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Nobody wants their data, passwords, and accounts compromised, that is why data classification is highly critical to prevent the risk of cyber threats. Having an adept knowledge of information management helps you to strengthen security and deter ransomware attacks . Whether the data comes from a network, cloud application, or hard drives, access and visibility should be protected through data classification solutions. What is Data Classification? This is a standard step for companies that control a vast amount of sensitive data. Aside from reliable protection and strategy against a security breach, data classification is an effective approach in managing and identifying certain types of data. The ability to organize sensitive and valuable information can improve the company’s security strategy. The procedure also helps eliminate unnecessary information assets while re-organizing data into distinct categories. It also helps the organization in determining who has access to certain data and how long it should be preserved. Four classifications of data: Public – All information that is accessible in the public domain can be used, reused, and redistributed by anyone. Examples of public data are first and last names, press releases, or job descriptions. Confidential – Considered as private and identifiable data , the government and local state usually regulate this and categorize them into employee information, management information, and business information. Data under this category are social security numbers and other documents protected by laws. Sensitive – Regarded as ethical or legal data, it requires top security to avoid unauthorized disclosure. It includes trade secrets, customer information, and other critical information within the business. Personal – Any information used to identify an individual such as phone number, home address, appearance, and account data. Ways to Classify Data There are different ways to classify data, however, it depends on the industry to which you belong. When classifying data there are a few things you should consider which includes the following: Identify what kind of data you need to collect from customers and traders. Determine the data your organization needs to create. Assess the data sensitivity levels – high, medium, or low. High levels have a detrimental impact on the company when used maliciously. Restrict the data access to admin and specific employees only. There are two primary methods to obtain data classification: Treat all data as restricted and add rules within your system that could help track and handle information accordingly using a certain application. Train your staff to have a better comprehension of a data sensitivity level and familiarize themselves with proper labeling and usage of these documents. It entails patience and perseverance to accomplish but proven effective because humans can identify data easier in various contexts. Purpose of Classifying Information To fully understand your stored data and its location, here are the main purpose and importance of data classification: Risk Management and Regulatory Compliance processes Executing an effective operational strategy regularly especially when searching and tracing data, organizations can control and eliminate any kinds of business risk. Privacy Now that you were able to manage risks, it’s time to determine the sensitivity and privacy of each asset through procedures in handling confidential information. Since there is no one-size-fits-all data protection strategy, technical controls and proper education are the best practices for privacy. Security Measures This is the main purpose of classifying data. When you are fully aware of data confidentiality, it will be much easier to know exactly how to secure your devices and networks. To avoid further outside threats, organizations may run the strongest firewall and follow the standard data protection. Monitoring for insider threats should also be done regularly. Insider threat cases often involve data theft or data breaches due to employee negligence that’s why having trained individuals in your workforce can improve and mitigate such cases. Best Practices for Data Classification Here are the best practices that every organization should follow to manage data classification effectively: 1. Leverage technology to assess the most valuable data using labeling automation tools that require authentication from users before they could access confidential information and internal networks. You can also deploy different tools essential for data management like Data Loss Prevention (DLP) , Software as a Service (SaaS), and AI-driven security tools. 2. Understand the penalties and follow the policies of your local, state, and government for regulatory compliance. Have a regular assessment of your organization’s regulated data, update your technology, and adhere to the changes and modifications based on federal laws. Organizations must imply strict policies because ignorance of the law is not an exception for non-compliance. 3. Businesses should modify and build their reliable data classification strategy that encourages users to be more active and responsible in managing and protecting and managing critical data. Need assistance in handling data properly? We are glad to help you assess risks and establish a data classification strategy for your company. Contact us today !

Many small and medium-sized companies have limited resources and awareness to understand the importance of having an effective and well-designed IT security policy. A security policy will help you identify the rules and processes a person should follow when using the organization’s assets and resources. The goal of these policies is to monitor, identify, and address security threats and execute strategies to mitigate risk. These policies should also serve as a guideline for employees on what to do and what not to do and define who has access to particular assets and the penalties for not following the regulations. Keep in mind the three core objectives of an IT Security Policy: Confidentiality Integrity Availability Regardless of your company’s size, IT security policies should be documented for the protection of your data and other critical resources. What Security Policies should your Business have? Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) This policy specifies the practices an employee must do when accessing organizational IT assets such as computer equipment. But it doesn’t only apply to hardware, this policy also indicates proper use of data, internet, email, etc., as well as proper and unacceptable behaviors when handling critical information. The AUP specifies the risks one may cause if the information system is used inappropriately and other consequences, legal or otherwise, that can occur when the network is compromised due to improper behavior. An example of inappropriate use is accessing data for reasons that are not included in an employee’s job. This is important especially when onboarding new hires. Security Awareness and Training Policy A well-trained and knowledgeable staff is one of the key factors for the successful implementation of your IT security strategy . Security awareness training should be conducted to all your employees for them to properly execute their tasks and safeguard the company information at the same time. The purpose of this policy is to constantly inform all users regarding the impacts their actions will have on security and privacy. In this policy, you should include a list on how to maintain workstations, employee’s responsibility on computer security, email, and internet access policy, and should also highlight personnel responsible for maintaining and developing the training. Incident Response Policy The incident response policy differs from the Disaster Recovery Plan as it covers processes following a security incident and should be documented separately. The goal of this policy is to explain the process of handling an incident, specific to reducing the damage to business operations, customers and minimizing the recovery time and cost. This policy outlines the company’s response to an information security event. It also includes information about the incident response team, persons in charge of testing the policy, their roles, and resources that will be used to identify and retrieve compromised data. Another vital aspect of this policy is educating the team on who to report to in case of an incident, such as a data breach. As leaders, you should always assess and monitor your team’s performance ensuring that everyone is cooperating and regularly test and update the incident response plan. Network Security Policy This policy ensures that the information systems within the