The trend towards remote work and online learning is expected to continue. This is leading to a continued strong demand for computers. So, overall, there is a positive outlook for the computer industry with opportunity for growth and ongoing innovation.
New technologies such as AI have been introduced and are changing how we interact with computers and each other. AI is making a lot of people’s jobs much easier.
Unfortunately, the growth of AI has also led to the growth of ransomware hackers can use to get into your computer system. Everything in the computer industry and in ransomware is changing so rapidly the protection you have now for your systems may not be enough to keep the hackers at bay.
Here are a few recommendations for keeping your data safe and secure.
Fourth Quarter IT Best Practices
- Make sure to back up your data on a regular basis and to check the backups to make sure they work. The best way to back up your data is automatically using something individually like Carbonite or a business grade backup, such as Cove-Data-Protection. Think about how much data you can afford to lose and backup accordingly. For some people that will mean backing up your data every hour and for others daily or weekly. And we can do this for you automatically.
- Review your computer internet security for the coming year. Are you protected against the latest threats? Call us at 615-443-4842 to discuss your current systems and how you can ensure you are protected.
- How many of your computers are on Windows 10 and cannot be updated to Windows 11? These Windows 10 computers will need to be replaced because they do not have the security that is included in Windows 11. This will leave your business vulnerable to attack. Staples, Dollar Tree, AutoZone and HCA are a few of the latest examples of corporate security breaches where data was stolen. And these same attacks are happening to small businesses every day.
- Just like Windows computers, Mac computers also have an end date for their software. It is usually 10 years from when a specific version is released. So if a new Mac computer is purchased, it will have up to 10 years of support, but may have significantly less if the computer was purchased a couple of years after that specific iteration came out.
- Unfortunately, AI is also helping hackers bypass some of the more sophisticated protection systems. So having the latest layered protection (Endpoint Detection Response, Firewalls (cloud or onsite), reduced user permissions, etc. using software from different companies) is more important than ever. It an attacker can figure out one bypass, they run into a completely different type of protection on the next level that keeps them from accessing your systems.
- Charon ransomware attack chain uses Windows processes. It is a new ransomware family. Charon bypasses security controls. These processes work within the Windows environment and appear to be legitimate. At the moment, this ransomware attack does not appear to affect Apple computers but there are other attacks such as data breaches and mercenary spyware attacks on iPhones to be concerned about.
- Huntress as an Endpoint Detection Response (EDR) and Managed Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) solution that appears to not be affected by the new virus. So, for the moment, it is an excellent choice for protecting your valuable data.
- Have you made sure employees no longer with you have been removed from all access to databases? Have their passwords and all their permissions been revoked?
If you are interested in learning more about securing your computer systems send an email to jnay@jimnay.com. You can also call or text us at 615-443-4842.
All the best,
Jim Nay
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