the common questions in IG is how it relates to data governance (DG). DG is the discipline of ensuring the quality, availability, integrity, and security of data within an organization. DG focuses on the technical aspects of data management, such as data models,

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Messaging Architects has been providing professional consulting services around unstructured data and information governance for over 12 years.  Our topnotch experienced project management and engineering team assists organizations to address information risk management strategies, eDiscovery processes, data security and information management policies.    Information is an organizations biggest asset but it can also be that organizations biggest risk.

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