organization have suitable hardware, software, and auditing mechanisms. A network security policy guarantees the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data by following a certain procedure when conducting a review of your system’s activity on a regular basis. Events such as failed login attempts and the use of privileged accounts should be properly documented as well as any anomalies that may occur. This also includes firewalls, devices added or removed within the network, and activities around routers and switches. Change Management Policy This policy refers to the process of making changes to the organization’s IT and security operations. The purpose of this policy is to ensure that the changes are all managed, tracked, and approved. Systems and software are constantly being updated or replaced due to a number of reasons. Without a change management policy, unexpected things could happen when an update or change happens. The goal of this policy is to minimize the likelihood of outages and maintain compliance with specific regulations. All changes to IT must follow a structured procedure to guarantee correct planning and execution. This policy is important to increase awareness and knowledge of proposed changes across the organization and reduce the negative impact on services and customers. Password Creation and Management Policy The purpose of this policy is to educate employees on the importance of strong, original passwords, how to create and how often should they change it. This policy provides a guideline on developing and implementing the process for proper creation and securing of passwords for verifying user identity and for access to company systems and information. This policy will also indicate rules for changing temporary passwords and risks of reusing old ones. This policy will also include rules specific to password complexity and length, including guidance on the risk of using easy words and including personal information within the password. Access Control Policy Access control is the process of ensuring that users have authorized access to company data. A superior access control policy can be adapted easily to respond to advancing factors enabling companies to minimize any damage. Other things that can be included within this policy are the specifications for user access, network access, and other system controls. Depending on the organization’s compliance requirements and the security level of IT, usage of access control models may differ. Remote Access Policy Working from home is now being incorporated into the system that’s why remote data security is a concern for most business owners. Remote access involves the connection of any host to the company’s network. This policy is designed to reduce the possibility of exposure from any damages that are caused by the unauthorized use of assets. This policy will be directed to all employees and should include stipulations for sending or receiving email and intranet resources. It will also include requirements regarding the use of VPN and disk encryption. One example that you can include in this policy is for users not to engage in any illegal activity with their remote access and should not allow unauthorized persons to access their work devices. Need help in developing a policy for your company? Experts at Uniserve IT Solutions can help. Contact us today and will help you manage and update any existing security policies you have or help you build a new one.

Your entire team should be well-educated on the best practices of cybersecurity , even for small businesses. When we think about insider threats, our mind typically goes to disgruntled employees that have certain intentions to perform a malicious act. What we don’t consider are the employees posing a threat due to lack of knowledge and negligence. An insider threat is a security risk that originates from inside the organization. These threats could be the current or former employees, business associates, or contractors who have access to critical and sensitive information within the organization’s network, and computer systems. What are the Types of Insider Threats? Understanding the types of insider threats will help you better protect your data from the risks associated with it. There are multiple types of insider threats that are categorized depending on the intent of the person involved. 1. Negligent These insiders or pawns do not have the intention to put the organization at risk, but by behaving in insecure ways, they may do so non-maliciously. For example, leaving devices unattended or falling victim to a scam. Employees who don’t have proper knowledge and awareness may accidentally click on an insecure link that can infect the office system with malware. 2. Maliciou Also referred to as “turncloaks”. An insider who has every intention to steal malicious data for financial or personal gains. In most cases, it is an employee or contractor who has legitimate credentials but is abusing their access for profit. For example, it can be a disgruntled employee whose goal is to sabotage the company by stealing and selling intellectual property. 3. Third-Party These insiders can be contractors or vendors that an organization has given some kind of access to its network. These insiders compromise an organization’s security through misuse or malicious use of business assets. Signs of an Insider Threat There are a few indicators that would suggest an insider threat, it can be at a network level or an employee’s change in behavior. Here are a few signs of insider threat: Efforts to sidestep security Being in the office during after work hours Displaying disgruntled behavior toward colleagues Violation of corporate policies Downloading significant amounts of data Accessing sensitive data that are not associated with their job Use of unauthorized storage devices Data hoarding and duplicating files from sensitive folders Tips & Best Practices to Prevent Insider Threats a. Monitor User Behavior and Manage Accounts Monitoring user behavior in real-time to predict abnormal user behavior related to potential data theft, potential sabotage, or misuse. Another way to minimize the risk of insider threats is to closely monitor and manage your employee accounts. It helps restrict the amount of data available to employees who has the intention to carry out a malicious attack against the business. This also means that attackers or cybercriminals who have gained access to an employee’s account will have limited permission to access all corners of the company’s network. b. Enforce Security Policies Your organization should also enforce a security policy that will safeguard your business against insider threats. The security policy will include procedures and processes that will prevent and identify any malicious activities. The policy should also include details about limiting access to personal data about employees and specify who can access what data, under what circumstances, and who can they share the information with. Besides, employees are now bringing their own devices and can access the company network through their devices. Unsecured devices can leave your business data and assets exposed. Ensuring you have endpoint security installed can mitigate the risks. c. Provide Security Awareness Training No matter what type of security solutions your organization invests in, you can’t easily predict a human error and minimize risk. Users are still considered as a vulnerable link to cybersecurity thus the importance of training and proper guidance. Get employees to properly understand the difference between strong and weak passwords , get them to learn and be aware of scams, phishing emails, and the use of personal devices within the office. Everyone in the organization should be familiar with your security policies and procedures and document them to prevent insider threats. d. Conduct Proactive Network Monitoring Each area, department, and corner of your business should be monitored including the on-premises, and cloud environment. 24/7 monitoring will allow you to quickly identify events that will require an immediate response. Also, it will increase awareness of your employee’s actions such as attempts to access files outside of working hours or downloading an unnecessary application. Insider threats are harder to identify compared to external threats, they come undetected by firewalls and intrusion detection systems. Malicious insiders, specifically, who are familiar with your organization’s security measures can easily avoid detection. Any business, large or small can suffer an attack from an insider threat. As an IT service provider, we are committed to securing your data and protecting your business from any kind of cybersecurity risk. Want to learn more about our services? Contact us today !

