How Hackers Get Company Data

By |2022-05-02T02:49:28-04:00March 30th, 2022|Cyber-Security|

Recently, corporate giants Microsoft, Samsung and Okta revealed that hackers breached their systems. While high-profile attacks like these make global news, SMBs silently fall prey to hackers daily. But when companies understand how hackers get company data, they can strengthen their defenses. Undeniably, cyber criminals grow more sophisticated every day. They run their hacking operations like corporations and constantly improve their tools and techniques. Too often, however, organizations simply leave the door wide open for bad actors. Unpatched software, weak passwords and a lack of security awareness offer an open invitation to attack. Unpatched Software Leaves Vulnerabilities Hackers constantly look

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Should You Call a Business or Technology Consultant for Cybersecurity?

By |2022-03-28T02:31:28-04:00March 23rd, 2022|Cyber-Security, Information Governance and Management|

Increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks, combined with a hybrid workforce and constantly evolving privacy regulations, create a complex risk environment. As a result, many organizations have turned to consultants to tighten their cybersecurity posture. But technology skills alone prove insufficient when choosing a consultant for cybersecurity. For instance, an MSP may offer multiple cybersecurity certifications and a tool bag of cutting-edge tools. However, if they do not understand your industry and the business processes involved, the solutions they implement may not provide the protection you need. And a consultant with a business background can provide added benefits. Risk Assessment Needs to Include

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Business Leaders Invest in the Future with SMB Cybersecurity Best Practices

By |2022-03-28T02:34:59-04:00March 16th, 2022|Cyber-Security, Email Policy|

Hackers looking for easy access to valuable data know that small to midsize businesses (SMBs) often skimp on security measures. Consequently, bad actors can cripple unprepared organizations, frequently gaining entry by compromising email. But savvy business owners protect business assets with SMB cybersecurity best practices. SMB Cybersecurity Best Practices Start with Investment Business owners lose sleep over cybersecurity, and for good reason. Nearly half of reported data breaches affected SMBs, and most SMBs lack the resources to respond effectively. But by planning ahead and addressing vulnerabilities before they get exploited, organizations ensure the best possible outcomes. Begin with a security

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7 Common Email Mistakes That Kill Your Professionalism… And How to Avoid Them

By |2022-03-14T10:03:58-04:00March 2nd, 2022|Cyber-Security, Email Management Tips, Email Policy|

The average worker spends hours checking and responding to email each day. Unfortunately, that critical business tool can also prove dangerous. Consider the damage of a scathing email sent to the wrong person or sensitive information leaking outside the company. Save your reputation, and maybe even your career, by avoiding these all-too-common email mistakes. Using Email When Another Method Works Better Email works great for non-urgent communication, for communicating with groups of people and for maintaining a documentation trail. For instance, email may be just the ticket for communicating follow-up details to team members after a meeting. On the other

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Should Retailers Purchase Cyber Insurance to Mitigate Ransomware Risk?

By |2022-02-23T15:08:29-05:00January 19th, 2022|Cyber-Security, Safety and Cyber Security|

According to a recent report, 44 percent of retail organizations suffered ransomware attacks in 2020. And attacks increased in 2021. With the average cost of a single ransomware attack reaching nearly $2 million, many retail businesses have looked to cyber insurance to offset the risk. But the choice of whether or not to purchase cyber insurance requires careful consideration. As the threat landscape changes, insurance companies have also had to change their approach. Cyber insurance can prove costly. And it does not prevent attacks, merely helps recovery. In fact, some experts warn that purchasing this type of insurance can even

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4 Best Practices for Secure Collaboration in Municipalities

By |2021-12-06T05:53:51-05:00November 10th, 2021|Cyber-Security|

Like many other industries in recent years, the public sector has witnessed a rise in hybrid work. With team members working in multiple offices, including remotely, government agencies must take a closer look at tools, policies, and processes. The following best practices for secure collaboration in municipalities will help you find the balance between productivity and security. Challenges to Secure Collaboration in Municipalities As employees collaborate with others both inside the agency and externally, government agencies encounter several key challenges. The rise of cloud computing has made collaborating across distance vastly easier. However, at the same time, doing so securely

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Exchange Server Breaches Show It’s Not Just About Uptime

By |2022-01-26T15:52:52-05:00October 27th, 2021|Cyber-Security, Email Management Tips|

Early in March 2021, Microsoft announced they had found vulnerabilities that affected their on-premises email platforms. Hackers exploited these vulnerabilities with a series of Exchange Server breaches that have affected hundreds of thousands of organizations. With elevated access, hackers gained the ability to steal data, compromise credentials and plant malware. Since discovering the vulnerabilities in March, Microsoft has released several security patches. However, in a statement released in May, Microsoft indicated that the initial patches alone would not fully protect their customers. If hackers had already compromised the system before the patch, victims would need to take additional steps to

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Regular Data Backup in Microsoft 365 Ensures Business Continuity

By |2022-01-28T09:07:59-05:00September 22nd, 2021|Cyber-Security, Data Compliance, Office 365 and Migration|

Business continuity experts have long emphasized the need for regular backups. With backups, organizations can more smoothly navigate disasters and cyber threats, prevent data loss, and strengthen regulatory compliance. While cloud migration changes the environment, data backup in Microsoft 365 proves essential for business success. Causes of Data Loss Cloud computing delivers anytime/anywhere access to data. Even if a disaster destroys the office, employees can still access critical data from remote locations. However, data loss presents a significant risk, even in the cloud. For instance, the most common cause of data loss involves employees accidentally deleting critical information. Likewise, an

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Addressing the Translation Problem in Compliance

By |2021-10-25T05:46:55-04:00August 11th, 2021|Cyber-Security, Data Compliance|

A traveler walking through the streets of New York City could hear nearly 800 different languages. In fact, 45 percent of New Yorkers speak a language other than English at home. For businesses serving these populations, and for global organizations everywhere, translation services fill a vital role. But businesses must also address the translation problem in compliance. For example, HIPAA regulations mandate that organizations maintain confidentiality of protected health information (PHI). This means that they must protect PHI from unauthorized access at all stages, including in transit and in storage. That includes data being translated. Penalties for violating HIPAA regulations

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Practical Email Security Tips to Protect Valuable Business Data

By |2021-08-17T02:09:04-04:00August 4th, 2021|Cyber-Security, Email Policy|

A 2020 study reported that 306 billion emails were sent/received worldwide per day. An increasing number of those represent threats to valuable business data. Consider these practical email security tips as part of a multi-layered email security approach with the potential to save both you and your company a lot of time, embarrassment, and money. With over half the world population using email, security professionals work diligently to thwart attacks while cyber-criminals increase in sophistication. However, email remains one of the primary attack vectors of cyber-criminals and a key area of vulnerability, hence the tips. 1. Separate Business and Personal

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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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