No business is safe from cyberattacks and a basic approach to the security of your system would not work. Threats to critical data are growing every day and allocating a budget to securing your system’s vulnerabilities should be included in your business plan. What is Risk Assessment in IT? Risk assessment in IT is the process of recognizing and evaluating assets, threats, vulnerabilities, and impacts to guide your business’ security strategy. The purpose of an IT risk assessment is to help the IT department detect events that could adversely affect an organization. As your organization relies on information technology to operate, the risks involve rises. There are three factors involved in a basic risk assessment: Importance of assets at risk The vulnerability of the system The criticality level of threats This gives us a formula: Risk = Asset x Threat x Vulnerability For example, if you were to assess the risk related to a threat to your operating system. If this system has a specific vulnerability that is easily exploitable and you have no security measure in place, and you have valuable assets stored in it, your risk would be high. However, if you have implemented a good defense such as firewalls and anti-virus solutions, your vulnerability score is low, and your risk will be medium. Risks to a business can come in different forms, internally, through employees’ actions or business procedures. Externally, it can be from other factors that are beyond the control of the company. Keep in mind that risk implies uncertainty and if something is guaranteed to happen, then it’s not considered a risk. Why your Business needs an IT Security Risk Assessment? There are a few reasons why you want to carry out a security risk assessment. One, it will save your organization money and the cost of reputational damage once you have identified potential threats and find solutions to mitigate them. Second, you’ll have a deep understanding of which parts of your organization needs improvement and prevent data breaches that will cause a massive financial impact. Third, you’ll be able to minimize application downtime that affects productivity and efficiency. And lastly, avoiding data loss due to theft within the organization. How to Conduct an IT Security Risk Assessment Before starting with your risk assessment, you need to have a good understanding of the data your business currently has, your system infrastructure, and the assets you are trying to secure. It’s best recommended to conduct an IT audit to evaluate the security, and confidentiality of the information within the system, and if the system is reliable and accurate. Then, proceed to take the following steps in conducting a thorough IT Security Risk Assessment: Step 1: Identifying valuable assets Determining the scope of your assessment will you allow to prioritize which assets to assess. Not all organizations have a huge budget for risk assessment so you will need to develop a standard for identifying an asset’s level of value. Criteria can be its monetary value and its significance to the organization. Work with management and create a list of your valuable assets and gather the following information where it is applicable: Software Hardware Data Interface End-users Criticality Functional requirements IT security policies IT security architecture Network topology Information storage protection Technical security controls Physical security controls Environmental security Step 2: Identifying Threats Threats are not limited to hackers and malware; it is anything that could cause damage to your organization. System Failure: If you own old equipment, the chances of failure are higher. It all depends on the quality and age of your hardware. Natural disasters: Fire, earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters can destroy not only your data, but also your hardware, system, and other devices. Human Error: Without proper knowledge and training, employees can click on malicious links within an email. Also, anyone can accidentally delete an important file or forgot to back it up. Even as simple as spilling liquids (juice or coffee) in the machine can cause damage. Malicious behaviors are also considered a threat, someone can steal a computer, consciously delete data, or misuse another person’s credentials. Step 3: Identifying Vulnerabilities A vulnerability is a weakness that a threat could take advantage of to gain access to your system, steal critical data and damage your organization. These vulnerabilities can be identified through audit reports, analysis, incident response team, the NIST vulnerability database, and software analysis. Don’t just think about the software vulnerabilities. Physical vulnerabilities should also be identified. For example, your server room should be accessed by an authorized person, and security measures should be in place, otherwise, anyone can enter anytime, and chances of data theft are high. Step 4: Analyzing Controls Technical controls can be encryption, two-factor authentication , and other identification solutions. Non-technical controls include keycard access, security policies, and other physical mechanisms. Analyzing these controls will enable you to reduce or eliminate the possibility of a threat. These controls can be classified into two categories: preventative or detective. Preventative controls foresee and cease an attack. Detective controls are used to uncover threats that have happened such as intrusions or audit trails. Step 5: Determining the probability of an event and assess the impact of a threat In this step, you have to identify how likely these risks will occur and their impact when it happens. It’s not just about the probability of it happening but also the success rate. Once you have all the information, you can then calculate the cost to alleviate each of your identified risks. To analyze the impact of the threat, it includes different factors such as the mission of the assets, the value, and the sensitivity of the asset. To get this information, you can conduct a business impact analysis (BIA). Step 6: Prioritize the Information Security Determine the level of threat to the IT system based on the following: The possibility that the threat will make use of the vulnerability. The effect of the threat that has successfully exploited the vulnerability. The suitability of the information system security controls for eradicating the risks. You can use the risk-level matrix to estimate risk. It can be calculated by multiplying the threat probability value by the impact value. Risks are categorized as high, medium, or low depending on the result. Step 7: Recommending Controls Based on the risk level, you can now determine the actions to be taken to mitigate risk. High: Corrective measures should be developed as soon as possible Medium: Corrective measures should be developed within a sensible amount of time Low: Decide whether to take the risk or implement solutions to eliminate it If the cost is worth more than the asset, then it will not make sense to use preventative controls to secure it. Consider the following factors as you evaluate controls to mitigate risks: Organizational policies Cost-benefit analysis Feasibility Reputational damage Applicable regulations Safety and reliability Step 8: Documenting the Results The final step in your IT security risk assessment is to build a report that will help management in making decisions pertaining to budget, procedures, and policies. Each threat should have a defined risk, value, and vulnerabilities, along with its impact, probability of occurrence, and recommended controls. This report will help your organization identify key solutions that will minimize the risk and enable you to understand the infrastructure your company has, your valuable assets, and find ways to improve operations and secure your business. No matter the size of your business, risk management is essential to cybersecurity. These processes will assist you in establishing guidelines addressing your concerns on threats and vulnerabilities that will harm your reputation and finance. If your business is at risk of cyberattacks, we can help you secure it from data breaches and other threats. Contact us today !

Cybercriminals are always on the lookout for weaknesses in one’s network. Since companies today allow data access to several employees, partners, and consumers for efficiency, it exposes the network to multiple threats. What is a Network Perimeter? A network perimeter is a boundary between the internal network and the Internet. It is the edge of what a company has control over. In perspective, it’s like a virtual wall that allows and prevents specific aspects based on rules and policies. Network Perimeter includes the following: Firewalls: A firewall can either be hardware, software, or both. It serves as the first line of defense in network security wherein it monitors inbound and outbound network traffic and decides whether to block or allow it based on security policies. Some types of firewalls include: Proxy firewall Stateful Inspection Firewall Unified Threat Management Firewall Virtual Firewall Border Routers: It’s a router deployed to monitor the network’s activity since they direct traffic within, into, and out to the organization’s network. Through filtering, it often serves as the network’s first and last defense. Intrusion Detection System: The IDS detects and notifies your systems for any malicious events or policy violations. An IDS can be host-based or network-based depending on its environment. Host-Based IDS: Designed for specific endpoint and protect it against internal and external threats. A host-based IDS is limited only to its host machine, but it allows deep visibility to monitor traffic to and from the machine. Network-Based IDS: Designed for monitoring an entire network. It provides wider visibility into the traffic flowing through the network and has the ability to uncover extensive threats. However, this system doesn’t have deep visibility into the endpoints they protect. Intrusion Prevention System: This system is designed to monitor intrusions and prevent threats from developing. The system monitors your network continuously and scans for possible risk to gather more information and administer the proper preventative actions. This system can be used to identify violations against rules and policies. De-Militarized Zones: The purpose of DMZ is to enable access to resources from the untrusted network while keeping the system or host on an internal private network secure. Resources that are commonly placed within the DMZ are Mail servers, FTP servers , Web servers, and VoIP servers. Importance of Network Perimeter In today’s business environment, we rely heavily on our devices to stay connected and our dependence on network security has increased due to the growing number of cyberattacks. However, as businesses expand, so are the location and the addition of devices and many of which are being used outside the network perimeter, then, presents a problem when it comes to security. Since most people can now work anywhere, data can be shared and collected on a massive scale and the security team’s capacity to monitor all these data could be out of control. The concept of network perimeter will allow your organization to think strategically about how you can protect critical internal data from external threats. So, how can you secure your network perimeter? Creating a Secure Network Perimeter The security of your network perimeter is an important defense to safeguard important data. Understanding that having multiple layers of security is important since threats and other potential risks can evolve. Here are some best practices: Strengthen device configurations and update software The first line of defense is to have a solid foundation or wall to prevent attackers from penetrating the system . This typically includes network security devices such as firewalls, routers that serve as the guard to your system. Each software, device, or operating system you are using to protect your network should be kept up to date and properly configured. One frequent problem among organizations is being complacent with all the layers of security they have but one misstep can already give a cybercriminal entry to your system. Virtual Private Network VPN’s employing data encryption can enable users outside of the network to access the internal network. Passwords are essential but most breaches are a result of weak password or password theft, thus, utilizing two-factor authentication to ensure identification and integrity of the user trying to connect to the network is necessary. Segmenting the DMZ Firewall rules should be tightened to only allow traffic to necessary services within the DMZ, so you need to configure the DMZ managed by the security system. One rule is to allow source IP addresses to specific servers and add proxies within the network from which admins are allowed access. Also, consider segmenting systems within the DMZ to limit the effect if the system is breached. The first step to protect your data is to secure your network perimeter effectively. A multi-level defense system is strongly recommended to reduce cyberattacks on your internal network. If you want to check the efficiency and improve your network perimeter’s security, contact us today !

IT has become an asset for any organization but there are still a lot of questions that needed answers. How can your business maximize investments in technology? How can you effectively implement IT to improve business operations and productivity? or how IT can safeguard critical information? IT Management and Its Components IT Management is more than just one person, it’s a team of individuals who deals with your tech issues such as engineers, support specialists, programmers, technicians, and more. IT Management is composed of different components, but simply put, it is the management of all things related to IT or technology within your organization. The three components: IT Strategy The most important component where it maximizes the return on IT investments. IT strategy is the plan of action to align the capabilities of Information Technology with business requirements. With the use of technology becoming a norm, businesses, or organizations who do not have an IT strategy developed will not survive in today’s market. Multiple drivers can influence your IT strategy, such as: Mobility  Since many employees now are using their devices for work, the demand to work from anywhere anytime is increasing. Your IT strategy should support the employees to be efficient and productive, without losing control. Cloud Since the cloud is scalable, it’s easier to adjust your business’s needs depending on your company’s growth. Cloud solutions enable you and your employees to easily collaborate virtually. Data Management  Implement systems and policies to protect your most important assets: information and your people. Establish a strategy where you can foster innovation and add value to your business Security Businesses, big or small are vulnerable to cyberattacks. Educate your employees on the best practices to safeguard information and intellectual properties. Related Article: Why is an IT Strategy so important? IT Service Providing a good IT service includes millions of things and it’s not just about the input your tech team can give. Delivering a top-notch IT service involves the individuals who use these services: employees and customers. Employees rely on technology to conduct business operations and having access to a stable internet connection and internal data is essential. Employees are also encouraged to be trained with regards to responsible network access and they also expect a platform to report any technical issues and get them fixed quickly. Customers on the other hand would expect that their data won’t be compromised by a faulty system. They will also require a stable connection if they drop by your office for a meeting, or a reliable system to conduct business with your company. IT Assets Any information, system, and hardware that is company-owned and used for business are an IT asset. Within the organization’s system and network infrastructure, these assets are a vital element. When managing the IT assets of a company, well-developed processes and policies are required. An IT manager’s task is to ensure that each asset is valuable, and they should understand how each can contribute to the environment. Best Practice of a Good IT Management Good IT management aims to focus on improving IT processes and customer satisfaction as well as the continuous development of solutions to meet the future demands of a company. NIST Cybersecurity Framework – The Framework Core There are several best practices for good IT management, but we’ll focus on risk management and how private organizations can enhance their ability to prevent, identify, and respond to cyberattacks. As per NIST, “The Framework provides a common language and systematic methodology for managing cybersecurity risk. The Core includes activities to be incorporated into a cybersecurity program that can be tailored to meet any organization’s needs. The Framework is designed to complement, not replace, an organization's cybersecurity program and risk management processes.” The cybersecurity framework consists of three main components which are the Framework Core, Implementation Tiers, and Profiles. But in this article, we’ll focus on the Framework Core. Within the framework’s core are five high-level functions and each consist of various categories: Identify NIST indicates that this function focuses on “understanding the business context, the resources that support critical functions, and the related cybersecurity risks enables an organization to focus and prioritize its efforts, consistent with its risk management strategy and business needs.” This function will be the foundation of your organization’s cybersecurity actions and response. It determines the risk associated with your current environment and how it will align with your business goals. The categories linked with the Identify function are the following: Asset Management involves the system, equipment, facilities, users, and data that supports the key business functions, which should be managed according to their importance. Business Environment covers the company’s processes, mission, and goals which will be utilized for assigning roles, responsibilities, and key decision-makers. Governance is about understanding the organization’s policies, and procedures for managing and monitoring legal, risk, environmental, and operational requirements. Risk Assessment is about identifying different cybersecurity risks that can affect the business, the users, and the IT systems. Risk Management Strategy connects to the organization’s challenges, priorities, and risk tolerances for enabling the best operational risk decision. When you successfully implement the Identify function within the NIST framework, your organization will have a firm grasp on your current assets and environment, as well as a properly defined plan to protect these assets. Protect The purpose of this function to create and implement a proper security solution to ensure seamless delivery of Infrastructure Services. According to NIST, this function supports the ability to limit or contain the impact of a potential cybersecurity event. For successful implementation, your organization should have controlled access to multiple assets, and provide employees with proper training. Establish your process to secure critical data and ensure that maintenance is regularly scheduled to prevent unauthorized access. The most common threat businesses face nowadays is ransomware, thus the importance of deploying safeguards to ensure that no threats can compromise important business functions. Detect You can never be too complacent and expect that your company won’t fall victim to a cyberattack. At some point, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll experience it in some form. Consistent monitoring and scanning for any suspicious activities are important so you can detect any breach and prevent it from damaging your system and business operations. One example of the outcome within this category, according to NIST includes: Implementing Security Continuous Monitoring capabilities to monitor cybersecurity events and verify the effectiveness of protective measures including network and physical activities. Your organization should be able to foresee any cyber incident and have all the necessary information to respond and solve it. Respond Response planning usually depends on the organization’s strategy and its priorities. When an incident occurs, who will be the liaison and who will oversee contacting stakeholders and law enforcers? What are the necessary steps the employees should follow? This function covers the steps in which an organization should take when a breach occurs and how to properly resolve and contain the impact on the business. Adopting the respond function should start with an incident response plan to ensure compliance with requirements transmitted to a given location. And the next step should be a mitigation plan where it will identify the steps your team will take to remediate the risk to your organization and plan. Recover Your organization should have developed a plan to restore the system, and services that were impaired by a cyber incident. This function involves the assessment of your existing plans and strategies, as well as reprioritizing and making improvements to your recovery response plan. The recover function should enable your business to recover on time and reduce the impact of a cyberattack. Based on the experience and the lessons learned, your organization should be able to implement improvements on your existing strategies. Both your external and internal communications must be coordinated following the recovery from a cyberattack. Related Article: A Guide to Disaster Recovery Plan Conclusion Adopting the NIST Cybersecurity framework allows your organization to have better cybersecurity and bridge gaps between the technical and business stakeholders. Given the flexibility of the framework, it will allow your organization to have a cost-effective way to combat cybersecurity challenges. Enable your organization to focus more on protecting its critical assets. Managing your IT system is critical and challenging, but the security of your critical information is a top priority. Contact us today !

For organizations to get ahead with competitors in today’s market, investing in Information Technology (IT) ensures data availability and confidentiality. But external and internal threats are increasing every day and your IT system can be exposed to multiple threats, thus the reason for an IT audit. What is an IT Audit? IT audit is a process wherein you evaluate and examine the organization’s IT infrastructure , policies, and operation. It covers a wide range of software applications, security systems, operating systems, and more. An IT audit is essential to ensure that your system is not vulnerable to any attacks. The main objective of an IT audit is to evaluate the availability of computer systems, the security, and confidentiality of the information within the system, and if the system is accurate, reliable, and timely. Categories of IT Audit Systems & Application This audit focuses on verifying that systems and applications are valid, appropriate, reliable, timely, and secure at all levels of the system’s activity. This audit’s objective is to assist financial auditors. Information Processing Facilities This audit ensures that the process is working correctly, timely, and precisely, whether in a typical or disruptive situation. Systems Development This audit verifies that the systems are developed in compliance with the organization’s standards. Management of IT and Enterprise Architecture This audit ensures that the process and structure of IT Management are precise and effective. Client/Server, Intranets, and Extranets This audit focuses on telecommunication control are in place because they serve as the bridge between the client and the server. IT Audit Process The auditing process involves the following steps: 1. Planning During this step, preliminary assessment and collecting of information are done to determine the following: Operating environment The criticality of the IT system Organization’s structure Software and Hardware in use The following information gathered by the IT auditor will be used to identify the existing and potential issues, formulate a plan and objective, and define the scope of work. 2. Defining objective and scope The objective of your IT audit process should cover all aspects of your IT, from infrastructure, system, development process, and procedure, including all the security factors such as passwords, firewall, user rights, and physical security . The scope, however, should include the extent of the assessment, duration of the audit, the locations, and the different areas to be covered. 3. Collection and evaluation The collected evidence should be substantial and relevant to support the auditor’s conclusion regarding the organization, activity, and function under the audit. Before data collection, auditors should have a good understanding of the process and method chosen. Types of Audit Evidence: Documentary audit evidence Analysis Process and existence of physical items 4. Documentation and Reporting It is essential to document all the audit evidence inclusive of the audit basis, executed operations, and contain planning and preparation of the audit. The report should be complete with objectives, scope, findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Why it is necessary? Your IT systems are always vulnerable to multiple risks and as you continuously rely on technology or your company’s IT system, it’s only essential to protect it from various threats. Since an IT audit’s main objective is to identify inaccuracies and inefficiencies in the management and use of the IT system, it is necessary for any business. IT audit isn’t a simple procedure, but it is helpful when you want to understand the status of your company’s IT infrastructure. An audit is a very useful tool to protect your assets and keep the efficiency of your company’s business operation. Are you currently dealing with potential risks? An IT audit might be the right solution for you. Contact us today !

The most important asset of an organization is its people because they contribute to the growth and success of a company. HR today has become the prime focus for most organizations as they are the ones in charge of the people within the company. Challenges in HR Management Companies have various HR requirements depending on how big or small the organization is. As business models change, HR can face different challenges, such as: Changes in Management When the business grows, so is the workflow or operations. New strategies, policies, and processes will develop over time and these changes can affect work productivity and morale. Adapting to Innovation Since technology is constantly changing, businesses, no matter the size, should be quick to adapt or risk being left behind. One challenge is for employees to accept these shifts in technology. Compliance with Policies For business owners and HR department, keeping up with the ever-changing laws and regulations continues to be a challenge. Smaller businesses who are not focused on HR might find themselves in trouble for non-compliance. There are multiple ways to combat these challenges and one of them is to utilize Microsoft SharePoint to boost HR Operations. Leveraging SharePoint for the HR Department Every day, the HR department faces several requests and queries that take time to resolve. SharePoint has different functionalities that can eradicate communication breakdown and encourage employee’s productivity and efficiency. Mobile Workforce Enablement People have now the option to work more flexibly and having access to apps and tools from a mobile device is helpful especially for a remote workforce. The interface of SharePoint is mobile-efficient which makes the process of completing a task or even a simple update on a document within the app is easier. The last thing your HR wants in a platform is to slow things down instead of speeding things up. Document Management – Company Policies, Forms or Templates SharePoint can be utilized as an HR/Employee Portal where it enables employees to get access to different documents or files that don’t require them to contact HR and waste time spent on unproductive chats or calls. Since the digitization of documents is necessary these days and privacy is a major concern for employees, SharePoint allows you to safely store documents and only allow access to specific users. Leave Management HR department deals with a lot of requests every day, and some can be demanding because it requires immediate attention. SharePoint enables the HR team to automate leave requests and ensure that the right people will be notified once the request has been made. Through Microsoft Flow, an automation tool that helps with this automation process, SharePoint can generate a workflow where it will be sent to the appropriate department (HR personnel) to approve or deny the request, and once it is done, a notification will be sent to the employee and a calendar event will be created in the Outlook. Here is an example of Uniserve’s Leave Management in SharePoint: HR Announcements – Events, Birthdays, New Hires If you want to highlight any company events, holidays, or news, you can utilize the SharePoint calendar to showcase important dates. This can simplify HR operations since employees do not need to ask HR frequently for any upcoming events or holidays, they can simply point them to the SharePoint site, and everything is there. Using SharePoint for Onboarding, Offboarding, or Training SharePoint can be used as a database of applicants where you can easily find a resume that matches the required position. SharePoint also allows the HR department to streamline the process involved in onboarding new employees or offboarding. For example, you can set up an onboarding site where there will be a list of tasks the new employee is required to complete, such as going through the company policies, and procedures. You can also create a training video using Microsoft Stream that they can watch during the onboarding process. Effectiveness of SharePoint from an HR point of view We’ve asked an HR officer about the effectiveness of SharePoint in the organization and if there is any improvement seen regarding the business operation, she said that “ with the improved SharePoint type which is called "Modern Team site", it does not only function as the traditional file sharing tool, but it has a lot of features that could facilitate easy information access that can be customized to tailor fit with the organization. ” She also mentioned that the most useful aspect of SharePoint is the file-sharing wherein HR Management can modify the files depending on its confidentiality amongst team members and the leave management system that they were able to apply and utilize in SharePoint. While there are still some features that need to be improved like the flexibility of its interface and additional function on the SharePoint calendar, the benefit still outweighs these minor imperfections. “ A well-built Modern SharePoint is a great advantage for sharing information, announcements, policies, and other organizational documents, especially for newly onboarded employees. And now that we're in the middle of Pandemic, it is a great tool to share and encourage employees by sharing articles on its "news-type/section" strategically.” SharePoint might not be the complete solution for HR but with its features and capabilities, it can provide a valuable framework that delivers a secure solution to your HR needs and employee's demands. Are you considering SharePoint to streamline HR operations at your organization? Contact us today !

Are you making the most out of Microsoft Teams? Over 300,000 organizations have adopted Microsoft Teams as their trusted application for collaboration and the reasons are obvious. With Microsoft Teams, setting up multiple threads or discussions among your team is seamless. It also allows you to send, share, and organize video or audio meetings. This application makes collaboration and communication so simple and straightforward. If your organization is already making use of Microsoft Teams, try out the following tips and tricks that you can incorporate for improved productivity, engagement, and organization. Productivity Tips with Microsoft Teams Use the command line The search bar within Teams can also be used as a command line, and it can save you time. Commands can be used to perform a common task in Teams such as /dnd to change your status to Do Not Disturb, /call to make a call, /files for viewing recent files, and so on. Commands are only available on desktop and web app, and if there is a specific command that isn’t working for you, your organization might have disabled it. For more lists of commands, you can visit Microsoft’s website . Customize Notifications If you belong to multiple active channels and you won’t like being interrupted with alerts, you can customize your notifications for a better experience with Teams. You can modify this by clicking on your profile photo located at the top right corner, select settings, click on the notifications tab, and set your preferred alert type and frequency. Use of @mention @mentions are extremely useful when filtering activities and messages. To get quick results on messages directed at you, just click the filter button while you are in the activity feed and choose @mentions from the menu. This is also useful when you want to shoot off a quick message to your colleague, without leaving your current task at hand. On the search bar, just type the @ sign, find their name, and instantly send off your message. Mark your messages as unread If you don’t have the time to address messages right away, Microsoft Teams allows you to mark messages as unread so you can circle it back at a later time. Just click on the three dots next to the message and mark it as unread. Use Microsoft Teams keyboard shortcuts Keyboard shortcuts are one quick solution to find or do whatever you need within Microsoft Teams, such as replying to messages, editing your messages, attaching a file, or muting yourself during a meeting. Here are some useful shortcuts: Ctrl + Shift + M – Mute & unmute Ctrl + Shift + O – Turn on & off your camera while in a call Ctrl + N – Start a new chat ^ – Edit the last message you send Ctrl + O – Select the file to attach and send in your Teams chat Ctrl + 4 – Open your calendar Alt + Shift + R – Reply to thread Ctrl + Shift + A – Accept a video call Ctrl + Shift + S – Accept an audio call Go to Microsoft website for more list of Team’s keyboard shortcuts. Engagement Tips with Microsoft Teams Send urgent notifications If you need an immediate response from your colleague, there is an option in Microsoft Teams where you can send an urgent message. Click on the exclamation sign below the message window and click the Urgent menu. Microsoft Teams will send notifications to your respondent every 2 minutes for 20 minutes. Create and send your GIFs Animated GIFs can make your chats more fun and engaging, especially for the younger minds in your organization. While Teams features a lot of animated GIFs that you can send into your chats as a form of motivation or encouragement, you can also use the Giphy app to create your very own GIFs. Who wouldn’t love personalized GIFs? Rich-text Messages Make it easier for your colleagues to view and understand the information you are trying to convey by composing rich-text messages. Click on the ‘A’ button under the text box and format your messages by changing the font style, size, color, add links or bullet points. Also, add subject lines to grab their attention and to divide your conversations into different threads. Organization Tips with Microsoft Teams Utilize SharePoint It’s an important feature that is highly integrated with Microsoft Teams to secure your files and easily collaborate on shared documents. In an organization, team members can be in one place or spread across different locations, thus the importance of SharePoint. Utilize it for better collaboration and organization. Integrate Microsoft Planner Microsoft Planner is a great tool to monitor task by all the team members. Since this tool can be easily integrated inside Microsoft Team, you can use it to reference tasks via Planner without the need for a third-party task manager. You can also use Teams and pin the Planner for easier accessibility. Bookmark Important Messages If you want to save important messages for later, you can do so by selecting the bookmark on the specific message to ensure you won’t have trouble finding it. To review your bookmarks, type the command /saved into the search bar. Contact us today if you want to learn more information, tips, and tricks about Microsoft Teams.

You might be aware of the benefits the cloud can bring to your organization and you’ve started thinking about migrating to the cloud but there might be some common misconceptions about cloud migration that might be holding you back from taking advantage of its benefits, so let us debunk the myths for you. Myths about Cloud Migration Myth # 1. Cloud is only online Cloud software allows you to work online and offline such as Microsoft 365. Once your documents are stored in OneDrive, you can access it to edit your documents and once you connected to the internet, your modified documents will be uploaded automatically. Myth # 2. Migrating to the Cloud is too complex Many believed that cloud migration is a long and too complex of a process but migrating data isn’t the heavy part. The real work and the most complex would be the planning and preparation for your end-users. Cloud migration is done in the background for a few weeks and ensures that your business won’t be interrupted so it doesn’t require downtime, as long as it is well-planned. Also, you won’t have to maintain hardware and upgrade software all the time, decreasing the inconveniences and increasing your time spent on improving your business operations. Myth # 3. Storing data on-premises is more secure than in the Cloud Both have security vulnerabilities like most of the other tools, applications, and software. However, as most companies rely on technology more and more, cloud service providers have invested in improving cloud security for the data protection of consumers and compliance. The cloud can be audited, updated, and secured comprehensively more than the physical infrastructure. Most data breaches are caused by human errors, so remember, the security of your cloud can only be guaranteed if you follow best practices and if it’s regularly maintained. Myth # 4. Cloud eliminates the need for Disaster Recovery Planning Yes, cloud reduces the risk of a disaster happening, but it doesn’t eliminate the need for a Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) . Situations such as physical security, power outages, robbery, or fire destruction can’t be prevented so local backups are still required. You can also set up multiple clouds to minimize risk and figure out how you can synchronize data when one site is down. But, whether it’s one, two, or more cloud providers, you need to understand the level of service they provide to know what risks your plan should be included in your DRP. Myth # 5. Cloud migration will result in vendor lock-in The fear of vendor lock-in might be one of the reasons you are wary of cloud migration. There’s a lot of reservations about being dependent on a single cloud provider for all your needs. However, there are multiple ways where you can avoid vendor lock-in but still get the most out of your cloud investment. The most important thing is for you to do your due diligence before selecting a vendor. When you migrate to the cloud, you have to determine goals and assess your current IT situation that includes a thorough edit of your infrastructure and resources. Also, learn and understand the capabilities of your cloud vendor , and if possible, you can consider opting for multiple cloud strategy so you can utilize your applications more. Myth # 6. The cloud is more expensive The initial investment might seem significant but once your business starts operating in the cloud, the capital disbursement is almost nil, while the operational expenses are minimal. Migrating to the cloud allows you to save up money from building a data center that includes space, electricity, cooling, and maintenance fees. Based on the demands of your business, your cloud applications can be scaled up or down allowing you control over your IT costs. Debunking the myths, and plan for the future. Many beliefs today are based on misconceptions and fear of change. Once you have the knowledge and understanding of the positive impacts of the cloud for your business, you’ll be able to fully utilize its capabilities. Cloud migration is a big step and requires proper planning and awareness of its potential. If you are having doubts about moving to the cloud, drop us a message and we’ll be happy to help.

One of the critical aspects of a business is cybersecurity and we cannot emphasize it enough. You might think that most cyberattacks are done by hackers trying to force their way into your system, but most data breaches occur due to human error. Why employees should care Employees are the biggest weakness of a company’s IT security. Like we’ve mentioned a few times, employees are the first line of defense against cyberattacks and if they don’t have the proper training or knowledge when it comes to cybercrimes and cybersecurity, your company’s IT security strategy will fail and your business will be at risk. Human errors can be intentional or unintentional and that is one of the things you need to be aware of, as an employer. What employees should be doing to combat cyberattacks 1. Being smart when working outside the office Since the BYOD policy has been implemented for most companies, the number of employees doing work using their laptops and smartphones is increasing. This is caused by contributing factors such as public Wi-Fi and how it allows employees to be flexible and do their meetings in a café. However, while it’s convenient to have that kind of flexibility at work, allowing employees to use public Wi-Fi with their devices is unsafe. Cybercriminals can easily get access to your employee’s data or even sensitive business information through public networks. In situations where they would have no options but to use public Wi-Fi, ensure that employees are equipped with knowledge on how to protect their data: Don’t log in to apps using their social media profiles, like Facebook authentication. Ensure they only download supported and legitimate apps Ensure they use 2FA (Two-factor authentication) Don’t leave their devices unattended and always lock their screen. 2. Following Password Policies Instill the importance of strong passwords. Employees often prefer simple passwords that they can easily remember but that shouldn’t be practiced. Passwords that are somehow related to an employee’s identification, like birthdays or pet names, can easily be cracked and will allow hackers to breach your company’s system faster. Implement multi-factor authentication for an extra layer of protection. Also, for employees to generate or create strong passwords that even they can’t remember, provide them with password management tools that will allow them to store and quickly access their accounts with the added security feature. It’s just not about strong passwords but changing it frequently. Take the time to change your email, social media, and other online account password details. Passwords that are the most difficult to crack are those with capital letters, symbols, and numbers. 3. Mobile Device Security If employees are allowed to bring their own devices and use them for work, there’s a chance that it can be lost or stolen. In order to protect your business information from their mobile devices, have them report these types of situations immediately so any mishandling can be managed. Also, established a policy that indicates what work-related activities are allowed on their mobile devices to limit the exposure to a data breach. Have them install anti-virus and anti-malware software to combat any attempted access. Provide full disk encryption on mobile devices to prevent cyber thieves from reading the data once it is lost or stolen, and also take advantage of the built-in security controls such as screen lock and failed log-in attempts. 4. Data and Internet Usage Ensure there are clear rules laid down when employees are connected to the business network. Provide policies that will ensure the company data’s protection. One, specify that company emails are only to be used at work and personal emails should be restricted. Second, portable storage devices should be prohibited unless it is provided by the company and scanned for any threats. Rules that aren’t too complex are important, and you can get employee’s insights on what they need access to. Unless it’s necessary for the job, you can limit employees’ access to websites that aren’t important, such as social media accounts or online video streaming. These will allow employees to focus on the task at hand and to also avoid going to fraudulent websites that may potentially breach through your network. 5. Consistent Training Keep employee’s cybersecurity awareness up by providing constant training consistently. There are different tools out there that you can use to disseminate information on cybersecurity using video, such as Microsoft Stream. Informal training can also help them learn and be informed without sitting for long hours in a seminar about cybersecurity. Also, keep communication lines open in case of any incident or employees having concerns to reduce risk and improve response time. As an employee, they need to understand a certain risk and learn the importance of security to the company. Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility With proper knowledge, planning, and training, employees can be your strongest assets. Employees need to be fully committed so your cybersecurity policies and strategies can be successfully implemented and protect not only the company but their jobs. If you’re looking to implement or build your cybersecurity strategies and in need of assistance, experts at Uniserve are here to help. Drop us a message and get the right solutions.

Don’t let your business be a victim of cyberattacks. Implementing cybersecurity measures will ensure that you and your business won’t become a target. Why Cybersecurity is important? We can’t remain complacent when it comes to our privacy and security. Now that cyber attackers are becoming more innovative and users having more than one device, it can be a challenge to protect people and businesses from cyber threats. Understanding the reasons why implementing security measures are important not only for our business to remain protected but also for each person’s private information can be kept secured. Types of Cybersecurity & Definition 1. Network Security Network security is the process of safeguarding your data from unauthorized entry through your computer networks. Network security includes software and hardware technologies and ensures your security from a variety of threats. It acts as a wall between your network and malicious activity and as an organization, you want to protect your network so you can constantly deliver services to meet the demands of your employees and customers. Generally, protecting your reputation as a business. Here are the types of Network Security: Firewall. This can be software, hardware, or both. A firewall acts as a barrier between your trusted internal network and external network. Email Security. Emails are among the most common gateways for a security breach. Email security prevents any incoming attacks to prevent loss of sensitive data. Anti-virus and anti-malware software. Anti-malware programs scan malware upon entry, monitor files for anomalies, and remove it to fix any damage. Application Security. The applications you use to run your business might contain vulnerabilities that can expose and infiltrate your network. Application security patches these vulnerabilities and prevents any breach. Data Loss Prevention . As business owners, you want to ensure your staff doesn’t send sensitive information outside of your network. DLP prevents users from sharing, uploading, or forwarding critical information in a risky manner. 2. Information Security Information Security or InfoSec is the process of designing and deploying tools to safeguard your critical business information from destruction, disruption, and alteration. It is a crucial factor in cybersecurity where it is specifically designed for data security. The main objective of InfoSec is the confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) of your business data. It is created to guarantee that only authorized users, apps, or systems can access certain information. Here are the types of Information Security: Cloud Security. Mainly focuses on the vulnerabilities coming from Internet services and shared environments. It protects the application and Infrastructure security from cloud-connected components. Cryptography. This is a process of obscuring content to secure information and only the user with the correct encryption key can access the encrypted data. Cryptography retains the confidentiality and integrity of data in transit and storage. Vulnerability Management. This type of InfoSec is a process where it scans the environment for any weak spots, such as unpatched software. For growing businesses that are constantly adding new users, applications, or updates with infrastructure, this is an important factor to monitor potential exposures. Incident Response. A role where it monitors and probes possibly malicious behavior. To contain threats and ensure that your network can be restored, an incident response plan is essential. Also, this preserves evidence for possible prosecution and further prevent breaches. 3. End-User Behavior You, as a user should know your role when it comes to cybersecurity. Users are the first line of defense against cyberattacks. Many security issues can be addressed and prevented by users. Knowledge and education on security best practices will help your organization to avoid exposures against any type of cyber threat, especially now that we live in a digital world where we are always prone to cyberattacks. Allow your business to have proper security awareness training where you can cover different threats, phishing scams, device security, password creation, physical security, and more. 4. Infrastructure Security It is a security measure where it protects critical infrastructure, such as network communications, data center, server, or IT center. The goal is to limit vulnerabilities of these systems from corruption, sabotage, or terrorism. For business owners and organizations that rely on critical infrastructure should understand the liabilities and ensure the protection of the business against it. Cybercriminals can aim at your utility systems to attack your business, so evaluate how it can affect you and develop a contingency plan. Other critical infrastructure includes: Power supply and transmission systems Water supply Cooling system Heating and Air circulation Protecting your Business Depending on the nature of your business, different cybersecurity strategies can be implemented to protect your company assets and critical information. It’s an investment worth spending for. If you want to learn more about what is best for your business, drop us a message and we’ll help you develop the right cybersecurity solution.